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.

---

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

---

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

---

Check blazers to buy now

---

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

how to update your summer wardrobe

Another season, another wardrobe?

In reality not likely to happen, but also there is no need. Despite the common feeling that in order to stay on trend we must replace our entire wardrobe at the start of each new season, that is just not the case. Investing in a few select pieces has the power to refresh your current wardrobe, transforming it from “so last season” to “so on trend“. So, although the British weather is predictably 100% unpredictable, the one thing we can count on is adapting our wardrobe to ensure we stay stylish no matter what the summer may bring.

I am not saying to ditch your last season buys completely, I'm still reaching for some of my favourites from last year. More if you are looking to give your wardrobe a fresh update for Summer 2017, then these are the pieces to note. Now the sales are in full swing it is a great time to purchase these items and look upto date for the rest of the summer.

Here is my top 5 biggest trend items from last year and the key pieces that are set to topple them off the top spot for this summer of style.

1. Tea dress

The reverent slip dress is stepping into the shade this summer, in light of our reignited love of the tea dress. A printed dress like this will not only see you through the current summer season but also for years to come. Think Kate Moss for Topshop circa 2007.  Barbel Ruched Dress- Finery London, £59.00

2. Kimono

The beloved bomber jacket isn't going away anytime soon but for a seasonal update, I want to fill my wardrobe with elegantly de-constructed kimonos that ooze the feeling of summertime. Layer yours over a pair of jeans and a tee for the perfect day-to-night look. Long printed kimono, Zara £59.99

3. Denim mini skirt

Transport yourself to sunnier climes with the skirt of the moment, the denim mini. While the midi version was hot last year, we cannot get enough of the shorter style for the summer months. Why not cut your midi one down to mini and reap the benefits of up-cycling! Denim mini skirt, Warehouse £25.00

4. Straw bag

Revel in the charm of a basket tote this season. Ideal for those last-minute “Quick, the sun is out” trips to the seaside and picnics in the park, a straw tote is 2017’s upgrade on last year’s bag about town, the bucket. Invest in one this season and you’ll find yourself breaking it out every summer to come. Pom Pom straw bag, ASOS, £21.99

5. One shoulder top

The collarbone is still fashion’s favourite erogenous zone but this season, be coy about showing it all off. Swap your Bardot blouses for cool, clavicle-baring tops which can be dressed up or down, and aren’t refined to just the summer months. Cotton bright green one shoulder top, Warehouse £12.00

how to wear the dress over trouser trend

Shirt dresses are cool again!

As many of you know I am a massive fan of the shirt being a wardrobe hero and have written a number of blog posts on how to wear the shirt and how to move it on from season to season. As shirting continues to reign in fashion, inevitably it evolves into new areas to update this look. So it's no wonder that the iconic shirt dress is having a moment. Long or midi, or shorter in length, it's a simple work wear solution that looks sophisticated, stylish and oozes femininity.

Rock the dress over your trousers

But lately the style set has put a fresh spin on the frock, employing it as a jacket worn partially buttoned over jeans and t-shirts or layered over slip dresses. It's this summer's answer to layering. The layered look has been a popular trend in recent years, and this season, trendsetters are taking it a bold step further with the dress over trousers. If you are thinking of wearing a dress over trousers and wondering whether it even makes sense. Yes it does, and you’ll love it. This ‘90s inspired trend is a cool new way to update items you already own by pairing them in a unique way that might not initially come to mind.

How to wear this trend

If you’re in doubt how to pull off this tricky, yet cool trend, here are a few easy tips to follow, whether you want to go for a safe look or bolder style

1. Going long - you can go long or short when wearing dresses over trousers; but when going long make sure there is a revealing slit or buttons are slightly undone to reveal a pop of leg underneath to break it up.

2. Going short - When wearing shorter dresses, cropped trousers work better whether it be a pair of smart black trousers or denim jeans.

3. Wear with denim - team your favourite jeans with a pretty dress and it will instantly look more relaxed and effortless.

4. Play with proportions - for an edgy style play with the volume on your legs and wear a more fitted dress to balance them out. 

5. Opt for heels - Unless you are very tall, the reinterpretation of the dress over pants trend looks best when worn with a mid to high heel as it will help you feel less frumpy.

6. Go bold & bright - go for bright colours or do a bit of splash of colours on your outfit. Pick one bright coloured staple among the neutrals to make it pop even more.

Follow my pinterest board for my style inspiration - Dresses over trousers

Here are my top 5 highstreet picks of dresses

1. Long floral dress, Zara, £39.99

2. Stripe shirt dress, Mango £59.99

3. Satin wrap dress, H&M £39.99

4. Jacquard knot front midi dress, Topshop £59.00

5. Silk yellow midi dress, Mango £169.99

Other style influences

Naturally this styling trend is already evolving and can be seen pushing the style boundaries in other ways. Visit my blog again for style updates on this trend.

edits guide on how to wear trousers that are not jeans

Edits Style inspiration

Wearing denim everyday is a hard habit to break and one that alot of clients ask me about. We default to dark blue denim most days and why not, it's comfortable and you know how to wear them right? What if there was an alternative trouser that you can wear outside the comfort of your home and doesn't involve any fitness activity! 

Because there is another way. Instead of going through your day in a pair of uncomfortable skinny jeans, with the waistband squeezing against your stomach left, right and centre, you can now look to many different and comfy trousers instead. From paper-bag waists, to pyjama style, peg trousers and everything in-between, momentum is really gathering for the non-jeans trend. So now is a great time to try it.

Follow my pinterest board here - 2017 trouser trends

My trouser styles to try this Summer

1. The side stripe trouser - If you were a fan of last year’s comfortable 'athleisure' trend then rejoice, because the side stripe trouser is still big business for SS17. This year, the style set is channelling 'athluxury', teaming casual, sporty pieces with more luxe offerings for an elevated look, meaning the striped track pant is now the easiest way to fool the world into thinking you’re all dressed up.

Whistles side stripe crop £119.00

Me & Em double stripe jogger £59.00

Boden Richmond trousers £65.00

2. Paper bag waist - A high-waisted cut with gathered detailing at the waist, there’s a bit of added drama to this style, with a choice of wide-leg or tapered designs depending on your go-to look. The key is to team with a tight tee or body – no baggy tops or knits – for a leg-accentuating, day-to-day outfit. This trouser silhouette looks effortless and is flattering, especially when paired with platform heels and a simple knit, making it a perfect workwear option.

Zara high rise trousers £29.99

ASOS Tie detail trousers £30.00

Mango cotton belted trousers £49.99

3. Khaki chinos - Khaki trousers might have frumpy connotations, but they have been given a makeover for S/S17, and according to the likes of Vogue, they are about to replace your skinny jeans as your everyday staple. A bold claim, yes, but given they were featured in many of the major S/S17 runway shows they have a new femininity about them - think drapey fabrics, layered pockets and the wide hem's. Pair them with crisp clean shirts, jumpers tucked in and heel's and it gives them a fresh new look.

Mango elastic waist trousers £35.99

Gap paper bag waist high rise chinos £34.99

Whistles Cargo chino trouser £119.00

Face your non denim fear because sometimes you gotta branch out. Because if you don’t, you might never discover a new favourite pair of trousers that will become your wardrobe staple this Summer.