PMQs and the G20: Theresa May's week

From Westminster to Hamburg, Theresa May's week has been a busy one! Here's what the Prime Minister has got up to.

On Monday, Theresa May welcomed guests to Downing Street to celebrate Eid. For the event, May wore the Dsill grey dress and matching jacket from Escada.

On Wednesday, we were back in the House of Commons for the weekly Prime Minister's Questions. May was on fine form, wearing our favourite navy blue skirt suit. Accessorising with a string of simple pearls, May wore the LK Bennett leopard kitten heels.

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Later in the day, the Prime Minister welcomed the Ukrainian Prime Minister to Downing Street.

On Thursday, Theresa May and her husband Philip headed to Hamburg for the G20 meetings. May wore her familiar two tone blue Amanda Wakeley shift and matching coat, accessorising with the navy Balls necklace from Mirta Bijoux and the Divine black flats from Russell & Bromley.

On Friday, May took part in the G20 meetings, wearing the bright blue Orchid jacket and matching skirt from British designer Daniel Blake. She wore a string of pearls and a custom pair of animal print kitten heels from Charlotte Olympia. Her bag is the Radford design from Amanda Wakeley.

On Saturday, May took part in further meetings, wearing a white and light blue patterned jacket and navy trousers. The Delicious leopard flats from Russell & Bromley made a reappearance, as did the Amanda Wakeley oversized chain necklace and bracelet set.

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Swatch Twins: Theresa and Philip May

Matchy style- Theresa and Philip wore uber chic @Swatch watches to church in #Sonning yesterday! @SwatchUK #TheresaMay pic.twitter.com/aE2wWBauzu

— Theresa May Style (@theresamaystyle) July 3, 2017

Two is often better than one, and Theresa May and her husband Philip have put that saying to the test by stepping out in complimentary Swatches!

Earlier this week, the Mail Online asked my thoughts on the two funky watches worn by the Prime Minister and her husband. Wearing them to a Sunday church service in their home village of Sonning, it was a perfect informal choice to keep track of time.

Here's what I said to the Mail Online:

"Swatch is a timeless watch brand that has cross generational appeal. Fun, quirky watches like those worn by Theresa May and her husband Philip are particularly fashionable and shows that both the PM and Mr May aren’t afraid to have a little fun with their style, particularly when they’re relaxing in their home village.

I think their synchronised style shows just how in tune both individuals are with other, and this isn’t the first time that they’ve matched up their clothes. 

For the Prime Minister, wearing a cool Swatch shows that she isn’t afraid to think outside the box when it comes to accessories, and indicates just how much she loves to show her appreciation for classic pieces designed with a twist."

And for those of you eager to find out which Swatch models they were wearing then you're in luck!

Theresa May is wearing the aptly named Purple Power Swatch (2014) with a chronograph feature and 3 bar water resistance.

And Philip May is wearing the fun and bright Rio All Around (2016) model, an homage in time to the 2016 Olympic Games held in Rio.

Two great timepiece choices from the Mays!

"To make an end is to make a beginning."

We go through many endings in our lives. In fact it is easy to name many of them. The end of being a kid. The end of high school. The end of university. The end of your first job.  The end of your favourite TV show. The end of that amazing pair of shoes. The end of your first relationship. The end of a friendship. The end of a life.

Whilst some are more life altering than others, there's no doubt that the end of something will make a beginning.

I've been thinking about the above T.S. Eliot quote alot lately. Over the past few weeks a few endings have come my way. Some were not unexpected, and some have been approaching for several months. How you deal with the ending is, I suppose, telling of the person. Do you sit and mourn for what has passed, or pick yourself up, and continue for what is about to start? I am the latter.

Throughout life, we hope that in times of great decision we will choose what is right. We believe and often hope that we will make the right decision.With these decisions comes the risk that others won't view your choice as one they agree with or one they think is right.

And so, endings come about. They are messy. They are unpredictable. They can challenge you. But in the end, they bring new opportunities and a chance to begin anew.

These recent new beginnings have brought me new friendships, shared common values and a sense of purpose. These beginnings are helping me to reconnect with what I care about, what I believe in and what is right. These beginnings are leading me to push myself professionally, and work with individuals and groups who understand the challenges that lie ahead. They've brought new opportunities, laughter and a chance to be part of something bigger.

It is what we make of these new beginnings that helps us to start again. It might be scary, it might be challenging and it might test us as a person. But start again we must.

It is how we deal with these endings and beginnings that help us to explore our character and define us as individuals. And as T.S, Eliot himself said, “we shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

Berlin, Bristol and Strasbourg: Theresa May's Week

In a week of European travel for the Prime Minister, we were treated to the first PMQs of the new Parliament and the signing of the DUP deal with the government.

On Monday, Theresa May welcomed DUP leaders to Downing Street to sign the agreement for government.

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May wore a navy and white patterned jacket, navy skirt and a pair of vintage Russell & Bromley kitten heels. May accessorised with the Amanda Wakeley oversized chain necklace and bracelet.

Later in the day, May addressed the House on the EU Commission meetings.

On Tuesday, Theresa May was in Bristol to visit the Orchard School as part of her new focus on mental health. Meeting students and teachers who have benefitted from mental health training, May wore her new netural Daniel Blake tailored jacket with navy trousers, a navy raincoat and the leopard Frame pumps from Russell & Bromley.

On Wednesday, Theresa May took part in the first Prime Minister's Questions of the new Parliament. May's performance was strong and controlled - back on top! It was back to business with her outfit, with the Prime Minister wearing a navy Escada suit, white cami, an oversized deep red jewelled necklace and the Twister block heels from Russell & Bromley.

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On Thursday, the Prime Minister travelled to Berlin to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel ahead of G20 meetings. For these meetings, Theresa May wore a familiar outfit of a red Amanda Wakeley jersey dress, ecru cardigan jacket and a pair of vintage Russell & Bromley kitten heels. She accessorised with a simple strand of pearls.

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On Friday, May was back in her Maidenhead constituency to open the new Network Rail sidings. May wore a new green shift dress, covering up with a navy blazer. She wore the vintage Russell & Bromley kitten heels that have been a permanent fixture this week, as well as the Amanda Wakeley oversized chain necklace and bracelet.

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On Friday night, May attended a private function at the Henley on Thames Royal Regatta. May headed back into the archive, wearing a neutral Amanda Wakeley dress, a blue floral print long jacket and black slingbacks. She accessorised with the Amanda Wakeley oversized chain necklace and bracelet as well as the brand's Radford black handbag.

On Saturday, May was in Strasbourg for the memorial of former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. May was accompanied by former Prime Minister John Major. Paying her respects, May wore a black Amanda Wakeley skirt suit, accessorising with a new silk scarf and an oversized strand of pearls. May wore the black suede Twiggy kitten heels from Russell & Bromley. 

My top picks from the LK Bennett Sale

My wallet is going to be ever so lighter thanks to the amazing LK Bennett sale! There are so many great pieces on sale right now, making it the perfect time to update your wardrobe.

From snazzy workwear to gorgeous shoes, you really will be spoilt for choice. Many pieces that I've had my beady eye on are now greatly reduced - patience pays off!

Here are some of my top picks from the LK Bennett sale... be quick!

The Nelly Black Dress: really, this is the only black dress you'll ever need. Perfect for work and as a transitional piece, dress up with a pair of fierce kitten heels and a snazzy jacket.

Cassie Colour Block Point Toe Flat: worn by Theresa May, these funky flats scream 1960s! They look great with black trousers and jeans.

Mariel Printed Leather Bag: add some floral flair to your look with this handy cross body bag- perfect for the summer!

Cora Black Cotton Mix Jacket: worn by Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, this is a great jacket for summer which will see you through the autumn. It also comes with a thin leather belt for a nipped in look.

Saskia Sloane Dress: and perhaps my favourite piece, the dress worn by Theresa May in her Vogue shoot can be yours! It's perfect in every way.

State Opening, Brussels and Armed Forces Day: Theresa May's Week

In a busy week for the Prime Minister, we saw the start of the Brexit negotiations and the State Opening of Parliament.

On Monday, in response to another dreadful terrorist attack, the Prime Minister delivered a statement on the steps of Number 10.



Later in the day, Theresa May welcomed Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to Number 10. May wore a black Amanda Wakeley suit, the Divine flats from Russell & Bromley and the Amanda Wakeley chain necklace and bracelet.

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On Wednesday, May attended the State Opening of Parliament and the Queen's Speech. Wearing a trusty navy Escada suit, May accessorised with her favourite pair of leopard print kitten heels from LK Bennett and the Tavira scarf from Megan Ferris.

On Thursday, May addressed the House of Commons regarding the Grenfell Tower fire before heading to the EU Commission in Brussels. May wore a navy dress and matching coat with sky blue panels from Amanda Wakeley and an oversized string of pearls. Excitingly, she debuted a new pair of shoes! A bespoke pair of leopard Kitty heels from Charlotte Olympia, similar in style to the pair she recently wore for Red Nose Day.

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On Friday, May attended the second day of talks at the EU Commission, this time wearing a white blazer from Peserico, navy trousers and the Amanda Wakeley chain accessories set. Her shoes were the Divine flats.

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On Saturday, May marked Armed Forces Day celebrations in Liverpool. Wearing one of our favourite outfits, a grey tweed skirt suit with waist bow detailing, May wore the sparkly Lo Fi flats from Russell & Bromley and debuted the fiery red Darley clutch with gold chain from Mulberry.

Theresa May A-Z: A Round-Up

26 letters, 26 fashion focused posts about the Prime Minister. During May and June, Political Style published the Theresa May A-Z, a definitive guide to all things fashion related of our most stylish Prime Minister.

From Amanda Wakeley to zany outfit choices, the posts discussed Theresa May's love of fashion, and how she is using her public position to empower women's wardrobe choices in the workplace.

From researching the content for the posts to reading feedback from readers, it is clear that Theresa May's public facing and fashion forward image is of interest to people across the globe. The Prime Minister's stylish choices provide a window into her personality, and provide us, the information-hungry electorate with a better understanding of the personal woman behind the professional, public image.

Theresa May is a private person, and rarely gives much away about her private life. This makes her wardrobe even more fascinating to track and analyze, and gives bloggers like myself an exciting challenge to interpret!

What have we learned about Theresa May's approach to fashion?

The Prime Minister is loyal to her favourite brands, and turns to them for a stock of staples in her wardrobe. Whether it's Escada for business-focused workwear, or Amanda Wakeley for glamorous evening gowns, May knows what she likes and what works for her.

Similarly, May invests in pieces that will stand the test of time. We've seen her repeat everything from jackets to trousers, shoes to accessories, mixing them up with other items to provide an instant refresh. Many pieces in her wardrobe are what I describe as 'classics with a twist:' a block heel with sparkly, sequinned detail, an oversized pearl necklace or a coat embellished with feathers.

May takes a risk with what she wears, and certainly knows how to dress for an occasion. She'll often echo the event through what she wears, wearing a red hat by Liz Felix Millinery for example to a state visit event for the President of China. Appropriate and spot-on, May dresses appropriately and with a flourish for everything she does.

And importantly, Theresa May is supportive of British designers. We're seeing the Prime Minister increasingly turn to tailor Daniel Blake for many structured workwear pieces, notably the bright blue suit she wore on her return to Downing Street and a military inspired navy coat that is a staple through the winter months. May is also championing young designers who are starting out in their careers- giving a particular nod to Megan Ferris, a printed textiles graduate who produces amazing silk scarves.

Whilst Theresa May has had a tough election, one thing remains clear- her sense of style is as strong and bold as ever.

Catch up with the whole Theresa May A-Z series here.

Theresa May's post election wardrobe: what does it mean?

We're over a week on from the results of the 2017 General Election. With no clear winner and a country unsure of what will come next, it has been for many, an election that we'd like to forget.

For Theresa May, the election was a huge gamble that didn't pay off. Whilst the majority of the discussion and post-election analysis has focused on leadership, strategy and the individuals involved, little has been written about May's post-election wardrobe and what her shift in appearance means.

Before polling day, we saw May embrace bold colours, patterns and prints, a visual sign of her confidence as a leader. Her bright red Amanda Wakeley suit made many appearances, and her shoes were as sparkly as ever. Switch to post 8th June, and May is swathed in tones of navy and white, the primary hues paired down to reflect her personal and public mood.

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May's speech outside Downing Street on the 9th June was a bright spot in her post election wardrobe. She was still Prime Minister and the Conservatives were the largest party. To convey this, May displayed her party loyalty and determination as leader by wearing a bright blue skirt and jacket suit from British designer, Daniel Blake. The Orchid jacket and slim tailoring is an updated version of the typical power suit worn by Margaret Thatcher, the bold colour helping May to stand out from the crowd and redefine her power and position moving forward. Compared with May's sunny Amanda Wakeley outfit on her entry to Downing Street in July 2016, May's bright blue outfit is more traditional and eye-catching for perhaps different, confidence boosting reasons. Despite this visual change, May's support for British design remains strong and unwavering.

May returned to Amanda Wakeley for her first day back in the job of government, opting for a black and white printed jacket and trousers for meetings at No 10 and for an appearance at the 1922 Committee. And for her first foreign trip post election to Paris, May wore the Notch military style jacket by Daniel Blake- a clear focus on sharp tailoring and a public demonstration that she was back to business.

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Over the past week we have seen May rely on her uniform of well loved pieces. In a time of immense political, social and personal stress, these items provide May with a sense of familiarity and confidence. We saw for example, May wearing a navy Amanda Wakeley dress, baby blue coat and the Balls necklace from Mirta Bijoux for her attendance at the swearing in of all Members of Parliament. Toeing the party line, this outfit is a repeat, and one which provides memories of a happier time when May took the mantle of Prime Minister in July 2016.

Basic in their silhouette and palette, May has embraced the 'back to basics' look over the past seven days, conveying a reassessment of her leadership and her future as Prime Minister. Clothes are not just a frivolous subject, often confined to the style section of newspapers or subject for discussion on blogs like mine. The personal projection image has a profound impact on our public officials, and as we've seen with Theresa May, her image and choice of clothes have changed since the monumental results of the General Election.

Perhaps we are now seeing the real Theresa May through her choice of clothes. A woman of simple things, straight talking, and with a vision for getting the job done. An honest and real human being like us all.

Ascot ready with Louise Georgette Millinery

It's officially hat season, and with garden parties in full swing and Ascot just around the corner, I'm excited to share the designs of Louise Georgette Millinery.

Originally from Sydney, Louise is based in the UK and creates hats outside of her day job. She fell into the hat making world during her first Ascot event back in 2014, at a friend's 30th birthday. This event provided her with the motivation to pursue part time millinery studies around full time work for two years. After completing her second year of millinery studies she interned with some world renowned London based milliners.

Louise's 2017 Spring/Summer collection is named 'Feathered Frolic,' and is inspired by sculptural experimentation with a mix of feathers, leather, sinamay and parisisal straws. Swarovski crystals have been thrown into the mix for a subtle, sparkling finish. These pieces have been designed for the discerning but fun-loving sophisticate!

Louise has been invited to showcase her collection at Herald and Heart in Fulham for their Royal Ascot Emporium. Her work is displayed alongside other up-and-coming designers and well established milliners alike. The collection will be on sale and in store until Saturday 24th June from
9.30am to 6pm every day.

May through Instagram

May through Instagram...

Rediscovering Tory Burch fragrance | Broadcasting House views | New season arrivals at Russell & Bromley | Photoshoot shoes | Behind the scenes | Russell & Bromley press day swag | Northcliffe House | Louella Odie | Tulips in bloom

Theresa May A-Z: Z is for Zany

Quirky cool, our Prime Minister loves a zany piece…or two! Theresa May embraces her fashion forward side with an array of pieces that only she could carry off. From a multi pattern plaid Vivienne Westwood for Liberty jacket, to a ruby red spotted wool coat, May is bold, brave and brilliant!

She also has a thing for quirky jewellery, and has been known to rock a Bakelite piece…or two! Glitter studded bangles, old masters screen-printed onto a bracelet and Swarovski sparkly earrings, zany is always in fashion for the PM.

And what about those shoes? Multi print kitten heels from the Russell & Bromley/Beverley Feldman back catalogue make regular appearances, as does a pair of leopard print wellingtons. If only we could have a colour clash of prints in the Commons Chamber!

Whether she’s addressing MPs or representing the UK on the world stage, Theresa May isn’t afraid to show her personality through her love of fashion. Bright, bold and brand Britain, we’re proud to have such an inspiring and committed woman as our Prime Minister.

And this marks the end of our Theresa May A-Z series! If only there were more letters in the alphabet! You can catch up with previous posts in the series and other Theresa May reports here.

Theresa May A-Z: Y is for Young Designers

Wearing an eye-catching blue and white scarf to Prime Minister’s Questions on March 1st, all everybody wanted to know was who had designed this masterpiece.

The creative brains behind the design turned out to be fashion student Megan Ferris. Studying printed textiles at Winchester School of Art, Megan adopts an experimental approach to her work, using a wide range of materials to create an interesting array of marks.

May’s scarf is the Tavira design. Inspired by the architecture and azulejo tiles from the town of Tavira in Portugal, the decorative hand painted tiles were the stimulus for this striking silk scarf. Rolled and edging her Escada navy suit, this fantastic piece is an elegant addition to May’s already fantastic array of scarves.

For Ferris, seeing the Prime Minister wear one of her designs was an extraordinary moment. , She shared her feelings with me on a post exclusively for Political Style.

What has been the reaction to the PM wearing your scarves?

The support from family and friends has been wonderful. I am rather overwhelmed that Theresa liked my scarf design and I thought she wore it wonderfully. The colours looked excellent on her, it really suited her complexion.

What do you think of the PM’s style and her support of the UK fashion industry?

She’s an excellent supporter of British designers and up and coming designers and realises the importance of the British fashion industry to our economy and the many jobs that it provides. She has said she is aiming to lead a government that helps and encourages new and upcoming talent, whatever their background. I think it’s great that she has her own fashion flare. She is particularly good at accessorizing and always adds lovely additions of colour to her outfits. I love her signature kitten heels and she has some fabulous coats.

You can read the original post with Megan here.

Come back tomorrow for the Z is for... reveal! For further A-Z entries and Theresa May posts click here. 

Theresa May A-Z: X is for Xtra Special

For those extra special occasions, Theresa May really pushes the boat out.

With more black tie functions to attend as Prime Minister, Theresa May turned to old favourites for extra special pieces. Daring, bold and downright fantastic, May wore the sleeveless midnight Luna dress by Amanda Wakeley to the Pride of Britain Awards in October 2016. Causing a little bit of a media storm, May outshone every celebrity attending the Awards with her A-list dress. Cut off above the knee, the dress exudes femininity, with a deep V cut providing a silhouette that only the bravest would wear. May deviated from her usual shoe provider for this special evening, turning to Dolce & Gabbana for a pair of royal blue Bellucci pumps complete with Swarovski detailing. Very chic!

Similarly, May wowed when she addressed the Guildhall in her first Lord Mayor’s Banquet speech in November 2016. Donning a sleeveless slinky red gown, May wore red stiletto heels and a sparkly bangle and Anya Hindmarch clutch bag. A special occasion deserved a special outfit – and May delivered.

For other red carpet events May relied on beloved pieces, such as an Amanda Wakeley jersey dress and the same silver lame clutch by Anya Hindmarch. This just goes to show that once you’ve found that extra special item, you’d be silly to let it go!

Come back tomorrow for the Y is for... reveal! For further A-Z entries and Theresa May posts click here. 

Theresa May A-Z: W is for Workwear

Thanks to Theresa May, your working wardrobe never needs to be boring! Redefining what is acceptable to be worn in the workplace, the Prime Minister shows that you shouldn’t be afraid to throw your personality into your outfit.

Much has been made of Theresa May’s work wear look. Some say her skirts are too short, others say she needs tone down her love of block colours. But there is general consensus that the Prime Minister shows that you can have a career and like clothes. Gone are the days where our MPs dressed in a formal manner. I’ll always remember seeing the pictures of Margaret Thatcher in the Commons chamber wearing a hat and gloves- we’ll never see this level of formal dressing ever again!

Instead, May has fun with her look. Reinventing the classic suit, May opts for bright colours, structured cuts and cute details like oversized buttons and frayed cuffs. She’ll wear a structured shift dress, and pick a matching coat with bright neon banding. Similarly, she’ll clash colours with prints, never missing an opportunity to wear a spot of leopard. And for accessories, she’ll choose a necklace or bracelet as big as possible, owning the mantra, ‘go big or go home.’

May shows she is not afraid to make a statement, and is inspiring women to do the same. Sales of kitten heels have risen for the first time in decades, and supersized jewels in every high street store. The May effect is clearly powerful, and empowering women across all professions to wear pieces that they love.

I’ve never been one to conform to a dress code, but May’s boldness has inspired my own professional look. My leopard flats have become my chosen shoe for new business pitches, and I’ll always try and include a bit of sparkle in my everyday look.

For May is redefining what it means to be a professional woman – and a stylish one at that.

Come back tomorrow for the X is for... reveal! For further A-Z entries and Theresa May posts click here. 

Theresa May A-Z: V is for Vogue

A desert island dream came true for Theresa May, when she was photographed for American Vogue’s April 2017 issue. Annie Leibovitz snapped the Prime Minister at Chequers, the official country residence of the Prime Minister. Wearing an all British wardrobe, May chose a navy shift and matching coat from LK Bennett for two photographs in one of the residence’s drawing rooms. For a country walk with husband Philip, May opted for a cashmere jumper and coat from under the radar brand Egg, and a pair of familiar and much-loved black patent croc over the knee boots from Russell & Bromley.

The first British Prime Minister to be photographed for Vogue, the shoot has been widely acclaimed and applauded, and the release of the photographs was highly anticipated. It was certainly worth the wait, and for a fashion fan like myself, it's one of my favourite features that the magazine has ran.

Come back tomorrow for the W is for... reveal! For further A-Z entries and Theresa May posts click here.