Cafe Culture

Cafe Culture

Knitted tank tops have come back with a vengeance. If you have one from the first time around then dig it out! They’re absolutely perfect for this time of year when we don’t know what the weather is going to do from one hour to the next. They lend themselves to wearing a beautiful blouse underneath, particularly if it has an interesting collar and sleeve. This one is from Toast and is particularly lovely. I don’t tend to wear anything overly ‘girly’ and Toast are very clever at creating designs that never become too much so. Take this blouse for example, the collar, although frilled, is flat pleated with a simple shape. The tartan fabric has a masculine edge which tones down the blouson sleeves with the frilled cuff.

The navy cotton trousers that I am wearing are some of the most comfortable trousers that I have EVER worn, they honestly feel like you are wearing tracksuit bottoms - but lighter. I also cannot sing the praises of this lightweight jacket enough too. Ever since buying it, I have worn it everyday. Although I love the look of a trench coat or rainmac, there are times when they look a little formal. The little jacket is the perfect more casual alternative. The unusual shawl collar is an elegant design detail which I love.

I should also take a moment to talk about these shoes that I am wearing. I have real trouble with shoes, particularly in the Summer when I am not wearing socks. I get terrible blisters and usually resort back to Birkenstocks for the whole season. However, these leather shoes are extremely comfortable. The interwoven straps gently give as you walk meaning less friction against your skin. I am so happy to have found them as I absolutely love this style of shoe - and of course the colour!

I was so pleased to find this lightweight bomber jacket from YMC. It is made from Kantha fabric so if you zoom in on the picture, you can see that the fabric has a fine stitching through it. This jacket is cut beautifully. It is the perfect example of a simple garment that is elevated into something special by it’s excellent design. It is the sort of item of clothing that lifts every outfit and makes it into something much cooler.

These trousers are a tried and tested style for mum. They cost more than many other similar pairs on the high street but due to their cut and quality, they just hang better and last longer. If you are going for a bolder choice in colour, you want to make sure that they fit like a glove.

The scarf is simply tied once but because the cotton is a bit stiffer than some, it doesn’t fall undone. I love the simplicity of the way that the scarf looks - nonchalant but cool….

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX MOONEY

Sue wears…

Trousers, £165, Toast

Navy T-Shirt, £25, COS

Kantha bomber jacket, £325, YMC

Belt, very old Topshop

Neckscarf, £39, Toast

Plimsoles, £85, Superga

Earrings, old favourites

Hannah wears…

Knitted tank top, £155, Toast

Blouse, £195, Toast

Trousers, £140, Toast

Jacket, £149, Arket

Shoes, £195, Steve Mono at Toast