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A denim shopping masterclass for 2016

" A great pair of jeans should accentuate your best assets".

They’ve been the big thing for the past few years – but according to this month’s Vogue, skinny jeans are out!

I tend to massively disagree with this statement as they are now a denim classic. But every year the fashion trend reports have to give us something new to try and rival it - the truth is nothing ever will. It doesn't mean that the skinny leg jeans flatters every body shape, but we have just gotten used to seeing a slimmer, straighter, skinny jean in the past 20 years and moved away from the wider leg bootcut jean.

So what have they hailed will be their replacement I hear you cry? Here are the top 3 denim trends for 2016 -

1. The Wedgie

YES Levi's are back on the fashion radar! Last December Levi's introduced a new fit for women, "the Wedgie". According to the brand, the new jeans are modelled on the brand's famous vintage styles, while eliminating "that all-too familiar awkward front bulge that can occur when ladies wear vintage jeans."

With the popularity of vintage jeans on the rise, the brand is looking to capitalise with its new high-rise style that is – as the name suggests – intended to create a wedgie. But that's not all. According to the brand, "the back pockets of the Wedgie Jean are slightly tilted inwards adding the allure of the ultimate 'mum butt'."

It might sound alarming, but the brand is rolling out a shorts version for Spring 2016, so for now it looks like the wedgie fit is here to stay. Oh! and be sure to thank your Mum for the inspiration!!

2. Print it

Printed denim was everywhere on the Spring/Summer 2016 catwalks, from the outrageously floral motifs splashed around at Versus Versace and Alexander McQueen to the organic-looking, subtly mottled effect seen at Chanel. Prints are a great way to add depth or texture to your outfit so embrace your wild side. This is a much more pretty feminine look than past printed denim days, so this trend done tastefully could be a nice addition to your summer wardrobe.


3. Wide leg 90s style

90s style wide, loose and baggy is one of the chicest ways to rock your denims this year. Whether you opt for a relaxed fit with a drawstring waist or for more of a gentle flare as seen at Stella McCartney, worn low-slung, will gain you serious style points. I see the high street versions of the catwalk as culotte's rather than the big and baggy skater type cropped trousers. This isn't a look for everyone, depending on their body shape, but the right pair in the right wash could be a fab new summer staple in your wardrobe.


"I don't know about you, but I think I'll stick with my skinny jeans for a while longer thanks!..."

Black washed Skinny jeans from Levi's £95.00

Black washed Skinny jeans from Levi's £95.00

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Show us your stripes!

After the expense of Christmas shopping might not be top of your agenda right now. But not to worry, you have nearly made it to the end of January when you can go on a little splurge to treat yourself for making it through! Let me help you choose that little treat...

I always get asked by clients, friends, people in the street... "what should I be buying now to update my wardrobe?"

At this time of year the whole of the high street is immersed in sale with Spring making a breakthrough in small sections on the shop floor. Most new Spring stories without fail in fashion contain a stripe (or two!). The nautical story always rears it's ugly head in January as the Breton stripe is a cool classic that everyone can understand. But what I am seeing emerge as the newest trend in stripes for now and for all of 2016 is the new updated stripe.

Nothing is more simple, more basic and more hardworking that a Breton stripe tee. And while it's something that exists in most people's wardrobe, it truly does go with everything. But I think it's time to mix it up abit and it seems the high street is right there behind me.

My first inspiration for this trend was seeing a tiny article in Style magazine last summer and tearing (still the buyer in me!) the piece to put in my edits-styling trend books. "Double stripes" was the headline and the stripes were bold, two colour and clashing when worn together.

If both Sienna Miller and Olivia Palermo are wearing stripes, then it's a definite fashion winner. I am sure every high street buyer in the country also ripped that small piece out of style magazine for inspiration to update their January transitional range.

Then it came down the AW15/16 catwalks in New York, using stripes in all different ways.

And only last week one of the biggest models of the moment, Kendall Jenner was seen wearing a fab stripe jacket and trousers combo at LA airport.

It's not just about double stripes though. I want to draw your attention to all manner of stripes on tops, dresses and trousers, matching and none matching.

Earn your stripes now! Take my advice, I think this trend is going to roll on through the whole of 2016, so whatever you buy now will still look great in the Summer and the Autumn. I know what I will be out shopping for this week!

 

Top 5 new stripe updates

1. Zara stripe top and trousers £25.99 &29.99

2. Whistles Darwin stripe top £110.00

3. Topshop Stripe wrap dress £55.00

4. Mango pocket stripe shirt £29.99

5. Ted Baker tribal stripe fold tunic dress £159.00

And...one to hold onto for Summer, as stripe jumpsuits will be big!

6. Mango cotton stripe jumpsuit £39.99

Check out my pinterest board for more inspiration on how to wear stripes the 2016 way

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Edits top 5 loungewear buys for the holiday season

When all you want to do is hang out in your PJ's all day, meet the stylish alternatives to wear.

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What to wear on Christmas day

Anyone sick of the novelty Christmas jumper yet? Worn for one day of the year. It's not cute, it's not nice, infact it's just all wrong!

What has happened to Christmas glamour? Dressing your best on Christmas day. Now it's all about itchy onesies that make you look like Olaf from Frozen, a sequinned elf across your bust and hats in the shape of a Christmas pudding! This is not glamour, this is not 'occasion wear', this is not how I dress any other day of the year so why on the most important day of the year.

As a child my Grandad would take me Christmas shopping in London every year for my Christmas day outfit. It was completely unacceptable to turn up to my Grandparents house on Christmas day not in a "smart outfit". Ideally something new or perhaps something your family had never seen before. But something that meant you had "made the effort" for the occasion.

Me, my brother & 2 cousins on Christmas day circa 1986

Me, my brother & 2 cousins on Christmas day circa 1986

In recent years, now that my grandparents have gone, I have my own kids and we usually host my parents. Me and my Mum still fly the flag of wearing our smart outfits for our Christmas dinner. This year I'm going to be wearing my Finery London grey knitted midi dress with thick black tights, Mum will most probably come in a red dress because when else can you get away with wearing one in the daytime?

So ditch the novelty Pyjamas and follow my lead on ideas on what to wear on Christmas day. Christmas is special, so show it on the outside.

What will you be wearing on Christmas day?

1. Knitted Midi dress - Finery London £65

2. Embellished jumper & midi skirt

3. A Red Dress - Zara £39.99

4. Jumpsuit - Zara £39.99

5. If you are having a lazy day, then please do it in style with my picks of loungewear -

Cashmere Jumpsuit - The white company £279.00

Cashmere jogger and hoody - Whistles, hoody £161.00 & joggers £161.00

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