The Model and Me: Read and Bell autumn-winter 2018

Read and Bell is a favourite label of Styling You … there are many, many reasons why you will fall in love too.

Think natural fibres, hand-printed and quality, hand-made Indian textile pieces in designs that fit and flatter. 

The women behind the label – Tory Read and Anne Bell – understand the women they’re designing for and each season, bring us fresh twists on their quintessential style.

Anne’s sister, the gorgeous Kate Bell has been the “face” of Read and Bell since 2012. Kate was an ’80s super model and she “embodies so much that is Read and Bell; discerning, ageless, individual and most importantly authentic”.

Amen to that. 

The model

Read and Bell top and skirt

and me

Read and Bell top (I’m in L) and skirt (I’m in M); FRANKiE4 Footwear ALYCE wedges

When I first saw this outfit on Read and Bell’s Instagram account, I thought it was a dress. It totally blew me away that it was a skirt and top. The combined effect is just stunning.

The pieces are both printed cotton – it’s the softest of cotton, so feels incredible on. The top shape is a relaxed one. You could size down for a more streamlined look. I do prefer a more relaxed look, as I can then do the tuck and blouse or half-tuck with this style.

The skirt is super flattering. You tie it around the waist, gathering at the back, leaving the front to drop through to the ruffle hem. I love that I could wear this skirt back with a white shirt or a t-shirt or the top back with jeans to create completely different looks but, worn together, they create a statement outfit. 

I’ve worn it here with wedges but this is something I’d also wear with heeled boots and tights with a poncho (Read and Bell do great ponchos too) if it ever cools down.

So, tell me, do you love a natural fabric in your wardrobe? Love a skirt and top that works like a dress?

* These pieces were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here. 

Your autumn-winter wardrobe solution is here

Stylers, there are just two more sleeps until registration opens for the autumn-winter 2018 Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe online style program. My autumn-winter edit in the Styling You Shop also launches this week. Get set to be well and truly sorted for the fashion season ahead.

My Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe program gives you a clear road map for planning your outfits for autumn-winter but, don’t worry, it’s not about imposing a tonne of so-called style rules. I’m not about that. Rules don’t allow for personality and individuality in style. What I do offer are guidelines and bucket loads of support – from me, my team and the wonderful members of our program – so that you can feel free to develop your own style with confidence.

The guidelines I offer include a 30-piece capsule wardrobe and there is absolutely no need to go out and buy any new clothes to be a part of this. Many find that they can build their capsule based on clothes they have in their wardrobe, clothes that have been forgotten. If you are shopping to fill gaps, I help you do that mindfully.

We call ourselves Capsulers. It’s a funny term, but one that’s stuck. Trust me, you’ll join for the wardrobe help but you’ll stay for the magic that happens between the women in this amazing group. There is not a better bunch of ladies anywhere on the Internet*.

Registration for our autumn-winter 2018 Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe opens on Wednesday, April 18. Make sure you’re on our email list to be first in the know. Capsulers get priority access to the seasonal Styling You Shop edit, which will publicly launch on Thursday, April 19.

*OK, you got me. There are other awesome places but this one is super special. You will feel safe and valued and supported. I can guarantee that.