First thing every girl should have — a signature scent. How you smell says just as much about you as how you look. A familiar smell instantly floods us with memories of a certain person. Every time I smell Estée Lauder’s Beautiful I think straight away of my best friend, who actually only wore it one summer many years ago. One to try at the moment is Tom Ford’s Black Orchid. It is warm and sensual and I love to wear it when it is raining outside — it the perfect scent for this time of year. Come into Brown Thomas’s fragrance wall and Joan or Ali, fragrance experts on counter, will get you sorted with your own signature scent.
Second thing every girl should have — a “wow” pair of movie star sunglasses. I know this sounds a little dramatic but I think sunglasses are practical and glamorous, winter and summer. A Prada fan myself, I am recently finding myself completely adoring Tom Ford’s oversized Raquel shades at David Clulow. Be prepared to be wowed (I am a huge Tom Ford fan so I suppose this makes sense ). I also love oversized sunglasses. They protect your eyes and cover up a multitude of sins at the same time. It is impossible to visit David Clulow and not fall in love.
Third thing every girl should have — an exquisite scarf. The holy grail of course is Hermes, but we also love Alexander McQueen’s collection. His red and gold silk scarf with angel winged skulls is a work of art. It is so extraordinarily beautiful it almost hurts to look at it, and would take any coat or dress to another level entirely. It actually would take your breath away at 10 paces.
Fourth thing every girl should have — a signature lipstick. A signature lipstick should make your eyes pop, flatter your skin tone, and work with your whole wardrobe. I love YSL’s iconic number 19. Again it is a matter of visiting your favourite make-up counter and trying on everything that appeals to you. You will know the second you hit upon the perfect one. It takes ages to find, but it really simplifies your make-up routine when you do. Like your signature scent, you will know it’s right the instant you find it.
And finally, the fifth thing every girl should have — a good pair of denims. Denims are an investment piece and to get them right, and flattering, especially if you are older, you will need to spend the money. I mention J Brand a lot because I think they really fit the bill when it comes to quality and style. Just in to Brown Thomas from its Love Storey collection are the Moscow jeans, bell bottoms and super long. They narrow the hips and elongate the legs, and with a heel or platforms they really channel the seventies vibe.
