Haute stuff: The white shirt edit

You can’t deny the power of a good white shirt. They’re easily boxed into being ‘crisp’ and ‘smart’, but the possibilities are literally endless, just have a scroll on any good retailer’s website and you’re swamped with inspiration. Although I’m generally drawn to a bold print (I have been known to wear 6 at a time, but who’s counting?), the lure of the white shirt has got me. Here I’ve put together a few inspiration images from some luxury brands and paired them with patterns so you can hack your own! Allwhite, enough faffing (and enough puns), let’s get down to it…

This preppy shirt from Red Valentino is so gorgeous and I love it! One of my most-made shirt patterns, the Juliette from I Am Patterns, would be perfect to recreate this. I’d curve the collar and add a ruffle, plus little ruffles to the sleeves and add a zip at the back instead of buttons – or just keep the buttons as it’s those front details that are so beautiful! All that’s then needed is a straight necktie which you could then wear with other shirts, too.

Continue reading “Haute stuff: The white shirt edit”

Lockdown wardrobe: because comfort doesn’t have to mean tracksuits

The lockdown has allowed many to indulge in the guilty pleasures that come with the ‘invisibility’ of working from home; not needing to wash your hair, not having to get dressed, not feeling any need to wear makeup. For the last couple of years my sister has exercised the mantra “no shower, no makeup, no bra” for her wfh Fridays. (Sorry, Els, your secret’s out.)

However, I just don’t fit into this camp. When working from home (and on my days off) I still like to put on ‘proper’ clothes and do my makeup. It makes me feel good about myself, ready for the day, and more proactive.  Comfort is still key, though, and I’ve realised over the past few weeks that I keep going for similar styles. Clothes that are comfortable but still look a bit polished are my go-to, so here are some pattern suggestions to strike the balance between being comfy, but still a little bit fancy…

The pattern that sparked this thinking is the Safiya from Tilly Walnes’ book Make It Simple:

It’s so comfortable, versatile, a little bit quirky, and it looks really nice. This pattern is brilliant. Continue reading “Lockdown wardrobe: because comfort doesn’t have to mean tracksuits”