Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: A Rye smile

March 26, 2015

Rye, in East Sussex is well worth a visit; here I am just beneath the castle walls. This smart casual outfit is a firm favourite for weekends with the kids. For warmth I add my Cos fine, wool knit underneath the shirt. Search for slim fitting layers that will not disrupt the line of a lighter top or shirt when it’s worn on top. Layers, layers and more layers – it’s the key to this blasted changeable weather we are having. A lightweight jacket is another must, simply whip it off when you need to and chuck it in a bag.

Shirt as before, jacket by Margaret Howell (www.margarethowell.co.uk), jeans from Acne (www.selfridges.com), knit (just seen) by Cos (www.cosstores.com), boots by Office (www.office.co.uk), sunglasses from Topshop (www.topshop.com) and bag from a vintage store.

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: In the army now

March 23, 2015

Military shirts are notoriously tricky.

Tip number one; keep it simple and unfussy – they don’t need accessories.

Tip number two; think silhouette – loose up top and neat on the bottom.

Tip number three; tone your blues together for a soft summer feel.

This outfit cannily covers the military look, the SS15 penchant for blues, the double denim look (well, almost) and, if you add a chunky shoe, you have a 70’s vibe. That’s at least three trends in one go..

Shirt by Margaret Howell (www.margarethowell.co.uk), jeans by Mother (www.motherdenim.com), shoes by Kate Kuba (https://kkstudio.london).

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Bobble, biker, bell bottom

March 19, 2015

Cor blimey it’s cold today. Bang goes my plans to vacuum pack the winter woollies! This would be more rock chick with a fierce boot, but the trainers won out. A biker jacket is so versatile and there is a shape for everyone. It’s great on petites, long bodies (as it breaks up the length rather nicely), curvy shapes and athletic figures (no epaulettes for you though). I rather like the ribbed cuff sticking out of the sleeve here. Biker jackets have long represented rebellion and I have to admit I love the toughness instilled by wearing one. If you don’t have one, start searching now.

Jeans, trainers and bag as before, Bobble hat by Somerville scarves (www.somervillescarves.com), roll neck by MHL (www.margarethowell.co.uk) and biker by H&M (www.hm.com)

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: The Lovestory continues

March 17, 2015

School run seventies style! A trainer always takes things down a notch (or even three) so it just about works for taking the boys to school. And anyway, people are used to seeing me striding in in potentially inappropriate outfits. In image one I added the Mongolian lamb gilet to ramp up the disco vibe. Image two is more sombre and clearly smarter. I never tire of the jeans and blazer combo, it’s classic and, as long as your denim is up to scratch, doesn’t seem to date. As I mentioned in the previous post the flare has magical balancing properties for larger hips, if you are curvy then try and wear with a blazer that has a sharp and slightly jutting shoulder line. It creates a stronger silhouette.

Jeans by J Brand as before, gilet from eBay (www.ebay.co.uk), hat by Baileys (www.baileyhats.com), turtle neck by Margaret Howell (www.margarethowell.co.uk), jacket by Chloe (second hand shop),trainers by Nike (www.nike.com) and bag by Ally Cappellino (www.allycappellino.co.uk).

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways : Flare up!

March 16, 2015

The flare is back and I am mighty pleased. They look great on long legs and on wider hips. If you are petite it’s best to go with a very neat flare and you really do have to wear them with wedges or heels – you don’t want to look like you are on wheels. The 70’s is an appealing style decade and it is back with full force this season. The high street have some grand 70’s offerings – especially Topshop. Pick one new piece and get outfit planning.

I wore this get-up for mooching about at the weekend with the boys and ducking into coffee shops when it threatened to rain. Rain soaked flares remind me of doing that awful childhood swimming badge where you had to dive in in your pyjamas. Not fun. The jeans are at least 8 years old and are stretched out and slouchy now so they’re relegated to weekends. My newest flared jeans by Mother ‘The Runaway Skinny Flare’ are reserved for work so I can keep them looking sharp.

Jeans ‘Lovestory’ by J Brand (www.selfridges.com), sweatshirt by All Saints (www.allsaints.com), sheepskin gilet by Burberry, necklace by Cos (www.cosstores.com), belt from MHL (www.margarethowell.co.uk) and boots from Whistles (www.whistles.com).

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Logo lace

March 13, 2015

I am not normally a fan of red and black but as these jeans are shiny it’s feels less harsh. I rolled the trouser to let the pretty lacing show. I have been on the hunt for a lace around pump or sandal and spotted Russell and Bromley’s ad campaign in a magazine a while back. http://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/dress-flats/logo-lace/invt/123380

Needless to say I went straight onto the waiting list to nab the first pair.

You could try different colour laces or use satin ribbon to channel ballet style. They are in a soft, black suede with tiny matt beads scattered all over and you can play with the laces wearing them low or high on the leg. I am itching to try them on with skirts and dresses for summer.

Tops as before, trousers by AG Jeans (www.trilogystores.co.uk) and shoes by Russell and Bromley (www.russellandbromley.co.uk).

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Boiler alert!

March 11, 2015

This boiler suit from French work-wear brand Vetra is comfort personified. Although it does make visiting the bathroom a bit of a mission. For me, it needs some feminine additions to soften it. Add a heel, an obi belt, a bow perhaps, or some low key jewellery. Whatever says ‘womanly’ to you.

I have worn the red Cos knit underneath as you definitely can’t layer on top of it. Similarly, it works with any slim knit or jersey top and a shirt underneath looks particularly modern. Come summer it can stand alone with a pair of strappy sandals and a pendant.

Knit as before, boiler suit MHL (www.margarethowell.co.uk), shoes by LK Bennett (www.lkbennett.com) and obi belt by Dries Van Noten (www.selfridges.com).

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Red and yellow and denim

March 9, 2015

Time to get the toes out. It’s slowly warming up so I am venturing into no sock territory. This A-line knit is useful for creating a more directional silhouette, whilst still being classic enough to wear regularly. I have always favoured colour with vintage denim. The mix of faded blues, indigo’s and whiskery whites allows other colours to speak without being overpowering. They look especially punchy with pinks, reds and greens. As I have said before, don’t wear colourful shoes without some colour on top for balance.

Top by Cos (www.cosstores.com), jeans by Gap (www.gap.co.uk), shoes by Prada (www.prada.com).

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Stripes and cream

March 5, 2015

I wanted to try a spring outfit today. You can do this sort of look right away by layering tights (as I have) and a thermal under the shirt. Sling a cosy knit around your shoulders too if you like. The culotte/looser trouser shape is not going anywhere so embrace them now. If you have long legs, great, if not, you can wear them; but with this caveat, you must add heels or wedges or you will look positively minuscule. The outfit works just as well with slim, low cut ankle boots, courts or even strappy heels. The pale blue shirt feels fresh and I’ve tucked it in to reveal the higher waist. I have short legs so anything that obscures this waistline would look ‘off’ and out of proportion. High waists are good on short leg/long body types but check your ‘rear view’ is OK! I don’t like the way the higher waists look on my bum, it’s all that fabric, so I left the shirt untucked at the back to break things up.

Shirt as before, trousers from Zara (www.zara.com), tights by Falke (www.selfridges.com), shoes by Miu Miu (www.miumiu.com).

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Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: It’s a man’s world

March 4, 2015

I have searched for over two years for comfortable brogues that I wanted. Considering almost every brand seems to have a pair now, it’s incredible it took me so long. Many are simply too narrow for me, others too heavy, but these shiny, black beauties are just the ticket. They are extra wide and have a soothing insole with a pleasing amount of bounce. With this outfit I wanted to embrace the mannish look but still feel feminine. That is what these brogues do. They are reassuringly glossy (and I will try and keep them that way, for once) but their main appeal was the pair of taffeta laces that came with them. It means you can do an arty little bow when they are laced up and the width of the laces softens the masculinity of the shoe. Socks or tights are great if you are wearing them with a skirt but I find it’s best flash an ankle, like a naughty Victorian, with jeans or slim trousers. The Sebago brand tends to offer boat shoes (a Princess Kate favourite) and the like, but I will be keeping my eyes peeled for more gems like this.

Shirt as before, jeans by Gap (www.gap.co.uk), shoes by Sebago (www.sebago.com/uk), hat by Bailey (www.baileyhats.com), bracelet Marni for H&M (www.hm.com/gb).

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