Florence Answers Your Personal Shopping Questions
Florence Answers Your Personal Shopping Questions
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Florence Answers Your Personal Shopping Questions

We’ve asked our shopping editor Florence to do what she does best – help you find what you’re looking for. From affordable sunglasses to logo t-shirts and statement summer jewellery, she’s here to answer the latest questions from the SL Community…
By Florence Eyres

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

‘The Stranger' Sunglasses, £186 | Velvet Canyon
‘The Stranger' Sunglasses, £186 | Velvet Canyon

I’m looking for some new sunnies for summer – under £100 if possible. I love the vintage look and have a small, thin face…

Have you tried Le Specs? The brand is available at Selfridges and I really recommend the oval style – they’re such a good shape and a really good price. There are also some metal frames available too, which are a very on-trend right now. I also love Velvet Canyon. The price point is slightly higher but it looks like they have a sale on so it might be a good chance to shop. Finally, I’ve noticed that Massimo Dutti has some really nice new sunglasses in – very vintage, Miu Miu vibes. They also come in red, which is fun.

Sardina Necklace, £92 | Alhaja Cult Store
Sardina Necklace, £92 | Alhaja Cult Store

Can you find some gold jewellery that would look good at the pool or beach – mid-price point please?

I’ve discovered a few new brands recently which I think are so fun for statement, summer jewellery – and perfect for wearing around the pool and beach. This includes Agapée, I love these sun motif earrings. I also recently discovered Alhaja, and I especially like this big statement shell ringFish motif jewellery is also having a moment. This piece is so sweet. I’d also suggest looking at the brand By Alona – this wavy Orva necklace really caught my eye and would look great with a simple bandeau swimsuit. On the high street there are so many options right now, but I think this drop style by & Other Stories looks expensive. I am also enjoying the cord necklace trend that Next has tapped into. 

I’m looking for cool logo or graphic t-shirts that will work as part of my off-duty wardrobe – can you help?

I would look at brands like Anine BingSporty & Rich and 4th & Reckless – they all have a wide range of t-shirts, with lots of colours and logos to choose from. I also love this Nanushka one, for something a little different. On the high street, H&M always has a great selection, especially right now. I love how subtle this one is. Finally, I would also take a look at Free People and Never Fully Dressed both have strong options this season. 

Acid Wash Motif T-Shirt, £30 | 4th & Reckless
Acid Wash Motif T-Shirt, £30 | 4th & Reckless
Appliquéd Silk-Satin Maxi Dress, Rent From £65 | Magda Butrym
Appliquéd Silk-Satin Maxi Dress, Rent From £65 | Magda Butrym

I have a work summer party in September where the dress code is ‘smart cocktail’. It’s not quite black tie, but most people plan to wear floor length gowns. I’ve been trawling the rental sites to get some inspo – any recommendations?

Renting is such a good way to go if you don’t think you’ll wear the outfit again. A few brands I would look at would be Magda Butrym – this light pink option taps into the rosette trend. I also love this Tove bandeau style; so effortless. This Rixo dress also have a lovely scarf detail. Reformation is a great brand to check out, especially the silk pieces, and I’d also recommend Cult GaiaRat & Boa and Aje. I also just had to share this COS dress in case you don’t find the right one through rentals; I love the two tone, plissé design.  

Ruth Soft Bucket Hat, $160 | Cafe Society New York
Ruth Soft Bucket Hat, $160 | Cafe Society New York

I’m on the hunt for chic raffia bucket hat that looks expensive but isn’t – and ideas?

The high street has some strong options right now – this & Other Stories style is available for a second season and it’s so chic. The structure of the silhouette makes it look really expensive. I also really rate Jigsaw for good quality summer pieces, and this one has a slightly wider brim. I’ve also recently discovered the brand Maison N.H Paris through Liberty. Sustainably designed in Paris, I love the Noa bucket hat, but I’d also recommend looking at the bags. Finally, I found CAFE SOCIETY on Instagram, I love the striped style from this brand for something different.

Bermuda High Denim Shorts, £27.99 | H&M
Bermuda High Denim Shorts, £27.99 | H&M

I’m looking for a few key pieces to take on a summer trip to Edinburgh, London, and Paris – preferably pieces I can mix and match…

There are definitely a few key pieces I would be packing. First, a simple black dress would be really useful; a drop hem style is something I’m really into right now, like this one from COS. Longer denim shorts are big this summer and I think they would could be useful – you could dress them up or down, and they work just as well with flats as they do with a small heel. When it comes to footwear,  a simple, padded leather flip flop in black is a versatile choice. Because your trip includes the UK, this means unpredictable weather and some walking, so I would also take a pair of trainers. My favourites are the Nike Cortez in brown. I’d also pack some striped cotton trousers, like this subtle logo pair by Rotate Birger Christensen. Similarly, a plain grey sweatshirt is an essential layering piece for travelling. Finally, I’d take a useful, dark brown Dragon Diffusion (or similar) woven bag.

Follow @FlorenceEyres on Instagram & visit SL Community to ask Florence your shopping questions.

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