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

what to keep for 2016

How's the new year, new you going? Keeping up with your new exercise regime? Broken any resolutions yet? Counting down the end of dry January? I've pretty much broken them all and its not even Mid-January yet! But, I'm not going to panic, infact I'm getting rather excited over the prospect of a few spring pieces being in the shops over the coming weeks.

The roll into January means it’s time for a wardrobe clear out (see last week's wardrobe detox post for tips), if only to make space for those fabulous sales picks you found. But unless you got lucky on last weekend's lotto draw, you will need to roll this season’s trends forward into 2016. If you open your wardrobe on a Monday morning and can't find anything to wear, then I'm here to help with your new year, new style list. These are my top 5 items that I endorsed last season to keep and re-invent for this season! Plus a couple of new pieces to buy along the way, hell why not?!

To find out what stays in your wardrobe and what to invest in to see you through the next season, then read on...

1. Shirts

Last season I hailed the shirt as my 2015 hero, but the shirt trend doesn't seem to be going away, neither is my obsession! I brought a new fab pussy-bow shirt in the sale pre-xmas but could not resist my first spring purchase last week in Topshop. It was a case of lust-after, a "I have to have it now" moment! Sending hubby into Topshop Oxford street in his lunch hour sealed it's place in my wardrobe as my favourite item of the year (so far!). Within my wardrobe I love wearing my denim shirt underneath a cosy jumper or sweater with the collar showing out from the top. Added detailing such as the pussy-bow, piping or button detailing gives it a fresh new look tucked into jeans. Simple, stylish and suitable for any occasion. Bring to the front of your wardrobe right now and don't be shy in buying just another one for the new season as this is one that is tried and tested and still as relevant as ever. Check out my pinterest board for more styling ideas - My style hero

TOPSHOP HEART PRINT SHIRT £38.00

ZARA POLKA DOT SHIRT £25.99

TOPSHOP LONG SLEEVED HEART SHIRT £30.00

2. Dungarees

Reinvent your summer dungarees for the cold and blustery days with shirts, knits and boots. I like to wear mine with a long sleeved breton stripe underneath, this is the easiest way to freshen the look up. You could like Alexa Chung, wear your shirt under the dungarees, a plain white one would also look stylish. As it has now finally turned cold I suggest a polo neck, or any piece of knitwear to get the full wear out of them this season. Footwear is where I was struggling as they are so comfy with flats and sandles. The best piece of footwear is casual, so converse boots, new balance trainers or biker boots, all work with this look. To get even more creative with your 'dungers' winter styling then check out my pinterest board - Dungarees

3. Culottes

I have loved wearing my culotte jumpsuit this winter with a polo neck underneath, but I have yet to invest in a pair of trouser culottes. Long thought of as dowdy and unflattering, the cropped, wide pants are suddenly many designers' favourite style of 2015. The most stylish person wearing them this winter has been Victoria Beckham (see picture below), but as you can see she doesn't obviously either feel the cold or doesn't like tights! I on the other-hand love tights so as per my culotte jumpsuit I will just add tights to the outfit to keep warm! I think that we will see alot more culottes out on the high street in spring summer 2016 and that the fabrics will differ, such as leather, suede and even silk. I know my love affair with culottes will grow over the next couple of weeks, mainly for their transitional versatility and they can more flattering than wearing a skirt. Watch this space for my culotte challenge coming soon!

4. Midi dresses

You might not feel like it now in the current weather, but if you do prise yourself away from your cosy wooly jumpers, there are some great midi dresses around to elevate the style steaks. I have had my eye on this dress shape for some time and brought a knitted one from Finery London in the black Friday sales. I love it and have worn it loads to many different occasions from Christmas day, to kids birthday parties! It is comfortable, stylish and not too dressy. For summer I highlighted to printed midi dresses as a massive trend and I think this is only going to get bigger and also easier to wear for Spring Summer 2016. Check out my pick's from the new spring collections to buy now.

Warehouse Silk midi dress £120.00

&other stories animal print midi dress £79.00

Zara floral cami dress £29.99

5. Skirts

For me the skirt trend is just getting started. I even invested in another one in the sales from Warehouse in grey which I can't wait to wear! The look hasn't changed much since it fist came out last season, it's all about pairing the skirt with a more casual top, such as a sweater, polo neck or piece of knitwear. These can be cropped, or tucked in with ankle boots on the feet. As spring arrives, skirts will be worn with shirts and then into cami's, lingerie type tops for evening and summer. Don't be scared to buy a pleated skirt, because by summer 2016 they will be a wardrobe staple. For some more skirt inspiration check out the pinterest board - Skirts 2015-2016.

TOPSHOP PLEATED MARL SKIRT £30.00

How to inject the biggest colour for Autumn Winter into your wardrobe.

“Interesting on its own and a wonderful contrast for other hues, PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala is a winey red-brown that adds finesse and savoir faire. Rich and robust, Marsala incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”

— www.pantone.com

A new season always means a new shade to introduce into your wardrobe. Marsala, burgundy or wine has evolved from so many season's of pink being the biggest colour, that this is the next step on the spectrum. With the autumn/winter 2014/15 runways awash with burgundy pieces, I show you how to wear the hue in a variety of stylish ways, from wearing the colour all over to adding key accessories. It sits somewhere between a neutral and a statement colour and is so versatile it is a key casual wardrobe colour. Burgundy pairs well with other on-trend colours and a variety of different patterns, meaning it can easily be adapted to suit your own personal style.

Ways to wear Burgundy

• Investing in a statement overcoat in burgundy could prove particularly beneficial. Plus, with a few months left before the temperature starts to pick up again, you’ll get plenty of use out of it.
• If it’s versatility you’re after, opt for burgundy staples like jeans, jumpers, cardigans and t-shirts that can be worn with other pieces in your wardrobe.
• Wearing the colour as one outfit is a statement of style, don't be scared of mixing the shades and adding some patterned accessories to break it up.
• If you want to add extra flourish then opt for burgundy accessories. A over sized scarf, floppy hat or fringed bag will add a twist to your look. I can't wait to wear my Whistles hat I brought a couple of years ago.
• Choosing the right footwear could be paramount in pulling the look together. There are the some fab blocked healed boots around, some casual comfy trainers or like me I have updated my brogues.
• If you don't have the money to buy a piece for your wardrobe then update your beauty bag with some nail varnish or paint your lips with burgundy instead.

Check out my pinterest board for more inspiration - in brouge

1. All hues outfit

2. Trousers

3. Skirts

4. Dresses

5. Coats

6. Accessories

7. Shoes

8. Beauty

This week I'm obsessed with...

Autumn Winter Midi/Maxi dresses...Edits guide how to wear them...

It's time to throw in the beach towel... it's here! Autumn has landed in September!
How exciting, as now we need to start planning our winter wardrobes and no longer worry about getting a tan and showing all our wobbly bits off. We can now shop for lots of lovely jumpers and cosy up in front of the fire.

After spending the last couple of weeks permenantly attached to my computer creating online look books for many clients for their Autumn transitional wardrobes, I can't help myself but get obsessed by certain items of clothing. Top of my list at the moment is the new dress of the season, the midi or maxi dress.

Seen on the catwalk at Chloé and Etro, the new autumn dress has a bohemian Fleetwood Mac 70's kinda feel . The 70's trend is hot hot hot at the moment and the romantic, little bit-folksy printed dress is bang on the money. It is this season's update from the "boho" look, so no more embroidery, full skirts and smock dresses. More importantly, the new autumn dress looks great with a pair of boots whether it be ankle, midi or over-the-knee. Teamed with a leather jacket or fur gilet for now, then a pair of thick tights and a textured wintery coat for later on in the season. Read my styling tips below for some more ideas on how to give this trend your own style.

Check out my pinterest board for more style inspiration - Midi/Maxi dresses

1. Belting the dress gives it more shape and flatters your waistline

2. Adding some great accessories like a fedora hat will bring the dresses to life and add your style stamp to it.

3. A great jacket could change your look completely. By adding a fur gilet you are channelling the 70's trend. By wearing a leather jacket, you are adding the glam factor.

 

The only issue I have now is which one do I buy?

1. Atterley Galaxy Print Dress £115.00

2. H&M Black spot Maxi dress - £69.99

3. Zara £39.99

4. Maje Fulle length printed dress £315.00

5. & Other Stories Scarlet IBIS print dress £69.00