Easy Friday night styling

Weekends were made for fashion as far as I am concerned so over the next three weeks I am going to give you a few tips on constructing the perfect weekend look, from Friday ‘date night’ to Sunday lunch at a country pub, I will highlight some key pieces which will give you the look you need.

Friday night is the new Saturday, with most of us heading for drinks or supper straight from the office. So how can you nail that off duty look with more than just a hint of glam? Easy, when you know how.

Think first about the basis of your outfit. What is the staple piece for you to build on?  I love a classic straight leg black trouser. Straight though the hip and slightly tapered at the ankle, Uniqlo have a great version right now. These work perfectly with pumps for work but add a heel and you have the makings of a killer look.

When it comes to transforming a day-time look, it is all in the shoes. I am loving the wedge at the moment for a low key way to make a dressed-up statement.  With comfort in mind for those tired tootsies, wedges will have you dancing until early Saturday morning.  Nude tones are still hanging on and I love these suede wedges from Aldo. Super versatile they will become your favourites come spring. 

Texture can speak volumes when you want a luxe look, so seek out a silk top to dress up your Friday night look. A simple T shirt in a silky fabric can take laid back chic to a new level.  This French Connection version is set to be a spring staple.

Save the LBD for your next party and roll out your best LSJ for Friday night.  Yes, that is a Little Statement Jacket. From velvet to tweed your LSJ will be the saviour of many an outfit and one you return to season after season.  Masculine tailoring in a bright shade is always a favourite.

Or for a lighter touch, opt for a spring like denim blazer.

Team with a statement messenger bag, which is bang on trend and easy to carry for a super slick Friday night look. 

Now all you need to pick out is your favourite cocktail. But that is the easy bit!!

Fashion's Bright Forecast

January is such a grey month; it’s time to inject some serious colour into our wardrobes. Luckily fashion is ready to deliver the bright stuff with a range of popping shades hitting the high street in time for spring.

Don’t be afraid of brights. Find a colour that you love and then ramp it up a few notches by opting for a slightly brighter shade than you would usually pick.

It is important to get the right balance of brights for your body shape as high octane colours will draw attention to problem areas.

Pear and hourglass girls can afford to go bright on top while apple shapes should stick to a colourful bottom half.

 

Not brave enough to go all out? Find some bright accessories and work them into your look.  A neon bag or shoes will be enough to give a nod to the trend without stepping out of your comfort zone.

                                                          

Team your brights with more classic pieces to keep this look grown-up and sophisticated.

Bright and breezy, you are your own little sunbeam regardless of the weather. 

Cobalt t-shirt, Oasis

Skinny trousers, Zara

Rupert Sanderson heels 

Bottega Veneta bag

Beat the chill with a stylish scarf

With temperatures dropping just in time for the weekend how can we stay warm without missing out in the style stakes? Luckily the scarf is having a stylish resurgence. With a variety of colours and fabrics on offer there has never been a better time to wrap up warm.

The Navajo trend made its name in Autumn/ Winter and is still worth investing in if you want to look chic and laid back. This beauty from Theodora and Callum has a fabulous geometric print and the earth tones make it true to trend, while it is big enough to wrap around a slouchy sweater or a leather bomber.

The classic scarf print is set to be a big deal for Spring/Summer this year, with designers taking inspiration from silk scarfs by the likes of Hermes and Pucci. It might be a little much to wear top to toe paisley this weekend but it is super easy to try this trend out in a scarf.

If you want to invest in the trend then no one does it better than Emilio Pucci, I love the turquoise in this cashmere number.

But if you would rather try the trend without spending too much then this House of Fraser scarf square has a great mix of chintz and paisley.

If you are a fan of animal prints then a scarf is the best way to add an accent to your outfit without looking over done! The muted tones in this Reiss scarf bring the print up to date for the new season. You’ll be wearing this right through to spring.

And if you’re already dreaming of summer, then this Breton stripe snood from Topshop is the perfect way to lift your look with summer’s perennial nautical style.

Wrapped up against the cold, it's time to rock your weekend look!! 

Banish the blues with a style refresh

It’s January, festive fun is behind us for another year and all we have to show for it is a slightly tight feeling when we squeeze in to our jeans. With the constant need to layer up against the winter chill, this is not the easiest season to dress for but spring’s reawakening is a little too far away to be thinking of a total wardrobe overhaul just yet.

So how can you perk up your look for this drab time of year without spending a fortune? Simple. Delve in to your existing wardrobe, dust off some long forgotten favourites and add a few clever buys which will add some much needed zing to your outfits.

After the glitz and glam of the party season I love to go casual in January. It is the perfect time to invest in some more practical pieces for those healthy detox weekend walks and more relaxed social events. This Zara jacket is perfect. The padded material is ultra-warm while the quilted diamond pattern is a new twist on this favourite look. It is a little more Vespa chic than Après Ski. Perfect for low key city weekends.

Desperate to get some Spring time blossom in your wardrobe? Then be bold and give these amazing floral trousers from Vanessa Bruno a whirl. Bright, fun and pretty they are bang on the ‘pyjama’ trouser trend and so easy to wear with boots now and converse or pumps in Spring.

Nothing says fresh start like a crisp cotton shirt. Easy to wear for work and play, this white oxford shirt from Uniqlo might just be your very best friend this January. Wear it open with a vest, sleeves pushed up under cashmere or tucked in to jeans for a simple classic look.

                                                                                                                                                                                  

It is not quite the time of year for ballet pumps just yet, but after all that partying in heels your toes have certainly earned some TLC in flats. These leather loafers are a pretty alternative to boots (on dry days) because the front is high enough to wear with socks or tights. Pulling off stylish feet without risking frost bite is so this year!!

Wardrobe renewed you are all set to banish those winter blues.