Style Icon: Mary Wall

I bumped into this very stylish woman on Sunday morning outside the Royal Academy, we were both queueing for the Anselm Kiefer exhibition. I asked if I could take her picture as I thought she looked amazing -she looked like she was on her way home after a night of elegant partying, but not so- and we got chatting. Her name is Mary Wall and she explained that she got pretty much her whole outfit from charity shops, “it’s so much more interesting shopping in charity shops,” she said,  “all sorts of fascinating things turn up”.

Her black maxi skirt is satin and the pleated silk chiffon cape top made for a chic cover-up (perfect for the weather too) and being pleats is of course, bang on trend for this season. “I read Vogue and see the “Must Have’ lists’ and think that really, the very last thing I want is what’s on those lists, because I just don’t want to look like everyone else. Where’s the fun in that?” she said.

Mary was beautifully turned out, with her hair in a neat bun and her gold accessories twinkling in the sun. I think she said she bought the necklace at Portobello Road market, which she frequents whenever she can. She also loves her designers “I’m really looking forward to the Savage Beauty exhibition next year (at the V&A) and It was so tragic that Alexander McQueen died so young, I love his clothes. I also love Gareth Pugh, he’s so inventive”.

Isn’t she great?

Coincidentally I was eyeing up a black chiffon pleated blouse at Topshop last week. It looks a bit Ozzy Clark with its bell shaped sleeves and generous cut through the body (for Topshop, it’s well sized and even comes in a 16 -shock-horror). The pleats around the neckline are tucked into a neat and very feminine pleated collar and it looks a really good investment for £45. Worn over a black vest or camisole, like Mary has done above, it’s got a flatteringly sexy v neck…I’m thinking Christmas/day-to-evening blouse here….check it out here.

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