See you on Sunday!
AFTERNOON TEA & SHOPPING
BONPOINT 52-54 MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET W1
3-5PM
With Love,
Laura and Greta Zita x
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WIT mama Friday: See you on Sunday! #WITxBonpoint
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What I wore at the weekend: a Spring dress for my #WITxBonpoint event
I hosted a lovely mother and child afternoon tea party at the Bonpoint store on Sunday (more on that on Friday for my next WIT Mama Friday post later this week) and the "What to wear question" was one that I had time to address a bit late in the day... I had planned to wear something that didn't work out so I had to think something very last minute. When outfit panic situations like this happen, I like to have a super strict brief so I'm not faffing around wasting time so on Thursday night I looked for a pink dress, with a sleeve, not too short (rather long) and that evoked all things spring and happy!
I couldn't believe my luck when I found this chiffon, orange blossom print tea dress with tiny sequin raspberries embroided on the fabric from Topshop which is not even a maternity one but fits perfectly around a bump! I wore it with my old J.Crew pink velvet sandals (I found a really similar pair from Chloe in sale here and from Gianvito Rossi here) and tousled hair by my gorgeous friend George Northwood (I always do my own make up). As many of you asked me about the dress, here's a link to it (and other items in similar print).
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| Midi Dress by Unique £255.00 Topshop |
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WIT mama Friday: scrapoook from my WITxBonpoint event
LOVE
Laura x
See more photos from the day in my Pinterest moodboard
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The Isabel Marant spring jacket
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| Celine suglasses, J.Crew jumper, Topshop jeans, Aurora bag, IM Etoile jacket and shoes |
I bought a scarf print short Isabel Marant Etoile cotton quilted jacket when I was on my first maternity leave and wore it endlessly. It's the sort of smart casual wardrobe staple that can really make a different to your jeans and T-shirt look; so when I was in Paris at the end of January I put my head in the store in St. Germain to try on a longer style that I had seen on the Internet.
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It also comes in the short cropped style like my red one - it's perfect with jeans, cargo pants and even over little dresses. I opted for the longer version, it seemed like the perfect cover up for spring, not too heavy not too light and mainly something I don't feel precious about but instantly gives a little touch to my outfit.
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| Isabel Marant Étoile Elmer reversible quilted jacket £220 |
I find Isabel Marant Etoile does that for me, I have bought so many things form the diffusion lineand I love that effortless Parisian style with a bohemian slant to it. From T-shirts to dresses and shoes, here are some of my favourite pieces in store now.
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Tayler paisley-print playsuit £255 Leo lace-up ballet flats £290 Dill embroidered cut-out cotton top £225 |
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WIT mama Friday: How I'm (not) preparing for baby number two and my intreview with NINE IN THE MIRROR
A few weeks ago the lovely team from Nine in the Mirror and I spent a day at home playing dressing up and talking about all things motherhood. I got to wear one of the most dreamy Valentino gowns and the turnout was a sweet shoot in Greta's bedroom with pictures of me and my 7 months bumps that I will treasure forever, and a little account of how I am (not) preparing for baby number two. Here's a little extract from my intreview on the website, but head here for the whole feature.
"Motherhood inevitably changes you, yet sometimes this shift occurs so imperceptibly that you don’t realise your perspective has shifted until you look back. For Laura Fantacci, stylist and co-founder of online shopping platform Wardrobe ICONS, it was embracing change itself. “I used to be, or still am, a very controlling and organised person. Having a plan and sticking to it, having a to do list. Becoming a mother has taught me to let go and understand that its ok not to finish the to-do list”
Mother to a three-year-old daughter Greta Zita, Laura is currently pregnant with her second child. “This time hopefully it’ll be easier as I’ve already loosened up,” she says with a laugh. “I remember saying to my friends [about having Greta] ‘Oh it’ll be fine, I’ve got a file on how I’m going to do this.’ No, it really doesn’t work that way. It has taught me to embrace changes and things you haven’t planned. It’s something so new and inexperienced, the whole job comes with lots of changes within yourself, which can be difficult. But I’ve learnt just to go with it.”
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That summer dress we all want, for less. Found it!
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| Asos dress, Celine sunglasses, Isabel Marant shoes |
I've (almost) fully recovered for yet another round of flu and the result of one too many days in bed has been a lot of on line shopping... but I guess it's all justifiable when you are buying things that come from your own recommendations - right1!? So in the spirit of Wardrobe ICONS (we practice what we preach) I've been buying a number of things from my Top 50 High Street edit in this week's issue of The ICONS Update (if you haven't had a chance to see our bumper issue yet, take a look at it here as tomorrow we are moving on with the next issue).
One of the things I have been so excited tor receive was this ASOS Premium dress - thing is, with high-street, you never know what you are going to get. Some things look really nice in photos and models, but then when you receive them at home the quality really lets you down, but this dress I'm so impressed with.
I've wanted a Vita Kin dress forever, but it's just too expensive, then there's March11 (sooo gorgeous - Petro bought one I'm so jealous) but also super expensive... so when I clocked this black and red number from their Premium range at £70 I was so excited, and so pleased to see upon receiving it that cut, fabric and embroidery quality are up there with my super anal standards. Okay, they will never be like the real thing, but close enough! So if it helps make a decision, it has my total seal of approval.
LEFT
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Spring must-buy: the denim dress
The things I can still fit into to my surprise! I would have never thought I could squeeze myself (literally, my boobs are almost about to pop out of the fabric!) into this dress that I bought last year and have worn so much throughout last spring and summer. With the weather getting a bit warmer, I couldn't wait to slip into something other than my pregnancy jean and oversize jumpers, so I actually wore this ensemble at the weekend.
Unfortunately it is an old season dress from S Max Mara (a slightly cheaper diffusion line they do) so you can't get the same one, but it's given us an idea to try and find similar ones in next week's issue of The ICONS Update. So I'm working on it today - stay tuned and check out Wardrobe ICONS next Tuesday so our edit of the best ones available now.
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WIT mama Friday: 10 little things that make all mamas happy on a bad day
I've had one too many sleepless nights and sick days in the last few months, but hey ho, we can't complain too much - right? When the going gets tough and I need a little pick me up, there are certain things that always make me feel better. Some come at a bit more of a cost, but most of them are actually life's little pleasures. Here are mine. Happy Fridays mamas!
1- A manicure or pedicure
I know I've said this before - but those 30 minutes to myslef, sitting in a plush chair either sipping on a hot chocolate, watching re-runs of Sex and the City or or simply checking through my Instagram feed, are a true moment of bliss. And then you walk out with perfectly manicured hands and feet, the antithesis of all thing non-perfect in motherhood! To me this is the ultimate pick me up. I love Cowshed... they know how to make me feel pampered and this week I had my nails painted in a super dark shade of plum called Roubachka from Chanel (the only place I found stocks most Chanel colours online is here - they sell out so quickly everywhere else).
2- Weekend papers in bed
I'm not keen on giving Greta free access to the iPad, I actually sometimes wonder if I'm a bit too strict with it, but sometimes I just throw my hands in the air and give up. Why? Because I just want 15 minutes of peace! If you have a 3 year old chatty, me me me me little one at the weekend you will know what I mean. So last Sunday I did something I had never done before: I shoved those head phones on her with total freedom to flick through her (pre-approved) Netflix account to watch whatever she wanted. And so I read, undisturbed, the weekend papers for two hours. BLISS.
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3- On the sofa online shopping
It can be anything - my Ocado weekly shop, something new for the house or like this week, something for my summer box. It's just for that little thrill of a buy, and it always feels so good! I've missed it actually because being pregnant takes the joy out of shopping, yet with summer soon approaching and a bump free life ahead of me I have had that urge to shop again. I was on ASOS one night last week and ended up buying this tie-dye leather clutch. I can see myslef wearing it this summer on holiday... I can already smell the sea when I think of it!
Becksondergaard Leather Zip Top Clutch Bag In Tie Dye £35
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Pom-Pom Knitted Throw £69 Marks and Spencer
Pom-Pom Knitted Throw £69 Marks and Spencer
4- Fresh flowers
When the house is a mess, toys are everywhere and the super tidy person in me suffers in silence, I give the house a quick tidy up and buy some fresh flowers. There's something therapeutic about choosing the ones you want, bringing them home, placing them in a vase and then looking at them open up in the following days. Buying (and receiving) flowers always puts a smile on my face, so much so that this year I asked my husband if my birthday present could be just that - a fresh bunch of flowers per month delivered to my door from my favourite florists. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
5- A hot shower with a deluxe shower wash
After a long day, maybe with a sick toddler or just pregnancy/life/work exhaustion there is nothing that relaxes me more than a scorching hot shower with my favourite shower wash. I always buy something lovely, usually on the expensive side from either REN, AESOP or Cowshed. They last for so long and make my at home showers feel like I'm at Barnsley House.. so why not!
6- Bookingsome time out
It doesn't have to be anything major, just some sort of escapism. Last week I was reading about this farm you can go to just outside of London - the idea of a family day trip always cheers me up and knowing that I will give Greta some quality time together makes me happy inside. For solely me and husband time I would probably rely on the help of Mr. and Mrs. Smith for some kids free time! I recently went to Soho Farm House and despite being sick in bed the whole weekend, I loved every minute of my beautiful room.
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7- Beautiful stationery
Taking time to write a thank you or birthday card is something I take lots of pleasure in - I think it comes with the ritual but also from the fact that I know how much I too enjoy receiving a handwritten note in the post. I have a little folder with cards I've collected from everywhere, and a pot with my special pens.
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Taking time to write a thank you or birthday card is something I take lots of pleasure in - I think it comes with the ritual but also from the fact that I know how much I too enjoy receiving a handwritten note in the post. I have a little folder with cards I've collected from everywhere, and a pot with my special pens.
8- Pizza night on a week day
Now this is a bit of an unusual, but when the going gets tough I like to pretend like my life has not changed at all since having children - who needs a to book a baby sitter in advance when you can just put your kids in the car and head to your local pizza place for an early dinner on a week day?! Pizza night always makes me a little happy inside and like me, my family loves the impromptusness of it all. And if I'm feeling really wild... I will even have a whole full fat Coke! ;-)
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9- New Shoes
10- Wearing red lipstick
Because it instantly makes me feel prettier even on the days where I don't feel pretty at all!
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Now this is a bit of an unusual, but when the going gets tough I like to pretend like my life has not changed at all since having children - who needs a to book a baby sitter in advance when you can just put your kids in the car and head to your local pizza place for an early dinner on a week day?! Pizza night always makes me a little happy inside and like me, my family loves the impromptusness of it all. And if I'm feeling really wild... I will even have a whole full fat Coke! ;-)
9- New Shoes
I don't know what it is about shoes, I'm such a shoe girl! Maybe because on most days I wear jeans and so shoes can really change the way I dress them up, but for me shoes are a real temptation! This week I was shooting my last 'Shopping List" for Wardrobe ICONS which happened to be on summer shoes and I literally fell in love with this Charlotte Olympia pair... when I slipped them on they gave me a real Carrie Bradshaw moment! They will be perfect for my shower party and for my baby's city Christening... plus, YOU gave me permission to buy them so needless say more??
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| Charlotte Olympia Ilona bow-embellished canvas mules £545 |
10- Wearing red lipstick
Because it instantly makes me feel prettier even on the days where I don't feel pretty at all!
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Let the season of the peasant blouse begin
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| Joseph trousers and gilet, DAY Birger top, Aquazzurra shoes |
It there's one thing I love wearing in Spring and Summer is the peasant blouse - it's the most versatile top that you so easily dress up and down and makes any outfit instantly look a little more polished.
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| Mango £35.99 |
I wear it as I would wear a T-shirt and reach out for it with the same practical reasons: goes with everything and is super comfy (even when 8 months pregnant).
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| Madewell £125 |
I know the boho trend comes and goes, but for me a peasant blouse is an ultimate wardrobe staple.
Today I'm wearing an old one from last year, but you can shop for very similar styles practically everywhere.
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| Étoile Isabel Marant £170 |
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City appropriate espadrilles
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Chanel espadrilles from a selection at Vestiaire Collective |
My Chanel espadrilles were a totally crazy, indulgent buy, but I have to admit I absolutely love them and have got so much wear out of them last season, to my surprise mainly when I was in London. I think espadrilles are mainly a beach/holiday shoe, but with so many styles to choose from there are styles that make them totally city appropriate too. Sadly if you work in a smart office, I still think they are a total no-go, but could work at the weekend. Here are the rules I go by and all the ones I would own if I lived in Los Angeles all year round!
The perfect city espadrille:
- Opt for leather, suede and fabrics that you would actually avoid on the beach - they are more likely to be city appropriate.
- Choose neutral colours like black, navy and tan and save brighter shades for the beach.
- Styles with a closed toe and back are preferable to ones that are not.
- Avoid straps and lace ups that instantly look very beachy.
- A heeled or wedge espadrille is the ultimate holiday heel so stick to flat styles only.
- If in doubt, ask yourself if you could call it a shoe and if the answer is yes, then it's likely to be city appropriate!
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WIT mama Friday: you won't believe where this dress is from...
Part of the 'problem' of working at Wardrobe ICONS is that I literally spend my days in front of the computer looking for fabulous clothes for you and half the time end up buying them for me. Whilst that is a great testament to our overall philosophy of practicing what we preach it is a little bit of a slippery slope... nevertheless, here is a great buy especially for all WIT mama Fridays mums on a budget.
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This dress is, drum roll... from Monsoon! It surpasses the WIT quality and fit check and I can only apologies for modelling it with an 8 months bump I'm sure it will look much better on the non pregnant ladies that will get their hands on it today.
This dress is, drum roll... from Monsoon! It surpasses the WIT quality and fit check and I can only apologies for modelling it with an 8 months bump I'm sure it will look much better on the non pregnant ladies that will get their hands on it today.
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| Marilyn Dress £79.00 Monsoon |
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The WIT Refurb Sale (part two)
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| Getting ready to detox my wardrobes |
Those of you that follow me on Instagram will know that I've embarked in the crazy task of moving homes quite literally as I prepare to give birth. Luckily I feel like I have everything under control, and even if I don't... so be it - you're more relaxed with number two.. right!?! Anyway, to make room for new things and declutter before the big move, I've decided to give my wardrobe another little detox and sell some of my things.
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| Going through my denim box - I've got way too many! |
The result of this you can see on my Instagram account @WITrefurbSALE that I reactivated this weekend. It's quite a time consuming project so things will go up when I have time, and more is to come. Please apologise creases on dresses and general lack of "styling" but as you can imagine, bending over to take photos and ironing is not something I can do easily with an 8 months bump! Everything I'm selling is obviously in good or perfect condition and only sold because I have to make room for a smaller (but walk-in) wardrobe.
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| @WITrefurbSALE |
If you would like to see what's gone up this weekend just follow me on @WITrefurbSALE on Instagram and keep checking in the next few weeks. If you like something that is still available, simply email me at wearingittoday@gmail.com and I will give you all payment information (PayPal only). One thing is that postage has to be arranged by the buyer - same reason as above, I can't make trips to the post office. I will wrap everything up and you can either send a courier (if you are London based) or book one like Hermes, cheaper than Royal Mail insured/signed for and very reliable.
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| Some of your buys ready to be picked up |
Oh! And if you can't find anything you like on my Instagram, have a look at my Vestiare Collective account - there's a few things there you might like too!
Happy Shopping!
Laura x
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COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: WIT'S TOP 10 LOOKS OF 2015/2016 (as liked by you)
The time has come to go on maternity leave and put my feet up for a few weeks before my second baby arrives. To celebrate these last two weeks together I've come up with a few posts looking back at WIT and some of your favourite content. First up is "WIT'S TOP 10 LOOKS OF 2015/2016 (as liked by you)". I recently downloaded an App on my iPhone that allows me to see which posts are most popular on Instagram, and this is the Top 10 chart of your all time favourite looks of the past twelve months.
It was so interesting to see, because as I was going through them I noticed that the things you love, are the ones I love too: a statement skirt, fab accessories and a glitter shoe, but also all of those wardrobe staples like a stripe top, a grey sweater and a white shirt - those key staples that made me want to start the concept of Wardrobe ICONS as an extension to WIT. So whilst I'm gone, and if you think you might miss me a little (I'm sure I will miss you!), don't worry because Wardrobe ICONS and The ICONS Update will continue to provide you with a little form WIT fix on a weekly basis.
So, without further a due... here are the looks you liked the most:
NUMBER 10
The statement skirt
I remember this day - I was rushing around and had a work dinner with Kate Spade in the evening and I opted for a fun skirt and plain top. I've always loved statement skirts - I love their versatility, the fact that you can dress them up and down and that you can choose from so many different styles. I have everything from dramatic neon pink maxi skirts to sequin ones and raffia fringed pencil skirts and never tire of them. They have become such a thing, that Net-a-Porter now has a whole section just dedicated to Statement Skirts (that I love!).
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| Whistles skirt and top, J.Crew shoes, Mango bag |
NUMBER 9
The grey sweater
A grey sweater is a WIT must-buy, I couldn't live without mine. Despite having a shelf packed with them I wear each one of them on a regularly basis. Jenna Lyons gave me a little tip that has served me so well - when you find something you love buy it in different sizes, maybe one up or down, that way you can style it differently depending on the fit and look you are trying to achieve. I have fitted ones I like to wear with baggier bottoms and vice versa, but also different necklines and thicknesses for different seasons. My favourite grey sweater will always be a Tippi sweater from J.Crew though...
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| Gap jumpers, Lorenzo Serafini for Philosophy skirt, Jimmy Choo shoes |
NUMBER 8
The bold colour move
Despite loving a basic and having started a business revolving around it, I couldn't live without a Transformer in my wardrobe. Be it a statement accessory, a fun clutch or a bright pink jumpsuits, I love fashion too much not to be tempted by seasonal trends and making a few wild buys. This Topshop Made in Britain blindingly bright pink jumpsuit was one of those buys and I absolutely love it! I wore it on the cover of The ICONS Update and somehow I think it really sums me up: 'classic, but with a twist!".
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| Topshop jumpsuit, Accessorize clutch, Gianvito Rossi sandals |
NUMBER 7
The stripe T-shirt
I'm so glad one of my maternity looks made it into your Top 10, and even more glad to see that involves a stripe top. This is another WIT favourite and something I often go-to when I don't know what to wear. I would actually go as far as calling it a wardrobe saviour. My favourite is the Saint James® for J.Crew slouchy T-shirt - I love the long sleeves and slouchy fit. One heads up, get the white and navy (not the ecru).
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| J.Crew T-shirt, Stella McCartney cape, Topshop maternity jeans Chanel shoes and bags |
NUMBER 6
The jumpsuit
You obviously love a jumpsuit! After the success of the pink one, I bought the same exact style but in a more wearable colour and wore it so much, both day and evening with a smart clutch and heels - this was me wearing it to work. There is something so incredibly comfortable about a jumpsuit and I think it adapts well to any age. I prefer something with a sleeve and would always go a size up to get that effortless fit.
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| Topshop jumpsuit, KG shoes, Antonello bag |
NUMBER 5
The leather skirt
I think what you probably loved about this look was the thigh high boots, but what I picked up on in terms of wardrobe staples is the leather skirt, or leather bottom. I have everything from culottes, trousers, leggings to three different style skirts (full, mini and pencil) and wear them all the time. The great thing about leather is that you buy it once (clean lines and of good quality) and never ever have to buy it again. So think well and hard before purchasing a style, as real leather tends to be expensive and you want to opt for something that will last a really long time in your wardrobe. Whistles always has a good leather staple - and so do we in our ICONS section.
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| Isabel Marant Etoile jumper and boots, Whistles leather skirt, Bally bag |
NUMBER 4
The trench
At number 4 is the trench. How could it not be? Easily also at number 4 in my own hit parade of wardrobe must-haves, the trench coat is an item every woman in her late twenties early thirties should save to buy and will wear for the rest of her life. Fact. So if you don;t have one yet, you should! It's the perfect in-between season jacket, so chic, so timeless and will never ever fail to make you feel stylish and put together even on the days where you are wearing the equivalent of your pajama underneath. The one and only to buy - Burberry!
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| Burberry trench, J.Crew top, Day Birger jeans, Miu Miu shoes |
NUMBER 3
The boho dress
I love a little boho touch here and there and I remember falling in love with this Monsoon dress which I wore on a night out to celebrate my wedding anniversary. I like to do boho the dressed-up way, so would always pair my blouses with a designer bag or like in this case, a dress with fringed sandals and super slick clutch (the shoes were a fab Chloe buy and the clutch a another great wardrobe investment from Jil Sander). My rule is not to do hippy, I like a slick final effect. I'm glad it's a high-street look that made it at number three!
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| Monsoon dress, Jil Sander clutch, Chloe shoes |
NUMBER 2
The white shirt
At number two is the white shirt, obviously! Crisp, white, cotton the white shirt is most definitely an item that every woman should own. Find the style that works for you be it fitted, loose or boyfriend style and wear it with everything from your jeans, layered under jumpers, tucked into a pretty skirt and even as a beach cover up! My ultimate favourite styles of all time are the MiH Oversize Shirt (great with leggings and at the beach) and the Equipment Signature washed-silk shirt (perfect for smartening up just about anything and such a universally fabulous fit).
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| Gant shirt, MiH jeans, Valentino bag, Chanel shoes |
NUMBER 1
The designer coat
Ah! To think of the stick I got for this coat on Instagram ;-)
Well, it goes to show that a quality designer coat is at the top of your list too. Coats (and tailoring in general) is where to spend your money. You will never truly love a cheap coat, it can be a seasonal indulgence, but building a long lasting, quality winter coats closet has always been one of my absolute rules. This was the year I invested in a cape - it was something missing entirely from my wardrobe and I have, somewhat to my surprise, worn so much. I was pregnant and couldn't say at the time of this pic, so this coat served as a perfect maternity coat but it also works equally well in the day and as a smart evening coat.
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| Stella McCartney cape, J.Crew top and shoes, Gap jeans |
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COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: WIT mama Friday Special - your essential reading
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| Photo by Julie Adams from my feature with The Grace Tales |
The time has almost come to say goodbye for a few months, so to celebrate these last few weeks together I've come up with a few posts looking back at WIT and some of your favourite content. Second post of this series is a WIT mama Friday special, from the Friday mum-related posts that I have been regularly writing since becoming a mother to Greta in 2012, and more specifically the 8 posts you liked the most. Here we go..
WIT mama Friday essential reading
To see more of my WIT mama Friday posts, click on the WIT Regulars tab top left of the home page and choose WIT mama Friday
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COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: Wardrobe Oganisation rules I live by
When I was thinking about the posts I should leave you with before going on maternity leave, I thought a classic wardrobe-organisation one should definitely be included - after all, us WIT girls love a good wardrobe! Luckily last summer, once I finished my new fitted wardrobes, we did a shoot for Wardrobe ICONS that looked at all the aspects and rules I live by to have the perfectly organised wardrobe. Here are some of my top tips - if you would like to see the full feature head to The ICONS Update here to also shop some of my must-have wardrobe organisation essentials like baskets, hangers and jewellery dividers.
1) TO SEE IS TO WEAR
My wardrobes are built behind closed doors, but once I open them everything is organised by section and all accessories have a label so that I know wha't inside shoe boxes and dust bags. To see really is to wear more - make sure that however you decide to organise your wardrobe, everything is in plain sight so you don't forget what you own.
2) CHOOSE THE RIGHT HANGERS
Not all your items of clothing need the same type of hanger, so don't waist precious space with the wrong type. I use 4 different styles: clip on for skirts, thin velvet-effect non slip ones for blouses, men's fold ones for trousers and shoulder padded ones for coats.
3) KEEP YOUR SHOES SEPARATE
Shoes can stink, you walk in them on pavement and they are generally non hygienic, so try not to store them together with your clothes. I have a separate wardrobe for my high heels (that live in boxes) and pull out drawers for my flats. Find a place in your wardrobe/house that doesn't see them living with your fabrics and knitwear that can absorb odors and get stained.
4) PROTECT
Protect your wardrobe from moths with all your powers - I'm obsessed with the concept and place moth repellent sheets in-between all my jumpers and hang moth killer in each one of my wardrobes (even the ones that have no wool - you never know). At the end of the season I wash all my knitwear and take all my coats to the dry cleaners; yes at a price, but better that than a munched up Max Mara camel coat is how I see it!.
5) DE-CLUTTER AND STORE AWAY
At the beginning and at the end of the season try to get rid of at least five things - it will make you feel better about your wardrobe and also create space for new buys. Put away clothes that are not season-appropriate, it will be a joy to rediscover them all a few month later.
6) GO BEYOND CLOTHES
Be organised about all items that live in and around your wardrobes that serve to create the perfect outfit. Think about your belts, sunglasses and jewellery too. Once again, it's all about having them in one place so you don't waist time looking for this and that and then organising them appropriately.
Read all my tips and see the full feature of my 'Perfect Wardrobe' shoot in The ICONS Update here + shop some of my must-have wardrobe organisation essentials like baskets, hangers and jewellery dividers.
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| The ICONS Update |
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COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: The WIT wall
I remember someone asking me about the "WIT wall" one day and it took me a while to understand what they were talking about - what "WIT wall"?! Oooh I see!!! The brick wall I take my photo in front of every day!! It's funny because although completely unintentionally, "the wall" has become a bit of a WIT trademark, but it was never meant to be a style choice or with any particular significance - sorry!
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If you think about it, it's quite an ugly wall, it just so happens that North London is full of them and more so it's a plain background that doesn't change according to seasons, where I could just stand in front of and let the clothes do the talking.
It also helps that this particular one in the last three years is just outside my doorstep, so my husband could take a quick snap on the way to work. There have been many WIT walls throughout the years - in the early WIT days it was by a wall in the park I had to cross every morning on my way to work, then when I got married and we moved to our first flat it was just outside the overground, and finally when Greta arrived it was a more handy spot outside my house. She loves standing in front of it and giving me a bit of a pose!
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| Greta giving me her best WIT pose ;-) |
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| ASOS dress and clutch bag, Chloe shoes, J.Crew earrings |
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COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: Your favourite post of all time
Since then I've done lots more packing posts, more specifically about traveling and packing with kids and weekend getaways, some of which are listed below:
Last summer we dedicated an entire The ICONS Update to the packing-theme when I asked our photographer at Wardrobe ICONS to spend the afternoon with me as I prepared to pack for my summer holiday in Italy (we weren't faking it - it was all real time!). You can see that post here:
But this one, was your all-time favourite post on WIT of all time:
(And here's a little anecdote... on that holiday, my husband asked me to marry him!)
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| 31st May 2010 "WIT-ty-summer-holiday-packing" |
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COUNTDOWN TO MATERNITY: A day in my working life
OK so admittedly I picked quite a fun day as shoots are definitely one of my favourite part of the job, but the reality is that at Wardrobe ICONS, no other day is the same as the other. Petro and I work from our shared London office two to three days a week and when we are not at our desks producing the pages you see in your weekly magazine The ICONS Update, or researching the net for the best wardrobe staples to upload on the site, we spend our time out and about on press days, meetings, breakfasts and shoots - and this is the day I'm going to take you through today: the making of a Wardrobe ICONS'Perfect Wardrobe' shoot.
My 'Call Sheet' today lists all the information I need to have in terms of where I need to be, at what time and who is the talent we are shooting. This is sent to everyone involved on the day so we are all looped in. Today, I am shooting Roberta Benteler, the incredibly stylish founder and CEO of Avenue32 in her London wardrobe.
For once, I don't have to trek the other side of London, as it so happens that Roberta lives literally around the corner from me. I'm almost 8 months pregnant at this point so being able to drive is a real luxury! It's 9.30 and I'm at my desk ready to get going.
I get to Roberta's house and we walk to the top the property where she opens the door to her attic and... LOOK AT THIS!
There are rows and rows of immaculately organised clothes under the eaves...
... and in front of each section there are opened-shelved cabinets with rows and rows of some of the coolest shoes I have ever seen!
I can't resist the temptation of doing a little selfie and posting it on my Instagram, and you love this post just as much as me!
Eva K. Salvi, our in house photographer, is a real pro and photographs all of our beautiful shoots giving you the opportunity to get a real sense of the subject's wardrobes with lots of details.
Shooting our 'Perfect Wardrobe' pages is like doing a jigsaw puzzle, you have to think about every photo you take and how it's going to look in our layouts. I have a long list of shots I have to get done and keep a detailed list of each one of them.
We get shooting straight away as we don't like to take too much time out of our busy ladies life and like to get in and out within a couple of hours. Here we were shooting Roberta's hands with her favourite sunglasses...
... and this is the final shot you will see in The ICONS Update!
Eva checks with Roberta that she is happy with the next shot - doesn't she look gorgeous in the final thing and how much did I have to resist the temptation to buy her top straight after the shoot?!?!
We take a little break and I tell Roberta how much I love her Instagram and the "Roberta pose" that first got me hooked to her feed and where I first cought a glimpse of her amazing wardrobes...
So she gives me a little tutorial on how to achieve the pose...
... but with an 8 months bump it's quite hard and I don't feel I quite succeed!
Back to work! Final shot is the cover - I sit in the back to art directing the shot to make sure that we have enough space on the shot for our title and cover lines. Roberta is posing by her wardrobe in a super cool yet laid back look of broderie top and wide leg trousers. She looks amazing and I am so pleased with the final shot!
See the full feature in this week's issue of The ICONS Update live on Wardrobe ICONS
And if you want to catch up with some of our other features take a look at our archive section - here are some of my all-time favourite shoots with Martha Ward, Lucy Williams, Tash Sefton and Pandora Sykes.
I hope you enjoyed this little behind the scenes post - remember that you free, weekly copy of The ICONS Update goes live every Tuesday on www.wardrobeicons.com and that you can subscribe, for free by adding your email to our mailing list from the home page!
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The goodbye post
The waiting game has started and now I really must go. When I was thinking about my last post before going on maternity, I thought it should be words.. a little reflection on the truly amazing journey that Wearing it Today has been for me.
But words are not my thing, so I asked someone who knows what they are doing to sit down with me and help me reminisce.
We sat down on my sofa on a Sunday afternoon, surrounded by our kids mess, me heavily pregnant and planning yet another house move, a cup of tea in one hand and her home made banana cake in the other. And here is how it went...
Love
Laura x
So how did Wearing It Today all begin?
I’d just done a maternity cover at Red, as Acting Shopping Editor, and I was thinking: what next? I found freelancing hard. I was 26 and single. I needed a reason to wake up in the morning and get dressed. I’d recently met a girl from New York on a trip - she had her own fashion company and her productivity was so inspiring. I came back feeling like I should do something like that too, then a techy friend suggested I start a blog. It was only six years ago and The Sartorialist was the holy grail back then. People still thought blogs were self-obsessed and taking a picture of yourself everyday was showy-offy, but most of my friends continually asked me for style advice, or where I bought things from, so I thought I’d just do it for them - and so Wearing It Today was born. It was supposed to be a project for a year and I wanted it to be really true: exactly what I was wearing every day. The concept was – and still is - daily inspiration from a fashion editor’s wardrobe.
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| 20th February 2010 - WIT's very first post |
So why didn’t you stop after a year?
I just loved the community aspect of it. It was a responsive concept quite quickly – within a few weeks, people I didn’t know had found it and were commenting. At the time, even four new people and one comment meant a lot to me, so very soon I realised I wouldn’t finish it at the end of a year. Now on Instagram I have around 32k followers and roughly the same on the blog.
Are you surprised at WIT’s success?
Well, I don’t necessarily see it as a success. When I measure myself against people who started blogs at the same time as me - Man Repeller, Garance Dore – they have had global success. WIT has been fulfilling for me – it’s always made me feel like I had my own thing and filled a hole when my career wasn’t doing so well. But you have to be realistic – if after ten years that sort of success hasn’t happened, it’s time to think about modifying what I do…
What are the best bits about WIT?
Having something that’s mine - as a fashion editor, what you do is often determined by advertisers and editors. When I was single, there was nothing I loved more than sitting on the sofa at night writing a WIT post, and to this day, I still love it. I have a passion for fashion within me and I love talking to an audience. I know the WIT readers better than any other. Having this freedom and being able to reach out to this community is what has kept me going.
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| Posing in front of 'the WIT Wall' |
And what are the worst?
Comparing myself. We live in a world where we are constantly trying to be better. At first I didn’t do that as much, but now I can’t help but compare what I've achieved to others. I want WIT to be the best it can and have a million followers and it sometimes gets me down that I haven’t achieved that.
But I’ve been lucky in that I’ve experienced very little negativity, while doing WIT. The unfair criticisms are the ones that get to me, when people are spiteful or mean. I made the mistake once of reading a Mumsnet thread about me and I got to a point where I had to just turn away. I’m not a celebrity but it gave me a sense of what they must experience. That thread bothered me for days and now I know it exists but I won’t look at it again.
The terrible outfit comments don’t upset me though. If you put yourself out there, you have to be okay with people assessing you – that’s why WIT has a fail button. Sometimes I’m fascinated by people’s reaction and wonder: what was it people hated so much?
"WIT is not about buying what I’m wearing, it’s about inspiring you to create similar looks from your own wardrobe."
Is there anything you’ve worn which you regret now?
That Stella McCartney hat! It’s a riding hat in felt, which I loved, but it really didn’t suit me - everyone failed that outfit! I ended up selling it just recently. But I tried to make it work.
Which has been your most popular post of all time?
The holiday summer packing one – it’s an really old post actually. It’s a photo – taken in the flat I used to live in when I was single – and I took an actual picture of my entire suitcase from the top. Then I listed my rules. They’re still the rules I live by today: I colour coordinate, I take three of everything, everyone knows those rules.
What have been your WIT highlights?
Definitely the events – meeting the women who read your blog and being associated with a brand you love is always exhilarating. My first J.Crew event was a highlight. Greta was six months old when J.Crew first invited me to this bloggers lunch to celebrate their pop-up store opening. Petro looked after Greta for me and I wore a green skirt I’d bought for my post-baby WIT box. Jenna Lyons wasn’t at the lunch but I met her at the pop up shop later. We talked about babies and lipstick, and later I got an email saying ‘Jenna would like to do something with you’. Now I’ve hosted three events with them.
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| At my last J.Crew event in September 2015 |
What surprises you most about your readers?
How much they shop!
But you shop just as much!
I really don’t. As a fashion editor – and a blogger - people send you stuff. It’s your job to try the things out, test them and then share your opinions. When I was at Red I would put these clothes on a page, but now readers are more interested in seeing them worn by real people, in a more personal way. When I do posts, lots of the clothes I feature, I already own. People get frustrated when they see me wearing things they can’t buy, because they’re no longer available – but WIT is not about buying what I’m wearing, it’s about inspiring you to create similar looks from your own wardrobe. On a weekly basis there might be one or two new things on there – but I haven’t always bought them.
Do you think you should be more transparent about which things you are given and which things you buy? People may think you're only saying something is good because you were given it...
It's become obvious to me that people, in general, do want to see that transparency. But I feel really uncomfortable talking about how I get paid in my line of work, and I think anyone else, from a lawyer to an architect, would feel the same. For some reason in fashion it's different and people are expected to be ‘transparent’ in a way that’s almost a privacy invasion. The bottom line is, I would never wear and promote something I don't believe in. I work in fashion, so whether I have been gifted it, bought it with a press discount, in the sales, at the outlets, or full price it doesn't make a difference, if it's on WIT it's because it's worth owning.
"I don't believe in fast fashion and never really have. I think most of my readers have grown with me too and hopefully share my mindset. They’re the one who are now shopping on Wardrobe ICONS, which was basically created from this philosophy."
You said earlier you like the freedom of WIT but has it been harder to maintain integrity now you’re working more closely with brands?
No, not at all. The trust and respect of my readers is far more important and I would feel like I would be betraying not only them, but myself. Every brand I've worked with is one that I loved at the time and every product that I’ve featured is something I believe was worth shouting about to WIT readers.
Some readers probably feel frustrated that you started off sharing stylish high-street buys but now WIT is way more expensive. Do you worry about alienating readers?
Wearing It Today has quite faithfully followed my life in real time. When I started, I was on my first job as a fashion editor and my income was different, but mainly my mindset was different. I was younger and didn't mind buying cheaper items. But over the years, quality and longevity became really important to me. I started making smaller investments like shoes and bags, but then it became apparent that if I wanted my wardrobe to work harder, it would all have to be better quality. Now when I'm buying something I always think: how long will I wear this for? How long will I love it for?Unfortunately most of these ‘forever’ items are expensive ones, but there is no way I would trade my MaxMara camel coat with a cheaper version from Marks & Spencer's or my Chanel 2.55 bag with a similar copy. I really do believe in owning less but having quality. I still love the High Street and own a lot of cheaper items which I regularly feature on the website, but these have to be worthwhile buys too. I don't believe in fast fashion and never really have. I think most of my readers have grown with me too and hopefully share my mindset. They’re the one who are now shopping on Wardrobe Icons, which was basically created from this philosophy.
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| One of the most criticised and most loved posts of all time - the Stella McCartney cape |
So Wardrobe ICONS is where your heart is now?
It’s where WIT was leading – though I didn’t realise it at the beginning! When I started WIT I was happy to post every day, but then I got married and had my daughter, and now I’m not prepared to work every evening and weekend. As well as needing to refine how I worked, I also realised I could refine my concept. My style has developed into what Wardrobe Icons is – buying less, but buying better. When I came back from maternity leave with Greta I did a post on WIT asking readers for feedback. They said they wanted to see other women whose style I loved, more features on dressing for your size and how to build the perfect wardrobe. I had an extraordinary amount of replies - I kept them all and I still refer back to them now. I realised the next step wasn’t an improved WIT – it was Wardrobe Icons.
"The bottom line is, I would never wear and promote something I don't believe in. I work in fashion, so whether I have been gifted it, bought it with a press discount, in the sales, at the outlets, or full price it doesn't make a difference, if it's on WIT it's because it's worth owning."
And then Petro came on board?
Petro and I worked as fashion editors at Happy together. We had become great friends. We both had babies at the same time and one holiday, whilst breastfeeding together, I told her my idea for Wardrobe Icons. She wasn’t sure at first but over the summer, became more into it – and then suggested we do it together. From the first day we decided we’d do it Petro was properly committed. She came up with a plan immediately, which I found daunting at first, but her enthusiasm was contagious and very soon we had layouts and it became so exciting. I’d returned to my old job at Red after my maternity leave but very quickly it became apparent I couldn’t do both things at once, so I left to pursue Wardrobe Icons.
Is it hard to work with someone else after doing WIT alone for so long?
To my complete surprise the creative process has been smooth. I don’t know whether it’s just luck but we’ve never really disagreed. The two of us potentially serve a slightly different woman. Petro’s taller, she can do tailoring really well and can pull off a more masculine style. I’m more of the frilly girly girl. One of the strengths of wardrobe icons is that we’re collaborative.
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| Petro and I at Wardrobe ICONS office |
On WIT – and Instagram - some might say your life looks a bit too perfect – why don’t you show off the crappy bits too?
I strive for perfection. I like the table to be nice when you come to lunch, for the food to be nice, the invitation to be nice. That’s what I’d be doing even if no one else was looking. And although it might look like I’m sharing a lot on my blog and Instagram, it’s actually an edited version. I rarely share stuff about my husband or too much about my daughter. I try to keep the bits you see to be about me and fashion. In a way, the mess feels too intimate.
How has having a child changed you?
It’s made me realise life can’t be perfect! I’ve learned to give in to mess and just let it go sometimes. Also, now I would never judge a woman for whatever she does: parenting, work, all of that. Having children makes you much more understanding, tolerant and respectful. I used to make snap judgements. Motherhood is such a ride and can be so tough – and it was for me - so now I would never comment on how anyone else does things.
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| Greta and I shot for The Grace Tales |
What are your top three style rules?
Never, ever buying something you don't love. I get heart palpitations and a little flutter in my stomach when I find something that I know I am going to love. But it’s not cost dependent - there are things in my wardrobe worth £20 that I still love today (like my Accessorize clutches) and others I have spent a small fortune on, but all of them were great buys. Another rule is to pay attention to what looks good on your body shape, I don't embrace trends just for the sake of it, only the ones that look right on me. And finally don't buy according to size. I am technically an eight but have items in my wardrobe that are size 14. I buy according to fit and that is something that has completely revolutionised the way I dress.
Who are your style icons?
I’m really loving Roberta Benteler from Avenue 32. Of course Jenna is gorgeous, but for me now it’s more about random women I see on the street and how they style things. But Giovanna Battaglia I love – she’s always classic but there’s something a little bit out there too.
Professionally, Miuccia Prada is someone I find really inspiring. She’s always a step ahead of everyone, every season. I always think I hate her shows, but six months later I’m buying a pair of her crazy shoes or recreating a colour combo she’s done.
"Never, ever buy something you don't truly love and buy according to fit (not size) - that is something that has completely revolutionised the way I dress."
If you could only shop at one place on the High Street, one mid-range store and from one designer, which would they be?
Mango is brilliant, especially in the summer. They really serve all different customers, from my sister who’s 21 to my mum who is 60. J.Crew would definitely be my middle, butI'm not really one of those people that sticks to one designer religiously. Generally I would say that I am more of an Isabel Marant/Chloe/Tory Burch/Anna Sui girl in the summer and transform into more of a Celine/Joseph/ girl in the winter. Always with Aquazzurra and Gianvito Rossi shoes And always, always designer bags – Chloe is a recent favourite. Finally I morph into any Italian Sicilian Dolce e Gabbana girl in the evening!
What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?
My MaxMara camel coat. A good coat and can really make or break an outfit. If you buy something classic and good quality, from a designer, you’ll wear it forever. But second, and I know they’re niche, but my Joseph leather leggings. They make your legs look brilliant, look good with flats and heels, you can wear them to work or at the weekend or going out. They’re ageless: you can even wear them at 60 with the appropriate top. I got mine from Vestiaire Collective but if not, I’d have saved up the £600 for those exact ones. Then there's a crazy pink Jil Sander maxi skirt - I might not wear it every day, but when I do it makes me feel sensational!
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| At the Paris shows wearing my pink Jil Sander skirt |
What’s on your shopping list?
A Hermes Constance bag – which is a little cross body bag. I want a Louis Vuitton travel bag with the monogram at the front. I might get it as a ‘push present’ with my new baby’s initials, which makes it feel like an investment in their future! And next I want another coat. I have a good black Zara coat but not a really expensive one. I’d like a Celine one.
What do you think is the biggest wardrobe ‘transformer’?
It’s a shoe. It’s so versatile in a way a skirt, or a jacket, or jewellery isn’t. A shoe can transform a little black dress, a boho dress, it can make something more day, or more evening. That’s why I’ve got so many. I could get rid of quite a lot of my bags quite happily but my shoes are always an investment.
What is your fail-safe, go-to outfit?
Jeans - slightly cropped, a cashmere jumper and statement flat. A bit boring perhaps, but that’s what it is.
"I feel sometimes in life you have to push yourself to do something different. I’ve reached a point with WIT where I’m not sure there’s a lot new and exciting I can bring – and I don’t want to waste people’s time."
Is there anything you wish you’d known when you started WIT?
I wish I’d known about the more techy side of things. I did my blog without any SEO training and I often wonder, if I’d known more about the technical side, would it have done better? But otherwise I think I’ve had good training. I am so grateful for my magazine days – I learnt from working in the fashion cupboard and being inspired by amazing people like Isabella Blow. That training really shaped me as a professional. Petro and I feel that our website is different because we are former fashion editors – not just bloggers.
Why do you think WIT has found such a loyal readership?
Because I’ve never been avant-garde. When I started out, The Sartorialist was photographing out-there outfits – the crazy hat with the bright coat with the cool shoes. But I wanted to see the cargo pants with the smart flats and the Breton tops. That’s the thing with WIT – it’s not ground breaking, it’s not about crazy fashion. I just wanted to do normal.
You’re off on maternity leave – starting tomorrow. If you don’t talk to WIT readers again for a while, what’s the last thing you’d like to say to them?
I just want them to know, that leaving WIT for a while is not something I want to do, but something I feel I have to do, because my life has changed. It’s not a goodbye forever. I really hope our conversations will continue through Wardrobe ICONS – and you’ll still get that regular glimpse into my life on Instagram – though maybe not always on a WIT wall!
I feel sometimes in life you have to push yourself to do something different. I’ve reached a point with WIT where I’m not sure there’s a lot new and exciting I can bring – and I don’t want to waste people’s time. I don’t want it to be average. I hope WIT readers understand that the concept of the blog has now evolved into something even better: Wardrobe Icons. Hopefully it offers the same thing, just a slicker more professional service. I still cherish my WIT community and so hope they’ll join me on this next adventure…
"I don’t want the blog to be average. I hope WIT readers understand that the concept of the blog has now evolved into something even better: Wardrobe ICONS."
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Knock Knock. It's me.
Ciao!
It's me, WIT
No, I'm not back for good, even though I must admit that from time to time I have caught myself considering ways I could still fit WIT into my insanely busy work/life schedule. In the past 18 months there have been moments I almost logged into the back end and started typing away, but then the reason behind it never felt quite 'right'... well, that was until today. Why now? Because I have something I am really excited about and Instagram doesn't give me enough space to tell you all, and Wardrobe ICONS is not all about me and because ultimately, WIT has always been my direct link to all of you and I thought this was the perfect moment for a short comeback. So here I am. And I hope you will like what I have to show you because putting out there something so personal is always as much exciting as it is nerve racking!
You may remember that when my first daughter Greta Zita was born I was inspired by her name to create a small collection of rings and pendants featuring alphabet letters with a Florentine jeweller. Since then, it has been my dream to develop this concept further into something that feels relevant to me today. The final result is a collection of everyday pieces that can be passed on for generations, and with Otiumberg, I found the perfect partner.
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| Gilda Necklace |
I met Christie, Otiumberg's founder at a lunch over two years ago - we were both secretly pregnant, me with Vera and her with her first son Raf. Christie was leaving her role at Burberry to start a new venture with her sister Rosanna, I had just started mine. She was about to launch Otiumberg, a demi-fine jewellery website selling classic, forever pieces that she just couldn't find anywhere. We immediately clicked, and a friendship started.
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| Greta Hoops |
Months later we started a conversation about working on a collaboration together, and the rest is history. Meeting after meeting at my kitchen table obsessing about the perfect hoop and chain necklace length Laura Fantacci x Otiumberg was born. The 7 piece collection features reinterpretations of some of my favourite jewellery pieces as well as items I really coveted but couldn't find on the market.
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| Vera Mini Hoops |
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| Giovanna Bangle and Greta Hoops |
I hope you like it!
Love,
Laura x
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"This is a collection made to be worn, shared, given, and above all, cherished for years to come." |
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