Your One-Stop Style Shop!
24 March 2019
This silk belted midi dress from Andrew Gn is pretty much spring in a frock. The pretty daffodil and narcissus floral print set against a sky blue background is the perfect pairing. There are some colours that you can’t fail to be uplifted by and yellow is usually top of the list – a bunch of daffodils always make me smile so I love the idea of wearing them 🌼 I’ve accessorized the dress here with some yellow/white sling-backs from M&S (USA link here) a white woven handbag by Anya Hindmarch and topaz earrings from Auren.
23 March 2019
M&S is one of my favourite places for affordable casual day dresses and this floral midi dress is my top pick from their current range. (American readers can find the dress on the US M&S site here). I like the abstract floral print which is almost like an animal print – it’s as close to animal print as you’ll find on me! The top half is like a shirt dress and the fit is loose so it’s great for casual wear. If you’re purchasing I’d definitely recommend sizing down – the sizing of this one comes up super large! Red ankle boots from Hobbs, bag from Zara, jacket from Mango and earrings from Accessorize..
21 March 2019
If there’s a polka dot frock out there I’ll find it eventually 🙂 especially if it’s a shirt dress too ❤️ I’ve noticed this Burgundy polka shirt dress on a few Insta pages so it’s about time it got a feature – currently in the sale at Baukjen. I’ve accessorised it here with some wish list worthy ivory accessories – shoes by The Row and D&G bag ; sunglasses by Cartier Eyewear; earrings: Simone Rocha.
19 March 2019
This mellow yellow dress from Marks & Spencer caught my eye at the weekend – I like the asymmetric frilled hem and side buttons. A great throw-on number for spring/summer. I’ve smartened it up here a bit with a blazer from Mango and some very Chanel-esque contrast toe slingbacks, also M&S, but it would look great with some flat sandals come summer. Earrings and sunglasses also M&S and bag by Zara. Sadly there is limited sizing left already – M&S never stock enough of the good dresses!
Outfit links for my U.S.A readers:
Dress ; Bag ; Earrings ; Sunglasses
18 March 2019
This is the pink version of the unusual swirl printed dress from Reiss worn by the Duchess of Sussex a couple of weeks ago – does anyone else see teapots in the print?! Quite an unusual print but I like this colour-way. The dress (like many of Reiss dresses) is backless so it’s not going to work on all ladies. And can we talk about this blush pink blazer from Boden?! How has this escaped my radar up until now! A blazer is a must for spring days – they go with most dresses/skirts and trousers so win a lot of versatility points and this one is the prettiest colour. Blush suede courts: Boden; Lottie bag in dusty pink: Aspinal; earrings: Kendra Scott.
17 March 2019
Many of my followers are looking for Mother of the Bride / Mother of the Groom outfit inspiration this year. This Melody dress coat is new at Hobbs and looks really pretty – I love the delicate floral jacquard design. There is also a matching dress that you could wear underneath or you could just wear a neutral or peachy pink dress underneath. American followers can find the coat here and dress here. Ladies often tell me they don’t want to wear a towering stiletto when they’re on their feet all day at a wedding – this pretty rose suede heel from Boden is a lower heel so will be much more comfortable meaning there will be no excuse to leave the party early! Hat: Juliette Botterill at Cotswold Hat Club; clutch: Phase Eight; Earrings: Swarovski.
16 March 2019
I like the red/pink print on this shirt dress from Mango – It’s like a painterly animal print. Shirt dresses are my favourite style as they’re great for smart casual dressing if you like to wear dresses a lot but don’t want to look too dressed up. I’ve accessorized it here with ankle boots from Mango, statement earrings from Madewell at John Lewis, bag from Vince Camuto, and sunglasses by Marc Jacobs.
15 March 2019
A sharp and chic tailored blue dress from Emilia Wickstead – paired with an equally sleek and stylish hat from Philip Treacy. A royal blue look fit for a princess! (Shoes: Stuart Weitzman; bag: Bottega Veneta; earrings: Laurence Coste.
14 March 2019
Polka dots are my favourite print – timeless and playful – my eye is always drawn to new dottie dresses out there. So I love this new long polka dot frock from Zara for spring/summer. It comes with a matching belt but you could also change the look with a tan belt like this one from Mango. Tan cowboy boots are always a good wardrobe staple to go with any casual spring dress and I like the small tapered heel on these ones. Bag: Mango; Tortoiseshell hoops: Jaeger; Sunglasses: Gucci.
12 March 2019
A casual chic outfit suitable for the Cheltenham Festival which gets underway today. It looks to be a rainy day so I hope the weather doesn’t spoil your outfits if you are attending today! Cape coat: Marni; Black knit dress: Jaeger; Oxblood leather boots: L.K. Bennett; Oxblood bag: Mulberry; Gloves: Hobbs; Fedora Hat: Hicks & Brown; Earrings: Accessorize.
11 March 2019
There’s something missing in my wardrobe…and I think it could be a white ankle boot! Even The Lady’s Maid struggles in the uncertain times that are an English Spring… If, like me, you like to wear a lot of dresses footwear can be tricky if you don’t want the dressiness of a stiletto, the casualness of a trainer, and if I put a ballet flat on I tend to look like I’m on my way to school…So an ankle boot is the way to go…These ones are a not so bright white from Marks & Spencer and for a first foray into white boot territory I think they’re worth a try! Polka dot shirt dress: Hobbs; Sunglasses: M&S; Scarf: Mango; Earrings: Accessorise; Bag: Mango.
10 March 2019
A bright spring/summer pinky/coral look – one for Mother’s of the bride looking for a colourful outfit or maybe ladies day at Royal Ascot. I love the simple elegance of this pencil dress with statement shoulder bow by Helen McAlinden. Coral is Pantone’s colour of the year so it’s a perfect time to wear this beautiful hat from Juliette Botterill – also available to hire from The Cotswold Hat Club. Clutch: Coach; shoes: Zara; earrings: Swarovski.
9 March 2019
When spring is in the air but there’s still a lingering winter chill it’s nice to have a coloured coat in the wardrobe that is a bit brighter than the usual sombre winter neutrals. I love this primrose pink wrap coat from Ralph Lauren – a lovely soft pink cover for chilly spring days. I’ve paired it here with a floral dress from Ghost and a bag by Launer – the supplier of HM The Queen’s famous black handbag. They have a whole range of colourful handbags but this red/blush is my favourite combination. Boots from Carvela, sunglasses from Accessorise.
8 March 2019
Several of my followers are looking for yellow outfits for spring/summer. Yellow can be risky colour territory as the hues are often so bright that it’s tricky to carry off but there is a lot more variety in the shades of yellow available these days – mustard yellow being particularly popular and much more wearable than canary yellow. I like this soft chartreuse yellow dress and matching jacket from Hobbs – a smart sunny outfit to brighten your day!
Jacket: Hobbs; Dress: Hobbs; Bag: Aspinal; Shoes: Rupert Sanderson; Brooch: Susan Caplan; Scarf: Gucci; Sunglasses: Gucci; Earrings: Laurence Coste.
6 March 2019
Some ladies are still looking for outfit inspiration for the Cheltenham festival which gets underway next week. This turquoise feathered felt hat by Sophie Hunter is still available to hire from The Cotswold Hat Club at the discounted price of £50 – a great option for #colourmemarch – ladies day at Cheltenham – where racegoers usually add a splash of colour to their outfit! I’ve paired it here with a teal wild horse print dress and navy belted coat from Hobbs, navy boots from Fairfax & Favor, teal faux fur collar from Troy, topaz bag by Aspinal and earrings from Accessorize.
5 March 2019
I actually have more US followers than UK followers and I get a lot of messages wanting more US based labels that are easier for you to purchase so it’s about time I listened! Some of my followers go to great lengths to purchase the things I feature from the UK – I very nearly sent a jacket to a follower myself who was having trouble locating it in the US! Maybe I should get a new job as an exporter of English style! Three of the top things you’ve wanted help with are: 1) dresses with sleeves – these are easy to find in the UK but apparently not so much in the US according to my followers; 2) a smart work bag that fits a laptop and 3) elegant heels that you can actually walk in. So here is a feminine look that ticks all three boxes and is available in America! The Edith dress from Gal Meets Glam is a lovely blush pink colour and the fit-and-flare style is really flattering and elegant – I’ve styled it here for a smart spring day work look but you could easily dress it up for a wedding too – it’s a great classic and timeless style to have in the wardrobe. The pale pink leather Charlie tote bag from Coach has a divided interior, is large enough to hold a 13” laptop, protective metal feet and flat base for stability and both top handle and cross-body handle options, so all these features make it pretty much the perfect work bag! It’s available in black or white too. The shoes by Marc Fisher have a small, wearable block heel and are available in a whole array of colours. I’ve gone for pink plaid here to add a bit of pattern to the look. Earrings by Kendra Scott and sunglasses from Ted Baker.
2 March 2019
A super stylish sky blue wool military style trench coat from Guinea London perfect for the Cheltenham races later this month. The sky blue coat has navy velvet cuffs so I’ve accessorised here with a stylish blue velvet hat by Juliette Botterill (available to hire from The Cotswold Hat Club) navy dress from Hobbs and navy accessories. I’m all about the block heel lately – stilettos do look great but block heels are much more sensible at the races. Guinea London are offering my followers 15% off their coats (discount code LM15) This offer ends on Sunday 17th March.
1 March 2019
I’m hunting for a good wear-with-everything ivory blazer for spring/summer and think this one from Reiss may be a contender. I like the contrasting buttons which give it a more casual feel. I’ve paired it here with a floral midi dress from M&S and tan accessories for a smart/casual spring look.
Accessories:
Bag: & Other Stories; Shoes: Anthropologie; Belt: Mango; Earrings: Accessorize; Sunglasses: Bvulgari,
28 February 2019
Several followers have asked for ideas on where to buy elegant wide fit shoes. These navy blue suede shoes* were sent to me by a London shoemaker Sargasso & Grey. The Camilla court shoe has an extra wide fit with a soft cushioned insole and a small 5cm block heel making them easy to wear all day long – perfect if you’re on your feet all day at work or a wedding this year. Even if you don’t have wide fit you could try them – I tried one size smaller than usual as I don’t have particularly wide feet but I like the elegant block heel which is actually really hard to find in the predominantly skyscraper stiletto shoe world! They have this style in khaki green suede also and burgundy velvet. Also pictured is a zig-zag silk dress from Jaeger – a great desk-to-dinner number for spring, the new Lion Landsdowne bag in ivory from Aspinal and lapis lazuli earrings by Auren.
*(shoes – gifted)
5 February 2019
This is the final outfit from my Parisian capsule weekend wardrobe. Travelling with a pug on my lap meant I didn’t want to wear anything pale yesterday! So I decided to wear the colour block Brora scarf as a cardigan/cover up over the navy thermal polo neck on the train which was very cosy. It looks small here but it opens out into a massive blanket scarf – the kind where it is hard to see above once it’s wrapped around your neck…I always wrestle with these kind of scarves so I included them in the scarf section of my book which some followers may have found useful. The red loafers were really comfy but they are really smooth on the bottom so not very good when running for trains! With shoes like this that don’t have much grip on the sole you can always scratch the soles with something to make them less slippery of have them re-soled. Jeans by Mint Velvet, blue leather gloves from John Lewis and heart socks from Hobbs. The earrings are from Anthropologie (not available anymore but I’ve found some similar ones here). The Chanel bag was a gift several years ago – there are lots available on Vestiare too.
Some of my American followers were asking if M&S ship to the US – they have a dedicated M&S site for USA customers in your currency and language so you can search for pants, panties and pajamas 🙂
21 January 2019
If you want to brighten up your January working wardrobe this elegant pink tweed dress from Kotys will do the trick. Some followers are looking for smart dresses that are still feminine – the Hayley dress ticks both boxes – and is versatile enough to wear for special events like the races or weddings too. I like the loosely tailored shape – slightly fitted but not body-con tight so flattering and wearable. Kotys are offering followers of The Lady’s Maid 15% off this Hayley dress with the discount code TLM15. All Kotys dress are made of breathable natural fabrics and sleeves and hemlines can be customisable according to your preference.
I’ve styled the dress here with a coat by Reiss, shoes by Gianvito Rossi, bag by Aspinal, gloves from Dents, scarf from John lewis and earrings from Annoushka.
13 January 2019
This pretty dress from Ted Baker was bought by a follower for a wedding this year and she has asked my advice on accessories. It’s quite an unusual design – with a delicate pale pink floral bodice and sheer sleeves contrasting with the bold accent of red in the skirt pleats. I’ve matched it here with a red/taupe hat available to hire from The Cotswold Hat Club, red suede courts and red suede clutch, a faux fur trim taupe coat and Swarovski crystal stud earrings. This wedding is in March so it will still be cold in the UK but if you were wearing this dress in warmer weather I think you could lighten the accessories and wear it with a pale pink hat and pale grey shoes/clutch.
10 January 2019
Lots of people are looking are looking for winter and spring wedding outfit inspiration and it seems all of you want in on the headband trend! This pink velvet one is from Salvatore Ferragamo. The great thing about headbands is they’re much more wearable and less intimidating than a hat, and more versatile. You could wear some of them with casual outfits and evening outfits too, so they’re not a one-wear-wonder. I can’t quite get my style head around spring colours just yet so this dress is a good compromise – a wintery velvet dress from Anthropologie with a spring blossom pink pattern. Matched here with dusky suede courts from Ted Baker, clutch by Reiss, and earrings from Kiki McDonough.
21 December 2018
I really like this black & gold dress from Ted Baker – another of their winter sale items. It’s scattered with little gold stars so I’ve matched it here with some starry Swarovski earrings from Susan Caplan for a NYE look that will make you twinkle like a night sky. ✨ I seem to have pom poms on the brain today as it’s not like me to pick an evening shoe like this! But I really like the black/gold jacquard part and the the pom pom adds a touch of festive fun. Glitter bag with velvet bow also by Ted Baker.
Head to toe cost: £252.20
Earrings: £14.40 (including 20% discount – using code LADYSMAID20)
Fair isle jumper, Boden, now £64
Faux fur scarf, Ted Baker, now £35
10 December 2018
Continuing my little red dress looks here’s one from Kotys to brighten up a gloomy Monday morning and continue the festive spirit of Advent. The Vance red dress is available with ¾ or long sleeves and can be customised with a knee or below-the-knee length. Kotys has strong sustainable ethics behind their label – favouring a small collection of classic pieces that will stand the test of time. Each dress is made of natural breathable wool, designed and made to order in London – minimizing wastage of natural and human resources. Stella McCartney will officially launch The UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action in Poland today, aiming to promote low-carbon production methods and cut waste in the fashion industry – so it’s a good week to think about investing in sustainable fashion brands.
Kotys are offering my followers 15% off their dresses until December 20, using the discount code TLM15. They will also be at The Platform pop up shop on Marylebone High Street in London from today until 23 December.
I’ve matched the Vance dress with a classic red coat from Weekend Max Mara, a bold colour block scarf by Paul Smith, and taupe accessories: boots by L.K. Bennett and bag by Aspinal. The vintage brooch is from Susan Caplan (20% off is available on all Susan Caplan jewellery with my discount code LADYSMAID20).
7 December 2018
I liked the wide leg navy Jigsaw trousers The Duchess of Cambridge wore in Cyprus the other day. Kate is usually a fan of skinny jeans which aren’t always so flattering on all shapes and sizes so it’s nice to see her embracing a trouser style that can be worn by the rest of us! I’ve styled a look here inspired by Kate’s trousers featuring navy trousers form Hobbs, a jersey crew neck top from Pure Collection, tartan blazer from Hobbs. The downside of wearing trousers like this is that they do always look better with a high heel so that the hem doesn’t drag on the ground or collect around the shoe.
Heels: L.K. Bennett, bag: Aspinal of London, belt: John Lewis, vintage gold hoop earrings: Susan Caplan (20% off with discount code LADYSMAID20).
6 December 2018
Just when I thought I’d seen all the pretty dresses out there, another one pops up! Love this cap sleeve turquoise satin dress from Jaeger – a really elegant Christmas / New Year party frock if you’re looking for understated glamour rather than all singing all dancing glitterball style dresses. I’ve accessorised it here with a clutch from Zara, heels by L. K. Bennett and beautiful vintage earrings from Susan Caplan. You can get 20% off these earrings and everything at Susan Caplan by using my special discount code: LADYSMAID20.
4 December 2018
I get lots of requests for more work appropriate posts so it seems to be an area of the wardrobe people want inspiration for. What you wear to work will obviously vary greatly depending on what you do. One good thing about certain jobs where a uniform is required is that no imagination is needed in that department first thing in the morning! When I worked as a maid at Buckingham Palace I obviously had to wear a uniform so dressing was done super quickly and the other 90% of my wardrobe was off duty clothing. In recent years when I had more freedom in what I wore to work I also spent the majority of my time at work so my clothes would be about 90% workwear and 10% off duty. So my wardrobe has gone from one extreme to the other! I think it helps if you create your own uniform – like this blouse and tailored trouser combination – and re-interpret it in lots of different ways – different colour combinations, patterns etc. It makes it much easier to shop and to decide what to wear each day. So you can spend more time planning your more fun outfits like Christmas parties 🙂
These red and black puppy tooth cigarette trousers are from Jaegar. I’ve matched them with a colour block blouse by Oasis, patent flats from Boden, tote bag by L. K. Bennett, Coat by Hobbs and scarf by Zara.
28 November 2018
Several followers have asked to see more work appropriate outfits, so I’m trying to balance all the occasion wear with more daily wear. The Fold is a really good place for smart separates and day dresses. And it’s not just blacks/navys/greys like a lot of work wear tends to be. One of my favourite pieces from their current range is this pink jacquard pencil skirt. I’d wear this with a plain roll neck – either a berry burgundy like the one pictured here from Hobbs or maybe a soft matching pink, for a smart/casual work look.
Lots of people ask about coat length when wearing dresses/skirts. I think for the smartest look it always looks better when the coat matches or exceeds the skirt length, so that you don’t see two hemlines. But for every day wear this isn’t as essential and it really depends on the style of coat and the style of skirt. With a knee length pencil skirt like this if you don’t have a long coat I would go the other way and wear a short coat like this belted one from Ted Baker, or a less structured 60s style cropped coat would look chic too. If you go in between it can look a little unbalanced. It’s definitely part of winter dressing that is tricky to get right all the time. Bag: Aspinal; heels: L.K. Bennett; scarf: John Lewis; leather gloves: M&S, earrings: Annoushka.
27 November 2018
If you’re looking for something different to festive reds and greens for your Christmas wardrobe then this striking A-line skirt from Jaeger might be one for you. I love the gold leaf print. It’s high-wasited so I think you have to be quite tall to wear it. Let the skirt take centre stage and pair with a simple black top – this one with asymmetric neckline is also from Jaeger, as is the black faux fur trimmed coat. The beautiful heart shaped earrings are from Kiki McDonough.
Hair accessories have got larger lately and hats smaller and in between you have this trend for headbands that aren’t exactly millinery and not your usual alice band either. I like them – and I like the fact they can be worn in the evening as well as day time. This gold velvet knot headband is by Eugenia Kim. Shoes: L.K. Bennett, clutch: Wilbur & Gussie.
26 November 2018
After saying I wouldn’t wear leopard print I may have to eat my words – I bought this pink leopard print shirt dress from Marks & Spencer recently and I actually really like it. I think I like it more for it’s design than it’s pattern – the blouson sleeves, waist tie and skirt pleats. A shirt dress is always really easy to wear and dress up or dress down and the pale pink combined with the leopard print is an elegant alternative to the usual brown tones of animal print. You could wear it with smart blazer for work, like I’ve pictured here, or you could dress it down with a pink jumper or a leather jacket. It doesn’t photograph very well here, so head to the M&S website for better pics. It’s one of Holly Willoughby’s picks in her collaboration with M&S so you can see how she styles it there. Also pictured above is the mini Lion Landsdowne bag from Aspinal, boots by L.K. Bennett and earrings by Monica Vinader.
Also, TIGHTS – if you’re a dress wearer like me, even in winter time, then opaques are a must. I hate decision making when you’re faced with too much choice so it’s a relief when you find something you like and can stay loyal to it. There are so many different types of opaque tights available but I’ve pictured my favourite ones for winter – 60 denier velvet touch from Marks & Spencer. I like them because they’re a really dense velvety black and are comfortable to wear. They’re also available in a 40 and 100 denier. I find a denser opacity looks better with patterned dresses. I also really like their 40 denier silky soft opaques – really comfy to wear too and soft against the skin. These I tend to wear with block colour dresses, black dresses or if I’m wearing them in the evening.
Velvet Touch Luxe, £8, M&S; Silk Soft Opaque Tights, £6, M&S.
24 November 2018
This midnight blue Motcomb velvet coat from Guinea London is a stylish cover up for winter events – maybe for a trip to a Christmas market or ice skating in style at Somerset House. Made from luxurious Italian velvet with silver military style buttons and a pink lining. The length is ¾ so I’d wear it with a mini dress/skirt and boots for a smart look or dressed down with jeans/trousers. I’ve styled it here for a winter racing look teamed with a matching dress from Hobbs London, blue velvet trilby by Camilla Rose available to hire at The Cotswold Hat Club, grey suede boots from Hobbs, blue tweed bag from Kurt Gieger and earrings from Susan Caplan (20% off is available with the discount code LADYSMAID20). Guinea London are offering 10% of this coat (also available in black, green and rose) to followers of The Lady’s Maid – enter LM10 at checkout.
23 November 2018
It’s hard to avoid the lure of a Black Friday offer today. And if you’ve done your research then it is a good time to save money on your winter wardrobe, especially if you have any occasion outfits to plan for. I love this chic winter blue coat from Hobbs with a detachable faux fur collar and cuffs – wear without as a basic everyday coat, add the trimmings and you’re winter wedding/race ready. I’ve styled it here for a look suitable for the Newbury Festival next weekend. All these pieces are included in Black Friday sales – coat: 25% off; Boden blue suede boots: 30% off ; Aspinal Mayfair bag: 20% off; Susan Caplan vintage earrings: 20% off (with my discount code LADYSMAID20); Dents cashmere lined leather gloves: 20% off.
The hat is by Sarah Cant and available to hire from The Cotswold Hat Club. If your calendar is filling up with weddings over the next year then it’s well worth checking out the Black Friday discount they are offering for a year’s membership – unlimited hat hire for £250. Some premium hats cost £80/100 to hire so it’s really good value for money if you plan on hiring more than 2 hats in a year.
19 November 2018
This LBD with a twist from Hobbs is an ideal desk to dinner dress. The oriental style red sash is detachable so you can wear it as a simple shift in the day and add the sash for a high impact but elegant evening dress. I’ve accessorised with some red heels from Spanish shoemaker Silvia Lago, black clutch also from Hobbs and statement vintage panther earrings from Susan Caplan.
15 November 2018
I featured this fishtail burgundy dress from Marks & Spencer a couple of months ago and it’s now back in stock. Several followers are looking for outfit inspiration for Christmas weddings so this would be my top pick for a budget festive occasion dress. Snap it up while you can as I doubt it will be in stock for long! I’ve tried this dress on and can really recommend it – good quality thick fabric – feels much more expensive than £49.50! I’ve matched it here with a burgundy hat by The Cotswold Milliner available to hire from The Cotswold Hat Club, burgundy coat and faux fur scarf from Hobbs, clutch by Aspinal, heels by L.K. Bennett and jewelled earrings from Zara to add a bit of Christmas sparkle.
10 November 2018
I sometimes get criticism for being too matchy-matchy…wearing one colour head to toe isn’t for everyone – some think it can appear too obvious or too old fashioned – but I like it for formal daywear. It always looks elegant and timeless and those are two things that are high up on my list when it comes to choosing clothing. That’s just my personal preference though – others prefer to wear bright contrasting colours to look fresh and quirky and that can look great too – people should wear what they love and feel comfortable in. Also by styling matchy-matchy looks like this I’m trying to show how easy it is to look “put together” for a formal event which is something followers frequently say they struggle with – if you stick with one colour or two then it’s hard to go wrong. Monochrome looks can be really subtle too, if you vary the texture – matte with shiny – or add some embellishment in the same colour – like the feathers and crystal earrings and brooch here, you get subtle variety that I find appealing, rather than the jolt of contrasting colours. This Burgundy Leticia dress is a new style by MiaGiacca – a classic fit-and-flare 3/4 length sleeve wool dress perfect for dressing up for an A/W formal day time look. If you want to make a hat the feature of your outfit it’s sometimes best to go for a classic dress like this which could carry and complement any design of hat. I’ve matched it here with a feather trimmed hat by Bundle Maclaren – available to hire from The Cotswold Hat club, velvet accessories from L.K. Bennett and vintage earrings by Susan Caplan. MiaGiacca is offering 15% off the Leticia burgundy dress to followers of The Lady’s Maid if you use the discount code LADY15!.
8 November 2018
This is one of my favourite dresses from the current range at Boden. I really like colour block so I like this flash of pink/purple in the red skirt. Boden is having a flash sale with 25% off, from today until Sunday. The mulled wine cross body bag and kitten heels are also from Boden. The poppy brooch is available at M&S.
7 November 2018
This midi dress from M&S is the perfect casual autumn dress for me – I love the forest green colour and autumnal floral pattern. It’s super flattering too – with an elasticated waistline so would be flattering on most sizes and shapes. I’m a big fan of dresses as casual wear – mainly because I never really get along with jeans so dresses like this get a big tick from me. I’ve accessorised it here with tan boots and bag, earrings from Accessorize and a Burgundy wool coat from Hobbs.
6 November 2018
I spotted this burgundy polka dot shirt dress in New Look yesterday and thought it was a good replikate for the Whistles burgundy polka dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge a couple of weeks ago. This one is shorter so I would wear it with either thick opaques and boots or over black leggings. There is limited sizing online but there were quite a few in store. I’ve matched it here with ankle boots by Unisa, bag by Michael Kors, scarf from Zara, gloves from M&S, coat from John Lewis and earrings from Accessorize.
1 November 2018
Now that it’s the first of November I can legitimately start posting Christmassy looks. I love all shades Burgundy so I think this pleated velvet oxblood dress from Ted Baker is a great Christmas frock, if you’ve got the shoulders/arms for a halter-neck, if not then cover up with this stylish bow waist jacket for a smarter classic look. And can we talk about this bag from Dune 😍 so pretty. Vintage earrings by Jennifer Gibson, heels by L. K. Bennett.
The royal Duchesses are all about the colour blue this week so here’s another elegant sleeved dress from Kotys – the Lena navy blue dress. Classic colour, elegant fit and flare skirt and it even has pockets – what’s not to like! I’ve added a bit of contrasting colour and pattern with this mustard yellow bag from Aspinal and a printed scarf from Fat Face. Several followers have been looking for a smart work shoe that isn’t a towering stiletto – I like these block heels from Russell & Bromley – elegant and wearable without ruining your feet.
Kotys are offering a 10% discount on all their dresses to followers of The Lady’s Maid. Discount code: TLM10. Head to their website to view their full collection here. All dresses are made in London and are 100% English wool.
31 October 2018
A classic check blazer is a great wardrobe staple for your autumn/winter wardrobe. I’ve styled a classic smart casual look here similar to the outfit worn by The Duchess of Cambridge yesterday – classic black separates: roll neck, jeans, and ankle boots with a checked blazer and added a black bag, burgundy scarf and pearl earrings. All these pieces feature in my capsule wardrobe, which you might recognise if you’ve read my book yet! They’re basic pieces but if you like a classic look they’ll always look smart and never really date. Plus you can always update the look with brighter accessories or statement jewellery.
29 October 2018
I have featured Kotys dresses a couple of times before and they always get a good response from my American followers, some of whom have told me that they sometimes find it difficult to purchase classic dresses with sleeves – so you’ll be pleased to hear that Kotys have now added the USA to the list of destinations they deliver to. I’ve styled them into looks for workwear and summer weddings before but today I’ve picked one for a winter racing look. The Perry brown is made of 100% wool, fully lined and has a standard ¾ length sleeve but can also be customised to a longer sleeve. All Kotys dresses are made in London. Head to the Kotys website here to view the other dresses in their autumn/winter range.
Kotys are offering 10% off all this week to followers of The Lady’s Maid – enter the code TLM10 at checkout.
Accessories: pheasant hat: The Cotswold Hat Club; mini trunk bag: Aspinal of London; boots: Zara; earrings: Annoushka; belt: The Fold; coat: & Other Stories.
27 October 2018
This is another of my favourite coats form the AW range of London based designer Katharine Hooker. The contrast coat in Petrol is a made of peacock teal wool with leather detailing on the collar, cuffs and pocket flaps. I like the long cut of these coats as they are perfect for more formal dressing – winter weddings or the races – and great as a cover up for longer skirts/dresses. Katherine is in New York today and next week so if you are a NYC follower and would like to try on a quality British coat made in London head to:
Katherine Hooker in New York
Sam Leung Tailors
851 Lexington Avenue, 1st floor
(between 64th and 65th Street)
New York, NY 10065
Sat, Oct. 27th
11am – 5pm (or by appointment)
Tuesday Oct. 30th – Friday, Nov. 2nd
11am – 5pm (or by appointment)
I’ve accessorized the contrast coat here with a turquoise hat by Sophie Hunter (available to hire from The Cotswold Hat Club) suede boots from Boden, mini topaz trunk from Aspinal, and pearl earrings by Annoushka.
Contrast coat in Petrol, Katharine Hooker
22 October 2018
I could see an outfit like this on the Duchess of Cambridge this Autumn/Winter. I love the rich berry red hue of this Cliveden dress by The Fold at this time of year, and the gathered pleating at the neck adds a bit of stylish edge to an otherwise simple dress. Also pictured is my favourite coat from the new A/W range at London based designer Katherine Hooker – the contrast coat in soft pink. I love the Burgundy velvet accents in the collar and pocket flaps. For my American followers who like this style of English coat, Katharine Hooker will be in NYC this week and next (from Wed), by appointment, at Sam Leung Tailors 🇺🇸.
Accessories: bag by Aspinal, shoes by L.K. Bennett and earrings by Annoushka.
21 October 2018
This turquoise tweed dress and matching coat are from the new range at Lalage Beaumont and are perfect for a classic Mother of the Bride autumn/winter look. I’ve matched the tweed ensemble here with turquoise accessories: hat available to hire from the Cotswold Hat Club, heels by Boden, mini trunk bag from Aspinal of London, peacock brooch from John Lewis and turquoise earrings from The Antique Jewellery company. These tweed coats are great as you could also wear them quite casually over a top and jeans so they don’t have to be saved for special occasions – which will bring the cost per wear down a bit! Head to my guest blog post at Lalage Beaumont for more winter wedding outfit ideas.
20 October 2018
Add some autumnal tweed to your weekend casuals with this new “Flame” blazer from MiaGiacca. A classic double-breasted houndstooth print tweed blazer in vibrant pink tones made of light-weight British tweed. I’ve styled it here with casual separates: a rollneck jumper and jeans accessorised with a crossbody bag, boots and pink drop earrings, but I think you could also wear it with a classic white shirt and black trousers for a work look. MiaGiacca are offering 15% off the Flame blazer to my followers for a limited period from today (until next Saturday) using the discount code: LADY15.
19 October 2018
This maroon shirt dress from & Other Stories is another one from my wardrobe that I have winterized by layering. It reminds me a little of the burgundy shirt dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge yesterday. I’ve added a polo neck underneath from M&S – I love these polo necks – they’re lightweight and thermal (made with Heatgen™) so will keep you snuggly and warm under dresses and knitwear for autumn/winter. For once this look is practically what I’m wearing today – the only thing I don’t have is the bag!
17 October 2018
This magenta pink dress from The Fold reminded me of the vibrant raspberry pink dress worn by The Duchess of Cambridge at Princess Eugenie’s wedding last Friday. A similar shade to the winter crimson jumper I featured yesterday too – a great colour for Autumn. I’ve matched it with navy patent courts from L. K. Bennett, a navy mini Lion Landsdowne bag from Aspinal, navy belt and a colourful cashmere scarf – the “Bolshoi” by Dolce Roopa, with rose quartz earrings from Monica Vinader. Perhaps a look suitable for the Queen of colour, Queen Maxima!
16 October 2018
I’ve been looking for the right jumper to “winterize” this dress I bought from H&M at the end of summer and I think this cropped cashmere jumper from Pure Collection might be a good one. I love the vibrant berry “winter crimson” hue and the cropped length make it suitable for pairing over dresses and skirts in autumn so that you can make summer last a bit longer in your wardrobe at least! Also, it’s machine washable which is a big plus! I’ve accessorized the look here with a burgundy bag from Aspinal of London, heeled boots by Zara and Accessorize earrings.
15 October 2018
Forest green was a popular colour amongst the guests at last Friday’s royal wedding. It’s a great colour for those looking for inspiration for autumn/winter racing outfits. I’ve picked out this double breasted coat from & Other Stories and matched with a green felt hat available for hire from The Cotswold Hat Club, for a winter racing look. The pine green half sleeve dress is from Marks & Spencer and reminded me a little of the high necked dress by Emilia Wickstead worn by Pippa Middleton at the royal wedding. To add a touch of glamour as well as warmth I’ve accessorised with a gorgeous green faux fur scarf from John Lewis, brown leather boots by Fairfax & Favour and mini trunk bag by Aspinal of London. The smoky quartz earrings are by Kiki McDonough.
9 October 2018
This post is for a follower who has purchased this pine green midi skirt from M&S. I love the asymmetric panelling of the skirt – it makes it a little different from a classic midi. I’ve pictured a couple of options here to dress it up for her bridal shower lunch: for a smart casual look you could layer a patterned blouse over a high neck top and wear with heeled boots or just wear the blouse alone and add some statement heels. OR for something a little smarter wear the skirt with a cropped jacket and the heels – you could switch over the footwear here with each outfit to vary the look too. These Chatsworth green Cordelia heels from Boden are a perfect match with the skirt and a great way of dressing it up!
Earrings: Accessorize; bag: & Other Stories.
8 October 2018
Another British label that I think would suit the Duchess of Sussex is The Fold London – they have classic tailored sleeved dresses but always with a contemporary twist – with flattering draping, pleats and asymmetric cuts adding just the right amount of edge. This Montrose dress in deep green is a new style for autumn/winter – featuring clever diagonal front folding to enhance the shape. I’ve pictured it with neutral suede courts by Gianvito Rossi, a green bag by Gabriela Hearst, the Sorrento cashmere scarf from Dolce Roopa and earrings by Birks (not available anymore so the link is for a similar style in turquoise).
29 Sep 2018
Dress – Chi Chi Clothing
Heels – Aldo
Clutch – Aldo
Hat – Hosties Hats
Earrings – A. B. Davis
The best thing about winter is getting to wear cosy knits. Chunky cardis like this southwest patterned one by & Other Stories are a great way of transforming casual basics like jeans and a roll neck. You can also wear them as a main cover up too instead of a jacket or coat if you layer up underneath. Fine knits like merino wool are the best for layering – This one is by John Smedley – a favourite knitwear provider of HM the Queen. Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn were also known to wear Smedley’s fine knits – ladies who knew how to wear a classic jumper with style!
Accessories: bag, boots, earrings, scarf.
28 Sep 2018
A few followers are looking for December wedding outfit Inspo – I think Christmas weddings are much easier to shop for than Autumn as at least you can be fairly confident of what the weather will be like, which is always a big factor when dressing for big events. Autumn is so changeable (a drop of almost 10 degrees in the UK from yesterday to today) which plays havoc with the wardrobe. December events are also an opportunity to indulge in luxurious looking fabrics like these black raspberry velvet heels and bag from L. K. Bennett. The raspberry pink dress by Reiss is a bit skin exposing at the back – if you do a bit of faux fur shrobing with this Merlot jacket from Coast you’ll keep the goose bumps at bay! Also pictured are some beautiful garnet drop earrings by Annoushka and the pièce de résistance – a burgundy rose and velvet headpiece from the AW18 collection of Scottish milliner William Chambers.
Camel is my favourite neutral for autumn/winter coats as it goes with everything but this mocha shade is also high on my list. At £375 this wrap coat by Reiss is a bit pricey for a high street label, so I’m bookmarking it in the hope of a Sale reduction! Also pictured are my top pick for a heeled Burgundy boot for winter, and a red checked midi dress by Zara, accessorized with some repeat appearances for the red tiger print scarf by Hush and red flower pom pom earrings from Accessorize. Plus my favourite Aspinal of London mini Landsdowne Lion bag in claret/black.
27 Sep 2018
Ever since I said I don’t really like animal print the big cats have been creeping onto my page! I think I prefer it as accessories like these sling backs from Aldo…when you break it down as an abstract pattern it has all the neutral colours that I like – black, camel, ivory – so is a good way of adding pattern to a classic outfit to update it. Also If the rest of your outfit is block colours one patterned accessory adds a bit of interest to the ensemble. The abstract colour block scarf from Hobbs also lifts these classic separates: cream silk blouse by L. K. Bennett, black culottes by The Fold London and camel cardigan by L. K. Bennett. The hoop earrings are from Accessorize.
£175.00, The Cambridge Satchel Company.
A couple of followers asked me what my recommendations were for work bags that are stylish but big enough to fit a lap top – I’m going to do a blog post on it soon but this is one option for now – from The Cambridge Satchel Company. Their bags are hand made in the UK and inspired by the traditional British leather school bag (I still remember mine) so I can see the appeal that tapping into this nostalgia generates. They have a wide range of coloured leathers to modernise the look so you don’t look like you’re going to work with your old schoolbag! I’ve pictured the classic “Batchel” in oxblood leather. A variation on the original satchel as it has a top handle as well as the longer satchel strap . It’s 15” so would fit a 13” lap top and A4 files. They are currently celebrating 10 years in operation by offering up to 50% off some of their collection – check out the bags on offer here.
26 Sep 2018
Dress – Ghost Fashion (not currently available)
Hat – The Cotswold Hat Club / Julie Kenny Designs
Coat – Ted Baker
Burgundy suede/red bow heels – Boden
Beaded bag – Zara
Garnet drop earrings – F. Hinds
Velvet heels – Malone Souliers
Velvet bag – L.K. Bennett
This outfit has a subtle roar about it 🦁 There are three wild cats here but they’re not jumping out at you! L. K. Bennett have updated their Montana tea dress for autumn with a leopard print version. I love the style of the Montana – an elegant 40s style silk tea dress with bow detail at the neck and decorative pearl buttons – the red and green versions were popular over spring/summer. I’ve styled it with a classic camel coat by Hobbs (everyone needs a camel coat in their wardrobe btw – it’s the most versatile shade for Autumn), the mini Lion Landsdowne bag in black from Aspinal of London, pearl drop earrings by Annoushka, black suede courts and a red wool scarf featuring a subtle tiger print from Hush at John Lewis.
24 Sep 2018
This blue wrap jacket from the Fold is a classic addition to an autumn working wardrobe. The soft fluid shape makes it comfortable to wear if you don’t like a tailored look that is too sharp. It’s also good for layering – I’m matched it with a winter white roll neck from John Smedley and some patterned culottes from Warehouse – a great way of bringing your summer trousers into autumn. Add some autumnal hues with yellow/tan accessories – the Landsdowne lion bag from Aspinal of London in mustard yellow is the perfect complimentary colour for navy blue – biscuit suedes heels from L.K. Bennett and earrings by Accessorize.
Tweed jacket designer MiaGiacca has a new style available for Autumn/Winter – The “Melia” pussy bow jacket is a new version of their previous bestseller, the Mia, (a turquoise/salmon pink colourway) updated for autumn with this multi-toned pinky tweed and mocha Italian silk pussy bow (can be made bespoke with a different colour bow). The Melia is made from English tweed sourced from Linton Tweeds – a tweed fabric and yarn manufacturers in Carlisle who have been producing the highest quality fabrics for designers for over 100 years and were the original supplier to Coco Chanel. I’ve styled the Melia three ways here to take you from desk to dinner to the weekend. It’s a really lady-like statement jacket but still versatile enough to wear across dress codes and from day to eve. For a limited period (until this Friday 28th September) MiaGiacca is offering 20% off the Melia to my followers if you use the discount code: Lady20. (NB. This is an affiliate link*).
Work: Dress: The Fold, Bag: Aspinal, Shoes: L.K. Bennett, Earrings: Monica Vinader
Evening: Dress: Karen Millen, Shoes: Zara, Earrings: The Antique Jewellery Company, Clutch: L.K. Bennett.
Weekend: Jumper: John Smedley, Jeans: Mint Velvet, Bag: Aspinal, Boots: Steve Madden, Earrings: Accessorize.
These velvet shoes from L. K. Bennett are too pretty to save for evening wear. They look great with denim, a classic cream cashmere knit, and blue blazer for a casual glam look too. I’ve also accessorized these wardrobe basics with a topaz bag from Aspinal of London and a Siberian tiger print cashmere scarf from Dolce Roopa and Accessorize Swarovski studs. The teal midi dress is by Whistles.
Clockwise from left: Mindy Dress, Ghost Fashion; Lauren Ralph Lauren Faux Fur Collar Coat, John Lewis; Taylor Black Velvet bag, L.K. Bennett; Bianca Black Suede Courts; 1950s Vintage Blue Teardrop Earrings, Jennifer Gibson
Clockwise from left: Meryl Dress, Ghost Fashion; Hobbs Odelia Coat, Ivory; Charlie Black Silk Clutch, Wilbur & Gussie; Dune Black Suede Court Shoes; 1980s Crystal Circle Earrings, Susan Caplan.
These looks are for an Instagram follower who has a drinks reception at the Irish Embassy in Paris to attend next month. Sounds like quite a fancy occasion! There isn’t a dress code which makes it a bit tricky to know what to wear so she’s asked for my help! I like the style of these dresses by Ghost Fashion – Glam but not OTT – not exactly cocktail dress but not entirely day dress either so I reckon they’d be perfectly suitable for an evening reception in Autumn. I’ve tried to reign in my jewels on this one a bit (I’ve been like a child raiding her grandmother’s jewellery box with my winter dressy looks lately!) just some discrete studs – both vintage by Susan Caplan and Jennifer Gibson. The black velvet bag by L.K.Bennett is quite handy for drinks receptions – loop it round your wrist so that your hands are free for drinks and canapes !
I noticed this new red/white check coat at Boden recently and it reminded me of the houndstooth Catherine Walker coat worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her tour of Sweden earlier this year. I love the velvet collar on this one and the slightly darker shade of red. I’ve matched it with a chic red dress from the new in house range at John Lewis & Partners, burgundy heels by L.K. Bennett, claret bag by Aspinal of London, pearl earrings by Annoushka and a cream cashmere scarf, also from John Lewis, for a smart city autumn/winter look but I think you could also wear this coat casually with a cream rollneck and jeans.
September can be a tricky month for outerwear – some days are too mild for a full on winter coat but too cold for a jacket…so I like the crop of coatigans that are around at the moment – a coat/cardi hybrid that’s a bit more structured than a cardigan but with more of an open and loose fit in comparison to winter wool coats so great for layering on autumnal days. This burgundy coatigan with contrasting black cuffs by Winser London is one of the smartest I’ve spotted. It’s made of extra fine merino wool on the outer side and soft cotton on the inside so comfortable and warming to wear. I’ve matched it with a charcoal grey roll neck by John Smedley, high waisted black skinny jeans by 7 for all mankind, suede boots by Stuart Weitzman and a black/claret Lion Landsdowne bag by from Aspinal of London. I really like this new range from Aspinal – I wish they had a small plain Burgundy one as then it would be added to my list for Santa! (Earrings: Sparkle Colour Short Drop Earrings, Accessorise.)
Girl-meets-Glam-meets-Downton Abbey
This look is a bit girl-meets-glam-meets-downton abbey! I hope nobody has burgundy boredom yet as it’s officially my favourite colour for autumn/winter! I’ve matched it with bright red before but I think it also works well with raspberry pink – like this pretty raspberry pink “Debbie” dress from Gal Meets Glam. Michelle Dockery wore a Philip Treacy hat very similar to this beautiful deep pink velvet beret earlier this year at Royal Ascot – this one is trimmed with a hand crafted flower and crystal embellished veiling – If I had this hat I think I would keep it in a glass cabinet to gaze at every day! I’m all over the antique and vintage jewellery with my winter looks – they really add a bit of glam to winter colours – this Georgian garnet flower brooch is from The Antique Jewellery Company and the 1960s vintage clip-on earrings are from Susan Caplan. The Bruce by Bruce Oldfield dress coat from John Lewis is making another appearance alongside a clutch from Dune London and my favourite heels of the season – black raspberry velvet courts from L.K.Bennett (If Father Christmas is reading these are top of my Wishlist!).(N.B. the cranberry faux fur scarf is by Jigsaw Fashion but is no longer available).
I’m not a big fan of the current animal print trend (I saw someone on twitter commenting on how the high street resembled a safari at the moment! But I do quite like this leopard pleated midi dress from & other stories as the print is quite discreet.Wear with an open neck in autumn 🍂 or layer with a fine knit for the chillier winter days ❄️This winter white rollneck by John Smedley is made of extra fine merino wool so great for layering. John Smedley is the oldest knitwear manufacturer in the world (established in 1784) and based in Derbyshire. If they’ve been making jumpers for that long they must be doing something right! They also hold a royal warrant as suppliers of knitwear to HM The Queen. Not sure HM will be layering hers under a leopard print dress like this though! Also pictured is a classic camel wrap coat by Weekend Maxmara, boots by Stuart Weizman bag by Aspinal of London and earrings from Accessorize.
An autumn wedding ensemble for a student on a budget
A top-to-toe autumn wedding ensemble for under £100! This look is inspiration for a follower looking for an outfit for an October wedding on a student budget and a size 18. I’ve picked out this berry/grey floral wrap dress from the Curve range at Quiz Clothing which is available in sizes 16 – 26. They also offer a 20% discount for students which makes it even more budget friendly! I’ve accessorised it with rose pink courts by Dorothy Perkins, earrings and burgundy velvet bag from Accessorize and pink organza headband by Debut at Debenhams. Total outfit cost: £97.99!
Update your working wardrobe with Kotys Dresses:
Dress: Vance Plum Wool Dress, £419, Kotys
Coat: Becca Wool Camel Coat, £550, L.K.Bennett.
Scarf: Floral Serenity Scarf, pink mix, £79, John Lewis & Partners.
Earrings: Lief Pink Tourmaline Earrings in Yellow Gold with Akoya Pearls, £685, Winterson Pearls.
Shoes: Andersonn Mid Heel Court Shoes, Almond Patent, Dune London, £70.
Bag: Small Country Mollie Satchel, Aspinal of London, £495
Peacock blue for a winter wedding:
Dress: Natalie Peacock Dress, £145, Ghost Fashion.
Faux Fur: Faux fur lapel collar in teal, £65,Troy London.
Hat: Peacock bow velvet percher hat, £480, Juliette Millinery.
Bag: Sissi blue velvet clutch bag, £150, L.K.Bennett.
Shoes: Fern blue velvet courts, £250, L.K.Bennett.
Earrings: Dusty Diamonds 18ct Rose Gold Topaz Earrings, £2,500, Annoushka.
Brooch: Peacock Feather Crystal Brooch, £18, John Lewis & Partners.
Jumper: Sonia chunky ribbed jumper, Reiss.
Jacket: Harris tweed jacket, Brora.
Skirt: Soft wool skirt, Joseph Fashion.
Boots: The heeled Regina, Mahogany, Fairfax & Favour.
Bag: Latch leather saddle bag, J.W.Anderson.
Feather pin: Feather pin in rust, Really Wild Clothing.
Earrings: Smoky quartz pear drop earrings, Kiki Mcdonough.
Scarf: Cashmink check scarf, red mix, John Lewis & Partners.
Skirt: Joy check skirt, Hobbs London.
Jumper: Cashmere rollback in black, John Lewis & Partners.
Boots: Knee length sock boots, Peter Kaiser.
Bag: Small Lion Landsdowne bag in black, Aspinal of London.
Earrings: 18ct gold baroque pearl hook earrings, Annoushka.
Coat: an old style from Hobbs London.
*Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase via the link I will earn a commission.
