I don’t normally go anywhere near the sales.  I spend so much time in the shops with clients that when the sales finally come round I’ve seen enough of the stock and know that the best has probably been and gone.    However, last weekend we had to pop to Cribbs Causeway so I ventured into a few shops to see the new collections that are starting to come through, and guess what?  I was totally side tracked by the sale rails.  I spotted this skirt in the Warehouse sale, I’d bought it in red back in the summer and it was such a useful skirt, so when I saw it was an amazing £7, it had to be mine.

Maxi skirt from Warehouse

This is my first outfit and I think it’s my favourite. I’ve teamed it with an ancient cardigan of mine that’s seen better days (I just can’t make myself get rid of it), I breathed new life into it by wearing it back to front. I love the neckline on it worn this way, it broadens my narrow shoulders. I like to wear maxi skirts in a boho/grungy/rock kinda way, so to finished the look I combined the skirt with these studded boots and vintage belt.

Cardigan from Topshop (7 years ago!!) Boots from Asos Earrings from a Holiday in Portugal Vintage belt Leather cuff from Hennes mens dept

Here’s another look.  I love this leather jacket, any opportunity to wear it and I will.  This silk top is a buy from Topshop a couple of years back, and the boots are from Ash (I spotted them on outnet.com and couldn’t resist them).  I’m also wearing one of my favourite necklaces.  If I don’t know what to wear then I’ll always go to this, it goes with everything and even better than that, it was made by one of my best friends Jane.  If you want to see more of her jewellery then you can see it here and find out more here

Leather jacket from Topshop Silk top from Topshop Bangles from India Shoes by Ash from Outnet Necklace by Jane Kenney

Sometimes I like to be a little more girly so I thought I’d try and pull together a different look to the last two.   I’m wearing this dress under the skirt so that it looks like a top.  I think it works quite well, although it’s definitely not an everyday outfit and I’m far more comfortable in something a little more casual or edgy. 

Dress from Warehouse Earrings from French Connection Pumps from KG

Finally, I thought I’d see if this shirt went with it.   It’s become a fall back item recently when I want to be cosy comfy, so I thought it would be perfect for a really dressed down look.  It’s not my favourite look of the four, but I think it works.

Shirt from Asda Shoes as before

What do you think?  Do you give yourself the same rule to not buy something unless it goes with three things you already own, or is it just me?!

I was delighted to be invited to Cribbs Causeway’s fashion show again this season.  I’ve been to a few local fashion events recently and have started to see the same friendly faces.  Working for yourself can get a tad lonesome, especially if you’re stuck behind a computer for a large part of your working day, so it’s great to get out and meet other fashion bloggers.   This time, we decided to meet up for a coffee and a catch up before the show started, it was great to see Gina from MyStreetChic.com, their new student ambassador Harriett and Sarah from Ship Shape.  Hopefully, next time we’ll be able to get a bigger group of us together.   

This season’s show was as I’d hoped - well styled and brilliantly choreographed.  It kicked off with fabulous fashions from John Lewis.  I have to just say at this point, that John Lewis’s fashion department is getting stronger and stronger with each season helped by the likes of Whistles, NW3 and Reiss (I can feel another post coming on...watch this space).  The outfits didn’t disappoint, bold prints, tweeds and coloured tights created a brilliant concoction, think heritage but with a twist.  I loved these burgundy tights teamed with pillar-box red shoes (apologies for the appalling photo – must invest in a decent camera).  The men were sporting tweed jackets and denim, with coloured shoes adding a splash of personality. 




French connection were up next and in stark contrast to the previous burst of colour, we were treated to sharp tailoring and sultry silhouettes.  Dark colours highlighted the sixties shapes creating a striking collection.




Phase Eight embraced clashing prints, a favourite of mine (see my outfit post here).  People are often scared to mix prints, but when it’s done right it can look brilliant.  If you want to dabble in a spot of print clashing then the easiest way is to team simple stripes with a bold star or spot print.  As long as one of the patterns is stronger than the other and there is some synergy between the colour palettes – it’ll work.  Menswear was from River Island and channelled the Nordic trend.  I really liked the clever mix of textures with the chunky knits and oversized scarf’s.




Republic was very much as you’d expect - urban street-wear for men and women that’s practical and on trend.  Not my favourite but I can see that it will have big appeal.  Gillett’s, checked shirts and denim were uniform, with coloured chino’s breaking up the repetitiveness.



Marks and Spencer’s showcased the sixties trend.  Red, black and white was the theme, and patterned tights added a spot of drama.  Spots are a refreshing mini-trend this season, hopefully marking a departure from strips which have filled the high-street for years.  If you’re not a fan of spots then little stars or tiny birds in repeat is a cute way to work this trend.




The fetish trend had been overlooked until H&M took to the catwalk. The models strutted out in not so easy to wear outfits, but looked fab.  The guys looked just as good and sported amongst other items, leather trainers – a great way to dip your toe in the trend.  I love the fetish trend that’s around this season; and will be mixing my leather skirt from last year with chunky knitwear and towering heels as soon as the weather’s gone back to normal.   When working this trend, try and go for real leather if your budget will stretch to it.  Not only will it look so much better, but it will last longer too.  In fact I think Leather looks better the older it gets, the same can’t be said for imitation leather.




Wallis looked like they’d transported their models straight from the sixties. Geometric prints, block colours and mini lengths were the theme.  The guys showcased Burton’s collections and looked trim in slim cut suits with a nod to the mod’s.



Marks and Spencer showcased a second collection, this time it was less sixties, and more forties.



River Island’s collection was a real mix straight from the seventies. Bold prints adorned trousers and dresses and fur trims were on everything from boots to coats.  Prints were clashed and had a real Mary Katrantzou feel to it which as I've mentioned in previous posts, is a favourite of mine.   The men clashed plaid shirts with striped cardigans and rust coloured trousers; totaly autumnal.





John Lewis returned to the stage with colour blocking, proving it’s a wearable trend whether you choose to wear a statement dress or to accessorise with a bold bag.  The starkness of the colour was cleverly softened by mixing different textures together.  The men looked dapper in sharp slim suiting that was set off against bold patterned ties and strong coloured shirts.



This season is set to be a good one.  The shops are already bursting with fabulous autumn collections so why not head to Cribbs Causeway and experiment with your own style.  But of course, if you feel you’d like some direction then get in touch!

I’ve just come back from Cribbs Causeway where I saw, yet another, fantastic fashion show.  I’ll be putting up a post about this later but for now, here’s another outfit post.  I never really get the chance to wear heels as I spend most of my time running around after clients.  Pumps and flat boots are my day to day choice of footwear, but not today! Bristol Fashion Week was the perfect opportunity to dress up and don my favourite heels.

Dress – Whistles Belt – Warehouse Shoes – NW3 Bag – Jaeger Jacket – Topshop (about 10 yrs ago!)

The shops are brimming with autumn/winter stock and while we’re all hoping for some last minute sunshine, in reality it’s not going to happen.  Autumn is almost here so it’s time to assess your autumn/winter wardrobe and work out what you need to invest in this season.  But, before you head to the shops, why not get a little guidance?

There are two fantastic opportunities to find out what’s in store for us all this season.  The first is Bristol Fashion Week, up at Cribbs Causeway and the second is the Cabot Circus Fashion Show.  We really are a little spoilt here in Bristol.

Bristol Fashion Week is always fabulous.  The catwalk shows are entertaining (thanks somewhat to the banter between Mark Heyes from GMTV and celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton), energetic and inspiring.  Everything showcased is available in store, so of course it’s inevitable that you’ll not leave empty handed.

There are 18 fashion shows so there’s plenty of opportunity to catch one, and with tickets only costing  £8.95, (or £13.95 for front row seats), it would be a shame to miss out.  Tickets are available from www.mallcribbs.com and include pre-show refreshments from M&S, a goody bag, discount vouchers for stores in The Mall and entry into a Free Prize Draw to win one of 18 Aspinal handbags worth over £395, courtesy of John Lewis. 



Cabot Circus Fashion Show is being held in association with the British Fashion Council and is another event that mustn’t be missed.  This one is free (yes free!!) and takes place this Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September.  There are 11 shows in total so there’s plenty of time to catch one in between shopping sprees.  For show times, visit www.cabotcircus.com/what’s on.

Thanks to the wide range of retailers in Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars, the catwalk shows not only showcase the best of the high-street, but you’ll also see the best of the designer brands too.  So whatever your budget you’ll be able to find something to update your autumn outfits from last year, and with many of Cabot Circus’s stores and restaurants offering up to 20% off, your pennies will go that little bit further.

I’ll be watching a show or two, and might even do a spot of live blogging (although this scares me slightly) so check back next week for some photos straight from the catwalk. 

Now that I’m living with my mum and dad in Bath, I’m finding it very hard to resist girly days out with my Mum. Yesterday, I gave myself a well earned day off and drove Mum to Bristol for a spot of shopping, coffee drinking and deli eating. I know I've only been living in Bath for a week but I have to admit I really am missing Bristol.  I miss being in walking distance to my friends and I miss the Bristol buzz.  Bath is lovely but it’s so different to Bristol.

Our day of shopping started in Clifton Village and The Arcade, a part of Bristol I love rummaging in. It’s changed since I was there last; there are some great new shops. I went into a gorgeous craft shop – I Love Crafty.   It was full of lovely presents perfect for Mothers day but with my mum was in toe I couldn’t make any purchases. I’m pleased to say however that they have a website so I’ll be visiting it later today before it’s too late.

Next I walked straight into fab vintage shop Clifton Vintage Boutique (I took some photo’s but they really don’t do it justice – note to self – must buy a decent camera!!) and spotted a really cute, blue, floral fifties dress, I wish I’d tried it on now; my wardrobe could really do with an injection of this seasons florals!





After the delights of Clifton Village, we jumped back in the car and drove to Park Street to visit my favourite shop Whistles. I must have tried on half the shop but was lucky to have a very patient sales assistant. I was naughty and made a couple of purchases, a blue shift dress, perfect for Personal Shopping trips, and a high waist pleated skirt that fit’s like a glove and will slot seamlessly into my wardrobe. Being a pear shape I love this seasons fifties inspired skirts that are springing up everywhere.

On our way home we popped to Cribbs Causeway, and then home for a much needed cup of tea.  It was a long day but really lovely. I’ll find it hard to resist more girly days out – and they’re a great excuse to go back to Bristol.

I know...three posts in one day is unheard of from me! Well, I’ve got some catching up to do as I’ve been offline for far too long. The main reason is that I’ve been busy sorting out wardrobes and taking lovely clients shopping, but the other reason is that I’ve been in the process of moving house. I’m pleased to say that everything went to plan and we completed on Friday so things are starting to get back to normal, well kind of, my husband, dog and I are now living with my parents so it’s not quite normal, but it’s very nice all the same.

My office has taken some setting up, I hadn’t quite realised what an undertaking it would be but thankfully it’s done and so I’m able to pay my rather neglected blog some attention and start to get through the huge mound of admin that’s piled up.

So, I’ll stop rambling and will get on with my next post of the day, and this is, as promised, all about Hobbs.

Hobbs is a brand that I regularly use for clients, I find that it suits a range of people and mixes fabulous wardrobe staples with fashion items. So when I heard that they were opening a standalone store at Cribbs Causeway I was over the moon, anything that makes my life a little easier and my client’s wardrobes a little better is always a winner.

For those of you who don’t know Hobbs or haven’t been in for a while, it’s what I’d describe as quintessentially English with a little dash of quirkiness.

This season’s collection is so strong and I love their NW3 range, that’s got to be my favourite collection of the season so far. Unfortunately the NW3 range isn’t available at the new store, although I’ve got my fingers crossed that it makes an appearance. For now it can be sourced from John Lewis and the Hobbs store in Bath (which by the way is huge and full of lovely things).

Here are a few of my favourite pieces from Hobbs spring/summer collection, along with my must haves from the NW3 collection.

 

The show was testament to the fact that fashion at Cribbs Causeway is getting better and better, it’s well worth a visit whether you’re looking for the latest fashions or something a little more classic – there’s something for everyone.   I’m looking forward to taking my clients shopping there in the coming weeks.