It's a funny thing, but when the grunge trend hit the runways, I sort of rolled my eyes and sighed, knowing that I wouldn't buy into it because I've been there, done that in the 90s.
And yet most days I find myself dressing in an outfit that could have been put together by the godfather of modern grunge, Hedi Slimane, and sent down the Saint Laurent runway. After some consideration, I realised that it's because many of the things that are staples of the trend are also staples of my own style: leather jackets, skirts and dresses, leopard print everything, slouchy silhouettes and an all-day smokey eye ... Yep, that's all me, and it was all in my wardrobe long before I saw the autumn/winter 2013 shows.
Today's look is kind of preppy-grunge, I guess.
And yet most days I find myself dressing in an outfit that could have been put together by the godfather of modern grunge, Hedi Slimane, and sent down the Saint Laurent runway. After some consideration, I realised that it's because many of the things that are staples of the trend are also staples of my own style: leather jackets, skirts and dresses, leopard print everything, slouchy silhouettes and an all-day smokey eye ... Yep, that's all me, and it was all in my wardrobe long before I saw the autumn/winter 2013 shows.
Today's look is kind of preppy-grunge, I guess.
I love a fluffy jumper (although I'm not so mad about the inevitable shedding all over the house), and this one from Topshop is a favourite because I'm all about adding a little bit of sparkle to every outfit. I have an extensive collection of silk blouses because they are so versatile – most of mine are vintage or thrifted, but I would add this Orla Kiely number to my wardrobe in a heartbeat.
Of course I couldn't put this look together without a little Saint Laurent. My leopard print flock skirt is actually from H&M (sold out ages ago, sadly) but this eye-wateringly priced leather number by Hedi Slimane is just so amazing. The coat, too: this is a classic that will never, ever date. Ever. The one I'm wearing today is vintage Aquascutum, and is about 50 years old, but is almost identical to the Saint Laurent version.
My own calf-hair leopard print slippers are these ones from Lands' End. They are the second pair I've bought because I literally wore a hole in the first pair – they are the perfect flat shoe. And as for the bag, I threw everything into my five-year-old-but-still-going-strong Ferragamo bag today, instead of trying to cram all the things I need into my teeny-weeny shoulder bag. Some days only a tote will do.