Style lessons from London’s elite
We’ve always been told it’s bad to be a style sheep, to follow the flock …but now we’ve discovered that a nod to sheep might just turn us into fashion foxes! Stay with us; we’re not talking riddles here. We’re talking about seriously stylish London label BABA Global, which is here to turn everyday dressing into an art form that’s set to bring back old school glamour.
Founded by the Aiken sisters and based on a love of the transformative power of accessories, the old school elite glamour influence comes courtesy of their grandmother. Just one special item, her vintage pillbox hat, provided inspiration for the entire line. ‘Our grandmother had the most amazing accessories that she would wear for the most abstract activities such as sketching landscapes on the beach’. Now there’s a wonderful woman we can get on board with: the epitome of old school glamour that knows no occasion!
There’s a certain allure about such glamour. It can make you feel instantly more feminine, more Marilyn Monroe, more Coco Chanel, and that can be extremely empowering whether you’re walking the city streets during the day or relaxing over a late night dinner. Adhering to the old Hollywood ethos is exactly what the BABA woman does; she is meticulously passionate about aesthetics and style. She wants to make a statement but in a playful and different way.
One of our favourite new age glamour moments was Kate Moss on her 33rd birthday. That fur coat! That satin gown! Those thigh splits to rival one Angelina Jolie! This was one of the rare few times we’ve seen old school glamour carried off to perfection in a way that is not mimicry, which is exactly how Clarissa and Augusta Aiken feel about the iconic style. ‘Glamour is about self expression in a luxurious and indulgent way’, they explain. Yes, indulgence, that’s what old school glamour is about. And what, may we ask, could possibly ooze more indulgence than sheepskin? ‘Sheepskin’, the Aiken sisters agree, ‘feels fabulous, it gives an outfit texture, elegance and a floaty whimsical feel!’ Of course, a perfected old school glamour look doesn’t come from sheepskin alone – it’s how you style that sheepskin that’ll make all the difference! So, we got to grips with their collection to style up some looks of our own, and we can safely say every piece is now on our wish list…
A Red Lip
So where to start? A slick of red lipstick is a failsafe in our opinion. There are hundreds of shades of red on the market, meaning there’s absolutely one out there for every woman. Trust us when we say that a little red lippy goes a long, long way in improving confidence. Heels are, of course, another essential. It goes without saying that a little height makes you stand taller and stand out as an obvious member of the style elite. Give a girl a few inches and she can go a mile!
The Classic Sheepskin Hat (a la Rachel Zoe!)
The Beatrice pillbox hat is a must have for any country girl. Style with some comfortably stylish J Brand jeans and a sporty meets glam neoprene jacket layered over a simple black tee. Finished with a simple Chanel-esque ballet flat and a nude tote to lighten the look. Minimal dewy make up and a nude lip make this the perfect day time in the city look.
A Chic & Cosy Stole
Blanche is the epitome of old Hollywood glamour, just crying out for a dinner party or a ball where it is encouraged to go all out with your look. We love this Reiss jumpsuit for something different. (Or this Whistles dress!) The textural clash of all-over-lace swathed in sheepskin is the ultimate luxury. Add in a statement shoe and a sleek black clutch for simple elegance. Finish with a bold blinged up bracelet, old school Hollywood waves pinned to one side and lashings of red lipstick.
Hide Messy Hair with a Headband
The Bella headband will be your best friend come autumn winter. Pair with an oatmeal cashmere sweater, a straight leg jean and a chic ankle boot. Throw over a camel belted coat that just oozes old school glamour and you’ll be ready to take on colder climes.
The Wow-Worthy Clutch
Finally, Bridget is a clutch that adds a bit of boho to any look. Use the super fluffily clutch to add an edge to evening wear or a playfulness to daytime. We love the idea of playing with the textures against lightweight silks for summer days a la Rumi Neely. Part California cool part old Hollywood is just something that works for us! The luxe fabric of this Whistles dress is perfectly offset by the Bridget. Wear with rose gold sandals, loose waves and bronzed skin. Add a thin gold choker from jewellery paradise J Crew for that something extra.
Old school glamour is timeless and powerful. Become a member of the enviable style elite by adding a little sheepskin to your wardrobe!
