Fashion Forward

Hi all,

As London Fashion Week comes to a close and Milan gets in to full swing, it's a feast for the whole month of September for anyone who loves fashion. As much as we can't wait to see whats ahead for next years spring/summer 12 season, what really interests us is what the people who attend fashion week are wearing right now. From the fashion editors, bloggers, buyers and front rowers to special guests and even students. It's where we see real wearable emerging trends.

                                                                       Animal Print

                                                                 Masculine Tailoring

Print

A Sprinkle of Sparkle.

We love this Day Birger et Mikkelsen 'Luuxi' piece. On one hand it looks great worn as an oversized top with skinny jeans or leggings but on the other easily doubles up as a dress to wear on a night out. The little fleck of lurex sparkle that runs through the fine knit giving a nod to the metallic trend. It's all about how it hangs on the body too. The right fold and drape of the fabric makes the style super flattering on the body shape.

Cable Knit

Cable knit is back with a vengeance. Always a classic and comfortable heritage staple it never really goes away. Coming in all shapes and sizes, here at L'Armoire we offer it in the form of this cosy American Vintage cardigan. The soft heather grey colour allows you to team it with pretty much everything so go on..., go cable!

We loved the print so much from American Vintage we also chose it in a scarf aswell as the silk dress. Looks great against all the muted tones of the season.

                                                                         All White

Take a leaf from Ashley Olsen's style note book and covet the crisp white shirt. Make sure it's always crease free and worn with clean simple shapes. Here is Malene Birger's pin tuck detail version.

P.S. We also love it styled with this cute Malene Birger blush angora fluffy jumper.

See you soon xx

P.S. Have you seen the new kitchen/cafe bar opening just down from us on Eastgate? We hear it's going to be a great place to stop for food post or pre-shopping in Cowbridge!

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

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

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Something For The Weekend

Hi all,

How quickly the weather can change leaving us digging deep in to our wardrobes looking for something a little cosier and warmer to thrown on. Now is a great time to invest in your first piece of knitwear for the season and we have plenty to choose from here at L'Armoire. Here are our favourites so far

                                                 Malene Birger 'Pinna' blush mohair pullover

                                  Day 'Talita' dove oversized knit, Day nude under 'Layering' top

                                     Malene Birger 'Guille' grey oversized chunky zip cardy/coat

'Man Oh Man'

Masculine tailoring is a leading trend this season. Having been seen on the catwalks of Celine and Stella McCartney it combines sleek, clean tailored shapes with straight masculine lines. A great way to introduce the trend into your wardrobe without going full on brogues and button down shirt is to add one simple piece to your look. Malene Birger's navy 'Wakana' coat with black satin lapel trim is that key piece and it's so wearable too. Two great styling tips for this one is simply teamed with skinny jeans and cosy cashmere for day or to 'man up' a cute cocktail dress for evening.

An Autumn Weekend Away

Next on our calender is a relaxing weekend break away in the Cotswold's maybe? Wherever your heading, it's always a bit of a dilemma deciding what to take with you to wear. Here we offer you our essential packing plan leaving you with no excess baggage or stuffed holdall with nothing that co-ordinates. A great capsule mini break wardrobe keeping you stylish, warm and on trend.

Our Capsule Wardrobe

1. Malene Birger camel 'Lupo' jacket
2. Day 'New York Glam' black jeans
3. American Vintage charcoal knitted jumper dress
4. Day 'Basic Smooth' black leggings
5. Malene Birger 'Brisa' blush blouse
6. Day 'Milleraie' black/grey striped long jumper
7. American Vintage chalk pleated tee
8. American Vintage pebble 3/4 sleeve basic
9. American Vintage heather grey basic tank
10. Asui 'Mesh' print scarf
11. Day 'Bluebell' gold necklace
12. Falke matt black 50 tights

Day one-Stay comfy and looking casual whilst traveling to your destination American Vintage's jumper dress and Day leggings. Throw on this printed scarf by Asui once you arrive for an explore and spot of lunch.

A quick change of your leggings for these smooth Falke 50d tights and add a bit of glam with this Day statement necklace and your ready for the evening ahead.

Day two-If a walk is on the cards followed by a relaxing afternoon in a country pub, a great pair of flattering jeans look effortless styled with soft tonal layers. Three fine American Vintage pieces will keep the chill away if the weather feels fresher. Just the tank and tee will do if your lucky and the sun is out.

Smarten the jeans up for evening with Malene Birger's pretty ruffle blouse and luxurious camel jacket.

Day three-For your final day and the journey home, team your leggings with Day's long grey and black stripe jumper, with the camel jacket added once again for warmth and style.

Tip-If a weekend away is on the cards for you too, we recommend Cotswold Inns & Hotels (especially The Lamb Inn in Burford) http://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/content/index.htm

See you soon xx

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

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

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Ease Your Way In To Autumn

Hi all,

Here at L'Armoire we're pretty sure we can feel the autumn nip slowly creeping in (especially at night) and we have decided a little extra coverage is needed. That extra comes in abundance from American Vintage. With its chic French elements combined with truly luxurious fabrics, it makes for a winning label. And we love it. This week saw the arrival of some seriously cosy, comfy pieces. Here are our favourites;

This seasons shades make the boutique a real feast for your eyes. The colour pallet spans from chalk, to powder and garnet in to camels, biscuit and nutmegs right through to grey melange, charcoals, the usual all shades of black, and L'Armoire favourites navy and ink. There are beautiful accents of metallic seen in gold beading and lurex fleck details running through soft knits.

Are You a Bit of An Animal?

Sat in amongst the beautiful shades of the season is our absolute must have. An injection of animal print introduced in the scarf. Based on the success of last years 'Dellisha' grey leopard print scarf from Malene Birger, she has yet again come up trumps with three new prints and colour ways. We're betting you wont take it off for the next six months. Take your pick between these beauties (we say if you can, indulge a little and choose two so you can mix and match over your entire wardrobe).

 Fabulous Forties

The forties is always a popular reference for modern day fashion design. This Day Birger et Mikkelsen polka dot blouse reflects the subtle, feminine charm of the forties with its soft frill trim and delicate belt nipping the fabric in to the waist. All you need is a marcel wave and a neat pencil skirt and you are good to go.

Keep This Coat on the 'Down'-Low

We love it when a genius style idea and practical element come together to create a great winter wardrobe staple. Day have come up with this feather light down filled coat that cleverly rolls up almost like a sleeping bag into a cute little carrier making it small and light enough to take with you wherever you go. It is also super warm which ticks our biggest box. The colour 'elephant' also goes well with grey, black and brown.

Have a great weekend xx

P.S We will be closed on bank holiday Monday 29th August (but open on Saturday!) and will be back open on Tuesday 30th August for the working week.

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

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

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Invest in your 'DAY Birger et Mikkelsen' Wear

Hi all,

Another week in fashion and another set of sightings of stylish celebs and yes, royalty once again have been seen in another one of the amazing brands stocked here at L'Armoire. Day Birger et Mikkelsen is the choice of many stylishly understated women and we can't tell you enough how hot this brand is right now!

We are pretty sure Kate Middleton would be a firm fan of L'Armoire judging by the labels she's loving right now. The Royal Canadian tour saw Kate wearing By Malene Birger and more recently at Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall's wedding she chose to wear a timeless and elegant coat dress by the Danish brand Day Birger et Mikkelsen which has been in her wardrobe since 2006. Obviously Kate loves an investment piece that never dates and can be worn for many occasions over many years.

Kim Kardashian joined in too this week by wearing one of Day's silky smooth layering pieces in the form of a striped maxi dress. Perfect for traveling and also staying cool and comfortable in, Day's layering pieces come in many shapes and forms, a selection of which is stocked here at L'Armoire.

Deliveries this Week 

All this talk of Day, and in a puff of smoke another delivery has arrived. This time we're glad the weather is on the cooler side for once as it can get pretty hot trying on all the lovely knitwear that has piled in.

Here's What's New...

Day 'Paisley' silk print scarf

Day salt & pepper 'Divide' cardy/coat

We love the oversized hood detail!

Day dark grey 'Eminence' jumper with gold shoulder caps

The long awaited felt floppy hat has also arrived from Day. Featured in last weeks Grazia (one of our favourite glossy mags here in the boutique), this gorgeous statement piece we think totally sums up the vibe of the coming season and looks great teamed with capes, coats, knits and dresses. The list is endless....

We are itching to wear our new season purchases already!

New Fashion Blog On Our Radar

Yes we've found another cool and style inspiring fashion blog cleverly named Fash n Chips. It's totally on our level here at L'Armoire giving us great put together looks with a polished edge. Take a look yourself here http://fash-n-chips.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend xx

L'Armoire Ltd

64a Eastgate

Cowbridge

Vale of Glamorgan

CF71 7AB

Tel: 01446 774766

contact@larmoire-cowbridge.co.uk

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Follow us on Twitter: http://bit.ly/hCooNg

Look Ahead To Autumn

Hi all,

So it's that time of year again. Yes, a new season is upon us and here at L'Armoire we have been ooh-ing and aah-ing over the beautiful new collections arriving every day. Our wardrobes are slowly being pieced together in our heads (until the next delivery arrives that is!) and now is the time to pounce. It's great that the workable pieces arrive first making for a good place to start building your new seasonal wardrobe. Light silky blouses, soft jersey and cotton knits allow you to dip your toes in while the warmer weather is still with us. Come and be the first to check out the new stock in the boutique, and for those who can't make it right now, here is a sneaky peak...

Day Birger et Mikkelsen grey 'Stripe Layering' top & black 'Tassles' necklace

By Malene Birger 'Brisa' silk blouse

By Malene Birger navy & black lace 'Brilanta' dress

As we have already mentioned, we are now stocking a new scarf brand called Asui. Along with scarfs from our other Danish friends, these can also be a great way to introduce a new season print or colour for the transition period.

Day Birger et Mikkelsen & Asui print scarves

Be an early bird and invest in a good winter coat now. You will be feeling smug when we get caught out with an unexpected cold snap and everyone else has missed out. Our money is on Malene Birger's classic camel double breasted coat going first. It is something to behold!

By Malene Birger camel 'Mandu' coat & snake print 'Bellisho' scarf

Turning our thoughts to accessories, if like us your minds are brewing on a new handbag purchase right now we wanted to share with you the ones we have spied that are pushing our buttons (and purses) in to overdrive. Cross the body/hands free smaller handbags are the way forward for us. A bag that is multi-functional that can be transformed in to a 'night out' handbag in one fell swoop of hook or a clip and a short strap appears to suit. Here are our favourites...

Mulberry small 'Polly Push Lock' handbag

Anya Hindmarch 'Maxi Zip' handbag

Alexander Wang mini 'Marion Sling' handbag

Have a great weekend xx

P.S. Olympic star Jessica Ennis has announced that her favourite dress that she owns is by Malene Birger. We are so pleased that the stylish Danish brand stock here at L'Armoire is getting such great recognition!

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

Forward Thinking

Hi all,

A BIG thank you to all of you that came and support L'Armoire on Independents Day last Monday 4th July. We had a great day and it was lovely to see people enjoying the treasure trail and making the most of Cowbridge's unique and individual high street. So lets keep it that way. Don't forget what is right on your doorstep.

Smart Sale Buy

At this time of year while out shopping we hear people say to themselves 'how much wear will I get out of this?' and 'do I really need it?' With a new season fast approaching this is the perfect time to pick up a great piece that will carry you through into autumn for less. So if you buy smart then you can tick yes to both questions in one go. Here are our smart sale buys;

Layer this American Vintage navy dress that was £55 now £39 with Day stone jeans that were £95 and are now £67 and a Day silk scarf that was £85 and is now £60 for an autumn inspired look.

Choose this Day wool cardigan/jacket that was £172 now £120 to add a little warmth to an American Vintage cotton stripe dress that was £89 and is now £65. Wear with bare legs now adding leggings or skinny jeans later on in the season.

 

Deliveries This Week
New season stock has been arriving thick and fast this week and we can give you the sneaky info on what's to come for autumn. To start Day has sent us their crop of silky smooth jersey basics that make great foundations for a new season wardrobe. To add to that Malene Birger is keeping it clean with a chic, almost androgynous feel to their collection adding lace detailing for the feminine accent. Now we can't wait for the knits to arrive... well maybe that's pushing it a bit?
Fashion Blog Tip

So, here at L'Armoire we are always on the look out for good fashion blogs. They are fantastic for styling ideas and emerging trends that don't always come straight off the catwalk. They feature real people and their individuality that goes with them. Hanneli.com is our latest obsession http://www.hanneli.com/ Hanneli the creator is a beautiful Norwegian model that 'dabbles' with her fashion blog in her spare time while also styling shoots for Vogue and more. She has also recently been tipped as the most influential blogger in the world. Where has she been all our lives? We seriously recommend you check it out. Hanneli is featured in most of the images capturing her laid back chic take on fashion with a Scandinavian edge that we love. You will be hooked in no time!

Mojito Time

Kick back in the garden for the weekend and refresh with a summer Mojito. A simple yet (very) effective treat.., just don't have too many on Sunday evening! 

Ingredients

1 tsp white sugar

a good squeeze of lime or lemon juice
a handful of mint sprigs, (don't cut off the stalks as these contain essential oils vital for the flavour of the drink)
ice
soda water , to serve
50ml white rum
a dash of Angostura bitters
lime slices, to serve

1.Put the sugar in the bottom of a glass and pour the citrus juice over to just cover it. Add 2 long sprigs of mint. Muddle (gently pound) the juice, sugar and mint.


2.Add ice to the top of the glass, fill the glass two-thirds full with soda water.

3.Add the rum.

4.Stir and add a dash of Angostura bitters.

5.Top with slices of lime and a pretty flower of your choice.

Have a great weekend xx

L'Armoire Ltd

64a Eastgate
Cowbridge
Vale of Glamorgan
CF71 7AB

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

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Twitter: http://bit.ly/hCooNg



Kate Middleton Wearing By Malene Birger. Yay!

Hi all,

So we couldn't keep quiet about this one. HRH the Duchess of Cambridge (we still like to call her Kate) has been seen wearing By Malene Birger on her official Royal tour of Canada. Whoop! We knew she had great taste. Malene Birger is the first non British designer http://bit.ly/qNlZlX she has worn on the tour and we jumped for joy when the news came through from BMB headquarters. As you all know already we have stocked Malene Birger since we opened back in 2009 and since then the brand has been gaining momentum rapidly. From regular features in top glossy mags such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar to being chosen by Royalty. Hurry, make like Kate and head down to L'Armoire in Cowbridge to snap up your own piece of the chic Danish label Malene Birger.

We think this super chic ice blue blouse would look great on Kate worn with a slim navy pencil skirt or cute cropped trousers. It would most certainly show off her slim toned arms. Jealous? Us?

By Malene Birger silk 'Elina' blouse was £170 now £102 

Up to 50% off selected SALE Items & more items added!

As L'Armoire's fantastic SALE continues, there are extra reductions and new sale items added. The summer weather is set to continue for a while yet, so why not invest in a fresh wardrobe top up.

See you soon xx

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

Tel: 01446 774766
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eYE0Lp
Twitter: http://bit.ly/hCooNg

Wonderful Wimbledon

                                                                            Hi all,

The sun is shining (finally) and Wimbledon is in full swing and we confess that we've been watching it as much for the fashion as for the tennis. We just can't help but be inspired by the clean cut preppy relaxed style that the likes of Pippa Middleton & co show on centre court, and as always the Williams sisters continue to showcase their latest 'interesting' outfits, love them or hate them at least it makes for good sartorial debate while they break for rain. From panama hats, fields of fresh white cotton (on and off court), stripes, sharp blazers (Ralph Lauren style) and simple summer dresses it showcases true Brit style at it's best.

                           Most likely to hear this week: Is that the time? It must be pimms o'clock!

             Here are two great Wimbledon appropriate outfits we put together from the boutique

Malene Birger neural safari skirt was £145 now £105

White cotton shirt was £75 now £53, Powder cami (just seen) £35, Skin cotton supima jumper £75 all American Vintage

Indigo/nude stripe dress was £89 now £65, Indigo cotton jacket £130, Mauve cotton wrap scarf £48, all American Vintage

Deliveries this week  - OK so we know it's early, but the fashion world always keeps on our toes and Thursday saw our first delivery of AW11 stock- eek! A beautiful collection of scarves by a new brand stocked at L'Armoire called Asui. Their cool prints and luxury fabrics offer a splash of new season at a great price point.

Star Sale Pick - As our sale continues there are still some fantastic buys to be had, so if you've got a summer ball or wedding here is one of our favourite sale pieces that we are lusting after that will send you well on your way. P.S. This will also look great on a luxury bohemian holiday with bear feet and a tan!

Day Birger et Mikkelsen taupe 'Elegant' dress, was £179 now £126

Independents Day - L'Armoire is taking part in the national Independents Day campaign. On 4th July 2011 across the country, the public will be encouraged to buy at least one item from their local, independent shop to keep the high street alive. For us it’s all about having a pleasant day in our lovely town, encouraging local shopping and celebrating the diversity of the independent retailers on Cowbridge High Street.

Take part in a treasure trail of visits to independent retailers. Collect a trail quiz sheet from us, or other participating retailer, enjoy your visits to varied independents in the town, answer their question, when done take the sheet to a food/drink retailer on the High St and exchange for a sit down and some free refreshment. The trail can be done anytime from Sat 2nd- Sat 9th July. The trail will start on Eastgate (including a visit to us here at L'Armoire), finish on Westgate and include a visit to the Wool Barn and other tucked away treasures off the High Street.

What We've Watched This Week - We have mentioned BBC Four before as our secret indulgence TV channel. There are so many amazing programmes on we seriously recommend you tune in (if you don't already that is). This week saw the start of a 3 parter called 'Perfume' and is what it says, all about the perfume industry. It's a great watch- Tuesdays 9pm on BBC Four. http://bbc.in/iHTly4
Tip: As a trade off with your other half there is also a programme on BBC Four next Wednesday 9pm called 'The Perfect Suit' all about the evolution of the gentleman's suit. No fighting over the remote now...!

Plans For The Weekend - Head to Jamie Oliver's Big Festival on Clapham Common for food, music fashion and fun (1st, 2nd, & 3rd July) http://www.jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival/. Or if your staying at home we suggest a long walk in the countryside in the glorious sun...enjoy.

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