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

What your wardrobe needs now - my transitional wishlist

It's always around this time of year I start compiling my Autumn Winter wishlist. I've researched all the trends, pored over the catwalks and now the products are starting to arrive instore.

It's all a mental list at the moment you must understand, but by writing it down I am committing to it and then the obsession to find the right piece escalates. This also gives me something to focus on rather than aimlessly looking on websites, or going round stores in a daze. I know what I want, I know what shapes suit me, I know my colours and I don't veer off track! (unless it's a "I must-have-it now pair of shoes"!).

As the websites and stores become less and less about sale and summer, I start adding to my transitional wardrobe. So far I have invested in a couple of pieces that range from statement shapes to classic year-in-year-out favourites. These will help me shift seamlessly from summer to autumn. Pieces that I can wear now and later, without blowing the budget along the way.

Of course the list will change as new trends come out, new pieces hit the stores and it will also get added to with knitwear and coats later in the season. But by having a list of exactly what I am missing to pull my wardrobe together, it becomes the best wardrobe it can be for my daily life.

So if you want to find out next season's classics that your wardrobe needs now, then read my list below...

Edits transitional wardrobe

1. The IT dress - Atterley shirt dress £55.00

2. The anytime biker - Whistles Jett Biker £325.00

3. The jean update - French Connection Flare jean £80.00

4. The must-have blouse - Topshop lace insert blouse £42.00

5. The everyday essential -Boden Embellished stripe tee £39.99

6. The luxe layer - Warehouse fur gilet £69.99

7. The jumpsuit revisited - Zara culotte jumpsuit £39.99

8. Hottest Boots on the scene - Zara fringed boots £49.99

If you need help pulling your wardrobe together for the new season, then contact me now.

Autumn Winter transitional look books can be a great way of seeing and buying new pieces for your wardrobe without leaving your house. These cost as little as £75.00. Example as below.

say hello to Atterley.com

Bored of the same old high street stores or websites? If you haven't already heard of Atterley then stand up and pay attention as you will want to know about my current favourite online store - Atterley.com

If you are a client of mine then you will already be aware of Atterley's website as I have been banging on about their collection of shopable brands for the past couple of years since it's launch in 2012 . But recently it's had a brand and website make-over and it's new collection is all about their own brand label. It offers an online store that is brimming with contemporary designed looks, stylish staples and affordable prices, what's not to love?!

The new Autumn Winter collection is a clean scandi-inspired look. Offering statement pieces that stand up in their own right and at the same time have the ability to sit cohesively within everyone's wardrobe. Easy shapes that can be worn for everyday style, such as the khaki utility shirt. For workwear woes the sleeveless shirt dress hits the style spot. For evenings, the collection of jumpsuits will have you ordering more than one! (I am currently coverting the bright green sleeveless one as below). There is something for every occasion.

What I also like is the attention to detail of each piece in the range. The larger than normal pockets so that you can actually fit something in them. White trousers that have fabric thick enough for you to be able to wear underwear and not be seen! Real practical things designed for real women like you and me, without compromising on style.

So head over to the new look website and pick up some expert tips on how to wear your new Atterley pieces in their stylist notes. Or pick up something timeless to wear again and again next season.

If you need some direction, here is my Top 5 pieces from the Autumn Winter collection that will give your wardrobe a seasonal face-lift and won't blow the budget!

1. Green sleeveless jumpsuit £75.00

2. Burgundy shirt dress £55.00

3. Grey 3/4 sleeve blouse £55.00

4. Khaki canvas blazer £75.00

5. Gold spot drape blouse £58.00

How to look stylish in the rain

Cheers Britain for literally raining on our parade!

Was it just last week that I was putting suncream on, wearing sandles and had my sunglasses permentantly attached to my face? I can't even remember what it feels like to wear shorts anymore.

So far the summer holidays have brought us wet, grey and cold temperatures, and it's not stopping anytime soon. So I ask myself, can you buy lovely waterproof jackets and still look stylish?

It's something that's been on my radar for week's now, but where do you a buy a fashionable rain jacket without spending alot of money? I am sick of wearing completely inadequate jackets and I can't bear pulling out my North Face practical waterproof as I feel like I'm going hiking up a mountain or something!

So after much internet shopping investigating (thank-you google!), I have to report that you can buy lovely, nice rainproof jackets and be both chic and dry everyday. Having purchased mine for the wet week ahead, here are my 5 of the best ...

1. Zara water resistant jacket £29.99

2. ASOS trench in bonded cloth £75.00

3. Topshop yellow plastic rain mac £55.00

4. Stutterheim Stockholm Navy raincoat £200.00

5. GAP poncho £69.95

Check out my pinterest board for more style rainwear inspiration - What to wear when it rains!