Best T Shirts on the highstreet

A client once asked me "what is the point of t shirt"? I understood her argument, as a stand alone item they are not particularly interesting or inspiring. But that is the beauty of them. T shirts have this incredible ability to look elegant paired with a statement skirt, look crisp paired with high waisted denim, look cool with a pair of leather culottes or make a tweed jacket look modern… Not to mention that the are preposterously comfortable and affordable! I’m constantly on the search for the holy grail of t shirts and find myself time and again heading to this one highstreet store for an update…COS! The key to finding a great t shirt is the fabric. I prefer my t shirts to have drape as they are more flattering so I opt for a fine cotton or silk and I always size up. Here is a selection I have bought for my clients this season…

Women: silk, oversized, v neck

Men: cotton, round neck, oversized

Top 5 tips for a curated closet

1. Choose a colour palette

Understanding your personal colouring makes it easier for you to build a capsule wardrobe of items that mix and match. All the colours work together no matter what the combination and importantly flatter your skin tone. It is even more important in winter when you need to be able to layer like a pro. Here are my favourite palettes to suit all skin tones;

light & warm… camel, light grey, navy, brown, cream

light & cool… navy, light grey, dark grey, white, burgundy

deep & warm…camel, chocolate, navy, dark grey, forest green

deep & cool….black, grey, navy, white, red

2. Get in the mood

As part of my consultations I ask my clients to produce a mood board of images that make their heart sing. When all the images are collated you can easily see consistencies and common themes such as colours, silhouettes, styles or individual items you love. Make a list and use this list to review your existing wardrobe, for example; muted colours, romantic styles, anything in leather, relaxed silhouettes. You will easily be able to see if there are items that don’t work for you anymore, remove these items and start to see a more consistent style coming through. Pin this list inside your wardrobe to keep you focused. 

3. Build a wardrobe that fits your REAL life

Your wardrobe should proportionally represent your lifestyle and how you spend your time. If you once worked in Finance but are now a stay at home mum, your wardrobe should reflect how you spend most of your time now. You will need comfortable and practical but stylish clothes and flat shoes or low heeled boots. When once a cashmere coat would have been a good investment, now a fur lined hooded parka should be top of your list!

4. Edit, edit, edit

You should edit your wardrobe between seasons and ideally have a mini edit in the middle of the seasons. I edit my wardrobe at least once a month; what do I love wearing at the moment, how can I get more wear out of pieces, Does that item still fit in with my personal style or lifestyle? By continually asking yourself these questions you will maintain a streamlined wardrobe of items you love and most importantly, wear! It will also stop you from making impulse purchases that don’t fit in with your wardrobe and help your shopping to be more targeted which brings me to tip number 5…

5. Shop Smarter and more selectively

Never go shopping without a targeted list and a clear idea of what you need to pull outfits together. Whether your budget is Prada or Primark the principles are the same, don’t stray from the list and take your time. I rarely buy a piece on the same day I try it on. I think about where I can wear it, what it will work with in my wardrobe and whether it complements my style. It’s better to have a gap in the wardrobe than a guilt-ridden gap in your bank account!

Coat Check

The mornings are fresh and the nights are chilly and that can only mean one thing - it is time to update your Autumn Winter wardrobe. When it comes to the cold season the coat is the key piece and its now or never if you want to secure the best of the season. But where to start? Review your existing wardrobe - it may be time to update that classic coat that now looks tired or if you have a good collection of coats then don’t be afraid to opt for something more statement. Nothings more modern than a beautiful coat paired with denim and flats. Wear it with pride and let it define your style for the season. 

So what makes a great coat? Regardless of your budget, material, cut and quality are key. If the best you can afford is high street then I would suggest starting with online research (yes, research!), type ‘wool’ into the store's search bar to make sure you are getting the best quality on offer.

To help you in your search, there are labels that are known for their coat offering - at Burberry you will find military styling and of course the iconic trench, at Chloe a romantic cape, at Max Mara the ultimate classic coat and at Whistles, the cocoon coat, and fabulous fur and leather. 

But of all the new seasons fantastic offering which will work best for your personal style? Whether your a classic, romantic or bohemian, I have found the cream of the coats that will become your hero piece.

Classic - try luxurious camel

Minimalist - try the boyfriend

Romantic - play with proportion

Bohemian - try a cape

Casual Luxe - try the aviator

Fashion or Die - try a fun fur

And For Men; The Classic, The Contemporary, The Preppy, The Fashion Forward, The Sporty  

Accessories update from NY fashion week

Ring details have featured on skirts, trousers and tops and now it's the handbags that are playing hoopla this Autumn. Seen on countless New York fashion week attendees - if you are looking for classic elegance with a modern spin, you will run rings around the competition in this beauty. My favourites are pictured above from J W Anderson, Future Glory Co, Theory, Yves Saint Laurent and Simon Miller

Shopping for workwear on a budget

Deborah Meaden, Business Woman says “If you dress at the top end of your game, it will be obvious you are outgrowing your position”. Style plays an important role in the office but I know how difficult it can be when you need to update your working wardrobe on a budget. But the highstreet is getting serious about workwear and it is possible to look designer on an intern’s budget. And I haven’t forgotten about my male clients - menswear options highlighted below. Here are my picks…

J Crew (Menswear) - Whether you work in the city or soho, J Crew has flattering dresses and great essentials. You are sure to be going places. 

Whistles (Menswear) - With contemporary and fashion forward take on work wear, Whistles gives new meaning to the term ’suited and booted’.  

Fox & B - More affordable than Equipment and just as design focused, new label Fox & B brings you the perfect blouse for work, rest and play. As a subscriber, you receive an exclusive 10% discount. Contact me for details. 

Mango - OK, maybe I was seduced by their campaign with my girl crush, Giorgia Tordini but Mango is a diamond in the rough and these shoes will elevate any boring old black trouser. 

Zara (Menswear) - Where would we be without the formidable monster that is, Zara. But proceed with caution - opt for simpler, less season specific pieces when shopping on a budget. This will prevent any awkward doppelganger moments!

It is possible to be stylish and successful on a budget but if you need more personalised advice then please get in touch. 

Penny x

Easy Formula for the Perfect Wardrobe

I hope you have enjoyed the Summer but with a few days until it's officially Autumn, now is the perfect time to look forward. Imagine your wardrobe was full of high quality pieces that reflected your style and were appropriate for your lifestyle.  It is achievable and all you need is time and a simple formula I use when reviewing my client's wardrobes....

ORGANISATION + PLANNING = THE PERFECT WARDROBE

STEP 1 - ORGANISATION

Be honest with yourself - Before you start, you need to edit. Keep your favourites, those pieces you are confident in and are complimented on. Be honest about the rest and ask yourself this; does it still reflect my style? Have I worn it this season/year? Has it ceased to be an item I wear and become a sentimental keepsake? Is it damaged/worn out/stained?

Expensive mistakes - Don't keep it because you feel you have to wear it to recoup the costs. It only acts as a constant reminder of the money you could have spent more wisely. Your trash is another person's treasure so sell it, it's good for your wallet and the environment too.  Promise yourself you will reinvest that cash back into a piece that will work harder for you and bring you more satisfaction. 

To see is to wear - If had a pound for the amount of times I heard a client say 'Oh, I forgot I had that!'. You are going to feel stressed getting dressed if you open a bulging wardrobe with mismatched wire hangers and lack of organisation. Clutter has a negative impact on your stress levels!  Make the most of the space you have and ensure that every item is displayed properly. 

Create clear divisions - It's really important that you understand your lifestyle so do a pie chart of the proportions of time you spend at work, socialising, exercising, travelling and at home. Your wardrobe should reflect these proportions. Depending on lifestyle and personality, I arrange my clients wardrobes to suit. For a city client who travels for work, I might divide the workwear and casual/social wear, using one wardrobe for each. Some clients enjoy their clothes hung in outfits so they know what they are wearing for the week. Or maybe you are more traditional and hang by type. 

STEP 2 - PLANNING

Back to basics - When you wardrobe is organised and your pieces are displayed properly you will see obvious gaps. The majority of the time, clients lack good basics to pull looks together; a great white silk shirt, a tailored jacket, comfortable and stylish flat shoes. 

No more last minute - Review your diary 1 month to 6 months in advance. What social occasions have you got to attend, work trips or holidays? Can you put together great outfits from existing combinations or do you need an update? Make a list and DON'T deviate from it. Shop online at your favourite stores and put the item you are looking for in the search bar so you avoid any distractions. And no last minute airport purchases!  

 Quality over quantity - This isn't a numbers game. A wardrobe full of low-quality impulse buys will not work as hard for you as a collection of highly edited and coordinated pieces.  That's what a capsule wardrobe is; a collection of pieces that you can easily mix and match. Planning your purchases with careful consideration as to how and where you will wear it, will stop you for making mistakes and help you to create the perfect wardrobe! 

Penny x 

Image Impact. What it is and how to get it.

One of my favourite quotes on personal branding is from Jeff Bezos CEO and founder of Amazon “Your brand is what other people say about you when you are not in the room”. Your personal brand is what makes you unique and authentic. But are you standing out for the right reasons? 

A few weeks ago I was asked to comment on the national radio station, TALK radio, about Boris Johnson’s image and his controversial new hair cut (you can listen below). When Boris was running for London Mayor, his mad, feathery blonde hair made him standout out and even helped him to appear more approachable. But now that he finds himself in the formidable role of Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, representing the UK in all foreign matters, is his personal brand representative of his gravitas and effectively communicating his sense of quality and professionalism, or does it just say ‘cultivated chaos’?

What impression are you making on people with whom you meet and work every day? We are all really busy and we rely on instant information - you have made an impression on someone before you utter a word. So look the part. Be dressed in what is appropriate for your profession and the environment you are in whether it be a formal meeting, a networking lunch or client pitch. 

Maybe, like Boris you find yourself in a more senior role within your company but you want to dress with more impact and to influence people or maybe you recognise some of these scenarios below...

You have been in your current position for too long whilst other people are being promoted around you. You feel stymied in your career. 

Ask yourself - is your personal brand representative of your career objectives, future goals and what you're capable of being? 

Top Tip - People grow and evolve and so should you style. If your current look isn’t working for you, you are sending the wrong messages to your colleagues. You need to look as fresh as your ideas, updating your look communicates that you are current, up to date and that you have your finger on the pulse of what your company and clients need. 

You are very good at your job and your position in your company reflects that. But when it comes to socialising and networking outside of work you feel completely out of your depth and it shows!

Ask yourself - how effectively do you network? Do you come across as approachable and engaging or do you struggle to keep peoples attention. 

Top Tip - colour psychology plays a significant part here. Avoid intimidating high contrast combinations that keep you in work mode and opt for lighter more approachable colours. Your clothes can be a great talking point, - an interesting pocket square or a great piece of jewellery can be a conversation starter. 

If you relate to any of these scenarios stop putting your image to the bottom of your ’to do list’. Having a professional to guide you through the minefield of what to wear will help you maximise your impact and help you to enjoy your life! So get in touch! 

Penny x 

Menswear Edit: Surviving the Summer in Style

Managing the oxymoronic term of ‘smart casual’ can seem challenging on the best of days but when it is 30 degrees outside it can seem impossible. Keep your cool with these casually smart summer essentials. 

Swap your shirts for a polo in a luxurious fabric like silk and cotton and dress down a suit. COS do this so well and great for those with long bodies or who are tall. 

A short sleeve linen shirt may conjure up feelings of holidays but in a darker colour palette of navy or olive it becomes office appropriate. AMI is one of my favourite menswear label and I love this olive shirt, great for showing off a warm skin tone.  

The unstructured blazer becomes your workwear hero. Throw it on for an important meeting when you need to up the anti and then its light enough to carry without getting misshapen, when the temperature rises. This Club Monaco one is perfect for travelling too.  

T-shirts aren’t just for the weekend. Try a crew neck in a premium quality cotton with a linen blazer and selvedge jeans. Sunspel is my go to. 

Enjoy the summer, 

Penny x 

My Holiday Packing Hacks

With schools breaking up and the sun shining, at long last summer holidays are fast approaching! It's time to gather up the beach clothes and organise that suit case. Whether packing is something you languish or love, here are my favourite holiday packing hacks for the perfectly organised suitcase and stress free travel. 

Rethink the backpack - No, I don’t mean backpackers, henna tattoos and hostels, I mean a stylish backpack as your hand luggage that you can wear at the airport or exploring the city. Happiness is hands free! For him… for her…. and for the little ones

Plastic zip-up bags - because you want to make the most of every last minute in the pool and you will inevitably have damp items that need to be packed before you travel. John Lewis has a good selection.  

A packable hat - There is nothing worse than investing in a beautiful hat only to leave it in the airport restroom or it losing its shape in your suitcase. This is one of the most requested items from my clients and finally designers are catching on to need for packable hats. I love this one from Eric Javits or opt for fabric or raffia, Helen Kaminsky makes great ones.

Divide and Conquer - I love zip up pouches and cloth bags to organise my case. One for underwear, swimwear, electricals, jewellery and makeup. I know this seems like a lot of effort but you will thank me when you arrive and everything is in its place, you can unpack in 2 minutes and get to that sun lounger. I always pre-pack all the things that are going to live in my beach bag to avoid forgetting any of my waterside essentials. 

But if you know you are one of those people who leaves everything to the last minute and feels overwhelmed by shopping and packing for your summer getaway, I'd love to help so please get in touch. 

Happy summer break, 

Penny x

The style you won't stop wearing this month

DRESSES WITH SLEEVES

Summer is here... then it's not... then it's here... then, oops it's gone again! The dress with sleeves is the perfect anecdote for the here today gone tomorrow English summer. If you follow me on social media you know how evangelical I am about the way the dress with sleeves can transition through a day of varied weather conditions. The sleeves keep your arms warm in the mornings but you are still comfortable if the temperature rises. Here are my current favourites...

For the minimalist... J Crew's striped maxi

The Corporate option... Libby London's Richmond Dress

For the Romantic... Vanessa Bruno's Estonie Dress (on sale!) 

For the fashion or die... Daft's Faye Dunaway Kaftan

For the Classic... Topshop Unique's Dorney Shirt Dress

And layer yours with a polo neck come autumn. The perfect transitional piece. 

Here's to a sunny Summer! 

Penny x

How to buy a Trench Coat

MOST REQUESTED

I have decided to dedicate this blog to the most requested items, the items my clients are looking for and asking me to source*. By far the most popular item at the moment is the Trench Coat or Mac. So before you make your forever purchase consider the following...

FIT... A trench looks its best when it is fitted but consider its purpose. Do you want the versatility of wearing it over a suit jacket? Make sure there is enough room in the arm holes by moving your arms around when you try it on. It's too small if the buttons are pulling and the vent at the back isn't sitting flat.

If you are PETITE - higher buttoning, shorter styles will work best. And shoulder seams should sit on the tip of your shoulders. If you want to go for longer then something that isn’t bulky and that is more fluid. 

If you DON'T have a defined waist (like me!)- Opt for styles with trench detailing without the double breasted fastening like this. Or a style without contrasting buttons like this. 

COLOUR... Which to choose?? You want your trench to work hard so think about what colours you have in your wardrobe and your personal colouring. If you have COOL colouring look for stone, ecru, grey and navy. If you have WARM colouring then beige, brown, khaki, camel like this. 

FABRIC... Water resistant or treated fabrics will keep you dry. But also consider your body shape, whether you suit more fluid fabrics like this or stiff structured looks. 

DID YOU KNOW?

The Mac (short for Macintosh) came from Scotland and originated in the early 1800s. It was named for Charles Macintosh that patent the rubberised water proof fabric. The Trench came 100 years later when Thomas Burberry created all-weather coats for soldiers fitting in the trenches in WW1. 

Happy Shopping! 

Penny x

*If you would like me to recommend locate and advise on a particular item, contact me about joining my VIP Club. 

New Website & New Resolutions

NEW WEBSITE

Welcome to my new website! I can't believe it was 8 years ago that I launched my business. In that time I have consulted hundreds of you who have trusted me with your style and wardrobe. It is you that constantly inspire and challenge me and the reason I love what I do. My business and my clients needs have evolved and it has inspired my beautiful new simplified and functional website.  I would love to know what you think. 

NEW RESOLUTIONS

As I see in the new year with a fresh online image, I think about what else I would like to achieve sartorially in 2016. My goal for myself and for my clients is to buy 'smarter' - love forever pieces that will work more efficiently in the wardrobe. But this new year I would like to buy more ethically too by investing in brands with a sustainable vision. Here is a list of brands I will be investing in in 2016 and their must have pieces.

My TOP FIVE brands with a heart

1. Stella Jean | She collaborates with African and Haitian artisans to promote self sustaining local communities. I'd wear this Mietitore maxi skirt all summer with a simple white vest and the biggest smile on my face. 

2. Eileen Fisher | They use the most sustainable fabrics and responsible dyes they can get there hands on and by 2020 all their cotton will be organic. These coated black leggings hang in the wardrobes of most of my clients. As cool as leather but easier to look after, they look great with a slouchy knit and ankle boots. 

3. made Jewellery | Each unique piece is hand made by local artisans in Kenya. They have collaborated with fashion's most established brands - Louis Vuitton, Topshop and Whistles. Add an edge to summer's floaty feminine dresses with these cool arrow studs. 

4. EDUN | Founded by Ali Hewson and Bono in 2005, their mission is to source production and encourage trade in Africa. With the former design director from Alexander Wang now at the design helm this brand is taking a cool new direction. I love wearing white in winter and this update on the cable knit will look great with my plaid coat. 

5. Mar Y Sol | The sale of their products allows families in Madagascar to gain economic independence and preserve their traditional crafts all in a sustainable fashion. This Havana bag had me with its of-the-moment removable pom pom accessorie and its saffron yellow stripes and will look equally brilliant with jeans in the city or a swimsuit in the sun. 

Happy New Year! 

Penny x