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 work-appropriate heels to après-ski outfits and timeless diamond rings, she’s here with the answers to the latest shopping questions that have come in on the SL Community…

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

Cashmere-Blend Jumper, £139.99 | H&M
Cashmere-Blend Jumper, £139.99 | H&M

Hello, I am off skiing soon and looking for outfit ideas for après ski and dinners out? Ideally high street, please!

Firstly, I'd get some thermal leggings. For these I would look to John Lewis and M&S, who both offer great quality. For shoes, I'd definitely take some warm snow boots – Oysho has several styles right now. 



On top, I tend to layer. I'd start with a polo neck as a warm base – M&S and COS both have great thin merino knits. Over this, I’d wear an oversized warm knit – H&M has some great cashmere pieces. For outerwear, a big faux-fur coat is always a good idea. Zara is great for this! I also love a puffer coat for warmth. I like cinched waist styles the most, and H&M has a great one. 

Ronda Silk Dress, £748 | Reformation
Ronda Silk Dress, £748 | Reformation

Hey Florence, We are getting legally married in Norway this year, with the main wedding next year in Scotland. I have searched high and low for a white dress with no luck. I’d love your suggestions for anything under £1k that feels timeless, chic and special, but that I could wear again. I bought some tartan Jimmy Choos to wear, so it must go with them!

How exciting, congratulations! Have you looked at Self-Portrait? Its new collection is so chic and under this price bracket. I love the maxi dress and this off-the-shoulder bow-detail style is so pretty.

I’m also loving the new bridal styles from Bernadette, especially the Delphine dress. The mesh material that drapes over the shoulders is so elegant. I think this is my favourite, but do check out the rest of the collection. 

Rixo is another brand to consider around this price point. I like its Cairo sequin style for something sparkly – it has a lovely open back too. Finally, I would suggest looking at Reformation. Its Ronda silk dress has such a simple yet elegant silhouette. 

Hi Florence! I’m looking for a pair of black pointed-toe flats or a low kitten heel that I can wear to the office now that it’s basically spring outside (my boots are too warm – crazy!). I’d like something that adds a point of interest but still goes with pretty much any outfit. I’m happy to invest in a really good pair as I plan on wearing them all through the season. Thank you!

Hi! On the high street I’ve noticed that H&M has some good new shoes. I think the patent style of this pair makes them look more expensive than they are. Elsewhere on the high street, I noticed these mules on Massimo Dutti, and they are so chic.

At a mid-price point, try Neous – I especially like this toe-cap style. Aeyde is another brand to consider, especially the Catrina. I think this style is very classic and would go with everything. 

For an investment, I love this pair by Jimmy Choo. The combination of velvet and patent makes them unique. They could elevate the simplest of outfits and I can vouch for how comfortable the brand is. 

Macondo Mules, £450 | Neous
Macondo Mules, £450 | Neous
Long Rib-Knit Dress, £44.99 | H&M
Long Rib-Knit Dress, £44.99 | H&M

I would love some direction in maternity wear. Are there any transitional pieces you recommend? I’ve no particular budget but I’d prefer not to buy too many different outfits. I have never tried maternity jeans, but they don’t look very comfortable. Thank you in advance!

Hi, I have asked around about some pieces that are available right now. Some are specifically for maternity, but some are also pieces that will work for you afterwards, meaning you hopefully don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe. 

H&M seems to be one of the best places to look. I've been told that this set, with the ribbed trousers, is very comfortable. A pyjama set is also so useful for both pregnancy and afterwards. There’s also a big selection of knitted dresses on the site that aren't specifically maternity but would be comfortable with a bump and would also work in your wardrobe after pregnancy. 

When it comes to maternity jeans, I'm told that Mango has the most comfortable options. There is a selection of styles, but I would go for this wide-leg pair

Finally, another brand worth considering is Hunza G. An investment, but the material stretches and moulds to your body, meaning it will work during and after pregnancy. It’s just launched a maternity campaign that showcases this!

Diamond Channel Set Full Eternity Ring, £850 | Otiumberg
Diamond Channel Set Full Eternity Ring, £850 | Otiumberg

Please could you suggest a beautiful, timeless diamond ring or couple of rings that stack together to buy with an inheritance and remember a special grandparent with. I’m open to yellow gold or white gold, would prefer more dainty than bold, but not too nothing as I have fairly big hands…

This is a lovely idea. Have you looked at Otiumberg? I love it for dainty and delicate stackable rings. The designs are so pretty – these are a few of my favourites that I think would layer so nicely together, while also working separately. I have one from the brand that I wear every day – I love it and always think about getting another.

Mejuri is another brand I would take a look at. This lace diamond ring is so pretty and would be versatile for stacking. Finally, if budget allows, I would look to Tiffany for an investment. This V ring is designed with clean lines and a slim silhouette for stacking. 

To see more of Florence’s recommendations, or to ask a question yourself, join the Community here.

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