GRAHAM ST.

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And Relax

I’ve been really enjoying all the articles written about the late Jane Birkin this week. Whether you like what she wore or not, to me she encapsulates what I adore about someone’s personal style - a sense that they are totally at ease in their clothes. You felt that Jane Birkin was dressing for herself, and she looked effortlessly cool throughout her life. Although some of her most iconic looks date to her 20s and 30s, she felt most comfortable once she was in her 40s and beyond. In an interview with French Vogue, she commented “When I see photos of me from 1968, my big doll eyes underlined with eyeliner, exaggerated mouth, bangs, I find it horrible. I found myself the most interesting at 40. I started wearing Scottish cotton marcels [vests], Agnes b men’s shirts, oversized pants upgraded with a thin red leather belt and sneakers without laces. Oversized men’s clothes are good when you get older.” She’s preaching to the choir here at Graham St.

Oversized shirts and loose fitting jumpsuits will forever be a look that I love. The square neckline of this gem is so chic as is the low-cut back. It would make an incredibly stylish cover-up for the beach or perfect with a striped t-shirt for sightseeing.

Both mum and I are wearing high top trainers by the American brand Rothy’s. Born out of the terrible reality that 90% of shoes end up in landfill, Rothy’s have already converted almost 100 million water bottles into footwear. I was a little sceptical as to the comfort of a trainer made from pasltic bottles but I can honestly say they are some of the comfiest trainers that I have ever worn - a very close second to Novestas. I love that these particular trainers are completely white except for a small line of blue at the heel. Launched this month, high top trainers are a very new addition to Rothy’s designs. They are fantastic for wearing with slightly cropped trousers and skirts as they neatly fill the gap between shoes and hem.

Both my dress and jumper are from a boutique called The Collaborative Store. Based in Marylebone, London, they work with independent brands, makers and artists who place great value on quality and ethical practices. Elena, the store’s founder, also likes to make sure that each piece stocked, whether an item of clothing or a piece of artwork, has an interesting story. The jumper that I am wearing was knitted in Lithuania and arrived with a card telling me all about its maker, Ingrid. It took her three full days to make it. There is something very special about knowing the degree of care and attention that went into the garment that you then own and love.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX MOONEY

SUE’S OUTFIT…

Jumpsuit, £79, COS

White Shirt, £120, Skall Studio at Gather & See

Orange cardigan, £215, Toast

Quilted denim jacket, £45, Marks & Spencer

High top trainers, $189, Rothy’s

HANNAH’S OUTFIT…

Dress, £165, The Collaborative Store

Knitted Jumper, £205, The Collaborative store

Necklace, old but similar here

Trainers, as above

Socks, £22, Rock & Ruby

Sunglasses, £125, Ollie Quinn

-STYLE EDIT-

-pieces that have caught my eye-