Prints in Monochrome

Monochrome is set to be huge for SS13 and unless you have been in hibernation, you will have noticed the shop windows teeming with bold black and white prints. Shirts, pencil skirts and body con dresses-the high street has plenty to offer the on-trend shopper IDEAS.

I often dress on the premise that if you go minimal by day and edgy by night, you'll be onto a winner. This Primark skirt was an obvious choice as when it comes to updating my wardrobe, I like to mix on-trend pieces with classic prints that never go out of fashion: think stripes and polka dots. Although black and white is perfect for creating a polished daytime look, I like to inject a bit of colour and vibrancy into my outfit when it comes to an evening out. To finish off the look I added a statement necklace and an oversized clutch.

Biker Jacket: Zara, Collar Necklace: Asos similar here, Pencil Skirt: Primark, Platform Boots: ebay similar here

 

The Fashionista's Winter Must-Haves

By all means wrap up in the winter seasons but fight that overwhelming urge to dig out the ski jacket. Here is my winter check-list to help you embrace the bitter cold and avoid looking like a windswept disaster.....

1. Faux Fur Gilets and Coats: Tried and tested way to keep warm whilst injecting a touch of vintage glamour into your look.

 2. Fluffy Jumpers: A cute way to layer up when worn over a collared shirt. Keep a clothes brush at the ready to get rid of the stray hairs that will cling to your coat!

 3. Leather Skirts:  A nod to the current goth influence and my leather obsession. Pencil skirts and midi-styles are bang on trend whether worn for a day at the office or drinks with friends.

4. Leather-Sleeved Jacket: Contrasting outerwear is leading the way for AW12. Whether your staple jacket is khaki, cream or black the texture clash is massive this season.

5. Polo Necks: Who needs a scarf?!

6. Tapered Trousers: Effortlessly chic and if you cannot face the inevitable frozen ankles, bring socks into the equation.

7. Over the knee boots: Invest in a quality pair to avoid replacing your favourites yearly. Whether flat or heeled they are ideal worn with shorts and tights, or over skinny jeans.

8. Fur Collar Coat: A timeless and versatile fashion favourite and charcoal grey can be worn with almost anything.

9. Long Sleeve Shirts: There are endless possibilities on offer ranging from lace trims, overdone collars, sequins and embellishment.

All outfits via ASOS Fashion Finder.

Wedge Trainers and Fur

In these arctic conditions it can be tempting to grab as many layers as possible and pile them on with no consideration of the potentially disastrous consequences. Teaming your dad's old fleece with an ill-advised, multi-coloured scarf acquired from an Aunt years ago may seem like a good idea at the time, but there are ways to keep the cold out without committing the fashion crime of the century!

For the winter months I have a checklist of 'must-have' items that provide much needed warmth whilst still looking glam. One such item is the fur gilet and whilst I will highlight the rest in my next post, here is my latest seasonal outfit. I have used a leopard print belt to add to the overall look and accentuate my waist. Note that I am not referring to the bright coloured, bomber jacket types (!) but the chic faux fur varieties worn by leading fashionistas such as Olivia Palermo.

In terms of jewellery, my latest obsession is this knuckle duster set of rings. After seeing Rosie Fortescue on Made in Chelsea wearing the amazing Maison Martin Margiela set BUY HERE, I managed to find a more purse-friendly option from Asos (link below).

Fur Gilet: Romwe, Jumper: H and M, Belt: Topshop, Black Jeans: Topshop, Watch: Michael Kors, Earrings: Topshop, Rings: Asos, Wedge Trainers: Primark similar here

Leather Sleeves & Bowler Hats

As the snow hit London I realised (a little late) that it was time to dig out my winter hats, gloves and general warm attire. Being a fan of vintage clothing, my wardrobe is littered with purchases I have picked up from various charity shops over the years, including this patterned jumper.

I love the bowler hat trend which is ideal for the colder weather. Injecting a bit of 'city cool' into your wardrobe can never be a bad thing and whether you wear yours to look edgy or smart, it works. I always get excited when fashions from the 1950s and 60s regain popularity and the bowler hat has undoubtedly secured its 'on-trend' status for the moment.  What I am wearing here is actually an old wooly hat that I have had for years-rolled up around the rim to look bowler-esque!

Leather sleeves are still huge. When it comes to fashion I think attention to detail is key and I love the texture contrast of this coat- wool teamed with leather. Black is timeless and below the knee coats instantly smarten up an everyday outfit.

Coat: ebay SIMILAR HERE, Bag, Hat and Jumper: vintage, Jeans: Topshop SIMILAR HERE, Boots: Missguided, Watch: Michael Kors

Arm Candy: Cuff Bracelets

If you don't have a handsome male on your arm don't fret; I am here to propose the next best thing. Whether you do your shopping in designer boutiques or on the high street, unquestionably statement jewellery is having its day. Alongside collar necklaces and chunky rings, arm cuffs are the perfect way to transform a mundane outfit into a fashion statement. Having scanned the web, my personal favourite comes with a hefty price tag - I love Alexander Mcqueen's trademark skull print - but the high street also has some purse friendly beauties. For ways to wear your cuff see one of my earlier posts HERE.

L-R/Top-Bottom: Alexander Mcqueen at Selfridges £155, Asos £18, Ted Baker at Asos, Asos £15, Romwe.com £9.39, New Look £4.99.

An Evening in Camoflage

Still being a fan of the camo trend OLDER POST, I thought it was time I dug out my army jacket. Although I love the current feminine fashions when it comes to evening attire - think sequin bralets and pencil skirts - here I have opted for a more edgy look.

Mixing trends can result in a fashion mismatch with the appearance of trying too hard and in short, disaster. However, in keeping it simple I think (hope!) this goth meets military look works well.

Midi styles are still bang on trend and this high-neck dress was a Missguided purchase. Teaming it with my lace-up platform boots and a spiked necklace, the final touch was a slick of red lipstick.

Camo jacket: Amazon, Dress: Missguided, Necklace: Primark, Watch: Michael Kors, Boots: ebay

Wardrobe Staple: Disco Pants in Grey

When an evening out rears its head, the first thing I reach for are my disco pants. Being figure hugging yet forgiving, stylish yet ultra comfortable and of course very versatile- they have become one of my wardrobe staples.

Although I paid out £74 for my black American Apparel originals EXAMPLES, judging by the regular email updates I receive from my favourite online retailers, cheaper equivalents are still everywhere and will ease the guilt of the post-Christmas expenditure.

The grey pair I am wearing here cost me under £10 from Amazon. I wanted another colour to add to my wardrobe and having decided I wasn't brave enough for the bright red or blue variety, grey seemed a safer bet. You can wear them with a simple t-shirt and blazer-as seen, a tucked in shirt or a crop top/bralet and neutral colours go with everything. The only drawback of the bargain buys is that they tend not to have the back pockets and front button but for the price I think it is a sacrifice worth making. Check out Missguided HERE or Topshop HERE to get your own.

Blazer: Primark, Collar Necklace: ASOS, Ring: Wallis, Disco Pants: Amazon, Ankle Socks: Topshop, Boots: Missguided