If Malene Birger Is Good Enough For Royalty....

Hi all,

With all attention focused on our own royal family at the moment here in the UK we'd forgive you for thinking that we are talking about only one very stylish certain princess to be. Well we're not (but we will most certainly later).

Here at L'Armoire we like to think we choose the best go to brands that are accessible to everyone. And it came to light recently that even royalty (the pop kind too) love Danish designer By Malene Birger. Yes, chosen for a state gala dinner by the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, was one of Malene Birger's beautiful full lenght gowns. Accessorized with sash and tiara we cant think of a better brand ambassador other than....Kylie Minogue!? She too was spotted last week on the Dublin leg of her tour in one of BMB's chic cream blouses. Follow their lead and pop into our boutique in Cowbridge and check out Malene Birger's summer collection. And yes, we are talking to you too Kate Middleton. Don't let the side down...! (Ha, ha).



New Collection Arrived!

You will be excited to hear that as the sunshine and warm weather has arrived, Day Birger et Mikkelsen's Summer Night's collection has arrived too. A carefully selected top up to the brands mainline collection which offers beautiful dresses, silk kaftan's and easy wear high summer pieces suited to long balmy evening parties, holidays or just an injection of everyday luxury into your wardrobe. Here are some of the lovely pieces that have arrived.

Day mushroom 'Elegant' dress

Day crystal grey 'Buzz' tunic

Day plum blue 'Exclusive' blouse

Day crystal grey 'Sari' blouse

Day crystal grey 'South Africa' jacket

So, back to the impending royal wedding, (eek, we're so excited!!). OK so we didn't get the invite we hoped we might get while day dreaming the other day but that's not going to stop us dressing up and feeling a little glamorous ourselves too. 

What will you wear? 

If you've got a celebration street/tea party to go to or just a glass of bubbly in front of the TV, here are a couple of our right royal picks;

We're thinking something like this by the way..?

Day pearly white 'Grand Kantha' silk shirt

Malene Birger white 'Hermance' polka dot tunic

Day mellow navy 'Cute Stripe' cardigan

American Vintage floral silk tank

Day smoke 'Crystals' necklace

Day sombre lilac 'Buzz' cardigan

Don't forget we do mail order here at L'Armoire so if you see anything you like and can't get to the boutique, just give us a call on 01446 774766 and we will give you all the help and guidance you need.

Easter Opening Times 

Open Good Friday 22nd April, 10am-5pm

Closed Bank Holiday Monday 25th April

Open Tuesday 26th-Thursday 28th April, 10am-5:30pm

Royal Wedding and May Day bank Holiday 

Closed Friday 29th April (Royal Wedding)

Open Saturday 30th April, 10am-5:30pm

Closed Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd

64a Eastgate

Cowbridge

Vale of Glamorgan

CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766

contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp

Twitter: http://bit.ly/hCooNg

Malene Birger's Timeless Trench

Hi all,

Every couple of weeks, we like to update you with what exciting goodies have been arriving at L'Armoire, and this week has seen the arrival of By Malene Birger's take on the iconic trench coat.

Malene Birger camel 'Salinda' trench

American Vintage floral silk tank

Malene Birger black 'Ellua' trousers

The trench has a place firmly etched in fashion history and year after year it never fails to be a wardrobe classic. Audrey Hepburn made the trench rocket in the style stakes in the famous final scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's and since has been coveted over and over by some of the most stylish women in history from Audrey and Jackie Onassis to Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and most recently Kate Middleton.

Style the trench up by rolling the sleeves and knotting the belt at the back for a loose off duty look or at the front for a cleaner more pulled together approach. It will last you for many many seasons to come.

Jetting off for a sunny Easter escape?

American Vintage is your answer to your lighter luggage quandary. It is perfect for packing small. Being so fine and lightweight it takes up no space at all allowing you to pack that extra pair of shoes you just can't do without. It is also so easy to wash while your away too. Easily rinse your fine tee's and basics through and hang out on your balcony. They will be dry in no time!  This summers collection has so many easy wear and versatile pieces you can't go wrong. Here are our holiday essentials...

The only way to start is with the basics. Choose two colours at each end of the spectrum, a neutral and a stronger, brighter colour in AV's fine cotton tanks. These layer under pretty much anything!

The long sleeve basic gives you more coverage yet is still a fine and cool layering piece. These look great peaking from under a simple cap sleeve tee shirt, cardy or under the finest of cashmere for cooler days and nights (See below).

Our favourite essential American Vintage staple has to be their large cotton scarves. This season's sugary lilac (above) complements the whitest of whites, looks great with nudes, sherbet tones and even brights. It's versatile size and shape allows you to wrap yourself up whilst on your flight and once reaching your destination it doubles up as a stylish beach cover up. 

This beautiful cream top will cover both day and night. It's silky fabric drapes easily over the body showing off your sun kissed tan. Add a statement necklace with sparkle for evening or liven it up a little for day by layering it over either one of the tank or long sleeve basics.

(All of the above are available in other colour ways allowing you to find what suits you)

There is no excuse now the weather is here..., sort out your wardrobe and embrace the new season! Remember we are more than just a boutique selling clothes here at L'Armoire we offer advice and guidance to make sure your wardrobe fits your lifestyle.

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp
Twitter: http://twitter.com/larmoire_style

New American Vintage Drop at L'Armoire

We had another lovely drop of American Vintage in today (see post below) - and the most exciting news is that we, still, have Day Birger et Mikklesen Summer Nights collection to come in the next few weeks....eeek!

Thanks for the messages from our L'Armoire friends that get our exclusive club newsletter - we do take on board stock ideas for our customers!

Sit tight for more stock news or see you in the boutique over the weekend.

Let Your Spring Style Blossom

Hi all,

If your like us, you have been full of the joys of spring these last couple of weeks. As the weather has got warmer and (this truly excites us), blossom has appeared everywhere we look, we are delighted to be rid of our winter coats in exchange for light weight jackets and macs. We have also ditched our wooly scarves for lighter and brighter substitutes.

The most amazing By Malene Birger jacket has arrived this week which we think is the most multi-tasking item we have come accross in a long time. Getting the best from both worlds, it's tailored shape suggests structure and formality on one hand, while the fabric, a linen mix offers a less dressy feel. Wear it for weddings, christenings, work wear, lunch date, evening jacket, or off duty chic with jeans and tee shirt. Phewff! The cost per wear is off the scale. 

The weather has also brought us (right on cue) a lovely fresh new drop of American Vintage. So if it's lighter and finer layers you are after AV is the go to brand. The key is to mix it up with colours and tones. See our favourite pieces that have come in this week below:

                                                   AV vermillion stripe dress with rope belt

                                                              AV ditsy floral silk tank

It's a well known fact that Olivia Palermo is one of our style crushes here at L'Armoire. Her style is always effortless chic mixing high end with high street and vintage. Here we have re-created one of Olivia's key off duty looks for spring with some picks from the boutique;

By Malene Birger 'Genival' sand/grey cardigan, AV Indigo stripe tee, AV Indigo cotton drape skirt, Day 'Crystals' necklace.

A quick beauty tip from L'Armoire's contributing top make up artist:

Colour is where it's at for your summer make up bag Emma says. 'The Lips are a great place to start and if you dare to go bright, Estee Lauder's Wild Fire lipstick, No.41 from their Pure Colour range will give you the pop your looking for. If it's a more subtle approach your after Bobbie Brown do a beautiful pinky coral tone from their Lipshine range called Papaya'.

Enjoy the sunshine!

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp
Twitter: http://twitter.com/larmoire_style

Sheer Temptation....

Hi all,

With the warmer months looming, we want to be on top of all the trends to come. So do your homework early and take note:

Firstly, we loved Kate Bosworth's look at the Burberry show recently in London. A complete tonal nude outfit can pack as much punch as all the brights around if done in the right way. The studs and cropped biker jacket give off a great spring attitude.

Sheer is the way to go whether it be in the silk, cotton, or the textile industries genius micro modal (basically made of beach wood tree pulp). If the word 'sheer' sets alarm bells ringing don't fear, good base layers for this trend are always key. A little ruffle here or a pin tuck there keeps our favourite and most wearable 'sheer' key item, the blouse at the height of femininity. Here are our top picks in the boutique right now and how to wear them.

1.Dress down this silk ruffle ice blue Malene Birger blouse for day by teaming it with camel chinos. Ditch your heels for flats to give your outfit a more casual vibe.

2.Once again Malene Birger has got it spot on with this desert rouge cotton shirt with intricate pin tuck detailing. Cutting a flattering shape we suggest the perfect pairing with Day's 'Samantha' stone jeans.

3.Sheer is always sexy for evening. Black and cream is always a classic, chic look for evening. We can't think of an easier look for you to throw on when stuck for what to wear on a night out by combining this corn silk beaded blouse with a slim pair of black cigarette pants. Sky high heels and a clutch and your ready to go.

4.Cinch in this Day Birger et Mikkelsen night blue chiffon blouse with AV's tan plaited belt. Don't forget your base layer underneath. One of AV's classic tanks will do nicely. Wear for day with 70's inspired flared jeans and an essential pair of tan wedges to finish the look.

 Raffia rules for summer accessories. From bags and shoes to floppy sun hats. Keep this trend fresh with Breton stripes (our favourite) and white. Channel the Jackie Onassis on the riviera look is what we're thinking... Cannes here we come!

                                            

Think Pink! We've noticed that the fashion world is having a little obsession with pink at the moment. Just a quick tip for new summer nails. Powder pink tones will give you a fresh feel and make a great change to the winter dark colours we've been used to. Our favourites at the moment are Chanel's Le Vernis nail colour in Pulsion or Peche Nacree.

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook http://on.fb.me/hkxakZ
Twitter http://twitter.com/larmoire_style

What's New...??

Hi all,

It's been an exciting month in the fashion calendar and this week it was London's turn. The stylishly understated Samantha Cameron kicked things of at Somerset House for London Fashion Week. L'Armoire attended on Monday, spotting lots of trends set for next season, so take note: Don't be scared of colour there is a simple fail safe way to do it this season. Everyone from the editors, front row to the fashion bloggers are keeping their look mainly neutral and adding their bright colour pop with an accessory. Mainly bags, shoes and belts and scarves!

Of the shows, our favourite has to have been Mulberry's quintessentially English autumn/winter collection. Turning Claridges ballroom into a woodland fairytale the beautiful palette was a muddy mix of conker browns, camels, mole greys, moss greens, red onion and dark heather. It makes us feel proud to be British, so we say watch this space and see them rise to the top. Check out the show here; http://bit.ly/gmI0hR

Here at the boutique we have been keeping the momentum going and filling up with lots of new season goodies. Another great way to introduce a little colour block to your look can be to simply add one of American Vintages basics. We suggest you layer a pop of red underneath to start.

                                                         Set the tone with any of these.....

                                                               (Basics start from £35)

Once again stripes are a strong trend for spring/summer. We know here at L'Armoire we just cant get enough of them. As well as the bold stripe dominating, we also love American Vintage fine navy stripe tees. A classic in any girls wardrobe they are hard working and always look fresh. Here are our favourites in store right now...,

                                 American Vintage stripe top £80 & indigo cotton jacket £130

Sand cotton knit £150, indigo stripe tee £80, bamboo cotton basic tank £35, indigo skirt £69, tan woven leather belt £38. All American Vintage.

                Seventies inspired black and cream bold stripe bat wing dress from Malene Birger £268

Everyone loves a smart season buy and Day Birget et Mikkelsen have come up with this summer lightweight parka that fits the brief perfectly. We all know that the Great British summer can be somewhat wet from time to time so this great parka will keep you stylishly covered and no longer needing to dodge the showers staying cool too. Throw over anything from a cute summer ditsy dress to jeans and fine layers. We promise it will be a hard working wardrobe staple.

                                                 Day 'Upside Down' lightweight parka £235

P.S Thought we would share this link to this amazing website that keeps you bang up to date with what's coming straight off the catwalks around the globe ( from their runway/daily chronicles), the latest trends and basically anything else to do with the fashion and consumer industry full stop. Check it out! http://www.stylesight.com/

Have a great weekend!

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/fK9jLq
Twitter: http://twitter.com/larmoire_style

Beautiful Basic's

Hi all,

It's been a busy couple of weeks in L'Armoire, with new stock coming thick and fast. Firstly, we have had our long awaited drop of  American Vintage's beautiful basics. Come and stock up on your wardrobe base layers in summers softest hues, from mauve and rose melange to heather grey, lychee and bamboo. These will be perfect for you to wear right now bringing a little freshness to your look.

The Classic;

So, every girl loves a crisp white shirt. You can't go wrong with this timeless piece, and with so many around to choose from it's easy just to opt for the obvious little fitted number. Malene Birger has come up with the perfect alternative. Softening the sharp look with an over sized version that is still crisp, still white, but looks like you borrowed it from the man in your life. It also gives the 'I've just thrown this on' vibe that always looks enviable cool and stylish.

Every season there's a stripe somewhere in almost every collection and this summer is all about the bold stripe. The real key to the take on this nautical trend is that they dominate the outfit. With Malene Birger's knitted box shaped cardigan it's about drawing attention to the stripes above all else. The secret is to keep everything else very simple, so remember subtle colours and classic shapes.

With Valentines day just a couple of days away we have the perfect little black top to wear out for dinner with your valentine or staying in for a romantic evening for two. We love the sheer shoulder straps that give a subtle hint at your sexy side. All you need if your staying in is to throw over a soft luxurious knit and team with jeans or if going out wear with black peg shaped trousers and a cute cropped jacket.

London Fashion week is coming up at the end of February, so don't forget to keep track of what we see by following us on Twitter http://twitter.com/larmoire_style and becoming a fan of our Facebook page http://on.fb.me/fK9jLq

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd

64a Eastgate

Cowbridge

Vale of Glamorgan

CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766

contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

Spring in to Spring!

We love a new season here at L'Armoire..., especially spring. And what better way to put a spring in your step than the first addition to your new season wardrobe of true feminine fashion in a collection of romantic colours that include mushroom, blush, nude and clay teamed with all tones of soft khaki. The 70's are back with avengance, giving us draped jersey maxi dresses that are totally wearable right now and then later in high summer with the switch of accessories (minus a couple of layers!).

Fresh in are goodies from Day and Malene Birger to get us started.

Day's skinny cargo pants are the answer to your 'tired of denim' dilemma, but still want an on trend hard working wardrobe staple. These are the most flattering cargo's around with carefully place side pockets slimming thighs before our very eyes! Team with cuban heeled sued ankle boots now, and pumps or toe posts when weather warms up.

This khaki 'Andina' maxi dress from Malene Birger, can be worn straight away with a long sleeve basic underneath, a denim jacket and scarf. Add a pair of our Falke tights for warmth with flat biker or pirate boots.The dress will double up in summer worn as seen with Malene Birger's skinny caramel leather wrap belt, grecian sandals or with the new block heel straight off the catwalks, giving your outfit that 70's vibe.

An over sized blazer brings a little structure to many outfits in a totally effortless way. With a collar turned here and a sleeve rolled there, Malene Birger's black boyfriend style has a light pinstripe lining that peeks out on the cuffs and stops the jacket from looking too overdone. Wear now over fine knits and layers of tee's knotting a cashmere scarf for warmth around the neck. Wear for spring/summer as an evening cover up over your favourite cocktail dress. Elle McPherson is rarely seen without hers!

We suggest you go and see The King's Speech at the cinema (if you haven't already). As well as being a fantastic film starring the dreamy Colin Firth (now an Oscar nominee), we get a small yet delightful glimpse of the infamous Wallis Simpson's wardrobe. Known for her chic and glamorous style during the 1930's and 1940's, we're sure there will be a nod to her fashion influence to come very soon. So take note from us first and invest in vintage beads, statement brooches, tassel necklaces (to be worn back to front with a backless dress as seen in the film), and pearls.

                                                Day silver bead bracelet with black ribbon tie

Don't forget mail order is available at L'Armoire! If you see anything you like, just call the boutique on 01446 774766. We will give you knowledgeable size guidance and post your purchase out asap. Our opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am-5:30pm.

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd

64a Eastgate

Cowbridge

Vale of Glamorgan

CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 77476

contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

A January Pick Me Up

Happy new year!!

I think we can safely say that January is not one of our favourite months. The winter blues kick in, and we are already looking ahead to spring. Well L'Armoire can still offer a much needed pick me up with some amazing sale bargains to make you feel very pleased with yourself indeed.

Owner Melissa offers her favourite smart sale buys that can bridge the gap between now and spring without a between season wardrobe disaster in sight.

Day Birger et Mikkelsen's light brown leather 'Loveworn' jacket was £310 and is now £230. This is a fantastic piece with endless wearability. It's cropped style means it is neat enough to fit underneath a winter coat or cardy right now and is great to team with a cashmere jumper and jeans. Take it right through into spring and even summer, cinching in next seasons soft jersey maxi dresses set to be a huge trend. It's cost per wear makes it such great value!

Malene Birger's classic LBD (little black dress) has plenty of va-va-voom for any smart or dressy occasion you have at anytime of the year. The dress was £225 and is now £158. You can't go wrong with this simple tailored piece for a sassy evening cocktail look. It makes a smart investment and will no doubt become one of your wardrobe staples. Glam it up with a great piece of statement jewellery for night or wear just as easily played down for a summer smart work dress paired with a cream structured jacket.

Adding a little metallic to your look right now will cheer up a dreary winter outfit. A flash of this Day, night blue and silver lurex scarf will add warmth and style in one carefully styled knot and twist. It's size means it will also be great to use in high summer as a evening shawl or a chic cover up on the beach.

Keep an eye out for our hotly anticipated Spring/Summer 11 collections by also following us on Facebook here http://on.fb.me/fK9jLq and Twitter http://twitter.com/larmoire_style

See you soon xx

L'Armoire Ltd
64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766
contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

It's Sale time!

Hi all,

So, as we consider you all to be our special customers, we are inviting you to our Autumn/Winter SALE preview starting tonight, Thursday 23rd December at 5:30pm. We will be open until 7pm tonight and it will continue tomorrow, Christmas Eve. Come and be the first to get your pick of sizes in some fabulous styles!

With new year's eve only a week away, we have some great party dresses to see you in to the new year in style (and a little sparkle).

                  Malene Birger Black and White Sheer 'Parmentier' Dress, was £238 now £167

                         Malene Birger Green Smudge Print 'Tengira' Dress, was £210 now £150

                         Malene Birger Pewter Paillettes Cocktail Dress, was £299 now £150

                    Front View                                                                                          Back View