Sunday Lookbook: Valentines Edition
It is that time of the year where couples acknowledge their love for each other through a series of flashy gifts and compete with their friends to gain the coveted title of most 'generous' giver. But it is all for show, surely the whole point of Valentines day is not to make it about competition and wealth but about showing your partner/husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend how much they mean to you. Compliments and unique gestures like preparing a romantic candlelit dinner at home is what Valentines Day should be about and not to prove your social or monetary worth. As a singleton I have no loved one waiting at home nor do I care, I have never been one to fuss over showing my partner how much he means to me for just one day a year. What about appreciating your partners all the other 364 days in the year because to me that is far more important than buying into consumerism. That being said I do think it is sweet when I see couples out in public strolling hand in hand all dewy eyed and are public in their affection but it is about cementing your love for each other 24/7 and not just making the effort because it is Valentines day.
I guess what I am trying to say is no matter whether you are in a relationship, are celebrating a friendship or have had good news don't make it a 'thing' because you want to fit into the status quo. For me I have never been into celebrating Valentines day and although I don't attend to celebrate it the traditional way this year I am planning to spend some time with friends and reconnect after being away from the 'scene'. I want to show my friends how much they mean to me and how proud I am to call them my friends. They will probably tell me to 'give over' because I do say it all the time but I think it would really solidify the ocassion. So whether you are celebrating a 'Galentine' or a full Valentines day and unlike me are quite happy to go all out for Valentines day make it your year.
Monday
Dewy romanticism at its best the floral co-ord draws inspiration from Ellie Saab S/S 16 signature aesthetic with a hint of retro 50's at its core. Using a digital print Little Mistress have created mirrored designs in shades of pale pink, lavender and bluebell layered on a soft neutral pink base. Encased in delicate chiffon the co-ord midi plays around with structural elements; keeping the crop top boxy works to keep proportions balanced and detracts from the a-line 50s midi's delicate, whimsical nature while the tops high neckline offers a sharp contrast to its peek-aboo moment between stomach and skirt.
Make like Kate Moss and add a faux fur mid length jacket and floppy hat to create a casual luxe outfit that can be dressed up or down while the cracked rose gold grecian sandals still retains the feminine aesthetic of the co-ord. The aesthetic clash between '50's femme' and 'modern biker chic' marries together exceedingly well and is an alternative Valentines look differing from the usual reds and bodycon dresses that make up the staple of Valentine wear.
Outfit: Hat- Asos, Jacket- Missy Empire, Floral Co-Ord- Little Mistress, Necklace- Hazel & Kent, Sandals- Missguided, Watch- Elie Beaumont
Tuesday
Replacing demin as the staple choice of material for dungarees, the faux leather is environmentally friendly and emulates covetable 'rock chick' appeal. Fused with the colour-block shirt and matching knee high boots this look is about pushing boundaries without trying too hard. Effortlessly cool the addition of tinted sunglasses and floppy hat creates a marriage between boho-chic and LA Girl which feeds into the aesthetic of a traditional London based look. The hybridity or mismatch of different styles is a common trait of the 'London Look' and is unapolegetically urban. The chic yet sharp contrast between the 'urban' and the 'swinging 60's' offers a subtle transition into multiple eras borrowing the progressive ethos of the 60's and combining it with modern fluidity.
Outfit: Faux Leather Dungarees- F21, Sunglasses- F21, Hat- Asos , Shirt- Primark, Boots- Pretty Little Thing
Wednesday
Drawing inspiration from the 60's love of colourblocking combine 70's key hues- burgundy and brown to create a colourful yet chic look that can be translated into modern day. The maxi side split aubergine cardigan proves that layering is the key to a successful colourblocked look while the knee high boots over stonewashed jeans accentuates and lengthens your legs to appear taller- I am 5 ft 4 1/2 but people remark that I look taller because the heels are able to project an illusion of a taller frame. The basic ribbed brown button turtleneck is the perfect staple to keep in your wardrobe and detracts from the outfit looking too 'burgundy-ified', creating a well balanced aesthetic.
Outfit: Hat- Asos, Cardigan- Lily Lulu, Jeans- Topshop, Boots-Pretty Little Thing Top-Primark
Thursday
Who said you couldn't wear maxi skirts in the winter? Simply team with a luxe faux fur jacket, turtleneck and snake-effect platforms to create a late 60's - early 70's aesthetic; a cross between hippy bohemianism and 60's mod the maxi skirt is both romantic and equally 'cool' with its zippered side split. The side split shows off the natural curve of your body while the two tone platforms dresses up the otherwise casual luxe aesthetic. Equally impressive dressed up or down team with burgundy patent brogues or boat shoes by day and let the burgundy platforms create a party by night. The delicate silver topaz necklace enhances the floral sentimentality of the skirt while the boho hat coupled with the thin ribbed turtleneck creates a transitional wardrobe meeting between two seasons: Winter and Summer.
Outfit: Hat- Asos, Jacket- Berksha, Turtleneck- Topshop, Watch- Elie Beaumont, Necklace- Hazel & Kent, Skirt-Miss Selfridge, Heels- Primark
Friday
Of course Valentines Day would not be complete without a splash of red so grab your finest coat and paint it red. The maxi double breasted coat with black belt detail is juxtaposed against a pale pink mohair jumper creating a colour clash that works. At opposite ends of the colour spectrum the key to clashing red and pink is to pick a 'pillarbox red' and team it with a lighter pink so that the clash is subtle rather than harsh. To create a comfy yet stylish look the maxi trench is paired with black skinny jeans and the ultimate leg lengthener - the thigh high boot in black too. The burgundy sunglasses and matching hat adds a cool street cool vibe while the ombre lens feeds into all the colours present in the outfit.
Outfit: Coat- D-Squared, Jumper- Missguided, Trousers- Topshop, Boots- Topshop
What was your favourite look? What should the next theme be?