it's leather chaps!

Sometimes I just get obsessed by an item of clothing until I purchase it. I have been obsessing over a pair of skinny leather trousers since the beginning of the Autumn season. Many of you might remember a pair being featured on my top 5 list of items to by for Autumn, but I didn't buy them, choosing to buy some knitwear instead. (Oh the regrets!)

Leather is back in a big way, real and faux. It has crossed over from something you would only wear in the evening to being acceptable to wear leather in the daytime too. It is surprisingly flattering on every figure as it holds everything in place and is also very practical with young kids (wipe down clothes, what more could you want?!). Leather pieces hold longevity and can also look expensive whilst upping your style anty for 2017.

It might take some getting used to though and the trick is knowing how to style it to get maximum use out of the pieces you want to invest in.  Follow my pinterest board for further inspiration - It's leather chaps!

1. Skinny leather trousers aka leather leggings

I am not a fan of leggings, many of my clients will know this, but being made of leather they flatter your figure instead of making you look frumpy. They are leg-lengthening, tummy flattering, bottom lifting and are really comfortable. So I am a convert! These can be worn casually with a piece of knitwear, a stripey tee or denim shirt over the top or with a tie neck shirt and blazer for an evening out. Here are my 3 best leather leggings buys -

Marks and Spencer leather and ponte leggings - £129.00

Hush Leather leggings - £330

Reiss Carrie black leather leggings - £550

2. Leather skirt

Midi or mini, both lengths are great purchases depending on your body shape on which length will suit you the best. Worn best with a fitted polo neck or a printed blouse tucked in. Thick black tights means that you don't have to be restricted in your shoe choices either, flat boots, trainers, heel's, knee high boots will all work with a leather skirt. Finally throw on an over sized coat finish off your look or a blazer if you want to wear it to the office or in the evening. Here are my 3 best leather skirt buys -

Jigsaw Leather high waisted pencil skirt - £198

French Connection Goldenberg A-Line leather skirt - £150

Whistles Leather A-line skirt - £170

3. Leather dress

Nothing says statement dress than a leather dress. A classic but with some added edge. You will be surprised how versatile one is and can easily be taken from day to night. Thick black tights are a must with the leather dress and either boots or heel's depending on how you feel. Once you buy one you will wonder why you hadn't got one sooner!!

Reiss Etty Black Leather dress - £245

BCBG MaxAzria leather dress at ASOS - £238

Selected Femme Flora dress at John Lewis - £160

Hello, World!

the glitterati

The invitations have started rolling in and the diary is getting packed out for pre-Christmas dinners, drinks and events. Does this fill you with dread at the thought of what to wear to every do? Fear not, I am here to help with my easy guide to party dressing...but beware it does involve ALOT of sparkle!

Sequins are the easy option to dress up something that already exists in your wardrobe. If you can't afford a new outfit, but want something that makes you sparkle but not looking like a Christmas tree, then try some sequins this season. It's a way to look glam without putting too much effort in, as the sequins are doing all the work for you. You can't over do the sequins this season, head-to-toe is the way to go! Sparkle is an essential element of party dressing, but it can be more chic to be selective. Accessories pack a stylish punch, so invest in a fabulous sequin clutch bag or statement heel's for a more subtle touch of shimmer. Follow my pinterest board for inspiration - Sequins & Sequins

Velvet has been bubbling under for a few seasons but it is no longer underground and the high street is awash with it. Alot of the items can be worn as daytime pieces too, so once worn for your evening Christmas parties then ensure that it keeps being worn. What appeals to me most is jackets, boots or dresses that don't cost alot of money but brings any outfit upto date. Velvet is the perfect festive fabric and a Christmas dinner party is the perfect excuse to invest in a velvet dress in an unexpected colour. But go creative and look for embroidered or embellished details as these look more expensive, more fashionable and I believe will have more longevity once the trend dies out. Follow my pinterest board for inspiration - Velvet 2016

Ruffles were on trend throughout Summer so it was inevitable that the trend as going to continue into Autumn/Winter. The bolder the ruffle the better! Whether they are framing your neckline, accentuating the hips or falling off the shoulder, they are definitely a dramatic statement detail. Plus you don't need too many accessories because the ruffles do all the talking! There are lots of folds and flounces, including ties at the neck, ruffles on sleeves and frills on dress hems. Think different textures, fabrics, prints and darker colours for the Party season. Follow my pinterest board for inspiration - 2016 ruffles

Remember it's time to go "out out", pull out those killer heels, that red lippy, drink copious amounts of wine and sparkle in your sequin number like you've never sparkled before!

my glam party edit:

1. Sequinned top, H&M £29.99

2. Silver sequin pumps, &other stories £69

3. Reversible sequin bag, ZARA £29.99

4. Eve Velvet off the shoulder top, Finery London £45

5. Velvet jacket with belt, ZARA £89.99

6. Burgundy velvet wristlet bag, Whistles £65

7. Aubery blouse, Topshop unique £145.00

8. Frill front navy jumpsuit, Warehouse £75.00

9. Stiletto knotted mule, Marks and Spencer £29.50

Key pieces worth spending money on

How often have you spent money on a piece of seasonal clothing only to discover that after a few washes it doesn’t look half as good as it did when you first bought it? The trouble with buying cheaper items from the high street is that they often don’t have longevity so while you might feel like you’re getting a bargain at the time, usually you will end up having to repurchase a similar item time and time again. This season it might be time to consider some investment purchasing. Taking time to save up and purchase one item rather than spending the same amount of money on a number of cheaper alternatives will prove more sustainable and worthwhile in the long run.

These items will underpin your wardrobe and become the basis of 'your style'. Paring down your wardrobe in favor of fewer pieces that you truly love, rather than an abundance of clothes you may never wear. This is something that I do when I work with clients; to re-educate them on re-establishing a 'working wardrobe' that fits into their lifestyle and budget. I for one have become a huge advocate for this way of living as it’s made getting ready in the morning a hundred times quicker.

Below are the pieces that I believe are worth spending money on, the ones that will stand the test of time and you will still be wearing in years to come. The key thing to look out for when purchasing investment items is making sure that you don’t purchase a trend piece, instead go for a classic style so that it won’t date. This season make room in your wardrobe for the most trusted pieces that never go out of style.

These timeless pieces are wardrobe investments; season after season, year after year these are the pieces that you will be pulling out of your wardrobe with confidence.

1. Leather Jacket

While a real leather jacket won’t come cheap, nothing beats the feel and look of real leather. A jacket that will almost see you through all seasons so this piece is certainly worth the investment once you consider cost-per-wear. Leather jackets from Whistles and All Saints are top of the shopping list.

2. Jeans

The importance of a good pair of jeans is unrivaled, these are often the most reliable and well-worn item in your wardrobe. Brands will come and go but nothing beats Levi's for me at the moment, they have re-established themselves as a key player against expensive more fashionable brands. Go check them out.

3. Leather handbag

Perhaps the ultimate investment piece a leather bag is the everyday piece that you’ll carry for years to come. Designer handbags are also great investments as some even increase in value over time, such as classic Chanel bags. You don’t need to splash out on high end designer for a long-lasting handbag, but do aim for genuine leather as it will maintain its shape and appearance longer than any other material. I love British designers such as Mulberry, Anya Hindmarch and Sophie Hulme.

4. Coat

Once you know your body shape and what is the best coat for your shape then buying the perfect coat is key. Once you go for a great flattering style with not too many modern or ‘on-trend’ details this piece won’t date and will serve you well for years to come. Look at brands such as Max Mara, Joesph and Reiss.

5. Ankle boots

Not only practical but stylish too, the easiest way to sharpen up a casual outfit is with a pair of leather ankle boots. A pointed toe will give an added element of sophistication while a classic round toe or slightly square will also look stylish for seasons to come. Black is a classic but you can also go for brown, grey or deep burgundy, shades that will be hard workers in your wardrobe. Shop at Kurt Geiger or Whistles for some more affordable yet still sturdy, long-lasting options.

6. Shirts

I think shirts are a style staple and the most versatile item in your wardrobe as there is more than one way to wear a shirt. Easy pieces such a denim, checks, stripes and a plain white shirt will never go out of style, but you might change the way you wear them season to season. Look at &other stories, Zara and Boden for some good quality shirts.

7. Belts

Belts can be worn for waist definition or just an added outfit perk. By wearing belts with your jeans you could be rocking a statement in itself, or wrapping them around a chunky knitted jumper you could be using the belt to accentuate your waist. Whatever the purpose of the belt make sure it isn't boring. A leopard print belt or studded biker belt will change up your outfit taking it from drab to fab!