6 new bag brands you can afford

The new season brings new and exciting bag shapes. An updated luxurious bag adds a different dimension to last seasons knitwear and denim but it can also put a massive dent in your bank balance. So what if you want a distinctive bag at a palatable price point that looks and feels as good as Gucci? The popularity of brands like Mansur Gavriel has given rise to other cool, contemporary bag brands that are offering luxury and quality at an accessible price. So before you decide to live off baked beans for a month, here are my top 6 boutique bag brands that will have people asking ‘where did you get that bag?”.  

1. Danse Lente - London based label, Danse Lente is french for ‘slow dance’. Famous for its Lorna bucket bag but I also love the Mia. 

2. Cult Gaia - famous for its re-issue of the traditional Japanese picnic basket. They are now moving into clothing too and it is good. Very good. 

3. Mehry Mu - You can see the Turkish influence in Günes Mutlu’s designs. I love these jewel coloured velvet box bags 

4. Building Block - Focusing on form over fancy detailing, these LA based sisters are certainly on form with the box leather shoulder bag. 

5. PB 0110 - German Philipp Bree’s bags combine clean lines and an irresistible colour palette. They are instantly wearable and this circular shape is at the top of my wish list for a great new season update. 

6. KARA - Not a new kid on the bag block but worth a mention as I own 3 of their bags. The tie leather tote is perfect for work or if you have the kids in toe. And I love the new season green 

7. Cafuné - another one to put on your bucket list 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper and Image Consultant who works with successful men and women from London and the south east who feel their wardrobe is letting them down and need a fresh pair of eyes to fine tune their style. 

why editing your wardrobe is good for you

START THE DAY RIGHT

Imagine waking from a night’s sleep in a calm room and opening a neat and organised wardrobe. Picture the ease of browsing, selecting and pulling out your favourite outfit and opening a neat draw full of underwear that fits well, taking your shoes from their ordered and dedicated space, and having your complementary handbag at arms length. You are not rushing around trying to find items that you thought were in your wardrobe but could be at the dry cleaners. You are fully dressed in three minutes. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

When you stand in front of a wardrobe that has been re-organised, the results are instant - your head feels clear and you will feel more energetic and motivated. This energy is then transferred into your day, setting you up for success. I had a client say she felt lighter and that the room felt lighter too once her wardrobe was edited.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

When I sort through a client’s wardrobe, the average amount to sell, donate or recycle is five large bin bags – this may seem drastic but I have never once had a client who has had a problem later on. In fact many find the process addictive and review their wardrobes on a regular basis re-evaluating items that they once considered essential, that now look totally out of place. It shows they feel empowered by the process of selecting what to discard and they feel proud because they know they have achieved it on their own.  It’s a total change of their mindset. Once it becomes habit they regard their wardrobe and the items in it differently. They become more selective with their shopping choices only selecting items that reflect their style and deserve a coveted space in their wardrobes. And they take better care of their clothes, understanding their value and getting longevity out of their clothes. 

ENJOY GETTING DRESSED

Reducing the amount of clothes we have in our wardrobes allows us to see what we have and importantly, we are more likely to wear what we have. Getting dressed stops being stressful and overwhelming and becomes a joy.  When we detox our wardrobes it has a detoxing effect on our minds and bodies.  I think this is because we realise we don’t need wardrobes full of clothes and our desire to constantly buy new things decreases. When before, over stuff wardrobes stopped my clients from seeing what they had, they were never satisfied and always wanted something new to wear - that illusive item that would magically solve all their wardrobe problems. They were buying on impulse in an attempt to alleviate the stress of their wardrobe. But the buzz of the purchase is short lived when you realise you are adding to the anxiety as you try and stuff the item into your wardrobe. When all you are really craving is space physical and mental. Once we have selected and properly stored all the items they love, they feel like they have everything they need.  As my client put it, ‘Getting dressed in the morning is like shopping in my own wardrobe’. Your mind becomes clearer and you can focus their mental energy on the days tasks and enjoying life.

FEEL EMPOWERED

Although the benefits seem obvious, some of my clients find the process of discarding clothes really hard, they believe that having a wardrobe full to bursting affords them some security or saves them money. So I start the process by focussing on what they love to wear, what makes them feel confident and gives them happiness. By starting on a positive note and focusing on what they have and love stops them from feeling anxious about focusing solely on throwing things away. Empowering them with the ability to choose what they are keeping not what we want to get rid of.

DON'T TRANSFER THE GUILT

When discarding items becomes difficult, there is a tendency to want to pass unwanted items to relatives or friends. Be mindful of this unless you know they will love them or they reflect their true style. My client was not able to develop an instinct for what she loved because the majority of her clothes had been passed onto her by her mother. It stifled her ability to develop her own style but it also made her feel guilty about not wearing clothes she had been given. Although passing something on seems generous, it doesn’t help mindset or reduce clutter, it just transfers the guilt of not being able to throw something away onto a family member. Be considerate; they don't need the anxiety of owning more than they need. 

CREATE ORDER IN YOUR WARDROBE AND YOUR MIND

After the editing process and the decisions made on what to keep it’s time to start putting the clothes away. How you store your clothes also impacts on mindset- creating order in your wardrobe is a great step in helping us gain control in our lives and sets you up for the day.  It feels great to open your wardrobe and see the clothes you love to wear arranged neatly on matching hangers. You no longer have to take a deep breath before opening the doors to overstuffed rails of clothes slipping off wire hangers, impossible to find what you need.  Wardrobes are not only messy because they are over stuffed but because the space isn’t being used efficiently and there is lack of understanding as to how to store clothes properly. One of my client’s wardrobes was so packed it took her 5 minutes to find the jacket that she wanted to show me and when she finally found it, all the clothes on either side slipped off the hangers or got tangled, catching on a mass of wire hangers. The wire hangers were the first things to go!

TRY IT!

I’ve seen the amazing impact that streamlining your wardrobe can have but I have had many people question whether paying such attention to your clothes and the way they are organised can possibly have such a positive and lasting effect. So why not try it? It is more achievable and enjoyable than you can ever anticipate. As my clients say, it’s life changing. Swap out your metal hangers for thin velvet covered ones; rearrange your wardrobe by category. As you go remove those items that are out of date, damaged and ill fitting and reduce your wardrobe to those items you love. Creating space gives clarity and calm. When we regain control we can operate from a place of clarity and it gives us confidence and impacts on how we manage ourselves socially and professionally. 

Yes, this takes time. So if you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and you want a professional who understands what will work and can give you pragmatic and honest advice, then please get in touch.  

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper and Image Consultant who works with successful men and women from London and the south east who feel their wardrobe is letting them down. 

summer workwear for a steamy city

We are all aware of the remarkable impact our clothes have on how people view us and treat us so despite the hotter weather, we still need to look crisp and professional. Here are my top five tips on how to look stylish despite the rising temperatures.

1. COLOUR

Wearing black when the sun is blazing only makes you feel hotter. Opt for a lighter colour palette of whites, taupes, light grey and cooling blues that are summery but sophisticated and don’t feel as heavy as dark grey and black.

FOR WOMEN - Summer is a great time to experiment with print. A subtle print can add interest to an outfit and importantly prints are great at hiding sweat marks!

2. GO LIGHT

FOR MEN - A suit in a ‘tropical’ wool will be indispensable at this time of year and perfect for travelling to sunnier climates the rest of the year. A summer light weight wool is 7oz-9oz - although just be aware the ‘heavier fabrics tend to drape or hang better which affects the overall look of the suit.

FOR WOMEN - a sleeveless dress with a bracelet sleeve jacket as an option for meetings or more formal situations. Look for lightweight but wrinkle resistant fabrics like cotton blends and silk blends. A Lycra component will help the fabric keep its shape. Also consider the fit – fabrics that skim the body will be keep your body cooler. Swap your pencil skirt for a fuller style in a subtle print or brighter colour.

3. ACCESSORISE

FOR MEN - opt for Silk ties in brighter colours or with small understated Hermes style prints to add a summery element to the formal suit. Short sleeve dress shirts err on the wrong side of casual so instead when in the office roll up your sleeves. This is also the perfect opportunity to show off a fine wristwatch. Maintain composure and carry a pressed crisp white cotton hanky in your pocket to wipe the brow of perspiration. I know many men find hats hard to pull off but their ability to keep the head cool whilst keeping the sun off the face should not be overlooked. A finely woven panama with a navy suit is refined and functional . Just remember to take if off when you are inside. 

FOR WOMEN - Add sophistication and polish to more summery looking dresses with jewellery. A statement necklace or refined drop earrings work well but avoid bracelets that can bang on the desk when typing and can be distracting. Try a brighter handbag like a red to lift a more neutral palette.

4. FEET FIRST

Feet swell in the heat so opt for softer fabrics like suede that will stretch easily with an expanding foot

FOR MEN - A tan shoe will work with the light colour palette of greys and blues.

FOR WOMEN - Try a brighter coloured shoe with a fit and flare dress and if you can, leave the tights at home and prep the legs with Sally Hansen’s airbrush legs. 

5. CHECK THE DRESS CODE

Most UK firms seem to have a summer dress code so it is worth enquiring with HR. Some flexibility during these periods of intense heat is advantageous - the more comfortable the staff are the more productive they will be but a more relaxed approach to dressing in these periods should not be carte blanch for looking ungroomed and sloppy.

FOR MEN - If the office culture is more flexible then a cotton suit or a light wool blazer with chinos and polo shirt make a great hot weather combination. 

FOR WOMEN - Softer silhouettes will be comfortable, cool and professional and if your office is air-conditioned a cotton silk cardigan will take the edge off. 

If you feel your professional image is letting you down then I would love to help you raise your sartorial game and your confidence so please get in touch. I wish you all a successful and productive summer 

Penny Bennett is an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist and Shopper who works with successful executives, entrepreneurs and working mum's in London and the South East. 

3 steps to the perfect print

Summer is the perfect time to wear and experiment with print. But a lot of my clients find print challenging to wear because they don't know what prints suit them, they feel overwhelmed by print or they don't want to stand out for the wrong reasons. So how to find the prefect print for you? Follow my 3 easy steps and you will be enjoying the interest and beauty that print brings to your wardrobe. 

1. SIZE - you want the size of the print to match your scale. That is, if you are petite and fine boned you want to opt for small prints. Anything larger will overwhelm you. If you are tall and athletic then you want a medium to large size print. Anything too small will look dull and can make you appear bigger than you are. If you are shorter but a size 18 plus then opt for larger prints that add interest and disguise problem areas. 

2. SHAPE - the shape of the print should compliment your shape of your body but also the shape of your facial features. If your body is more boyish and straight or if you have angular facial features and high cheek bones then geometric or stripes work well. If your body is more contoured or your facial features are more rounded then circular, abstract or floral will be complimentary. 

3. COLOUR - opt for a print combination in your perfect colour palette and you can't go wrong. If you have warm colouring then cream, orange, blue and green work well. If you have cool colouring then pink, grey, white, burgundy and blue look stunning. Understanding your colouring opens you up to so many new and exciting colour combinations and takes the guess work out of choosing the right print. If you are confused about your colouring and would like clarity on making the best colour choices for you, then I would love to hear from you. My previous post on why colour matters is a must read for anyone who is still on the fence. 

PRINT IN THE WORKPLACE - If you work in a conservative office then block colours may be preferable but introducing print in the summer months is a great way to add interest.  Opt for monochrome ie two colours in your print for example black and white, navy and cream, burgundy and navy. It is also worth noting here that print decreases the authority of a look and is more approachable. Depending on what your role is then incorporate print when appropriate. 

WHERE TO SHOP - The Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders is the king of print and pattern and has transformed DVF's print offering. Here are my favourites...

Workwear - this blouse is perfect for the office or a night out with a bright pencil skirt. 

Weekend - Wear this to a picnic or pub lunch.  A simple white t shirt will let the print take centre stage. Wearing print away from your face is the perfect way to dip your toe in without it feeling overwhelming. 

Wedding - well it is the season! This Chinese vintage inspired print is heavenly and in a flattering wrap dress style. 

Everyday - the print doesn't have to be dominating. You could wear this everyday - subtle but statement all in the same breath. 

I also love Rixo, La Double J and Doên for original prints and patterns. 

ON THE HIGHSTREET - I'm always on the look out for amazing prints on the hight street. The best places are & Other Stories, Warehouse, Topshop and Finery.  

I would love to help you take the guess work out of finding your perfect print so please get in touch. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Shopper who works with successful men and women in London and the U.K. 

Why colour matters

When I first start working with a client I really like to get to the heart of how they want to look and the subjectivity of colour plays a huge part in this. My clients already have an instinctive, pre-conceived idea of what suits them but they don’t know why those particular colours work and why others don’t. I talk to them about the colours they love and they discover why they are successful and I introduce them to colours and combinations they would never have considered. There have been so many goose bump moments when I dress my clients in a colour they instantly respond to or a colour they had never considered before that looks amazing. It’s game changing. 

There are not only emotional reasons for wearing the right colours but it is also physically important

 your best colours can –

-       even out skin tones 

-       diminish lines and dark circles

-       help complexion look more radiant

-       bring definition to features

-       give you a general look of wellbeing

-       make you look younger

-       make your outfits look expensive

-       help you outfits look effortless

the wrong colours can –

-       cast shadows on face

-       exaggerate uneven skin tones

-       accentuate lines or dark circles

-       make the complexion look drained, washed out, grubby, sallow

-       age the face

-       make you look tired

-      make your outfit  look cheap

-       look overwhelming- like you are trying too hard! 

The colours you wear also effects how others perceive you. The colours we wear communicate whom we are and how we feel we fit into the world around us. So the next time you choose an outfit for a presentation or to facilitate a deal or get a project across the line, consider the perception of a colour. 

BLACK – sophistication, security, efficiency and substance. 

BROWN – serious, warmth, reliability, support

GREY – psychologically neutral 

WHITE – hygiene, clarity, purity, simplicity, sophistication, efficiency. 

GREEN – balance, reassurance, equilibrium

RED – strength , warmth, vitality, energy

BLUE -  intelligence, communication, trust, calm.

If you are confused about colour choices, don’t know how to coordinate colour in outfits or are stuck in a rut, contact me to discover your best colour choices. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant working with successful men and women in London, UK. 

5 reasons why a personal stylist is a good investment

Many women and men think they don’t have the time or budget to invest in working with a personal stylist yet they spend many fruitless hours searching for the right garments only to find that they waist money on items that are ill fitting, don’t work with existing pieces or end up looking cheap after one wash. There are many misconceptions and stigmas about working with a personal stylist, but the fact of the matter is the experience is inspiring, motivating and in the words of my clients, life changing. Here are 5 reasons why working with a personal stylist will be the best decision you ever made. 

1. Learn to shop smarter saving you time and money.

When was the last time you went shopping with a very clear idea of the items you need, the shop to go to, the colour to choose and the style the garments should be? Working with a personal stylist takes all the stress and guess work out of shopping. You will not only enjoy the amazing experience of having someone advise, source and locate all the essential items for your wardrobe in one afternoon but when you shop for yourself you will no longer feel overwhelmed by all the choices. You will have all the information you need to walk into a store and scan rails like a pro, eliminating items instantly and understanding which items are worth taking the time to try on and which pieces deserve a coveted space in your wardrobe. 

2. Feel confident everyday.

It goes without saying that when you look good you feel good and this feeling shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions but you should feel confident everyday. How you dress communicates to the world your sense of self-assurance, quality and professionalism. If you feel confident in what you are wearing and you love your style you are more likely to step up and get noticed either in social or work situations. On the days you don’t make an effort with your appearance you are more likely to shy away from opportunities, stifling your career. Working with a personal stylist gives you the knowledge and understanding you need to make confident decisions about what to buy. You will no longer feel overwhelmed and unsure but stylish, appropriate and confident.  

3. Build a functional wardrobe FULL to outfits.

One of the biggest problems my clients have is how to put outfits together and this is often due to the fact that their wardrobe is full of pieces not outfits. There are the pieces they bought in the sale, pieces they bought because they looked good on a friend, the pieces they bought when they had a bad day at work. A wardrobe is only functional when the items in it mix and match to create outfits, this is commonly known as a capsule wardrobe. When you feel overwhelmed by an overstuffed wardrobe you are not going to be able to put outfits together with ease. Working with a personal stylist will give you the clarity to understand what items will go with what and what items are missing that you need to purchase to help you to get more use out of existing pieces. It’s like shopping in your own wardrobe. Getting dressed everyday will be a joy and you will never say ‘I have nothing to wear’ again! 

4. It’s all about you!

You are successful in your career, you might have a young family to look after, you're social and busy organising get togethers, there are also the holidays to plan and the house to keep tidy. When do you have time to prioritise yourself and your wardrobe?! My clients love the consultations and taking time for themselves, enjoying the whole process of re-discovering their style. They enjoy the morning ritual of opening a wardrobe that is organised and edited and full of stylish pieces that work for every situation. But its not only about taking time for yourself and working on your personal  image and brand but the knowledge that every item in the wardrobe is in your best colours and your best styles. Style is a personal interpretation of fashion and how YOU like to wear clothes. Working with a personal stylist will help you fall in love with your style again. 

5. Look contemporary and appropriate. 

Being stylish is not about wearing the latest trends it is about an authentic style that is appropriate and up to date. Fashion evolves and so should your style but with so much information about fashion and style available it is easy to get anxious about how you should position your style for your age. Working with a personal stylist helps you gain clarity on what is contemporary and how to dress for your stage of life ensuring you stay current. I work with my clients season after season to review and refresh their wardrobes, distilling fashion trends and showing my clients how they can add a fashion element to their look in a seamless way. From a workwear perspective you need to look as fresh as your ideas and that you have your finger on the pulse of your industry. Working with a personal stylist will help you to translate workwear dress codes into a style that suits you and get you noticed for the right reasons. 

I hope this has given you an insight into what you can achieve by working with me and I would love to help you regain your style identity and be the best you so please get in touch. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant working with successful men and women in London, UK. 

Shoe solutions

Shopping for shoes I know is challenging, with so many different foot issues there is not a one size fits all solution. It takes time and patience to find the right fit. But before you embark on finding the right pair, here are my top tips for shopping for shoes successfully…

1. Buy the best quality you can - I know this goes without saying but it really is worth it. Shoe designers spend a lot of time getting the balance of the shoe just right to ensure equal distribution of weight. The quality of the materials has a huge influence on how comfortable the shoe is - always opt for a quality leather inner as when your feet sweat a synthetic will cause the foot to rub. Also pay close attention to the finish on the inside, if they are not finished properly they will rub. If your budget is limited I recommend Whistles (men), M&S (men), Next (men), & other stories, J Crew (men) and Uterque for affordable quality and fashionable design. 

2. Vary the shoe heights - don't wear the same shoes two days in a row. The best way to extend the life of your shoes is to rotate them and use quality shoe trees after each wear. This will extend the life of the shoe but also help your feet stay healthy by ensuring you are not always putting pressure and impact on the same area of your foot and gives your calves a welcome break. 

3. Fit -  Shoes will naturally mould to your foot for greater comfort but never buy a shoe that is too small expecting it to stretch a whole size. Medipaq sells a brilliant shoe stretcher with little bumps for stretching certain areas of the shoe to reflect problem areas on the feet like bunions. Suede is the best fabrics if you have wider feet as it will stretch the most but make sure you protect them first with a suede protector. 

4. Maintenance - If you invest money into your shoes make sure you look after them. Your local cobbler can re-heel, remove marks, re-stitch, add a new buckle, stretch, add a non-slip sole and add a padded front.  

5. Wide feet - This is probably the most common foot issue I deal with. But fortunately there are brands that are addressing this problem. Here are my favourites…

Best for work wear - Sargasso and Grey 

Best for high street - M&S (men) and Next (men) Clarks (men)

Best designer - Jil Sander, Cole Haan (men)

Best online - V by Very, Nordstrom (men)

Best bespoke - Shoes of Prey,  The Left Shoe Company (men)

How to flatter your feet - the shape of a shoe determines how flattering it will be. Choose a style that works for your foot, ankle and calf shape. Here are my top tips…

1. Wide feet - avoid styles that have a strap over the widest part of your foot. Look for styles with a T bar style strap to elongate the foot. Lace up styles that allow you to adjust the width work really well as this means you don’t have to opt for wide fit brands. Cross over straps are also flattering. 

2. Thicker ankles - avoid ankle straps unless they are in a nude colour. Opt for wedges or platforms for extra height and to elongate the ankle. Block heels will be more flattering than stiletto heels as it balances the calf. 

3. Big feet - if you have big feet and want to make them look ‘shorter’ opt for Chanel style two tone toes caps that shorten the foot. Avoid low cut shoes that will elongate the foot. 

If you are having difficulty finding the right shoes, I can help you find the right brands and styles to help you to remove the pain from shoe shopping. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant working with successful men and women in London, UK. 

Summer Style inspiration - Rik Rak

Seaside stripes... tick. Summer florals... tick. Ruffled shoulder detail.... tick. Rik Rak.....??? There is a certain predictability with summer fashion but this season there is a nostalgic detail that I love that sets your summer dresses and skirts apart from the rest - Rik Rak.

 When I was a little girl, I thought of my mum's wardrobe as one big dressing up box. My favourite dress of hers was a seemingly simple white dress covered with ribbons and rik-rak sewn in alternate layers. I have had a nostalgic fondness for Rik Rak ever since. And to my delight it is the fashion detail of the moment. I snapped up a top from & Other Stories (similar here) and I have this dress, reminiscent of my Mum's on my wish list. I also love this J crew, this Sonia Rykiel (now on sale!), this Dodo Bar Or dress and this Bliss and Mischief. 

If you are stuck in a rut and always buying the same uninspiring styles, get in touch and fall in love with your style again. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant working with successful men and women in London, UK. 

How to dress for 4 seasons in 1 day

I've been in denial. For the past few weeks I have refused to wear a coat opting for lighter (read inappropriate) layers to herald the beginning of spring. But with the weather refusing to be on my side I've resigned myself to the fact that sandal weather is way off and I'm back into sweaters and winter coats. So how can we put the Spring back into our step and start wearing summer clothes now…

Layering

Use items from your summer wardrobe and layer them with your winter pieces. My favourite tran-seasonal look is to pair a printed dress or slip with a leather jacket and boots. If it gets really cold I add a sweater too. The denim jacket is another brilliant layering piece - layer over a sweater and your summery midi skirt and if it gets colder add a coat or parka. 

Fabrics 

Silk regulates your body temperature and preserves your body heat in the cold. Opting for fabrics like silk, light cashmere and fine knit wool are not only easy to layer but give your outfit a luxurious lightweight spring look. Worried about the price tag? Put ‘silk’ or ‘cashmere’ in the search bar of your favourite highstreet store and you will be surprised at what you might uncover. 

Accessories 

This is the perfect way to add a spring touch to your outfit and add some colour. Why not try this seasons must have wicker basket bag? You can wear it with a coat whilst still referencing summer. A pair of statement sunglasses are perfect for those bright but chilly days and a vibrant printed scarf not only keeps you warm but will have you feeling like spring is just around the corner. 

Colour 

It wouldn’t be a Penny Bennett blog without talking about colour! Lighter colours are the perfect way of helping your outfit feel Spring-y after spending the winter in colour hibernation cloaked in navy, black and grey. Try a lightweight coat in cream with a light grey sweater and your soon-to-be summer staple, white jeans. 

What feels feminine now

It is International Women's Day and the perfect opportunity to celebrate women's style and authentic femininity. Many woman come to me because they want to feel more feminine. So I start with understanding what femininity means too them and I ask them to discuss the last time they felt feminine. And what always comes to light is that femininity is not about wearing frills or a pretty frock but about an attitude; how confident you feel in your clothes and how you communicate to the world what you are capable of. When you understand what colours flatter and what styles will highlight your best bits you will wear your clothes with confidence and your femininity will take centre stage.

These are my 4 favourite ways to get femininity into my wardrobe. 

1. COLOUR

I know, I am always banging on about colour! But it can totally change your mood and is not only important for how you see yourself but how others perceive you - the psychological implications of putting clothes on your body are significant. Even if you’re not trying to make an impression or look a certain way, you are still sending out a message. I recently bought a burgundy silk dress from Rhode resort and the design is very simple but it's all about that deep, cherry stained, amazing red that makes you stand out for all the right reasons. 

2. FABRIC

If you are a tactile person like me, the way a fabric feels on your skin is very important. I like fabrics that feel cosy, soft, comfortable, weightless even. I never want my clothes to look like they are wearing me so I opt for fabrics like silk, cashmere and pima cotton that skim the body and move when you walk. Buy the best quality you can afford and you will feel a million dollars. 

3. ACCESORIES

My current obsession are statement earrings and nothing feels more fun and feminine than to add a dangly pair of earrings to anything from a sweater and jeans to a silk dress. Choose your accessories of choice whether it be layered necklaces or stacked rings to add a distinctly feminine and personal statement to your outfit. 

4. FINISHING TOUCHES

I could be wearing jeans, a t-shirt and trainers but if my nails are polished, my hair is done and my lips are moisturised and full, I feel like I can conquer the world. 

I would really love to hear your how you get finality into your wardrobe or if it's something you feel you need help with, get in touch

My favourite #bold women in fashion: Jenna Lyons, Lucinda Chambers, Jordan Dunn, Natalia Vodianova, Erin O'Connor. 

Book to Read: Women in Clothes: Why We Wear What We Wear 

The perfect high street jeans to kick-start spring

It is always about this time of year that I feel the need to update my denim. Having spent the long winter trussed up in skinny jeans to balance the layering and over coats, I long to set my style (and my legs) free and experiment with different cuts and detailing. And the high street is a great place to experiment with new styles before you invest in a designer pair. So what's exciting for spring and how to find your perfect pair. 

Fringing at TOPSHOP

Why: Pair these with a simple cashmere sweater or t-shirt. Perfect for evening or a lunch with the girlfriends. 

Who: If you are very petite wears these with heels and if you have shorter legs, wear a tonal shoe. 

Designer update: 3X1

Embroidery at Madewell

Why: If you are craving summer like I am then delicate floral embroidered jeans will lift your spirits. 

Who: The way the embroidery on these jeans wraps around the thigh is really flattering on everyone. 

Designer update: Gucci

Asymmetric hem at H&M

Why: For those edgy or sporty looks or contradict with an over the top feminine blouse. 

Who: if you have good ankles this is their time to shine. 

Designer update: Vetements 

Vintage at TOPSHOP

Why: The biggest trend at the moment is for authentic non-stretch 100% cotton vintage denim. I love this flattering high waist and comfortable wider leg.  

Who: If you are used to stretch or you are very curvy you may want to avoid this denim. Wider leg styles look great if you are taller. 

Designer Update: Re/done denim

Shop Smarter

My clients come to me because that want to shop better regardless of budget. They want clothes that have longevity both in terms of style and quality. Now there are no rules in terms of what pieces you should have in your wardrobe as this really depends on your lifestyle - one woman’s black cardigan is another woman’s black leather jacket. But there are ways of shopping to ensure you are getting the best quality fabric money can buy and it comes down to one thing… the search engine.

Retailers are investing a lot of money and time into refining the search parameters so you can find exactly what you want. So instead of searching for ‘sweater’ search for ‘wool’ or ‘cashmere’ or if you are looking for a handbag, search for ‘leather’. H&M even has a ‘Premium Quality’ concept that lists all the items on the site that are made with premium fabrics.

Here are my top 5 premium quality high street buys. Obviously if you are shopping in store this becomes challenging. But maybe I will rebrand myself as 'your in-store search engine’! With my help you will recognise the difference between silk and rayon or wool and acrylic in no time. 

COS - weekend essential; the cosy cashmere joggers.

Zara - The softest cashmere in mood-lifting red.

H&M - Who knew. The perfect leather biker. 

Uterque - People won't know if it's Chloe but they will know it's silk.

J Crew - Day to night in this season's coveted colour.