Lifestyle, Fashion & Style
Winter has arrived in London and the weather has been changeable; it’s definitely time for layering. Luckily, I have five new pieces of clothing from Patra which are perfect for this time of year.
Patra are known for taking the highest quality silk, cashmere, cotton and wool and creating garments that are made to last, that feel sumptuous next to the skin and keep you feeling comfortable during summer or winter. It was a love of silk that first inspired the family run company to create a range of clothing using only the finest natural materials. Now, over 50 years later, the company has grown but have kept the premise to produce clothes that look and feel wonderful, using natural fabrics.
I feel passionately about wearing natural materials and have learned over the years that investing in the good quality fabrics really does pay off. Buying small amounts of clothes, which are considered purchases rather than impulse decisions, are the ones that I actually wear. They are the garments that enhance my wardrobe, work well with all my other clothes and wash and wear so well.
When Patra asked me if I would like to choose 5 essential items from their collection to add to my winter wardrobe, I jumped at the chance. This is how I love to shop, finding investment pieces which work with my existing clothes, creating new outfits simply by adding maybe a new jumper or shirt.
This year I decided first I wanted a practical shirt, in a plain colour that would go with everything from jeans to a leather skirt, to be worn on its own or under a jumper. And, talking of jumpers, I wanted a gorgeous jewel colour in the softest material which I could use for layering. A dress that I could pack easily and wouldn’t crease. And I wanted to top up my camisole collection, also known as a vest in my house. That lovely layer that warms you through. These were my essentials. Then I saw the most beautiful silk jacket and it was love at first sight. Let me take you through each piece one at a time.
The first item into my basket was the Curved Hemline Fuji Silk Shirt. This 100% cream silk shirt has the most tactile finish to it, soft and welcoming, and the simple design is elegant and so comfortable. It works outside trousers and equally well tucked into a skirt. The sleeves are a great length, which is perfect for me as I have long arms. The rich cream colour coordinates with so many other items in my wardrobe and also works beautifully with the Scarlet Silk Crew Neck Ribbed Jumper.
The Silk Crew Neck Ribbed Jumper has so quickly become one of my favourite jumpers. The warm and sensual colour Scarlet looks good next to the skin, and the jumper works well with the rest of my wardrobe, including a John Lewis scarf that I bought last season. It’s really comfortable and looks great paired with the Fuji Silk Shirt. The jumper is lightweight enough to wear under a fitted jacket and despite its weight it’s really warm.
As soon as the weather changes, I reach for a camisole. The extra layer provides so much warmth without any bulk. The softness of the silk against the skin means it’s comfortable all day long regardless of what garments you put on top. It also helps to regulate your temperature if you happen to be experiencing hot flushes. The Pure Silk Thermal Camisole Vest is the softest I’ve ever felt.
I have a passion for jersey dresses. They are easily the most practical dresses to have in the wardrobe. They travel well, rarely creasing, so you can take them out of the case and put them straight on. The softness of the Jersey Dress with a Knot is a flattering design which distracts from the area most of us would rather avoid, our tummies. The dress fits me like a glove and is the perfect length, I’m 5’.10” and it sits just below the knee. The dress can take me straight from a daytime meeting to dinner in the evening. It can be dressed up with shoes or down with boots. It’s one of the most versatile pieces of clothing.
The moment I saw the Habotai Silk Jacket I knew I would love it! Available in Aubergine and Caviar, a beautiful deep navy blue, the padded jacket is lightweight yet so warm. With a full length double ended zip and high collar, the jacket will see me through several seasons. I can wear it with jeans for a casual look or over a dress when I need some extra warmth.
If you’re anything like me, you shop in the evening from the comfort of your home. Patra has each item carefully and beautifully photographed, so you really can see exactly what you are buying. The website is simple to navigate and it’s so easy to sit down with a cup of tea and select the clothes you want to buy. With the Patra’s 30 day returns policy and free postage and packing, shopping has never been easier. I know from the emails I receive, that many of you prefer to browse a catalogue. You’ll be pleased to know that Patra regularly create catalogues featuring a selection of the clothes on offer.
I love the fact that Patra sizes range from XS through to 3XL. They are catering for everyone. I’m tall, with a relatively small top and much larger bottom – literally. I ordered the clothes in a Small and they all fitted perfectly. The sleeves on the jacket could have been slightly longer but I do have unusually long arms, I chose the Small as I wanted a snug fit and to be able to wear the jacket under a coat if I need extra warmth. Maybe if I had gone for the Medium the sleeves would have been a little longer. I’ll know next time.
As well as wearing the winter selection of clothes, I have washed them several times. All the garments have washed beautifully and look exactly the same as when they were delivered. For handwashing I always use Soak (available from Amazon), but I have also washed the Silk Shirt and Camisole in the machine on a 30-degree gentle wash with no ill effects.
I am so impressed with the quality and fit of the clothes from Patra that I am already working on my next wish list!
For more information please visit Patra
This article was created in partnership with Patra who supplied the clothes featured. The images, words and views are all my own. With thanks to Patra for the gorgeous clothes.
