There are hundreds of thousands of influencers in the social ether, but only a handful who we religiously stalk in order to virtually steal the clothes off their backs. Our primary target is Monikh—the London-based styling and shopping guru who seeks out the very coolest buys from every corner of the retail world. From her inspiring tips on re-wearing her well-chosen investment items to hunting down the coolest high-street pieces, her Instagram feed @monikh and website are a veritable hotbed of things you’re going to want to purchase immediately (and will never regret). Each month, Monikh will share her new picks exclusively for you…
It may only be mid-February, but I’m well and truly into the Spring vibe. With the weather entering double figures for the first time in months and daffodils making an appearance, I am now really excited for a new spring wardrobe.
I’ve packed away the duvet coats and joggers, and I’m happy to not set eyes on them until next winter. This lockdown really has taken out the magic of the lounge suit for me. And I’ll be replacing them with colour, texture and lots of layered florals, because in my opinion florals really are ground-breaking every single spring.The start of the year is a great time to clear out your wardrobe, keep those classic staples, the pieces that make you smile and feel like you. Then maybe sell or donate the others, and then replace them with new pieces to carry you through this spring and beyond.
To help you decide on those replacements, here’s this month’s Trust Monikh where I bring you chic forever pieces that I promise will work harder than any other in your wardrobe. And because we’re still in lockdown, I’ve included some beauty and homeware buys too.
I’ve had my eye on this jacket for a few years now (it’s one of the brand’s staples pieces), and this year I decided to finally put away my tired high-street companion and go for it. By purchasing a high-street version of something first time round, it’s a great way to see how much you love the style and just how many times you will actually wear it. After years of grabbing that oversized khaki jacket, to wear over almost everything, throughout spring and summer, I knew it was time. This Toteme Army Jacket is oversized yet structured, perfect for with satin dresses and skirts for summer evenings. Right now, I’ll be teaming it with a white poplin top and baggy jeans.
I’m migrating to all things green this month—it just feels fresh!
The boho vibe was a big theme for the SS21 runways, and it’s one trend I can’t wait to dive into. I’m always a huge fan 70’s styling, and this new take on the style is even more relaxed. Think scarf prints with long fluid layers and nothing tight, lots of fringing, crochet, and of course embellished accessories. Heaven!
I think it’s going to be a while before I go back to fitted trousers or jeans after almost a year of joggers. So I’m going to start with these, loose LA-style jeans with rips. Yes I once said I would never go back, but I should have known better. These are the denim style of summer 2021.
A piece to invest in now, and wear a thousand times during the summer. Team now with an oversized cropped jumper. Roll up the hem and add a pump.
Add a little fun to February with these initial scarfs. Use as a face mask, hair tie or bag accessory. The options are endless!
I’ve found the perfect poplin top for those baggy jeans.
I’ve wanted to try a green polish for ages and this just might be the perfect time.
Cleverly build up your boho wardrobe with accessories first—it’s a great way to try out the trend without fully committing.
I love a thin gold anklet, one so delicate people might not even notice it at first. And now that I’ve firmly turned my back on winter style, including my big chunky boots, I can finally wrap last year’s fave around my ankle. I would always recommend investing in a slightly more durable material like this gold-plated style so that you don’t have to take it off between washing.
Black is always relevant, no matter what the season. Grab this beauty to wear with sandals and that Marni bag as soon as the weather allows.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who missed their local florists during lockdown. It really is amazing how a few fresh flowers can brighten up your home and your mood. So I’ll be stocking up on a few new vases for when they reopen. Big pots like these also look great without flowers in corners of rooms on the floor.
I love the mix of colours in this top by one of my favourite little secrets. Paloma Wool is full of quirky designs to uplift the most minimalist of wardrobes.
I have been tempted for weeks to steal my boyfriend’s puffer gilet.
I’m using this month to break these in so I’m ready at the first sight of spring.
Need to get out of that tracksuit? This dress will carry you through the remaining winter months teamed with boots, and then I’d wear it with those shearling slides come spring.
Yes leggings are making a comeback! Opt for a longer length with an open zip, to create a slight flare effect.
Give your knitwear section a shake up with this asymmetrical neckline, which makes such a statement that there’s no need for jewellery.
I have this ready and waiting for that first post lockdown outing.
The cape—this month’s no.1 companion for instant chicness.
Broken out over the holidays? Me too. Grab this dream potion Mario Badescu to dry up any potential volcanos before they erupt.
I’ve never thought of black linen sheets before, but they are strangely chic!
It’s all about the smart coat this season; crisp enough to dress up your tracksuit while running errands, and classic enough to last a lifetime.
How dreamy are these hand painted carafes! Just the perfect hit of colour needed to dress up your bedside table whilst reminding yourself to keep hydrated. Thank you Lucy Williams for the inspo!
Have you also got to that age where buying new towels feels just as good as buying clothes? Throw these on the radiator, light a candle, run the bath and enjoy a month of pamper nights.
The shape that never ages.
Timeless! Slink around the house in this bias-cut skirt with on oversized jumper on top, and just add boots when you are leaving for fresh air.
It looks like The Row, and comes in at £125.
The shirt and trouser set I’m wearing above.
You know you’ve made it to your adult years when you get this excited about storage—but how gorgeous is this cabinet?! This will be amazing to host all of my beauty products in the bathroom.
This is my absolute dream outfit for days at home this winter. Just add blanket, tea and Home Alone.
Worn with think tights and boots, or open with jeans and pumps—this is the shirt/dress that keeps on giving
There is nothing chicer than a big oversized clutch worn with a big oversized coat, and yes, big oversized boots. Bigger is sometimes better.
Days at home should be spent sitting in this dreamy cosy chair.
We might not be going out out this year, but staying in can still be glitzy. Wear with a big shirt and jeans
A wardrobe staple. Ageless and timeless.
I’d wear this tucked in to jeans or tailored trousers, with a few buttons undone and maybe a thin gold necklace or two. Very sexy.
I love the rhinestones and love the slit. Pair with an old tee and lots of eyeliner for a ’90s look.
Keep scrolling for the 10 items I have in my cosy edit this month.
You’ve got your tracksuit on but need to run out for essentials, now how do you make this work? The answer is the robe coat, so chic it will add a touch of luxe to your casual attire.
My boyfriend buys me a new planner every Christmas, and it’s always my favourite gift. I get to slot in all those special dates and be able to visually start my countdown. Plus with all those weddings which were sadly cancelled this year, I’ve got a lot to slot in already.
This is an exact dupe of one from The Row which I’ve had my eye on for months! A classic black cashmere jumper that will never go out of style. I also love that it is mens. I’m wearing this in a small, but if I were to re-order I’d go for a medium so it was a little oversized.
A full-length cardigan is the new chic layer we need to keep wearing summer dresses.
I love to grab a few new home bits each season to spice up my living room a little. And when you’re a minimalist like me you have to be sure to make it is something that’s simple, yet effective enough to make a statement. Enter my new vase.
Nanushka’s entire new-in section is just an A/W dream! So chic, so cool. Wear this wool dress barefoot at home, and with a belt and boots when it’s safe to venture out.
I love this brand—they just do simple homeware so well! Grab a few checked blankets to layer up on the sofa for those cosy film nights.
Setting the table for dinner really has helped me to feel like dinner at home is a real moment again. No TV, just some soft music in the background, a bottle of red and some pretty tableware.
If you don’t have to wear a bra, should you? The answer is obviously no, but in case you do want a little support, why not go for the knitted bra under a slightly opened shirt? Very chic.
One more reason to stay hydrated.
Keep scrolling to see the 10 items I’m loving this autumn.
“As the years have gone on, boots are getting bigger, bulkier and fiercer. And these by blogger Pernille Teisbaek are the ones to have this winter. Make sure to pre-order yours now to ensure you get a pair before the winter is over.”
“To help your summer wardrobe go into hibernation, grab a couple of these rattan boxes from H&M. Whether under the bed or on top of the wardrobe, they make storage become a feature.”
“Gloves are a real winter buy, and the one thing I haven’t invested in for years. I’m still pulling on mine from 6 years ago, and while they now hold sentimental value, the biker style just isn’t my vibe anymore. Now I want to be minimal and chic, and these gloves scream that.”
“The jumper dress is perfect for those days when it’s not so cold, that only a chunky jumper and boots will do. Note: must wear with at least cycling shorts or black leggings underneath when leaving the house (there are very high slits!.)”
“Loulou Studio is full of Parisian chic staples to slot into any look, and this style is probably one of my favourites. It’s cropped just enough to tuck into your jeans or joggers without looking bulky. I wore the orange one non-stop this summer so the camel was a no-brainer for the winter.”
“I posted about this bag back at the beginning of the year when it was pre-order. It’s now in stock and a must have with their perfectly sized compartments to ensure you always leave the house with your phone (and mask).”
“A black dress is always needed, and if yours isn’t weather appropriate take a look at this one by Ganni. I’d wear this with big boots.”
“I think I’m going back to Vans. Yes, I have to. For those days when I might want to wear my tracksuits outside because let’s face it, they’re pretty chic now, I need a pair with a chunkyish sole to balance out the look, while still keeping everything very understated.”
“It’s no secret that I love an oversized shirt, and after becoming obsessed with the linen beauties from WNU, of course I was going to jump on their new checked collection. I normally go for a small but for winter I want them a little more oversized so I went medium. This way the slightly longer length balances out the under-the-knee boots.”
“This is my absolute favourite loungewear. Yes they’re a little dear, but the quality is like no other. The fit on them is perfect (size down) and I love the chic sweatshirts. Note if you go for the snap-front pants instead of the traditional jogger type, they’re easier to wear with big chunky boots as the trousers glide over. I’m all for cosy dressing for this autumn winter.”
Want to look chic in the rain? This has you sorted.
I bought this in black maybe four years ago and I still bring it out every Autumn. So maybe its time for a new print…
This top is perfect for last minute drinks.
Your back to work blazer sorted. Team with your summer slip dresses and a pair of caged sandals for the last month of summer
Terracotta obsessed! Leave perched in the corner of your living room.
Joseph’s new collection is out and it’s everything I would want if I was heading back into an office. Sophisticated and polished yet effortless. Wear these burgundy trousers with the matching red jumper, burgundy bag and shoes. A full tonal look is very AW20.
No holiday is needed when it’s 35 at home. Wear this in the comfort of your own living room while the heatwave continues.
The ultimate easy, breazy dress.
Mara Hoffman is one of my favourite designers and her latest collection is full of bold designs ready to steal the lime light.
I took these away with me and coordinated them to my outfits. Being safe but chic.
Chic yet fun, wear this dress on holiday with a pair flip flops, and back home with an oversized white shirt and trainers.
Faithfull The Brand is the ultimate holiday destination wardrobe. They’re full of colourful linens to mix and match with previous seasons. I wish I’d seen this set before I went to Positano!
