Author: beesandtaylor

‘Vain trifles as they seem, clothes have, they say, more important offices than to merely keep us warm. They change our view of the world and the world’s view of us.’ – Virginia Woolf

With any new year comes the chance for new starts – new resolutions, a new financial year, a new season. For some a new job and for others that must-have pair of brogues you were resisting in Russell & Bromley.

Sadly the spring weather that we know and love (after all it heralds the beginnings of summer, bare legs and roof-top drinks) is a while off yet as we brace ourselves for more rain and cold. However, with Christmas sales coming to an end we expect the arrival of a lighter, brighter Cruise and New Season Collections.

Look out for the more familiar pastels, stripes, cottons and florals, as well as a sheer layers, cropped tops, sports inspired and even butter-soft spring leather. No polar vortex will stop the fashion-pack who will be braving the the bitter weather, shivering in their all new SS14 wardrobes whilst watching to see what Autumn/Winter holds on the catwalks this February. Always two very stylish steps ahead, the fashion world is our first glimpse of what is to come.

What will you be wearing this Spring?

With the big chill just arrived and Christmas gifts not even thought of yet, the fashion world is already looking to Spring Summer 14.

September saw the catwalks filled with pinks, lace and leather aplenty. LFW alone saw 58 catwalk shows and 15 presentations over 5 days – our rainy capital city was awash with bomber jackets, sheer fabrics and plastics, as Burberry and Topshop Unique fought for top spot.

With Press Days upon us we take a closer look at the pieces to come. Here are just some of the highlights…

Brand Nation: Offering spoiling manicures and delicious canapés, we saw collections from High & Mighty, Wacoal and Firetrap amongst others. Must see’s include E&A Moda for it’s hand-picked designer pieces and the beautiful leather at The Bridge.

Oliver Sweeney: Resident tattooist is busy creating works of art, whilst a DJ is spinning the decks. Sweeney’s style favourites get a SS14 makeover in shades of cobalt blue and contrasting leather uppers.

TM Lewin: First ever Press Day for this menswear favourite. With a larger offering of casual wear, including denim and tshirts, we loved the bold suiting and slim-fitting shirts. Armed with heavenly treats from the Meringue Girls, we left feeling excited for the new season.

Matches Fashion: Surrounded by the incredible collections on show, it was nevertheless hard not to get distracted by the food bowls being handed round. We resisted and turned our attentions to the nautical stripes and prints, quirky accessories, as well as show stopping heels.

Reiss: Knocking on the door one early morning, the creative geniuses at Reiss were still putting the finishing touches to the new collections. Feathers, leather, gold lame and silks, this was a season full of texture, glamour and sophisticated styles. We’ve got our wish list sorted!

Jaeger: Held at picturesque Somerset House, it was a stunning start to Jaeger Press Day. Colour blocking, striking jewellery, formal tailoring as well as easy wear pieces completed our look at SS14. Menswear offered quality tailoring alongside more fashion-forward pieces – shorts, knits and casual chinos.

LK Bennett: It’s a very British day at the seaside with LK Bennett, there was even a tarot booth for those looking to SS14 and beyond. Bright pops of colour in bags, shoes as well as ready-to-wear. The Black Ribbon collections were particularly impressive. Modern shapes and fabrics bring a whole new world of fashion to this old favourite.

Okay, we’re talking leather. The leather trend is an autumnal favourite and has been for years thanks to style icons from James Dean to Kate Moss (dam, look at her!) who have made it both cool, classy and rebellious. Whether you’re a fashion wallflower or confident with your dressing, there is a way for everyone to wear and love the leather story.

The Trench:

Don’t panic we don’t mean in the style of Keanu Reeves circa The Matrix; we mean a well-cut leather trench that cinches at the waist with sleek sophistication. When we first met Joseph’s ‘Toro’ design we realised we had found a must-have that we never even knew we needed!

B & T SAY: Wear it with navy tailored trousers and a classic white shirt for sassy office styling, or with jeans and a camel knit at the weekend.

 

The Jacket:

No wardrobe should be without a well-chosen leather jacket, whether it is tailored, crop-sleeved or a classic biker. The cool girls lust for Acne’s ‘Mape’ because it has everything they want; epaulettes, zipped cuffs and a buckled belt. However, if you feel that your cool-rider days are behind you, look for a more classic design without any bulky detailing and steer clear of tassels, fringing or anything that nods to the Hells Angels uniform.

B&T Say: This sartorial favourite works with everything whether you choose to dress it up or down, it works for all seasons.

 

The Pencil Skirt:

The pencil skirt has really started to run this season with brands from Topshop to The Row perfecting their shape and finish. Sitting on the waist and cut with figure-flattering panels, the leather pencil skirt will do more for you than you think. It is best to avoid any designs with bulky details (e.g.: heavy zips / pockets) because they will only add onto your hips; keep it streamline.

B&T SAYS: Style an above-the-knee pencil skirt with a soft silk blouse, fluffy mohair or a white tee and blazer.

The Shorts:

Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger and Miranda Kerr have fashioned the leather short, a garment that sings ‘I’m stylish and brave’. Too tight and you’re uncomfortable, too loose and you are in waders (you can see how they are potentially tricky.) Look for those that fit on the waist with a slightly flared cut in a short length but not hot-pants, or they will ‘bunch’ at the crotch (for want of a better word.)

B&T SAYS: To keep the look off-duty wear shorts with a loose fit knit, silk blouse or logo tee and sharp jacket.

 

Style Disclaimer: It is essential to wear appropriate underwear with leather garments, VPL must be avoided at all costs.

I’m taking you on a journey back to 2008, and the beginnings of a beautiful friendship that was to become the foundations for Bees & Taylor.

We, that is Antonia and Emily, met whilst working at my-wardrobe.com, online designer boutique, and back then, home to a small, close-knit London staff. With a mutual love of fashion and a thirsty appreciation for a glass of wine after work, we spent two inseparable years in each others company. Still now, many of these kindred ‘drobers are our closest friends and supporters.

We left with lasting memories of cupcake gluttony on a Friday afternoon and a weakness for beautiful clothes. The last being the reason we left destitute, but with a good eye for quality cuts, shapes and styles. Despite our own absence of self-control, we are big believers in spending money well and buying for longevity.

It was less than 2 years later, likely over a cupcake or three, that we came together with an idea. Following some extensive googling of the HMRC and sleepless nights worrying over the finer details, Bees & Taylor was born in 2013, together with a genuine excitement to work as a styling duo – watch out Trinny and Susannah!