Fabulous Faux Fur

It’s getting cold out there, and what better way to wrap up against the recent chill than with some ultra-glam faux fur.

Not so long ago fake fur was a total fashion no-go, and synthetic fluff was a sure fire way to look tacky.

But this season the only way to go is faux, with a stack of great fur pieces hitting the high street. You just need to team faux fur with the right outfit to pull of this glamazon look.

Faux fur is the perfect cover-up for evening wear because there is no real need to match colours or even hem lengths which can be such a pain when trying to find a coat to wear with a dress. This luxe brown faux jacketfrom Next will look perfect over your party season cocktail dress, your pencil skirt for the office or as the perfect way to keep cosy at a winter wedding. Keep the rest of the look simple to allow this statement piece to shine.

Feel like channelling some 70’s chic? Then this gilet from Biba is for you. Wear with black jeans, a silk blouse and some killer heels for a fabulous day-to-night look. And for this chillier days when your arms might need a little more coverage- team this sleeveless beauty with your favourite leather jacket. 

My favourite faux fur find so far has got to be this gorgeous cropped jacket from Marks and Spencer. The monochrome shades mean it will go with virtually anything and is extremely easy to wear. It’s on my shopping list as a fabulous way to bring my jeans and t-shirt style uniform right up to date but could as easily be thrown over a knitted mini dress with some knee high boots and opaque tights.

Faux fur is so fabulous..bring on the chill!!

Stylish booty rolls into Westfield

Fancy having the top picks of autumn/winter trends hand selected for you to browse in a super stylish setting? Then head to Westfield London's Car Bootique this weekend.

A selection of the mall's top names are showing off their best bits car-boot style.

Of course these are not just any cars. Check out Firetrap's floral Mercedes.Packed with high-end booty, the sale is the best way to pick up seasonal hotties in a flash.

I am loving this take on faux fur from Biba at House of Fraser. Team this on trend 70's gilet with skinny jeans and biker boots for a rocking autumn look, or a LBD and luxe accessories for a vintage take on evening glamour.

Snake is the new leopard this season and these boots from LK Bennet are the perfect way to introduce the trend to your wardrobe. Wear them with skirt shape of the season, the pencil, for an ultra sophisticated look.

 

The latest Twenty8Twelve collection from Sienna Miller's brand boasts her usual laid back urban chic, and bootique could be your last chance to snap up some Georgina Goodman shoes.

French Connection are always a favourite for high street takes on catwalk looks. This season it's all about the detail. The peter-pan collar on this pretty heritage blouse is gorgeous and a fab way to nail hot two trends. Pretty as a picture and super flattering, this will definitely be a feature of my autumn wardrobe. 

Already got an eye on the party season? Then you could be in with a chance of winning this sequined number from French Connection. The dress to sparkle in this festive season, and a perfect way to showcase the autumn/winter sequin trend. Win or Buy, either way I'm dreaming about it!

And if you're looking for me….. I'll be in the ultra glam on-site fitting room, trying to decide on my favourites…or maybe I will just buy the lot!!

School run chic

So the holidays are over and its time for the kids to go back to school. They are super smart in their new uniforms, but how are you feeling? A lot of mums I work with view the school run with an element of dread because it can become a little competitive, as each of the mums tries to show case their school gate style at 8am.So how can you get the kids ready for the day as well as putting your best foot forward before the drop off?

I would advise that simplicity is the key here. Unless your job dictates a high powered corporate look. Anything too stuffy on the early morning run and you're going to look a little try hard. Instead opt for some comfortable casual separates which will make you look effortlessly glamorous while being comfortable, allowing you to pack the lunch boxes, shine the shoes and check the homework.

I'm loving COS at the moment for super simple items. There look is utility chic which works really well with pared down make-up for an ultra fresh look. They also have a great range of simple self colored pieces which will suit any pallet.

A quick run through here will give you the Gwyneth-esque school run simplicity at a fraction of the cost and their high tech fabrics are practically wipe clean. That's one thing less for the to-do list.

As the weather cools down why not cheat a little by investing in a fabulous coat. 40's glamour is a big deal this winter, so opt for a classic lady like shape which gives you curves in all the right places. I love this little beauty from Mango. And so what if you are still wearing you pyjama top underneath.

If you are all go, and drop the kids off on the way to work, meaning you need to be dressed for the day too, then dresses are your new best friend. Simple, all-in-one wonders, you don’t need to waste time in the morning matching shades and shapes of separates. To add a little of your own style, and stand out from the crowd at the gates, ditch plain black and grey numbers in favor of some pattern.

Check out Joules for some amazing florals and prints which are bang on this autumn's heritage trend.

School run style lessons complete you are going to pass the yummy mummy test with flying colours!! 

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