The Summer Accessories Edit
If you’ve been cutting back on buying clothes during lockdown, or for sustainability reasons, accessories are the quick and easy route to a style refresh!
In collaboration with by YeahSquares, Yolk Jewellery and Helen Ruth.
The Scarf Top, Three Ways
As restrictions ease, but social distancing prevails, many of us are looking for an easy, stylish option for our safe, social bubble, garden meet-ups.
A large, square silk scarf is a versatile option that can be styled to suit the occasion. Here, I’ve styled The Carnaby silk scarf by YeahSquares 3 different ways. To accentuate the scarf styling, I’ve kept the vinyl pants the same, but I know I’ll be wearing this scarf with maxi skirts, high-waited tailored trousers, for a smarter look, and jeans for date night (once we’re all allowed out again)!
Click images to shop The Carnaby.
Each YeahSquare is made from 100% silk, of the highest quality, and is printed, dyed and finished here in the UK, by a seamstress carefully rolling each hem by hand. Owner, Jo Jennings, is passionate about “excellent design, attention to detail and good quality products, made in Britain”. Silk is a sustainable fabric and its natural protein structure makes it hypoallergenic. It's also biodegradable and recyclable. Win! Win! Win! Win!
Which style is your favourite?
The Head Wrap
In summer, our hair can be at risk from the sun’s drying rays. So whether you’re concerned about the condition of your locks, or you’re just having a bad hair day (we all have them!), consider styling a square scarf or foulard as a head wrap. Could there be anything more glamorous? I first tried this on my honeymoon, poolside at the Gansevoort Meatpacking in lower Manhattan. Compliments were abundant and I felt like a movie star from old Hollywood! Ahhh those were the days!
Click image to shop Helen Ruth wool scarfs.
This Helen Ruth scarf is100% fine wool twill, with a hand frayed edging, which feels super soft and light to wear. It is enormous! So, once we’re taking off on our travels again, this scarf will be an essential companion for staying cosy on board a flight and for those cooler nights beneath the stars… Meanwhile, I’ll wrap myself in it in the garden and enjoy an Aperol Spritz, or two!
the must-have Hat
Just add sunscreen.
This oversized hat is 100% paper and is available on Asos for less than £20 in their summer sale! Never too soon to plan for next summer, right?
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pirate chic!
Summer is a great time to take a style risk and try something new. Tying a large square scarf in a pirate style not only protects your hair and scalp from harmful rays, but also adds a cool and funky touch to any look.
The Statement Earring
If a head scarf isn’t your thing, add a bright, contrasting colour to your look with a statement earring. These watermelon ovals from Yolk Jewellery offer the perfect pop of colour to this PJ-style co-ord.
But if this is still too bold for your style, why not match up a blue glitter circle earring, as below, with a classic jeans and shirt look?
Yolk Jewellery is a female-owned business and all their gorgeous, colourful designs are handmade in the UK.
Click to shop Yolk Jewellery
The Pocket Square
Although summer isn’t usually a time for tailoring, with enforced staycationing this year and our unpredictable climate, a blazer is never far away! So I’m borrowing from the boys with this exquisitely designed, 100% silk pocket square, which is hand drawn, printed and hand finished in Scotland by Helen Ruth.
Despite its size, the pocket square can brighten up many a look, in a variety of ways. I’ve tied it to my wrist, below, rock-chick style - one to remember once music festivals get back underway!
Tying a pocket square to a high ponytail adds a preppy note to summer hair, and a splash of colour on those duller days.
Click images to shop pocket squares.
The Face Covering
If someone had told me I’d be featuring a face mask on an accessories edit 6 months ago, I’d have laughed and thought them unhinged! Such are the life-changing times we’re living in now. This mask is made from beautiful SS20 daisy print Christopher Kane fabric, and was gifted by the brand. It was hand sewn by me with love, after my sewing machine went up in smoke!
Given that face coverings are our new normal, it’d be nice to have something pretty to wear… so here are a few of my favourites by Helen Ruth.
The Hairband
This one’s a no-brainer! Perfect for keeping hair off your face when sunbathing (SAFELY), or for applying make up and skincare. This pretty, silk, printed hairband is handmade with love in Scotland, by Helen Ruth.
I hope you enjoyed this epic summer accessories edit. It’s been my pleasure to work with these new, independent, women-owned designers, based in the UK.
Let me know of any new brands or designers that you think I might like. I love finding and supporting new talent!
Much love and stay safe,
Nx