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

How to dress in your 30s & 40s

New Year new you right?! Where fashion is concerned it is the run up to the new Spring season's styles and launches in the stores. So over Winter clothes? But yet it's still here. So over your wardrobe? But yet it's still there. So what can you do this January without spending a fortune on clothes that you don't have but you really want to, need to, update your style? I work with a number of clients who feel this way not just every January but when you hit your thirties and struggle trying to find what is their style.

Hitting your thirties and moving into your forties are certainly milestones in your life that can shift your style perspective. Within these decades we might get married, have children, change jobs, change roles within your life, go through bereavements or enjoy the fruits of our labours. Never the less, our requirements have changed, emotionally maturing, juggling busy lifestyles, finding your sartorial comfort zone - these are all things that can shape, change and challenge our wardrobe and style. 

By now you have probably experimented with fashion trends and perhaps no longer care, understand or can keep up with what is 'on trend' let alone think about it factoring into your life. So now is a good time to strip it all back and look at what items suit your body shape, your lifestyle and what makes you feel like a million dollars when wearing it!

When I start working with new clients I find that the key to creating your 'Style Uniform' is to have core pieces that work well together. Ready-made go-to looks that make getting out of the house in a morning stress-free but yet stylish. By sticking to your colour palette once you have had your colours done, this will automatically eliminate the need for countless pieces that don't go together and look random in your wardrobe. Once you understand what you want your style to be, then your 'Style Uniform' will organically build over time, ensuring that what you have in your wardrobe has longevity as well as keeping you looking stylishly young!

Here are some 'Style Uniform' ideas and key pieces to invest in,  but check your wardrobe first as you might already have them hidden in there, you just need to learn how to re-style them into your life!

1. Jackets

Jackets are an essential part of your wardrobe. It can change a look instantly, dress it up, dress it down or be your look! Anything from formal blazers, denim jackets, leather jackets, sequin jackets to leopard print fur jackets. They all go with your daily uniform of denim jeans, or can be worn on a night out with heel's and even to the office with smart culotte's or over dresses. They will last you your wardrobe lifetime as they never go out of style and it's always about the way you wear it rather than what you are wearing. Invest in jackets and you can never go wrong.

2. Shoes

"You know you are a certified shoe addict if you think there is always room for one more pair!"

Shoes speak louder than words! Shoes are the only thing I ever buy in the sale, if I have had my eye on a pair then I will happily search for them, wait for them and love them as soon as they arrive. In your wardrobe you can everything from converse trainers, to over the knee boots, ankle boots, metallic court shoes and lace up brogues. Shoes can change an outfit in an instant. So never feel bad about buying a new pair of shoes again, as long as you love them they will always love you!

3. Denim

So many people struggle with denim, me included, but we wear it most days of our lives besides corporate dressing. 2017 is the year to break away from the skinny jeans and start exploring new trends that you could look fabulous on you. Frayed hems, boyfriends, carrot shapes and even skirts are great investment pieces for the wear per £'s that you spend on them. If you are looking for longevity then you can't go wrong with Levi's, All Saints and GAP for great mid level priced jeans.

4. Shirts

I have banged on about shirts for a number of seasons now. In fashion they are still top of the list with pyjama shirts still being best sellers and khaki military shirts set make a come back and not forgetting the newest trend of shirt dresses over trousers. But forget about fashion they are so versatile in your wardrobe because of the way they are constructed, you just have to style them up. Button them up, tuck them in, belt them, leave them open, wear underneath a jumper - the list is endless and it will always be your go to piece in your wardrobe.

woolly wonders - your autumn jumper update

Now it's turning cold it's time to talk about knitwear. Taking some time to look at the knitwear you have in your wardrobe will enable you to make good choices in buying new pieces.

Knitwear is essential to keeping warm in the colder months, but investing in the right pieces will also aid you in getting dressed quickly and more effectively in the morning. Jumpers are a basic wardrobe staple but they don't have to be basic, they can also make a statement.

Here is my style round up of what woolly wonders you should be investing in to update your wardrobe this season -

1. Colour block

Hush Colour block jumper - £99.00 (also available in grey)

Boden crew neck cashmere jumper - £129.00

2. Stripes

Whistles Stevie stripe mohair jumper - £140.00

Topshop stripe Mohair jumper - £34.00

3. Pattern

Zara jacquard jumper - £29.99

Topshop animal mohair printed jumper - £46.00

4. Plain

Zara yellow knitted sweater - £29.99

Warehouse blouson sleeve mohair jumper - £55.00

5. Slogan

Hush LOVE jumper - £79.00

Bella Freud 1970 jumper - £280.00

6. Ruffles

Topshop ruffle yoke jumper - £42.00

Warehouse frill yoke jumper - £42.00

If you want more knitwear and Winter wardrobe inspiration then follow my pinterest style board - edits style inspiration october 2016

Key pieces worth spending money on

How often have you spent money on a piece of seasonal clothing only to discover that after a few washes it doesn’t look half as good as it did when you first bought it? The trouble with buying cheaper items from the high street is that they often don’t have longevity so while you might feel like you’re getting a bargain at the time, usually you will end up having to repurchase a similar item time and time again. This season it might be time to consider some investment purchasing. Taking time to save up and purchase one item rather than spending the same amount of money on a number of cheaper alternatives will prove more sustainable and worthwhile in the long run.

These items will underpin your wardrobe and become the basis of 'your style'. Paring down your wardrobe in favor of fewer pieces that you truly love, rather than an abundance of clothes you may never wear. This is something that I do when I work with clients; to re-educate them on re-establishing a 'working wardrobe' that fits into their lifestyle and budget. I for one have become a huge advocate for this way of living as it’s made getting ready in the morning a hundred times quicker.

Below are the pieces that I believe are worth spending money on, the ones that will stand the test of time and you will still be wearing in years to come. The key thing to look out for when purchasing investment items is making sure that you don’t purchase a trend piece, instead go for a classic style so that it won’t date. This season make room in your wardrobe for the most trusted pieces that never go out of style.

These timeless pieces are wardrobe investments; season after season, year after year these are the pieces that you will be pulling out of your wardrobe with confidence.

1. Leather Jacket

While a real leather jacket won’t come cheap, nothing beats the feel and look of real leather. A jacket that will almost see you through all seasons so this piece is certainly worth the investment once you consider cost-per-wear. Leather jackets from Whistles and All Saints are top of the shopping list.

2. Jeans

The importance of a good pair of jeans is unrivaled, these are often the most reliable and well-worn item in your wardrobe. Brands will come and go but nothing beats Levi's for me at the moment, they have re-established themselves as a key player against expensive more fashionable brands. Go check them out.

3. Leather handbag

Perhaps the ultimate investment piece a leather bag is the everyday piece that you’ll carry for years to come. Designer handbags are also great investments as some even increase in value over time, such as classic Chanel bags. You don’t need to splash out on high end designer for a long-lasting handbag, but do aim for genuine leather as it will maintain its shape and appearance longer than any other material. I love British designers such as Mulberry, Anya Hindmarch and Sophie Hulme.

4. Coat

Once you know your body shape and what is the best coat for your shape then buying the perfect coat is key. Once you go for a great flattering style with not too many modern or ‘on-trend’ details this piece won’t date and will serve you well for years to come. Look at brands such as Max Mara, Joesph and Reiss.

5. Ankle boots

Not only practical but stylish too, the easiest way to sharpen up a casual outfit is with a pair of leather ankle boots. A pointed toe will give an added element of sophistication while a classic round toe or slightly square will also look stylish for seasons to come. Black is a classic but you can also go for brown, grey or deep burgundy, shades that will be hard workers in your wardrobe. Shop at Kurt Geiger or Whistles for some more affordable yet still sturdy, long-lasting options.

6. Shirts

I think shirts are a style staple and the most versatile item in your wardrobe as there is more than one way to wear a shirt. Easy pieces such a denim, checks, stripes and a plain white shirt will never go out of style, but you might change the way you wear them season to season. Look at &other stories, Zara and Boden for some good quality shirts.

7. Belts

Belts can be worn for waist definition or just an added outfit perk. By wearing belts with your jeans you could be rocking a statement in itself, or wrapping them around a chunky knitted jumper you could be using the belt to accentuate your waist. Whatever the purpose of the belt make sure it isn't boring. A leopard print belt or studded biker belt will change up your outfit taking it from drab to fab!