Little Black Book: Style secrets from women in the know

A lot of what I do focuses on the outside image we portray to the world and finding the right pieces which not only show off our awareness of trend but also our sense of style. But what about the less talked about side of style. We all have our own little tricks to make ourselves feel confident and practical. Tips which help us navigate modern life as the style queens we are. 

Here are some of mine... But shhh....don't tell everyone. 

Lazy Girl Pants

For days when I am wearing slinky jersey dresses but don't feel like doing some early morning crunches, or sucking in my tummy all day, I swear by M&S shape wear. Far from ultra-tight Spanx, these light control pants are perfect for days when you just need a little extra help. They smooth out any bumps and the thong version prevents the dreaded leg roll/VPL.

Feet Saving Flats

No one can stand in heels all day and night and not feel the effects, but I refuse to let practicality dictate my shoe choice, especially for an important day or event. For days when I need to dash around between meetings or when I am anticipating a long journey home at the end of the night I make sure I pack some  folding pumps. Small enough to carry in a teeny clutch bag, these are feet savours and that you and your other half will be thankful for! Coco rose have just teamed up with the Royal Ballet to bring this collection of folding pumps which come complete with their own carry case! Practical AND pretty. I love!

Bag Buddies Go-Go
Are you a lady of many hand bags? I can't help myself, especially in summer. I like to ring the changes to match my mood and look. But if any of you have ever experienced the problem of switching bags last minute, only to leave a vital piece of kit (umbrella, iPod, lipstick) behind then you will appreciate my next trick. Meet the bag within a bag.  Strictly this bag inset from Muji is designed to carry note books and pens, but it's many zips and compartments mean it can pretty much accommodate all the things you need for modern life. From lip gloss to diaries, purses to iPads, everything will fit it. This carry all case can be moved from bag to bag without leaving anything behind and saving the lining of your prized Anya H to boot!

A Girl’s Best Friend

And of course, where would any of us be without our hairdressers. Not only for the fabulous styles and colours they help us achieve but also for the little moments of relaxation they provide in our hectic lives.  Bob hair on Fulham road is my best kept hairdressing secret. I love this place. This boutique salon is ultra-stylish, so friendly and it is a joy to spend an hour with Lajja and the team. Not only do I always love what the stylist do to my hair, the salon also has a great atmosphere with fab music and a glass of wine when you need it.  If you are in the area pop and see for yourself, mention Style Eyes and you will get a 20% discount.

Being a stylish, successful, sorted gal is never going to be a walk in the park, but with a few clever tricks we can pull it off!

What gets you through the day!?

Pants - Marks and Spencer

Pumps - Coco Rose

Bag - Muji

Bob Hair

One for the boys: A guide to dressing the stylish man.

As you might expect, most of my styling clients are women, in search of the perfect look or a specific image. But recently I have been styling more and more men, and with a recent study showing that many women help dress their other halves every day, I thought I would dedicate this update to the boys (and the women who style them).

In many ways, dressing men is simple because their taste and shapes tend to vary less than us gals. In fact, most of the men I style want a simple classic look for the weekend which will work for a hot date, a rugby match or a night out with the boys. So here are a few easy pieces which should tick all those boxes.

Boys, when it comes to jeans, you really are best to sticking to the basics. Unless you are feeling exceptionally brave, or are a natural born exhibitionist, skinny jeans are not the trouser of choice. Most men feel much more comfortable in a relaxed fit straight leg. And in my opinion the most fail safe colour option is dark denim.

Most blokes spend their working week in a collared shirt so for their off duty look I suggest something a little more relaxed. I love long sleevedt-shirts on men. They show off the best bits while looking effortless and just the right side of sensible. Lovers of logo ts need NOT apply.

Blazers can look great for a smart casual image, but for something more laid back opt for a military jacket.  Avoid anything in camouflage or khaki, neutral tones of navy and grey are much more modern.

They say you can tell a lot about a man from his shoes. So what are yours saying about you? Scruffy, tired or stinky sneakers are not a good look, and if you are wearing your Nike Air Max outwith the gym you need some serious help.  Chunky brogues are a great look on men; they are smart but fun and show you have a sense of character.

Stick to the rules of keeping it simple and you will find a look which will please your girlfriend, you mates and your mum. 

Jeans - Diesel

T-Shirt - Dolce and Gabbana

Jacket - Mr Porter

Shoes -  Grenson

Black tie isn’t what it used to be

This week I’ve been focusing on dressing myself for once, as I search my wardrobe for a suitable Black Tie outfit for an event I am off to this weekend.

As a girl who loves her jeans perhaps a little too much, going to the opposite extreme is always fun. Give me heels, sparkles and layers of swishy fabric and I am like a child in a sweet shop.

However I have noticed recently, that while the invite might say Black Tie, more often than not the attending gals are decidedly cocktail in attire. There is a difference.

While summer maxi dresses sweep the high street each year in a wave of beach appropriate colours, a truly classic formal gown which isn’t ultra-frumpy is hard to come by.  Perhaps this is the reason so many of us are opting for knee skimming numbers instead.

I also worry that many of us are feeling a little self-conscious these days and perhaps don’t want to be the ‘most dressed up’ at a party or event.  Better overdressed than under dressed I say!!!!

Black Tie events are our chance to be every bit the girls we want to be, elegant and glam, pampered by our dashing gents who have exchanged jeans for DJs. Why are we not exploiting this opportunity?

So…..  do I take the ‘can’t beat them, join them’ approach and opt for a faithful strapless LBD, glammed up with perfect heels and just the right amount of sparkle or do I go all out in a floor skimming gown? I have about 5 hours to decide!!

Happy weekend to all fellow glamour gals out there!! x

Chain mail bow tie £299 by Laura B

Spring blooms with graphic florals

Flash florals are here to stay this spring and while the high street is packed with everything from Pucci scarf print to pretty chintz, I favour the more graphic prints shown on the Preen catwalks.

Fullcircle is bang on trend this week as it launches it’s new floral collection. In muted and acid tones these pieces are more fashion savvy than your average floral dress, but still pack a pretty punch for spring time weddings and parties.

The key to this look is to keep everything else pretty simple.  I love metallic shoes with floral as they toughen up the look and remove any worry about matching shades.  From Zara to Lanvin there is a plethora of high shine pumps to pick from for this spring time outfit.

Denim and leather biker jackets are perennial style favourites that will always have the ’never dies’ appeal. So this Armani takeon the denim biker is top of my shopping list for spring. Wear with an LBD and killer heels for night time or with graphic floral and pumps for day.

Sometimes the only accessories you feel like wearing are the practical ones you really need, and this look is just crying out for a bit of a masculine edge in the form of a heavy, man’s watch. Wear your oversized timepiece with this pretty dress for ‘models’ day off look’.

Easy spring styling sorted!

Dress- Fullcircle

Pumps-Lanvin

Denim jacket-Armani

Watch - Michael Kors

Palazzo Pants: A fresh and fun spring staple

Calling all pear or hourglass ladies! If you have a petite waist but are not so keen on your hips and bottom then wide leg palazzo pants will work perfectly for you.  

These trousers are bang on trend this spring and will give you a really elegant silhouette while hiding a multitude of sins.

I love these classic navy and white palazzos from PhaseEight. Simple, pretty and a great staple for a spring/summer look.

The wide trousers calls for something more fitted on top to balance out your look and I would opt for something funky and fresh to keep your look young.  If you are proud of your upper arms then this tie front denim shirt from Oasis is the perfect complement to the modern palazzos, or opt for this capped sleeved silk T for a more understated look.  

I would avoid heels with palazzo pants as there is a lot of scope for getting it wrong and tripping over your trouser hem. Instead add a dash of classic colour with these gorgeous Tods loafers. Comfortable and pretty, pumps are the way to pull off this continental look.

Load up this stylish day time look with a bright tote like this one from Anya Hindmarch to keep the look fun and give a nod to this season’s love of colour.

And if Britain can’t deliver the weather for this look, it is a great excuse to book that sunny spring break. 

Palazzo Pants - Phase Eight

Denim Shirt - Oasis

Capped Sleave Top- Fatfetch.com

Red Loafers- Tods

Bright Tote- Anya Hindmarch