A little while back, I wore a frilly blouse that almost broke the internet.
Okay I’m exaggerating, but it did get a lot of attention.
It was an outfit I borrowed for London Fashion Week and was by one of my favourite designers: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi – but for their collection Studio by Preen for Debenhams. For me, it’s one of my favourite Designer/High Street pairings yet – girly frills and ruffles but with modern, crisp silhouettes and tons of this season’s gingham.
And it launches today.
I knew I wanted to do a piece on the launch, but thought I’d show how to style another piece from the collection, something a little trickier: the gingham ruffle skirt. This season is all about having fun and showing individuality and ruffles are a sure-fire way to do this – I’d always balance out the girliness with a slouchy top – a chunky knit or maybe a slogan tee when the weather picks up. And for the added sportiness, a pair of classic sneakers – not too fussy. I actually wore this to a lunch meeting after this shoot and felt suitably dressed up/down.
And then there’s my Instagram alter-ego that tells me not to bother with ‘real-life’ and wear the shoes. So as a more evening look (but still with a knit, as I’m still 90% a realist), I put together a total ‘Dorothy’ look with my favourite red shoes. Because if you can’t channel one of your favourite movie sirens in a gingham ruffle skirt, I’m not sure when else you can…
So, whether it’s the frill collared shirt, the gingham button front blouse (which I’m eyeing up) or the ruffle skirt, Studio for Preen at Debenhams is, I think, one of their best collaborations to date.
What a collab. I remember when Preen first started and I went to their casting in Ladbroke Grove. I love how Debenhams supports different designers. What a nice gingham gem!
Wow – what a fab Fashion memory to have! Always the coolest shows x
Love love it with the chunky knit! Can see it with a bit of Breton too!
Yes! With Supergas or something would be fab (Rome outfit planning….!) x
I’m still not convinced on the ruffles/gingham look for me. However you totally rock it! Love how you have styled it and me-oh-my I do love those red shoes!
yes – sometimes we can get totally caught up in trends and forget what actually suits us! I’ll ry anything once (except a crop top!) x
Love that ruffle skirt paired with a chunky knit!
http://styledfortheoccasion.com
I love this skirt so so much!
xoxo
https://www.donkeycool.es/
LOVE this look! The gingham with the red shoes is so good!
You had me at gingham + ruffles. The collection doesn’t seem to be online yet, but I’m buying that skirt and blouse the moment it is!
Briony xx
So it’s in Oxford circus today – and online immimently – I’m guessing tomorrow! It’s so you! xxx
Just re-updated the links – it’s LIVE xx
What a beautiful beautiful outfit! I love the pairing with the red shoes actually – I find that the colours complement each other so well! One of my favourite combinations is skirt and sweater combo and you do it so well!
x
Shloka
http://thesilksneaker.com
Thank you! I love the balancing act of slouchy with feminine xx
Looks fab !!
How does it fit? what size are you wearing?
xx
I’m wearing a 10 which I thought would be big but it fits perfectly – it’s lined so I’d go up a size if you’re in between x
Thank you 🙂
Love this outfit, teaming the oversized knit with gingham is perfect <3
Lauren Rose: laurenrosestyle.com
Thank you – not too twee 🙂
It’s so nice and suits you so well Alexandra ! Really, the Studio by Preen Collection is really beautiful , it’s super fashion , but very different from all the other mass market brands, and all the outfits are really easy to use for working .
I wish they have a corner in Paris !