Read my latest article in Life Magazine, Hertfordshire edition, covering Harpenden, St. Albans, Radlett, Hadley Wood and Hertford. Pick up a copy locally or read here online - https://issuu.com/fishmedia/docs/life_mags_herts_oct18/74
These past few years since I have been working as a personal stylist I have tended to shop smart rather than buy throw away fashion like I did in my younger years when working in fashion buying. It is a mantra that I talk about when speaking to new clients, re-connecting with old ones and one of my tips I try and impart to them. I know if you shop smart and, for the most part, buy the very best quality you can afford, you’ll hit repeat on those pieces for years (and years and years). That’s certainly how I dress. I wear a handful of the same things over and over, updating when I need to.
In this blog I wanted to bring the pieces to you that I have been seeing alot of whilst shopping over these past few weeks that will ensure your wardrobe has staying power. The trick is knowing what you’re looking for: timeless silhouettes, high-quality fabric and flattering cuts. When these three come together, you’ve found a keeper. I like focusing on pieces that have longevity in your wardrobe and mixing them in with the very best seasonal staples and instant transformers.
So here is my top stylish Autumn pieces on the high street right now that you’ll love wearing this winter – then next winter and the one after that too.
1. The smart coat
I love the fabric of this Herringbone tweed coat from Jigsaw. It’s such a great fit and a great silhouette that it flatters your figure even if you are wearing a chunky knit underneath it.
Single breasted herringbone coat, Jigsaw, £280
2. The perfect parka
I am always on the look out for the perfect parka for clients that are casual in style but not too sporty or not too ‘Mumsy’ looking! This Whistles parka is the perfect khaki colour, the fake fur goes really well and the fully borg lining will keep you warm.
Megan casual Parka, Whistles, John Lewis £189.00
3. Jeans
As many of my clients know I am massive advocate for Levi jeans, they are my go to and have been a winner for all clients I have worked with for 5 years. But I have started to explore some other brands, and the American brands are the better ones for fabric, cut and fit. I especially like at the moment these Madewell high waisted jeans from John Lewis.
High waisted jeans, Madewell, John Lewis £128.00
4. Trousers
For months now trousers are top of the list when it comes to shopping for myself and for clients. Everyone is steering away from everyday jeans and wanting to wear smarter, more comfortable trousers with trainers. I have found the best pairs to be from Me & Em, whether its smart joggers, wide leg trousers or some everyday trousers you can’t go wrong with the fit and quality of this brand.
Grosgrain stripe trousers, ME & EM, £129.00
5. The cable knit
I love it when it gets really cold and you need to wear your chunkiest piece of knitwear to stay warm. But you shouldn’t have to compromise on style when in knitwear and choosing something with a cable running through it ensures it looks more stylish and gives your knitwear personality. &other stories have a great selection of cable knits right now, my favourite has to be this polo neck one.
Oversized cable knit polo, &other stories, £79
6. The cashmere jumper
More and more we are looking for quality over quanity when we are buying items, yes we might need to spend slightly more money on something with better quality but it will last us longer. I am currently loving Boden’s cashmere jumper offering, this stripe one has got some great colours in it for brightening up your wardrobe.
Cashmere stripe crewneck, Boden, £130.00
7. The maxi dress
The maxi and midi dress were a favourite of mine this Summer and I have continued to wear some so far this Autumn, layered with blazers, my leather jacket and tights. But I have found the perfect dress from Baukjen which is currently on my wishlist!
Luna star print maxi dress, Baukjen, £189.00
8. The knitted dress
This piece is always very hard to find every season, so comfortable but can end up being very unflattering if not the right shape and style for your figure so tread carefully. I think this grey midi dress from Kin at John Lewis will never go out of style, but ensure you size right.
Contrast colour knitted dress, Kin, John Lewis, £79.00
9. Boots
I featured these boots on my Autumn ‘lust-after’ blog post back in September and they are still my favourite boots I have seen out there at the moment. I love the casual but formal feel of them, biker boots but can be worn dressed up too. These Kurt Geiger boots come in 3 colourways too.
Snail leather biker boots, Kurt Geiger, £169.00
10. The ultimate bag
You can never have too many bags in your life, as we navigate our daily lives we need large shoppers, cross body bags for hands free life, bags big enough for laptops, evening clutches…the list goes on. BUT there is an ultimate large shopper out there in Leopard print from Day Birger et Mikkelsen that is irresistible and needs to be added to your wardrobe pronto!
Leopard print shopper, Day Birger et Mikkelsen, £190.00
If you need help with your Autumn wardrobe, please contact me on email nina@edits-styling.com and we can discuss your needs, wants and how we can ensure your style has longevity.
Read my article in September's edition of Life Magazine, the Hertfordshire edition covering Harpenden, St.Albans, Hadley Wood & Hertford. Read my tips on how to find your style for Autumn.
Go to page 80 in the magazine or read online here -https://issuu.com/fishmedia/docs/life_mags_herts_sept18/80
The seemingly endless Summer is cooling off, it appears, which sounds like the perfect opportunity to cast our thoughts forward to the incoming new fashion season. Autumn 2018 promises to bring with it a batch of fresh ideas on style, updates on wardrobe staples and a burst of refreshed colours to tempt us out of our Summer dresses. I can't wait to start dressing in cosy layers - jumpers, shearlings, boots and even hats. In the words of Jon Snow, winter is coming, people, let’s get excited.
I love figuring out how I am going to re-style my wardrobe staples for the new season. For me, it’s a balance of embracing easy updates and falling back in love with forgotten classics and stumbling upon some new future favourites too. I always start with a 'lust-after' list of ideas, or a mood board, then I do a wardrobe detox and define my season's wanted list of 5 things. I consider trends, what I liked from last season, what I need to replace and what is missing from my wardrobe.
It's exciting when a new season starts, but you can get swept up in impulse buying, over buying or not having the right focus. Creating lists and mood boards ensures you spend your money more wisely, you can feel more confident about your choices and have fun finding the things you want.
Consider the following trends of the season when thinking about your new season 'lust-after' list.
The trends for AW18 that you should include in your Autumn List
LEOPARD PRINT
This season the trends are lead by the forever statement print; Leopard print. This will be the season that everyone will end up owning something in their wardrobes in the print or like last week's blog post, perhaps a dramatic coloured leopard print for a new update.
BRIGHT COLOURS
Once again paint box colours are brightening up those long dark nights with a kaleidoscope of colour. From vibrant green and solar orange, to pillar-box red and vivid magenta; consider monochromatic matches for a put-together look with a punch, or get playful with opposing hues that epitomise exuberance. The bolder the better.
CHECKS
Following on from last year's massive blazer trend, this is set to continue in heritage checks, stripes and modern tailoring is still high on the fashion agenda. Think suits, trousers instead of jeans,
For inspiration, here is my current 'lust-after' mood board for the new season.
If you need help with your new season wardrobe, I offer an online shop service - please email me to book yours now.
