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

what to wear now...

February is a strange month for clothes and I don't know about you but I am so over wearing my thick coat, woolly hat, scarves, jeans and boots. I am starting to crave spring pieces and I want to shop all the 'New In' pieces on everyone's websites. I have started my Spring Summer shopping list and I will be sharing it with you in the coming weeks...but February's dilemma is what to wear now daily that keeps me feeling warm whilst feeling up to date in the style steaks?

Layering is the key to dressing for our unpredictable weather.

As it is so cold, the more layers you can wear the better. But how to master the art of layering without looking like the Michelin man? Try wearing a Denim jacket - the great thing about a denim jacket is that most of us have one of these kicking about in the back of our wardrobe's. I often mention layering a denim jacket under coats and leather jackets so if you don't have one now is a great time to invest as it is so versatile in Summer aswell as Winter. The more fitted and shorter the better as they are often more flattering.

Going back to basics.

It's not a great time to buy new things unless you need basic updates like trainers, jeans, stripe t-shirts or updated knitwear options. It is a good time to go back to your style basics. For me; Skinny jeans, grey jumpers, shirts and trainers - on repeat. But it's a look that is timeless and stands the test of time, one that I go back to again and again. Leather jeans are a great update - see last week blog post here - to skinny's and can be worn in the daytime with trainers so pull them out of your evening wear. Grey jumpers can be updated with shirts underneath or new styles with frills on the sleeves - like this one from Marks and Spencer - and trainers have been on the fashion radar for a while now but can change up an outfit instantly, I love these Stan Smith's from adidas. Whatever your basic style, as it will save you everytime!

If you want newness in your wardrobe...

I suggest buying something with embroidered words on it as embroidery will be a massive style trend for Spring Summer, so these pieces will update your wardrobe now but can be worn in the Spring. Here are my online pick's to add some freshness to your style -

1. & other stories - ' Future Perfect' embroidered white shirt £55.00

2. Whistles - 'Happy Days' Embroidered t-shirt - £49.00

3. Maison Labiche -  'Amazing' Embroidered sweater - £90, from The Dressing Room

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!

which party shoes suit your style?

Any excuse to buy a new pair of shoes right? And the party season is just that! This year the party shoes offering has gone over-the-top sparkly, furry and embellished that it seems the statement shoe is well and truly back in style!

But which pair to choose from I hear you cry!

I have put together a rough guide to which party shoes suit your style so that at least you will have one detail sorted once the season is in full swing. Read on for my styling tips if you are a...

Glam it up girl!

You will be loving all the glitz and sparkle on shoes so it's safe to say investing in a pair of glitter heel's will set your style to shine. Look for a pointy toe in a block heel for evening or a flat shoe for daytime.

Sequin slipper loafers, £69, &other stories

Glitter healed shoes, £29.99, Zara

Laid-back luxe lady

Bling is not something that comes naturally to you, but that doesn't mean a little bit of shimmer can't be introduced to your party wardrobe. Velvet covered platforms for the evening or embroidered and brocade flats are good options for daytime.

Starry Suede boots, £125, &other stories

Floral print loafers, £29.99, Zara

Serious showstoppers!

Always looking for something new that is bang on trend or ahead of the curve, showstoppers are your game. The bigger the better and statement shoes are part and parcel of your evening uniform.

Simone Black high heel, £230, Kurt Geiger

Evie blue high heel court, £230, Kurt Geiger

Chic chick

Pointy flats with a sparkly touch or two could transform your office to evening looks in a quick step. Also look for leopard print, fur, satin or velvet fabrics this season. The shoes can make the statement so that the rest of your look can be pared back for maximum impact.

Sparkle slipper shoes, £62.65, Boden

Leather Pom Pom ballerinas, £29.99, Zara