The maxi dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can wear in your wardrobe. FACT!!

So if you are one of those people who say  ‘I have nothing in my wardrobe’ whilst starring at a full or often overflowing one?

You need to dig out your maxi dress girl, because clearly you are not utilising it as much as you should and being versatile means you can layer it up or down. But more importantly you can wear it all year round. So get yours out and have a read to see how you can make the most of it below.

In simple terms, the maxi dress is a floor or ankle length dress, that are form fitting at the top and loose flowing at the bottom. In my video here  I give you tips on how to wear them and why. But I thought I would add some more tips here because one I am nice like that 😁 but two if you haven’t got any or looking to buy new ones, there are things you should consider;

Length

Your maxi dress should never be too short because if it cuts you off at the ankles it may make you look shorter than you are. You also don’t want it to drag on the floor either. Always make a b-line for brands that carry petite lengths for those of you under 5’4″.

Bigger Boobs

If you are a well endowed lady please opt for a maxi dress with straps or a halter neck. Why? This will keep you together and prevent them popping out without warning.

Small Breasts

You can get away with a strapless. However by wearing one with straps it creates more definition around that area or if the straps are wide enough you can wear a bra to push those puppies up.  You may want  to also consider a belt around the waist so it shows some curves.  Watch the video below for more ideas.

Classic

Finally the other great thing about choosing a maxi dress is that they date back to the ’70s and aren’t going out of style anytime soon. They have major staying power due to the wide variety of patterns, styles, colours, and fabrics available. I would always suggest a solid colour in a classic shape as this will see you through changing fads; all you have to do is update an accessory or two.

Tip of the day

Unlike jeans, you can wear a maxi dress to work, a wedding, a dinner date, and the beach. Maxi dresses are a blank canvas — you can lounge in it on the weekend or transform it into a flashy show-stopper. Adding a cropped blazer can take you from the beach to the movie theater. Or change up your look by swapping flip-flops for classy wedges or heels. So have a go and see how many different styles you can create from a maxi dress?

If you like these tips but would like help why not book a consultation with me here, you really have nothing to lose.

Let me know in the comments, how many different outfits you were able to make from your maxi dress?

Until next time xxx

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While we have been in lockdown let’s be honest, no one is dressing up. Loungewear is the buzz word and even if you are on zoom calls all day, you and I know, that from the waist down you have been doing casual, casual, casual 😝 .

It’s true that we work smarter and perform better when we feel put together. But there’s a difference between a stained grey hoodie and loungewear that is both exceedingly comfortable and surprisingly stylish.

So what is loungewear you may ask?

Well loungewear is defined as casual clothes suitable for relaxing and laying around at home. Pyjamas and sweat pants are an example of loungewear. But I won’t be talking about the former no, no, no. I’m showing you ways of styling it up so that you can go out knowing that you are on trend 🙂.

My video below gives you the visual aid to show you how to style loungewear and I’m showcasing my new love, arm sweaters. But if you are still unsure, its known that retailers are reporting seeing major spikes in searches for sweatpants and hoodies. The fact that we are home schooling as well, hasn’t helped either. Why would you want to wear anything else accept loungewear when you are dealing with the needs of your child/children all day?

For some people before the pandemic, loungewear might have been just some cut off shorts and an oversized t-shirt. But in todays situation we see camisoles, matching pyjama sets, overly girly nightgowns, ribbed leggings and seriously warm pullovers as the norm. Here are some of my favourite super warm sets along with some cute styles for those who don’t need the added heat.

Loungewear Styles

Tie Dye:  Taking one of the biggest loungewear trends of 2020 to cashmere, these tie-dye garments from the Elder Statesman are each dyed by hand, meaning every set is unique.

Sporty Styles:  If you like a more traditional fitness look, how about this one from Olivia von Hall which features the sporty stripe detailing.

Wide Pant Style: If you like the wide leg pant look then head to Cassola, this soft set is crafted from regenerated cashmere and hand knitted in Italy.

Jumpsuits: For those of you who love a jumpsuit, I’ve got you, with this cosy knit romper from Lunya. 

Finally, if you like a playsuit and you are ok with not being super warm,  then I think Love the Process have some great pieces particularly this one.

Tip of the Day: For those of you who haven’t embraced loungewear but want to try it, I would say why not champion brands that care for people and the planet. Shopping with sustainability in mind is becoming ever more important  and the quality of the material is also second to none. The above items though will get you started.

If you like these tips and video and you haven’t already, why not join my style community where you get tips, offers and updates on my brand. Just head to the link here to subscribe to receive me periodically in your inbox.

If however, you feel that you have been lounging too much and it’s time to make a change. Read my post on my new service Get Fit and Stylish here and sign up here for me to help you get moving. All my Sunday morning walks and chats can be found on IGTV here  and takes place on a Sunday morning between 8.30 and 9 am GMT on Instagram.

Until next time. xx

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If you are in lockdown at the moment and not going anywhere but you still have to attend zoom meetings and online calls, I have a solution for you especially if you are fed up of wearing the same thing! Drum roll please!!

Have you considered wearing your summer wardrobe in winter to get a whole new wardrobe?

If you haven’t then you are in for a treat because if you are anything like me, I store away my summer wardrobe to give myself a bit more room for the winter and don’t always remember what I have. But in this climate if you have worn enough lounge wear and the same shirt/blouse for your work meetings then then its time to get your summer outfits out and wear them in winter to give yourself a whole new wardrobe.

Now I am not saying that you literally sit in your summer wardrobe when the heating is off, clearly not! What I am saying though is, you can wear your summer outfits quite easily by adapting them  with a polo neck, a shirt, a belt and so on to get another look.

Just take a look at my latest video below to help you get started and don’t forget to subscribe so you know when the next one is out here.

Before you disappear though, while we are in January and we can all appreciate that its cold and gloomy outside and adding to the fact that you may be detoxing your body or drying yourself out from all that alcohol you have consumed. I have set a #gobrightchallenge on my Instagram pages.

All you have to do is post some images of yourselves or your kids in your brightest summer outfits and tag me either @styledbypierrecarr for yourselves and your friends or @pierrecarr for your kids to get involved. This is running all month so you have time to raid your summer wardrobe and post and tag me once a week until the end of the month. Obviously the more you do it  the more chance you stand being featured on my feed or stories and the best one will get 20 percent off my wardrobe detox service.

My wardrobe detox can be done virtually from anywhere around the world so you don’t have to worry. But it’s a great way to work with a professional like me and start from zero with clothes that still fit you and you like. Anything else is just taking up room and should be donated. But I can get into that later. This service offer applies to kids as well as adults if you wish get help for yourself or your mini. But I thought it would be useful for you in this difficult time as this year I will be doing my best to educate, inform and inspire.

Tip for the day: When detoxing your wardrobe firstly clear out everything and lay it on the bed so you can see everything. Look at the quality of the items and see if they look a little tatty, got bobbles etc and decide whether you love it or it needs to go. Do a little at a time to avoid overwhelm and as a suggestion I recommend sorting out 5-7 items before you take a break and go back to it, if you need too.

I would also suggest sorting through your accessories too. Jewellery boxes are for rings, bracelets and earrings everything else needs to be hung up to see.

More tips will be coming live on my Instagram feed so make sure you follow with the links above.  But if you aren’t already, why not join my style community here to be kept in the know of tips, offers and information.

If you like this post check out  The Art of Wearing a Blanket Scarf: Five Ways

Until next time xx

#tryonhaul #fashionlook #fashion #looks #outfitoftheday #dresses #styling #onlineshopping #clothing #styleoftheday #outfit #outfitideas4you #youtuber #outfitvideo #shoppinglist #whatiwore #styleithappy #ootd #stylish #inspire #shoppingtime

Hello lovely readers with Wimbledon under way and the strawberries, cream and Robinsons flowing. I thought it would be nice to reminisce on our boy Andy Murray and Kim Sears white wedding back in April at Dunblane Cathedral, Scotland.

The groom kept up with Scottish tradition sporting a navy, green and gold kilt with a black waistcoat while the bride chose to wear a bespoke, vintage style gown by Jenny Packham.

Kim’s dress seems to be a mixture of dresses from Jenny Packham’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection as it features a plunging  neckline and a full silk chiffon skirt on top of layers and layers of underskirts, with hand-beaded Swarovski crystals on the sleeves and waistband. The cut is modest with the lace sleeves nodding to the trend set by Kate back in 2011, but the low-cut back and gathered wrap bust makes the look far more modern.

Kim’s hair was pulled back with a crystal Kalmia headdress, topped off with a three metre silk tulle veil. If you are loving her look check out Jenny Packhams Daphne and Molly dresses which are very similar minus the sleeves. For inspiration, see below.

All thats left to say is ‘Come on Murray’ wishing you a successful Wimbledon campaign.

Credits: Alex B Huckle/Getty Images, Jenny Packham

Hello lovely readers, I love flowers and last week was British Flowers Week, an annual campaign to promote British flowers and foliage. This year the campaign called upon independent florists and growers across the country to get behind the campaign, and I was super excited to find a very talented florist designer I love , Zita Elze getting exposure in this campaign revealing her amazing work.

Going to a number of exhibitions and meeting suppliers Zita was always a person that I wanted to work with because of her creativity and I am so happy that this year I finally got my wish (puff chest with pride).  You will be able to see the results of our collaboration soon. But in the mean time I wanted to use this post to show just how talented she and her team really are.

Inspired by the larkspur flower (a name commonly given to the annual delphinium), Zita was inspired to create the haute couture gown featured above and below for British Flowers Week and all I can say is Zita not only has the midas touch, but everything she touches literally turns to art.

The fitted bodice of this gown was made with individual flowerheads of larkspur, clematis, delphinium, nepeta, astrantia, nigella and cornflowers interspersed with jewels which leads down to a flowing skirt of cascading larkspur stems.

Stunning don’t you think? Well if you are looking for a florist I would whole heartedly recommend Zita and her team and all her details can be found here, they are all very sweet and down to earth so you will come to love them as much as I do.

Credits: Zita Elze, Julian Winslow/New Covent Garden Flower Market

Hello lovely readers, if you have bridesmaids who wouldn’t appreciate identical gowns as they’d wear them once then shove it in back of the closet, then help is at hand. Just consider for the moment you don’t have to go down the traditional route, as there are some great styles that could easily make your bridal party stand out and be easier on their and your pocket.

Take for example, the stripey skirt and off the shoulder outfit which is very on trend and is definitely one that your bridal party will wear over and over again. Known as the Flynn skirt and designed by Anne M Crammer, you could pick up something similar from House of Fraser here.

If you love a fairytail dress but your bridal party aren’t too keen why not mix up their poufy princess tulle skirts with polka dot shirts. Try this one from The Ark or this one from Jolie Moi.

If you want to give your bridesmaids more freedom, why not let them show of their personality by letting them choose their own outfit but give them a colour palette that you are happy with. You’ll probably be surprised to see what happens. What do you think of this?

If like me you have a soft spot for floral dresses, there are so many to choose from you will really be spoilt for choice. For starters why not try this one from Asos.

If you love the glitterati but want something different, why not put your bridesmaids in sequin skirts for an alternative, with a structured camisole. Try this one from Phase Eight.

Finally if you are after something more casual how about some boho dresses and booties. Head to Asos for your first stop boho.

Credits: A Bryan Photo, Dawn Alexander Photogrephy, Our Labor of Love, Stewart Leishman Photography, Charlie Juliet, Jen Rodriguez Photography.

Hello lovely readers, I always try to show you the best of wedding and red carpet fashion and mix it up with everyday ready to wear. Today I want to focus on the brides to be whose budget is limited and reveal that there are some great bridal dresses out there for under £1000 with a little research and yes they do include designer dresses.

First up is the gorgeous dress featured above by Asos known as the Jarlo Lily Bandeau Maxi with exaggerated thrill. Seen on the red carpet a few times you can pick this little number up for just £110. So you will definitely make a statement and be smiling all the way to the bank.

If you like the Jarlo Lily but would like to cover you shoulders, how about the 3.1 Phillip Lim chiffon panelled crepe maxi dress? This gorgeous dress reminds me of Solange Knowles wedding outfits, so you will definitely be on trend with this little number and priced at £755 this is definitely a designer look a like bargain.

If you are looking for something with a little bling, why not try one of these dresses. On the left is  Monsoon’s Elinor dress which features artisan threadwork and sequins, all hand-embellished over 44 hours. Priced at £499. Whilst on the right is Adrianna Papell beaded illusion gown, currently on sale for a mere £123.47. With elaborate embellishments to this gown to create a trendy ombre effect and add a modern dimension to your silhouette.

If you are into backless dresses, how about this Badgeley Mischka cowl back dress? Intricate beading encircles the waist while the draped cowl back reveals an elegant glimpse of skin. Priced at £576.

If you are after simplicity you will like the two gowns above. On the left is Rachel Zoe Elle empire one shoulder dress. Priced at £462. Made from ruched georgette to give it an ethereal feel.Whilst on the right is another Badgley Mischka, a luxurious slinky jersey. Pleated back cutout and fluid skirt with short train. Priced at £455.

Finally if you much prefer shorter dresses how about this Chi Chi London Metallic Lace Midi Prom dress priced at just £67. This is clearly another Asos must have if you are into lace.

So as you can see there are some really nice dresses to be had if you don’t have a limited budget and I hope you found this useful.

Credits: Monsoon, Asos, Rachel Zoe, Adrianna Papell, Phillip Lim, Badgley Mischka

Hello lovely readers, for the last few weeks particularly on my half term break I have noticed that I have been loving denim whether its shorts, a dress or a top. So I wanted to share with you some denim styles, that can be either worn smart or casually.Denim really allows you to dress what your wearing up or down, which is so versatile and for that reason I love it . Take a look at the above G-Star lancer dress a great shift dress for wearing casually to go for drinks or dress it up for work, it just depends what you wear with it. So take a look at the various below and let me know which ones you prefer.

From Left to Right: Monsoon Lexi denim skirt, a mid length, softly faded button-down denim skirt in line with this season’s ‘70s mood. Whistles Zip through midi skirt, another on trend skirt detailed with a fitted waist and a fully functional zip through the front. Etoile Isabel Marant tie dyed denim skirt, a dark blue and white Perrine skirt with four pockets and a back vent. Replay denim dress, a sleeveless dress thats nipped in the waist to shows off your feminine silhouette.

From Left to Right: Urban Renewal Vintage dungaree dress, definitely a fun laid back dress featuring five pockets and made from reworked denim. Bandeau denim playsuit, ideal for festival/summer holidays. Next blue/black denim dungarees and Asos 70s denim Playsuit.

From left to Right, Warehouse denim shirt dress, this stylish shirt dress is constructed from soft denim and features a peak collar, button-through front, long sleeves and single breast pocket. Levi dungarees Overlook, comfortable dungarees for a laid back day. Miss Selfridge Utility shirt dress, a mid wash denim shirt dress with d ring belt. Asos Dr Denim dress, fun cross back dress which you can dress up or down.

Hello lovely readers, with summer well and truly upon us flowers are blooming and high street retailer Oasis has taken advantage of this by teaming up with the V&A museum to bring you a floral oasis to wear.

With prints designed around 1730 from the acclaimed silk designer Anna Maria Garthwaite who lived in Spitalfields this collection is fresh and on trend with this summer’s boho woodblock prints. Just take a look at some of the collection to get a flavour of what to look out for.

If you are into Kimonos this season then you’ll love the V&A Kensington Kimono Jacket priced at £48 which features William Kilburn’s 18th century botanical design. If you fancy trying culottes where old meets new how about these V&A Kilburn culottes (top right) priced at just £40 and designed in the 18th century by William Kilburn. If like me you like to jazz up your jeans with a smart casual look how about the V&A Fieldgate floral top featuring an Anna Maria Garthwaite print designed and later re-invented in Spitalfields.

If you have a special occasion coming up this collection also includes gorgeous dresses that you should consider. Top left is the Jubilee Jacquard dress priced at £65, featuring cleverly placed panels and pretty pleats for a universally flattering shape. Bottom left is the Maltby midi dress priced at £40 its a dress that goes from am to pm with a V neck detail to flash just a little flesh. To the right is the Spitalfields shift dress bold, beautiful and entirely original this dress  was created from an an original handpainted design by Anna Maria Garthwaite and is definitely a bargain at £45.

Ok so what do you think? If you like what you see check out the full range here.

Credits: Oasis

Hello lovely readers, as mentioned in my last post about the Etsy Wedding Fair, the point of my visit was to meet some great new designers and I was really impressed with my next post worthy find Gilly Gray. A mother and daughter team of passionate and friendly seamstresses who create made to measure flower girl dresses and accessories.

With only a few children occasionwear designers that I really love (such as Little Bevan and Nicki Macfarlane) who make amazing little girl occasion dresses I was pleasantly surprised by this new find. At really reasonable price points I think they are definitely one to consider if you are looking for a particular special something for your little one.

The Ivory dress featured above is a sumptuous cotton flower girl dress that has three layers of soft bridal tulle that your little flower girls can swish and twirl about in. Priced at £85.59 this dress is for girls aged 6 months to 12 years.

The Duchess flower girl dress is a classic cotton dress finished with a silk flower detail on the front of the sash and is ideal to bring out the detail of a lace wedding gown. For a really full twirl this gown boasts six layers and is priced at £88.89.

The Honiton dress inspired by the town known for making the most delicate British bobbin lace, features a high quality hand sewn lace bodice and six layers of soft bridal tulle to make a dreamy, floaty satin lined skirt which your little girls will love. Priced at £95.

If you like the dresses featured take a look at the full range here and if you would like to book an appointment head here.

Credits: Gilly Gray courtesy of Etsy.