Journal
The latest trends in eco-friendly workout wear, tips for living a more
sustainable lifestyle, and stories of women.
Journal
Denim Edit: Find The Perfect Fit For You
Finding the perfect pair of women’s jeans to fit your shape can be a real struggle. But when you DO find it, the right denim is wonderfully flattering, forgiving and comfortable, and the perfect fit is out there waiting for you.
Here we’ll help you find that perfect fit by matching your body type to the various jean styles and cuts available. Find the shape that most closely resembles your body below and see which styles are best suited to you:
Your Perfect Jean: High Rise Slim/Cigarette
You share a body shape with: Scarlett Johansson and Kelly Brook
Ladies with the sought-after hourglass or curvy figure tend to have a large chest, small waist and a shapely lower half. The perfect jeans for this oh-so-womanly shape are the styles that draw attention to the narrowest parts of your body, and the waist in particular. This is why a high rise style with a stretch waist and slim leg is your ideal denim style, as it pulls you in at the waist, minimises the tum and gives the legs an elongated and proportionate shape. Your biggest friend is also the darker wash, which helps lengthen the legs even more and create a super flattering shape.
Citizens of Humanity is a brand well-known for its curve-flattering denim cuts, and the Cara High Rise jean is particularly perfect for all you hourglass ladies out there.
Your Perfect Jean: Low Rise Skinny
You share a body shape with: Keira Knightly and Cameron Diaz
Straight (also known as rectangle or boyish) figures are characterised by hips, waist and shoulders of roughly the same width. The great news here is that ladies with straight figures can pull of almost all jean styles and cuts (you lucky things), but the best styles are the ones that will add shape. Low to mid-rise waists are best as they will draw attention to your hips rather than your waist, while a skinny leg works to do the same thing by minimising the straight up and down look. You can wear almost any jeans, however we would suggest avoiding high-waisted styles, as you may find you don’t have much of a waist for the band to sit in.
The AG Jeans Legging Ankle Super Skinny jeans from our range is the perfect style for you, with a low to mid-rise waist and super skinny leg to accentuate your elegant shape in all the right places.
Your Perfect Jean: High-waisted Flares or Wide Leg
You share a body shape with: Rihanna and Beyoncé
A pear shaped figure – the most common female figure in the world – generally boasts a fabulous tiny waist, wider hips and narrower shoulders, forming an upwards-pointing triangle. You lucky ladies want to aim for the high waisted styles of denim, particularly those with flared or wide leg fits. These will cinch in your waist, while the wider leg will skim over your hips and great a beautifully proportioned silhouette. Darker washes are also great for streamlining your figure, so aim for indigo and black jeans if you can. The main style for you to avoid is the low rise waist, as this can pinch your hips and make your legs appear shorter.
There are lots of high waisted bootcut, wide leg and flared styles of women’s jeans out there, but none are as fabulous as these embroidered wide leg designer jeans from Intropia. These beauties are guaranteed to add a splash of colour and figure-flattery to your new season wardrobe.
Your Perfect Jean: Low to Mid Rise Straight Leg
You share a body shape with: Jennifer Hudson and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Apple-shaped figures tend to have lovely slim legs, a smaller behind and a little extra around the middle. Stunning celebs like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Jennifer Hudson carry the apple shape with serious style, and it’s easily done with the right denim. You want to aim for jeans with a low to mid rise waistband, preferably with a little extra stretch to keep anything from cutting in, while sticking a straight or slim leg to accentuate those lovely pins of yours. Avoid anything with flares, as these have a tendency to create an odd looking silhouette with apple figures.
Try the Runaround Sue Stallion style from top women’s designer jeans label, Parker Smith, and create a super flattering shape with the comfy stretch denim and slim leg.
And what about tall and petite?
All of the above shapes can come in taller and more petite packages, which can complicate matters when trying to find jeans of the right length as well as shape. But never fear, there are always ways around it. If you have a petite frame with shorter legs, aim for the high-waisted styles with a skinny fit to elongate your legs. And, if you can’t find shorter leg lengths, a pair of cropped jeans with DIY turn-ups is always a good look.
If you have super long pins to dress, then the advice is more or less the exact opposite. Aim for low rise waistbands with tapered cigarette leg styles. Denim washes with shading on the thighs are also effective for adding shape and dimension.
After all is said and done, it’s all about finding the style that makes you feel good. There are no hard and fast rules, so check out our full collection of designer jeans for women and find the fit that works for you.
Where To Go On Holiday 2018: The Stanwells Dream Destination Guide
The Stanwells team gets around. We love to travel and find exciting new designer brands to introduce our customers to, so we’ve seen a lot of amazing places. But when it comes to relaxing in the sunshine we’ve each got our own dream destinations in mind for summer.
If you need some ideas on where to go on holiday in 2018, take a look at our suggested dream destinations from the team here at Stanwells. Plus, we’ve also provided bonus tips on the must-take boutique fashion pieces to suit your trip, so you can enjoy the sunshine in designer style.
Here’s where we’re jetting off to this year:
Julia, Owner & Buyer
Dream Destination: Oman
Staying At: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Ever in the shadow of the glittering heights of tourist-magnet Dubai, UAE nextdoor neighbour Oman is a little-appreciated jewel in the Middle Eastern crown. This stunning, rugged country is more about culture and beautiful scenery than the glitz and glamour of its neighbours, and is packed with secluded and luxurious resorts where you can lose yourself in a good book and a few cocktails.
The Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar resort is perched atop Oman’s fabled Green Mountain with breathtaking views of the rocky canyons below. Sample a range of exotic and traditional Omani cuisine, stargaze from rooftop platforms, scale the canyon’s rugged walls and relax in pure luxury in the beautiful infinity pool and spa facilities – and all less than a two-hour drive from the bustling Omani capital city of Muscat.
Julia Couldn’t Go Without: The Mes Demoiselles Matrioshka Dress.
In the hot Middle Eastern sunshine you’ll need something light, airy and comfortable to while away your care-free days, and the Matrioshka dress is just the ticket. We love the gorgeous, earthy colours and exotic floral print, which will work perfectly against the breathtaking Omani mountain backdrop. Match it up with an oversized sun hat (another must-have for this destination) and a pair of chic designer sunglasses to complete your look.
Alice, E-commerce Manager
Dream Destination: The Maldives
Staying At: The Four Seasons
When you hear the word ‘Maldives’, the images of white sand beaches, crystal blue water and pure luxury come swimming into the mind’s eye, and for good reason. The Maldives is a total paradise, which is why it’s our eCommerce manager Alice’s ultimate dream destination for summer 2018. Home to a few world-firsts including the famous underwater restaurant, underwater spa and underwater nightclub, the Maldives is a collection of beautiful islands and resorts filled with nothing but immaculate scenery, delicious food and welcoming locals.
Alice’s choice of resort is the Four Seasons – what else? A fittingly luxurious collection of resorts for such a paradisiacal location, the Four Seasons includes a choice of two island resorts, a luxury cruiser and a private island, so you can pick the ideal type of holiday for you. From snorkeling and kite surfing to mouthwatering BBQs and sea turtle conservation participation, you might be surprised at just how much there is to do in this idyllic, unspoiled part of the world.
Alice Couldn’t Go Without: The Cecilie Smash top and matching Cecilie shorts.
Lounging on pristine beaches and dining in exotic restaurants calls for breathable-yet-chic style, and these matching Cecilie pieces are the perfect fit. Made from super lightweight cotton and featuring the brand’s signature print, these summer must-haves will keep you cool and comfortable while creating a perfectly coordinated and stylish beachside look. Off the shoulder and high waisted styles are key spring summer trends, after all. Wear with your favourite pair of designer sandals to complete the look.
Louise, Westbourne Store Manager & Buyer
Dream Destination: Tanzania
Staying At: Singita Faru Faru Lodge
If you didn’t know it already, Tanzania is the home of safari. And, alongside the breathtaking wildlife spectacles, it’s also a place to enjoy fascinating cultures, idyllic beaches, luxurious accommodation and the company of very friendly people. And let’s not forget the unforgettable sight of Mt Kilimanjaro - beautiful to look at and an exciting challenge to climb, if you’re that way inclined. However you choose to experience Tanzania, you’ll be completely won over by its wild beauty and cultural charm.
Louise’s choice of resort is the stunning Singita Faru Faru Lodge in Northern Tanzania. Positioned right along the renowned Serengeti migrationary route, staying here will fill your time in Tanzania with wonderful wildlife surprises, which you can admire close up or from your luxury poolside perch on the hillside. Faru Faru is about as remote as it gets, making it the perfect place for a total technology switch off and a reconnection with nature.
Louise Couldn’t Go Without: The 120% Lino off the shoulder dress in blue.
In the sizzling heat of the African sun you’ll need something fresh, airy and light to stay comfortable, and this stunning off the shoulder dress from 120% Lino is the perfect choice. We’re not sure there’s anything more elegant than the bardot style, and this delicate dress with its pretty tie cuff sleeves and lace hem detailing takes the look to new summer heights. Pair it with colourful statement jewellery and strappy sandals for an effortless luxury safari look for your Tanzania vacation.
Wherever you spend your summer this year, make sure your holiday wardrobe is topped up with all the latest spring summer 2018 styles from our SS18 collection here at Stanwells.
Brand of the Month - IRO Paris
Love Paris? How about New York? Now what if we told you you could find the spirit of both incredible cities in one place? You can, and that place is called IRO. The new season collection of IRO clothing has landed at Stanwells, and we’ve fallen head over heels. So much so that we simply had to name this lovely label as our next Brand of the Month.
Get to Know IRO
IRO Paris is a French label created by brothers and former music producers, Laurent and Arik Bitton. By combining bold New York style with high-end, French sartorial sophistication, the Bitton brothers have managed to pack their collections with vibrant personality and fresh ideas, all inspired by their love of architecture, music and design.
Made especially for the experimental women of the world, IRO clothing rapidly rose to fame across the world with its head-turning reinventions of traditional shapes. Now a firm fashion favourite with women from Europe and America to Canada, Korea and Australia – not to mention the team here at Stanwells – IRO Paris has well and truly earned its place as our Brand of the Month.
As always, we have picked out a few of our absolute favourite styles to show you, so you can dress up your wardrobe with the freshest of spring styles. Here they are, in no particular order:
The Nanopo Jacket
There’s something wonderfully retro about this dazzling jacket, don’t you think? Retro, yet somehow so very current. The IRO Nanopo Jacket is crafted from crisp white denim, a classic fashion staple for spring and summer, but the stars of the show are of course those stunning sparkle sequin sleeves. They transform this timeless jackets style into something entirely new, creating a piece that can be worn during sunny spring days and cool summer evenings. Layer it over your favourite summer dress and sparkly accessories for a casual, party-ready look that’s guaranteed to get people talking.
The Berwyn Silk Top
Spring just isn’t spring without a cami top, and this one has shot straight onto our favourites list for the new season. The IRO Berwyn silk top is everything you need from a new season essential; it’s light, floaty, elegant and versatile. Wear it under a jacket with white jeans for a casual summer daytime style, or pair it up with suit pants and heels for an elegant evening look that wouldn’t look out of place at any time of the year. The Berwyn top is made with 100% silk, so you’re getting pure luxury from the straps down to the hem, and that elegant tulle net trim adds an extra layer of chic Parisian style to this already stunning camisole top.
The Ashville Biker Jacket
We’re particularly fond of jackets this season, so we couldn’t resist showing you this one as well. Spring is prime motorcycle season so the biker jacket style is hot right now, and the IRO Ashville biker jacket is a stunning example of how great this look can be. The pale pastel blue colour is perfect for springtime, giving a lighter and more easygoing feel to the traditionally dark biker aesthetic, while the rest of the design holds true to the classic look. You can layer it over cami tops and denim during the day or wear it with your favourite dresses to create elegant summer evening styles. However you style it, the Ashville is a guaranteed breath of spring air for your wardrobe.
And our SS18 fashion collection doesn’t stop there. You can view our full IRO clothing range here, and there’s plenty of stunning women’s designer footwear, women’s boutique clothing and accessories from a whole host of exciting designer brands to discover online and in store.
SS18 Trends: The Looks to Look For
Spring is so close we could almost reach out and touch it, but is your wardrobe ready? This year’s SS18 catwalks were packed with so many stunning trends that it’s almost impossible to sum them all up, so we won’t try. Instead we have picked out some of our favourite SS18 trends to share with you, so you can get your wardrobe ready for the season ahead.
Here are the top looks to look for in SS18:
While those soft ice cream sundae pastels may not be a groundbreaking trend for spring time, there’s no denying they’re special. The SS18 catwalks were seriously pastel-pretty; Victoria Beckham showed head-to-toe violet, Hermés styled lemon sorbet suits, Tom Ford went pastel pink and we even got a sprinkle of pistachio green from the Sies Marjan collection. The best thing about pastels is that they’re so easy to style for spring, and you can layer several shades together for the ultimate on-trend effect.
A post shared by TOM FORD (@tomford) on Sep 9, 2017 at 7:03am PDT
Shop the pastel trend with our new season collection at Stanwells:
A post shared by Alexander McQueen (@alexandermcqueen) on Dec 19, 2016 at 12:52pm PST
The mac is back and it’s more fabulous than ever. The classic trench coat has been seeing a lot of catwalk action and has rocketed into the upper echelons of every SS18 trends list. So much more than just an outerwear necessity, the trench coat has been transformed into a style sensation by the big fashion houses, with embroidery, chopped-up lines and bright colours galore. A well-styled trench coat can become an outfit all on its own, especially when paired with chunky high heeled boots for a leggy, streamlined effect.
If you love a good trench but you’re more of a traditionalist, there’s a great middle ground option: boutique designer trench coats. Our latest season collection features some fabulous classic trench designs with traditional lines and elegant colours that let you rock this spring trend without the catwalk price tag.
Shop the trend at Stanwells:
A post shared by Marc Jacobs (@marcjacobs) on Feb 19, 2018 at 1:15pm PST
Sports-inspired fashion design is yet to tire, and this year’s SS18 catwalks have been teaming with athletic looks. Most notable was the Marc Jacobs collection, which combined luxury leather with retro sports styles reminiscent of brightly-coloured 80s. High top sneakers, bum bags, joggers, shell suits and sweaters are all well and truly back in fashion, and it’s one of the most enjoyable looks to wear.
Athletic looks are great for transitioning from spring to summer, with so many lightweight layering options to choose from. And we’ve got great news, you can find a great selection of retro sport styles right here at Stanwells. Shop the trend:
A post shared by Margaret Howell (@margarethowellltd) on Sep 17, 2017 at 6:39am PDT
Spring fashion for women usually involves a pair of shorts or two, but SS18 trends are not showing just the traditional super short shorts of yesteryear. Instead the catwalks have been filled with the returning safari shorts, preppy shorts, gym shorts and even cycling shorts. So forget the mini skirts and dresses, it looks like you’ll be spending spring and summer in your shorts this year, which is great news if you’re a fan of the casual end of the wardrobe spectrum.
Shop the trend with our collection of designer shorts here at Stanwells:
A post shared by TOM FORD (@tomford) on Sep 10, 2017 at 6:37am PDT
The polished, dark denim of circa 2000 fashion is back, with the likes of Tom Ford, Nina Ricci and Versus Versace showing a variety of outfits styled in this long absent denim shade. After quite the hiatus, the catwalks are welcoming this unexpected return and the trend is spreading like wildfire. So easy to wear for all of your off-duty looks, dark denim can be mixed and matched with practically anything, and it’s even acceptable to double-denim the look.
However you want to style it, you can find a variety of dark denim jean styles right here at Stanwells, so you can kick off your season with one of the easiest-to-style SS18 trends.
Sniffing out the hottest spring and summer trends for women is one of our favourite pastimes when the SS Season rolls around, and we’ve assembled a cracking collection for you to explore this year. Check out our entire New Arrivals collection and explore the latest boutique trends to land at the store.
Brand of the Month: Belstaff
Welcome to biker-style paradise. The Belstaff SS18 collection has landed at Stanwells and it’s brought with it a fabulous slice of this historic brand’s rich and adventurous sporting heritage. Those of you who are familiar with Belstaff will know just how amazing it feels to wear one of their leather jackets.
For those of you who aren’t, allow us to explain:
Leather jackets from Belstaff have become synonymous with the world famous Isle of Man TT motorcycle racing event. The rugged, gruelling race was tough on the racers’ clothing, so something waterproof and just as tough was needed to withstand the strain. Meanwhile, the brains behind Belstaff had been perfecting their waterproof materials and clothing for years, with their products being sent to the frontlines of WW1.
It wasn’t long before the motorcycle racers caught on, adopting the high quality leather jackets of Belstaff (known as Bellstaff until the 1930’s) for their big races. Motorcycling champion, Joseph ‘Joe’ Wright even became a Belstaff ambassador, cementing its image as the producer of clothing that is both rugged and cool.
Belstaff went on to supply its iconic range of men’s and women’s Belstaff jackets to everyone from aviators and army personnel to world-famous A-list Hollywood celebrities and actors. And now we are proud to welcome a select range of fabulous Belstaff quilted jackets, leather jackets and footwear to see in the new season with edgy biker style.
As always with our brand of the month we have selected a few of our favourite styles from the collection to show you today. So here they are, the very best of Belstaff:
Belstaff Culmore Jacket
For those early spring days when a slight winter’s chill is still clinging on, it can be hard to find a coat that provides just the right amount of warmth. Belstaff to the rescue! The Culmore quilted jacket is super lightweight, making it perfect for transitioning from season to season without the need for lots of layers. The adorable pastel pink shade is also bang on trend for SS18, where pastels are dominating the catwalks, so that’s another big win for the wardrobe. Easy to match up with practically any casual outfit, this gorgeous spring jacket works especially well with light-wash jeans and sport luxe trainers.
Belstaff Marvingt Leather Jacket
Heading into classic biker jacket territory now, the Marvingt is one of the most iconic women’s Belstaff jackets and a true bestseller. And let’s face it, it’s easy to see why. This work of sartorial art is crafted from the finest, buttery soft leather and comes complete with side zip pockets, padded elbows and expandable cuffs, all wrapped up in that traditional biker-chic cut. Perfect for cool spring days and weekend style, the Belstaff Marvingt works perfectly layered over a bright white T-shirt, skinny jeans and biker boots; you just can’t beat the classic looks.
Belstaff Clonmore Canvas Jacket
And now for something quite different. The Belstaff Clonmore canvas jacket is a true breath of fresh air for both the biker-chic look and spring coats overall. Where do we even begin? That crisp, light canvas, the flattering waist belt, the lightweight summery feel; the whole thing is just fabulous. The shortened trench coat style makes this jacket ideal for spring days and summer evenings, and looks beautiful when paired with casual jeans, a lightweight sweater and a colourful printed scarf.
Belstaff Acklington Leather Boots
We couldn’t end this post without drawing your attention to these beauties. The Belstaff Ackington leather boots are the perfect final touch to any biker-inspired outfit, bringing a modern, sophisticated twist to this classic style. We especially love that oversized statement buckle and the red trim, guaranteed to turn heads and start the compliments flowing. You can pair these modern biker beauties with everything from your favourite skinny jeans to casual day dresses for the edgiest of looks.
These pieces may be our favourites, but we can’t deny we love every single thing in the collection! View the entire Belstaff SS18 collection here, or take a look at our complete range of women’s jackets for yet more spring summer style from the most exciting designer brands.
The Top 4 Off-The-Beaten-Slope Ski Resorts to Try in 2018
Skiing season is here and everybody is heading to the slopes for downhill thrills and après-ski. But while most will be heading to ‘The Big 5’ – Switzerland, Italy, France, Austria and Germany – there’s a whole world of pristine slopes to explore beyond the mainstream destinations, and they’re all amazing.
So pack up your equipment and your warm winter coats and jackets and give these alternative skiing season destinations a go in 2018:
Åre, Sweden - Home of the saunas
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
If you love luxury as much as you love the mountains then Åre in Sweden needs to be top of your list this season. This pristine, soft-peaked alternative to the Alps is well-known for its relaxing hot tubs and saunas; the perfect way to unwind and socialise with your fellow skiers after a long day on the slopes. After you’ve enjoyed the outstanding ski opportunities and facilities, simply wash it all down with a glass or two of traditional Swedish schnapps and you’ve got yourself the perfect skiing experience without the crowds.
Bansko, Bulgaria - A snowboarder’s paradise
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
If one of your party favours snowboards over skis, Bansko in Bulgaria is the place to be for ski season 2018. Hailed as the ‘New Andorra’, Bansko ski resort is nestled at the foot of the breathtaking Pirin mountains and boasts sweeping ski runs and an extensive snowboarding infrastructure. And, if you’re all about the après-ski, Bansko will not disappoint with its unique array of off-piste attractions. From its many mehanas (traditional Bulgarian taverns) with roaring fires and local food, to its dazzling casinos and lively bars, Bansko will easily keep you excited and entertained for the entire trip.
Poiana Brasov, Romania - The best night skiing destination
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
If your ski skills are leaning towards the novice end of the slope, Romania’s exquisite Poiana Brasov is a great alternative to the slightly more intimidating mainstream resorts. Regarded as the best ski resort in Romania, Poiana Brasov is home to an impressive Olympic run, however it is generally more tailored to beginner and intermediate level skiers. But the real pull of this stunning resort is the night skiing opportunities, which offer truly spectacular moonlit views of the mountains while you zoom down the runs.
Davraz, Turkey - The ultimate hidden treasure
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
Yes, Turkey! Who knew? Davraz is, after all, one of Europe’s best kept skiing secrets. Here you can enjoy all the snowy delights of the traditional ski resorts while also having access to the stunning Mediterranean coastline; so it’s two holidays in one. Complete with both beginner slopes and challenging black runs for experienced skiers, Davraz is nestled between three shimmering lakes and offers truly magical views. Be quick and visit before the word gets out, as Davraz is rapidly becoming popular with skiers the world over.
What to Wear
No matter where you go, you need to be ready for the snow. Sweden’s northerly location unsurprisingly means occasional icy winds, and all mountainous regions are prone to challenging weather, so you’ll need the best quality clothing to see you through.
Luckily there are brands out there that combine the cold-weather practicalities with high end fashion, so you can tackle the slopes in style. If you’re looking for high-tech professional arctic gear with a stylish military aesthetic, Parajumpers is the brand for you. Inspired by the tough, courageous folk of the Alaskan 210th Rescue Squadron, Parajumpers coats are designed to withstand the harshest conditions while maintaining a classic outerwear style that you’d be proud to wear.
If you’re looking for something a little more playful, Moose Knuckles is the home of super stylish men’s and women’s winter coats. Moose Knuckles parkas and bomber jackets are lined with luxurious feather and down to keep you snug and warm on the snowy slopes, even in the coldest temperatures. The super soft fur hood linings and playful pom pom details add an extra layer of fun to your sartorial ski ensemble, and the quality fabrics used by Moose Knuckles ensure you get a coat that will stand the test of time.
And what about your feet? Stomping through deep snow for a week demands a sturdy pair of boots to keep your feet warm and dry, and Montelliana boots tick all the right boxes. Crafted from strong leather and lined with fur, these are the perfect footwear choice for all of your après-ski activities, and are just as ideal for lots of your outdoor adventures even after you leave the slopes.
Now that you’re clued up and kitted out for skiing season, all that’s left to do is pick a resort and enjoy.
Stanwells top 5 sale picks
It's that time of year again, the Stanwells sale is in full swing with all AW17 stock reduced by up to 50% and all past seasons stock reduced by 70%. It's time for you to bag yourself a bargain and we've curated a small selection of our top 5 sale picks that shouldn't be missed!
There is only one thing better than designer clothing and that's designer clothing at discounted prices. You can pick up the same luxurious goodies you've been longing for all season long for a fraction of the price, both in store and online in the Stanwells Winter sale. From super soft cashmere sweaters by Chinti & Parker to stunning suede over the knee boots by Ash, we've got something for everyone in our Winter sale and we're sure that you won't want to miss our top 5 sale picks.
Alessandra Chamonix Georgette Racoon Coat in Military/Multi
Was £1585.00 Now £1109.50
If you're looking for that special something to treat yourself to this Christmas, the Alessandra Chamonix Georgette coat was made for you. This glamorous jacket is a reinvention of the classic military parka, with shimmering beaded embellishment adorning the front and the cuffs and a luxurious fur lining and hood trim that's guaranteed to keep you toasty and stylish all winter long. From the city to the slopes, this versatile coat can be worn around town with your favourite jeans and sneakers or pair it with some Montelliana Boots for an Alpine chic look. With a £475 discount, what's not to love? Find your size here.
Perseverance London Paisley Lace Ruffle Dress in Black
Was £332.00 Now £166.00
Looking for something sophisticated yet modern this party season? Look no further than this intricate lace ruffle dress by Perseverance London which has 50% off in the Winter Sale. It's impossible not to fall in love with the vintage feel of this dress, with its high lace neckline, tiered ruffle skirt and long sheer sleeves giving a modern day take on classic Victorian style. Wear it with some barely there strappy heels and a sleek black clutch bag for a chic formal look this party season. Grab yours here.
Brockenbow Charlotte Jeans in Cascade
Was £240.00 Now £120.00
Make a style statement in these fabulous jeans by cool Parisian brand Brockenbow. Hand-finished in Paris, they are embellished with shimmering cascading beads that add a je ne sais quoi that you won't find anywhere else. These jeans are cut in the signature Brockenbow slim boyfriend 'Charlotte' style which adds a touch of unvarnished elegance, wear with a relaxed white t-shirt and an IRO biker jacket for a cool off-duty look. Treat yourself to these glittering jeans whilst they're 50% off in the Winter sale as we're sure they won't be available for long.
Chinti & Parker Abstract Scalloped Cashmere Sweater
Was £375.00 Now £262.50
Dress like a true fashionista in this playful scalloped sweater by cashmere queens Chinti & Parker. Crafted from the softest, most luxurious cashmere, this sweater strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort. Get yours while there's 30% off in our Winter sale and you can use your amazing saving of over £100 to put towards some chic Citizens of Humanity jeans to wear with it. Take a look at it here.
Ash Elisa-Baby Silk Over the Knee Boots
Was £199.00 Now £139.30
Last but certainly not least we have the show stopping Ash over the knee boots, the prefect finishing touch to any outfit this Winter. Crafted from silky soft black suede, these boots work wonders at elongating your legs thanks to the mid-block heel and thigh skimming length. Style them like a true fashion guru by wearing them with the Sportmax Ali Black & White Wavy Skirt and a chic cream sweater for a look that will take you from day to evening with ease. With 30% off, they're undeniably hard to resist!
If you've been inspired to shop till you drop by our top 5 sale picks, you can browse the rest of our sale items which are on show across the whole site right now. If you want to scroll through all our bargains in one easy place, head over to our sale room to get up to 70% off AW17 and past seasons collections.
Brand of the Month: Perseverance London
The moment we laid eyes on the latest collection from Perseverance London we began a lace love affair that we know will last forever.
Kicking off its debut collection in SS16, this budding boutique brand is already making a name for itself in the industry, turning heads left, right and centre. Its creator, Eudald Luis, envisioned a clothing line with a tough, modern attitude, and ultimately created a brand that reimagines what it means to be feminine.
One look at any collection of clothing by Perseverance London will tell you that it’s all about the lace. Absolutely every single piece from our new collection of women’s Perseverance London dresses, blouses and skirts combines exquisite, intricate lacework with luxury fabrics and victorian-inspired styling, creating a unique aesthetic already adored by women across the world.
As you can tell, we’ve fallen head over heels for this entire collection, but we’ve somehow managed to narrow it down to four favourite pieces to show you today.
Perfect for updating your weekend wardrobe in time for New Year, this irresistible lace body in burgundy is a total gem. With that delicate paisley lace bodice, ruffled cuffs and soft neckline it’s impossible not to fall in love with this unique piece. The design is brought together with luxurious velvet neck ties, lifting the burgundy colour still further and adding an extra level of detailing. Match it up with a pair of black wide leg pants for an effortless smart casual look, perfect for evenings out and sophisticated parties. Tempted?
If you’re a sucker for a good print (like we are) then this skirt was made for you. The Perseverance London mix print paisley skirt has not one, but two beautiful prints, layered in alternating bands to create this elegant, ruffled design. Combined with the brand’s signature, intricate lacework, this layered skirt creates a floaty yet dramatic look; perfect for an evening outfit. Pair it with long boots and the Perseverance London lace body in black to complete the look. Find it in your size here.
It’s rare to find a piece of clothing that you can take from the office right through to a classy evening out without breaking stride. Yet here it is; say hello to the Perseverance London lace blouse, with its contrasting black pussy bow. This blouse is pure elegance incarnate, with that crisp, white lace ruffle detailing around the shoulders, body and cuffs giving movement and flow to the design. Wear it tucked into black wide leg pants for a powerful office look, or with a long, black skirt for incredible evening elegance.
We love every single one of the women’s Perseverance London dresses in our collection, but we just had to show you this one in particular. The floral applique pleated dress is a real thing of beauty, with those elegant pleated kimono sleeves and wonderful pleated skirt, which flatters the figure and creates graceful movement. But the real star of the show here is that stunning floral applique design across the body. The intricate design blends into the beautiful petrol blue colour, but stands out just enough to create a unique, shimmering effect. Match up with your favourite high heels for an instant party-ready look that’s guaranteed to turn heads. It’s waiting for you here.
If, like us, you’re utterly sold on this stunning brand, you can view our entire Perseverance London collection and pick your own lacy favourites for the season.
Behind the scenes: What went on at our exclusive in-store event...
The party season has officially arrived and what better way to celebrate than with an exclusive event at our Westbourne store? For one night only we were lucky enough to welcome the much loved scarf designer Emma Shipley and the fabulous Duffy New York team into our store for an evening full of inspirational chats, Christmas shopping and an abundance of champagne!
Customers were able to get their first glimpse of all our stunning new Pre Spring 18 collections from Duffy, Chinti & Parker, Boutique Moschino, Emma Shipley and Not Shy whilst indulging in some mouth watering canapés courtesy of The Jetty Mudeford restaurant. With guests having travelled from both near and far to join us, the shop was soon bustling with glamorous customers and their lucky husbands.
The evening began with a brief collection overview from Emma Shipley, who kindly talked us through the inspirations for her latest collection as well as her intricate production processes. After launching only 5 years ago in 2012 with a background in graphic design and fine drawing, Emma Shipley has become a firm Stanwells favourite thanks to her intricate, original and subversive pieces. Taking inspiration from fantastical myths and legends, Emma hand draws each design in pencil using elements of nature to capture the magic of her surroundings in each and every design she creates. These absolutely stunning designs are then translated onto the most luxurious silk and wool fabrics to create one of a kind pieces that are sure to be treasured for years to come.
This instantly recognisable hand-drawn style is of course still present in Emma Shipley's SS18 collection, whilst an array of different creatures and colours have been used to infuse a new lease of life into this bold summery selection. Glorious giraffes, powerful peacock feathers and diagrammatic silverbacks give a modern twist to Emma's signature mythical inspirations, with a rainbow of colours suitable for every occasion available. Our lucky customers were fortunate enough to be able to pre-order these luxurious scarves and managed to get their hands on Emma's latest SS18 designs before anyone else could snap them up!
After a quick champagne break, we were then treated to another Pre SS18 preview by the lovely ladies from the Duffy New York team. A long-running favourite with all of our customers, Duffy's super soft cashmere is a staple in any Stanwells shopper's wardrobe thanks to the flattering cuts, stunning colours and quirky details which are guaranteed season after season. After a quick chat about the new collection, customers were invited to try and buy the Pre SS18 selection which flew out the doors on the evening.
The Duffy Pre SS18 collection is bursting with cool pastel colours and shoulder baring cuts which ooze Spring style and brightened up the store on a cold winter's evening. Our customers loved the Off the Shoulder Sweater in Sky Heather as well as the Two Tone Boat Neck Sweater and the Off the Shoulder Sweater in Champagne/Heather Grey, which you can see on our gorgeous models Millie and Mitch pictured above. For the ultimate luxurious combination, a few lucky customers purchased a fabulous combination of Duffy and Emma Shipley to start off their Spring wardrobe in style.
After a flurry of spending and a lot of chatting, the evening drew to a close and our lovely customers were treated to one last surprise, a luxurious gift bag supplied by Neptune Bournemouth containing a fabulous tealight holder and their latest collection book as well as a few goodies from Rik Rak by Kit Kemp to top it all off. After an incredibly busy evening, the Stanwells team finally got to sample a few of the delicious canapés lovingly made by The Jetty, before tidying up and heading home for a well deserved glass of fizz.