What's on my 'lust-after' Autumn list

The seemingly endless Summer is cooling off, it appears, which sounds like the perfect opportunity to cast our thoughts forward to the incoming new fashion season. Autumn 2018 promises to bring with it a batch of fresh ideas on style, updates on wardrobe staples and a burst of refreshed colours to tempt us out of our Summer dresses. I can't wait to start dressing in cosy layers - jumpers, shearlings, boots and even hats. In the words of Jon Snow, winter is coming, people, let’s get excited. 

I love figuring out how I am going to re-style my wardrobe staples for the new season. For me, it’s a balance of embracing easy updates and falling back in love with forgotten classics and stumbling upon some new future favourites too. I always start with a 'lust-after' list of ideas, or a mood board, then I do a wardrobe detox and define my season's wanted list of 5 things. I consider trends, what I liked from last season, what I need to replace and what is missing from my wardrobe. 

It's exciting when a new season starts, but you can get swept up in impulse buying, over buying or not having the right focus. Creating lists and mood boards ensures you spend your money more wisely, you can feel more confident about your choices and have fun finding the things you want.

Consider the following trends of the season when thinking about your new season 'lust-after' list.

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The trends for AW18 that you should include in your Autumn List

LEOPARD PRINT

This season the trends are lead by the forever statement print; Leopard print. This will be the season that everyone will end up owning something in their wardrobes in the print or like last week's blog post, perhaps a dramatic coloured leopard print for a new update.

Leopard print tie neck blouse, Somerset by Alice Temperley, £79.00

Oversized leopard print knit, &other stories, £69.00

BRIGHT COLOURS

Once again paint box colours are brightening up those long dark nights with a kaleidoscope of colour. From vibrant green and solar orange, to pillar-box red and vivid magenta; consider monochromatic matches for a put-together look with a punch, or get playful with opposing hues that epitomise exuberance. The bolder the better.

Wide leg wool culottes, John Lewis & partners, £99.00

Therese Cotton Contrast jumper, Kitri Studio, £55.00

CHECKS

Following on from last year's massive blazer trend, this is set to continue in heritage checks, stripes and modern tailoring is still high on the fashion agenda. Think suits, trousers instead of jeans, 

Houndstooth sweater, &other stories, £79.00

Jodo Checked oversized jacket, Gestuz, Atterley, £290.00

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For inspiration, here is my current 'lust-after' mood board for the new season.

If you need help with your new season wardrobe, I offer an online shop service - please email me to book yours now.

the revival of the square neckline

The revival of the square neckline has swiftly become the hottest neckline of current due to Amal Clooney's status as best dressed at the Royal wedding this weekend. 

The neckline has been in revival for a couple of seasons, with Grazia writing a piece on it back in September 2017 - 3 signs that this neckline will be the next big thing. It became the most talked about silhouette from fashion week in the Spring, appearing on the runways of designers like Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior, and Hermès, officially sealing its status as a full-blown trend.

But this month I have noticed the square neckline cropping up all over the place. Usually, when it comes to necklines, you have two options—it's either a round neck or V-neck. But now I keep spotting square necklines...

Reminiscent of the Renaissance, square necklines are alluring and versatile. While every fashion girl opted for an off-the-shoulder top all last year, I like how the new neckline is something fresh. Even pairing a square neckline with a simple pair of jeans elevates a basic look into something interesting. Less ubiquitous than off-the-shoulder styles, the square neckline is flattering, elegant, and feminine. Consider layering over a polo neck in winter or adding it into your weekend wardrobe in the form or a billowy cotton blouse. Or how about opting for a refreshing square-neck cocktail dress for your summer occasion party or ball? 

So I say YES to square necklines. It feels fresh, it feels new and this trend shows just enough skin to be flirty and feminine while its covered shoulders make it a doable option for the office. A true must-have, indeed.

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Shop square necklines

1. Navy Ally tie shoulder jumpsuit, Whistles £135.20 (with 20% discount offer)

2. Red cutwork dress, Oysho £45.99

3. Bow detail navy top, Iris & Ink, £60.00

4. Huxley tailored dress, Reiss £180.00

5. Just Female floral dress, John Lewis, £99.00

6. Alexa grey check linen jumpsuit, Kitri studio, £125.00

Follow my pinterest board - square necklines 2018 here

Clashing colours : Red & Pink

Throw out the fashion rule book with SS18’s brightest and boldest colour-clashing trend

Forget the fashion rules your Mum might have taught you – modern dressing is all about surprising clashes, and pink and red has earned its status as the new black and navy. There is a kaleidescope of rainbow colours out there for SS18 but these two powerful pulsating colours are the ones to mix and match together this season.

When red met pink it was love at first sight and now the pair are inseparable. Whether it’s fuschia and russet or blush and ruby, these vibrant hues can play-off each other perfectly when handled with a contemporary touch. This colour clash started a couple of seasons ago, with pink having been on trend for a couple of years and red having it's moment last Autumn, now seems like the perfect time toss out the style rule book and ignore everything you’ve ever been told about ‘clashing colours’.

'Do red & pink clash?' yields over 4 million results in google, so what better way to start the new Spring season off in style by stepping out of your comfort zone and mix the two bold tones together in an outfit. The reason they work together is that they are both cool tones, so they both have the same undertone and intensity. If you have a cool skin tone then this colour clashing combo is right up your style street. 

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How to style red & pink

There are no rules, you can wear these two colours head to toe.

They can also be complimentary when worn with darker neutral tones such as navy / blue or grey or even with leopard print.

I would suggest you keep the garments simple in shape and not too fussy.

If you doing a statement frilled blouse, wear something very simple in the opposite colour on your bottom.

The trend is so powerful in colour that the overall styling needs to be constructed of only 2/3 pieces.

Bold accessories can add to your outfit, be sure they compliment rather than over power it.

For more style inspiration follow my pinterest board here - Clashing colours : Red & Pink

To test the waters, pull everything out of your wardrobe that's pink and red. See how I have styled my red and pink pieces...

This colour combo works whether you're heading to the office, shopping with friends, day trips with the kids or out to dinner. So don't be afraid of bold and sultry pops of colour this summer - when you're mixed and matched in tones like these, you're guaranteed a double-take no matter where and when you sport the style.

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My top 5 red & pink pieces to buy now

1. Sundae pink suit, French connection, jacket £140.00 & trousers £80.00

2. Scarlett red slip dress, Kitri Studio, £95.00

3. Jacquard batwing midi dress, Warehouse, £69.00

4. Cressida roll neck jumpsuit, Phase eight, £120.00

5. Two tone crossover body, Zara, £29.99

6.  Art deco Chandelier earrings, Toolally, £45.00

Going dotty for super spots

Polka dots are back for Spring say all the magazines! Trends may come and go, but there are few prints that truly never go out of style. Spots, stars, leopard print are the only prints I advise my clients to buy for longevity, these never look old or out dated. But polka dots are absolutely everywhere this season so if you are looking for something to refresh you current transitional wardrobe, then you should invest in the super spot.

 It often gets a bad rap, and if you associate polka dots with Minnie Mouse or the party dresses you wore as a little girl, it's time to rethink the surprisingly versatile and elegant print. In the right hands, polka dots can strike that tricky balance between modern and elegant. Cropping up repeatedly on the SS18 catwalks, including Balenciaga, Self-Portrait, Mary Katrantzou, Giorgio Armani and Dior, we were offered multiple ways to wear polka dots, from Demna Gvasalia's chiffon dresses worn with sock booties to Maria Grazia Chiuri's monochrome sheer skirts and blouses. Additionally, street style stars have been giving us a masterclass in putting together perfect polka dot ensembles, proving the print isn't just for the catwalk but can be incorporated into a casual look too. Read my 5 style tips for inspiration and follow my pinterest board for more looks - Going dotty 2018.

Double spot

Wearing 2 different pieces in spots gives the print a fresh take and you an updated look.

Spots &frills

Mixing high & low styling, pair a jumper with an evening skirt for a fresh daytime outfit.

Jump to it

You can't go wrong with a spotty jumpsuit. You can play with colour too - using tones such as brown, red and navy give a cool impact.

Biker it up

By adding a biker jacket over your dress or jumpsuit you have instantly created a chic day to evening look.

Office dots

The spot print is perfect for the office, lunch out or a meeting - presentable yet stylish.

Marc Jacobs said “There is never a wrong time for a polka dot”. And how can you blame him? Polka dots are a timeless classic that always see come back on trend in their many changes of style. Probably it’s because dots take us back to 50's elegance, to the curvy pin-ups and unforgettable style icons like Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe. Or can be seen in many iconic movies, style moments and even royalty.

Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

Princess Diana

Kate Moss

So while ‘mix and match’ still takes centre stage with the street styles, its' the black & white polka dots that are stealing the scene. So make dots the newest addition to your wardrobe because if there was one trend that works in all seasons it's this one, so if you invest in a polka dot top or dress you can wear it all year round. See my picks to shop now.

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TOP 5 POLKA DOT BUYS

1. Soft spot jacket, Topshop £39.99

2. Polka dot Midi dress, Karen Millen £199.00

3. Polka dot kitten heels, Marks & Spencer £19.50

4. Polka dot long jumpsuit, Mango £59.99

5. Black & Ivory polka dot top, Finery London £69.00