It's been a spotty kind of week

This week has been a mixed bag of weather, a mixed bag of activities now that the kids are off school and work has slowed up for the summer holidays and a mixed bag of life stuff happening too. What hasn’t been a mixed bag has been my outfits as this week, having got a bit bored of the temperamental weather, I decided to stick to a theme - SPOTS.

Some outfits are styled for evening and some for daytime. I have tried to use lots of my accessories that I own to use colour in my outfits. Accessories are key when it comes to building your own style and styling your outfits, starting with a good base of shoes and bags and then building on earrings, hair accessories, sunglasses and necklaces will all come with time. Some pieces I have owned for 10 years, others have been newer purchases for events this summer, sale purchases or gifts for my birthday.

So this is what my week looked like in outfits…

THE Zara spotty dress. I have dressed this up for evening using magenta pink that is from my colour palette (Winter), that I religiously stick to. Using accessories to make this monotone dress have some style personality.

Shoes from Topshop (sale)

Hairband from Maison Archives London

Bag from &other stories (Last year) - similar here

This outfit was also for the evening, but I had worn the skirt with a plain white tank top in the daytime as was a warmer day, so for the evening I added the yellow clutch bag from Whistles (sale) and my office sandals that I got last year but I give to so many clients because they are so comfy.

Skirt from & other stories

White tee from H&M (old)

Clutch bag from Whistles (sale)

Sandals from office

This was a day outfit, out with the kids on a sunny day to the park. The spot tank top is from Topshop and one of the oldest things I have in my wardrobe. It is quite short so I can wear it out with jeans but I can also tuck it in. I like to add a hairband when I am wearing this skirt as it gives it more attitude, the denim skirt is old from &Other Stories.

Denim skirt from & other stories, similar here

Spot tank top from Topshop (old)

Sandals from &other stories last year, but they have got them out again here

Red clutch from Kate Spade (present)

Embellished hairband from Anthropologie last year, similar here

Sunglasses from Mulberry

This last outfit was a daytime one, one where I went for lunch with a friend so I dressed up a bit. If I wanted to wear this out with the kids I would of put my white stan smith trainers on, changed my bag to a bigger one and perhaps thrown a jacket over the top too. Alot of these pieces are old from my wardrobe, but stand the test of time.

Bag from See by Chloe at My Theresa

Spot shirt from Zara (old)

Fake leather culottes from ASOS (old)

Leopard print sandals from Whistles (very old!)

How to be the best dressed guest invited

Whether you are a guest at a wedding this Summer, have a ball to go to, a big birthday bash or going to Ascot was your highlight of the season, you can’t ignore the fact that your outfit needs some planning.

Our quest for the best outfit for said occasions can start months in advance or just days beforehand. Choosing an outfit for such important, excitedly anticipated events can be stressful, time consuming and feel uninspiring.

The days of summer special occasions are not over yet, there is still time to find the winning dress of the season. So if the term occasionwear fills you with a fear of sequins, puff sleeves, sashes and crippling shoes, then be inspired by the items I have pulled together for a stylish belle of the ball, no frump invited.

A possible party dress for my big birthday bash in July. Dress from Olivia Rubin at The Dressing Room, St. Albans.

For me getting dressed up is all about embracing individuality, having fun, making an impact and flaunting your own brand of uniqueness. So many trends are happily coexisting at the moment that it’s near impossible to make a fashion misstep. But you don’t need to follow the trends to look fabulous, but you do need to know how to pull an outfit together that works. So embrace your inner sparkle, have fun with fashion and dare to take a few risks!

Here are my styling tips to think about where you'll be sure to make a dazzling statement no matter where you go -

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Bold accessories

From sequins to feathers, statement earrings to oversized headbands, make waves with a big and bold accessory to set off your outfit.

Braided Velvet crown head band, £31.99, Maison Archives

Mica yellow earrings, £65.00, Toolally

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Go all out

There's no time like a fabulous gala or event to wear your most extreme dress. Whether it's feathered, sequined, or bejeweled, don't hesitate to pull that baby out for your next party. Fashion girls would rather be overdressed than underdressed any day.

Sequin dress blazer, £89.99, Zara

Satin fishtail maxi dress, £120.00, ASOS EDITION

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Wear colour

Traditions at weddings are to never upstage the bride on her big day, but that doesn’ t mean you should shy away from colour or print as a guest. It is no longer bad taste to go bright, statement colours or clashing prints. If you are going to a ball, then black can be too boring, stand out from the crowd and be bold.

Charlene silk dress, £345.00, Rixo @Selfridges

Green Zelana Dress, £159.00, Whistles

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Don’t wear trainers

Whether it be stilettos, kittens or block heels, a little extra lift is necessary when it comes to a more formal event. If notable enough, a pair of flats might work, but sneakers are a no-go.

Doriia leather & metallic kitten heels, £95.00, Dune London @Selfridges

Godiva embellished heels, £129.00, Kurt Geiger

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Jumpsuits or trouser suits

Trends come & go but jumpsuits are now part of retailers yearly offer, they are even accepted at Ascot as of this year (2019). Jumpsuits and trouser suits are a chic, sophisticated alternative to wearing a dress, if you don’t want to show your legs, or want to wear something against the grain, you can be sure that a jumpsuit will serve you well for your event.

Khaki belted jumpsuit, £220, Reiss

Pale blue jumpsuit, £55.00 (sale price), Monsoon