As we make plans to meet up with friends and colleagues I am conscious that many of you just aren’t ready. 😱

You have been working from home and been quite happy in lounge wear and the occasional smart top or shirt when on a zoom call. But now it’s time to step out in earnest. But, can I ask before you rush to the shops PLEASE don’t impulse buy, if your first response to this new found freedom is, “I don’t have anything to wear”.

Impulse buying is simply purchasing a product on a whim. It’s not planned, not budgeted for and, often, it’s not needed. There is an urgency to make a purchase, without having the time to consider how useful the item actually is.

If you have used lockdown productively you may have cleared your wardrobe, to know what gaps you have in it. But for some of us this hasn’t been the case and I urge the latter who may potentially impulse buy to meet a need, to STOP ✋🏽 as you just end up going round in a vicious circle buying things which don’t add any value to you or your style.

My job as a stylist is not to push items for you to buy. But to help you to shop more consciously and considered and get you to think differently about your wardrobe. Working with what you have and adding pieces (both staple items and statement) when needed.

In my latest video I take a shirt dress and show you how you can make multiple outfits if you think more creatively. Watch it here. Not forgetting as well I show you in a previous video how you can use a wardrobe staple (the second skin top) and wear it in different ways too. However, before you dash off to watch them, if you want to know how to stop impulse buying, here are some of my free tips;

1. Question your reasons: It pays to really think about whether you’re buying something because it’s on sale, it is trending today on Instagram or because you actually love it enough, to wear it several times. The beauty of online shopping means that you can sleep on a purchase. So if you wake up in the morning and still feel Carrie Bradshaw about it, (in love with the skirt and can’t eat breakfast because you’re still thinking about it) then go ahead. But if you’ve forgotten about it by the following morning, you are more likely to forget it after hanging it in your wardrobe too.

2. Do your research: When you see something you like, don’t buy it immediately. It pays to take the time to do your research and ask who made your clothes. There’s nothing wrong with shopping sales or getting a deal, but when prices are too low, someone is more than likely to be paying the price elsewhere in the supply chain. Simply start by researching eco-friendly and ethical brands. The end goal should be to create a wardrobe filled with quality pieces that promise longevity, as opposed to just quantity.

3. One in one out policy:  While it can be hard to ignore the siren call of flash sales, compensate by adopting the one-in, one-out policy. Simply donate or recycle one garment each time you purchase a new one to maintain equilibrium in your wardrobe.

4. Clothes swapping party  If decluttering those impulse buys from your wardrobe doesn’t rank high on your list of fun weekend activities, call over some friends and pop open the bubbly for a clothes swapping party? The rules? Everyone brings over a certain amount of clothes and accessories to be bartered with each other. Beyond breaking the cycle of throwaways, the party will also give you the chance to snag some exciting new pieces for yourself at virtually zero cost. Win win.

5. Finally, build a capsule wardrobe, don’t allow trans-seasonal pieces to dictate your shopping list, but look for versatile numbers that will last the entire year. Unless the weather where you live is prone to extremes, the usual roster of wardrobe basics should suffice from summer to winter. Look for a classic black blazer that makes the transition from the boardroom to the bar, an embroidered denim jacket for easy layering, or a well-tailored jumpsuit etc.

Tip of the Day: 

Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or a well-intentioned beginner, we can all use a little help to ensure that our choices don’t end up as landfill fodder. Think about renting an outfit if you have a special occasion as those one off items are the ones that take up the most room in your wardrobe and you only wear them once or twice.

If you like these tips and want to know what  I am advocating on my shopping channel regarding premium basics that you need for your wardrobe head here. If you would like help with your wardrobe, why not book a virtual  session which means I can service you anywhere in the world or a personal wardrobe session. For this month only (May) I have a special offer of £50 off at the checkout if you tap in GET50OFF. Have a look here. But finally if you like what you read and want to be a part of my Style community why not download my free outfit planner here.

I hope you have found this post helpful. Let me know in the comments how you are getting ready to meet people again and what tips you will be taking away?

Until next time xx

#wardrobeessentials #wardrobestyling #howtowear #stylingideas #ootd #outfitinspiration #wardrobestaple #stylegoals #styletip #wardrobegoals #capsulewardrobe #effortlessstyle #minimalstyle #simplestyle #waystowear #wardrobebasics #capsulecloset #basicessentials #personalstyling #stylishwomen 

Have you got your Spring Jacket yet?

Spring is finally here and as we have a roadmap out of lockdown in the UK with currently 6 friends meeting outside, its time to start thinking about the transition out of our winter coats into our Spring Jacket.

Don’t get me wrong I am not saying fling off everything just yet, as the cold breeze is still quite prevalent. But as the days get longer and lighter and the idea of Spring becomes more of a reality, we can be hopeful that as we step outside into a shorter and generally thinner Spring Jacket we do so with layers to stop the risk of us freezing to death.

The perfect transitional piece for this strange in-between season is the spring jacket, an essential in any wardrobe. Thicker than a shirt or cardigan, but less bulky than a coat or jumper, it can easily become one of the most versatile pieces in your arsenal if you manage to find a great one.

So, if you don’t already own one or are simply after a refresh, there are generally six key styles of Spring jackets that you should take note of for season.  I take you through three I am advocating on my YouTube video below. But it’s worth noting the rest as you don’t want to miss out on the choice that’s there now do you?

The Trench: A great transition piece for Spring. Easy to wear, easy to style, easy to take with you on an adventure with the great British weather as your friend. Normally in neutral beige, it’s classic enough to last beyond just one season and guaranteed to go with everything in your wardrobe. I have gone for it in a gorgeous sage hue from Hush which will inject a pop of colour into your Spring wardrobe this season.

Picnic Quilts: Super lightweight and definitely roomy enough to fit jumpers underneath (you might even want a size down if you prefer a less oversized look). I have chosen the Ganni Ripstop Quilt which also includes a statement collar that will definitely make you stand out.

Belted Utility: Belted styles are definitely in this season, but I think the belted utility looks always work well with its big pockets, as you won’t be short of storage on your walks out and about. I’ve gone with this straight forward one from La Redoute which has a great price point.

Denim: You can never go wrong in denim and just like blazers are oversized this season, so too is the denim jacket. To keep with the relaxed vibe of lockdown this style helps with the layers that will just peel off as the season continues. Take a look at the Ganni x Levi one here for inspiration.

Blazers: Just like the trench are great transitional pieces and this year the brighter the better. You can see the one I chose in my video below. But I thought I’d point out that leather is very much a style that is everywhere too and keeps you very warm when its nippy. This one from Arket shows off the oversized style with great tailoring.

Finally Cropped jackets are everywhere and you can see which ones I am championing over on my Shopping Channel where I go into more details about the products and styles that I am advocating. This is a great way to pick up one of my finds too. But if you want a more personalised session where I recommend specific products based on your requirements take a look at my virtual shopping service here.

So which style floats your boat, let me know in the comments?

Tip of the day: We all know how unpredictable the weather is at this time of year, so the best spring jackets are easy to layer and carry around,  with room for a thin knit underneath to wear now, and light enough to wear with a simple vest or T-shirt later in the season too. The idea is you simply want to be able to throw it on half way out the door, maybe fit it in a rucksack or around your waist  when hit with  a blast of sunshine or throw it over your shoulders quickly in an April shower.

If you like this blog and tips,  join my style community where you get regular tips, offers and product information straight to your inbox, just head here.

I hope you found this post useful, let me know in the comments?

Until next time xx

I’m talking handbags today. Simply because March is here and new Spring Summer Collections are rolling out.

Handbags are one of the most coveted accessories women can own, whether it’s a designer bag from Prada, Hermes or Chanel down to Zara and your local independent. They set the mood for your outfit and your shoes. So as we are almost out of the thick of winter and our winter coats will soon be a be a thing of the past. I wanted to shift our focus to a few Spring trends.

This season’s handbags are taking shape in several diverse forms. But it’s not just the shape that I want to highlight but also the bold colours they come in. On my video below I show you how to style handbags coloured ones at that with coloured outfits. But before you scroll down, just take a minute to digest the colours that will be around for the season to come so you can make an informed decision.

Kelly Green: Last season was about pale green but this season is all about the bold. I am loving this Tote handbag from Stand Studio with its striking green quilted shape.  It’s made from patent faux leather with a puffed silhouette, featuring twin top handles and an adjustable strap.

Saffron: If you want to smile all day long, carry this vivid shade of yellow. I am loving this semi circle design clutch bag from Charles and Keith with a croc-effect finish. Use it as a clutch to add visual interest to an minimalist all-black outfit, or turn it into a shoulder bag with the adjustable chain.

Bubblegum Pink: It seems like bubblegum pink has been popping up everywhere in fashion, now the colour has made its way to Spring handbags. For those wanting to experiment with their accessories this season, try this striking colour to add some visual interest to an outfit of basics. This tote bag by Jacquemus comes with an adjustable and extendable handle and a pressure loop to make a knotted handle. However if the price tag isn’t quite right for you, watch my video below as I feature a similar bag in blue at less than half the price.

Crimson: A true power colour, red is another shade big on the runways. Use it as a replacement for your black handbags to spice up an outfit. I love this bag from Givenchy’s ‘Antigona’ which is one of fashion’s most famous bag families. This ‘nano’ version is scaled down to small but perfectly formed proportions.

Tangerine: A major trend last spring, tangerine is still holding strong into the new year. While it is certainly bold, you’ll be surprised to find how many looks your new orange bag will go with. This  tote is aptly named ‘Bento’ after the Japanese word for ‘lunchbox’. It’s been made in the UK from smooth leather and has a cube-like shape with dramatic ties that knot at the open top to keep your phone, cardholder and lipstick secure.

Tip of the day: Wearing bold coloured accessories be it bags or shoes gives you that option if you are not quite there with wearing a coloured outfit. Its amazing how wearing all of one colour be it white or black with a coloured bag will make you stand out. Give it a go. I would love to see how it looks, so send me a picture of you and let me know how you get on.

If you like these tips and you want to know more about products and clothes, why not head to my dedicated shopping channel. This is the place where I go into detail about products but also where you can purchase them if you so wish. I will slowly be rolling out more videos there but I start with handbags as you will see. If you like this but want a more personalised shopping session for yourself (as you are looking for something specific) or want a gift for someone why not take out my gift card and let them choose the service that they would appreciate.

I hope you have found this post useful?

Until next time xx

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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In lockdown tie-dying has become a hot new trend again. But have you considered wearing tie-dye smartly? Well in this new video I show you other tie-dye fashions to consider besides your street and loungewear. Enjoy xx

We all have a shift dress of some kind in our wardrobe worn for those occasions when we didn’t want to show off our body. Well its time to update that shapeless shift dress with three simple steps that doesn’t require any work. Enjoy!

Does your partner’s wardrobe often leave you wanting as we head into summer? Well in this video, I show you in three simple steps how you can add colour to his wardrobe using Tyson Fury’s brand favourites Claudio Lugli. If you watch to the end you can also pick up a discount on any of their shirts with my exclusive code. Enjoy xx