With the party season nearly upon us, read what you should be wearing and how to style out Christmas in November's issue of Hertfordshire Life Magazine, covering Harpenden, St.Albans, Radlett, Hadley Wood and further.
Read the magazine and article here - https://issuu.com/fishmedia/docs/life_20mags_20herts_20nov17/76
Buying a new pair of boots has become an autumnal rite of passage, in the same way as choosing a new coat for winter. They're incredibly versatile, they go with everything (hopefully) and they're ideal for the British climate, which isn't that kind to trainers and more flimsy shoes by the time October rolls around. Finding the right pair can make the Winter more bearable - and infinitely more stylish. But what style should you go for?
Much like a coat, they're also often a pricier investment, so you want to be sure you're making an informed decision. But with so many different styles currently in the shops – ankle, knee-high, velvet, satin, sock boots – how are you really supposed to navigate the shelves without losing a) your patience or b) your mind?
The good news is, I have scoured the current selection for you, in order to find out exactly where's selling the nicest styles at the moment, and how to wear them...
A block heel ankle boot are this season's wear-with-everything style. Easy everyday boot with a bit of height to lengthen your legs. Lace-up is the updated style that looks best when worn with a pretty floral dress and biker jacket, but if you keep the slim then they will look great with straight leg denim and cropped trousers.
Channelling the 80s, these knee high, slouchy, pointed boots are sophisticated to wear over your jeans with a longline blazer.
make the biggest statement of the season with highest boot, the thigh-highs. The modern way to wear them is with dresses or skirts, showing a flash of skin - wearing them like you would wear tights - are you brave enough?
Show some serious style on your feet wearing a boot with exquisite embellishment, brocade detailing, maximalist sequins and embroidery and let your boot lead your outfit. Everything else can be paired down while your boot does all the work.
Fusing the biggest boot trends of the season (sock shape and kitten heel) to create one seriously hot hybrid. Mini heels are making a comeback, high or low they can make an impact on your outfit because of their colour, the length of them or even the detail on the heel. Easy to wear day to night, this style is worth investing in now and keeping for a few seasons to come.
As you know this season it's all about red and one of the easiest ways to wear it is on your feet. Red looks great with dark washed denim or floral dresses in the daytime and make a real statement in the evening with black leather trousers and a red clutch to match.
Follow my pinterest board for more style inspiration - Boots 2017
The clocks have gone back, the nights are darker and it's finally getting chillier! It's not all bad news though as you can now wear your winter coat, scarf and hat and style out the Winter months confidently. The other good news is that there is loads of sales on at the moment so it is the perfect time to buy a new Winter coat for the season.
Coats are a weakness of mine and a good coat can update your style very easily. In the northern hemisphere it also, sadly, happens to be the piece you will end up wearing most from October to March. So with that in mind, it is really important you spend time thinking about what you really need and want out of your coat. Practically speaking, there are two main issues that need to be considered when buying a new coat: one, as this is a big wardrobe purchase (possibly the biggest of the entire year), it has got to be spot on. I’m talking goes with everything, fits like a dream, is warm but not bulky and, importantly, looks a knockout. The second is getting all of that without spending the sort of money that would buy you a small car. Style speaking, think about colour, shape, trend and remember one size does not fit all - you're leopard print fur coat might be someone else's poison!
So to help you here is my AW17 winter coat edit with 5 new season's styles to pick from, including discounts where I could get them! Buy now and you will love wearing it everytime you put it on.
Follow my pinterest board for more coats inspiration - 2017 Coats Style
If there is one coat that sums up the season, it’s the double-breasted, checked, tailored style. A smash hit among fashion editors at Paris Fashion Week, this is all about 2017 power dressing. Try Whistles or Zara for crombie check coats or French Connection for smaller checks. This large check coat from Marks and Spencer currently has 20% off if you have a Sparks card.
Red is the fashionable colour of choice this Autumn and I would suggest that a fabulous coat is one of the easiest ways to wear it. Check out M&S and Jigsaw (its signature wool “Grace” coat is pricey, but something you’d have for ever). Fantastic for chucking over jeans or a grey jumper, as famous fashion designer Bill Blass once said, “When in doubt, wear red.” This Mango masculine coat is currently in the mid season sale for £39.99 - what a bargin!
The beauty of a statement coat is that you can be wearing any old tat underneath it and no one would know. If your coat smiles, the rest of the world smiles along with you. And for this reason, this season’s panache for bold, jazzy coats is great news. If you’re not into the aforementioned red, then have a go at pink (this pink one form Boden has 25% off with code - DW33X4L4), green or colbalt blue. Or there’s my personal favourite, leopard print, always a great statement.
Suki British tweed coat, Boden £250.00 - get 25% off with code - DW33X4L4
My vote for comfort coat of the season goes to the bouclé slouch coat, aka “The Teddy”. Knobbly, bobbly and oh so cosy, this has a whiff of the 1960s, but has a very new-season nod to texture. Fur has also made a triumphant season return with this season seeing it being bolder than ever. Fun, colourful and not traditionally classic, faux fur is a great eveningwear alternative that will add a little wow factor to the plainest of looks. Check out Topshop and Zara for their Teddy coat's and Mango for some fun colourful furs. This tabacco number from Warehouse looks very appealing and has currently 30% off it online.
The coat that defined 2016. Although puffer coats might not be quite as significant as this time last year, they are sticking around and for good reason – they are incredibly toasty. If you’re worried about looking like the Michelin Man, then check out Whistles forest green velvet puffer, which is easy on the puff-factor, but still fabulously warm. Currently is on discount on House of Fraser, from £159.00 to £127.20. Or REALLY stand out of a crowd with this metallic gold puffer jacket from &other stories.
My top tips on how to get your wardrobe ready for Autumn is featured in October's Hertfordshire Life Magazines covering Harpenden, St Albans, Hertford, Radlett and more. Read online now or pick up your copy locally.
https://issuu.com/fishmedia/docs/life_mags_herts_oct17/68
