Hello again! For those of you also in the Northern hemisphere, I hope that you had a great summer. We had particularly lovely weather here in the UK - it really does make such a difference! Then, just like that, it’s over and Autumn is upon us. Not, however, that I am sad about this because what does Autumn bring? The cooler days…. and what do cooler days mean….layers!! Haha!

We also have beautiful rich colours to play with which always excites me. The combination of lovely colours and interesting textures is what floats my boat. I’m assuming that if you’re part of our Graham St community then these things make you happy too.

So, we’re off to a good start. I’ve managed to fit three layers onto both myself and mum (cue mum’s eye roll). Look at the pretty colours! And textures! So let’s begin shall we…

Mum’s shirt is interesting because of its texture. It is made from a seersucker fabric rather than a plain poplin or Oxford cotton. It has a lovely detail on the button placket and a pretty button fastening on the cuff. These are simple things but are details that elevate a white shirt into something worth investing in. YouMustCreate are incredibly clever at this; creating clothes that are utilitarian in their function but interesting in their design. Their branding is very much aimed at a young East London crowd but if you’re not part of this demographic then don’t be put off! If you can, I would recommend visiting one of their shops to have a look at the collections ‘in the flesh’ so to speak.

My shirt is exactly the same fit and texture as mum’s, just a different design. The colours are stunning. I adore the wine red buttons. This shirt can be worn as easily untucked as it can tucked in.

This gorgeous, dusty pink jumper is by a relatively new brand to us, Rise & Fall. In the words of the brand, they are ‘opening up beautiful design and exquisite materials to a broader audience, cutting out the waste, extreme mark-ups and pretentious nonsense, and doing right by people and planet’. We love this.

The quality of this jumper is beautiful. The shape and cut are perfect for everyday wear. We love the ribbed cuffs on the sleeve and wide ribbed hem. The design is smart, without being formal.

Another gem is these chinos by Jaeger. Now there’s a brand that I haven’t thought of in a while! Recently, they’ve really elevated their design. A great place to look for well cut, good quality basics at a reasonable price. Made from a heavy cotton, these trousers would easily see you through winter. The heavier fabric also means that they hold their shape well, creating a flattering silhouette. They come with a belt but we felt that it detracted from the overall look, preferring this simple burgundy leather belt by Arket. If you have been reading this blog for a while, then you will know of our love for a burgundy accessory! More interesting than black but less harsh and just as versatile.

In terms of layering the three tops that I am wearing, incase it’s of interest, the reason that these particular items work so well together is because the shirt and the coat are in the same colour palette. So although the patterns are contrasting, the two fabrics co-exist nicely. However, worn side by side they would not work, the plain rust red jacket is needed to break them up.

I love the off white jeans to lift the autumnal colours but dark brown would have worked too, as would a traditional dark blue jean.