Russell and Bromley

The ankle adventure.

Posted on by Keya

Good day my footwear loving beauties, 

I, like a lot of you I am sure, have a momentary fashion indecision all the time when it’s not quite cold enough for knee highs but equally not warm enough for a loafer, what my dear followers do we wear instead?? Well this is the perfect time to turn to our trusty ankle boot 😀 For this weeks post I am going to share with you my staple ankle boots I am sporting for the upcoming Spring and with what I wear them with. 

The lace up heeled boot.    
 
As soon as I saw these boots in Ralph Lauren I knew I needed them in my life. I love the multiple strap and eyelet detail and although they are rather high they are extremely comfortable to commute to work in. I usually wear these boots either with skinny wet look trousers and an oversized jumper in my leisure time or when I need to look smart for a meeting I just throw on a fitted pencil dress and black opaques with them. 

The Brogue boot. The brogue pattern and tasselled accent on these Russell and Bromley boots drew me to them immediately. They are so versatile and my go to pair at the weekends thrown on with some skinny jeans and a buttoned up shirt or a day dress. They have been worn and worn over winter and the leather has become even more comfortable with each wear. I definitely think it is best to invest in a good quality pair, your feet will thank you I promise!  

The Chelsea.   

I was ecstatic over the Christmas period to find a black and a brown pair of Chelsea boots under our tree for me last year. They really are the everyday boot and I have barely taken mine off since I received them. My brown pair I wore this past weekend with a cream cable knit jumper, brown All Saints belt and my Massimo riding jacket. Equestrian style in the city.
The Day to night boot.   

 It is virtually inexcusable in my humble opinion to not own at least one pair of day to night boots. These nifty inventions are perfect for that planned dinner date after work where you want to feel glam but not have you reaching for your stilletto heels mid week either or even something you can reach for when you are going for a girls night out and strappy sandals just won’t do in our cold London evenings.
The quilted back section and unusual zip feature make my beautiful Bromley’s my special occasion boot and the suede and glitter combo on the second pair look great paired with a LBD and bare legs or even with a shirt and chinos for work also. 

Whatever style of ankle takes your fancy this year, revel in the knowledge that as our boot lengths shorten, the day’s lengthen and we are one step closer to the big reveal – summer = sandals (cue happy dance.) 😀

Until next week, take care

Keya X

Sale shopping smart

Posted on by Keya

Hello 2016 and all my lovely followers, 

Firstly I would like to you wish you all a very Happy New Year and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas break with your families. 

I had a super time spent with all of my loved ones laughing, visiting relatives, playing board games and of course overdoing it on the food and wine 😀

  
As I am sure like most of the capital I returned back to work this week and one of the few perks to stave off the major January blues is the sales are still on! Yay! Over the Christmas break I managed to hit the West End a few times and if you haven’t done so already, here are a few of my tips to ensure you snap up some major bargains not bungled purchases.  

When I was in New York just before Christmas I searched high and low for some plain leather Chelsea boots. I have tasseled and buckled ones already so just wanted a simple every day pair to add to my collection. I came away empty handed whilst there but was delighted to find a beautiful Russell and Bromley pair under our Christmas tree this year. I also nabbed a black and tan pair of ankle boots from Jones the Bootmakers in the sales. They really are just what I was looking for and I know they are going to see me through the rest of winter.

  

Also on my list was a new leather jacket this year. My current black biker I have had since I was sixteen and although I still love it and wear it all the time, I wanted to invest in a navy one subsequently. I found some amazing designs in Reiss, All Saints and Massimo Dutti although none seemed to fit my shape perfectly so I am going to keep my eyes peeled for the “it” one over the next few months. One great thing about the sales is you can find a leather as soft as butter jacket for such a reasonable price and as mine will confirm, they really far outlive the test of time and cost per wear ten fold.

  
For Christmas I was lucky enough to be bought a wonderful Dior red lipstick and mascara which I just fell in love with instantly. The packaging is so chic and elegant. So much so, that after Christmas we headed to the wonderful Selfridges and I purchased the pressed powder and blusher to match so my makeup bag is now complete 😀

   (Photo courtesy of google images)

I feel so grateful and happy that I was bought so many beautiful gifts but watching the faces of my loved ones when they opened the gifts I had got for them meant more to me than anything. It really is priceless seeing their faces light up when that wrapping paper and bow we’re ripped off.

If there are any gifts which were less than perfect for you,there is no shame in returning them and picking something which you will be able to wear or utilise either. One year I was bought a pandora charm bracelet which didn’t fit with my current jewellery so I returned it and got a watch instead which is still in my jewellery box now.

When it comes to navigating the shops, I always recommend to invest in good quality, classic items. Fashion comes and goes but timeless pieces will last forever and if you can get £100 off of that Armani coat you had been eyeing up in December then you know you have bagged a bargain and got your dream item in the process. The sales are extremely seasonal too so you will get better value for your money if you buy winter items now and save them for next year. I did that one year with my Ralph Lauren overcoat which still comes out every cold winter without fail. 

With that said, get your fabulous fur trimmed coat on, new boots and armed with your wallet go and hit those sales HARD – race you there 😀

Until next week, take care

Keya X

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Posted on by Keya

Good day my wind blown wonders, 

Unless we were all living under a rock in the last week, we would have been unable to avoid the awful news of the multiple attacks around the world which just breaks my heart. It almost seems wrong of I to post an upbeat blog entry but I guess to show solidarity and strength when faced with adversity – ‘the show must go on’ and I personally do not want to look as though we have been beaten. I have close friends and colleagues who live in Paris and I know they are being wholeheartedly British and stubborn at this time, not living their lives in fear as us Londoners did also during 7/7. 

  
(Photo courtesy of Google images)

Onto lighter matters now and I am sure what with the clocks changing a few weeks ago you will have noticed how much darker it is getting earlier in the evenings and how although unseasonably mild still, the cold brisk mornings have returned to us once more.

I will wholeheartedly admit I am NOT a winter or cold person (give me a hot climate where I can wear my flip flops and bikini please) but one thing I do love about this time of year is being able to explore my winter wardrobe again. 

I am a huge fan of cosy cable knits,thick tights and awesome overcoats. Each year I always return to my fail safe favourites although usually I do try to update my collection as styles vary slightly each year. 

For the office I love wearing a fitted woolen polo neck with a high waisted skirt and my knee high leather boots from Dune or one of my amazing knitted jumper dresses paired with black 80 deniers and my Russell and Bromley Chelsea boots. 

  
For casual attire at the weekends I usually turn to my array of Massimo Dutti and Gap oversized jumpers which I usually team with my skinny wet look jeans and leather high tops.

For evenings out in winter when you cannot bare the thought of going out with bare legs, a great over the knee pair of boots look fab with an evening dress or even tights and heeled ankle boots work a charm. The goose pimple leg look is seriously not worth the bother in my opinion. 

Believe me, you do not need to forego your style just because the dark nights are setting in. There are some incredible winter overcoats on the market which are chic in their own right.The one below which I invested in recently, really looks great no matter what you are wearing  underneath.  

  
The joy of wearing a great overcoat is being able to do the “big reveal” too. It seriously adds to the surprise for your special other when you take your coat off at your chosen destination and they can see the gorgeous outfit you have hidden underneath. 

For me, winter really is the time to hibernate, my grey marl lounge pants and soft jumpers become my staple and I love nothing more than being cuddled up warm at home watching series and being with those I love ❤️

Until next week take care, 

Keya X

Trans seasonal footwear

Posted on by Keya

Good day my Autumnal artisans, 

As summer has officially finished in London (much to my dismay – I love the warm weather) I thought I would dedicate this entry to the most appropriate footwear to wear in this unpredictable weather period.

The weekend just gone, I attended my last festival of the season, SW4. Although rain was forecast I remained optimistic and wore my black retro Nike high top trainers. The sunshine fought valiantly to stay out but the rain hit in the early afternoon. After mud skating for most of the day, you can imagine the state of my shoes when I checked out the damage in the morning. They were not even machine washable, they just went straight in the bin. Needless to say, if in doubt always go with your trusty wellies. My Hunter pair have kept me dry footed on many occasions and are so easy to wipe clean. 

  

With the intermittent showers and ever changeable weather at the moment I really dislike when I am wearing pumps and my feet get wet whilst trying to avoid the mammoth puddles. My solution is the trusty ankle boot, they are cooler than the knee high version but also protect your tootsies when that sudden downpour hits. I have several pairs in various shades and fabrics. My current favourites are my black brogue pair from Russell and Bromley and my chocolate brown snakeskin pair from my trip to Spain over the winter. 

  
Another shoe style which is perfect for Autumn is the trusty loafer. The leather and closed in style protects your feet better than the more summer appropriate espadrille or sandal and you can be really adventurous with the colours especially if the weather is chilly but blue skied. I recently bought the below pair which I love. The rich burgandy hue is warming and can be worn with skinny chinos for work or paired with a little black dress if you are hitting the town at the weekend. 

   

For nights out, in the autumn I do not feel comfortable wearing strappy stillettos. That is really one of my pet peeves when you see women walking around on a cold evening in a small dress and shoes which are like torture devices of straps and buckles. Wearing a chic coat will not ruin your outfit and you can do the big reveal when you reach your desired destination. Surely that is much more appealing than uncontrollably shivering! 

   
The key to autumnal dressing is layering. It is much easier to take off a cardigan or light knit sweater then it is to be cold in the office. Ankle boots or closed in heels are the perfect transition from day to evening. Lastly imagine how chic you will look rocking that amazing pair of sunnies in the crisp September afternoon! After all the world looks better when you are hidden behind your latest glamorous eyewear 😀

  
Until next week, take care 

Keya x

 

Shoes out for summer

Posted on by Keya

Good evening my wonderfully well heeled gentlemen,

For this weeks post, due to a request from one of my awesome friends, I have decided to delve into the world of what shoes are appropriate for summer in the city.

If like many of us young professionals you work in an office, those fabulous Italian leather Chelsea boots or laced up buckskin brogues are just a tad too warm for these humid days we are experiencing. You need a combination of smart footwear but also ones that keep your toes perfectly cool and comfortable. Below I have chosen a selection of my favourite shoe styles for men to wear this salubrious summer 😀 

Firstly the slip on loafer. This style reminds me of holidays in the Amalfi Coast – well dressed gentleman in open necked shirts, slim fit chinos and tasseled loafers in a range of pastel shades. With the warmer climes upon us, suede and lighter leather varieties are more wearable (no one likes the risk of a sudden downpour of rain whilst in red suede moccasins) and they compliment a great fitting pair of trousers that nip in neatly at the ankle bone perfectly. 

I love this pair below from Louis Vuitton, the tassels are understated but chic and the chocolate brown leather looks amazing with a matching skinny belt. Other cheaper alternatives can be sourced at Gant, Massimo Dutti, Russell and Bromley or Tods. 

  

Next there is the lace up brogue. This style is unisex (much to my own delight) with unbelievable designs at the quintessentially English, Church’s or on the high street Dune is a great quick stop shop for high quality leather choices. This style looks great either dressed up with smart trousers or down with tailored shorts and a buttoned up Polo shirt. 

  
Aha, now I hear you ask, so that is the work shoe wardrobe covered, what style do I need for the more casual garden BBQ or a relatives birthday celebration? Well, my chiselled companions, look no further than the desert boot. This suede, lace up style looks great in the standard camel colour or be even more adventurous with navy or plum to act as a contrast to your chosen shirt or rolled up pair of chinos. You can find some great selections at Penguin, Dune or Tommy Hilfiger. The great thing about these shoes too is because some styles come with an incredible laser cut out design on the toe, they maintain a cool environment for your feet no matter how high the temperature gauge goes up in your car or on public transport. 


For that impending summer vacation looming, my number one choice for flip flops is Havaianas. I first discovered this brand when I was in Brazil for Carnevale and I was so excited when they opened stores in the UK. These rubber sandals are ideal for that hot walk up the sandy beach from the sea and come in such a wide range of colour combinations you are sure to find a pair to match every swim shorts variety.

  
My top tip for shoe choices in the summer is be adventurous! When the sun is out, you can get away with wearing brighter colours on your footwear. What’s not too love about matching your shoe colour to your sunny disposition? If everytime you glance down at your feet, a huge smile steals across your face then believe me, colleagues, friends and complete strangers will want a slice of your happy pie there is no doubt 😀

Until next week, take care

Keya x

Sudden downpour -no problem!

Posted on by Keya

Good evening to my savvy shoppers, 

Anyone who has lived in London knows that our weather is somewhat unpredictable at the best of times, so it’s always worth being one step ahead with your wardrobe to ensure a dampener (see what I did there) isn’t put on your outfit as well as your hair! 

As we are gradually moving into summer, the early sunrises and balmy evenings can cause many to result in a frenzy about what on earth do I wear? My friends will agree that I am the queen of layering, my wardrobe is like a rainbow of cardigans and light knit wear! (I knew that bright orange jumper would come in handy when paired with a LBD for work I promise) 😀 The good thing about cardigans as well is that you can throw them over a shift dress in the morning and when the haze has burnt off by lunch you can slip it off into your work tote and instantly have that easy, breezy city look. The below outfit was whilst on a game drive in South Africa. My light weight cotton jumper kept the morning chill at bay and protected me from the hungry Mosquitos at the same time. 

  
I also love my skinny chinos from Pull and Bear in the summer. I usually roll them up at the ankle paired with one of my awesome Russell and Bromley brogues or loafers. With a floaty, chiffon sleeveless shirt from Massimo Dutti or Uniqlo it looks effortlessly chic and will keep you cool on that train commute home.

  
With the festival season fast approaching, my number one rule of thumb is never leave home without your pac-a-Mac. My daisy motif parka always comes with me in case of that surprise shower (they aren’t really up to scratch in terms of keeping you completely dry but at least they look better than a soggy hoody or second skin t-shirt!) Festivals for me are all about the music, a bit of mud on your hunter wellies is a small price to pay for an awesome day or weekend out 😀

  

Until next week, take care 
Keya x

The Man Edition

Posted on by Keya

Good afternoon to all my fabulously groomed gents,

This post I have decided to dedicate to all things male. Although I do not usually spend much time in the men’s department of my favourite stores, I thought I would reveal what styles I love to see a man wearing and hopefully provide some fresh ideas to kick start your spring/ summer wardrobe.

Much like in my own wardrobe, one of the hardest working items in a man’s closet is a white T shirt or shirt. It can be dressed up with a tailored blazer, Churches brogues and dark jeans or dressed down with chino shorts from Pull and Bear and Haviana flip flops. It looks even better when paired with that summer tan from your exotic  vacation 😀 

I have always loved the preppy style on the men’s catwalks of Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren. I really adore a smartly dressed man. If that is your style you should never have to dress down just because of the area you are spending your Friday night. Yes, Brick Lane is full of hipsters wearing drain pipe black jeans with vintage Ellesse or Converse T shirts but if you feel confident in a slim fit shirt and blazer then wear it. Your individuality will be noticed I can assure you.

 

(Image courtesy of google images)

As the weather starts hotting up, it can be a challenge to dress appropriately for work but also keeping the warm weather at bay (no one likes a damp collar or perspiration stained shirt I know.) It is really worthwhile to start investing in some fine knit or soft cotton polo shirts from Penguin or Gant now. They are still smart enough for the office but keep you cool on that dreaded tube commute home also. 

When it comes to shoe choice, in this trans seasonal period where it is too warm for your trusty Chelsea boots but not warm enough to throw on a pair of flip flops, I love seeing a man in slip on leather loafers in a decadent tan hue or a chocolate brown lace up pair sans socks. It always reminds me of the laid back Italian gentleman holidaying on the Amalfi Coast, Gucci sunglasses jauntily perched on their tanned face whilst they gaze longingly out at the sunset; casual but effortlessly chic. 

(Image courtsy of Google images)

Talking of vacation let’s discuss swim wear. Even if you plan to play football/ volleyball/ bat and ball on the beach this still does not make it ok to don shorts you usually wear in the gym or on the pitch (Don’t even get me started on the cropped jogging bottom style; one word – abysmal) On the beach with the sun drenching your skin, you can afford to go for the pastel or bright colour block styles at Ralph Lauren, Armani or Gant. The shorter length is perfect for optimising that all over colour and makes your legs look endless too. Peter Crouch eat your heart out 😀

The main rule of thumb in my view is to dress to display your best physical features. A well fitted jacket really accentuates broad shoulders and a narrow waist and dark skinny denim can complement the awesome gains you made on leg day this week.

Fashion is all about breaking the rules and most of all having fun. A happy, comfortable, self assured man is the most attractive atrribute to us ladies anyway 😀

Until next week, take care 

Keya x