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. 

The most stylish Santa list in town!

Ladies, Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm sure like me, many of you are on top of the buying, wrapping and shipping of all those presents. But in case your other half isn't quite as organised, I have put together a stylish gift list for lush girly treats, designed to be forwarded to your own little elves if needs be, (subtly of course).

 

The perfect imaginative piece of jewellery

 

Davina Combe has just launched her gorgeous new range of jewellery.. The collection is available in 18ct gold and Stirling silver and prices range from £40 to £360. The combination of the hammered gold and colourful gemstones makes these beauties the next modern classic!

 

www.davinacombe.com

 

 

The perfect gift for the stylish writer

 

Never have a pen and paper to hand when you need it? Well rummage in your hand bag for a receipt no more! These perfect little note books from Smythson are top of my stocking list. In a range of fabulous colours, embossed with phrases such as 'I have nothing to wear' and 'Live life to the full' they are the perfect gift for any fashionable stationery addict

 

www.smythson.com

 

The most stylish scent around

 

If you are in search of a new fragrance this festive season and you sense your loved one might not be on track then point them in the direction of Chanel Jersey. A grown up and sophisticated take on lavender, named after the style icon's favourite fabric. Just like jersey, this perfume oozes laid back glamour.

 

www.chanel.com

Boxing day reading for the stylish girl

No one does style better than French women and for a cut-out and keep guide to French fashion I recommend Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange. This gorgeous gift is packed with tips on effortless style with a hint of sassy Parisian spirit.

www.waterstones.com

Here's to a wonderfully stylish Christmas and a fabulously fashionable New Year.  

Luxe Leather

Ultra sexy leather was all over the AW fashion week shows as models slinked down runways for designers including Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs in leather clad looks.   

Now it goes without saying that this look is not for the faint-hearted wearer with latex, PVC and leather playing a starring role in the trend.  So how can you embrace the subtler side of this trend? Details and accessories. Think leather cuffs, belts or items with leather panels rather than top to toe leather. 

If you are feeling brave then this is one look when I don’t think you can go cheap. A pleather, fake leather skirt is never going to look anything but tacky, and that sentiment times 10 if you are thinking leather trousers. 

Boy Meets Girl

I love this trend and think there is nothing as stylish as androgyny, as seen in the Ralph Lauren, Channel and Ferragamo and Celine

I would advise that you aim for a playful take on boy-meets-girl style this season with masculine coats, and elegant trouser suits.

Mix it up with feminine touches to avoid looking too manly, gloss it up with jewellery or gorgeous high heels or work in feminine colours.

This look couldn’t be easier to pull off. Think straight leg trousers, tailored blazers , all with clean straight lines.

For an added touch Invest in a pair of loafers- either heels or flats or ultra on trend brogues- to complete your boyish look.

Miu Miu versus Clarks...

I am not one to scrimp on shoe spending and no one can deny the joy of a designers purchase, but with party shoes as fabulous as these heels from Clarks, you would be crazy not to opt for the high street option.

And at £69.99 they are just a fraction of the price of a similar pair of Miu Miu sparklers, meaning you can justify trying out the glittering trend this party season, and thrown in a shiny new pedicure to match!!

Party wear at Katie and Jo, Fulham

With party season approaching, I visited my favourite local boutique in search of the perfect outfit.