PMQS and Cricket: Theresa May's Week

9.9.17


It was back to business for the Prime Minister and her Cabinet this week, with the House back in session.

On Tuesday, Theresa May held her first Cabinet meeting post the summer recess, pictured above.


On Wednesday, it was back to the usual PMQs session. Theresa May wore our favourite navy suit to the Commons, teaming it with a string of oversized pearls, a sky blue LK Bennett bag and the Twister Russell & Bromley block heels.

May also participated in a photoshoot for Breast Cancer Care in Parliament.




Later in the day, Theresa May held a reception for Crisis at Number 10 before leaving to celebrate her wedding anniversary with husband, Philip.





On Thursday, May welcomed Julio Borges and Antoineta M Lopez to Downing Street in support of Venezuelan democracy and human rights. May wore her navy speck Daniel Blake jacket, black trousers, Divine Russell & Bromley flats and the oversized Amanda Wakeley chain set.

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On Friday, May watched around thirty minutes of Test Match cricket before being interviewed by BBC Test Match Special. May brought homemade brownies to the studio, baked to a Nigel Slater recipe. For this off duty engagement, May wore an oatmeal knitted cardigan, black trousers and the Delicious leopard flats by Russell & Bromley.

Going local: Theresa May's favourite local businesses

4.9.17


Local businesses are the backbone of the British economy, and like many of us, Theresa May likes to shop local.

Amongst the big name brands, Theresa May is a champion of British design and talent. From millinery to accessories, May knows that British is best.


May's favourite boutique is Fluidity. Based in the picturesque Henley on Thames, Fluidity stocks fashionable, creative and wearable items. Hand picked and edited, the customer is offered a truly unique and independent selection of brands. This year Fluidity is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. Much of Theresa May's wardrobe is sourced from Fluidity- from the grey Escada dress and jacket to the violet Paule Ka ensemble, Fluidity's creative and wearable ethos is evident in what the Prime Minister wears.


Fluidity is a treasure trove of fantastic clothes and accessories, and visiting the boutique for myself, I can see why May is a fan. Fluidity also champions local designers, stocking gorgeous handmade scarves by Pazuki- another favourite of Mrs May!



Head down the street in Henley and you'll come across Liz Felix Millinery. Well known for its range of unique and stunning occasion hats, Liz Felix is a skilled milliner famed for her bespoke designs. Her shop also stocks a range of off the peg hats and dresses and accessories by local designers. Felix's designs can often be seen by attendees at the Henley Royal Regatta and Royal Ascot, and of course, on the world stage thanks to Theresa May.


May has worn several of Felix's designs throughout her time as Home Secretary and currently as Prime Minister. We've seen a wide brim navy blue hat with suitable sparkly bling to the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, a striking poppy red hat for the Chinese State Visit and the Sandhurst passing out parade, and a somber black creation for the annual Remembrance Day commemorations. Each of the designs are so beautiful, unique in their presentation and framing. Liz Felix is my number one pick for bespoke millinery- and I can see one on my horizon for the not too distant future!




May also champions up and coming designers, particularly when it comes to accessories. Louison d'or was a recent discovery for Political Style this year when May wore one their faux fur collars to Davos. With streaks of neon orange and purple, the black collar is a chic alternative to a scarf, and is designed by Emilie Lhoste from London. Emilie also designs a range of fun bags, all available through her online shop.


And spotlighting a young design student, Theresa May debuted a silk scarf from Megan Ferris to a session of PMQs earlier this year. Making a reappearance for the Queen's Speech, the scarf has propelled London based Ferris and her fantastic designs into the vision of many around the world.


The PM knows that her position as our leader provides an unique opportunity to promote and support the great creative talent that we have in the United Kingdom. From designers who are just starting out, to boutiques that are May's trusted sartorial suppliers, shopping and supporting local is not just a way of life, but a value. We can't wait to see what local purchases she debuts this A/W season!

Kon'nichiwa! Theresa May visits Japan

1.9.17


Theresa May travelled to Japan this week for her first visit as Prime Minister. During the three day trip, May visited Kyoto and Tokyo, and signed a commitment between the UK and Japan for a post Brexit trade deal.


Arriving in Kyoto on Wednesday, May stepped off the Royal Air Force plane in a very literal outfit! Echoing the colours of the Japanese flag, May wore a red jersey dress and a white Peserico jacket. She accessorised with a pair of custom leopard Charlotte Olympia kitty heels, one of her signature quirky bracelets and a strand of pearls.



Theresa May then met her Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, where they participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.  They then travelled on the bullet train.



On Day two, Theresa May was in Yokosuka, visiting members of the British and Japanese military and inspecting the Maritime Self Defence Force. For this event, May wore a custom military style Daniel Blake jacket, black trousers and the Divine flats from Russell & Bromley. She accessorised with the oversized chain bracelet and necklace from Amanda Wakeley.



Following this, May attended the Japan-UK Business Forum.


Later in the day, May attended a dinner at the state guesthouse. May wore her second Daniel Blake outfit of the trip - a beautiful bright blue Orchid jacket with matching skirt. Theresa May repeated the Amanda Wakeley set and the Charlotte Olympia shoes!



On the final day of her trip, May met with Emperor Akihito. Theresa May did the triple and wore another custom military Daniel Blake jacket in navy with blue splashes. She teamed it with a navy skirt and the Twister block heels from Russell & Bromley. Following her meeting with the Emperor, May watched a wheelchair basketball championship match before heading home.


Theresa May's Budget Buys

28.8.17


There's no doubt that the Prime Minister is one of our best dressed Britons. Showcasing the very best of British design, Theresa May frequently wears pieces from Daniel Blake, Amanda Wakeley and Russell & Bromley. But like the rest of us, the PM also loves a bargain.

It's not all fine tailoring and Italian made shoes for Theresa May. The PM knows how to spot a bargain- and importantly, make it work for her important job and quirky love of fashion.

Theresa May has long turned to French brand Longchamp to house and carry her personal possessions. Established in 1948, the Le Pliage nylon bags have been a familiar sight on many famous arm, and are my go-to bag for lugging around my laptop and other bits that I can't live without. Like many Longchamp fans (me included,) May has several types of Le Sac bags.


She continues to use the Backpack Le Sac, opting for a classic black model with tan leatherwear. She has added to her collection with a khaki version. May also used a Tote Bag L on her recent holiday to Italy, this time using a utilitarian khaki colour. Mr May is also a fan of the Longchamp Le Sac, often carrying the document holder. All priced at the £65-£75 mark, these bags are extremely affordable, durable and a classic edition to your everyday wardrobe.



Staying with European designers, Theresa May is also a fan of the Italian brand, Mirta Bijoux. May has worn this striking, oversized navy blue Balls necklace on many occasions- from her first day as PM to trips around the world, this is one of her favourite pieces. And for those of us looking to capture a piece of May jewellery, you can snag your own Balls necklace for a purse friendly 45euro.


What about footwear? Theresa May memorably wore a pair of white classic low top Converse on her recent Lake Garda holiday- and the fashion world went wild because of it! Selecting the optical white colour, these £50 sneakers were also worn by May on a recent trip to an outdoor centre in Wales. They're the perfect low-key, high-fashion shoe!





And who can't forget the pink linen dress Theresa May also wore on her Italian holiday? The £26 linen blend dress has caused much discussion in the fashion press, but for a world leader who just wanted to chill in the hot Italian sun, it was an ideal choice.

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It's important for our leaders and politicians to be able to relate to the electorate, and for the electorate to feel a connection with those that lead us. May's choice of affordable items- and the fun that she has with her clothes is just one successful way in which she does this. What will her next budget buy be?!

World Athletics, Teeside and Guildford: Theresa May's Week

26.8.17


The summer hasn't been a quiet one for the PM! This week, Theresa May hosted a reception at Downing Street for British athletes that participated in the World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships.


For this special event, the PM wore a navy shift dress, a new textured navy coat, Russell & Bromley multi-print kitten heels and the Amanda Wakeley oversized silver chain necklace and bracelet.



On Thursday, Theresa May was in Guildford visiting the Alexander Dennis bus and coach factory. The firm has been awarded a significant contract to export to Mexico. The PM debuted a new season jacket by Paule Ka for her visit- she paired the caramel floral tweed jacket with trousers and the Delicious pumps by Russell & Bromley. Her necklace was a Bakelite circular chain.



Later in the day, the PM travelled to Teeside, visiting the Northern Powerhouse project.

Portsmouth and Wales: Theresa May's Week

19.8.17


The PM is back from her holidays and headed right down to business this week!

On Wednesday, Theresa May welcomed HMS Queen Elizabeth back into port at Portsmouth, heading on board to meet with crew and company.

For this event, the PM wore a black Amanda Wakeley suit, a blue patterned blouse, oversized plastic chain necklace, a Celtic Treasure ring and the Divine flats from Russell & Bromley.


On Thursday, Theresa May was in my home nation of Wales, visiting a NCS project at Glasbury-on-Wye as part of her mental health awareness initiative. More details on this great scheme and training can be found here.


For this event, May wore her blue and white Peserico jacket, blue jeans and a white top. She accessorised with a string of pearls, an oversized bangle and for the outdoor event, trendy white Converse.


After this event, May attended a private event at Llangoed Hall, Brecon. I was lucky to be in attendance - and see May's navy Cocktail flats from Russell & Bromley! It was great to spend a few minutes with the Prime Minister herself.


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