Love of the week: Skorts

When it comes to the warm summer months, many look for an alternative to the jeans they have been wearing all winter. A skort looks like a skirt from the outside, but with the handy addition of built-in shorts.


Skorts are a particularly good choice of summer clothing for those who want the look and style of a skirt, with the flexibility and modesty to carry on with an active lifestyle, such as walking the dog, playing with the children, or other simple and everyday tasks.
Skorts come in many different styles, colours and lengths to suit any budget, so you are sure to find the perfect one for you.
Here are our favourites:
From Zara:
From River island:

What to do: The Bolingbroke

Although quite baby-centric during the day, The Bolingbroke is a nice little spot at the top of Northcote Road to drop into for a drink or two. Or for those that fancy a bite to eat for ‘relaxed dining’.

All the food is sourced from their farm or fished off the south coast. Beef being home-hung whilst there’s a good range of ales and wines on offer.

The atmosphere is cosy – the outside of the pub is very inviting you in yet it’s not too stuffy and seems airy.

If you need any more incentive to go, it’s named after the first Viscount Bolingbroke, a hardened drinker himself, who lived out his latter years here in Battersea.

 

 

Love of the week: Quilted sweaters

The quilted sweater has a special charm and character—its three-dimensional texture helps layer the body, and lozenge patterns raise the quirky factor. Some assume that a quilted sweater makes its wearer look fat, bulky, or sloppily put together. However, contrary to popular belief, there are many ways to don the sweater in a way that will keep the wearer looking casual yet stylish, and most importantly, warm.

Stylishly functional

Wear the sweater as you would wear any sweater—buttoned up to shield you from the cold. Layer over dark skinny jeans and strong heels to turn up the heat. Simple accessories such as a large bright necklace will bring the eye to the texture of the sweater. It is also okay to go entirely black, since the quilts also serve as the main feature of the outfit.

Preppy

For a bit more character layer a sweater over a patterned collared shirt, with collars, cuffs, and shirt tails peeking out. If the goal is to look more scholarly, carry a backpack instead and exchange the heels for sneakers or Sperrys. Instead of jeans, you could also wear a schoolgirl skirt with leggings.

Clean and classic

Quilted sweaters are not just dark-coloured outerwear; they can also serve as tops, such as this white, crystal-embellished T-shirt top. To counterbalance the detail along the neckline, pair with a simple dark skirt or dress pants.

Quilted Leather Jacket

Quilts are the new leather jackets! Wear open with a simple tee, jeans, and heels. Don sunglasses to push the bad girl factor, or sweeten it up with a pendant or charm necklace.

 

Love of the week: Midi skirts

How to Wear and Style a Midi

Midi skirts—the rough, undecided length between mini and maxi that falls around the knees or the calves—have a bad reputation of being difficult to accessorise, and of making its wearer look like a frumpy aunt. However, the midi is a flirty, playful option that combines the mini’s sexy with the maxi’s elegance, and is becoming a Spring wardrobe essential. Midis are not necessarily just for model-esque women with slim legs that go on forever. As long as you find the right hem that cuts just above the knee, just below the calf, or just above the ankles, your silhouette will show off the tapering curve of your legs.

To demonstrate the midi’s versatility, here are three different styles to wear with it:

WORK


Pair high-waisted midi-length pencils with strong heels and a light buttoned blouse to conjure up the classic feel of the 1950s woman. With an elevated waistline, hem, and heels, a midi worn this way will also create the illusion of lengthier legs.

WEEKEND


For a comfy Saturday or Sunday outing, opt for whimsical floral prints with a voluminous shape to declare the weekend’s arrival. Pair with any top whether formal or casual—a buttoned blouse, a denim long-sleeve, or a simple white tee. Nude heels or even pumps complete the look.

NIGHT OUT

A dress can also feature midi-length skirts! Choose bright colours, block prints, or shimmering materials, and finish off the look with a sharp leather jacket.