Autumn beauty treats to warm up your look.

Looking good is not only about sporting the latest trend. Even the simplest of outfits can be stunning if you get the grooming right. Here are a few essential products I have discovered and love this autumn. These fabulous beauty finds will lend your look some serious polish. 

Salon chic at home....

No look is complete without a perfect Mani and Pedi to match, so the increase in gel nails has been a life saver for the style conscious girl. However, all those trips to the salon can take their toll on your bank balance. Swap every second manicure for a home treatment and coat your nails in Revlon's new Colourstay formula - inspired by the gel formula it has more staying power than regular polish.  I will be wearing Fall Mood this season, the warm beige shade provides the perfect contrast to rich Autumn hues. 

Fake a fresh blush....

As the sun fades, so do our tans meaning that pale has never been so interesting. Give you complexion a youthful lift with a shot of blusher. I love Bobbi Brown Rough Pots in Pale Pink. The bright fuchsia colour looks natural and fresh on your skin, while the soft creme formula feels great and lasts all day. 

Seasonal scents that are good enough to eat....

If summer smells of coconut oil and sun cream, then surely Autumn is fragranced with open log fires and blackberry pie. Jo Malone's new Blackberry and Bay fragrance sums this sense of Autumn up perfectly. This scent will make you glad the nights are drawing in, and ready for cosy Autumn gatherings. I love it!!!

Time to stock up on toffee apples, and look out your sweaters, Autumn fun is nearly here!!

Alice Temperley adds glamour to a shopping classic

As a long time fan of Kings' Road shopping, I have always seen Peter Jones as the mecca of all things sensible- good home wear, a no nonsense beauty hall and the go-to spot for wedding gifts. 

But now there is an altogether more stylish reason to head to Peter Jones. Alice Temperley's Somerset collection, designed exclusively for John Lewis. 

This is the perfect capsule collection for autumn, boasting everything from luxe maxi dresses to perky animal print pumps. Think old school glamour mixed with town and country chic. Perfect for weekend away packing!!!

My faves from the collection are these gorgeous over the knee boots.... perfect for work or play, they are a great investment for winter. 

And looking ahead to the party season....super early I know.... I just love this pleated monochrome dress. 

The beauty of this collection is that it is totally wearable and has something to suit most shapes, and lifestyles. 

Throw out everything you own and buy the whole range, or pick a statement piece and work round it... but what ever you do try it!

Our new mantra girls.....John Lewis is not just for tights and haberdashery!!!

Fashion to go: Autumn statement pieces

Looking for an Autumn update for your wardrobe? Choose from one of these statement pieces to transform your look.

Revamp your cashmere

Johnstons of Elgin has collaborated with cutting edge, contemporary Scottish design house, Jaggy Nettle to create a limited edition sub collection of hand printed Scottish cashmere. Lending a rocky edge to classic pieces, these sweaters are sure to be a wardrobe favourite. Wear them with faded skinnys for day or with a leather mini and killer heals for a cosy and chic evening look.

The affordable IT bag

I love this little red clutch from Radley. Perfectly portable in a sumptuous autumn shade, it's no surprise the likes of Jenni Falconer and Paloma Faith have been spotted toting the must have 'Belsize' clutch. And at a mere £69 you can join them.

Let your hands do the talking

The latest collection from Daisy Knights is inspired by the Kenyan wildlife and the gorgeous Namora ring is a perfect statement piece for the wild at heart. Fabulous enough to wear alone, or team it with stacking rings from the same collection for ultra glam hands. We love!!

Slippers to be seen in

If you only make one shoe purchase this season it has to be the slipper pump. These comfy 'Heffner' inspired flats are the shoes to be seen in this A/W and if you really want to make a statement do it in animal print a la Clarks!!! Yes, slippers from Clarks will earn you style points this season... who would have thought!!

Autumn lust list complete.... but how is a girl to choose!!??

 

Catalogue Couture: The pages to turn to for a stylish autumn update

We are half way through August and autumn is fast approaching, which means the new season catalogues from my favourite stores are starting to appear on my coffee table.

I love nothing more than discovering a new glossy catalogue in my mail box, it is a fashion manual of ready-made outfits, a 'cut out and keep' shopping list to stock my new season wardrobe. With call centres and websites providing round the clock shop-a-bility, I thought I would narrow it down to just a few key pieces of catalogue couture which are worth splashing out on before the seasons change.

For a perfect transitional piece pick this shawl coat from Boden. It's fasten free, edge-to-edge style makes it the perfect cover up for autumn. Add a wide belt to cinch it in at the waist and you have the perfect winter work coat. I love all the shades but I will be placing an order for the steel grey.

Baukjen is my new on-line/catalogue fave. You may know her styles better as the doyenne of maternity wear, Isabella Oliver. Baukjen is the designer's name and the re-launch of her women's wear label. The pieces have a designer look and feel with a high end highstreet price tag. For hard working dresses this has to be your first stop, and I love love love this knitted number. Short enough for late summer with heels and thick enough for autumn with tights and boots. This merino mix shift dress is a sound investment.

So, I know there is a Sweaty Betty shop at the end of my road, they are prolific in West London, but for some reason I always get more of a kick out of their catalogue. I will leave you to pour over their sports bras and running shorts alone, but I have to highlight their new yoga one piece. This gorgeous piece of work-out wear is fabulously versatile. Yes it will make you the most stylish gal at Bikram, but wear with some converse and a denim shirt and you have got a seriously style savvy dressed down look.

Wish list at the ready girls, it is time to open your fashion textbook!!!

Short Styling: How to wear summer's most flexible item

Maybe it's the sunshine, maybe it's the sporty atmosphere at the moment, or maybe it is because I am really only 10 years old at heart but I just love nothing more than summer days spent in shorts. 

Shorts are as cool as a skirt but much more flexible and just as chic!. Whether building a sand-castle, riding your bike, or chairing a board meeting. Shorts are summer fashion set free....

So here are my top three ways to wear shorts in any eventuality.

Find a classic pair of shorts which can be dressed up or down. I love these paisley print chino shorts from J Crew. Sassy and summery, they are so on trend.

For a chilled, daytime look, team these with throw-on flats, a simple vest and a denim shirt for cover up.

Want to put these shorts to work? A gorgeous navy blazer will smarten them up for the office. Wear with an ultra crisp white blouse and some tan flats for a grown up take on this shorty look.

And for a glam evening get-up wear these shorts with some stunning courts and add some sparkle on top.

Short, sweet and super stylish!!

Simple Fash-a-matics: Style equations that really add up

When I help women with styling the most common problem they have with combining items to create an outfit is not with the colour or fabric of the clothes, but with the overall shape of the look.

This can be the trickiest thing to get right and the hardest part of styling to explain. However, if you have ever stood in front of the mirror puzzling as to why your trouser and top combo just does not work, the chances are your fashion sums are just not adding up.

Here are a few simple fashion equations which are guaranteed to equal a fabulous silhouette

Ultra wide leg jeans + fitted detailed blouse + killer day heels = a sassy take on 70's flare

This combo will give you a fabulous retro shape with a modern twist. Opt for wide leg jeans with a high waist and a pussy bow blouse tucked in. Add some killer day heels which are heavy enough to take the wide leg of the trousers; a fine stiletto would be swamped!

Super sleek pencil skirt + scoop neck t-shirt + pretty pumps = Parisian chic to go!

This is the perfect equation for a seriously pretty, yet practical look. Keep the skirt fitted and simple and embellish the look with a statement T for a gorgeous office to bar look. Ditch your usual heels in favour of some gorgeous pointed or round toed flats. The result -a modern, 'girl on the go' take on this feminine shape.

Pyjama pants + relaxed fit vest + gladiator flats = High octane 'play clothes'

This combo is all about comfort but get the balance right and it can look ultra luxe. Opt for flowing PJ style trousers with a fabulous print and team them with an equally  voluminous vest to balance the outfit. Wear with metallic gladiator sandals and a perfect pedi to complete the look.

Cropped trousers + peplum top + killer stilettos = an androgynous cocktail look

I love this combo for its boy-meets-girl appeal. The clean line of the cropped trousers provides the perfect balance to the girly peplum. Wear with perfect, classic heels, (red soles optional) for an evening look that will carry you through until autumn.

Simple fash-a-matics does not need to be taxing. Learn what shapes suit you and how to balance out your body with volume and tailoring. The result will be an overall more groomed look!

The golden rules of fashion friendship

There is more to life than fashion... it is called friendship. A thought which crossed my mind on a number of occasions recently. As a stylist and as a woman my image is very important to me. I rarely go out without thinking about my look and I am the first one to start planning an outfit when invited to an event. Yet no designer handbag or silk blouse could replace the love of my most treasured girlfriends. The fashion pack is often portrayed as bitchy and competitive, which just does not fit with my ethos of making the most of yourself. So I thought I would share with you all my four rules of fashion friendship.

 

1.

If you turn up at a party/wedding/work wearing the same thing as your friend there is only one thing to do. Laugh!! So what, you both have great taste and clearly are made to be mates! What a massive compliment! Giggle-then swap notes on accessorising your favourite piece!

 

2.

When giving advice on your best friend’s outfit, really think about where you are and when. If you are involved in the shopping or dressing process then be honest and candid, she will thank you for it and has time to put it right! However, if your bud appears at the bar, 10 minutes before a hot date looking less than catwalk ready, smile and compliment and make a mental note to hit the shops with her soon. There is nothing to be gained by denting her confidence at this stage by pointing out the flaws. (Unless of course you are the same size and willing to do a quick switch.)

 

3.

Best mates match. Know a gal for long enough and your wardrobes will start to look a little twinny, especially if you regularly shop together. On a recent shopping trip to the states with my best friend I wasn't at all surprised that we turned up at the airport in matching jackets and happily spent our dollars on identical shoes and bags. Don't get all huffy on this one. Simply tell your mate if you are buying something for a special event, and then see rule 1 for matching moments.  The only thing better than enjoying a new shoe purchase is having someone else to share the joy/guilt!

 

4.

And finally...the golden rules of clothes swapping. If you are borrowing, always ask and if you mate lends you her fave LBD...return it in one piece with a bottle of bubbles! But should the worst happen and the borrowed beauty goes astray, suffers a spill or is eaten by the dog, remind your friend it is a great excuse for a fun shopping trip. Trust me ladies there are worse things in life. Zara sells dresses, it doesn't sell best friends.

 

Thinking of your best fashion friend? Time to swap outfit notes.