Going dotty for super spots

Polka dots are back for Spring say all the magazines! Trends may come and go, but there are few prints that truly never go out of style. Spots, stars, leopard print are the only prints I advise my clients to buy for longevity, these never look old or out dated. But polka dots are absolutely everywhere this season so if you are looking for something to refresh you current transitional wardrobe, then you should invest in the super spot.

 It often gets a bad rap, and if you associate polka dots with Minnie Mouse or the party dresses you wore as a little girl, it's time to rethink the surprisingly versatile and elegant print. In the right hands, polka dots can strike that tricky balance between modern and elegant. Cropping up repeatedly on the SS18 catwalks, including Balenciaga, Self-Portrait, Mary Katrantzou, Giorgio Armani and Dior, we were offered multiple ways to wear polka dots, from Demna Gvasalia's chiffon dresses worn with sock booties to Maria Grazia Chiuri's monochrome sheer skirts and blouses. Additionally, street style stars have been giving us a masterclass in putting together perfect polka dot ensembles, proving the print isn't just for the catwalk but can be incorporated into a casual look too. Read my 5 style tips for inspiration and follow my pinterest board for more looks - Going dotty 2018.

Double spot

Wearing 2 different pieces in spots gives the print a fresh take and you an updated look.

Spots &frills

Mixing high & low styling, pair a jumper with an evening skirt for a fresh daytime outfit.

Jump to it

You can't go wrong with a spotty jumpsuit. You can play with colour too - using tones such as brown, red and navy give a cool impact.

Biker it up

By adding a biker jacket over your dress or jumpsuit you have instantly created a chic day to evening look.

Office dots

The spot print is perfect for the office, lunch out or a meeting - presentable yet stylish.

Marc Jacobs said “There is never a wrong time for a polka dot”. And how can you blame him? Polka dots are a timeless classic that always see come back on trend in their many changes of style. Probably it’s because dots take us back to 50's elegance, to the curvy pin-ups and unforgettable style icons like Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe. Or can be seen in many iconic movies, style moments and even royalty.

Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

Princess Diana

Kate Moss

So while ‘mix and match’ still takes centre stage with the street styles, its' the black & white polka dots that are stealing the scene. So make dots the newest addition to your wardrobe because if there was one trend that works in all seasons it's this one, so if you invest in a polka dot top or dress you can wear it all year round. See my picks to shop now.

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TOP 5 POLKA DOT BUYS

1. Soft spot jacket, Topshop £39.99

2. Polka dot Midi dress, Karen Millen £199.00

3. Polka dot kitten heels, Marks & Spencer £19.50

4. Polka dot long jumpsuit, Mango £59.99

5. Black & Ivory polka dot top, Finery London £69.00

Edits style clinic - trans seasonal jackets

Like most of the females I know, I am so over wearing my parka, my puffa, my pea coat and anything else that covers me up from the impending doom of cold, frost and snow. I can’t stand the sight of my winter stuff any more, but it’s too cold not to wear it. The massive coat that felt fabulously cosy back in January now feels bulky and tiresome, my chunky jumpers almost suffocating and let’s not even get started on the expanding collection of knitted scarves and hats. 

I AM READY FOR SPRING DRESSING!

But trans seasonal dressing can be tricky with the constantly changing weather so my advice is to invest in a transitional coat or jacket. This piece will give your Spring wardrobe the newness it needs without buying lots of items to make up an outfit and it is something you are no doubt going to get lots of wear out of. Layering can be key to these jackets, whether it be still layering knitwear underneath them or a smaller jacket underneath or even a knitted scarf over the top.

Follow my pinterest board for more inspiration - trans seasonal jackets 2018

In fashion we like to look to the future, so here's to dreaming about warmer weather, sunnier days a sporting a fab new coloured trench down to the shops. There is plenty to inspire you, here are my trans seasonal jacket style inspiration and shopping highlights.

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1. The trench

Classic trench, Selected Femme £160.00

Belted over sized trench, &other stories £125

Military-style trench, Mango £99.99

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2. The blazer

Blazers were the 2017 trend that no one saw coming. After all, the tried-and-true wardrobe staple is the key to professional power dressing for so many women, so how could it be deemed “trendy”? But, in fact, we saw the staple jacket in checkered prints all over the street during fashion month, with countless iterations following suit. The trend looks to continue but if you wanted an updated look then be inspired but vibrant colours, structured styles and luxe fabrics.

Pinstripe blazer, &other stories £125.00

Long textured blazer, Zara £79.99

Double breasted yellow blazer, Topshop £60.00

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3. The anorak

Just as we dare to think about sunnier days and lunch al fresco, it has started raining again! But it's ok as fashion is ready for the rain, this year the trend has gone practical, welcoming even. Suddenly the high street is full of practical clothes that fit into our daily lives. One such item is the anorak, which is, as it happens, the perfect coat for this time of year. It’s not a piece of clothing that suggests great beauty, I grant you that, but the current offering from the likes of Zara, Topshop and Mango are actually pretty great. 

Hooded spring parka, Whistles £149.00

Hooded rain mac, Topshop £49.00

Oversized parka, Reserved £44.99

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4. The duster coat

The duster coat is everywhere again now, Meghan Markle has been champoining the trend since her engagement photos and brought it back into the fashion front row. It remains the perfect between seasons cover-up, wear over anything and everything. Sometimes belted or with a button and at more or less any length, whatever the weather has in store. These are easy, smart and often colourful cover-ups, the perfect wardrobe refresh to move seamlessly into Spring wearing.

Long dressy coat, Monki £50.00

Belted duster coat, River Island at ASOS £68.00

Contrast stitch duster coat, Topshop £79.00

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5. The bomber

The bomber jacket has been around for a couple of seasons now, but it is here to stay. This season it's gone feminine, printed florals, embroideries and embellishments, the perfect Spring piece to elevate the darker pieces in your wardrobe such as black, navy, grey and khaki. They are also the perfect day to evening jacket to be thrown over a dress or jumpsuit with a cold glass of Rosa wine.

Floral Bomber jacket, Zara £29.99

Opulent Fauna bomber, Ted Baker £195.00 (currently £146.25)

Embroidered floral bomber, Mango £89.99

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6. Anything check

A favourite from Autumn is still going to be going strong in Spring. The check jacket has now become a wardrobe staple serving to upgrade basic outfits such as tee's and jeans, sweaters and trousers, blouses and skirts. So if you don't have a check blazer by now then now is the time to get one.

Check blazer, Massimo Dutti £179.00

Check structured coat, Mango £119.00

Long check coat, Weekday £80.00

A wardrobe saviour: The Jumpsuit

I had sort of assumed that everyone loves jumpsuits as much as I do. Practical, easy and often chicer than some of their dress/trouser counterparts, an all-in-one has long been the thing I rely on for those moments when you need to look more dressed up than usual, but have absolutely no idea what to wear. But during many client consultations I am amazed at how women don't think about jumpsuits as their go-to outfit for an evening out, a wedding, an alternative to office wear or a summer garden party. They are so versatile and flattering, it works like a dress but removes all the worry about what goes with what.

I now feel it is my job on this earth to persuade any remaining resisters as to the power of the jumpsuit. I have clients in their thirties ranging to clients in their sixties who are addicted to the power of the jumpsuit. Why? Because it is the most youth-endowing item of clothing you can wear as you get older. 

The jumpsuit is a true wardrobe saviour, when wearing one you’ll fit into any sort of situation and/or dress code. Casual yet sophisticated it can be effortlessly dressed up for weddings and last minute parties or thrown on with trainers and a denim jacket for a chic, nonchalant look. During winter, layers are the way to justify braving an all-in-one, whether it be with an oversized jacket or fitted polo neck to add edge (and warmth!). The trick is to keep styling simple and let the jumpsuit itself make the statement

Most clients, after seeing that jumpsuits are not, in fact, the work of the devil but a cool, very flattering alternative to dresses and separates, concede that I am right. I’m not smug at all; in fact, I’m just so happy that another person has joined my jumpsuit fan club. So if you want to look both stylish and cool, be it for day or night, I hereby pledge that a jumpsuit will deliver!

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Shop my jumpsuit picks

1. Amandine Tailored jumpsuit, Kitri Studio £125

2. Black and White Mike spot jumpsuit, Whistles £189

3. Polka dot long jumpsuit, Mango £59.99

4. Martha Wide-Leg jumpsuit, Reiss £250

5. Printed jumpsuit, Zara £49.99

6. Frill sleeve navy jumpsuit, Warehouse £59

7. G-Star stripe jumpsuit, ASOS £135

What is 'smart / casual' dressing anyway?

Do you hate the term 'smart / casual'? Do you know how to wear 'smart / casual'?

There are many dates in our diary, days of the week or events in our life where the term 'smart / casual' is applicable. Getting your outfit right for the occasion is something alot of you struggle with as it's normally top of the list for most of my clients. Whether it be for going to work everyday in an office environment, a Christening, a dinner date or meeting, or you just want to change up your style for everyday, 'smart / casual' dressing just got a whole lot easier.

For the past couple of seasons trends have been shifting so that more casual attire has become smarter. The new rules are now the old rules, because creativity rules! Street style watchers will know suiting is firmly back on the fashion agenda for spring, but that doesn’t mean the same old black blazer and fitted pants. Suits have become brighter, checked or pinstripe and matching. That's not to say that the humble blazer doesn't play a part, this piece is an important part of your wardrobe and no doubt I will be buying more than one this season to change up every outfit that I wear. A simple dress and opaque tights just won't cut it anymore, style a spotty midi dress with this season's must-have jacket the trench, belt at the waist and the soft fabric means it's no longer smart and structured but more relaxed and understated. It's no longer about black, white and navy, liven up your work-wear or smarten up your day look with some eye catching colour. Red and pink are current favourites to give your outfit some serious colour clash, but blues and greens can be easier and softer on the eye if you don't want to stand out from the crowd too much. Lastly take the plunge and grab a jumpsuit and take away the worry about what goes with what. I feel it is my job on this earth to persuade any remaining resisters as to the power of the jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are a versatile all-rounder, whilst being the most youth-endowing item of clothing you can wear as you get older. Want to look both stylish and cool for day or evening then a jumpsuit should be your go-to wardrobe staple.

What better way to forget about the cold outside and welcome the in a new week with some new 'smart / casual' pieces for your wardrobe. French connection has an amazing bright pink suit you might be bold enough to try, alternatively if you are looking for a new suit but would rather a check then look at &other stories check suits. For a great choice in blazers then go to &other stories for lots of oversized, longer line grey, check or navy stripe blazers for a fresh new season take on the silhouette. My favourite trench coat I have come by so far is from Kin by John Lewis in navy or khaki, but if you are looking for a stone one then you can't go wrong with this one from Selected Femme. For a great choice of cropped trousers then head over to Zara, they have them in every fabric, cut, colour you can think of and you will be sure to find one that flatters you. Finally if you fancy some floral midi dresses, most high street retailer have an offering, but try Topshop for bright coloured printed dresses and vintage inspired florals that are easy to wear with any jacket styled over the top.

Here is some style and shopping inspiration for everyday of the week and follow my pinterest board - Smart / casual new rules