Red

"Red was your colour.

If not red, then white. But red

Was what you wrapped around you.

Blood-red. Was it blood?

Was it red-ochre, for warming the dead?

Haematite to make immortal

The precious heirloom bones, the family bones."

~ Ted Hughes

The Harper Mini Dress is, hands down, my favourite piece from Emma Manley's AW16 collection. In fact, it is actually one of my all time favourite Manley designs. Ever.

I love this dress for so many reasons - it is a classic, timeless design, it's a fit-and-flare silhouette that will flatter all body shapes, it is girlie and feminine, it's short (I love getting a bit leggy), and it is red. It also has the cool leather details, at the collar and the cuffs, that are so synonymous with the Manley brand. It is feminine, with a tough edge. It is perfect.

For a busy day dashing around London, I styled my little red dress with a very funky pair of silver Camilla Elphick ankle boots. Believe it or not, it was a little bit too cold for bare legs the day we shot this, but the Baltic conditions didn't deter me. The legs are out, and there's no going back now!

Get The Look:

Dress: Emma Manley 'Harper' Mini Dress in red

Shoes: Camilla Elphick 'Silver Lining' Boots in gunmetal
Photos: John Uwins Photography ©

Wear Me Like A Sweater

"Wear me like a sweater,

Close to your heart.

Wear me like a sweater,

So I can hear the rush of your pulse in my ear"

~ Pluie D'ete

It has been well documented in this blog how much I love Bella Freud sweaters. Stylish, cool, cozy, lush, versatile - they are simply perfect sweaters. I'm not sure I have enough of them to justify calling my little hoard a collection, but my BF jumpers are much loved, and worn often.

This one is my favourite. Inspired by Patti Smith, and the early New York punk scene in the 70's, this 100% pure merino wool knitted jumper features the brands now iconic '1970' ivory motif to the front; it is slim fitting, with a ribbed crew neck, hem and cuffs, and, best of all, it is the most wonderful, vibrant shade of red.

I styled it here with a fabulous pair of jeans by denim Queen Donna Ida (the best sale bargain ever), a great pair of silver Camilla Elphick ankle boots, and a very cool, backpack by Nadia Minkoff. The grey bag compliments the colour of the boots, and finishes the look off perfectly. As practical as it is beautiful, the Brixton bag has very quickly become my go-to bag. It is the perfect size to take on a plane, to accompany me on my regular jaunts into London, and it's cool enough to funk up any outfit.

Get The Look:

Sweater: Bella Freud '1970' Jumper in red

Jeans: Ida 'Honor' Skinny Jeans in Bright Vintage

Bag: Nadia Minkoff 'Brixton' Backpack in grey

Boots: Camilla Elphick 'Silver Lining' Boots in gunmetal

Photos: John Uwins Photography ©