This festive season is going to be unlike any other, which means there is even more reason than ever to prioritise dressing for joy at home. Fashion PR, mother and girl about town, Alexandra Carello’s wardrobe is filled with colour, sparkle, statements — and around 100 headbands, her signature style. Here Alexandra shows us what she’ll be wearing for the holidays in her London home and her new fashion picks that she’ll be wearing into 2021.
The more I reflect, the more I realise my mother inspired my love of dressing up. I have a picture of her in the 80s wearing a black headband and big earrings, which is what I wear every single day. I steal a lot of her clothes too, she has so many amazing jackets with a lot of big shoulders from that decade — it’s taught me that I never want to throw anything away. Fashion is so cyclical and everything will come back. I’m curating my wardrobe almost as if I am expecting it to be in a museum in 20 years time; I like the idea that my daughter will have this readymade archive.
My style is fun – but riffs on prim! I love colour, I love volume, I love texture. Fashion is so much more than products, it is mood enhancing. Putting on something colourful, structured and polished affects how you feel. I love Miu Miu and Red Valentino for dressing up in the evenings, but hardworking trousers and statement shirts are more what I look for now. I enjoy discovering new brands – The Label Edition is my latest find.
A headband is my signature daily go-to. I’ve always loved them, but now it’s not just for nostalgia or the fashion element, it’s the practicality. I don’t have much time in the mornings to do my hair, but putting a headband on instantly makes you look more polished. I have over a hundred now. I have ones with bows on, padded ones, ones with jewels and embellishments…. My most treasured are from Alexandre de Paris, which my mum bought more than 30 years ago – they are so long lasting. Headbands are the easiest and quickest way to dress up your look – ideal for this Christmas time.
This Christmas Day morning I’ll be wearing some chic silk PJs. I’m currently into Daily Sleeper, a really beautiful brand which does really fun pyjama’s with feather trims. I’ve just discovered the perfect at-home shoes by A Piedi – think satin slippers with amazing frothy tulle accents.
I can’t wait to dress the table this Christmas. I’ve got some beautiful things on my shopping list. Edition 94 in Chelsea is one of my favourite shops for something special but I also love Bable, they do really lovely candles with sparkles and lemons on.
The Christmas Day outfit
This matching top and skirt from Emilia Wickstead is the ultimate Christmas party outfit: fun, flirty and totally festive.
Cropped lamé top and skirt £590
Pleated lamé skirt £1,875
The Kilt
I’m obsessed with kilts. Le Kilt does the cosiest ones — so comfortable but equally chic enough to wear with high heel boots.
Dino 25 tartan brushed-wool kilt
£434
The Cardigan
The ostrich feathers on this cardigan make it really fun and it’s an easy piece that will go with everything.
Ostrich feather-trimmed lambswool cardigan
£948
The Bag
This micro Marina Raphael bag is the only one you’ll need this Christmas…..or ever! It’s a collaboration Marina has done with Style Heroine and it’s the most sparkliest thing — the magpie in me loves it. It’s also a total conversation starter.
Evangelie in crystal and fluorescent pink
£860
The Coat
I just bought a great faux fur coat from Shrimps which makes me feel like Margot Tenenbaum. It’s super vintage looking and glamourous — sling it over your shoulders for a chic evening look.
Vincent faux-fur double-breasted coat
£550
The Pants
These Wardrobe NYC pants are killer — classic yet so fierce and they’ll work so hard in my wardrobe. I’ll wear them with a blazer or a party top and some statement heels as the zip at the side allows you to really show off your shoes.
Release 03 high-rise slit-cuff leggings
£400
The Heels
These iconic Manolo Blahnik shoes are as special the hundredth time you wear them as the first. The bold pink ones are divine – I love mixing bright colours and tones together
Hangisi Pink Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps
£795
The Boots
I’ve had this pair of gold Paris Texas boots on my wish list for a while now, so I’m hoping Santa might be good to me this Christmas.
Metallic knee-high python-effect leather boots
£485
The Party Bow
A statement bow is another easy way of doing your hair without much effort…. This party bow is amazing – I adore the tulle and crystal embellishments.
Misty Bow
£95
