Review of Stephanie’s Closet

Autumn’s Gone

‘Autumn leaves disintergrate into dust, the first taste of snowfall upon our lips,

Crackling leaves frozen in ice, autumn is lost in the crunch of winter,

Scented candles glow on a winters night, a gentle hymn bringing warmth,

Huddling churchgoers brave the cold, murmering lips like puppets under siege,

Blue thumbs clawing at thermal gloves, spiced hot chocolate waiting in the wings,

Salted tears of joy clinging to hope, the scent of forgiveness wallowing in redemption’

Founder Stephanie Bailee founded ‘Stephanie’s closet’ in 2015 with the aspirations of targeting modern women attuned to the international appeal of high-end fashion without the designer price-tag. Drawing inspiration from the success of budget store Queen ‘Primark’ Stephanie aims to curate a line that creates trends at a low end price. With the impact of the recession on British consumers, Stephanie delivers ‘fast-fashion’ that is inexpensive but will also target a mass consumer audience. The importance of creating an affordable collection means that sales are ethical ‘without exploitation’ or overcharging consumers to pre-boost sales. A work ethic that I highly admire Stephanies ethos is simple; create clothing that represents modified catwalk designs at both a lower price and selective tailoring that makes it suitable for everyday wear.

In order to support ‘Stephanies Closet’s growth I chose to become a brand ambassador to spread the word about Stephanies directional ethos. Each individual item is synomous with the image of fashion that I am trying to curate and embodies who I am as a person. Behind fashion is a narrative waiting to be created and as consumers we forge our own fashion-orientated paths. As consumers we are influenced by all the senses and for me texture and vividity of colour are the two most important attributes of a products design and has helped me choose my ‘stylish’ journey.

For my review I chose a tan suede pinafore synomous with the 70’s aesthetic that continues to dominate the A/W 15 catwalk. The tan hue is tailored in a deep buttery shade and has the consistiency of suedette texturing. Button detailing is latched onto suede straps while the hemline creates a hybrid a-line/skater dress effect. Pinafores were a huge part of the 70’s ethos and it’s playful almost childish nature makes it perfect for a casual autumn or winters day. Now that the weather is colder the key to wearing pinafores is to layer with this seasons essential a ‘turtleneck’ which adds an element of sophistication to the playful outfit. Indicative of an extensionalist lifestyle turtlenecks were made popular in 1959 when its original association with the feminist and extensionalist lifestyle transcended to include men who turned it into a unisex trend. 70’s fashion borrowed elements from 60’s mod culture including colour-blocking and layering dresses with turtlenecks both trends that I have incorperated here to pay homage to the golden eras of fashion. The tan pinafore is contrasted against a surprisingly flattering ‘tomato’ turtleneck, whilst shearling beige gloves enhance the pinafores warm ‘orange’ undertones. To create a winter-appropriate look, a burgundy coat, hat and chelsea boots all in matching colours gave a nod to the rich red hues of the festive season. The opaque tights added some warmth to the ootd while the faux fur scarf created a luxurious aethetic that proved pinafores were not just for playtime. The suede pinafore foreshadowed the workwear trend, where a pinafore was tailored with large lapels and pockets to store ulitity essentials. Unlike its predeccessor the modern pinafore transcends the ‘prim’ and ‘proper’ look coveted by the Victorians and instead uses significant textures that are key players in this seasons catwalk. If you are looking to create a vintage look you can play up more of a nineties angle with a ribbed tank or the 1890s angle with a ruffled or quasi-smocked high-collar blouse underneath.

Both work-appropriate and ‘glamour-geek’ Stephanie has curated a piece with sheer timeless appeal and like most eras borrows elements from the golden age of fashion the ’70’s’ and ’60’s’. The look screams Laura Ashley Circa 1971 whose appreciation of romantic silouettes translated into ‘daily wear’ was seen as ‘dull’ at the time and criticized for not being ‘outlandish enough’ whereas now Ashley is revered as a style icon. The ability to test fashion boundaries but in a manner that is reflective of your own identity is an ethos that I am hoping to convey as a brand ambassador for Stephanie’s closet.

To compliment the sophisticated vs playful binaries I added a third element-street cool- with the addition of ‘ombre’ sunglasses proving that colder weather does not stop you from clinging to the trends of summer and autumn. The sunglasses give off a cool undertone and ties into the colour clashing outfit as all the colour-blocked hues reflect through the sunglasses lens. The effect is simple be true to who you are as a fashion icon and your confidence and originality as a curator of fashion will radiate through.

Like what you see? Then shop the look below!

Location: Brick Lane

Coat: Topshop

Turtleneck: Forever 21

Faux Fur Scarf: Missguided

Pinafore: Stephanies Closet

Boots: Primark

Tights & Gloves: New Look

Hat: Asos

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