You know those times when your wardrobe needs a bit of a refresh? It’s usually at the beginning of a new season when you notice a couple of items have died or gone to charity leaving a little hole or interesting gap in your perfectly curated collection. You don’t want to spend a great deal of money but you’ve noticed there’s something lacking? Perhaps only one or two pieces would lift your tired collection giving everything a new lease of life? Yep that’s where I am at the moment.

Sometimes all you need is a fabulous belt or a funky intarsia t-shirt. However there are also those times when something exceptional is required & if that’s the case for you too, guess what? You are in luck my friend because Mango is doing a lot of outstanding affordable pieces now.
Here is my pick of the absolute best Mango has on offer at the moment. I have chosen these particular items with specific purpose, which I’ll go through for you by page.

PAGE 1 // TOPS

Two of these are basic T-shirts with a fun twist that pair equally well with a skirt or trousers as your favourite slouchy jeans. I particularly like to style a slogan T with a suit! Here is an example of how I style one with just the blazer for a smart take on jeans. Another way to elevate a printed T-shirt is with your statement maxi skirt for a streetstyle Summer outfit!
Additionally, a slightly fitted striped T is simply the dressier version of understated Parisian chic, similar to the Breton top. Next is what I’d describe as the budget version of a Johanna Ortiz inspired blouse. This lovely top has many styling options including the obvious, with jeans or a denim skirt. I’d also wear it with a relaxed pair of wide leg trousers & a super-wide belt. With or without a belt & any type of heel, this top is a big winner for me for its obvious versatility.

PAGE 2 // PANTS

Well cut trousers are a must in every wardrobe curators collection. Usually I like to spend a lot more on my trousers than most other items because to look luxe, they should be beautifully made. They need to fit me in all the right places & be well manufactured of high quality material. Preferably a natural fibre with an excellent finish & attention to detail. Usually this is a fairly easy task in Winter as there’s a huge range of wool mix pants across all price points. However come Spring & Summer when I’m looking for cool linen or cotton, even silk – Eh not so much.
This season Mango has produced an excellent range of trousers that fulfill all my requirements. My absolute favourite from this lot is the pink flared pant. I will probably buy them the minute I have a spare $60 because there’s no doubt in my mind I’ll wear them to death & that’s an excellent price. As you may know I have a fabulous pair of Acne striped trousers on repeat that I bought second-hand years ago. I seriously advocate the vertical stripe to elongate your legs. Now the trick here is to get the cut right so that it ideally flatters your shape. Think whether you need to balance your hips or disguise a tummy & always remember it’s about the silhouette of your figure. I’ve included two different types but there are many more if neither of these work for you.
Tailored pants are great with both casual tees & formal shirts throughout the warmer months. Now there was a time not so long ago when I’d pair my pinstriped pants with a silk cami & stilettos for an incredibly sexy evening look. Ahem not now though, too droopy in the boobies.

PAGE 3 // DRESS UP OR DOWN

These items represent the DOUBLE-DUTY pieces you should have in your closet. You know the showstopper dress that doesn’t look out-of-place with flats at a Barby? Throw on a belt to break up the line, wear it over a pair of jeans or wide pants. Then come Winter to really get the most from this piece, restyle it using all your chunky knits & various boots!
You’ll notice one item is not a dress. I decided to include this pencil skirt because a) A pencil skirt is timeless & works year round. See my grey leather pencil skirt here in Summer & here in Winter – and b) This particular pencil skirt is pretty bloody gorgeous! I mean look at it! It has the lime contrast edge, it’s a bold check pattern which is awesome for print clashing & also never dates & the addition of buttons elevates the design so it could easily pass for high-end. In addition to all that I think the length is spot on for heels or flats BAM!

PAGE 4 // TIMELESS CLASSIC

Indeed these are timeless classics albeit with an edge. The pin striped shirt dress speaks for itself, I have this one that I wear a lot yet have never tired of. I included a simple black dress because in Summer there is nothing more chic than a black linen dress. This dress will get you out of a jam, lift your spirits on the days you can’t decide what to wear & feel a bit blah. Without a doubt you’ll always, always look amazing in a simple black dress especially with a pair of over-sized black sunnies.
Moving onto the two pink dresses, one striped & one floral. Perhaps you only like one of these? I love both, so to the reason behind choosing them – Well because they’re pretty that’s why! Every woman needs a really pretty dress in her collection even if she’s not a girlie girl. Oh & also I’m a big fan of dresses with long sleeves all year round. Remember these are MY favourites, your ideal pretty dress could be another colour. Anyway you get the gist…

PAGE 6 // THE WILD CARD

The four wild cards make very strong statements which is exactly the point. You probably won’t wear this item often yet there will be times over the decades when it’s ideal for that special occasion. I love broderie anglaise & here in canary yellow it’s sensational although the colour doesn’t suit for me personally. The sublime sequins gown is an understated revelation, just exquisite. The floral maxi dress also qualifies for the above double duty category although in such a strong green there’s no doubt of attracting attention when you walk into a room. Probably not subtle enough for every day, I can’t decide. It depends on the wearer I guess, yes?
Finally, the bold printed wide leg trousers. This dramatic cut incorporating side-seam pockets certainly doesn’t suit every figure. However if you’re over five and a half feet tall it’s worth trying them on with wedges as they definitely pass the luxe test. Paired with a simple silk shirt this is first class travel wear baby.

So as you can see I decided on this utterly awesome top. I’m still lusting after the pink trousers by the way but they will have to wait until my budget allows. In any case I’m thoroughly impressed with the quality & design of my new top which I’m actually wearing now with white linen pants!

For today’s post I’ve paired it dramatically with my Marks and Spencer ruffle skirt from last year. Since the pinstripes are different I wrapped the skirts belt around the waist of the top for cohesion. Another dramatic pairing would be to contrast the top with either a floral or polka dot skirt. However if drama isn’t your thing bring it all down a notch with any style of pants but especially jeans.

HAIR TIP – No time to shampoo? Dirty hair goes great into a low bun but let’s not be boring. Place it off-centre & use some pins for decorative effect, simple…

Lots of love my beauties xx