All about scarves

As I clearly am beyond obsessed with them all year round and I haven't done one for ages, it seems entirely appropriate to dedicate an entire blog to all things scarves.  

People have commented that "you always wear a big scarf - you only have one look".  Frankly I completely disagree.  I have (I know!) a huge array of scarves and I think they can completely alter an outfit moving it from a smart dimension into a much more laid back, dressed down vibe - depending on which scarf you put with it.  A skinny jersey scarf, a patterned silk and cashmere mix, a lighter cotton number to a full on winter warmer. 

I think they are the perfect addition to any wardrobe, in any guise - an immediate injection of colour or texture to add interest.  And in this weather, hell, they're completely invaluable for pure practicality and warmth.

Hopefully there are some of you out there who wear scarves as often as I do.  In which case, this will be a great post for you and if not, it may well give you some great present ideas.  How's the Christmas shopping going by the way?  I spent 30 minutes of my life that I'll never get back, in the queue at the Disneystore yesterday and clearly didn't touch the sides of the list.  I then went dress shopping.  We'll discuss that another day....... 

So without further ado, let's crack on with the scarves.

Firstly let's start with my ultimate wish list one.  I have lusted after this since the beginning of the season - it's just gorgeous.  In fact a friend of mine came over with it on the other week and she was very lucky to take it home with her...!  Definitely one to go on Santa's list - or treating yourself if you've been a very (very very very) good girl.

Actually it's probably an appropriate time to point out how good an investment a scarf can be.   As you may have noticed, I have a Louis Vuitton scarf.  Which was £495.  Yup nearly £500.  Faint.  Puke.  An obscene, absurd amount of money for a scarf.  In my defence it was a Christmas present 5 years ago just after I'd had a hideous miscarriage and I really did need cheering up  (I may also have got my Philip Lim 3.1 coat which puts the amount the scarf cost into the pale but let's not go there).  And I have more than got my money's worth.  I have worn it to weddings, funerals, the school run, parties - simply any occasion that I can think of.  In fact, I forgot a blanket for RR3 when we bought him back from the hospital after he was born and so he came home wrapped in an LV leopard print shawl.  So if we're working out cost per wear - I use it at least once a week if not more and have done for 5 years - I think it's more than paid for itself.  And it's not even on its last legs.  There is plenty of mileage in it.  Crux of the story - go forth and spend. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dragon scale scarf from My Wardrobe

If you love the colour of that scarf but the price tag isn't quite as appealing, I can also highly recommend the Stella & Dot scarves.   At £45 these are a lot more palatable price wise and make a perfect present (and it would be rude not to put one in for yourself as well, no?)  Another reason I love these scarves is that whilst they're great for adding interest to a winter outfit and keeping your neck warm (although they're clearly not going to suffice on a full on snow laiden winter's walk), they're perfect for taking you into the Spring/Summer. 

The Bryant Park Scarf in pink from Stella & Dot





The Bryant Park Scarf in Blue 





The Bryant Park scarf in Poppy 




And the Bryant Park scarf in Tan   Not entirely sure why they all have the same name when they're clearly completely different scarves but hey ho.  



Staying on the lighter weight scarves, I love these from Mint Velvet.  I got the apricot tassel one last Spring and am very much looking forward to wearing it again next year.  Lovely quality and great value for money. 

I also think that plain scarves work really well with patterned jeans (which I'm certainly still wearing and are definitely still for sale) and (I appreciate they're marmite...) motif jumpers.   Or any patterned top for that matter.  It takes a lot of thought to put two patterns together - tis much easier to lob a plain scarf over the top and you're off. 

Charcoal Marl Tassel Scarf 



Fantastically versatile in Neutral 




And a lovely black version.  I've actually found it really difficult to get a decent black scarf - texture is key and this would definitely get a lot of use were it in my wardrobe.  




Now moving on to one of my favourite websites where over the years I have bought a fair bit. You can always rely on Plumo to have some great things it's virtually impossible to get on the high street. 

Here is my selection of my favourite scarves they have this year. 

The Supernova Wrap star scarf 



This is by a Danish company called Becksondergard and can be found in a number of small boutiques.  it comes in a number of colourways and I just love it. 

Moving onto chunkier scarves, I am in love with two from Plumo.  

Firstly the Neon Fringe Scarf.  If I didn't have my crocheted Eley Kishimoto one (which I bought from Harvey Nichols 12 years ago.  Again, goes to show how great a long term investment they can be)  I would have already snapped this one up. 



And secondly the Catalan Scarf.  I may have had this in mind when I got the significantly cheaper H&M wine one earlier in the season.  Love. 



If you are looking for a check scarf, then this one from Marks may be up your street.  I love the classic colours which will pretty much go with anything.  I can't actually find it online though - duh. (I rather think it might be a shawl instead of a scarf but still couldn't find it.  I certainly would wear it as a scarf though - shawls really aren't my thing)  They do have a couple of checked scarves for the same price of £25 (complete bargain as it is wool and British made as well)



Lastly, I honestly think you could do worse than a classic pashmina.  Yes, yes, I know they are totally old hat and worn round your shoulders at a wedding, I would completely agree.  No.  No no no.  Naff as a naff thing.  But worn as a scarf (however not tied Sloaney Pony style pulled through a loop a la Kate Middleton) there really is nothing more luxurious.  The bigger the better.  I have had mine for again, 12 years from Fenwicks and again, I wear it every year.  (see below!) 

Pure Collection do beautiful huge ones. 



I'm sure there are loads more I've come across that I meant to add to the list.  Have no fear, I shall be continuing with the Christmas list theme over the next week. 

So rounding off with what I've been wearing the last week.



White l/s longline top - Baukjen
Charcoal cowl neck top - FCUK
Tie dye navy jeans - H&M
Grey jersey scarf - Cos
Black boiled wool coat - Ronit Zilkha
Black biker boots - Kurt Geiger
Black wrist warmers - H&M
Black Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Wednesday for another Taylor Stephens party at my house.  Fantastic!! (see Thurday's outfit) 









Navy jumper - H&M
Black, navy, beige leopard print trousers - Whistles
Navy boiled wool peacoat - Zara
Tan leather gloves - So old I've no idea where from 
Black suede and patent boots - LK Bennett
Black and navy leopard print scarf - By Malene Birger
Black Faridah hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs
Indira Necklace - Stella & Dot

And here I am sporting some of my new Taylor Stephens goodies on Thursday.  I went out last night to a friend's house for drinks (and some jewellery shopping!) and changed my long sleeved top for a vest and my old boots for heels.  Beyond pleased with my purchases. 





White l/s top - Baukjen (changed for white longline vest - Joseph in evening) 
Beige cross front jersey top - Taylor Stephens
Beige Kirsten jeans - Topshop
Camel pashmina - Fenwicks
Fur Gilet - Taylor Stephens
Pegasus necklace - Stella & Dot
Brown leather and gold chain detail cuff - Hultquist
Tan leather and suede knee high boots - La Redoute (Camel Cypress boots - Acne in evening)
Chestnut cross body bag - Campomaggi from Plumo 

Off to get changed for our Mums night out from school.  Hopefully see you tomorrow!