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