red alert!

I'm wearing a red balloon sleeve roll neck jumper - Topshop £39.00

If there's one colour that screams A/W 17 from a mile off, it's red.

You may have noticed that red is everywhere this season, evolving from burgundy and then orange red to finally bright red of 2017. This colour will continue to be instyle and on trend for a number of seasons so it is a good time to buy it for longevity in your wardrobe and a great way to ignite your transitional one. 

In fact, it just so happens to the most flattering colour on all skin tones, there is a red out there for everyone whether you are Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter colours.

SPRING

SUMMER

AUTUMN

WINTER

So as it turns out we can all wear red and all wear red lipstick, so now there is no excuse to go red alert this season. I love red, it goes really well with navy, grey and black and can also be mixed with pink for a clashing but workable colour combination. Red can be injected into your wardrobe easily with accessories such as a red belt or bag, or this season the biggest accessory to buy in red is boots.

See my pinterest board - Red alert for more style inspiration

So you want to venture into the red zone, then take a look at my red picks for some shopping inspiration.

1. Block heel zip ankle boots - Marks & Spencer £35.00

2. Red Funday printed jumper - New Look £19.99

3. Skinny belt - Boden £25.00

4. Faux fur coat - Mango £119.00

5. Earrings - Zara £12.99

6. Slim jersey jacket - Whistles £85.00

7. Ruffle blouse - &other stories £59.00

8. Adidas originals Gazelle trainers - ASOS £75.00

blazer of glory

If there’s one purchase you need to make to update your New Season wardrobe, a checked blazer should be it. It's top of my Autumn shopping list and I am currently completely obsessed with my new check blazer from Mango - Prince of Wales check blazer. 

Blazers never go out of Fashion & give you endless styling options. From a simple jeans & tee look, to teaming with Summer dresses; I love the versatility of this chic wardrobe essential.

The trend has originated from street style pictures from London fashion week in the Spring has made a heritage checked blazer a big hit across the high street. Having spotted many double-breasted Prince of Wales check jackets from Balenciaga, Gucci and Prada at around £1300 each, luckily the high street have some cheaper gems for your new season must have jacket. This trend is definitely worth investing in, and I for one will be wearing mine layered over shirts, t-shirts, dresses, knitwear and under my coat all Autumn - Winter.

Believe me it will be the hardest working item in your wardrobe this season and it gives you endless versatility for new outfits over current clothes you own over the next couple of weeks. It's the ultimate layering piece in your wardrobe

Check out my style stories and how I have styled this wardrobe hero into my current wardrobe.

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For more style inspiration check out my pinterest board - Blazers - September '17

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1. Jeans & tee combination for daytime or evening style

2. Over dresses

Styling for evening

Daytime casual styling

Office or appointment styling

3. Evening styling - blouse & heels combo

4. Over knitwear in Winter

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Check blazers to buy now

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Check blazer - Zara £49.99

Check jacket - MIss Selfridge £45.00

Check tie wrap blazer - River Island £75.00

Check jersey frill jacket - Topshop £39.00

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.

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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