Your wardrobe hero - the leather skirt

In the past 6 years of working with clients to improve their wardrobes and style, I have often turned to a leather pencil skirt to transform clients workwear style. Only last week on a personal shop I suggested to a client who works as a HR director for a bank to try out the Reiss leather pencil skirt to update her workwear image and style. Suggesting a leather pencil skirt is always met with apprehension and trepidation, but as soon as she tried it on she immediately fell for it’s buttery leather fabric, it’s flattering form fitting style and the sophistication it brought to her style. I often suggest the Whistles burgundy leather pencil skirt to move away from black and it can still be worn with black tights, but it is consistently sold out and is their best seller.

A leather skirt is a perfect addition to any woman's wardrobe. It's the same as leather jacket, it looks both feminine and edgy and has longevity. Yes it is an investment purchase, one you would never regret and one that will enhance your style for years to come.

But this season it seems that Leather is having a reinvention, in particular the leather skirt. This bottom garment has become a must-have piece to buy for your wardrobe, it’s out on the high street in various styles, lengths and colours.. It's a skirt what brings a bold fashion statement, no matter what top you choose.

I think this garment is a great addition to any wardrobe. Personally, I do love this bottom piece for its both edgy and feminine look. It’s a unique garment that comes in so many designs and details. All you need is to choose the one that will undoubtedly fit your everyday and special evening outfits. Here are some styling tips and ideas on how to wear a leather skirt in 2019.

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METALLIC LEATHER PENCIL SKIRT

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TAN MIDI SKIRT

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WRAP LEATHER SKIRT

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BURGUNDY LEATHER SKIRT

If you want more inspiration then check out my pinterest page - leather skirts 2019

A wardrobe saviour: The Jumpsuit

I had sort of assumed that everyone loves jumpsuits as much as I do. Practical, easy and often chicer than some of their dress/trouser counterparts, an all-in-one has long been the thing I rely on for those moments when you need to look more dressed up than usual, but have absolutely no idea what to wear. But during many client consultations I am amazed at how women don't think about jumpsuits as their go-to outfit for an evening out, a wedding, an alternative to office wear or a summer garden party. They are so versatile and flattering, it works like a dress but removes all the worry about what goes with what.

I now feel it is my job on this earth to persuade any remaining resisters as to the power of the jumpsuit. I have clients in their thirties ranging to clients in their sixties who are addicted to the power of the jumpsuit. Why? Because it is the most youth-endowing item of clothing you can wear as you get older. 

The jumpsuit is a true wardrobe saviour, when wearing one you’ll fit into any sort of situation and/or dress code. Casual yet sophisticated it can be effortlessly dressed up for weddings and last minute parties or thrown on with trainers and a denim jacket for a chic, nonchalant look. During winter, layers are the way to justify braving an all-in-one, whether it be with an oversized jacket or fitted polo neck to add edge (and warmth!). The trick is to keep styling simple and let the jumpsuit itself make the statement

Most clients, after seeing that jumpsuits are not, in fact, the work of the devil but a cool, very flattering alternative to dresses and separates, concede that I am right. I’m not smug at all; in fact, I’m just so happy that another person has joined my jumpsuit fan club. So if you want to look both stylish and cool, be it for day or night, I hereby pledge that a jumpsuit will deliver!

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Shop my jumpsuit picks

1. Amandine Tailored jumpsuit, Kitri Studio £125

2. Black and White Mike spot jumpsuit, Whistles £189

3. Polka dot long jumpsuit, Mango £59.99

4. Martha Wide-Leg jumpsuit, Reiss £250

5. Printed jumpsuit, Zara £49.99

6. Frill sleeve navy jumpsuit, Warehouse £59

7. G-Star stripe jumpsuit, ASOS £135

blazer of glory

If there’s one purchase you need to make to update your New Season wardrobe, a checked blazer should be it. It's top of my Autumn shopping list and I am currently completely obsessed with my new check blazer from Mango - Prince of Wales check blazer. 

Blazers never go out of Fashion & give you endless styling options. From a simple jeans & tee look, to teaming with Summer dresses; I love the versatility of this chic wardrobe essential.

The trend has originated from street style pictures from London fashion week in the Spring has made a heritage checked blazer a big hit across the high street. Having spotted many double-breasted Prince of Wales check jackets from Balenciaga, Gucci and Prada at around £1300 each, luckily the high street have some cheaper gems for your new season must have jacket. This trend is definitely worth investing in, and I for one will be wearing mine layered over shirts, t-shirts, dresses, knitwear and under my coat all Autumn - Winter.

Believe me it will be the hardest working item in your wardrobe this season and it gives you endless versatility for new outfits over current clothes you own over the next couple of weeks. It's the ultimate layering piece in your wardrobe

Check out my style stories and how I have styled this wardrobe hero into my current wardrobe.

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For more style inspiration check out my pinterest board - Blazers - September '17

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1. Jeans & tee combination for daytime or evening style

2. Over dresses

Styling for evening

Daytime casual styling

Office or appointment styling

3. Evening styling - blouse & heels combo

4. Over knitwear in Winter

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Check blazers to buy now

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Check blazer - Zara £49.99

Check jacket - MIss Selfridge £45.00

Check tie wrap blazer - River Island £75.00

Check jersey frill jacket - Topshop £39.00

How to dress in your 30s & 40s

New Year new you right?! Where fashion is concerned it is the run up to the new Spring season's styles and launches in the stores. So over Winter clothes? But yet it's still here. So over your wardrobe? But yet it's still there. So what can you do this January without spending a fortune on clothes that you don't have but you really want to, need to, update your style? I work with a number of clients who feel this way not just every January but when you hit your thirties and struggle trying to find what is their style.

Hitting your thirties and moving into your forties are certainly milestones in your life that can shift your style perspective. Within these decades we might get married, have children, change jobs, change roles within your life, go through bereavements or enjoy the fruits of our labours. Never the less, our requirements have changed, emotionally maturing, juggling busy lifestyles, finding your sartorial comfort zone - these are all things that can shape, change and challenge our wardrobe and style. 

By now you have probably experimented with fashion trends and perhaps no longer care, understand or can keep up with what is 'on trend' let alone think about it factoring into your life. So now is a good time to strip it all back and look at what items suit your body shape, your lifestyle and what makes you feel like a million dollars when wearing it!

When I start working with new clients I find that the key to creating your 'Style Uniform' is to have core pieces that work well together. Ready-made go-to looks that make getting out of the house in a morning stress-free but yet stylish. By sticking to your colour palette once you have had your colours done, this will automatically eliminate the need for countless pieces that don't go together and look random in your wardrobe. Once you understand what you want your style to be, then your 'Style Uniform' will organically build over time, ensuring that what you have in your wardrobe has longevity as well as keeping you looking stylishly young!

Here are some 'Style Uniform' ideas and key pieces to invest in,  but check your wardrobe first as you might already have them hidden in there, you just need to learn how to re-style them into your life!

1. Jackets

Jackets are an essential part of your wardrobe. It can change a look instantly, dress it up, dress it down or be your look! Anything from formal blazers, denim jackets, leather jackets, sequin jackets to leopard print fur jackets. They all go with your daily uniform of denim jeans, or can be worn on a night out with heel's and even to the office with smart culotte's or over dresses. They will last you your wardrobe lifetime as they never go out of style and it's always about the way you wear it rather than what you are wearing. Invest in jackets and you can never go wrong.

2. Shoes

"You know you are a certified shoe addict if you think there is always room for one more pair!"

Shoes speak louder than words! Shoes are the only thing I ever buy in the sale, if I have had my eye on a pair then I will happily search for them, wait for them and love them as soon as they arrive. In your wardrobe you can everything from converse trainers, to over the knee boots, ankle boots, metallic court shoes and lace up brogues. Shoes can change an outfit in an instant. So never feel bad about buying a new pair of shoes again, as long as you love them they will always love you!

3. Denim

So many people struggle with denim, me included, but we wear it most days of our lives besides corporate dressing. 2017 is the year to break away from the skinny jeans and start exploring new trends that you could look fabulous on you. Frayed hems, boyfriends, carrot shapes and even skirts are great investment pieces for the wear per £'s that you spend on them. If you are looking for longevity then you can't go wrong with Levi's, All Saints and GAP for great mid level priced jeans.

4. Shirts

I have banged on about shirts for a number of seasons now. In fashion they are still top of the list with pyjama shirts still being best sellers and khaki military shirts set make a come back and not forgetting the newest trend of shirt dresses over trousers. But forget about fashion they are so versatile in your wardrobe because of the way they are constructed, you just have to style them up. Button them up, tuck them in, belt them, leave them open, wear underneath a jumper - the list is endless and it will always be your go to piece in your wardrobe.