Style on a mid-month shoe string!!!

I've been having a mid season style slump this week, coupled by a mid-month cash stretch, leaving me temporarily uninspired by my bulging closet.

So what's a girl to do. I've got a low key dinner party this evening and I just needed a stylish pick me up. There is nothing like a new little item to make you feel ultra stylish and groomed for an event.

Determined to not break the bank ahead of my ski trip next week it's time to practice some chicenomics.
Bored of winter boots and woollies I went on a mini run around the more affordable end of Westfield shopping centre. The home of the ultimate staple is my first stop. Uniqlo. Always on trend and purse friendly. I picked up some chic, classic skinny jeans in Indigo blue for the barginous price of £9.99.

A fab nautical stripe, slash neck top caught my eye. It fits the bill perfectly for my weekend outfit. It's fresh enough for the hint of spring I'm craving, but the thicker material and long sleeves mean I won't be shivering this evening. Ultra stylish and a snip at £22

This outfit will be perfect in a few months with a pair of pumps or peep toe wedges but for my instant spring update I opted for wedge shoe boots in a neutral beige from M&S. At £35  these are a stylish steal, keeping my retail therapy outfit to less than £60 

I'll be teaming these with my favourite vintage blazer, an over-sized clutch bag and a slick of red lipstick to give me an ultra chic, Comptoir des Cotonniers look at a fraction of the cost and the much needed injection of newness into my weekend wardrobe.

Style on a mid-month shoe string!!! Done!!

Stylish reawakenings

Is it just me or are the first flickers of spring starting to push through the grey winter skies?  I love that as I write this at 4.30 on a February afternoon the last glimmers of winter sun are hitting my key board.

Spring on the horizon means a whole new and exciting wardrobe, or at least a few key pieces to refresh your existing one.

Whether it’s a total overhaul, or just a sprinkle of spring gems it's important to dress for the season we are in.

As frosty mornings give way to crisp sunrises it's a great idea to change your outer layer. No more wool coats, duffles or parkas, this is the season of the trench. A true classic and a staple for any closet. Think Greta Garbo, spring time in Paris and ultra chic clean lines.

A classic, slightly heavier trench is a great investment. Layer up with jersey or cotton t's and you will have a cozy cover up to see you through March breezes and April showers.

The same trench will serve you well as a summer time coat for chilly evenings or unseasonal downpours.

These perennial favorites hit the high street every year, with affordable classics on offer from Marks and Spencer. 

If you are going to spend a little more money on this item, invest in one of the beauties on show at Net-a-Porter. http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Clothing/Coats/Trench_Coats.

As investment pieces go, a trench is one that will earn it's keep in just one season.

If you are anything like me, you will be sick of the sight of winter boots, (the same ones we will be in love with come October, how fickle of us).

Thankfully, the days of spring flats are just a hop, skip and ballet pump jump away. 

The rules here are simple. Think ballet pretty combined with commute-proof practicality.  Unless you are a 'car to bar' type of gal (lucky you), then you will need a shoe which is as robust as it is fabulous.

I love French Sole pumps. They range from the most ‘barely there’ slippers, to flats with a decent and durable sole. And they come in a multitude of amazing colours and styles which should satisfy all tastes. I am a big fan of the Henrietta in red croc.

 

These shoes have magic slipper qualities which perk up any spring outfit with some Parisian/ Nautical glamour. 

If you don't feel ready to bare some toe cleavage just yet then Jigsaw's satin trainers are a good halfway house for early spring.

In a range of on-trend pastels, these sneakers give a spring twist to your wardrobe.  Team them with skinny jeans or cropped trousers for a chic-gamine look which should see you through to warmer days.

Spring is always full of exciting collections as designers and stores cast off their winter coats and come up with some lovely colourful ranges and patterns. I love the latest offerings from Boden. http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/magazine/Outfits-and-ideas/outfits/womens-fresh-spring-outfits.html#magazine

Pencil skirts with cropped jackets and bold spring patterns give you all you need to say hello to the season.

And don’t forget. It will soon be sunglasses time again…Wayfarers, Aviators or Clubmasters…….decisions decisions… to be continued….!

Here's to a super stylish spring!!

The stylish workout guide.

Ladies, it's that time of year again when you our minds turn to revamping and refreshing.
And this doesn't stop at the closet. After a month of partying and enjoying a LOT of Christmas cheer, I realise that my body needs something of a kick-start too.

I have never hated my shape and I have been immensely lucky never to struggle massively with my weight but I realise that now is the time to get myself in tip top condition, not least because there will be lots of new spring/summer trends hitting the shops soon which I want to look fabulous in.

I have long since decided that gyms are some of the least stylish places on earth, and a really soulless way to exercise. Air conditioned warehouses, with too few windows and lots of people sweating and not talking to each other seems other worldly and exhausting to me. It suits some people, I know, but this year I am working on a portfolio fitness regime.

If the thought of a treadmill leaves you cold then why not get out and about and exercise with OTHER people. Fit For A Princess is an excellent fitness service which runs boot camps and classes in the open air. Their Saturday morning ' Fit for a Fiver' classes are held in parks all across London. They are a fun mix of circuits and stretches with lots of good old gossip thrown in to pass the time. If you liked the social aspect of PE lessons at school this is for you.
http://www.fitforaprincess.co.uk/

I am a big fan of yoga, not only does it help with core strength and stability, there is nothing better to bliss you out after a long or stressy day.
The ever stylish fitness chain, Sweaty Betty, runs yoga clubs in most of their stores. Check out the site for one near you. You can work on your downward facing dog while picking out your next active outfit (or bikini). And the best bit is, the yoga class is free, but you need to book your spot nice and early.
http://www.sweatybetty.com/clubs-artlclubs/

Ballet is a fab work out, and it's never too late to give it a shot. The Central School of Ballet runs classes for total beginners or try the Bar Method, a work out fave for celebs. Ballet is great for tone and I love the feeling of grace and relaxation after a class. Get on board with this fitness trend soon, as I am predicting most classes will be booked solid once The Black Swan hits the silver screen this month.
http://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/index.php
http://www.barmethod.com/

For serious exercise junkies you can't been a good old fashioned run. Get some comfy trainers, pop on the iPod and hit the streets with a friend. Remember to play it safe and run in well lit and busy areas. There is NO excuse for dodgy running gear. Check out the Cosmopolitan guide to stylish sportswear http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/fashion-&-style/stylish-sportswear/gallery?cmpid=CAM_CO42. It has everything you need to look lush on you're work out. Because as every stylish girl knows, you just NEVER know who you might run in to!!!

Work it!!!

The start to a stylish year.

New Year, New You…

I think I love and loathe that phrase in equal measure.

Like most people returning to the daily routine today after nearly a month of partying and indulging, I find myself slightly hankering after the heady days of December when all you have to think about is what present to buy your stylish cousins and exactly which 'office-to-party' LBD you are going to wear today. I had a particularly fabulous festive period this year which made coming back to reality today a little tough.

However, part of me loves January and all the lovely possibilities and hopes it brings for the new year. So it's time to pack up the tinsel and baubles and breath some new life in to your style.

For me, January is about a change from the festive frills of the party season and make a fresh start in clean lines and chic minimalism. As anyone who knows me will testify, I am a big fan of a crisp, white shirt and the effect it can have on your appearance, and today on my state of mind. It is my wardrobes answer to a clean slate, a fresh start and a blank canvas. No capsule closet should be without a white shirt. Play around with the fit, classic double cuff will give you an air of sophisticated style while a grandfather collar or a ruffle front can turn a plain blouse into a feature piece.

Christmas is over but we are still in the depths of winter so don't go switching wardrobes just yet, but you can use pieces to add some spring time hopefulness to your look. Swap festive reds and golds for cooler blues and peaches to take your cosiest clothes from Christmas to spring,

Ignoring the de-tox and still got some party left in you? Remember that sequins should now be packed away with the rest of your Christmas sparkle. Instead opt for sleek and sophist looks, I am loving cigarette pants teamed with tuxedo jackets for evening. Team with a flattering silk top and you will look party ready for the year ahead.

And don’t worry girls, heels work all year round. Invest in some classic, 'wear with everything' suede courts in black or nude. These will be perfect with dresses as well as giving an instant evening look to skinny jeans.

I love rediscovering old favourites at this time of year rather than splashing out on new items. So why not rope in a friend or give Style Eyes a call for some help with falling in love with your wardrobe all over again. A great way to beat the VAT increase!

Happy new YOU! x

Putting the S in Style

Seasons

Nothing screams fashion confusion like wearing clothes out of season. Classic offenders: Boots in summer or Spring trenches in the dead of winter. We know temperature can be an issue but layering is the key to keeping it chic.

Sizing

Ladies, know your size! Even the most stylish dress can look tacky and ill considered if worn two sizes too small. Embrace the shape you are and starting wearing clothes that show it off as it is.

Shoes

Get dressed, look in the mirror…. Now look down! Tired or mismatched shoes can, and so often do, ruin a great outfit. Block heals, scuffed toes or shoes that are out of step with your look need to go!! A Simple pump or a classic heal go with most outfits and fit perfectly in to the essential capsule wardrobe

Simple

If in doubt, keep it classic. Style is often nothing to do with fashion, and just because it is trendy doesn’t mean it's going to look great. Learn what suits you, and invest in some classic items which you will love and get complimented on again and again and… again!

Office wear that works

It's the end of the working year, and if you are anything like me you maybe getting a little dazed and confused by the daily effort to wrap up warm in outfits that are suitable for the office environment.

Jeans and Ugg Boots are the cosy answer for Saturday fun, but what about when you have to put your professional head on. Here's a quick guide to how to get it right every time.

A lush wool trouser suit is your best friend in the office. Opt for grey or navy as a staple and team with interesting separates to create a work ready capsule wardrobe.

Add to this a few cashmere fine knits, a classic white shirt, a knitted dress and some fabulous accessories and you have all the office options you need.

I am not a fan of trousers with heals. They might seem an innocuous combo but when you take into account the minefield that is heal height v trouser length, you can easily end up tripping over frayed helms, or looking like you put your pants in a hot wash, i.e. they shrunk.

The answer, if you are going for a trouser suit, think flats. Comfortable and effortlessly chic, a classic pair of pumps will take your work suit from tacky to ultra classy in an instant. Flats with trousers look elegant and in my opinion, more professional as you are not tottering around on heals while your trousers flap at your ankles.
Great if you are blessed with long legs I hear you say, but not so great for the petites. I don't really buy in to the theory that short women must wear heals, unfortunately I think that if you are under 5'3 and wear 6 inch heels, you don’t look any taller, you just look like a little person with a funny walk. Embrace your petite stature and wear cute little outfits that taller women can't pull off. ( Leggy ladies struggle with minis and jumper dresses in the office)

Of course there is a place for heals. Pencil skirts with a mid height court is a great work wear look. My only tip here would be to invest in a good quality skirt. Cheap, shiny material or a skirt that rides up can really spoil an outfit.

So what about in this arctic weather, only the utterly brace or totally foolhardy would venture out on the morning commute wearing heels in these icy condition, but few work places see wellingtons as acceptable office wear.

I say invest in a great pair of leather boots, tan or black leather will see you through most outfits. Team with knee length skirts, dresses or cigarette pants tucked in for a chic and cosy day time look. I love Duo for boot.

 http://www.duoboots.com/pages/fdfr201012?cm_mmc=PPC+-+Google+-+UK-_-Brand+-+Boots-_-Brand+-+Boots-_-duo&ppcseid=4792&ppcsekeyword=duo&mmtctg=1322606507&mmtcmp=43030967&mmtmt=2&mmtgglcnt=0&mmtadid=6171435317&gclid=CIz5zrSX-6UCFYUe4QodYUQHoA

They make them in a range of styles and calf sizes so you are always guaranteed a perfect fit.
Remember to give all leather shoes and boots a generous coating of protector spray before venturing out in this weather, snow and grit WILL stain your precious shoes. (no, wearing trainers on tube is not an option, for the truly stylish women)

Armed with a refreshed capsule wardrobe you can hit the ground running in 2011, ready for action, whatever the day job throws at you.

Now off to work you go!!!

Tis the season to sparkle!

I am loving sequins this festive season. I'm not usually a massive fan of sparkle, (glittery eye shadow and nail polish are something of a pet hate), but this season the high street is offering some amazing sequined pieces. These are perfect for Christmas and New Year parties. Just remember to keep everything else super simple. Hair, make up and jewellery all need to be toned down.

If you have an amazing figure for then try out this killer number from French Connection,


While this skirt from Hobbs will get the same effect without baring quite as much flesh.

Personally I will be going somewhere in the middle and donning this much coveted sequined skirt from Coast for my New Years Eve celebrations.


Happy glittering!!!http://www.asos.com/Coast/Coast-Lana-Sequin-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1420586&utm_source=google_product_search&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=google_product_searchhttp://www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1128http://www.frenchconnection.com/product/Woman+Collections+Dresses+Embellished/71AR4/Samantha+Sequins+Dress.htm