SS12

It has been one gloriously confusing month for weather – we’re in our summer sandals and shades one minute and then wrapped up in our chunky knits the next. Having just had a week on the warmer side of the scale, it’s time to look to summer and to updating our wardrobes. One of the brilliantly handy trends which came out of the Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk shows was the ‘Mullet’ skirt. Long at the back and shorter at the front, the skirt is a fabric version of the 80’s hairstyle epitomised by Billy Ray Cyrus and is great for when the weather just doesn’t know what it is doing. Wear with edgy patterned tights by Bebaroque for the cooler days and nights; or flaunt those legs when it’s warmer, with the front of the skirt acting as a mini. One great feature of this skirt invention is that no matter how short the ‘mini’ section of the skirt is; the back will never reveal any body parts you’re not intending to show! The skirt has also been described as a ‘Mixi’ –

How many times have you said to yourself that you really ought to clear out your wardrobe? Your drawers may be falling apart and your other half might accuse you of being a hoarder, but you still can’t bring yourself to do it. Or alternatively you do clear everything out, only for you to then flick through your pile and return everything back to its rightful place. With Spring upon us, it’s an ideal time to face the challenge. Set aside a Saturday afternoon and possibly arm yourself with some wine and truthful friends who can tell you if you should have chucked that fuchsia dress years ago! Give yourself a time limit so you don’t falter over outfits, but do allow yourself the time to do one last catwalk show in that fuchsia dress, as it brings back so many memories of dancing the night away. Think of yourself as SATC’s Carrie Bradshaw. She went through it and cleared out her beloved shoes, and so can you. If you come across something you’re not sure on, repeat to yourself,

We all love an era. Whether that’s trying to re-live your youth with an 80’s style leg warmers and denim jacket ensemble, or you just love the prim and proper look of the 50’s housewife; it’s fun and fashionable to play dress up.    It is often noted how fashions are recycled over the years. Multi-coloured high tops were all the rage when youths were carrying their boom-box through the streets of New York in the 90’s; and by 2009 we saw multi-coloured high tops becoming part of the street-style of New York. Platforms are a shoe which will always be associated with the flares and long hair of the 70’s; but are now rocking modern-day dance floors, albeit with a slightly thinner heel.   Clothes and accessories can literally be recycled. So the retro-style bag handed down to you from your mum acts as a freebie present as well as a pass to the cool-kids club. Wearing a bag that is 1) unique-looking 2) obviously durable and of good quality and 3) looks a little bit retro

You might have seen the rainbow of coloured jeans flocking the streets recently or block colours throughout the shops. What we’re wearing this Spring is a statement against the lingering Winter rain to say; “I’m going to wear brights anyway”. The Neon of Summer ‘09 is still in our wardrobes and wearing that acid pop of colour is a reminder that the sun does exist. Somewhere. Some designers have taken this love for colour a little further and sent their models down the catwalk in brightly patterned outfits. The patterns remind us of exotic animals, fruit platters and cocktails – anything that transports our mind to a hot island. For those who are not quite ready to whip off their thermals and head to the airport; the dark colours of winter are still on trend and some of the deep purples and bold reds we see are beautiful enough to wear all year round. Think birth stones. Think magic. Think splendour. A way to add the colour trends of SS12 into your outfit without havi

Wedding season is upon us and if you’re of age where your summer social invites seem to be dominated by the nuptial agreements of friends; you’re going to need a new wardrobe to suit. A few things need to be considered before you wonder what the fashion choices of 2012 are. When, where, who by and at what point are you invited to the wedding? A late summer evening-do invite from your aunt in the Highlands is going to require a different approach to your shopping than a jaunt abroad to your best friend’s all-day event. Think about how long you need to stay in your outfit, particularly concentrating on the shoes. Think about the formality of the evening and if you need to glam it up or dress down. If the former, you’ll then also need to consider your jewellery and hat or fascinator, plus matching with your partner’s corsage.   The general rule is, of course, to not outshine the bride. Be aware of loud colours and eye-catching prints. Although you do want to look amazing,

On the opposing team to last week’s blog When Is The Right Time To Invest? is the straight-talking fashion advice of how to still look downright gorgeous when you’re waiting for your pay-check!   Yes, buying a well thought through designer coat is very sensible as you know you’ll get your wear out of it. But sometimes you need something cheap and easy. It’s summer; you want to spend your money on ice cream and festivals, not expensive shorts. So this is when you need to need to seek out the sales and go mad.   With the arrival of the sun this week, people across the country scrambled in their cupboards and wardrobes to find the stashed away “summer-clothes” bag (as keeping them with your main clothes is just too much of a space-taker, right?) Were they clean? Do they fit? Are they still in fashion? These are all questions that race through your mind as you rush to try and catch the last sun of the evening. Generally, as long as the first answer is correct, you’ll be

The British Isles have gone mad with street parties, Union Jacks and general love for the Queen for the long-awaited Jubilee celebrations! As I write, the office is hung with bunting and people are speaking of their tea party plans for the long bank holiday weekend. Whether you’ll be catching all of the commentary on TV, partying the weekend away or trying to spot the lady herself in London; what to wear to the occasion may well be on your Friday-afternoon mind.   One option is to go with the 50’s theme to match your tea-party cups perfectly. Tea dresses which float and are in this season’s pastel colours will be great for this weekend and for the rest of the summer. Tie your hair in a bun with a hanky, put on some red lipstick and you’re good to go.   How about a red, white and blue theme? Depending on your location, you could either create a pop of colour in the crowd or be camouflaged by the many Union Jack flags being waved by the public. It’s easy to find an item o