The Harriet & Rose style chronicles
We all have clothes that we gravitate towards more than others. Items that make us feel comfortable, happy, or simply because they are practical. Clothing choice is also seasonal: for us here in the shop, that usually consists of jumpers and very warm layers in the winter (thanks to residing in an old building).
Clothing choice means a lot of different things to people. Perhaps it means that you’re a trend setter, or a trend appreciator. Perhaps you find that you’re a bit late to what’s trendy, or that you base your style off of the furthest thing from what is trending at the moment. Whatever your approach to style, the main takeaway is often happiness - does what you’re wearing make you feel happy? Often on gloomy days, or if you’re feeling a little blue, putting on something that makes you feel cheerful - whether that be for comfort or style, bright or neutral - will often make a great deal of difference to how you feel going forward to tackle the day. Style is so much more than simply just clothes…it’s expression!
Here at Harriet and Rose, we’d like to say that we appreciate style (but also being comfortable). The accessories and the small range of clothes that we stock reflect our own unique balance between what we find stylish, what is easy to wear day to day, and also what is trending. Keeping up to date with what is the ‘in’ thing at the minute is often exhausting (and also not the most sustainable!). Which is why whatever items we stock are not only things that we like, and think you’ll like, but made by brands whose ethos reflect ours.
Whilst buying an item because you love it is undoubtably the way to go, being able to use and style it for multiple different outfits can make a purchase even more satisfying. The potential for a multi-styling moment is, as the kids would say, ‘where it’s at’. We’d like to say our items are ones that you can enjoy time and time again, and don’t just use once and discard. Whether you’re feeling a pop of bright, or a monochromatic colour moment, or playing by the seasons, we try and choose to stock items that can be reused many times and leave you feeling excited with all the potential ways to wear them.
So without further ado, we’re going to introduce you to some of our favourite accessories in the shop currently (which might become your new favourites!) and some ways that we like to wear them!
The skinny scarf perhaps has a bit of a bad rep, in the fact that it is a scarf…but looks like it doesn’t really provide the warmth of one. Our skinny scarves, however, are both warm and stylish. Made from a wool and viscose blend, they keep your neck cosy but also elevate any outfit. They are also shaped to a taper which means they wrap much easier than a normal skinny scarf. OST, the brand that makes them, suggests to either wrap them around your neck or let them hang loose (we personally love them worn wrapped and knotted like a choker!). However, there are also multiple other ways to style them, including styled as a necktie to add a chic pop of colour with shirts and blazers, or as a headband knotted at the base of your neck. They could also be easily used like a belt, wrist wraps or even bag accents (a la Jane Birkin!).
The balaclava has become a Harriet and Rose staple for both the Team and customers alike! (as well as becoming very much on trend at the moment). Perfect for these colder days, as well as the transition into spring, the balaclava can be styled to reflect lots of different outfits. Harriet wears hers like a neck warmer in the shop, and other members of the Team use them as a layer under a jacket when out walking in the wind! They can be styled for both the glamourous (think bomber jackets and scandi style layering) or for the less glamourous (think heavy rain, thick mud, a layer to keep your ears from freezing). We also think they’d be perfect for use after cold water swimming to help warm your head back up after an invigorating swim. Super versatile!
If you love stripes, and comfort, then look no further than the range of crewnecks that have just arrived in the shop! With a relaxed, boxy fit, they look great with jeans and trainers, but again equally lovely with a skirt, or as an extra layer over a dress. Perfect for dressing up or down, whatever the occasion or season. The Team sports theirs often in the shop, as they are perfectly light weight but functional - stylish, cosy enough to stay warm but able to deal with the multiple flights of stairs for deliveries! They are soft and breathable, and made out of cotton, so you get all the benefits of the natural fibre. We have a range of colours in stock, so there really is something for everyone - from the basics of black and white stripes, to funky and fabulous pink and red stripe, or bold and bright yellow and green!
Another recent addition to the shop has also been the beautiful striped jumpers, with all their different colour combinations and contrasting detailing. Knitted from a mix of wool, polyester, alpaca and acrylic, they are super soft and fit in a relaxed way. They look perfect paired with wide leg jeans for effortless functional fun, but would look equally great layered over a maxi skirt (a denim one too would be the moment!) The boxy, cropped fit allows for a range of movement too. Again, we have a range of colours in from more neutrals to colourful statements, so really something for every taste!
Our cardigans are also a regular on the Team too (I think we all have multiple!) and for good reason! Not only are they light but cosy, they are great to layer with over both t-shirts and jeans, or summer dresses for a little extra warmth in spring. And as they come in a vast array of colours, it means there is simply something for every occasion. We have greys and black which suit workplace dress-code, dusty pinks and biscuity beiges for pretty neutrals that go with practically every outfit, or bright greens and blues for a pop of colour. As they are a looser knit the cardigans are the perfect transitional staple throughout the seasons.
And of course, one cannot forget our triangle scarves. Some people instantly go ‘Oh! My granny had one like that!’ or like Harriet, associate them purely with the Queen, but triangle scarves are so much more than that! We can forgive you for being sceptical because, in honestly, we were when we first saw them…but became pleasantly surprised. Whilst they can be worn as headscarves (think vintage driving headscarves and bold sunglasses), we think that using them as neck scarves knotted, or over a jacket or jumper, look particularly great! We have a range of pastel stripe colours as well as black and grey for those everyday basics.
The thing about accessories is, technically, you can never have too many (though perhaps some would disagree with this!). Layering might be seen as fashion magic, but layering different items that you love can never go wrong - it’s expression at its finest! All our fabulous accessories and clothes in store are designed and chosen to become items that you love, and return to time and time again. And perhaps if none of these have captured your eye, we hope at the very least reading about the versatility (and joy!) of accessorising an outfit will have encouraged you to dig out that scarf that you loved but haven’t put on in ages, or that hat which is maybe a little bright or a little bold, but makes you feel cheerful when you wear it.