Spring Dressing with Albaray

I am super excited to bring you my Spring Outfit Edit with Albaray, with an all important discount code. Read on for all the details...

I’ve been a big admirer of small brand Albaray since they first started in 2020. The trio of all female founders has over 25 years experience in the fashion industry and I feel their collections always encompass pieces that women can wear in their everyday lives, with the little added details that make their collections special.

This newsletter has been kindly sponsored by Albaray. How excited was I when they asked me, and of course my first question was, “Can I have a discount code to share?”. Thankfully they agreed, so from today until 1/3/24 you can use MELISSA20 to get 20% off all full price items. To make things even easier, you can just go through this link and the discount will be automatically generated at checkout! If you’re lucky enough to live near one of the recently opened stand-alone shops (I believe Chichester has a brand new store), then you can also use my discount code in there… win, win!

There are so many gorgeous pieces this season that choosing a selection wasn’t easy, but here are my 5 favourite looks. I’ve included the sizing for items I own - for reference I’m a UK size 12/14.

1. Weekend Runaround

Weekend errands don’t need to be a style void, you just need a casual but stylish uniform and in spring, for me, that’s always a jean/stripes/loafer combo. Albaray do great jeans, which are organic and sustainable. Last year, I tried the relaxed jean (size 14), which is an easy to wear flattering shape. Team the jeans with this relaxed stripey knit jumper (size 12) and this season’s short trench (size 12). I’ve been desperate to try a short version as sometimes a full length can seem too much or a little impractical and I loved wearing this on my grid post today. Boden always do the best range of loafer colours, this navy version makes a nice change from black, and I love this La Redoute tote bag with the red interior and attached purse.

2. Smart Lunch Date

I’ve called this look smart lunch date, but you could easily wear it for so many occasions or add some heels and it would be a lovely look for a spring event. How useful are those knitted jackets? I love the cream trim on this navy one (size 12), which would be perfect layered now, but worn as a jacket in spring/summer. The stone trousers are gorgeous, and I also have the waistcoat - the longer fit is so good (size 12) - and the jacket (size 12), which altogether create the perfect look for a spring wedding. The trousers work perfectly well on their own and would be a great wardrobe staple this season. I’ve teamed this look with Air&Grace trainers (comfort always wins for me and this brand prides itself on comfortable footwear), some of my favourite Monica Vinader jewellery, a smart Coach bag (discount code MEL20) and H&M sunnies.

3. European City Break

I don’t know if it’s been the absence of sunshine this week, but I can literally smell the croissants as I imagine myself strolling the cobbled Parisian streets on my way to a morning cafe au lait in this outfit! It screams weekend away for me and I particularly love the design details on the ticking blue stripe shirt dress (size 12). You could wear it with the tie belt or loose and, of course, the pockets are a great bonus! For cooler weather, I’d wear it with a denim jacket and this one has a gorgeous collarless detail. You’ll need a big &otherstories wide rim hat to hide from the sun, a straw basket is THE summer essential (the simple logo on this Boden one is so cute), and some summer Toms trainers for walking around all those little back streets.

4. Airport Chic

I called this one Airport Chic because although I rarely wear a jumpsuit, mostly because its so hard to find a comfortable one that fits my pear shape, I do wear them for travelling. I know, I’m already hearing cries of “but what about the toilet situation”, but I previously had a jersey jumpsuit which I wore to death on every flight for years. Eventually it wore out, and I missed it, so when I saw the new Albaray version, I had to try it. I went for a size 14 for a generous fit and it doesn’t disappoint in the comfort or style factor. A jumpsuit is a great option if you’re restricted to hand luggage only too, as they are so versatile. I’ve styled it with the denim shirt for travelling, then tie that cotton striped jumper (size 12) over your shoulders for cooler evenings, and the knitted waistcoat (size 12) with sandals for an evening out. That’s your weekend away capsule-packing sorted! As always, it’s trainers for comfort for me (Veja’s are my go-to), a baseball cap for hiding holiday hair and a roomy Ralph Lauren tote bag for your on-flight essentials. My Coggles discount code MEL20 should work on all those pieces.

5. School Run Mum

It’s been a while since I’ve done the school run, with my own children anyway, but this look would be my go-to for any day I want to dress casually with comfort. The floral print jacket (size 14) is the perfect throw-on for spring days and would look great with denim, but here I’ve styled it with the cargo trousers. As the weather warms up, I’m less into wearing my jeans and these khaki cargos would be perfect for warmer spring/summer days. They’re 100% organic cotton with a drawstring waist, which equals easy wearing in my book. I love the tie hem detail too. My preference would be to wear them tied at the ankle, especially with these hi-top Converse trainers. I’ve added an M&S navy tee (to bring out the trim feature of the jacket) and the ever useful Uniqlo crossbody bag in a pretty prink to match the jacket’s gorgeous floral print.

Well that’s my Spring Edit for Albaray. I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s 5 Things, and have spotted a few things that float your boat. Don’t forget to use your code MELISSA20 to get that 20% off.

Melissa xx

This post was kindly sponsored by Albaray and contains some affiliate links.