Scarf is either the laziest accessory or the most considered one this summer
in Etc. Khaite pre-fall, Lie Studio x Tahni Bouhadana homeware debut, Soeur sale, Frida Kahlo in Tate Modern
I developed a mild aversion to accessorising lately (I’m working on it!), which set in around last winter. I took Coco Chanel’s advice — you know, take one thing off before you leave home — to its logical extreme, which is to say I now leave wearing none.
When you strip back one thing, you free up space for others, I learned. Also, that all my accessorising problems can be solved with the Rohe tuxedo shirt, with its stand-up collar and double cuffs, leaving no vacancies for necklaces or bracelets. Which is exactly what got me watching the latest developments in necklines up close — because if a collar can replace a necklace, what else is doing the work?
The scarf is an obvious answer, and the daring one. A slim, monochrome silk scarf can appear humble, but it adds the kind of considered drama a simple pendant never will. Although the scarf layered over a little tennis necklace, like this one, peeking out ever so slightly from underneath the fabric is something I admire dearly. Now as I say it out loud, the necklace-scarf combo does most for the laziest outfit on earth — a white tee and jeans.
On paper, the scarf is the laziest thing you can do. Covering the tired neckline on a bad day — smart. Making the outfit you’ve worn twice already this week new again — even smarter! The day you actually bother, it’s considered, like the outfit couldn’t function without it. Good news — it’s impossible to tell which is which.
Almada Duni silk scarf; Leset Margo v-neck; Khaite Kerrie jean; The Row Terrasse to-go bag (painfully sold out, but Elise would look perfect with all this); leather jacket is from previous Massimo Dutti collection, this year’s is better.
Leset Margo v-neck; Phoebe Philo classic jeans; Havaianas slim flip flops; The Row Terrasse to-go bag; Khaite x Oliver peoples sunglasses; Almada Duni silk scarf.
Slow Label spaghetti strap everyday tank; Rohe Sarong skirt; Havaianas slim flip flops; Almada Duni silk scarf;
Looking back, my scarf habit started last summer, when I bought the Maison Magdalena fringe scarf and wore it to NYFW — hot September, couldn’t stomach a jacket, but wanted shoulder cover (repeatedly styled it for PFW too). It’s been on backorder ever since, because who doesn’t want a light, 90% wool, 10% cashmere scarf for €246? Following its success, she released a slim version, a barely-there summer weight, for €186.
Almada’s Duni in cream silk — my minimalist statement necklace now, literally, and wearable with any outfit known to man. The Posse Essie in soft pink, scalloped linen — technically a wrap, but a perfect candidate to pull me out of the black-and-white comfort zone. Maria McManus x Agolde triangle scarf — same! The Row’s Merisi — dripping in pure Olsens DNA, made from a brown linen and cotton blend, it screams season-less. Important, when you add London rain into the equation.
And then I’m seeing the resurgence of bandanas styled in ways I wouldn’t dare — I’m looking at you, 2000s bandana top. But then a lot of good stuff too: scarves cosplaying statement belts, used as head-covers, embellishing handbag handles. As long as we keep scarves in the accessory lane, we will all be okay.
Etc.
SIR re-released The Speed sunglasses — the ones from Margot Robbie’s infamous airport look the internet went gaga for, myself included. Very 90s silhouette for the summer, I predict they sell out quick. There’s a sale on too, with dresses plenty, and the Rioja maxi from 100% silk crepe designed in collaboration with NAP is on there.
I’ve been Leset bombing you lately, but June drop is out. Light cotton Mae crewneck in white is something I would wear with Nando pant. I styled the Ari dress over a pair of black trousers, and the Barb satin lace mini can function in the same way, even better with the cropped lace pants.
Khaite Pre-Fall 26 is here. The colour theme is exemplary, as always. Even the odd baby pink earns its place against the black, white, olive and brown — or Clove and Golden Ochre, as we call them here. Marlene pump promises engineered comfort. I believe it! Lived in Cecilia pump all spring. Ivy top-shirt in chalk can totally hold its own, and Finley jean is scratching 90s — mid-rise, slimmer leg, like we ordered.
Lie Studio x Tahni Bouhadana Keepsake; very excited to see them tapping into homeware, because everything they touch turns to gold (I blinked and their lip balm cases in collaboration with Lesse were gone). They’re starting with 20 limited edition keepsakes at £450, made of resin, silver, and onyx — gorgeous. I want to see even more from them in this department. And they also do sunglasses now; I’m liking The Lee, a lot.
NAP sale just got better, offering 15% extra on already generous discounts with code FLASH15. I ordered Rohe midi sarong skirt, and I’m giving second thought to their white mandarin silk dress, which can work as a light layer. A lot of Fforme and Khaite qualifies for the extra 15, like Ima dress — too good to be true.
Soeur’s sale; Hillary poplin dress comes in three colours, perfect for a heatwave, and the Ilsa, kaftan-like and just as good over trousers. The Helie I’d wear as a white summer overcoat.
Frida: The Making of an Icon opens at Tate Modern on the 25th (next Thursday) — twenty years since London had a proper Frida Kahlo show, and a whole section on “Fridamania”.
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