Bright, buoyant and bursting with personality, see inside the wardrobe of founder of Never Fully Dressed Lucy Aylen …
Tales From My Wardrobe is a style series that explores the wardrobes of THE GLOSS community, a love letter to the pieces we reach for again and again. From the hard-earned investment purchases that make us smile with each wear to the items that supercede mere “clothing” to carry memories and foster emotional connection.
Founder of online fashion retailer Never Fully Dressed Lucy Aylen has retail in her blood. Both of her parents were market traders in London, and the genesis of Never Fully Dressed came from a market stall, too. It’s this interest in the eclectic that drives her wardrobe, which is lovingly comprised of $1 finds, nostalgic costume jewellery and bold statement pieces from contemporary designers. Lucy’s look nails the global traveller aesthetic that so many of us strive for, however hers is the real deal. Having started her career in Los Angeles, before settling in Essex where she lives with her husband and children, her taste is a perfect snapshot of what personal style looks like today. From forever summer pieces by Pucci and Loewe, to lust-list items by Chanel, a glimpse inside Lucy’s wardrobe is the perfect spot of armchair travel …
My favourite piece in my wardrobe right now is a multicoloured Pucci knitted poncho. It’s rather magical, bringing the summer through to winter months. I love anything that makes me smile.
My poncho is probably my most recent purchase, alongside a pair of Never Fully Dressed studded and suede boots which I know I will have forever. I am more of an investment shopper, so I have to ensure the item is good enough to carry me through seasons to come.
In terms of nostalgic pieces, I have some amazing costume jewellery from my mum when she used to have an accessories stall in the 1980s, the pieces are very out there, I love and cherish them. My best accessories are the pieces I have inherited from her. Even though they are 40 years old, they are still working hard. I always love adding accessories to my existing outfits, it makes them unique to me.
The best bargain of my life? I lived in LA when I was 18 and there was a store called Jetrag. Each Sunday they would do a $1 section at the front of the shop where I got a Mexican beaded poncho which I love. On the flip side, when it comes to investments, I have a leather coat which I had made at a little manufacturer in Bethnal Green, East London as well as my Acne red coat. I also have some Brother Vellies boots which are far too big for me so I don’t wear them half as much as I should – they are definitely an investment.
The piece that paid for itself in cost-per-wear: I love my Loewe shoes I got when I was in Barcelona (most of my pieces are bought when travelling). They are fully beaded sandals that almost make music when I walk – so fun. I have a gorgeous cheesecloth dress I love to wear and layer with accessories for all seasons, too.
I always look to vintage stores when travelling for the best hidden gems, I love markets, it’s in my blood. I think style is an individual’s choice so I love everything in my wardrobe and love to reinvent my outfits.
I very rarely leave the house without my bandana, worn either in my hair or around my neck. I never take my jewellery off which includes my crucifix and charms linking to my kids, husband and my family. I have a silk scarf that I love, it’s very sentimental and has religious links which I love the history of. I have collected crucifixes throughout my travels over the years and sewn them onto this scarf which I would love to make into a wall hanging eventually, a little memoir of my travels.
The dream piece I’m lusting after? I have just booked to go skiing for my birthday in February and would love a Chanel ski suit which is totally extravagant and unnecessary but … how amazing.
Follow Lucy on Instagram (@lucyaylen7) here. Got a wardrobe worth sharing? Email digital@thegloss.ie with the subject line ‘Tales From My Wardrobe’.
She is the queen of no makeup makeup and even manages to make a smokey eye look subtle. When everyone else was going for heavy contour and laminated eyebrows, she continued to promote enhancing your natural features with simple tricks and smart product placement. If you have seen any of her videos, you will notice how little product she actually uses. Even Victoria Beckham commented how surprised she was when she went to remove her makeup after a shoot with Lisa on how little product was applied.