June 06, 2020 at 06:00AM One of the things that I kept finding myself doing while in lockdown over the past few months is falling into interior decorating holes. I’ve spent hours finding new homeware brands and cool interior design Instagram accounts for inspiration. I’ve also been getting lost on Pinterest. This is partly down to nosiness and a desire to see how other people are using their spaces, but also because I have an impulse to show more love to my home while spending so much time indoors. I’ve cleaned more than ever before and spent a whole weekend lovingly painting one door. Like many of us, I’m being careful with my spending, so the last thing I’d want to do in this period is make people feel like they need to spend more or feel pressured to make home improvements. As someone who has recently moved into a new house, I know just how expensive interiors can be, and so I want to share some of the things I’ve found along the way. Ever since I got my moving date back in January, I’ve been on the lookout for home accessories with some personality that are under £100. My favourite places to shop have been H&M Home, John Lewis, Arket and Zara Home, as they are sites I regularly browse for ideas and escapism. Items that have stood out to me recently are Arket’s zebra blanket, H&M’s oversized ceramic vases, and Cox and Cox’s padded floor cushions. Monikh’s
Tag: Who What Wear
51 New Summer Zara Items Destined to Sell Out
June 06, 2020 at 05:00AM Confession: When assigned this story, I hadn’t been on Zara.com in a couple of months. What can I say? I’d been enjoying some alternative affordable brands instead. But now, I can confidently say Zara and I are thoroughly reacquainted, and the product offering is looking prime for summer. I looked through every single item on the site and have to admit I now have quite a few pieces in my personal cart. Because if I know anything about Zara, it’s that those cult-favorite items go fast. From years of coverage of the brand on Who What Wear, our editors have cultivated a sharpened sense of what has the potential to sell out quickly. I pulled these products into one epic roundup of summer wardrobe goodness, so we can get our shopping kicks while the cream of the crop is still in stock. Scroll down to take a look. Buttery yellow is every fashion girl’s favorite colour right now. I especially love the little subtle edging detail under the bust. Perfect for my new no-bra lifestyle. This looks like a vintage find. Not sorry about the amount of butter yellow in this story. My allegiance to butter yellow was briefly tempted by this gorgeous sienna. Say it with me: Matching sets rule. Hello, chicness! A fresh take on a standard button-down shirt. All about a set right now. Let those legs out! So ’80s in the best way. Clip clop, ladies and gents. Future me is going to be pleased that current me bought this
I’m Not a Skirt Person, But These 4 Styles Have Changed My Mind
June 05, 2020 at 11:00AM Full disclosure: I do own several skirts, but they are never my go-to choice. I favour a dress or a loose-fitting pair of trousers in the summer. Don’t ask me why. I couldn’t give you a coherent answer (especially right now—what day is it again?). Despite my irrational approach to skirts, I’ve spotted four trends that I’m genuinely looking forward to trying out—and they’re comfortable enough to wear for working from home or a weekend cleaning the house. First up is the ’90s-style midi denim skirt. I’ve never been a fan of the denim mini, especially as I look to pieces that are more polished, so this is a great balance between casual and smart. But I can’t discount the mini as there are chic versions that are ripe for being paired with minimalist sandals and a white T-shirt. Next is the floral midi skirt that I love whether buttoned down the front, pleated or A-line. Finally, the knitted skirt is still an option for the colder summer evenings. The best bit is all these trends can be worn right into next autumn with your favourite knee-highs. So, skirts, here’s my apology: I will no longer place you as my least favourite item in my wardrobe. Keep scrolling for how to wear the four trends and shop the key pieces. Style Notes: I absolutely love how Ada has made this denim-skirt look super sophisticated with a black cardigan and black strappy heels. The beauty of this skirt is that
I Saw a Doctor About My Summer Chest Breakouts—This Is What She Had to Say
June 05, 2020 at 06:30AM I have never suffered from acne. My skin is oily and prone to the occasional whopper of a spot, but I’ve never really experienced full-blown acne. Really, if we’re going to get pernickety, we’ve all experienced acne in some form, as all spots are just acne in varying degrees. But if we’re talking about acne in the cystic form that we all envisage it as when we hear the word uttered, then no, I’ve never had acne. Something that I have experienced though, is really severe breakouts on my chest. However, these breakouts aren’t made up on just any normal spots, and I think a whole bunch of you will know what I mean. You see, when I took to my Instagram stories a couple of weeks ago asking for help about the red bumps and congestion that plagued my chest, I was swamped with replies from friends that have been experiencing the exact same thing. Unlike the spots I’m used to getting on my face, the ones that crop up all over my chest in the summer aren’t squeezable. They’re like plugs of congestion that fill my pores and just sit there, getting redder and more irritated with every bit of friction that comes their way until, eventually, they disappear. So having received the confirmation that I am most definitely not alone in my chest spot woes, I booked in a virtual appointment with Lauren Hamilton, aesthetic doctor and founder of Victor & Garth, and this is what she
7 Brands I Always Champion as a Black Beauty Writer
June 05, 2020 at 06:18AM As a Black woman, it’s been obvious for a long time that many brands barely consider me—and women like me—in their board rooms, beauty labs and marketing strategies. With global campaigns often only championing and catering to one skin tone, as well as only presenting one version of “beautiful,” I’ve often felt so alienated. And it isn’t just me—this is a feeling that I know many women of colour can relate to. What I’ve always wanted? To be able to walk into any mainstream store and to pick a product off the shelf with the confidence that it has been created to make me look and feel beautiful too. Looking back to my younger years, I would face a real struggle trying to find a foundation that suited my complexion, a lipstick that matched my version of “nude” and eye shadows that were both rich in pigment and complementary to my skin tone. But there has been a shift. Fast forward to today’s beauty climate and it would appear that brands have finally noticed our spending power with the gap in the market finally being addressed. Many brands are now realigning their focus when it comes to honouring diversity, inclusivity and transparency in a move that I hope is more than just a passing a trend. For women of colour, beauty companies are finally becoming receptive to our needs. But although this is new for some, there have been many beauty brands that have stood
Black-Owned Fashion Brands and Boutiques to Support Now and Forever
June 05, 2020 at 06:06AM In the wake of recent events—most recently, the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor—many people, including the Who What Wear editorial team, have been asking what they can do. Aurora James, the founder and designer of Brother Vellies, answered that question by creating the 15% Pledge, which calls major retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Swipe through her Instagram post below to read more about the reasoning and impact. But what if you’re an individual? You can put pressure on these major retailers by contacting the company or commenting on their social posts. You can also consider dedicating 15% or more of your personal fashion spending to Black-owned brands. It’s also important to note that the financial impact of COVID-19 has generally hit Black-owned brands harder than others, as illustrated in the graphic below by Mona Chalabi. This New York Times opinion article “How We Spend Tells Us Whose Lives Matter” delves into one of the reasons, inequality around stimulus packages. Thinking longer-term about positive economic change for the Black community, it’s crucial to support these businesses now so that we don’t lose them due to financial hardships associated with the pandemic. To that end, we’re listing some of our favuorite businesses here in the fashion category. Shop if you can, and if not, bookmark for later, knowing that your purchase is doing more than just satisfying your shopping habit. Get to know Brother Vellies: Handcrafted, sustainable shoes with personality, designed in Brooklyn and made by artisans from Nairobi to New York.
5 Swimwear Trends We’re Championing for Summer 2020
June 05, 2020 at 06:03AM While summer 2020 is certainly set to be different to years past, that does not mean there is no use for swimwear this year. Although we may not be jetting off to sun-drenched locations or lounging by Mediterranean beaches, swimwear will still be practical for the likes of balcony sunbathing, days spent in the park or if you’re lucky enough a backyard pool. So let’s talk trends. As far as swimwear and bikini trends are concerned, many of the most popular styles of the season reflect the same trends which have gained traction elsewhere. Tie-dye, for example, was all over the S/S20 runways from Versace to Isabel Marant to Dior and more and evidently, has maintained its prominence across beachwear, as surf-inspired, colourful tie-dye bikinis are available across high-street and designer brands. Vintage-inspired prints are also having a moment, reflecting the busy floral patterns that appeared across wallpaper in the seventies (and still in my grandparents’ home today). The trend maintains its retro sensibility by often being paired against high-waisted bikinis or one-piece silhouettes for a true vintage feel. Gingham—summer’s most enduring print—is also back again for another season. This year we’re seeing iterations of it that vary across different scales, spanning miniature and oversize checks. Yes, summer might be a little different this year, but there’s no reason our affinity for swimwear has to change. Keep scrolling to shop our favourite swimwear trends for 2020. Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. Author Zoe
Every Outfit I Love This Summer Has One Thing in Common
June 05, 2020 at 06:00AM For some reason, linen has never really been a fabric that I’ve warmed to. I think it’s due to my reluctance to buy clothing that is so obviously restricted to the summer months which, in UK terms, usually means a period of about eight weeks. I’d much rather buy something I can justifiably wear all year round. Historically, I have also never been someone who feels comfortable in that “bohemian beach-dweller” vibe that so often dominates summer collections. But this season, due to my new WFH context and the unseasonably glorious weather we’ve been experiencing, I have conceded that actually linen might be just what I need right now, and the more I browsed 2020’s offering, the more I found my attitude changing. Far from the free-flowing frocks that previously defined the trend, now linen comes in a wider range of styles, including sharp short suits and clean-lined tailored trousers. Comfy, cool and undeniably chic, linen is setting itself up to be the fabric of the summer, and when a timeless style is having a moment in the spotlight we’re always on board, as we know these pieces will keep working hard for many years to come. So, if like me, you’re new to the lures of linen, I recommend scrolling down and checking out the cool-girl stylings of Chrissy Ford, Bubbly Aquarius, Monikh Dale and Eni’s Wardrobe. You never know—you might just become a convert. Up Next: These 30 Linen Summer Dresses Will Actually Keep You Cool in a Heatwave Author Joy Montgomery |
3 Lesser-Known Loungewear Brands We’re Loving Right Now
June 04, 2020 at 05:46PM For obvious reasons, loungewear is what everyone is wearing right now. (I personally haven’t put on a pair of jeans for about eight weeks.) Luckily, there is a lot of inspiration around for loungewear that is both stylish and comfortable, proving that casual clothes don’t have to be shapeless or unflattering. With this in mind, we thought we would highlight a few lesser-known loungewear brands that we and the rest of the fashion set are loving right now. The Line by K is an L.A.-based label favoured by Alyssa Coscarelli and Sasha Mei; Ninety Percent is the sustainable brand that vows to share 90% of its profits with charitable causes and those who make its collection; and Micha Lounge is the affordable brand creating the co-ords you’ll want to live in. When it comes to loungewear, there is a style for everyone, so whether you prefer the figure-skimming silhouette of knitted trousers and a cardigan top or gravitate toward relaxed-fit joggers and an oversize hoodie, there is an option for you. Keep scrolling for some loungewear outfit inspiration, as well as three lesser-known brands we are loving right now. Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. Author Zoe Anastasiou | Whowhatwear Selected by CWC
21 Black-Owned Skincare, Hair, and Makeup Brands We Love and Support
June 04, 2020 at 04:35PM While supporting the Black community and Black-owned businesses feels especially important right now, there is a need and an opportunity to supply this kind of support, love, and commitment every single day. Now and forever. Black culture has informed and inspired the beauty space for decades—a fact that we need to celebrate and sustain. There is a lot of work to be done. As we’ve communicated on-site and on our social platforms, now is the time for us to rise above (not simply to) the occasion and make actionable steps with deep indentations. Here, our Who What Wear editorial team has outlined a collection of ways you can make a difference in the fight against racism, in addition to a list of resources to get you started. One such way to support and take a stand right now is, if you’re able, to put money where your mouth is. Alongside educating ourselves, attending protests, signing petitions, making donations, and calling our government officials to demand justice, buying fashion and beauty products from Black-owned brands is extremely helpful, especially considering the financial impactCOVID-19 has had on Black-owned brands, which have been hit harder than others. (Please familiarise yourself with this helpful graphic to understand why.) Below, we’re sharing 21 Black-owned beauty brands to support (now and forever). Keep scrolling to start shopping, or, if your funds don’t allow, simply take screenshots or bookmark for a later shopping date. Uoma Beauty (pronounced uh-mah) was founded by Nigerian beauty executive Sharon Chuter and supports