Going dotty for super spots

Polka dots are back for Spring say all the magazines! Trends may come and go, but there are few prints that truly never go out of style. Spots, stars, leopard print are the only prints I advise my clients to buy for longevity, these never look old or out dated. But polka dots are absolutely everywhere this season so if you are looking for something to refresh you current transitional wardrobe, then you should invest in the super spot.

 It often gets a bad rap, and if you associate polka dots with Minnie Mouse or the party dresses you wore as a little girl, it's time to rethink the surprisingly versatile and elegant print. In the right hands, polka dots can strike that tricky balance between modern and elegant. Cropping up repeatedly on the SS18 catwalks, including Balenciaga, Self-Portrait, Mary Katrantzou, Giorgio Armani and Dior, we were offered multiple ways to wear polka dots, from Demna Gvasalia's chiffon dresses worn with sock booties to Maria Grazia Chiuri's monochrome sheer skirts and blouses. Additionally, street style stars have been giving us a masterclass in putting together perfect polka dot ensembles, proving the print isn't just for the catwalk but can be incorporated into a casual look too. Read my 5 style tips for inspiration and follow my pinterest board for more looks - Going dotty 2018.

Double spot

Wearing 2 different pieces in spots gives the print a fresh take and you an updated look.

Spots &frills

Mixing high & low styling, pair a jumper with an evening skirt for a fresh daytime outfit.

Jump to it

You can't go wrong with a spotty jumpsuit. You can play with colour too - using tones such as brown, red and navy give a cool impact.

Biker it up

By adding a biker jacket over your dress or jumpsuit you have instantly created a chic day to evening look.

Office dots

The spot print is perfect for the office, lunch out or a meeting - presentable yet stylish.

Marc Jacobs said “There is never a wrong time for a polka dot”. And how can you blame him? Polka dots are a timeless classic that always see come back on trend in their many changes of style. Probably it’s because dots take us back to 50's elegance, to the curvy pin-ups and unforgettable style icons like Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe. Or can be seen in many iconic movies, style moments and even royalty.

Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

Princess Diana

Kate Moss

So while ‘mix and match’ still takes centre stage with the street styles, its' the black & white polka dots that are stealing the scene. So make dots the newest addition to your wardrobe because if there was one trend that works in all seasons it's this one, so if you invest in a polka dot top or dress you can wear it all year round. See my picks to shop now.

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TOP 5 POLKA DOT BUYS

1. Soft spot jacket, Topshop £39.99

2. Polka dot Midi dress, Karen Millen £199.00

3. Polka dot kitten heels, Marks & Spencer £19.50

4. Polka dot long jumpsuit, Mango £59.99

5. Black & Ivory polka dot top, Finery London £69.00

say hi to the dress that suits every figure

Diane Von Furstenberg claims the wrap dress suits every woman. And fabric depending I think this is true.

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If I said to you "wrap dress", what would be the first thing that sprang to mind? Would you think "sleek and versatile", or would you think "frumpy maternity wear"? You might find that the fluid construction of a jersey wrap dress like a DVF one clings to all your lumps and bumps, but yet a tailored structured fabric wrap dress can neaten your outline and create a vertical line. It will depend on the fabric to flatter you the most.

A wrap dress shape nips you in at the waist, flattering curves and accentuating the best parts of your figure. It is the ideal dress shape for women with curves but equally women who want to create a waist due to their body shape being straight up and down or perhaps very athletic. 

When choosing a flattering wrap dress, there are several things that you should be taking into account, including colour and style. However, for this particular style of dress, fabric is of utmost importance because it may truly make or break the look of a wrap dress. Most maternity wrap dresses are made in heavy jersey and are perfect for maternity wear, so if you are not pregnant then be wary of buying one in this fabric. Chiffon and cotton based fabrics are lightweight and ideal for warm weather and wrap dresses made from lace or velvet are perfect for a night out. In order to be flattering, wrap dresses need to fall nicely and fit right around the bust area especially. A wrap dress chosen in a size that fits perfectly can do wonders for bustier women, as it may enhance the bust while making the waist look slimmer and the stomach flatter.

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Wrap dresses are going to be a key shape this Autumn Winter (you've heard it here first!) with many fashion retailers selling them already. They are perfect for day to evening looks and I am sure I will be styling them up over the coming weeks. So don't think it's a look reserved for Kate Middleton, as this dress shape could end up being 'THE' dress shape for you for years to come. 

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Here is my pick of the best wrap dresses out there -

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1. Tie sleeve wrap dress, Topshop £46.00

2. Odile black wrap dress, Kitri £145.00

3. Dulwich sky blue shirt wrap dress, Finery London £79.00

4. Wrap polka dot dress, Mango £69.99

5. Clermont Georgette wrap dress, Ganni £180.00

Follow my pinterest board for more inspiration - Wrap dresses AW17

how to update your summer wardrobe

Another season, another wardrobe?

In reality not likely to happen, but also there is no need. Despite the common feeling that in order to stay on trend we must replace our entire wardrobe at the start of each new season, that is just not the case. Investing in a few select pieces has the power to refresh your current wardrobe, transforming it from “so last season” to “so on trend“. So, although the British weather is predictably 100% unpredictable, the one thing we can count on is adapting our wardrobe to ensure we stay stylish no matter what the summer may bring.

I am not saying to ditch your last season buys completely, I'm still reaching for some of my favourites from last year. More if you are looking to give your wardrobe a fresh update for Summer 2017, then these are the pieces to note. Now the sales are in full swing it is a great time to purchase these items and look upto date for the rest of the summer.

Here is my top 5 biggest trend items from last year and the key pieces that are set to topple them off the top spot for this summer of style.

1. Tea dress

The reverent slip dress is stepping into the shade this summer, in light of our reignited love of the tea dress. A printed dress like this will not only see you through the current summer season but also for years to come. Think Kate Moss for Topshop circa 2007.  Barbel Ruched Dress- Finery London, £59.00

2. Kimono

The beloved bomber jacket isn't going away anytime soon but for a seasonal update, I want to fill my wardrobe with elegantly de-constructed kimonos that ooze the feeling of summertime. Layer yours over a pair of jeans and a tee for the perfect day-to-night look. Long printed kimono, Zara £59.99

3. Denim mini skirt

Transport yourself to sunnier climes with the skirt of the moment, the denim mini. While the midi version was hot last year, we cannot get enough of the shorter style for the summer months. Why not cut your midi one down to mini and reap the benefits of up-cycling! Denim mini skirt, Warehouse £25.00

4. Straw bag

Revel in the charm of a basket tote this season. Ideal for those last-minute “Quick, the sun is out” trips to the seaside and picnics in the park, a straw tote is 2017’s upgrade on last year’s bag about town, the bucket. Invest in one this season and you’ll find yourself breaking it out every summer to come. Pom Pom straw bag, ASOS, £21.99

5. One shoulder top

The collarbone is still fashion’s favourite erogenous zone but this season, be coy about showing it all off. Swap your Bardot blouses for cool, clavicle-baring tops which can be dressed up or down, and aren’t refined to just the summer months. Cotton bright green one shoulder top, Warehouse £12.00

gingham revisited 2017 style

This time last year (March 2016) I wrote a blog post entitled "how to wear gingham - Spring's most wearable print trend". I am pleased to say that this print trend seems to be even bigger for 2017, so you can pull out any gingham printed items of clothing you brought last year and re-wear them again! Glad to be of service...!

But gingham for 2017 has been updated. It's more about the styles and styling rather than the print. You can see the print with embroidery on top of it, ruffles and taping on printed pieces, mixing the different sized gingham and even layering gingham on top of gingham for a truly one off style!

When Sienna Miller wore a Sonia Rykiel gingham dress during a photocall for her new movie, a Vogue article commented that the gingham check can also be worn in a bohemian style rather than a polished look of before - this is what sums up the difference between this year and last year's style.

Pieces I have chosen to buy this year so far are -

Red gingham dress from Zara

Black gingham top from Topshop

Here is some 2017 gingham style inspiration -

So if you want to buy it this year, here is my top 5 gingham pieces to invest in for a wardrobe update:

1. MADAME embroidery boots, Topshop, £89.00

2. Malone mixed gingham dress, Finery London, £85.00

3. Lori check ruffle blouse, Storets, $72.00

4. Embroidered gingham shirt, Zara, £29.99

5. ASOS jumpsuit with cold shoulder detail, ASOS, £38.00