Finding the Country in the City
Having been invited to the countryside for a few days, my immediate thought isn't the wonderfully fresh air nor the tranquil greenery. No...it's WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR!?
The plan for my ensemble would be particularly hard at this awkward time of year when in the early morning one must dress ready to trek to the Antarctica, however by midday you're peeling off layers. My flat in Fulham doesn't have much space for my countryside attire (the tweed, leather and wool take up so much room!) thus most of it is at home in Devon.
Alas, I have a two hour window this afternoon before I leave for muddier pastures. I head to Mayfair, assuring myself that I can get the whole look without having to trek far and wide.
I figure it is best to start where I have the most options, walking into William Evans, which has the most tremendous gun room downstairs, I briefly forget I am in Central London. The mahogany panelling is lined with the finest country tweeds, canvas cartridge bags, and spectacular brimmed hats with dramatic feathers. I am overwhelmed with a feeling of comfort that reminds me of being in a country clothing shop at home in Devon.
"The perfect thing for an evening by the fire, sipping a glass of red wine!" I think to myself, remembering that a countryside escape is not complete without an "apres" outfit. As I start to head upstairs I hear a terrifically cheery voice singing and down the steps comes none other than Trevor Pickett himself. Based in Burlington Gardens, he is a true traditional shopkeeper - a rare luxury these days. I am whisked upstairs to his office which has a magnificent view of Savile Row and of Albany out the other side. Chatting with Trevor and gazing at this vista, I know I will never forget how special Mayfair is. Spectacular success!
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The plan for my ensemble would be particularly hard at this awkward time of year when in the early morning one must dress ready to trek to the Antarctica, however by midday you're peeling off layers. My flat in Fulham doesn't have much space for my countryside attire (the tweed, leather and wool take up so much room!) thus most of it is at home in Devon.
Alas, I have a two hour window this afternoon before I leave for muddier pastures. I head to Mayfair, assuring myself that I can get the whole look without having to trek far and wide.
I figure it is best to start where I have the most options, walking into William Evans, which has the most tremendous gun room downstairs, I briefly forget I am in Central London. The mahogany panelling is lined with the finest country tweeds, canvas cartridge bags, and spectacular brimmed hats with dramatic feathers. I am overwhelmed with a feeling of comfort that reminds me of being in a country clothing shop at home in Devon.
Browsing the various pieces with the expert guidance of sales assistant Freddie, a beautiful pair of boots catches my eye. What's great about this shop is the eclectic mix of the traditional and (please forgive me!) the trendy! I select a pair of Fairfax and Favour boots. I feel great in them as they have a slight heel, very flattering; I opt to wear them now because I've fallen in love so hard. As I'm exiting, I spot a beautiful pink silk shirt from Really Wild. Who knew shooting attire was so fashion conscious, make mental note to come back and try. Onwards!
Footwear sorted, next...outerwear. I'm looking for authentic, quality gear as I do not want to risk getting cold or wet! Where better to head than Orvis, an American lifestyle brand with roots in fishing, established in 1856. The flagship store is on Lower Regent Street, and much to my delight I weave through Jermyn Street as we head there from William Evans, passing the hatmakers, shoemakers, fragrance shops, an absolute mecca for craftsmanship, tradition and heritage. How I love Mayfair!
Stepping into Orvis, I spot the women's range right away, which stretches the length of the grand store that has a true sense of American adventure about it. With help from the enthusiastic team, they advise me on the warm and water resistant Heritage Field Coat. I try on various colours and eventually settle on a sort of burnt yellow. It is the ultimate reliable country jacket, warm and traditional in its style, but I am thrilled with the fit and works wonderfully with my blonde colouring! Inspired by the brimmed fedoras I saw in William Evans, I find the perfect size in Orvis which I pop on my head immediately, and off to the till I go. A few more accessories and I should be all set.
Skipping across bustling Piccadilly, my next stop is famed cashmere destination, N. Peal. I have been anticipating this visit, as N. Peal is historically located at the end of the famous Burlington Arcade. Wandering through the grand arches and glancing in the windows of the antique jewellery shops, I think about the decades of shopping this landmark has seen. I reach N. Peal and can't help but stroke every last piece of luxurious cashmere. Neville, (known as the N. Peal institution, as he has worked in the Arcade shop for 40 years!) explains that all of N. Peal's cashmere is harvested and manufactured in Mongolia, the home of fine cashmere production. N. Peal is so my style; refined and classic, contemporary and playful. The Autumn/Winter range plays with soft, youthful colours in thick cashmere that will be sure to keep me cosy all winter. Thinking about the countryside winter winds, I know I need something to shield me from the cold, so I go with a delightfully soft fur neckwarmer. It is just the accessory to add to my Orvis Heritage Field Coat to ensure I look fashionable, yet stay warm.
My last stop is to visit one of the most famous Mayfair characters, Trevor Pickett. I have never met him in person, but I have heard his leather goods emporium is something of a dream world. Walking in, I wind down a twisting staircase and for a second I feel like Alice falling down the rabbit warren. I reach the bottom of the stairs and wander into the famous games room, complete with backgammon sets, scrabble boards, and decks of bridge cards that could easily find a home in a 19th century country house library. Tucked into the shelving are rows and rows of exquisite Turkish kilim slippers which I HAVE to try. I settle into an antique armchair and slide my feet into a pair that have unique geometric designs in navy, beige and burnt orange hues.
Footwear sorted, next...outerwear. I'm looking for authentic, quality gear as I do not want to risk getting cold or wet! Where better to head than Orvis, an American lifestyle brand with roots in fishing, established in 1856. The flagship store is on Lower Regent Street, and much to my delight I weave through Jermyn Street as we head there from William Evans, passing the hatmakers, shoemakers, fragrance shops, an absolute mecca for craftsmanship, tradition and heritage. How I love Mayfair!
Stepping into Orvis, I spot the women's range right away, which stretches the length of the grand store that has a true sense of American adventure about it. With help from the enthusiastic team, they advise me on the warm and water resistant Heritage Field Coat. I try on various colours and eventually settle on a sort of burnt yellow. It is the ultimate reliable country jacket, warm and traditional in its style, but I am thrilled with the fit and works wonderfully with my blonde colouring! Inspired by the brimmed fedoras I saw in William Evans, I find the perfect size in Orvis which I pop on my head immediately, and off to the till I go. A few more accessories and I should be all set.
Skipping across bustling Piccadilly, my next stop is famed cashmere destination, N. Peal. I have been anticipating this visit, as N. Peal is historically located at the end of the famous Burlington Arcade. Wandering through the grand arches and glancing in the windows of the antique jewellery shops, I think about the decades of shopping this landmark has seen. I reach N. Peal and can't help but stroke every last piece of luxurious cashmere. Neville, (known as the N. Peal institution, as he has worked in the Arcade shop for 40 years!) explains that all of N. Peal's cashmere is harvested and manufactured in Mongolia, the home of fine cashmere production. N. Peal is so my style; refined and classic, contemporary and playful. The Autumn/Winter range plays with soft, youthful colours in thick cashmere that will be sure to keep me cosy all winter. Thinking about the countryside winter winds, I know I need something to shield me from the cold, so I go with a delightfully soft fur neckwarmer. It is just the accessory to add to my Orvis Heritage Field Coat to ensure I look fashionable, yet stay warm.
My last stop is to visit one of the most famous Mayfair characters, Trevor Pickett. I have never met him in person, but I have heard his leather goods emporium is something of a dream world. Walking in, I wind down a twisting staircase and for a second I feel like Alice falling down the rabbit warren. I reach the bottom of the stairs and wander into the famous games room, complete with backgammon sets, scrabble boards, and decks of bridge cards that could easily find a home in a 19th century country house library. Tucked into the shelving are rows and rows of exquisite Turkish kilim slippers which I HAVE to try. I settle into an antique armchair and slide my feet into a pair that have unique geometric designs in navy, beige and burnt orange hues.
"The perfect thing for an evening by the fire, sipping a glass of red wine!" I think to myself, remembering that a countryside escape is not complete without an "apres" outfit. As I start to head upstairs I hear a terrifically cheery voice singing and down the steps comes none other than Trevor Pickett himself. Based in Burlington Gardens, he is a true traditional shopkeeper - a rare luxury these days. I am whisked upstairs to his office which has a magnificent view of Savile Row and of Albany out the other side. Chatting with Trevor and gazing at this vista, I know I will never forget how special Mayfair is. Spectacular success!