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…
The shops and restaurants are finally open! Yes, it’s time to fluff up those eyebrows and book your favourite restaurant for an outdoor lunch, because the streets are back up and running and waiting for you. Now the biggest question; what to wear to see actual people?!
I know we’ve seen some friends on Zoom or on a park walk, but this is a whole new situation. I think it’s about time we got dressed up again, and had fun with fashion. Think joyful and uplifting pieces that make you smile. Let’s reflect our mood and shine bright on those around us. So for this month I’ve chosen lots of colourful summer-ready pieces—mixed with a few staple must-haves to tie together your looks.
Keep scrolling to see the 12 joyful summer-ready pieces I love this month.
This colour—a slightly neon pastel peach—is one of the colours of the season.
The platform sandal is big news this summer.
This set screams fun! Get ready for those trips and sleepovers.
A throw-on dress which can be the base of 1000 looks. Team with beaded jewels and wedges for a garden party or keep it chilled with Superga’s and a basket bag for a trip to town.
Not ready for heels but need a little lift for all those outdoor plans you’ve made? Look no further than Castaner, these wedges are the most comfortable out there.
This is your staple piece. Wear with jeans, skirts, dresses—it goes with it all!
I have been looking all over the place for a chic pair of yellow sunglasses, and these from Taylor Morris do the job without being over the top.
After a year of squeezing all my belongings into the pockets of my puffer jacket, it’s time to get back to reality and grab something big enough for a full day and night of essentials.
My Prada linen skirt is one of the most worn pieces in my wardrobe, it goes with absolutely everything and looks totally effortless. You can get the same vibe with this Zara number, you maybe just go up a size or two, and take in the waist if you’re handy with the sewing machine – so the shape is a little more relaxed around the thighs and legs.
I love a Rixo mask! Well if you have to wear one, why not make it a full on accessory?
Everyone needs that one top to throw on when trying to look put together, but casual, for the pub.
This dress is a completely seasonless staple. I bought it in black maybe three or four years ago and I’ve been wearing it non-stop ever since!
Monikh wears a Ladouble J dress and Loewe basket bag.
Ticking all my spring needs; long-sleeved, ankle-skimming (I’ll take it up), floaty but still structured, and floral. This black-based dress is the ultimate pre-summer beauty.
Every Summer I get so many questions about Loewe basket bags. If they’re worth it and if they’re going to stay in fashion. My answer to both is yes. They’ve been knocking around for a few years now, coming out each year in the same style plus a new shape or colour variation. I think the key to their success is the simplicity of the design. This season I’ve invested in last year’s newbie, the shell, and I’ve already taken her out for numerous walks.
Ready for BBQ season.
Yellow is big this season and I love how uplifting this sunshine tone is.
SS21 is all about big, bold and colourful jewellery. Start your new statement collection with these precious pieces from Zara.
So effortless. Wear this with the Zara clogs and colourful jewels, the Loewe basket bag and last month’s Khaki jacket.
This on top of your spring floral dress is instantly office friendly, for those going back to work.
That cornflower blue is just everything.
Brighten up your room with sage covers, which are surprisingly uplifting.
I’m starting my microneedling journey this week and I cant wait.
I’ve had my eye on these minimal sandals for so long now! So you can imagine how happy I was to see them restocked this month. Fancier than your average flip flop, these will carry you through those slightly dressier occasions this summer.
Monikh wears a dress by Faithfull the Brand
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.
