The holy grail of a perfectly honed wardrobe? The perfect black pant? A slick blazer? A figure-flattering dress? Yes most definitely all of the above, but aren’t we forgetting the clothes we spend our downtime in? I’m talking well cut, quality denim, stylish dresses, softly fluid blouses, beautifully-designed knitwear and great tees – and that’s just for starters. With And/Or John Lewis have curated a clever collection with a distinctly carefree lifestyle spirit at heart. Very LA cool girl, very very wearable. The value-added bonus is that this is the sort of weekend-wear you can very easily take to work and play; cool trainers swapped for heels transform pieces like the lurex pinstriped jumpsuit from comfy daywear to va va voom evening wear; the chiffon and striped dresses look great teamed with a heeled ankle boot for date night and the hot pink frilled sweatshirt is just the right hit of colour to lift a tailored pant. Just add heels. It’s a no brainer that the gentle Cali-girl bohemian vibe drew me in, but this collection is more than that – its a savvy lifestyle choice. Well priced, well-made and not fashion faddy. Yep, I’m sold.
All for one – consider this as your easy-anywhere piece. Dress it down with flats or smart trainers by day – add a heel by night. It’s lightweight, comfortable, roomy and the lurex pinstripes give it a thoroughly modern glam feel. I’m converted. Jumpsuit, £99 (available September), fringe heeled boots, £129 both AND/OR.
Stand tall – add a camisole or body by day to disguise the low cut.
Gently does it – What better way to stay pretty in the searing heat – delicately printed lightweight chiffon teamed with waxed cotton jeans and a smart trainer – it’s work or weekend worthy. Ivy print top, £65 (available now); Abbot Kinney Skinny Jeans, £85; Ezra Star Trainers, £89, all AND/OR.
Disco Diva – a little bit 70s, a little bit rock’n’roll. Layer up with slick black Disco tee, hot mustard loose-cut blouse (worn open) and the slick must have waxed jeans. Very much a weekend winner. Calista Blouse, £55; Disco Glitter Slogan Tee, £25; Abbot Kinney Skinny Jeans, £85 all AND/OR.
Frill seeker – Add a little boho frill and volume to the sleeve of a loose cut blouse, et voila – perfection. Lurex stripe blouse, £59 (available August), AND/OR.
Luxury topping – There’s something about the touch and feel of velvet that feels so utterly indulgent, add to that a loose flowing A-line cut and you have a piece that belted or loose makes you feel like Christmas. Job done. Red velvet dress, £89 (available September); fringe heeled boots, £129 both AND/OR.
Free flow – deep pockets for hands down Autumn dress winner.
Heated Moments – with a proper summer in place and plenty more hot days promised, what better way to stay cool at night than in this pretty little camisole and shorts set. Cami/Sleep set, £45 (available now)
Just add jeans – too pretty for just nightwear? Just add jeans and a jacket for date night..yes really it’s ok to wear your lingerie out.
Haute Pink – As good with jeans as it is with tailored trousers this sweatshirt is the bright choice to transition into Autumn. Frill sweatshirt, £45 (available October); cargo boyfriend jeans, £89 (available August); Marnie Wedge Heel Sandals, £99, all AND/OR.
Floral Arrangement – a printed chiffon dress that falls gently to mid-calf is most definitely a wardrobe long-hauler; light in a suitcase for weekend breaks; great with ankle boots and a blazer for calmer days at work and simply gorgeous with trainers for running around town. The Stylish Stuff Loves the Forest Floral Megan Dress, £95 (available September) AND/OR.
She means business – with its’ ruffled and asymmetric hemline and gently belted cut, this little dress is a great office go-to. Striking. Flattering. Definitely a lust have. Striped dress, £89 (available September) AND/OR.
From the John Lewis Beauty Counter – make-up artist Frances Prescott created this smoky eyed look on model Victoria using Becca make-up. She chose Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Moonstone £30; Ultimate Coverage Concealing Crème in Praline £21; Mineral Blush in Flowerchild £24; Ombré Nudes Eye Palette £30 and a matted down Gloss Glow in Rose Quartz on the lips £18. Click here to shop the collection.
Frances’ Becca make-up choices…
The Stylish Stuff In association with AND/OR by John Lewis. To shop the current AND/OR collection
Photos and styling by Shelly Vella
Hair and make-up by Frances Prescott using Tri.Balm
Model Victoria Lehmann at Select Model Management London
Photographed at the John Lewis roof garden, Oxford Street, London
Thank you to Emma, Georgia and Jemima at John Lewis