Lauren Bostock is a Brand Consultant and Stylist at A Style lab Company which she runs. Lauren, is a firm believer in "buying less and choosing well." She has a strong interest in sustainability, circular fashion, and how the sector is changing. She believes that "buying less and selecting carefully" is the key to sustainability in fashion.
Lauren was a Buyer for over 12 years at Net-A-Porter, ASOS, Selfridges and Browns. She left the corporate world with an ambition to pursue her dream of working with ethical brands.
We asked Lauren how important ethics are for her and what advice would she give to a client.
"They are extremely important for me - I have a huge interest for sustainable fashion, and it will always be at the forefront of my mind when buying jewellery, accessories and any clothes. I would always advise to buy less and choose wisely. Ethics can be expensive, but there are some amazing brands out there that offer sustainable product with a great design but at an affordable price point.”
What Made You Want to Collaborate with Auric Jewellery?
I love businesses that want to impact the way we buy and who are really pushing the boundaries of fashion. I am thrilled to be working with a brand that promotes slow fashion and high ethical standards, yet still has some amazing pieces that have been inspired by some of the most iconic jeweller designs. I love that Auric Jewellery has taken details like the classic T- Gold Bracelet and upgraded it with real gold (18ct).
Why Did You Choose Auric T- Bar Bracelet as Your Favourite Piece?
I think it's such a classic piece that will never go out of fashion. It can be worn with a blazer for a corporate look or even dressed down with jeans and a tee - which is what I love about it. The T-Bar Bracelet in gold is creative, and with the adjustable links have no fit concerns.
What Do You Think the Most Important Part Of An Outfit Is?
Accessories! They say, "everything in moderation", and I agree with that statement. I was a luxury and contemporary Accessories buyer for 10 years and always believed accessories make an outfit. I am very minimalist in my style, but have a large collection of shoes, bags and jewellery.
Personally I feel too much jewellery can look a little over-the-top - especially if it is big and chunky, but one beautiful piece can make a look complete. I think it's important to stick to a few thoughtful details and keep the rest of your outfit simple - so you don't have too many competing statements going on at once.
What is Your Personal Style?
My personal style is classic, minimalist and effortless. I love being able to wear jewellery with a tee, jeans and loafers. I have a capsule wardrobe where everything goes with everything.
Tell Us What Inspires You About Solid Gold Jewellery?
Gold hue has been my all-time favourite; this time around, I was keen to extend the idea into real gold jewellery, which was not another piece but an investment. So, I opted for a chain bracelet in 18-carat gold; I love minimalist chain designs. I wear a vintage gold chain necklace that I never take off, as well as my 3 eternity diamond stacking rings (my wedding and ‘push present’ rings), but sometimes you want something more subtle and delicate for your wrist- so the T bar bracelet was perfect!
The bracelet is the perfect addition to any outfit, especially with the gorgeous cylinder shape of the t-bar, making it's so versatile! The t-bar shape makes this design both modern but also timeless.
What Other Jewellery Pieces Are Your Favourite?
I am a lover of many earrings. I have two piercings in each ear, so it is easy for me to mix metals around my ears and find new shapes that catch the light and sparkle.
I've always worn small gold studs with small gold Huggies, but sometimes I like to switch it up with white gold studs, hoops and clips. People are afraid to play around with different earrings - yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold are not outdated; you just need to understand the proportion and balance of mixed metals. Having mentioned my eternity rings earlier, I have two that are diamond platinum and one that is real gold diamonds. They compliment and sit next to each other in a stacking form perfectly.
What Gold Jewellery do You Wear Every Day?
I’ve worn my vintage yellow gold necklace every day since I first received it. Similarly, I have several piercings and not having earrings in my earlobes is definitely not a thing for me. Earrings are something I change more frequently since I believe they have a bigger influence on how you look. They must be comfy, however. So, when choosing these, you just have to be conscious for them not to be too heavy, but light enough to comfortably wear them every day!
Your Preferred Carat Gold Jewellery for Every Day?
I am in favour of buying better and I believe Auric Jewellery makes their objective clear. We're talking about 75 per cent pure gold in these items, which will last longer and become an heirloom item that I enjoy passing down to my daughters.
As mentioned, my favourite piece is the 18k Gold T-Bar Chain Bracelet, and I will be adding a matching cylinder t-bar necklace to complete it - for me, this set has immediate pending appeal on my Christmas list!
Lauren Bostock