Big love for Autumn

At the beginning of every season I say to clients to write a list of 5 items that you need and/or want in your wardrobe for that season. Every season I share mine with you to give you inspiration for your list and to show you that by sticking to the list it can ensure a number of things -

1. Your wardrobe gets updated and so does your style every season.

2. You don't impulse buy because you only buy from your list.

3. Take your time making your list to ensure that you are making considered choices that are right for areas that are missing or need updating in your wardrobe.

4. You can stick to a budget when you have made your list, carefully costing through each item and therefore knowing what you can spend on your style that season.

5. The list keeps you focused and clear on how many new items you need as you do not need more than 5 to update your wardrobe if you have your wardrobe organised.

My list always has a mix of wardrobe staples I need to update because they are worn, outdated or generally need updating but will last a few years, with some trend/fast fashion items that might only serve their purpose for this season but I will wear and love for the next couple of months.

I have BIG LOVE for Autumn as I love the endless knitwear, coats, boots, scarves and layering styles you can produce out of only a handful of key items. I have already started buying my Autumn updates, if you haven't and you need help with your list or your shopping then contact me for a consultation or to book your online shop in for September and October.

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My Autumn shopping List

1. Check blazer

Going to be the most versatile piece in my wardrobe this season, this check blazer from Mango, £69.99 will never be off my back!

2. Statement knitwear

I have BIG LOVE for this jumper from Hush, £130 and statement knitwear is always a good investment every season. I can't wait to wear this with jeans, skirts and over dresses.

3. Floral maxi dress

Autumn florals are hot again and I am hankering after a maxi dress to wear with flats now and boots and tights later, also layered up with chunky cardigans in Winter. This one from &other stories, £110, ticks all the boxes and will also look great with a leather biker.

4. Loafers

Featured on last week's blog post as an August update, I need some new loafers to wear with jeans and skirts this season, these ones have studs for the perfect style update from Topshop, £29.

5. Red Bag

I've been searching for the perfect red bag for months now, I think this one ticks all the boxes for my new season cross over bag update, JCrew, £128.00.

Do you need a August Fashion fix?

Are you in need of a wardrobe update and feel Summer is over but you can't buy Autumn just yet? You need a August update that you can buy right now, wear right now and wear next season too. You need a fashion fix!

A skirt is a great item to buy now to wear with bare legs and sandals and then morph into Autumn styling with boots and tights. A blazer would also work now to cover you on chilly days and nights and then be a great layering piece over jumpers or under coats in the Autumn. Clothes with a nod to the now and a hint to the next. Not a farewell to summer, nor a hello to autumn, but a mid-month refresh when things are feeling flat. 

When considering your mid season August update there are some easy tips to consider;

1. Think of the long game. You don't want to spend money on clothes you can only wear for the next fortnight, so you want something with longevity. Can you layer over it/under it when it gets cold and/or wet? Will the colour go with your coat/boots/jumpers?

2. Embrace the new. Without being hung up on new-season trends, a nod to new fabrics, prints, colours and shapes will provide the required "update" factor, and means that when October rolls round, you’ll still want to wear it.

3. Make sure it you love it and it makes you happy!

Here is my list of best August updates to buy now

1. Warehouse heart print pleated skirt, £49.00

2. Boden Charlbury Wide leg trousers, £98.00

3. &other stories climbing flower mini dress, £89.00

4. Topshop Liberty studded loafers, £29.00

5. Mango beads blouse, £35.99

If you feel you need a 'Fashion fix' EVERY month then sign up for my monthly service and receive 5 new items in your inbox personalised for you every month for just £20. Fashion bargin! 

https://www.edits-styling.com/fashion-fix/

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

Why Marks & Spencer should be your shopping destination this season...

Marks & Spencer stripe embroidered long sleeve blouse - £29.90

In the trend-driven industry that we occupy, there are a handful of stores on the high street who dominate the market. Zara, H&M, Topshop… These brands are the first to mind when in search of the season’s must-have pieces. And for good reason. These fast fashion stores have saved us a pretty penny throughout the years, offering both trend-led designer-inspired pieces as well as wardrobe basics we couldn’t be without. But maybe it's time an 'old' favourite comes back into the fashion front row...

Enter Marks & Spencer.

While it excels in the food department, its clothing range has previously failed to hit the mark among the masses, even after collaborating with fashionista Alexa Chung, her ranges have failed to help it's declining sales. But this year Marks & Spencer has revamped its under-performing clothing section, starting with a Spring/Summer collection which is led by the current bout of trends and style. Featuring statement sleeves, asymmetric skirts, ruffled shirts, an abundance of florals and high-waisted trousers, the SS17 collection is more trend-driven than ever before but at great affordable prices. 

When shopping instore and online recently I am surprised by the amount of items that I want to buy. The it piece of the summer, peasant blouse with embroidery (as I am wearing), was £29.90 and currently sold out (see white version here). Other items I saw and liked were great summer dresses with sleeve and embroidery detailing, a bold stripe skirt, bright coloured blouses great for work and evening, and also some fabulous shoes. I have tended to focus on the M&S Collection range, as this seems to be the one that has upped its style steaks, so no buying from Per Una! By focusing on classic shapes and incorporating modern aspects, you’ve got something for everyone in one shop again. 

I think you will be surprised at the stylish new pieces on offer at Marks and Spencer currently, here are my picks of the current range online, let me know if you have brought anything from there recently;

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1. Looks as good as a designer pair of trainers 

Floral embroidered trainers - £29.50

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2. Bargain Summer dress

Floral embroidered dress - £23.00

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3. Spotty evening blouse

Spotted round neck top - £25.00

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4. Grab a summer cover up bomber

Colour block bomber jacket - £21.50

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5. Embellished big bag

Embellished slouch bag - £39.50

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