Category Archives: Accessories

The catwalks this season were full of mood-boosting hues in every colour of the rainbow, so this season isn’t one for the faint hearted!  It’s not just the catwalks, but our local shops are full of exuberant colours.

And as the weather turns colder, there’s no better time to add a splash of colour to your outer wear.  So here’s my latest top picks of bold coloured coats:

One of the biggest colours this season is bright eye-popping hot pink.  This will work for you if you have pinky tones to your skin.  This 80s inspired jacket from BA&SH hits this trend perfectly

1. Spencer coat, BA&SH £290

Spencer coat, BA&SH £290

Or you can update your neutral coloured winter coat with a bold pop of colour.  This hot pink beanie will work perfectly with a grey, navy or black coat

Deni Ribbed Beanie, hush, £29

Deni Ribbed Beanie, hush, £29

If you have warmth in your colouring – more olive skin tone, warm red in your hair etc, then the cooler pinks may not be for you.  But there are plenty of warm orange and red tones too, like this relaxed tailored coat from Marks & Spencer which will complement you completely

Twill Single Breasted Relaxed Tailored Coat, M&S £65

Twill Single Breasted Relaxed Tailored Coat, M&S £65

In the world of fashion, colours that reflect nature have been trending for a while now – some say it’s been reflecting the desire for comfort and stability during the uncertain times we have been living through.

In this AW21 season, we are seeing nature colours like green continuing to trend – but with wider and more diverse shades of green.

Pantone announced its AW21 colours which included the core colour of ‘Olive Branch’ – a tasteful green symbolic of growth, alongside ‘Green Bee’ – a grassy green that perpetuates nature.

So whether you are already a green fan, or the shade makes you think of your old school uniform – this season is the season to GO GREEN.

So here’s my tips on how to look great in green this season.

Greens this season aren’t just the deeper, darker shades that you can often associate with autumn/ winter fashion – this season the shades also include lighter (and brighter, but more on that later) shades. One of my personal favourites is this mint coloured biker jacket from the French fashion brand Captain Tortue. Not only is the colour perfect, it’s also a great layering piece which will take you right through to Spring. Dress down with jeans, or wear with a floaty dress to elongate your summer wardrobe.

 

How to wear green

Jacket, Captain Tortue, £106

Another great layering piece for those of you who prefer a lighter green is this super snuggly cardigan from White Stuff. The leaves pattern is perfect for Autumn!

How to wear green

Falling Leaves Cardigan, White stuff, £69

If you have dark hair and dark eyes then a deeper shade of green will emphasise those features, and look great on you. I love this animal print midi dress from M&S.  Animal print continues to trend in AW21, and this dress can easily be layered up (underneath as well as over the top) and worn all through the season.

Style advice

Animal print midi dress, Marks and Spencer, £45

It has been said that if there is one fabric that characterises the modern wardrobe, and the ever increasing fluidity of our lifestyle its denim – and I couldn’t agree more.

It is a timeless fabric that has been reinvented over the years – and this season is much more diverse, with new shapes and textures.

So for those of you who love denim, you really will be in heaven this season!

In addition to this, Pantone have announced that their colour for 2020 is Classic Blue.  So if there ever was a time to get out that blue denim – it is now!

 

Pantone Colour of the Year: Classic Blue

Here’s a quick round up of some great denim options:

Jumpsuits are still very much on trend, as they have been for a few seasons now.  The cut of this jumpsuit from White Stuff is slightly more relaxed, and is lovely and soft.  A great casual option.

White Stuff £65

White Stuff £65

Whilst this one from Oasis is great for layering when the weather is still a little on the chilly side.

Denim jumpsuit

Oasis £56

What does the new year hold for you?  We often take the turning of the year to reflect on the year past, and what we would like the future year to look like.

I see many clients in the New Year who want ‘New Year, New You’ – and in my world that means an image refresh. Rightly or wrongly we are judged on our appearance – someone who looks very well presented is assumed to be ‘on top of their game’. But our image also sends messages about who we are (or who we want to be perceived as).

In my new Personal Branding consultation, I focus on what our image says about us, and ensuring that image is the one that we want others to have of us. One element that I touch on is the psychology of colour.

Colour can not only make us look amazing, it can also send messages to others about us. Plus, the Colour we wear also has an impact on how we feel too!

So if you are thinking about your image going into the New Year – whether that to give you inner confidence or to wow your new boss at your interview – then maybe you might like to think about how you can use colour to your advantage to tell the world what you are all about:

Here’s a quick run through the primary colours.

Red – Is a real power colour!  It’s exciting, energetic and ambitious.  But beware, the power of this colour can be seen as aggressive to some.  So use in situations carefully, and ones that you want to be in charge of!

If you just want a hint of this powerful colour, then an accessory like this chain strap handbag from Marks & Spencer is perfect.

Red EDIE CROSS BODY handbag Accessorize

Whilst if you want to command the attention that you deserve, then you will receive it in this structured but feminine silhouetted jacket from Hobbs.

 

Red Hobbs Jacket

Blue – In contrast to red, Blue is calmer.  It conveys messages of trust, peace and order.  It can also be seen as predictable and conservative – great for saying ‘I’m a safe pair of hands’, but not so much if you are more creative and want to shake things up a bit!

Well hello party season!  How we do love you!  This time of year often gives us the opportunity to get a bit dressed up – whether we have a party to go to or not – as it is the season where we can add a touch of glamour and shimmer even if we are on the school run, nipping to the shops, or having a quick coffee catch up with our friends!  This is particularly true this year, with the autumn / winter catwalks showing lots of ways to dress up the everyday outfit, and as ever the catwalk trends have made their way to our local shops.

So what does this party season look like?

Enter the party in style:

Capes are not only bang on trend this season, they easy slip over whatever your outfit.  This cape from Joules (available from your local Next) not only ticks the checks trend, also the faux fur trend this season.

AW trends, Cape trends

Joules Tweed poncho, £100

 

This season the key outerwear accessories are colourful gloves.  These gorgeous and super soft leather gloves from John Lewis come in a wide range of colours – so there is bound to be one that suits you!

AW trends, Accessory trends, Glove style

Red leather gloves (John Lewis) £25

 

The Main Event:

 

The sun is shining, and its time to get to get our sunnies on!

Sunglasses not only protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, but they are also a wonderful way of updating our look, adding interest to our outfit and showing our personal style.

Here’s my tips on choosing the best sunglasses for your face shape, personal colouring, and your unique style.

There are 3 things to consider when looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses: Shape, Colour and your personal Style

Shape

Different shaped sunglasses suit different face shapes – so I would suggest that you choose a frame shape that flatters and suits your personal face shape.

The general rule is if you have an angular face shape – where your cheekbones and jaw are in line (sometimes called square or rectangular shape) – then use glasses to soften the angular lines.  So go for round or oval shapes – like these from Polo Ralph Lauren or these from Prada for a more statement look

Sunglasses, shades, sunnies, sunglasses

Polo Ralph Lauren round, House of Fraser, £127

Sunglasses, shades, sunnies, sunglasses

Prada Oval sunglasses, John Lewis, £127

summer holiday suitcase
How many times has this happened to you? You come back from a wonderful holiday in the sun with a great tan, your phone full of photos and videos, totally chilled – and a suitcase full of clothes only half of which have been worn? Okay so the laundry load may be lighter, but how frustrating is it to realise that there was no need to pack it all in the first place? Think of all the space you could have saved for souvenirs!

In the past I’ve fallen into this trap just as often as the next sun-seeker, and these days I have the double challenge of packing for my young son too. I often find my suitcase filling up with hisbooks, toys, inflatable crocodile and snorkelling gear. Add enough sun screen to sink a battle ship and you can begin to understand why I’ve now been forced to hone my holiday packing skills into a fine art.

It seems that we’re required to travel light these days. Airlines have put increasing restrictions on checked-in baggage weights and the volume of liquids you can carry with you are severely limited, so we can’t sneak things like cosmetics or toiletries into our hand luggage. They don’t make it easy for us girls, do they?

Over the years I’ve learned the hard way how to pack smart so now I’m sharing my top tips with you. My experience as a personal stylist has taught me how a simple holiday capsule wardrobe and just the right accessories can see me from beach to bar and beyond without breaking into a sweat.

Tip #1:Put everything you want to take out on your bed. Then put half of it back. That sounds a bit drastic but it forces you to focus. Be ruthless – you always wear less than you think you will!

A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories.”  Oscar De La Renta

The right colours and lines will flatter you for sure, but a well-chosen accessory or two can truly take your outfit to the next level. But there’s no need to tip your entire jewellery box over your head and hope for the best. Sometimes just adding one accessory is enough to lift your outfit and add that personal touch.

To make sure your jewellery complements – not competes with – your outfit, take a few key things into consideration.