What would the French do?

Anyone who knows me knows that for me style is nothing to do with fashion. The idea of being stylish and chic is something which ignites almost religious fervour in me and I often find myself dropping little hints and tips to women I meet in an attempt to spread my 'style over trend' message.

I recently found what I consider to be my spiritual and stylish home in the South of France.. And ladies I hate to say it, while we know how to nail a hot trend…. The French women have us beaten hands down when it comes to timeless and effortless style.

I always garner style ideas from my travels. It was in NYC in 2003 when I first decided that tucking my jeans INSIDE my boots was a great idea, I fell in love with Vera Bradley in the south in 2008 and reignited my love of all things fur (faux of course) in the ultra glamorous streets and cafes of Moscow earlier this year. But my recent trip to Provence has really inspired me to follow the French lead when it comes to day to day style choices.
French women, in the main, seem to have a stylish way of dressing for almost every eventuality. From city living to popping to the market, they have it down to a tee! Graceful, elegant and feminine. These girls know how to work their feminine charms without looking in anyway trashy or weak. And this chic signature is not only the preserve of the young and thin. Women of all shapes and ages know how to make the most of themselves en François..

My discovery is of course nothing new- Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and French beauties have been hailed as style icons for many years.

So what's the key to their stylish success. What gives the Audrey Tautous and Juliette Binoches of the world the upper hand?

If you ask me it is keeping it simple and sticking to what they know best. The French might be Avant-garde, but they are never followers of faddy trends and that is what makes them look so well put together.

I studied lots of French women's outfits and shops when I was there and it is true to say that few of the pieces are utterly remarkable when taken in isolation. The capsule wardrobe consists of straight leg trousers, in black, navy or beige, a-line skirts hitting just above the knee, fine knits and classic crisp shirts and, of course, the little black dress.

All items teamed with well thought out accessories and beautiful shoes. Add in seasonal pieces for colour and accent and you have the prefect recipe for timeless French elegance. Sounds simple doesn’t it? But it does work.

So do we UK ladies have a hope of pulling off this look? Yes, and its not even that hard to do. Less is most definitely more. Practice pairing down your look to a few key essentials. This looks isn't all about minimalism, its about making sure you wear a few perfect pieces. Think clean lines, luxe fabrics and ultimate glamour.

Think of the finishing touches of your outfit as the focus - show of statement shoes by keeping everything else super simple, add some colour to a simple trench with a scarf, and opt for pretty-as-a-picture pumps instead of block heeled courts!

In the words of Coco Chanel "Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance."

My stylist's selection here is a good place to start or check out Comptoir des Cotonniers for more accessible inspiration on this look.  http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/

Time to channel your inner Mademoiselle!


What would the French do? by StyleEyes featuring

Loose dress
1.195 DKK - stylepaste.com

Oska knit top
85 GBP - julesb.co.uk

Viyella straight leg pants
80 GBP - johnlewis.com

French sole shoes
$96 - bluefly.com

Zara leather shoes
$100 - zara.com

Hermes calfskin handbag
$4,300 - usa.hermes.com

Givenchy duffel bag
$2,410 - cultstatus.com.au

Vintage chanel jewelry
$850 - amrag.com

Tsumori Chisato polka dot scarve
$245 - openingceremony.us

Dressed down chic: How to nail the off-duty supermodel look.

Women often ask me about when it's ok to take a day off from being the super stylish creatures we all aspire to be. My answer is always the same. You can take a day off any time you like, but never give up on yourself and your own sense of style.

Even as a stylist, I struggle to wear heels on a daily basis, and would be lost without the option of dressed up jeans, but how do you pull off dressed down chic without looking scruffy? Here are my top tips on how to nail the off-duty supermodel look.

Invest in good basics

On lazy days or when you just don't have time to outfit plan, sharp tailored pieces or super crisp separates can seem like too much hassle. Instead, make sure you have an arsenal of easy to wear items in the cupboard. Leggings might seem like the ideal option here but, comfortable as they are, they are not going to win any awards for style and unless you have a model body they are never going to be the most flattering item. Coupled with recent research which shows leggings make your muscles lazy and can lead to weight gain and you'll see there are plenty of reasons to find a better alternative for slouching. Enter the Maxi. These versatile faves are everywhere this season and really are the lazy girl's friend. This maxi skirt in heather grey jersey is ultra wearable and is a great staple for any 'day off wardrobe'. Not only are maxis bang on trend but they hide a multitude of sins. If you're not quite beach ready yet, or still prepping for your next waxing appointment, no one need ever know what lies beneath.

Keep brights bright and whites white

Introducing some colour into your day off look is a great way to look fresh and vibrant without a lot of makeup or accessories. But remember, taking a day off from glamour is acceptable, but personal grooming never slacks so keep your 'play clothes' in mint condition to keep that effortless look. This striped vest is perfect, giving a nod to the perennial Breton look, while introducing this summer's brights trend. I like to think this is dressing down French-style.

You can look fab in flats

Ditch the heels for a day and you'll be surprised how much easier it is to do things. From board meetings to the school run, things hurt less in flats. But beware, shoes are the number one thing which can ruin another wise great outfit, so give your feet a rest without taking a style sabbatical.  If you want to keep a bit of glamour on your tootsies then say no to flip flops and opt instead for a classic leather sandal. Thongs can hurt, while slides can be tricky to keep on so go for something with an ankle strap or sling back. I love these McQueen numbers, stylish and classic with on-trend embellishment. These will do you proud peeping out from under your maxi!!!

Travel light

Want a day off from carrying your life around in your giant bag? Not quite ready to downsize to a clutch? Then the satchel is for you. These mid sized sacks are big enough to lug play day essentials but the long strap makes them easy to carry. The slouchy look means they go with almost anything. Perfect to pick up and go, fuss free!!

Learn from the best

No one is gorgeous and groomed all the time and not even supermodels have the time or energy for full make up everyday. But if you ask any model what she won't be seen out without, it's her sunglasses. If all else fails keep the shades on for those relaxed days. Not only will they cover panda eyes but they give you an air of mystery and style. Now who couldn't do with a bit more of THAT when popping out for milk.

And…relax!! x

Dressed down chic by StyleEyes featuring a denim jacket

Polo Jeans Ralph Lauren racerback tank
$71 - coggles.com

Ruby Rocks denim jacket
42 GBP - fashion-conscience.com

James Perse maxi skirt
215 EUR - stylebop.com

Alexander McQueen high heels
420 EUR - montaignemarket.com

Miu Miu studded satchel
$1,450 - net-a-porter.com

Sunglass
opticsplanet.net

Style by invitation

Summer’s here and my diary and bank balance suggest wedding season is approaching.

I've visited the wedding lists, planned outrageous fun for the hen party and booked the cozy B&B's near the reception, so there is only one thing left to sort out. The Outfit.

Summer weddings and events like Ladies Day, polo matches and garden parties often bring out the style monsters in us. Girls take the opportunity to cast off inhibitions and layers in favor of garish florals, oversized hats and too much fake tan.

Get it right and summer events can be the perfect time to showcase pretty femininity, and effortless glamour. Here are my top tips on dressing for the occasion.

Read the invite

Garden party, classic church wedding or a sophisticated black tie evening event? If all else fails check the dress code with the host. For church affairs team pale, pretty separates with navy or nude peep toes or sling backs, and a neat blazer for an outfit that will please the vicar and the groomsmen. Garden weddings or outdoor events are more relaxed and if the code is black tie then a gorgeous full length gown is a must! 

Dress length.

Anything too short you risk not looking smart enough for the occasion and feeling uncomfortable. There is nothing worse than regretting a hem line and it’s a sure way to ruin a look.  If you don’t mind getting your pins out opt for a just above the knee to keep your look demure and classic. Maxi dresses might sound like a much safer option but you need to make sure you wear the right one or you could look like more dressed for a day at the beach than a posh soiree.

Think about accessories.

Accessories are the key to a great wedding guest look. The shoes, bag and headgear need a lot of attention. Avoid vertiginous heels that sink in to the lawn or prevent you from dancing till dawn. 3-4 inches are ideal and will give you an overall more groomed look. Pick out one colour from your outfit for your hat or fascinators but avoid matching everything, this can make you look old fashioned. Opt for a neat clutch roomy enough for camera, invite and re-touch makeup, rather than a big bag which will overwhelm your look.

Keep it simple.

In summer it’s tempting to go over board with colour. If you keep your look to just three colours you will look much more style savvy and elegant. Pale pink, navy and nude tones look great together, while coral, gold and white make a bold statement.  

Grooming is not just for the bride.

You’ve probably had this date in your diary for a while so no excuse for not getting in tip top condition. Waxing, manicures and hair appointments all need to be timed to give you the ultra groomed look on the day. And ladies, if you do go for a faux glow, remember, less is ALWAYS more.

Perfect guest style nailed….confetti at the ready!

Planning a stylish sleepover in London..? Z is for Zetter.

Stepping through The Zetter Townhouse door of you could be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled upon someone's perfectly preserved period home due to the exquisite décor and 'front room' atmosphere. But a glimpse of the quirky retro accessories and the achingly cool cocktail bar in the corner suggests you are in for an all together more glamour experience.

Tucked away on  St John's Square in ultra hip Farringdon, is London's newest and coolest boutique hotel offering. The Zetter Townhouse, baby sister to the ultra modern Zetter hotel, is about to open its hand painted doors to a very eager public and last night I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview.

To say the interior has been designed within an inch of its life is an understatement. Every detail of the décor has been carefully planned out, from the vintage books scattered throughout and retro newspaper wallpaper to the taxidermied marsupial that will join you at the dinner table. (Yes I do mean a stuffed Kangaroo). Interior designers Russell Sage Studio have put lot of thought in to the look of the Townhouse, and yet it manages to pull off effortless cool.

This is sure to be the next destination bar in east London, and collaboration with Camille Hobby-Limon and Tony Conigliaro's 69 Colebrooke Row ensures the Townhouse has a cocktail menu to satisfy even the most experimental mixologist. The Koln Martini (gin with citrus aromatics) was totally delicious and good luck resisting the elderflower and Perrier Jouet Twinkle.

The cocktails were the prefect compliment to the substantial and interesting canapés which flowed all night, boding well for the hotels menus. Courgette and ricotta frittata followed by grown-up chocolate fudge. Yes please!

The Hotels opening preview party was not only a wonderful knees up in this homely hideaway, but also a chance for the nosy among us to snoop inside its fabulous bedrooms. Individually designed, each room is a themed treat of old style glamour. From Union Jack bunting bedecking a lush four poster to opulent Moroccan inspired mosaic tiling, each bedroom holds a cosy little secret for its occupant. All rooms have a little window to the en suite bathroom, and one even boasts an in-room tub, allowing bath time audiences for the more confident among us. This place would be perfect for a romantic get away or a fabulous girl’s weekend.

As with all great hotels it's the attention to detail which makes for a truly wonderful stay, and the Townhouse owners Michael Benyan & Mark Sainsbury have risen to the challenge. Ren products ensure you will put the ornate bathrooms to good use, while the yummy snack trays make staying in these quirky rooms as appealing as exploring London.

Complete with private dining facilities and a games room in the basement, the Townhouse has all the ingredients for a classic, weekend-in-the-county style break in the heart of the city; just add a pack of friends! I'm already thinking up excuses for reserving the entire place.

A night in one of these unique rooms costs between 185 for the Club rooms to 798 for the Grand Suite. For reservations and more info email info@thezetter.com.

MOT in time for Spring.

The sun is out, layers are coming off and us girls are THINKING about baring some flesh. So, it's time to give those long forgotten bits the attention they have been missing all Winter.

Of course it would be lovely to head to the spa to for a full body make over in time for Spring, but if your cash won't stretch to a full on pampering, here's my top tips on how to get spring ready in the comfort of your own bathroom, indulging in your very own spa evening.

Spring fling skin, the easy way!

Winter weather and central heating can play havoc with your skin, leaving it dried out and flaky. So it's time to give it some lustre!

Invest in a great exfoliater or body brush. It's important to slough off all those dead dried skin cells which can give you a dull appearance. A good body buff with some lush shower crème will give your skin a wake up call. And leave you feeling totally invigorated. The Sanctuary Covent Garden Salt Scrub is my top pick of body polishers, while The Body Shop body brush is great for busting the appearance of cellulite.
The same applies to your face, though choose a much gentler facial scrub and don't over do it. Facial massage is a great way to plump up and brighten you complexion.

So now you are all fresh and tingly its time to replenish that lost moisture. Invest in a good body lotion or body butter and slather away. Jergens have a wonderful range of natural based lotions, or go for Neutrogena intensive repair if you have extra dry skin.

My tip is to do this at night after a long soak in the bath. Apply a generous layer of body lotion, put on some loose PJ's and get an early night. This way you don't have wait for all the lotion to dry and you're body will absorb it all over night

Reawakened hair at home!

 With glowing skin, it is vital you have the hair to match. One thing you should NEVER try at home is cutting. Book in at the salon for a reshape, or even just a trim to give your hair a spring lift. There is nothing better than neat new hair to make you feel fresh and ready for the season.

Conditioning is the key to vibrant, young looking hair. Whether coloured or natural, your hair will benefit from regular conditioning treatments. These mini hair miracles come in lots of guises, from purse friendly sachets of crème gloss to luxurious Moroccan oil treatments. I recommend selecting a leave-in conditioner which suits your hair type and coating your hair in it before bed. I love James Brown leave-in conditioner. It's light enough to wear daily, but an overnight treatment is ultra nourishing.

Intense hair masques are also a great idea. Apply them straight after washing and leaving them on for roughly three minuets. Aussie three minute miracle is a winner every time. Top tip, pop the masque on in the shower, then spend the rest of the time buffing and de-fuzzing.

Trouble shooting tootsies!

Your feet may not have seen the light of day since last September, but that’s no excuse not to give them an overhaul before slipping on your sandals.

Start by bathing your feet in lovely warm water. Add some foot salts to the water to loosen up any hard skin. Invest in a good foot file or pumice stone to buff off all those callous patches, but don't be over zealous, the aim is to renew your tootsies, not grate them!

Cut or file your nails to a square shape, just long enough that they cover the skin on your toes, and trim the cuticles.

Now the fun bit. Apply a base coat to avoid staining, and pick a colour! Pink and red are hot hues this spring, or opt for popping brights and neons to be bang on trend.

Two coats of colour and a top coat will give you a rich, glossy finish. Butter London are ultra lush, I'll be sporting their pretty coral, Jaffa, this spring. Rimmel also have a wonderful range of up to date shades, and they won't break the bank if you change your mind.

When the polish is totally dry, apply lashings of foot crème. Lots of the products on the market have ingredients which breakdown rough skin. Apply this at night, pop on some bed socks and wake up to silky soft tootsies in the morning.

Rise and Shine!

If you've followed all my tips, you should be waking up feeling fresh, glossy and ready to don that fabulous spring outfit. Slick on some tinted moisturiser, mascara and lip gloss and you are ready to go with an ultra natural, healthy spring look.

That's put a spring in your step!

Calling all bag ladies!

|A week before Christmas 2009 I was unfortunate enough to have my handbag stolen, from right under my nose, in a well lit restaurant, in a ‘nice’ part of town. How they managed it I will never know.

Bad enough, but the handbag in question was my prized, three week old Mulberry, which on that particular day was an Aladdin’s cave, full of my most loved accessories and trinkets.

At first I was massively relieved that my phone and oyster card, those practical life savers in times of need, were safe in my pocket. I could call help and get home. But then I remembered all the wonderful little things that had been snatched from me.

My bag for a start, I spent a long time saving for it, only to have it taken from me. I was warned to keep it for occasional use, ‘what’s the point in that?’ I said.

My quirky, kitsch, Cath Kidston, umbrella, not that pricey, but it was a gift from my sister, and a reason to smile on a rainy day. Gone.

My hobo wallet, bought on holiday with friends in America. We laughed at how we all had the same item. Now I didn’t.

Butter-soft cashmere gloves, purchased in a bargain basement clear out at a store in the highlands of Scotland. Easy to pick up more gloves, but would they remind me of chilly winter days at home?

These are all just material things, trappings of girly life. But we gals get rather attached to what we lug around all day in our bags. They are the little building blocks of our style, and our sanity which define who we are.

And I am not alone, a quick survey of my female friends and colleagues shows we all cherish out handbag contents and wouldn’t consider leaving the house without our lip balm, keyrings, favourite books, even our travel card holders have a place in our hearts.

I read reports all the time about how women should carry less junk, downsize their totes for the sake of their backs, not to mention free up more space on the tube. I believe it is important, but I just can’t. I have tried. I’ve suffered the ridicule of tipping out my sack on the living room floor with great intentions of de-cluttering.  Only to find everything goes straight back in, except maybe old some train tickets and a magazine article I have ripped out weeks before.

In our hot-desking, transient world I love knowing that I can take a few home comforts with me. Many times I have been super grateful for my gorgeous Chanel compact mirror, or my emergency stock of plasters (and chocolate).

Girls, if you have mastered the art of travelling light, I salute you. But for the rest of the bag ladies out there, good on us I say. Pack well, enjoy the rummage and congratulate yourself on never being without a hair band.

As for my long lost Mulberry. It was returned a month later by a thoughtful stranger who found it dumped on a building site. I will never forget his kindness. The contents of the bag were largely intact, if a little wet and mouldy. Thank goodness the naughty people who stole it didn’t love my high class cargo as much as I do.

Knowing the rules: The Stylish Girl's guide to friendship!

Women are bombarded by dictums on how to live a fabulous life.

There are rules for how to get a date -the ancient laws of attraction. Once you have the all important date there is a new set of rules. Never pay on a first meeting or take the boy home.

There are fashion rules. As a stylist, I’m a great proponent of fashion laws. If your legs are out, keep the cleavage under wraps, Smokey eyes or strong lips. Rarely both at once.

Add the rules on how to throw a dinner party while rewiring a plug and you see there is a code of conduct for almost every situation.

I think most women take some comfort in these rules, only to break them with great abandon when it suits.

But what about the basic rules of womankind? Many women simply don't know the rules of how to interact with other females.

I think of my friends and I as something akin to a giant Girl Scout troop. A band of women, who, despite our very obvious differences, share a common femininity.

The first rule we should learn as women is that we are all in it together. Life has a way of knocking you sideways unexpectedly - knowing the good-girl code cushions the blow.

As we grow up, our relationship with other women gets skewed. 

We like to think we know how to be a good friend. But this isn’t always the case. All too often women find themselves biting their lip in envy at a mate’s success. Be it in love, work or hair style. There is a breed of women who can't congratulate others on a darn good job.

We all have so-called friends we wouldn’t trust with our secrets, our boyfriend, or our grandma’s pancake recipe (because you know they will pass it off as their own).

Then there are the professional rule breakers - colleagues who feel the need to step on your point to get ahead. This doesn't work in the end and is a slap in the face for all hard working girls.

The rules exist for all women, even those we don’t know. The vitriol aimed at Kate Middleton is an example of female rule breaking.  Only one woman could marry Wills. Good on her!

So, what are the rules? How do we beat the 'frenemy' girls?

It’s futile to bitch or spread rumours. If someone is bitching to you about everyone else, chances are she is bitching to everyone else about you. Rise above it and you will feel more fabulous than you can imagine.

Don't take joy in other’s misfortune. If you're best friend calls at 3am, hysterical over a text message to The Ex, don't gloat. Remember, we have all been there.

Share. Friends, time and knowledge - in giving you get back. Some of the most popular women I know revel in sharing their friends network. A gracious woman never runs out of people to call.

Taken means taken, simple. Don't break the most fundamental girl code of all. If you take a guy from someone else, then someone else could take him from you!

Compliment at will. I’ve never been in a social situation where a well placed compliment wouldn’t ease things along. We are all a bit scared, validation of our shoes or perfume choices go a long way. Do it and watch the compliments you get back.

And finally, when you do see someone succeed, be gracious and bask in reflected glory. Even when it's hard, and I know it is. Your big moment might be just around the corner and when it comes, raining on your friend or colleague's parade might come back to bite you.

The golden rule of the good girl code is simple.  The pie is big enough for everyone to get a piece, take a bite and enjoy.