beesandtaylor – Bees and Taylor

B&T’s Little Black Book

28.03.2031.03.20 by beesandtaylor

Over the years our little black book of key contacts has developed as we cultivate and refine our ‘can’t live without’. There is not much over the years that we have not been asked to source, fix or create and now we want to pass on some of our style secrets to you lovely folk. Here we bring you our most useful style tips and favourite tricks – a fashion stylist’s secret weapon if you like.

MacCulloch & Wallis (25-26 Poland Street, London W1F 8QN)
Suppliers of fabrics and trimmings in the heart of central London, this gem has been around since 1902.

The Restory
Bringing luxury leather goods, bags and shoes back to life. Today’s message, restore and reuse those old favourites.

Barnett Lawson (16-17 Little Portland Street, London W1W 8NE)
A treasure trove of trimmings and crafts. This haberdashery is brimming with buttons and beads to feathers and fringes.

The Invisible Mending Service (32 Thayer Street, London W1U 2QT)
For those of you that have torn a hole in a favourite silk shirt or discovered moths have dined out on your best cashmere jumper, these guys are the miracle workers you have been seeking.

Angels Fancy Dress (TBC new Soho store / 1 Garrick Road, London NW9 6AA)
Since 1840 Angels have been providing garments for West End shows, TV and film. With a wide collection of costumes to hire this is your fancy dress go-to.

Blanc Dry Cleaning (stores in South Ken, White City, Chelsea, Notting Hill, Marylebone)
The eco-friendly dry cleaners you need to know. No toxic chemicals, just biodegradable healthy detergents. Even better, they offer a pick up/ drop off service, plus alterations and repairs.

Morplan (56 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7DF)
The mecca for all things fashion and retail. Organising your wardrobe? Morplan has you covered.

Jason Markk (32 Carnaby Street, London W1F 7DW)
The World’s First Drop Off Sneaker Care Service – dry cleaning for your kicks. They’ll scrub up like new!

Vestiaire Collective
Encouraging the art of pre-loved buying and selling. This is the smart and sustainable way to shop (and maybe earn some pennies in the process!).

The Clothes Doctor (63 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HJ)
To help you love your clothes for longer. They will care for your wardrobe in line with a more sustainable future.

Fifth Avenue Shoe Repairs (41 Goodge Street, London W1T 2PY)
This tiny cobblers is the best in the business for shoe repairs.

The Button Queen (47 Berwick Street, London W1F 8SJ)
A button for every occasion. Add a personal touch to pieces in your wardrobe – it’s in the details.

AW19’s Favourite Trends

25.10.1931.03.20 by beesandtaylor

This season is showing some new themes amongst the more classic trends for autumn winter. With the likes of Giselle Norman walking a total of 41 times at fashion month and grunge being spoken of from NY to Paris, Autumn Winter 2019 is set to be strong, bold with a twist of 90’s nostalgia.
Most importantly, this season marked Karl Lagerfeld’s final Chanel show; the show that stole the month and the finale all would remember. Cara Delevingne opened the show with a host of fellow supermodels and famous faces looking on. Set in an alpine wonderland, Chalet Gardenia was the magical scene for an emotional farewell featuring signature tweeds paired with fair isle knits and shearling boots.
Some noticeable themes have been seen across New York, London, Milan and Paris – from ladylike to show stopping frothy layers you can take your pick and wear it your way. Here I walk you through my top 10 themes; as they say 3’s a trend:
GRUNGE REINVENTED

Designers took on a grungier feel for autumn winter playing up heavy boots, mixing prints, or pairing flannel with tulle or satin for the more elegant non-conformists out there.

LUXE LEATHER

Leather was big news with an influx of leather looks sweeping the season. From tailored pieces at Tom Ford, to Tibi’s coloured leather, it was full length leather outerwear that stole the show (see Rejina Pyo).

WINTER BLOOMS

Think less the quiet feminine florals of summer, more a brash new floral. Whether you choose 3D florals Balmain style or a more vibrant print spotted at Erdem this is one trend you can’t miss.

WAISTED PROPORTIONS

Nipped in waists was suiting’s big news. Cinched waists shaped soft tailoring for an altogether more feminine silhouette. But belting doesn’t stop there – you will be waisting everything from knits to coats.

SHIMMER & SHINE

The party season is always heavy on the sequins and this winter is going all out. There was glitter and shimmer aplenty on the catwalk. More is more so drape yourself in crystal embellishment, diamanté fringing and lavish lame.

PUNK PERFECT

For the defiant rebel, conventional fashion rules don’t apply. Pair romantic ruffles with a fierce studded leather jacket or add a touch of punk with biker boots and multi chains – it’s time to shake things up.

BOLD SHOULDER

Shoulder lines were exaggerated with stretched lines and puff details. Supersize your shoulders and power your way into the new season.

THEATRICAL RUFFLES

Designers have gone big on ruffles. Subtlety is not an option. It’s maximum drama with layers of ruffles on ruffles. On ruffles.

CHECKING IN

An army of tartan and plaid walked the catwalk from Balenciaga to Christian Dior. Mix up your tartans as seen at Marta Jukubowski for extra satorial points.

FEATHERED DELIGHTS

Couture details were seen across the season, not least when it came to this season’s feathery creations. Time to kick your heels up in Giambattista Valli’s feathered sandals or do full on plumage a la Mary Katrantzou.

And to end, just a couple of key items to get your wardrobe winter 19 ready:

JUST ADD TIGHTS

The return of the tight is much more than functional – copy the catwalks and match your coloured tights to your shoe. For those who can’t get on board with tights, layer a dress over a wide leg trouser.

CAPED CRUSADERS

With a flair for the dramatic the cape is not just for super-hero’s. From short capelets to floor sweeping numbers and everything in-between.

SUPERSIZE DRESSES

Dresses will be bigger and fluffier than before. Swathes of tulle, taffeta and tutu tiers in eye popping brights might not be your thing but dresses will be playful and bold – it’s time to make a statement.

HERO BOOT

Thigh skimming boots are stepping into the spotlight. Stretch peep toe boots at Victoria Beckham, printed florals at Zimmerman and slouchy leather at Isabel Marant, it’s a full leg feast of options.

ALL TIED UP IN BOWS

Go big, go statement. Give the giant neck bow a whirl – feminine and romantic with a touch of showy. But if you prefer more subtlety try a hair bow aka Chanel.

Dreaming Of SS18 To Come

01.02.1831.03.20 by beesandtaylor

The new season has snuck up on us again and we’re looking to Spring Summer 18 collections. And the warmer weather to come. With every change of season we see new trends, shapes, styles and colours to mark the transition.

Last September the catwalk gave us a glimpse of what to expect, and now we begin to see these replicated on the high street. But with such a wide variety of trends pick the ones that work for YOU; you might see others donning the latest micro sunglasses, a bum bag or even a pair of cycling shorts but don’t be a slave to fashion – create your own style and your own unique way of wearing trends.

Here are just some of our favourite trends – 3’s a trend and all:

GO BIG OR GO HOME

SHIMMY SHIMMY

SUPER SHEER

BACK TO THE 90’S

ULTRA VIOLET

SPORTS DAY

REBEL REBEL

NEW DENIM

PEACHES AND CREAM

PLASTIC FANTASTIC

COLOUR POPPING

MODERN HISTORY

TAILORING UNDONE

CHECK IT OUT

WHITE OUT

POWER STRIPE

POLKA DOTTING

FLOWER SHOW

GIVE IT SOME RUFFLE

FRINGE-TASTIC

PINK & RED TOGETHER FOREVER

Word on the catwalk for SS17

08.03.1731.03.20 by beesandtaylor

We’re talking trends. SS17 trends to be precise. Whilst the catwalks are the perfect way to recognise the trends to come, and of course a model can wear anything well, for us mere mortals it is a case of picking and choosing the right trends to dip into, whether that be to wear at your desk, for a night out or on the school run. Perhaps the sheer tutu is not to your taste, but maybe this season’s stripe is an excellent way to give your look that seasonal touch.

We outline a few of our favourite, and more wearable, trends:

BLOCK BRIGHTS:
The brighter the better, it was a primary colour eye fest on the catwalk this season. Stand out from the usual pastels with a strong blue, vivid yellow or flashy red.

BACK TO THE 80’S:
Beware, overkill this trend and you will err on fancy dress. Easy ways to add a touch of 80’s include lame, giant belts, big shoulders… or even a scrunchie – but not all at once unless you are channeling Dynasty at its best.

FLASHY FLORALS:
This is the new floral, bold and brassy in colour, scale, and mood. Take your lead from the catwalk with head-to-toe print or accessorise with a bag or a shoe for a subtle touch of spring.

PICK ‘N MIX:
Inspired by Gucci and the like, this is an everyday kind of eccentricity so mix and match as much (or as little) as you like; when it comes to print, the more the merrier. Just remember, we’re talking eclecticism not eye-sore!

SHEER LAYERS:
There has been a movement to the peekaboo for a few seasons, but if baring all under a diaphanous dress is not for you then save your modesty and layer up.

A NEW MINIMALISM:
This is minimalism but with a fresh new face. It’s in the subtle details, a cardigan, a cut-out, a fold or a pocket – our wardrobe basics but with this seasons twist.

LINEAR RULES:
Stripes; a no-brainer for spring summer. Choose from that collegiate stripe knit, a side stripe trouser or for the more adventurous, go top-to-toe directional stripe.

MODERN UTILITY
We spotted camo print, khaki cottons and functional styles a plenty. Practical and stylish, it’s time to embrace the boiler suit, starched collars and functional fastenings (toggles, and lots of them!).

PRETTY IN PINK
This seasons favourite colour, the shops are awash with pink; time to think pink girls. From blushing rose to bright fuchsia and everything in-between, this is the hot new hue for summer.

STATEMENT SLEEVES
The sleeve is still going strong this season with designers from Simone Rocha to Michael Kors giving some serious sleeve game. From leg of mutton, bubble or overly long this is one trend you will want to buy into.

PROPORTION PLAY

With references to the 80’s trend, oversize shoulders and voluminous proportions are set to be big, or perhaps I should say supersize. Balance the power shoulder with a skinny trouser or mini for this seasons silhouette.

OFF-SHOULDER

Give it some shoulder. Just the one mind you.

GET WAISTED

The cinched waist is here to stay, but this season introducing the corset belt.

BIG FRILLS

We see whimsical ruffles a plenty for spring. But if you’re not sold on a full body ruffle fest, take it slow and instead look for a ruffle sleeve detail or a single ruffle skirt hem. There is something for everyone.

HIGH SHINE

Not just for Christmas. Metals are shimmering for spring with shiny finishes and polished lame.

ANIMAL PRINT

Take a walk on the wild side with this seasons main attraction, zebra print. Whilst you will still see signs of leopard and snake they will taking a step back and making way for this latest newcomer.

Key pieces to look out for?

SHIRTING

TRENCH

MAC

BRALETTES

KITTEN HEELS

LOGO TEE

Dolce & Gabbana

MINI BAGS

TULLE SKIRT

TROUSER SUIT

CORSET

SS16 on the Catwalk

24.03.1631.03.20 by beesandtaylor

SS16 strutted down the catwalk last September and is now emerging on the high street and in-store as we wave farewell to Autumn Winter collections. We spot some of the key trends and take a look at pieces spotted from New York to Paris. How will you wear your new season wardrobe?

LINGERIE DRESSING

Slip dresses and lingerie inspired wear for a sexy take on summer.

NET GOALS

Net mesh for a subtle flash of skin or the ultimate reveal.

RUFFLED UP

Frothy frills and tulle tiers, this season is a ruffle-a-plenty zone. Frou frou is the name of this seasons game.

TIED UP IN BOWS

Knotted, tied or girlie, bows are big business for SS16.

COLD SHOULDER

Fashion goes off-shoulder so bare some sexy skin and work the drop shoulder trend.

OLE!

Give your wardrobe some Spanish style a la Oscar de la Renta or Proenza Schouler to name just two.

THE NEW ROMANTIC

An altogether lighter version of last season’s Victoriana trend. Think high necklines, delicate ruffling and blush tones.

X MARKS THE TOP

High on the neck and cold on the shoulder for this seasons latest update on showing some sexy shoulder.

PURPOSELY DISHEVELLED

Fashion goes holey, shredded and frayed for a spring makeover.

BELL SLEEVE

Ring a ding, the sleeve is big news this spring. Make yours bell shaped.

THE WHITE SHIRT

The white shirt gets some edge and goes from classic to cool in one easy step.

JUICY

For a change from muted spring pastels give vivid orange a whirl and brighten up your wardrobe.

PUFF SLEEVE

Give your sleeves some volume and wear them big.

CHECK IT OUT

Checks get a summer revamp. Lightweight and easy wear.

ACID BRIGHTS

Go neon or go home. Wear colour bold and flashy and stand out from the crowd.

ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE

Florals take a decidedly English turn – blooms go all country garden.

THE NEW STRIPE

Graphic and fashion forward the stripe gets a brazen new look.

SHEER BLISS

For the romantics out there. A decidedly feminine look with provocative undertones.

MIRROR MIRROR

For all you shiny happy people. It’s time to shimmy into summer with a touch of metal.

BACKPACKING

Practical fashion at its best. It’s time to fish out that backpack and take to the streets.

NECK TIES

The catwalk got creative with neck ties and chokers – time to be inspired.

IN CHAINS

A major trend this season, we saw chains decorate shoes, bags and clothing.

ON THE FRINGE

Yup more fringing. Tasseled hemlines, trims and boots danced down the catwalk – it’s playful and flirty.

BALLET GIRL

Tulle is not just for kids. Look out for net-a-plenty.

ROPE UP

Belted, knotted and tied, rope has it’s moment in the spotlight.

CHANDELIER EARRINGS

If they don’t hit your shoulder they are not enough. Go big aka Pat Butcher style.

KNOT IT

The new way to layer; knot a shirt or knit around your waist for this seasons newest look.

ALL IMPORTANT EXTRAS…

My Stylish Buys: February

01.02.1631.03.20 by beesandtaylor

Here at Bees & Taylor we’re fans of forever buys – investment pieces that will take you from season to season, year on year – with a few well chosen trend items thrown in when required.

Want to know what we’ve been buying this month? Get the inside scoop on our favourite purchases and find your new season inspiration.

The mule is looking like big news for SS16 and this bold orange pair from Zara will add a pop of colour to any outfit.

Click here to buy now.

Bare your shoulders in this ruffled off-shoulder silk top. Bright white will pair perfectly with denim for day or tucked into a high waist come evening.

Click here to buy now.

Show a hint of shoulder in this basic black long-sleeved jersey top. This is one trend which will be sure to transition from winter into spring.

Click here to buy now.

NOIR JEWELLERY Beatrice Gold-Tone Cubic Zirconia Ring

For statement jewellery that you can wear everyday Noir has the edge. This ring brings a touch of luxe at a price you can afford.

Click here to buy now.

I know, I know, it’s winter and no one wants to think about the dreaded bikini body yet. But with it’s longline top and racer back this is the perfect mix of sporty come sexy.

Click here to buy now.

The crop trouser is still going strong. Best worn with heels, team these jersey knit trousers with a longline tunic for this seasons silhouette (* pretty please, we want the sandals too!).

Click here to buy now.

The jumpsuit, an always favourite here at Bees & Taylor. Layer over a fine knit or stripe jersey top for easy wear dressing by day this winter.

Click here to buy now.

Spending all day on foot my feet must be both comfortable and chic; luckily for us the modern day trainer can be both practical and stylish.
Click here to buy now.