Tag Archives: london fashion blog

A Peek Inside My Shoe Closet: Isabel Marant Cowboy Bootst

COWBOY BOOTS ARE HERE.

If there’s a shoe that’s trending for autumn winter and with the street style crowd its cowboy boots. As the western trend takes over for the season, I’ve found myself embracing cowboy boots like never before. I actually spent a majority of my summer hunting for the perfect pair, from the high street to my favourite designer stores and after searching high and low, trying on all the pairs, comparing fits and so on, I settled on these beauties. My Isabel Marant cowboy boots with the embellished heel are probably my favourite boots in my closet right now.

So, for this month’s sneak peek in my shoe closet, it seemed only fitting to share with you guys why you need these cowboy boots in your life and to share the alternatives I tried on that would have made the cut if I could buy more than one pair!

Quality

The whole point of investing in luxury accessories is the quality. Especially when you’re looking to buy a pair of leather shoes, you want shoes that are durable and that will age well. So far, for wearing these boots every day, I’m really happy with how durable they are. They have minimal scuffing and are still shiny and gorgeous. The leather is ageing well and I like how it bends with my feet.

Design

One of the reasons I went for this pair was the design. I love the embellished heel on these boots and the faint stitching detail on them. They have a very cowboy aesthetic while still being very high fashion. The heels are a total show stopper for me. They are also not super high which means you can wear them with anything!

Comfort

I have wide feet so I was a bit nervous about getting a pair of cowboy boots initially because I felt they would hurt my feet. These were so comfortable and the leather stretches with time giving me enough room to be able to wear these all day, day in and day out. The heel is low which also means they are super comfortable. Literally living in them.

Care

Leather shoes like these are easy to care for but make sure to help your boots retain their shape by stuffing them. I either stuff them with the tissue they came with or I get soft tissue and make little balls and stuff them. I also keep them in their dust bag so that the leather and heels stay in good quality. You can invest in a black leather shoe shine and a leather cream to clean them. A good trick though is to use non-scented lotion to clean your leather shoes.

Comment below with any questions you may have and your request for next month’s shoes!

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So You Bought The Designer T Shirt, But How Do You Wear It In Autumn?

T SHIRT LOVER

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Photos by Alise Jane

So it’s no surprise that the slogan t shirt is taking over the street style scene right now. I still remember when the Gucci T shirt was the it piece to have in your wardrobe, but if you remember from this post, I actually think that another designer t shirt is a far smarter long-term investment than the Gucci one; this Saint Laurent t-shirt. So you’ve picked it up, you’ve worn it all summer long and you’re just not ready to put it away for autumn. Sound familiar? That’s definitely how I feel about all my favourite slogan t shirts! That’s why today I’m showing you how to wear your favourite slogan tee for a few months longer!

I paired my Saint Laurent tee with a heritage houndstooth print skirt. Prints like check and houndstooth always dominate the season and it was no different for the autumn/winter 2018 collections (See all the trends worth knowing for the season here!) Adding that autumn touch already makes your t-shirt more season appropriate. I also stuck to a very seasonal colour palette, opting for warmer shades of brown and red.

The real secret to wearing that slogan tee in the autumn is layering. I layered this beautiful maroon leather jacket over my pink t shirt since pink and red is one of my favourite colour combinations! The final touches came with my beautiful gold Jimmy Choo shoes which I’ve had in my closet for a few years now and one of my favourite Louis Vuitton handbags, the Pochette Metis. I love how the monogram doesn’t clash with any of the autumn/winter prints I love!

How are you styling your slogan tee? Share with me in the comments below!

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Saint Laurent Slogan T Shirt

& Other Stories Houndstooth Mini Skirt (similar)

Deme By Gabriella Leather Jacket

Jimmy Choo Heels

Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis Handbag

Prints like check and houndstooth always dominate the season and it was no different for the autumn/winter 2018 collections

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Saint Laurent Slogan T Shirt

& Other Stories Houndstooth Mini Skirt (similar)

Deme By Gabriella Leather Jacket

Jimmy Choo Heels

Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis Handbag

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How To Transition Your Wardrome From Summer To Autumn: The Jumpsuit

CLASSIC JUMPSUITS

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Photos by Michaela Efford

For the third part in my summer to autumn series (for part one click here and for part two click here) I’m showing you how to style another popular piece that is also trending for autumn winter 2018 with the street style crowd; the jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are, in my opinion, one of those pieces that every capsule wardrobe needs. They are classic and effortlessly chic and great pieces to layer with.

If you know how to layer with a jumpsuit, you’ll know that you can wear your layer over or under, making styling the jumpsuit really interesting. I wanted to achieve that typical yet classic Parisian girl style. I layered a white ribbed turtleneck underneath my sleeveless black jumpsuit for an ultra-luxe look. The contrast of black and white, a classic combination, really made the outfit feel more classic and sophisticated.

For my accessories, I added in my leather baker boy hat. The baker boy hat started trending last year and is still on trend for autumn winter 2018. Leather is also a huge fashion trend for this season. I added in my chain belt for that extra touch and my favourite Chloe boots from last season. Although these boots are almost a year old, they are always in style because of their classic design. That’s why investing in good quality and beautifully designed luxury pieces are worth it.

Would you try this look? Have you enjoyed this series? Let me know in the comments below!

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Black Sleeveless Jumpsuit (similar)

White Ribbed Turtleneck (similar)

Leather Baker Boy Hat (similar)

Chain Belt (similar)

Chloe Boots

If you know how to layer with a jumpsuit, you’ll know that you can wear your layer over or under, making styling the jumpsuit really interesting.

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Black Sleeveless Jumpsuit (similar)

White Ribbed Turtleneck (similar)

Leather Baker Boy Hat (similar)

Chain Belt (similar)

Chloe Boots

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How To Transition Your Wardrome From Summer To Autumn: The Summer Dress

LAYERING GAME

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Photos by Michaela Efford

It’s the second post (click here for part one) in my summer to autumn series and if there’s anything we’ve learnt from the autumn winter collections for 2018, it’s that summer colours are here to stay and animal prints are ruling. I couldn’t be happier because it makes it even easier to create transitional outfits as the weather gets cooler! Today is all about how to wear your summer dress in the autumn while making it season appropriate! I’ve also shared some great tips on working those animal prints into your look. The key to making this outfit work is to understand how to layer.

The first step is to pick the right dress. A summer dress with an asymmetrical hem or a maxi to midi length will always work better than your shorter pieces. This is particularly key to being able to layer the look.

As with any transitional outfit, it’s about combining summer pieces with autumn pieces as I’ve done here with this & Other Stories pink sweater. I layered it over my Maje white dress to create a whole new look. I love the burst of colour with the pink; especially since it’s still a strong trend for the coming autumn-winter season. I also added in a belt to just give my silhouette more of a shape with the oversized sweater.

To really pull the outfit together I looked to my animal print accessories. Snake print pieces are trending this autumn and if you aren’t ready for a top to toe printed outfit, invest in snake print accessories instead. These ASOS snake print boots are from a few years ago but have lasted me so well. I’ve linked to a very similar pair from them for you to get your hands on before it sells out. My Loewe bag was also the perfect match for this look. I love how it’s a shiny texture, to contrast the boots.

If you live in a warmer country and you still want to try a layered look, I would try this look with a light weight hoodie instead! Its autumn appropriate and has an edgier style. You can also recreate the look with a cotton long sleeve round neck.

Would you try this layering trick? Let me know in the comments below!

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Maje White Dress

& Other Stories Pink Sweater

ASOS Snake Print Boots (Similar here)

Loewe T Pouch (similar)

The key to making this outfit work is to understand how to layer.

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Maje White Dress

& Other Stories Pink Sweater

ASOS Snake Print Boots (Similar here)

Loewe T Pouch (similar)

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Why I Think This Designer T Shirt Is A Better Investment Than The Gucci T Shirt

The Battle of The Luxury T-Shirt; Gucci vs…

In the past few years, we’ve seen a rise of luxury houses churn out cult designer t shirts. We’ve seen it with Dior (Think, “We Should All Be Feminists” the first runway look of Maria Grazia Chiuri to come down the runway), Chanel (from their Cuba collection) and of course, the ever famous Gucci t shirt. Not only does Gucci have one cult t shirt, they have two! This season they came out with another one that everyone is racing to get their hands on. That being said, I am not racing for that second one (yes, I admit I have the first one which I styled ages ago in this post here.. how things have changed!) because I think that there is another designer t shirt that is a much better investment than the Gucci t shirt (gasp! the shock and horror!); The Saint Laurent Logo T Shirt.

When investing in a designer t shirt you need to consider more than whether the piece is trendy at the moment. The ones that are worth the investment, are the ones that stand the test of time for you personally. The Saint Laurent Logo T-Shirt, which has as much of a cult following as the Gucci one, is a piece that you will be able to style today, tomorrow and for years after that. While it dabbles in logomania with the original YSL logo from their first store in Paris in the centre, the logo’s size makes this t-shirt so much more wearable, subtle and chic. I also love the acid wash effect, an immediate cool girl factor.

This is a super cool luxury investment that is subtle enough for you to style and keep in your wardrobe for more than just a season or trend cycle. I think that is one of the most important factors when it comes to purchasing luxury goods.

I styled my new favourite t shirt with a Topshop white denim skirt. I always have a certain amount of key basics that I stock up on from the high street. I think Topshop has an amazing denim selection and I always have at least two denim skirts from them in my wardrobe. I love the mix of light colours for summer; so fresh! The look was complete with some statement Dior slides and these adorable & Other Stories sunglasses. Talk about a high low mix!

What do you think? Who wins between the Gucci and Saint Laurent T Shirt battle? Comment below!

Saint Laurent Logo T Shirt

Topshop White Denim Skirt

Dior Slides

& Other Stories Sunglasses (similar)

Images taken by Michaela Efford

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Saint Laurent Logo T Shirt

Topshop White Denim Skirt

Dior Slides

& Other Stories Sunglasses

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Gym Essentials & How To Keep Working Out When It’s Freezing Outside

“Gymming” is not a dirty word this winter.

The word gym is like a dirty word when it’s freezing cold, windy, and dark outside. The winter isn’t exactly ‘gymming season’ I mean why would you sweat it out when you could be happily snuggled underneath a hundred blankets with a hot chocolate (with a dash of Baileys? Pick your poison). For a long time I was that person who would rather sit than sweat it out, but don’t let the winter get in the way of you and being fit. Just like any other obstacle, the cold is one that you can overcome! I’ve got the perfect tips, and the gym essentials to keep you working out this winter and feeling great. After all there is nothing that can quite replace that feeling of working out and feeling amazing about it after.

Tip #1: There is a solution to any excuse

How many times have you said one of the following: “It’s too cold” or “I’m too tired”? Well, if it’s too cold, put on something warmer (scroll down for the best gym wear and essentials for the season), Too tired? Have a cup of coffee and get your sneakers on. No matter the excuse there is always a solution so remind yourself that there is a way forward no matter the excuse, and that is to get into your work out clothes and power through. Plus you’re going to feel so good after that you’re going to forget about all those excuses anyway! The first step is to get rid of the excuses – don’t let your mind get the better of your body!

In this image:

Ray Ban Sunglasses

Victoria Secret Sports Bra & Hoodie

Sweaty Betty Tights

Tip #2: Visualise your goal

Why are you working out? Is it because you want to stay in shape, you want to feel good about your body, maybe you have a special occasion coming up? Whatever it is, visualise your goal and visualise the way you want your body to look and feel. Use this as your motivation to keep going! Even in the hardest of moments, just keep thinking about what you want to achieve and how you want to feel and it will carry you right through. You have to work hard to get where you want to, but when you get there it’s going to feel amazing so keep going!

In this image:

Bella Kinesis Sports Bra

Victoria Secret Sport Tights

Tank: Bella Kinesis, Sports Bra: Bella Kinesis (matching top!), Hoodie: Sweaty Betty, Leggings: Sweaty Betty (love these too!), Fitness Tracker: Fitbit, Socks: Falke, Shoes: Nike, Fabric Care: The Laundress, Face Wash: Neals Yard, Deodorant: Aesop, Yoga Mat: Mara Hoffman, Water Bottle: Chai Buddy, Headphones: i.am+ Buttons

Tip #3: Do what you love

I have spoken to too many girls who run for the sake of running, not because they enjoy it. In fact a lot of them hate it. I was one of those girls – I am not really someone who enjoys running (Unless there’s a football or something in front of me, I played varsity football- or soccer, whatever you want to call it.. I still don’t like to run for fun though). I tried to run and make that a part of my exercise regiment and I landed up hating it – it felt like such a chore. Instead of doing what you think everyone else is doing, do what makes you happy! Love to dance? Join a dance class! Are you really into spinning? Make that a part of your routine! Maybe you just want to tone? Try doing a HITT work out at home or some pilates! Essentially, by identifying the type of work out that makes you happy you’re more likely to enjoy it, and actually want to do it!

In this photo:

Top and Tights: Sweaty Betty

Sunglasses: Paul Smith

How are you staying fit this winter?

Sporting a Winter Look

I love a bit of sporty flair through a side stripe – It really elongates the figure

When I stepped out of my apartment this morning, I was hit with a very icy blast indeed. It seems that London is just about to get the leftovers of an Arctic freeze, coming our way in full swing with high winds and negative temperatures. I think that means it’s going to be very brrrr indeed. I find that when the weather can go from being manageable to so unforgiving in a matter of seconds (or days or hours.. or minutes. it’s just too unpredictable!) I like to stay as comfortable as possible, but I am also not one to abandon style in my pursuit of comfort.

There is nothing as comfortable as a soft, slightly oversized, turtleneck sweater. The way it hugs you in all the right places and makes sure you stay warm on the top half, no wonder they are an all round winter favourite. I paired my favourite Sandro sweater (a similar one here, and a more affordable one which is also on sale here) with a pair of sporty yet sophisticated pants. What I love about these side striped pants is that they are roomy and comfortable, but the cut and the fall still makes them incredibly stylish. The stripes on the side add that touch of femme leisure while elongating your figure. These are from Zara, but I found a super similar pair here. I added the belt in to add some definition to my silhouette and to balance the two baggy pairings. Plus a waist belt always adds a touch of class!

I recently took a very short and sweet digital detox this weekend (You would have noticed, I was just a little bit quiet on Instagram!) Sometimes you just need to take a deep breath, stop and understand what’s going on around you, what your goals are, and how far away from achieving them you are and what you need to do to get there. Although you feel the effects of stepping away from the Instagram community quite quickly, whether it’s in terms of engagement or just how hard it can be on Monday morning to get back into it, I’ve come back feeling a little bit more refreshed and with a new sense of excitement for everything I want to achieve for you guys in the rest of 2016 and in the new year too!

I have to say though, when I said I’m back, I really am back. I finally got on the Snapchat game and thought I would give that a try! You can add me now on: The Silk Sneaker. C’mon, you know you want to see how weird I really am!

How are you dressing for this freezing start to December?

Get my Look through these links, or by shopping this post below!

Top: Sandro (similar here and here)

Pants: Zara

Bag: Gucci

Belt: Gucci

Boots: Chanel

Sunglasses: Sunday Somewhere (on sale!)

Ring: Isharya

Dress for the Season

It’s that time of year again. Layering time.

Other than the beautiful lights, the mulled wine and the all round Christmas shopping cheer, the other factor that makes the gruelling winter bearable is layering. It’s no secret that I adore layering – it allows for such creative expression and tests the versatility of all the clothes in your closet. You can take an old dress and make it new just by throwing on some layers and some star accessories – you’ll never have nothing to wear again!

For this look I wanted to breathe some new life into a turtleneck dress I bought a couple of years ago. I got this dress from ASOS but you can find similar ones here and here, both under £30 and one here. I managed to add a little bit more edge to a somewhat girly silhouette by layering a really cool asymmetrical sleeve sweater. I got this one from Whistles a while ago but using a sleeveless bardot top like this one, would get the same effect. The extra touch came with this amazing leather belt.

I love the mix of textures between the dress and the sweater – this just adds another element to the look. The belt adds some definition to your silhouette and pulls the look together while refining and polishing it! I also loved the mix of materials with the knit and the leather of my boots! A simple black and white look always appears more interesting when you play around with materials!

How are you layering this season?

Get my look:

Dress: ASOS (similar one here, more affordable ones here and here)

Top: Whistles

Belt: Topshop (similar here and similar here for under £10)

Ring: Bulter & Wilson

Bag: Gucci

Boots: Chanel

Your New Best Friend

Clean lines with some edge. It’s the dream

“Edgy meets sophisticated”

I’ve often been asked “Shloka, what would you say defines your style?” the bound to be asked at some point, Describe your style in three words, question. I usually tend to say something along the lines of classic and sophisticated with a touch of modern edge/ a touch of trendy.

If one were to take the jewellery of Suhani Parekh under her label Misho Designs, and define it in three words, I think you would land on “Edgy meets sophisticated”. With each piece defined by it’s clear lines and geometric influences, the modern and luxurious flair cannot be denied. So, it came as no surprise that while flipping through an issue of Indian Vogue on my annual trip home to Mumbai last year, I stumbled across, and immediately fell in love with Misho Designs.

Minimal yet statement making…

What I love most about this collection is how versatile all the pieces are. You can add any of them to your favourite chunky knit and jeans combo and Voila! You have an incredibly modern and luxe look to carry you through from day to night too. You can add any of them to your favourite cocktail dress at your next holiday party and Voila again! You have yourself sophistication with a touch of unexpected flair. Whatever you choose to do with these pieces, they seem to fit.

My favourite pieces are without a doubt the ear cuffs – I love that touch of edge to a somewhat girly or classic look! I also adore the earrings, which you all loved from my latest Instagram post too! They are so easy to throw on when you don’t know what to wear! The rings are also a lovely for a cocktail party, something minimal yet statement making, love that strike of balance!

Suhani’s success with her brand has come as no surprise to me – You cannot deny the talent and the allure of clean lines that seem to match anything and everything. Just the other day she recounted a story for me where a woman spotted Suhani wearing one of her own pieces and loved it so much she had to have it on the spot!

A lot of you have spotted these pieces floating around my Instagram and have been dying to get your hands on them! They ship worldwide so all you have to do is email info@mishodesigns.com or alternatively check out their collection here. If you don’t spot what you had your eye on, just shoot them an email!