Right. I know it’s snowing in the UK and we’re all frozen into our homes, tapping fruitlessly at the insides of our iced-over windows in the hope that someone happens to be passing with a blow-torch and chisel so that we can be released from our chilly confines (just me? alrighty then), but there’s nothing wrong with a bit of sartorial optimism. And my sartorial optimism, this week, comes in the form of bright, springtime colours, more specifically yellow.
It all started with the Marks & Spencer shirt that I featured last week in my Chanel post – a lightweight, semi-sheer “utility shirt” that I didn’t think would suit me at all, being blonde, but seemed to lift my complexion and make me look all sorts of healthy. (Although by the time I took the image above, I had added some crazy-lady face colours and didn’t look quite so perky. Just in case you’re scratching your heads doubtfully!)
And now I seem to have a thing for yellow – here are my picks, if you fancy indulging and giving your wardrobe a little lift in time for spring. Wear it with anything but black, unless you specifically want to look like a bumblebee.
Duo Stripe Pullover, £49 & Other Stories*
Well this is very cheery, isn’t it? I’ve ordered it along with around fifty-eight thousand other items as part of what seems to be “Ruth’s attempt at financial suicide, episode 12”. It’s all Anna’s fault – she wears the most amazing leopard jumper in her latest video and I just had to have it.
& then I started looking at all of the other stuff on there, & then suddenly an hour had gone past and I had a load of things in my basket. Bloody & other stories & their good-looking, fast-loading website. What kind of name is & other stories anyway? The ampersand makes me want to repeatedly stab my own forehead with a small cake fork. It’s a good job the clothes are nice.
Utility Shirt, £25 Marks & Spencer*
This is where it all started, the yellow obsession. This shirt is a very affordable way to completely update your wardrobe for spring – looks great with pale denim jeans, also tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt.
Crepe de Chine Shirt, £450 Stella McCartney*
I’ve popped this in just in case you enjoy spending loads more money than you need to. I love SM (ooh that almost sounds rude!) but I actually prefer the shape of the M&S (ooh! S&M!) and it’s about a twentieth of the price. So that’s good.
Nail Polish in “Giallo Napoli”, £22 Chanel*
Yellow nails? Not the first shade you’d think of for your hands and I wasn’t totally convinced, but I had so many pleasant comments when I wore this shade that I may give it another go when I have more of a tan. It’s certainly very jolly!
Grace Ankle Strap Shoes, £42 Topshop*
This is an easy way to wear a bit of joyful yellow if you’re not so sure about having it on the top half; punchy ankle-strap shoes. I love these! Rather sexy, if you ask me, but the wide ankle strap stops them from being the sort of dangerous heels that will land you in hospital in one of those full body casts. There’s something charmingly retro about these, but the pointed heel is decidedly modern.
Rubber Tote Bag, £675, Gucci*
Yep, I went there; this is my ridiculous wild-card inclusion, for those who like their bags rubbery and – er – yellow. The world has gone Gucci mad, recently, so if you’re into your retro gear and like the “seventies icons” sort of vibe going on here then knock yourself out. At least it’s wipe clean – in fact, so far as beach bags go, this has to be one of the most sensible materials you could use! Ditto for transporting small, incontinent dogs or, if you’re often out in thunderstorms and refuse to wear rubber-soled shoes, it’s quite handy for climbing into. (More uses for rubbery bags in the comments, please, if you’d be so kind.)
Dear Ruth,
I am obsessed with your style, with how natural you are and how everything and anything looks great on you!
You also inspired me towards pastel nails. Your manicure is so feminine.
Happy to have discovered you. Started watching videos, too!
Hugs to the beautiful Angelica and Ted!
Tina