The StyleEyes guide to adding accent pieces to your wardrobe.

 

 

 

 

The StyleEyes guide to adding accent pieces to your wardrobe.

 

 

Building on my style uniform blog from last week, it’s time to look at accent items. The talking point of any outfit.

I often see clients who own some really stand out items but don't feel they have the know-how or confidence to wear them.

Instead we often stick to safe outfits, in which nothing really stands out. OK, we might not be wearing the most interesting clothes, but at least we know we aren't making a major boo-boo right??? Wrong….!

Finding some amazing accent items and wearing them in the correct way can take a look from so-so to so wow, and it's very easy to get right.

So, think of that style uniform which you have tried and test. Now imaging substituting one of the items for something truly fabulous and daring.

Not only will this kick your look up a style notch or two, it will start getting you noticed for all the right reasons.

Here are a few easy wardrobe substitutes to get you started...

Shoes

Switch your black courts or pumps for a colour, print or texture. Animal print heels will take any office or evening look to a new level, while red patent pumps look super cute whatever the weather. These LK Bennett beauties are on my autumn wish list.
http://www.lkbennett.com/shoes/courts/Shilo_shoe_naturalsnake

Blazer

Tied to your suit for work? No problem, just invest in a contrasting blazer. Black trousers are a great staple, so team them with a white tux jacket, or bright box blazer. I love this look, keeping it corporate but adding in a pinch of your style personality. The look is much more polished and creative overall. This boucle blazer from Zara has a wonderful Chanel vibe. http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-W2011/118141/424540/BLAZER%2BWITH%2BZIPS

Bags

If money is tight stick to tan or grey rather than black, but if you can afford to play around then invest in a metallic leather or snake skin tote. Practical but just a little bit fabulous. This tote from Michael Kors has it all. Wear it with everything from your sharpest suit to your jeans and converse… you won't be disappointed.
http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Michael+Kors+Jet+set+ns+tote+bag/153320141,default,pd.html

Jewellery
We all have our favourite pieces with sentimental value, but try wearing one piece that is a little more fun. Large cuffs are a really great way of refreshing an outfit, while small details on earrings and rings are a wonderful way to make a subtle style statement. I am loving skulls a la Daisy Knights or try this Whistles horse shoe ring for some old school glam.
http://www.daisyknights.com/collections/kim/skull-stud-earrings
http://www.whistles.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/Accessories?resetFilters=true#ID=id_903000056722_accessories-jewellery&category=accessories-jewellery

 

Happy styling ladies...be brave!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential accent items to add colour to your wardrobe. by styleeyes1 featuring Zara

Finding your style uniform

While I encourage all my clients to try out new styles and experiment with things outwith their comfort zone, I also stress the importance of identifying a go-to look which you always feel great in.

My style uniform is skinny jeans teamed with a silk top, a blazer and some mid height heels. I have loved this look for years and have lots of variations on the same theme, and although I  wear lots of other outfits, these items are my fail-safe choice when I need to feel totally confident or when I don't have time to think about building a different look.

Of course your style uniform will vary drastically depending on body shape, lifestyle and personal taste.

One of the most stylish women I know wouldn't be seen dead in a pair of jeans, or trousers for that matter. She braves shorts and skirts whatever the weather. She knows it is what suits her shape and her personality.
The rule of finding a trend-proof signature look is one the style savvy celebrities live by. Be it, Phoebe Philo's reliable androgynous monochrome look, Gwynie'sfail-safe mini dresses, or the K Middy's safe but stylish shift and courts combo - truly elegant women find what works for them, and buy it in 20 different colours! (something which I always encourage my clients to do.)

So this week I challenge you to have a think about what your signature style uniform is. There maybe a particular dress length or neck line which makes you feel great, or maybe there is a colour or pattern which flatters you. 
When you hit upon your style uniform you'll know, because you will suddenly find you want to wear it all the time and far from being dull, I suggest having a favourite look which is recognisably you is the height of elegance and glamour.

Being stylish is largely about being comfortable in your own skin, and there is no better way to do this than to establish a look that is 100% you.

Happy styling.

Trends to watch

I advise all my clients that being stylish doesn't mean being a slave to fashion. However every season there are some trends which I think are worth trying out and can be a fabulous addition to your wardrobe. So here are my top picks of the latest collections which I think are going to be key pieces now, carrying through until autumn.

Flatforms

A cross between a wedge and a flat, these give you the extra inches and elegance of a heel, but the foot-saving comfort of a pump. Featuring on the Spring/Summer catwalks of Prada and Alexander Wang, these easy to wear beauties are ultra trendy and I love Zara's very wearable high street take on the look. Wear with maxis or shorts for the summer and substitute in skinny jeans for a rocking autumn outfit.

 Click the name to view each product!!

Topshop Flatforms £70 

Zara Flatforms £39.99

Midi skirts

This hem line is really feminine and flattering. Channel your inner 50's siren in a pleated or a-line midi - not only are these flattering for the shapely calves you all work so hard to achieve but they are a more sensible length for autumn. But beware, unless you are super fashion forward, a midi and flats can look a little frumpy so wear with killer heels to avoid the school nurse look!!

Click the name to view each product!!

Topshop Midi Skirt  £38.00

Marks and Spencer Midi Skirt £29.99

Reptile prints

Reptile is the new leopard don't you know. Animal prints accessories or shoes are a perennial favourite for spicing up an outfit and now there is a new show in town. Reptile! Scarves, shoes and dresses in a snake skin print are going to be big this Autumn/Winter, so why not get on board early and give it a spin this summer. But remember, like their furry predecessors, top to toe reptile is not a good look. When it comes to animal print of any sort less is always more!!

Click the name to view each product!!

Net-a-Porter Dress £94 

Asos Dress £49.99

White blazers

This summer we have seen A-listers glam up their looks by adding a white blazer or jacket. In either a fitted, cropped or boyfriend cut, these light cover-ups are sure to give a bit of tailored class to any outfit. I wear mine all the time, thrown over everything from skinny jeans to silk dresses. And it’s a look that is appearing in some transitional collections on the high street, suggesting it will be hanging around until early autumn. This tuxedo style from Mango is next on my shopping list!

Click the name to view each product!!

Mango Blazer £79.90

Happy shopping!! Xx

 

Dressed down chic

Dressed down chic by StyleEyes featuring metal shades

Dressing to beat the heat.

With stuffy tube trains, ice cold offices and searing sunshine to consider- summer heat can cause some real style dramas so here are my tips for effortless summer glamour.

As temperatures soar it’s tempting to take the less is more approach and dress in your skimpiest attire. But be warned, this will do as little for your style cred as it will for your Goosebumps when you hit the office air con.

Instead opt for key summer pieces which flatter your figure and work with your existing wardrobe. 

Dress clever

Dresses are perfect for summer. Totally fuss free and self-contained you can throw it on and go. Maxi dresses are big news again this year and a loose style will keep you cool while acting as a good cover-up in chillier environments.

Colour me cool

Black absorbs heat, making you sweat faster. So it’s handy that this season colour is all in. Colour block in neon brights or keep things cool in lights and whites to give your look some summer zing and keep your temperature in check.

Cover your bases

Keep a cover-up handy to avoid shivering in air conditioning. A perfect pashmina in a staple neutral or a relaxed jacket in light-weight material will work with most outfits

What are you made of?

 In hot weather a good fabric choice can mean the difference between sweat marks and looking fresh. Avoid anything synthetic. Natural cottons and linens will keep your clothes from sticking to you or riding up in the heat, and will keep you looking groomed for longer.

Keep your feet sweet

Feet swell in the heat which means pinching courts are a no- no. Indulge your tootsies this summer in gorgeous flat sandals, from sling backs to gladiators there is no excuse for sore tootsies. If you need a bit of height then wedges are the way to go, sassy and super comfortable, the wedge is the only heel to be seen in this side of August bank holidays! The even weight distribution makes them much easier to sustain on hot days.

Summer style sorted, now go and enjoy the sun!

Office wear that works.

7am Monday morning, time for the first task of the day, getting dressed!

It shouldn’t be that hard given that your wardrobe is fit to burst and you spent Saturday melting plastic at the sales. So why do we find work day outfits so hard to put together?

Here is my guide to office wear that works.

Keep it sleek.

Straight leg trousers are a great staple. Cigarette pants are not as casual as skinny jeans but not as frumpy as black bootleg trousers. Slimming and ultra flattering opt for a high-waisted pair to be on trend or a cropped length for a summery twist.

 Top it off

The addition of a jacket will smarten up any outfit and the high street is FULL of great options for summer which will take you regular office trousers or jeans to new levels.  Feeling brave? Go for one in a statement colour which will make your work-day look pop!

Get shorty

Summer is a great time to experiment with tailored shorts. Professional and trendy - shorts are a great look if you don’t mind baring some leg (and your office dress code allows) this suit from quirky French fashion brand, The Kooples is the perfect way to pull of shorts at work and a great day-to-evening outfit.

Think in colour

Wearing colour to work isn’t a crime, even in the most sober office environment, and stepping away from blacks and greys will make you stand out from the crowd.  Try out navy or nude tones for your basics and add splashes of coral, cobalt and brights for your accent items.

Easy dressing

Dresses are the perfect throw on and go item for work days. No need to think about matching items, these all in one pieces are super easy, especially in summer. Dresses in jersey material are versatile and comfortable for all day in the office, opt for hems that sit on the knee to keep a professional but feminine look.

Shoes matter

Block heels are a no-no and tottering on too-high heels never makes for a professional impression. Opt for pretty as a picture flats which compliment your outfit, or if you need a bit of height aim for a 3 inch heel or a built in platform which will lend you a bit of stability. Nude shoes are a bit hit this season and will be a perfect addition to your summer work wardrobe.

Now off to work you go!

Dress Mango £49.90 reduced to £24.95 http://www.mango.com/
Cigarette Pants Reiss £89 http://www.reissonline.com/
Cropped Blazer Zara £69.99 http://www.zara.com/
Short Suit The Kooples
Jacket £ 220.5
Shorts £ 81 http://www.thekooples.co.uk/
Shoes Jones the Boot maker £69.00http://www.jonesbootmaker.com/

Dressing for girls….

It's a fact that women dress for other women. While we might be hoping to catch the eye of Mr Hot Guy in our Saturday night get up, and I know I get a secret kick when my Better Half notices my shoes. But if I am totally honest I know that he doesn’t really understand all of my fashion choices.

After a pretty gruelling Saturday morning, completing in a Triathlon, I had to put together an outfit for an ultra chic hen party at a swanky London restaurant.

Struggling with exhausted legs and severe sun burn (silly me forgot my SPF) it seemed like a mammoth task to dress myself in anything other than slippers and a slanket (we all have our off moments).  An hour later and my wardrobe had yielded some tailored shorts, a silk blouse, a white blazer and some heals. None of it new, or well planned out.

Admiring glances from my lovely boy gave me the boost I needed to get out the door, but in truth it was a passing comment from a girl on the Number 22 which really made my night. Clearly a stylish lady in her own right, and confident enough in herself to be gracious, this fab gal jumped back on the bus momentarily to tell me she loved what I was wearing! I blushed… but this moment of recognition from a fellow style lover gave me a great feeling and really got me thinking.

We should keep dressing for the approval of other women, it's not bitchy or competitive - it's a little bit of mutual appreciation of a world which our boyfriends and husbands rarely understand. (If you've got one who does - keep him!)

And ladies… if you do see someone who's style you admire, tell them! It will make you and them feel fab- trust me!!

Go forth and compliment.