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Styling tips

Clashing colours : Red & Pink

April 15, 2018

Throw out the fashion rule book with SS18’s brightest and boldest colour-clashing trend

Forget the fashion rules your Mum might have taught you – modern dressing is all about surprising clashes, and pink and red has earned its status as the new black and navy. There is a kaleidescope of rainbow colours out there for SS18 but these two powerful pulsating colours are the ones to mix and match together this season.

When red met pink it was love at first sight and now the pair are inseparable. Whether it’s fuschia and russet or blush and ruby, these vibrant hues can play-off each other perfectly when handled with a contemporary touch. This colour clash started a couple of seasons ago, with pink having been on trend for a couple of years and red having it's moment last Autumn, now seems like the perfect time toss out the style rule book and ignore everything you’ve ever been told about ‘clashing colours’.

'Do red & pink clash?' yields over 4 million results in google, so what better way to start the new Spring season off in style by stepping out of your comfort zone and mix the two bold tones together in an outfit. The reason they work together is that they are both cool tones, so they both have the same undertone and intensity. If you have a cool skin tone then this colour clashing combo is right up your style street.

How to style red & pink

There are no rules, you can wear these two colours head to toe.

They can also be complimentary when worn with darker neutral tones such as navy / blue or grey or even with leopard print.

I would suggest you keep the garments simple in shape and not too fussy.

If you doing a statement frilled blouse, wear something very simple in the opposite colour on your bottom.

The trend is so powerful in colour that the overall styling needs to be constructed of only 2/3 pieces.

Bold accessories can add to your outfit, be sure they compliment rather than over power it.

For more style inspiration follow my pinterest board here - Clashing colours : Red & Pink

To test the waters, pull everything out of your wardrobe that's pink and red. See how I have styled my red and pink pieces...

This colour combo works whether you're heading to the office, shopping with friends, day trips with the kids or out to dinner. So don't be afraid of bold and sultry pops of colour this summer - when you're mixed and matched in tones like these, you're guaranteed a double-take no matter where and when you sport the style.

My top 5 red & pink pieces to buy now

1. Sundae pink suit, French connection, jacket £140.00 & trousers £80.00

2. Scarlett red slip dress, Kitri Studio, £95.00

3. Jacquard batwing midi dress, Warehouse, £69.00

4. Cressida roll neck jumpsuit, Phase eight, £120.00

5. Two tone crossover body, Zara, £29.99

6. Art deco Chandelier earrings, Toolally, £45.00

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Going dotty for super spots

April 6, 2018

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.

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.

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

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Edits style clinic - trans seasonal jackets

March 22, 2018

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.

1. The trench

Belted over sized trench, &other stories £125

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

Double breasted yellow blazer, Topshop £60.00

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.

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.

Belted duster coat, River Island at ASOS £68.00

Contrast stitch duster coat, Topshop £79.00

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.

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

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.

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A wardrobe saviour: The Jumpsuit

March 12, 2018

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!