My Spring Fashion Fix

Back in Autumn I had challenged myself to update my transitional Autumn wardrobe with 5 new pieces, using my Fashion Fix service. Identifying key items that I wanted and needed to transition from Summer into Autumn and when I look back now those items I brought have been worn time and time again and I will continue to wear again this Spring. Now it’s Spring and I have repeated the same challenge (admittedly I have gone 1 over by buying 6 items), to introduce into my wardrobe and style in the coming weeks.

Now is such a great time to reassess what you have in your wardrobe mainly because we are changing seasons but also because we are starting to come out of lockdown. For a whole year now there had been no need for anything but comfy outfits or outfits to walk in, but like a butterfly we will all start emerging and utilising more of our wardrobe when we do. Take some time out to pop your Winter jumpers away so you can really see what you have in your wardrobe that you are going to wear in the coming weeks. This gives you a chance to detox what has perhaps been sitting there for months and gets you thinking about some newness you my need.

As there is still alot of uncertainty about re-emerging right now you might not need alot of new pieces which is why my Fashion fix of 5 pieces to update your wardrobe is a great fill in for your style needs. Let me inspire you by showing you what I have brought and how I have been styling the new pieces.

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My 6 Spring items to update my wardrobe

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1. STRIPE JUMPER - ZARA, £29.99

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2. CHECK DRESS - &OTHER STORIES, £95

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3. GINGHAM BLOUSE - MANGO, £35.99

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4. FAUX LEATHER JOGGERS - H&M, £19.99

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5. CHUNKY WHITE TRAINERS - URBAN OUTFITTERS, NEW BALANCE, £80

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6. STRIPE SHIRT - ZARA, £27.99

The only dress you need this Winter

The knitted dress returns

It’s been a while since the jumper dress has been fashionable, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been fashionable as I have been wearing mine for years, it just means it’s been hard to find any good ones to buy every Autumn. But this year it’s the only dress you will need this season. It’s cosy and warm and wraps you up which let’s face it is just how we want to feel right now. Knitwear is the best part of Autumn dressing so why not make it your whole outfit and embrace the knitted dress.

To some the knitted dress is unforgiving against their body shape, makes you hotter than a hot water bottle and just looks itchy. With an abundance of choices out there, all these excuses to not buy a jumper dress can be dismissed. Ribbed fabrics are being used, flattering lengths, different necklines and also detailing such as open backs and self belts. Most importantly they are cosy, especially now we are home more, comfort is important, this dress will see you through your lockdown days. This will be the most useful piece you buy given our current paired down lifestyles right now. Just pair it with chunky boots or trainers and you will be suitable for any occasion in the coming months.

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Best jumper dresses online

1. Ribbed midi dress, Mango, £49.99

2. Relaxed belted turtleneck midi dress, &other stories, £85

3. Rib knit dress, H&M, £39.99

4. Rib knit dress, H&M, £29.99

5. High knit wool dress, Arket, £89

6. Camel longline wool knit dress, £139

7. Oversized long knit dress, Monki, £40

8. Oat funnel neck knitted jumper dress, Topshop, £45.99

9. Polo collar knit dress, Zara, £49.99

The pink ladies

In 2019 pink is having a moment. It is being reclaimed, redefined and no longer a symbol of negativity but one of cultural positivity. The colour pink is traditionally used to represent babies, childhood and girls, but so far this season we have seen pink become the colour of woman power.

No more effective was this colour than at the Oscars last month. In 2018 the Oscar crowd wore all black gowns and outfits in a support to the #metoo movement. This year however our screen stars wore punchy pink like a uniform.

This particular hue has been named ‘Pink Peacock’ and it is a colour that cannot be ignored. It is one of the most striking spring 2019 colour trends – a shade so noticeable that few would dare wear it alone. Instead, it can be mixed with neutrals and turned into a work-appropriate option or alone in a fantastic dress for a wedding, evening event or bbq. On the runways it was never the intention so dumb this colour down by mixing it with others, so I say wear it bold and wear it bright.

While most of us cannot get away with wearing Molly Goddard’s pink frock like Killing Eve baddie Villanelle, here are some alternatives for you to shop for right now.

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Top pink pick’s

1. Asymmetric neckline dress, Ted Baker, £169

2. Clarissa Jumpsuit, Boden, £140

3. Satin pleat midi skirt, Topshop, £39.00

4. Unstructured wool coat, Mango, £79.99

5. Funnel neck oversized jumper, Whistles, £119

6. Kitten heel, AND/OR John Lewis & Partners, £85

7. Pink suit, Topshop, trousers £30, jacket £49

Going dotty for super spots

Polka dots are back for Spring say all the magazines! Trends may come and go, but there are few prints that truly never go out of style. Spots, stars, leopard print are the only prints I advise my clients to buy for longevity, these never look old or out dated. But polka dots are absolutely everywhere this season so if you are looking for something to refresh you current transitional wardrobe, then you should invest in the super spot.

 It often gets a bad rap, and if you associate polka dots with Minnie Mouse or the party dresses you wore as a little girl, it's time to rethink the surprisingly versatile and elegant print. In the right hands, polka dots can strike that tricky balance between modern and elegant. Cropping up repeatedly on the SS18 catwalks, including Balenciaga, Self-Portrait, Mary Katrantzou, Giorgio Armani and Dior, we were offered multiple ways to wear polka dots, from Demna Gvasalia's chiffon dresses worn with sock booties to Maria Grazia Chiuri's monochrome sheer skirts and blouses. Additionally, street style stars have been giving us a masterclass in putting together perfect polka dot ensembles, proving the print isn't just for the catwalk but can be incorporated into a casual look too. Read my 5 style tips for inspiration and follow my pinterest board for more looks - Going dotty 2018.

Double spot

Wearing 2 different pieces in spots gives the print a fresh take and you an updated look.

Spots &frills

Mixing high & low styling, pair a jumper with an evening skirt for a fresh daytime outfit.

Jump to it

You can't go wrong with a spotty jumpsuit. You can play with colour too - using tones such as brown, red and navy give a cool impact.

Biker it up

By adding a biker jacket over your dress or jumpsuit you have instantly created a chic day to evening look.

Office dots

The spot print is perfect for the office, lunch out or a meeting - presentable yet stylish.

Marc Jacobs said “There is never a wrong time for a polka dot”. And how can you blame him? Polka dots are a timeless classic that always see come back on trend in their many changes of style. Probably it’s because dots take us back to 50's elegance, to the curvy pin-ups and unforgettable style icons like Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe. Or can be seen in many iconic movies, style moments and even royalty.

Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

Princess Diana

Kate Moss

So while ‘mix and match’ still takes centre stage with the street styles, its' the black & white polka dots that are stealing the scene. So make dots the newest addition to your wardrobe because if there was one trend that works in all seasons it's this one, so if you invest in a polka dot top or dress you can wear it all year round. See my picks to shop now.

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TOP 5 POLKA DOT BUYS

1. Soft spot jacket, Topshop £39.99

2. Polka dot Midi dress, Karen Millen £199.00

3. Polka dot kitten heels, Marks & Spencer £19.50

4. Polka dot long jumpsuit, Mango £59.99

5. Black & Ivory polka dot top, Finery London £69.00