Tabitha Webb interviews Cally Squires, Editor of Belgravia Magazine and a writer for Mayfair Times and Sloane Square Magazine
Oh, and of course she's stylish girl about town, and a bride-to-be.
We got her to share some of her styling essentials, favourite brands, and how she looks so fabulous even when rushing around central London.
TW: How do you describe your style?
CS: Off-duty: on weekends it’s all about sport-luxe. Lululemon leggings and a pair of print trainers with a plain cashmere roll neck.
TW: How does your work influence what you wear?
CS: Most nights I’ll be at events after work, like a boutique opening or fragrance launch, so 'day-to-night' is always on my mind when picking an outfit in the morning. My uniform is normally Whistles or Donna Ida jeans with a silk top or tailored jacket and leather boots. I love French labels Sandro and Maje too, for dresses and shirts. During the day I might be rushing between Belgravia and Mayfair for meetings, so I always favour flats. Russell and Bromley black slip-on trainers are a must.
TW: What are your failsafe tips that you can share with us?
CS: Find a good, local tailor. Not even for bespoke pieces - you can tweak a cheap-ish Topshop or Zara coat or blouse to look a million times better on you, and if it is as simple as pinching a little in at the waist, it won’t cost the earth. I recently had an old Ted Baker silk maxi dress that I’d worn loads chopped off at the knee, and now it is getting a new lease of life. Also, I don’t know if this is a bit naughty, but if you have a staple dress that you LOVE and isn’t made anymore, get a tailor to copy it in a different colour or fabric.
TW: What were your must-have items for Autumn Winter 2015?
CS: My new baby is a navy Whistles oversized wool coat. A faux fur headband is on my list, but I am still searching for the perfect one. My other go-to is a black quilted Prada ski jacket, which I bought at a clearance sale about eight years ago, but still wear every winter in the city, as well as on the mountain.
TW: Cally Squires’ Top Tabitha Webb Picks:
CS:
- Floral Yellow Ariel blouse - an everyday piece to wear with black skinny jeans and boots. I’d maybe throw on heels if I was going to an event in the evening.
- Navy Brigitte Dress - perfect for a more formal event, when you don’t want to go full-on black tie. I’d be easily persuaded to wear it in red to the races too.
- Theodore shirt dress - I love the print on this dress, it’s great for running around town in! The fitted waist keeps the silhouette from being too casual, which is another bonus.
TW: How important is a statement dress to your wardrobe?
CS: You know you’ve nailed it when you’re wearing it seasons later, and still get complimented. For me a statement dress is timeless, it’s not about the trend of the moment.
TW: How do you accessorise dresses for day and for evening?
CS: You can go a bit more funky and mismatched with jewellery during the day. I just had to get glasses for the first time, and Tom Davies in Sloane Square is great for bespoke specs. You can go really edgy just by adding a cool pair of glasses. In the evening I would pare back accessories or focus on one piece like a statement necklace or ring, and obviously adding heels always helps formalise a look.
TW: What trends are you seeing for Spring Summer 2016 that you are looking forward to
CS: Floral print – but not styled in a chintzy, girlie way. Plus pale, retro block colours. I’m planning my wedding at the moment, and coveting mint green for the bridesmaids’ gowns.
TW: What’s next for you and the magazine?
CS: At Belgravia magazine we are looking forward to our annual awards ceremony at the Berkeley in January, which last year was hosted by Downton creator Julian Fellowes. The magazine has been going since 1989, and we try very hard to follow the needs of the local community, which is something that’s not going to change. Besides my role on Belgravia I will also be deputy editing Sloane Square magazine next year, which is exciting, as it is my home turf being a Chelsea resident.
Follow Cally on Twitter! @callysquires and @belgraviamag
Read Belgravia Magazine online
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