Category Archives: Clothing
Fall line at Mini Boden
Sniff, sniff. Can you smell that? I think fall is nigh! (Or should I say autumn?) (And should I say near?) 🙂
Mini Boden’s fall line is exquisite, playful and gorgeous, with a British nod to style. I particularly love the cosy gilet, the duffle coat and the Westminster Printed Skirt. Lush!
Hello, Barbour
Barbour has been crafting its legendary outerwear since 1894, but it hasn’t been readily available in the U.S.
Now, J.Crew has partnered with Barbour to supply men’s Barbour jackets in a variety of styles. They really are extremely good quality and perfect for keeping warm and dry in the wettest of winters (and British summers!).
Jack Wills’ Cool Brittania
In celebration of the Jubilee, Jack Wills has put together a Cool Brittania collection online and in its U.S. stores.
The collection includes union jack duvet covers, pillowcases and blankets, Queen Elizabeth cushions, T-shirts and mugs.
God Save the Queen, $98.50
Worlington iPhone Case, $29.50
Millway Bag, $19.50
Mind the Gap! And its London line!
Have you seen the Gap London line? They really have an amazing collection of union jack items in adult sizes, as well as sizes for kids, toddlers and infants, just in time for the Summer Olympics.
I haven’t bought anything from the Gap in a long time, but this warrants a visit!
Shirt tale
So my husband and I have an ongoing debate over the definition of shirts. Specifically, the button-down shirt.
As an American, button-down shirts apply to anything that, well, has buttons down the front. Simple as that. 
In Britain, that’s just called a “shirt” (In America, I think we think more broadly and anything that covers one’s torso falls under the “shirt” umbrella – even a shirt that resembles an umbrella). To him, a button-down shirt is a shirt that has a button-down collar.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think most Americans think this much about button-down collars. Are they popular? Does the average American give them much thought? Are they readily available? Do Americans ask for them by name?
Inquiring minds want to know – I want to know!
Pure Collection
A catalog arrived at our house on Saturday from something called Pure Collection. Its tagline read “Best of British Style.”
What exactly is the best of British style, according to Pure?
Well, a lot of neutral hues in linen, silk and cashmere. Actually, mostly cashmere. The top three of their “Top 10 Key Styles” are all … you guessed it … cashmere.
Cashmere Batwing Sweater, $173
Cashmere Roll Sleeve Tunic, $130
Cashmere Round Neck Sweater, $98
See the full collection here.
British retailer does vintage Americana
I was amused to see this new Marks & Spencer’s line called “Vintage Americana.” This limited collection is described as “a quirky cool summer trend inspired by 50s Americana styling. Colours are bold, prints are fun and silhouettes are unashamedly feminine!”
I’m thinking they’re trying to go for a Mad Men look, perhaps, but not all of the clothes follow that lead. What do you think?
Mini Boden goes big with union jack styles
Have you seen the spring line from Mini Boden USA?
I’m loving all of these pieces. They’ve gone really big with union jack items for boys this season – even including canvas union jack sneakers! Sadly, they haven’t shared the Britlove for girls (although there are some gorgeous floral numbers that I wish were available in grown-up sizes).
Get it while you can! These items are sure to sell out quickly!
Bum envy
Everyone wants to be Pippa Middleton. Or at the very least they want her bum (translation: bottom).
Last month, British retailer Debenhams launched a line of derriere enhancing padded underpants and they’ve been flying off the shelves. This week, Debenhams released sales figures indicating that they’re outselling their non-padded counterparts by 148 percent.
Brits are actually paying for more junk in their trunk. Who would’ve thought? That’s Pippa power, folks. Don’t doubt her sphere of influence.
Why else would the Huffington Post this week dedicate an article, not to her recent breakup with longtime boyfriend Alex Loudon (or anything else), but on her bold decision to wear leggings as pants? (On that note, let’s all hope that is a trend that she doesn’t help start…).
How to dress your kids like Londoners
It’s never been easier to dress your kids like Londoners (well, apart from moving to London). This summer, Janie and Jack released their Lovely London line, and now Gap has gotten into the act with their Portobello, Brick Lane, Covent Garden and Greenwich fall collections.
I am all for it because there is nothing cuter than a baby donning a union jack knit one-piece, except maybe a baby also wearing the matching union jack beanie.
Slap the union jack on everything, I say and I’ll buy it (well, not now since I’m still saving up to pay for my extortionate red-light ticket. But in theory…).
Shown above, moving clockwise) : Graphic Raglan T in Midland Gray for Toddler Boys, Union Backpack, Union Jack Slip-on Sneakers for Baby Boys, Union Jack Driver Cap for Toddler Boys, and First Original Jeans (Union Jack Medium Wash) for Toddler Boys.
The London line for girls is heavier on floral prints, ruffles and boucle (really adorable items!) and lighter on the Union Jack and other traditional British icons. But they do offer some cute graphic tees that are distinctly British.
Shown above: Portobello Charming Graphic T in Ivory Frost and Pink Granite for Toddler Girls.
Gap is regularly adding more items to these collections and they’re also having a Labor Day Sale now through Monday so kit out your kids’ wardrobe Brit-style.
Have a lovely weekend!
BRITRISH.COM 