your wardrobe hero update - 3 ways to wear

Embroidery is having a moment, a fashion moment. And I am embracing it! Well with one item in my wardrobe. I am currently obsessed with wearing my Zara striped embroidered shirt. Whilst some might think this shirt is a "little bit loud" (as my Mum said), if you buy this shirt or something else with embroidery on it, it will slot into your wardrobe seamlessly and keep you upto date style-wise for the new season.

The current embroidery trend on the high street stems from the recent need for us as consumers to customise the things we buy or have in our wardrobes. Increasingly many brands and high street retailers are offering customising services in their stores for you to label or make your item more original by branding your name or a slogan on it. Topshop Oxford circus set up a pop-up shop earlier in the year giving you a chance to monogram your clothes brought from the store. Many designer brands now offer a bespoke embroidery and monogramming service to ensure your slice of their brand can also be personalised. Anya Hindmarch  takes it one step further with a playful take on customisation, for the past couple of seasons you can buy embroidered patches to add to your bags. Just in time for Christmas, "Selfridges loves personalised gifts" is offering one of a kind gifts for all budgets.

But do we have Taylor Swift to thank for the embroidery trend that is upon us? Last year she asked designer Louise Gray to embroidered a Jack Wills hoody with her nickname "TayTay" on it and the photo attracted 1.7 million views on Instagram.

Instagram @taylorswift

We are now riding the crest of the wave so jump on it fashionista's as it's only going to get faster!!

3 ways to wear

Some embroidery style inspiration

For more inspiration follow my Embroidery board on pinterest

It seems like Zara has completely cornered the embroidery market so here is my top 5 pieces from there that you could add into your wardrobe -

1.  Embroidered Bee bucket bag - £29.99

2. Embroidered dress - £69.99

3. Embroidered denim shirt - £29.99

4. Jacket with metallic embroidery - £119.00

5. Floral embroidered jumper - £69.99

the glitterati

The invitations have started rolling in and the diary is getting packed out for pre-Christmas dinners, drinks and events. Does this fill you with dread at the thought of what to wear to every do? Fear not, I am here to help with my easy guide to party dressing...but beware it does involve ALOT of sparkle!

Sequins are the easy option to dress up something that already exists in your wardrobe. If you can't afford a new outfit, but want something that makes you sparkle but not looking like a Christmas tree, then try some sequins this season. It's a way to look glam without putting too much effort in, as the sequins are doing all the work for you. You can't over do the sequins this season, head-to-toe is the way to go! Sparkle is an essential element of party dressing, but it can be more chic to be selective. Accessories pack a stylish punch, so invest in a fabulous sequin clutch bag or statement heel's for a more subtle touch of shimmer. Follow my pinterest board for inspiration - Sequins & Sequins

Velvet has been bubbling under for a few seasons but it is no longer underground and the high street is awash with it. Alot of the items can be worn as daytime pieces too, so once worn for your evening Christmas parties then ensure that it keeps being worn. What appeals to me most is jackets, boots or dresses that don't cost alot of money but brings any outfit upto date. Velvet is the perfect festive fabric and a Christmas dinner party is the perfect excuse to invest in a velvet dress in an unexpected colour. But go creative and look for embroidered or embellished details as these look more expensive, more fashionable and I believe will have more longevity once the trend dies out. Follow my pinterest board for inspiration - Velvet 2016

Ruffles were on trend throughout Summer so it was inevitable that the trend as going to continue into Autumn/Winter. The bolder the ruffle the better! Whether they are framing your neckline, accentuating the hips or falling off the shoulder, they are definitely a dramatic statement detail. Plus you don't need too many accessories because the ruffles do all the talking! There are lots of folds and flounces, including ties at the neck, ruffles on sleeves and frills on dress hems. Think different textures, fabrics, prints and darker colours for the Party season. Follow my pinterest board for inspiration - 2016 ruffles

Remember it's time to go "out out", pull out those killer heels, that red lippy, drink copious amounts of wine and sparkle in your sequin number like you've never sparkled before!

my glam party edit:

1. Sequinned top, H&M £29.99

2. Silver sequin pumps, &other stories £69

3. Reversible sequin bag, ZARA £29.99

4. Eve Velvet off the shoulder top, Finery London £45

5. Velvet jacket with belt, ZARA £89.99

6. Burgundy velvet wristlet bag, Whistles £65

7. Aubery blouse, Topshop unique £145.00

8. Frill front navy jumpsuit, Warehouse £75.00

9. Stiletto knotted mule, Marks and Spencer £29.50

Key pieces worth spending money on

How often have you spent money on a piece of seasonal clothing only to discover that after a few washes it doesn’t look half as good as it did when you first bought it? The trouble with buying cheaper items from the high street is that they often don’t have longevity so while you might feel like you’re getting a bargain at the time, usually you will end up having to repurchase a similar item time and time again. This season it might be time to consider some investment purchasing. Taking time to save up and purchase one item rather than spending the same amount of money on a number of cheaper alternatives will prove more sustainable and worthwhile in the long run.

These items will underpin your wardrobe and become the basis of 'your style'. Paring down your wardrobe in favor of fewer pieces that you truly love, rather than an abundance of clothes you may never wear. This is something that I do when I work with clients; to re-educate them on re-establishing a 'working wardrobe' that fits into their lifestyle and budget. I for one have become a huge advocate for this way of living as it’s made getting ready in the morning a hundred times quicker.

Below are the pieces that I believe are worth spending money on, the ones that will stand the test of time and you will still be wearing in years to come. The key thing to look out for when purchasing investment items is making sure that you don’t purchase a trend piece, instead go for a classic style so that it won’t date. This season make room in your wardrobe for the most trusted pieces that never go out of style.

These timeless pieces are wardrobe investments; season after season, year after year these are the pieces that you will be pulling out of your wardrobe with confidence.

1. Leather Jacket

While a real leather jacket won’t come cheap, nothing beats the feel and look of real leather. A jacket that will almost see you through all seasons so this piece is certainly worth the investment once you consider cost-per-wear. Leather jackets from Whistles and All Saints are top of the shopping list.

2. Jeans

The importance of a good pair of jeans is unrivaled, these are often the most reliable and well-worn item in your wardrobe. Brands will come and go but nothing beats Levi's for me at the moment, they have re-established themselves as a key player against expensive more fashionable brands. Go check them out.

3. Leather handbag

Perhaps the ultimate investment piece a leather bag is the everyday piece that you’ll carry for years to come. Designer handbags are also great investments as some even increase in value over time, such as classic Chanel bags. You don’t need to splash out on high end designer for a long-lasting handbag, but do aim for genuine leather as it will maintain its shape and appearance longer than any other material. I love British designers such as Mulberry, Anya Hindmarch and Sophie Hulme.

4. Coat

Once you know your body shape and what is the best coat for your shape then buying the perfect coat is key. Once you go for a great flattering style with not too many modern or ‘on-trend’ details this piece won’t date and will serve you well for years to come. Look at brands such as Max Mara, Joesph and Reiss.

5. Ankle boots

Not only practical but stylish too, the easiest way to sharpen up a casual outfit is with a pair of leather ankle boots. A pointed toe will give an added element of sophistication while a classic round toe or slightly square will also look stylish for seasons to come. Black is a classic but you can also go for brown, grey or deep burgundy, shades that will be hard workers in your wardrobe. Shop at Kurt Geiger or Whistles for some more affordable yet still sturdy, long-lasting options.

6. Shirts

I think shirts are a style staple and the most versatile item in your wardrobe as there is more than one way to wear a shirt. Easy pieces such a denim, checks, stripes and a plain white shirt will never go out of style, but you might change the way you wear them season to season. Look at &other stories, Zara and Boden for some good quality shirts.

7. Belts

Belts can be worn for waist definition or just an added outfit perk. By wearing belts with your jeans you could be rocking a statement in itself, or wrapping them around a chunky knitted jumper you could be using the belt to accentuate your waist. Whatever the purpose of the belt make sure it isn't boring. A leopard print belt or studded biker belt will change up your outfit taking it from drab to fab!

what you need now in your wardrobe

This week has certainly been chilly, but it's not yet Winter coat cold. So what do you wear in these in-between weeks that can keep you warm but also keep you looking stylish.

Jackets and coats are a huge weakness of mine, but I think are a necessity to have in your wardrobe for changing seasons. Jackets bring me great joy and having just counted them up in my wardrobe, all ... of them - which makes me sound like the Imelda Marcos of outerwear! But I honestly wear them all and some date back from over a decade ago.

From bombers, bikers, blazers and military jackets, I have got them all! But I love the versatility of a jacket, it can be worn over dresses, tops, jumpsuits or under heavier coats and scarves in the winter. They can pull a look together in seconds, and your jacket can be your statement piece that doesn't need to be thought over.

I love a jacket with some detailing on it like embroidery, brocade, sequins, something that really adds some style to your outfit. On the flipside a leather and a denim jacket will never go out of fashion and if you buy the right one for shape, length and colour then there will never be a need to buy a new one or update it.

Happily, this is the perfect moment for a good jacket – it’s cooled down to the point where you can keep it on all day, but we’ve got a few weeks yet before we have to we ensconce ourselves in parkas, fur coats and puffa jackets. I have been rotating my embroidered bomber, my khaki military jacket and my new leopard print biker from Mango for daily life, work and mum stuff.

If you fancy adding a jacket to your wardrobe, then see my pick of the best on the high street right now-

1. Topshop Velvet puffa jacket - £69

2. Zara Embroidered velvet jacket £89.99

3. Mango leopard print biker jacket £39.99

4. Mango DB military navy jacket £89.99

5. River Island blush drawstring jacket £35.00