Style on a mid-month shoe string!!!

I've been having a mid season style slump this week, coupled by a mid-month cash stretch, leaving me temporarily uninspired by my bulging closet.

So what's a girl to do. I've got a low key dinner party this evening and I just needed a stylish pick me up. There is nothing like a new little item to make you feel ultra stylish and groomed for an event.

Determined to not break the bank ahead of my ski trip next week it's time to practice some chicenomics.
Bored of winter boots and woollies I went on a mini run around the more affordable end of Westfield shopping centre. The home of the ultimate staple is my first stop. Uniqlo. Always on trend and purse friendly. I picked up some chic, classic skinny jeans in Indigo blue for the barginous price of £9.99.

A fab nautical stripe, slash neck top caught my eye. It fits the bill perfectly for my weekend outfit. It's fresh enough for the hint of spring I'm craving, but the thicker material and long sleeves mean I won't be shivering this evening. Ultra stylish and a snip at £22

This outfit will be perfect in a few months with a pair of pumps or peep toe wedges but for my instant spring update I opted for wedge shoe boots in a neutral beige from M&S. At £35  these are a stylish steal, keeping my retail therapy outfit to less than £60 

I'll be teaming these with my favourite vintage blazer, an over-sized clutch bag and a slick of red lipstick to give me an ultra chic, Comptoir des Cotonniers look at a fraction of the cost and the much needed injection of newness into my weekend wardrobe.

Style on a mid-month shoe string!!! Done!!

Stylish reawakenings

Is it just me or are the first flickers of spring starting to push through the grey winter skies?  I love that as I write this at 4.30 on a February afternoon the last glimmers of winter sun are hitting my key board.

Spring on the horizon means a whole new and exciting wardrobe, or at least a few key pieces to refresh your existing one.

Whether it’s a total overhaul, or just a sprinkle of spring gems it's important to dress for the season we are in.

As frosty mornings give way to crisp sunrises it's a great idea to change your outer layer. No more wool coats, duffles or parkas, this is the season of the trench. A true classic and a staple for any closet. Think Greta Garbo, spring time in Paris and ultra chic clean lines.

A classic, slightly heavier trench is a great investment. Layer up with jersey or cotton t's and you will have a cozy cover up to see you through March breezes and April showers.

The same trench will serve you well as a summer time coat for chilly evenings or unseasonal downpours.

These perennial favorites hit the high street every year, with affordable classics on offer from Marks and Spencer. 

If you are going to spend a little more money on this item, invest in one of the beauties on show at Net-a-Porter. http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Clothing/Coats/Trench_Coats.

As investment pieces go, a trench is one that will earn it's keep in just one season.

If you are anything like me, you will be sick of the sight of winter boots, (the same ones we will be in love with come October, how fickle of us).

Thankfully, the days of spring flats are just a hop, skip and ballet pump jump away. 

The rules here are simple. Think ballet pretty combined with commute-proof practicality.  Unless you are a 'car to bar' type of gal (lucky you), then you will need a shoe which is as robust as it is fabulous.

I love French Sole pumps. They range from the most ‘barely there’ slippers, to flats with a decent and durable sole. And they come in a multitude of amazing colours and styles which should satisfy all tastes. I am a big fan of the Henrietta in red croc.

 

These shoes have magic slipper qualities which perk up any spring outfit with some Parisian/ Nautical glamour. 

If you don't feel ready to bare some toe cleavage just yet then Jigsaw's satin trainers are a good halfway house for early spring.

In a range of on-trend pastels, these sneakers give a spring twist to your wardrobe.  Team them with skinny jeans or cropped trousers for a chic-gamine look which should see you through to warmer days.

Spring is always full of exciting collections as designers and stores cast off their winter coats and come up with some lovely colourful ranges and patterns. I love the latest offerings from Boden. http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/magazine/Outfits-and-ideas/outfits/womens-fresh-spring-outfits.html#magazine

Pencil skirts with cropped jackets and bold spring patterns give you all you need to say hello to the season.

And don’t forget. It will soon be sunglasses time again…Wayfarers, Aviators or Clubmasters…….decisions decisions… to be continued….!

Here's to a super stylish spring!!