Journal

The style of prints and patterns is ever-evolving in the fashion world; from season to season, we see shifts in what you (supposedly) should and shouldn’t be seen wearing. SS17 included the likes of chunky geometric patterns, the flower-filled cottage garden look and, of course, the love-hate tropical leafing phase among other trends. As ever, the staff here at Stanwells have our fingers on the pulse when it comes to predicting designer collections and what to include in your wardrobe, so we’ve compiled a super simple list of stunning SS18 prints and patterns to stock up on! Animal Prints We’re seeing some fantastic nature patterns appearing from designers everywhere, from the cartoon-like to the realistic, brands like Vivetta and Emma Shipley are really embracing this look with colourful, nature-inspired designs.Animal prints never really leave fashion circles, but they’re looking to be bigger than ever when it comes to summer 2018 prints. Safari & Bohemian Bring an element of the exotic to your spring-summer clothing with some brand new safari and bohemian prints. Channelling energy anywhere from the cool of Camden to markets of Marrakech, big names are igniting the incense and getting inspired by far away lands and free-living artists. Designers such as Intropia and Mes Demoiselles have produced some fantastic prints for SS18 that are sure to add some boho-chic and effortless safari-sass to your wardrobe. Abstract The allure of abstract is simply too much for everyone at Stanwells, so we’ve just had to include it among our collection. Inspired by art from across the 20th century, this broad fashion style comprises of a huge range of colours and shape that never fail to make any clothing piece pop. Dhela offer some flirty, floaty abstract dresses that are perfect standout summer pieces, while the stunning prints of Laura Orchant lavish colour and abstract designs across her silken, luxury scarf collection. Stripes Sometimes you just want to keep it simple, so it’s just as well that stripes are ever-present among pattern trends. Whether vertical or horizontal, the clean appearance of stripes have encompassed fashion for many years. From the nautical inspired striping synonymous with Jean Paul Gaultier to the colourful twist on the style by Paul Smith, there’s a reason that stripes refuse to die. This season the likes of Chinti and Parker and Maison Labiche have produced some amazing light knitwear and long tees that are perfect for layering around the unpredictable British weather. Chevron Chevron might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it’s a classic for a reason - and this year it’s among the hottest of summer 2018 prints. Consisting of repeated ‘V’ shaped patterns that form eye-catching, almost geometric-style shapes, you’ll often come across chevron in a mesmerising mix of colours. In SS18 the likes of Cecilie Copenhagen have incorporated the pattern into some truly stunning designs that you’ll definitely want to sneak into your suitcase. Floral No spring-summer collection would be complete without the inclusion of some floral patterns. If anything embodies the spirit of summer fashion styles, it’s got to be floral. From subtle hints to bold prints, you’re going to see floral featuring a lot in SS18 collections, so why not catch the train before it leaves the station? Designers such as Boutique Moschino and Go Silk offer a range of tops and dresses that are the picture of summer style. Which SS18 trends are you keeping tabs on? Which are your favourite patterns and prints? Let us know over on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

At Stanwells, we love a holiday. Picking your destination… Choosing the perfect hotel… The buzz of the buildup to departure… And of course - the all important holiday shopping! One thing we don’t look forward to however, is packing. The endless checklists, the worrying about what you might have forgot, the squeezing of everything into a suitcase that you’re sure has shrunk since you bought it. Ultimately, it’s something that most people dread and leave until the very last minute. That’s why we’ve compiled some packing tips on how to avoid suitcase stressing in summer 2018! #1 - Settle on the Right Suitcase Finding the right luggage is the first important step in how to pack a suitcase. You’ll want to find something that is lightweight (nobody wants to be perspiring before you’ve even left the airport) yet roomy enough for as many belongings as possible. A suitcase with wheels is always a bonus, while the added benefit of picking something that is as distinguishable as it is stylish can be a godsend when scanning the inevitable skirmish at luggage collection for your case. #2 - Construct a Colour Scheme Deciding on a general colour scheme is a big tick on the holiday checklist. Pick out some of your favourite pieces and coordinate them with your brand new holiday clothes. In doing so, you’ll be able to mix-match items and outfits with ease, lessening the overall load of your luggage in the process. Accessories are also a fantastic means of freshening up any items of clothing that you may have already worn, and have the added bonus of taking up minimal space on your holiday packing list. #3 - Layout Your Luggage The rule is: layout what you think you need to take - then half it. Okay, so maybe halving might be a little extreme and hard to follow, but you get the jist! We’re all suckers for sprawling out a whole load of clothes that we don’t need, so it’s time to get ruthless with your list of things to take on holiday. #4 - Pack with Precision Take clothing that you know you’ll wear (and that you can mix-match… See #2!) and only the most essential items. Many products or at least alternatives of can be bought on arrival, so do your research and pack economically! It’s also a great idea to wear any heavier clothing during the journey. The likes of hoodies take up a fair amount of space - but they’re incredibly comfy - so why not wear them on the plane? If you’re lucky enough to visit a country with a hotter climate, you’ll have the added bonus of being able to enjoy lighter clothing. Brands such as Perseverance London and Mes Demoiselles offer some fantastic outfit options that are both incredibly easy to squeeze into your holiday packing and likely to crease less. #5 - Roll - Don’t Fold! Rolling your clothes rather than folding them maximises space in your case, while it also minimising creases. It’s time to forget folding as a thing of the past! T-shirts are incredibly easy to fold, as are accessories such as our stylish Helen Kaminski hats. Given their structure, you can also stuff the likes of socks and sunglasses into your hats too, saving even more room in the process! Have you found our handy holiday checklist helpful? Is there anything that we’ve forget? Let us know over on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Happy holidaying!