Hey Rudolph!

Christmas just wouldn't be the same without the festive knit! Okay guys you don't have to do the reindeer look. There are some great alternative designs including my favourite snowflake design from Reiss (bottom left).

Created on polyvore.com by larainerf

PARTY TIME

I'm off to my first party of the season tonight. Dressing up for me doesn't necessarily mean a dress. I believe that my black catsuit and white smoking jacket will look just as good as any frock I have in my wardrobe. I love the simplicity of the suit with the dramatic colour combination. However, I've got another 3 events lined up and for those I am planning to wear a dress. Before any event I always check if there is a dress code and then road test my outfits for comfort, fit and accessories. I don't want to be rushing around at the last minute.

So, have you got your party outfits sorted? Here are some ideas to get your started:

The Little Black Dress – a tried and tested formula that works for most. A great choice of styles and it's easy to change the look and mood with accessories.

The Bright Frock – of course it doesn't have to be black and indeed black doesn't work for all complexions. Create an impact and lift the mood by going for a colour. Try bright red, plum, emerald green or sapphire blue.

The Shiny One – metallic, sequins and sparkle can all give a glamorous look. Don't go for too much embellishment – if your dress is razzle dazzle keep the accessories simple.  

Choosing the best dress for your figure:

via pinterest.com
created by larainerf on polyvore.com

Curvy - go for a fabric that drapes rather than clings and steer away from anything baggy. Look for a semi-fitted style that follows your curves. Try to define your waist.

Wide hips – look for soft 'A' line style with a lower, wider neckline in a fabric that has movement. Look also for details that add width at the shoulders and draw the eye upwards.

Petites – simple silhouettes such as a fitted sheath will work but don't be afraid to try a fuller silhouette with a well defined waist. Look also for vertical details and monochromatic styles.

Large bust – Choose deeper necklines, look for v or scoop necks. Avoid ruffles and trims on the bust.

Small bust – Ruching, pleats and frills over the bust can add fullness. Defined or belted waists can also give the illusion of a bigger bust line.

Boyish – go for a simple shift or A line. Create curves with a belt or seaming at the waist. Draping, ruching and frills also work for this bodyshape.

Tummy – if you are conscious of your tummy avoid any style that accentuates the waist. Avoid stiff and bulky fabrics. Draw attention away from your middle with an open neckline. Clever gathering and carefully placed ruching can also camouflage a tummy.

Have a great Christmas!

GOLD RUSH

It seems that we will never tire of gold in 2012! At a recent shopping event I was helping ladies find their perfect party dress and this gold number from River Island was certainly on the podium. What I like about this dress is that it has a life beyond the party season. I can see this dress easily fitting in with a holiday wardrobe. If it needs to be black RI also have a similar one in black which when accessorised with gold looked fab.

Images via pinterest.com

Versatile Biker

Via pinterest.com
Created by larainerf on polyvore.com

I have to confess that my biker jacket is really old but if there was ever a jacket that has served me well it's this one. This wardrobe staple can go from rock chick to tough luxe from boho to 9 to 5. If you haven't got one I suggest you put it on your Christmas wish list!

BOMBER

The iconic bomber jacket would make a great addition to your autumn wardrobe. It ticks the boxes for looks and functionality. This reversible one comes with a hefty price tag but you will find budget versions in the high street stores. You will also find bombers with contrasting textures, colours and patterns which give a a modern twist to this classic jacket.

Nicolas Andreas Taralis Men's Leather Bomber Jacket

via pinterest.com

COAT?

I recently met a client to help her choose a coat. She told me she had been looking for years to find the perfect coat but as I pointed out to her there is no such thing. One coat won't meet all needs or all occasions unless you live in a very temperate climate.
I suggest building up a a capsule wardrobe of coats.

via polyvore.com

Apart from keeping the elements out, a great coat can add instant style, pull a look together, accentuate your best features or cover up figure variations. It needs to earn its keep in terms of practicality, versatility and longevity so it's worth giving some thought and time to your investment.

Ideally, your coat wardrobe would include:

raincoat
daytime coat
evening coat
casual coat
cold weather coat


If you need to prioritise I would start off with a raincoat such as a classic trench and another coat that would make the transition from day to evening.

Here are a few things to consider when buying but contact me if you need further help with your purchase:

If you wear a lot of neutral colours choose a bright and colourful coat for some instant style and to add a new dynamic to your outfit.
If you want it to last for years go for a classic shape and colour.
Think about the climate you most want to protect against and prioritise accordingly.
A bulky coat will get in the way when you are driving.
Think about what you are going to wear underneath. You may need to go up a size if you want to wear it over a jacket.
For versatility go for a coat that falls on the knee or just below. A soft, belted style suits most shapes.

Beyond Rubies

Last night I had the pleasure and privilege of being the style adviser to these fabulous girls at Rubygirl UK's charity fundraising event 'Rubylicious'. 

Rubygirl UK helps girls and young women reach their potential and overcome hurdles that can influence their self esteem and self worth including confidence in their appearance.

The challenge for the girls last night was to design and create their own outfits from black bin liners and then to model them on the catwalk in front of an audience of 400. We had some incredible creations from puff ball skirts to capes. Each girl also had to come up with one word to describe how they felt about themselves. 

The bin liner idea was to get the girls thinking about to express their individuality and to show that looking and feeling good doesn't depend on having a big budget or being tied to unrealistic ideals.

Well done girls. You were amazing!
For further information about the work of Rubygirll UK go to www.rubygirluk.com

Customer Service

My drum roll for customer service this month goes to TK Maxx. The customer service team at its headquarters listened, were sympathetic and resolved the issue very fairly. Well done!

RIDING HIGH

Watching the beautifully turned out dressage riders and horses at the Olympics left me lusting for all things equine! Whilst I may not be able to afford one of the gorgeous horses I can certainly indulge in some horsey fashion.

Created by LaraineRF on polyvore.com

Ralph Lauren, of course, epitomises the equestrian look but the high street stores are hot to trot with riding jackets, jodhpurs, boots and accessories. If the jodhpur is not your trouser of choice go for a skinny denim or velvet jean.

Many of the autumn trends have an equine flavour including chunky knits. Try pairing one with skinny leather trousers or coated jeans to avoid looking as if you're wearing one of your Dad's sweaters!

via pinterest.com

IN THE NAVY

Navy blue is having something of a renaissance (see Natalie Portman in Christian Dior) but for me it has always been a keeper and one of the most versatile colours you can have in your wardrobe.

Softer than black but just as practical with size shrinking properties. It's a colour that suits everyone and can be partnered with so many other colours.

It can look sophisticated with black, crisp with white and glamourous with silver. Other combinations that work are vibrant pink, orange, green and turquoise. One of the key looks for Autumn, however, will be shading (dressing in different shades of one colour) and with so many shades of navy it's an easy trend to follow.

Created by LaraineRF on polyvore.com

SPOT ON

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has teamed up with Louis Vuitton and her signature spots can be seen on LV bags, accessories and a capsule ready-to-wear collection. A purchase from this range, available from Selfridges at the end of August, will tick your fashion and culture boxes. If, however, your budget doesn't stretch to Louis Vuitton you can still get a spot fix from high street retailers including this lovely dotty dress from Phase Eight at John Lewis.

via Pinterest.com

STYLE FOR ALL

I recently saw the advert for the Paralympics and was full of admiration for these athletes who, in the face of adversity, have risen to the challenge of being the best in their chosen sport. I also thought they looked great in their team outfits designed by Stella McCartney. I’m sure that just like able bodied athletes our parathletes wanted a kit that enabled them to perform at their best while looking good.

Whilst we can’t all be Olympians or Paralympians we all know that if we look good we feel good; our confidence increases and our self esteem is boosted. Team kits foster a sense of belonging and team spirit but clothing and fashion is also a great way of expressing our individuality. We should all be able to access that feel good factor irrespective of physique, size, age etc. Looking good is not the prerogative of the able bodied and I am dismayed that there are very few clothing ranges for people living with a disability, especially for young people who want to look stylish and fashionable. I have a few clients for whom it has been a real struggle to find clothes that they want to wear and that only underlines their disability.

This view was endorsed when I attended the opening of the new premises of Rapid Mobility in Stoke-on-Trent. Rapid offer an extensive range of mobility aids and resources but no clothing. Owner Terry Connop told me that she has been trying to source a range of clothing that meets the needs of the disabled and carers but is also stylish. Other organisations supporting the event also expressed the same frustration.

I would love to hear from any designer or manufacturer who think they have a solution to this problem. I would also appeal to any fashion student to contact me if they are interested in developing a line of clothing.

Super cool Robert Brassington, 16, of Newcastle-u-Lyme loves fashion but Mum Diane says, “shopping can be very frustrating and hard work and I often have to adapt clothes myself for Robert to wear.”

INSTANT WOWS

RIVER ISLAND COLLAR
via pinterest.com

These add on collars are an easy way to get the wow factor and will instantly change the look of a blouse or shirt. More style shortcuts to look out for this Autumn are belt on peplums. Genius!

SEASONAL DRESSING

I've been inundated with emails froms retailers advertising their Autumn/Winter ranges

and at the same time received emails from clients still putting their holiday wardrobe together!

Most shops have consigned their summer ranges to the bargain rail and whilst it's a great purchasing opportunity for those who have yet to go on a sunshine holiday, it's very frustrating for those who have already bought, to see the prices slashed. Even worse if you were holidaying in the UK this year the chances are you haven't been able to wear it because of the dismal weather.


Personally, I invest very little in a Summer wardrobe because over the years I have purchased too many lovely items just to have them sit in the wardrobe because the weather hasn't been up to scratch. I now only buy a few pieces to update or re-energise  what I already have. Likewise, I don't buy winter garments that will only see the light of day a couple of times a year. Thinking about 'cost per wear' and the pressure on us to eke out our budgets it makes more sense to have a collection that we can tweak and add to making our clothes stretch from season to season. We can't weatherproof our wardrobes but we can make them weather resistant! 


For example, a safari dress can be worn through the Summer and Autumn by changing what we put with it.

Images via Pinterest.com
Boards created by larainerf on polyvore.com

These jeans will easily cross the seasons too. Notice how I have used the same coat and boots for the dress and the jeans.The jacket is just as versatile.

INSTANT FASHION FIX

Most of us have probably experienced the annoying problem of a trailing hem on a skirt or trousers; usually when we are just about to leave the house or go into a meeting.

Don't let your hem spoil your outfit. Use these handy sticky strips to make an emergency repair.

INVESTMENT DRESSING

I am often asked what item of clothing is my favourite. Easy answer ”a tailored jacket”. I've got a few in different colours because I find them so versatile.

A tailored jacket is the ultimate wardrobe enhancer. It can transform jeans and t-shirt from casual to smart and turn a frilly dress into a sophisticated one. You can pair it with so many of your garments and it can flatter your figure, giving definition to the waist and hips.

Finding the right cut and style for your shape and proportions is key. Get it right and you will wonder how you lived without it.

*Mix masculine with feminine; the contrast works. For example put a blazer with a floaty dress or skirt.

*Go for a simple cut in a fabric and colour that won't date and can be worn from season to season. Dark colours will work with most outfits.

* A single breasted jacket works for most figures as does the one that covers most of your bottom.

*Add a scarf or pocket handkerchief for a pop of colour or a brooch for interest.

*Think about proportion and use the trick of short over long or long over short e.g. a long line jacket over skinny jeans or a shorter jacket over a knee length shift dress.

FLY THE FLAG

Get behind Team GB and get into the Olympic spirit. I'm not suggesting you go all out and dress as patriotically as the bull at Birmingham's Bullring but there are some great Union Jack pieces that will help you get in the mood.The Union Jack can be as loud or as subtle as you like but if the flag is still not for you there is plenty of red, white and blue around.

I've purchased a raffia bag imprinted with the Union Jack. It looks great with jeans and a white shirt but I have also worn it with a coral pencil skirt, white blouse, red patent belt and red heels for a business meeting. I've also bought a black UJ t-shirt to wear with my blue skinnys.

Let's go on the B of Bang!

via polyvore.com

DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

May 21st 2012 

Whilst browsing at one of the cosmetic counters in Debenhams, a lady approached me and asked me where she could find a hat. Her son was getting married the following day and although she had a suitable dress she hadn't anything to wear with it to make it special.

So a damsel in distress; how could I resist? Limited time certainly made me focus. We went directly to  check out the ranges in Jacques Vert, Coast, Phase Eight etc.

Her dress was a coral colour and initially she had thought to add cream or black. I suggested, however, that navy or purple may be a softer alternative to black and be better suited to her colouring.

We looked for a cream jacket and cream hat. Unfortunately although we found a fabulous hat we couldn't find a jacket that suited. Again we struggled to find the right style jacket in navy (this lady also wanted a jacket that she could wear afterwards).

I then spotted a short, tailored, deep purple jacket with co-ordinating heels and clutch bag in the Jacques Vert range.

I also found a fascinator which picked up both the colour of the dress and the jacket and complemented the outfit perfectly. The lady went away with a flattering ensemble that looked elegant, polished, stylish and modern.

Hey presto now we had a damsel in a dress!

I also noticed a graphic print scarf with the same colours and suggested that she buy that to charge the look of the jacket.

The jacket was also perfect with the jeans and shirt she was already wearing and she was delighted that it was so versatile.

Ladies if you've got a special occasion coming up don't leave until the last minute!

FLOWER POWER

It was cold, wet and windy yesterday so I decided to inject some 'Springtime' into my wardrobe. I wore my floral print jeans for the first time.

I had been hesitant to buy into this trend because I don't usually go for florals, however, they will go down as one of my best purchases ever! I lost count of the number of compliments I received. I may have to have them surgically removed!

I teamed mine with a tailored blazer and plain T allowing the jeans to make the statement.

A blooming good formula :)

I'm tempted to buy a second pair with an equally punchy pattern but this time I might go for a paisley or tribal print both of which are big for Spring/Summer.

19^th April 2012

Welcome to my Blogg