We all have preconceived ideas about brands, like who they are aimed at, what type of clothing they sell, what age they are for, etc… We’re all guilty of making these judgments and they can stop us developing our style and venturing outside of what is comfortable.    I’m always introducing clients to shops they wouldn’t normally dream of going into and they’re always pleasantly surprised.  Not only does it open their eyes to SO much more choice, but it also enables me to pull together a varied and hard working collection of clothes, that truly works for them.

I like to think that I’m more open minded than most and enjoy having a real mix of brands in my wardrobe, but there are a few stores I rarely visit and think won’t work for me…one of these is Fat Face.  I find their sizing a little random and rarely find anything I like in there, but a couple of months ago I was in John Lewis searching for clothes to bring to India and a spot maxi skirt caught my eye.  That's right, it was by Fat Face. So I took a little of my own advice, popped into the fitting room to try it on and ended up buying it.

I just love maxi skirts, especially when it’s hot; they’re so comfortable and cool and they look great, day or night. While I love wearing them, I’ve witnessed clients pulling them out of the wardrobe declaring they don’t know what to put with them or how to wear them, so I thought I’d illustrate just how versatile they are by pulling together three different looks, with one skirt.  

The first is perfect for a summer night out. It’s dressy yet relaxed, just right for a beautiful balmy evening.   The second look was inspired by the talented www.apair-andaspare.blogspot.co.uk I think it might actually be my favourite look, it’s so simple!  The last look has been my outfit of choice a lot recently, it’s so comfortable and I love mixing the spot print with a floral one.



1. Skirt from Fat Face.  Lace top from Topshop.  Leopard print belt from Oasis.  Shoes from Russell and Bromley. Necklaces from Warehouse and Bristol flea market.  Ring from House of Harlow. Bag from Yellow Button (Indiranagar, Bangalore)
2. Earrings House of Harlow. Belt from Topshop. Sandals from Office. Bangles from Blue Banana and Jane Kenney.
3. Top from TKMaxx. Belt from H&M. Flip flops from Gap. Necklaces from Accessorize and Asos. Bangles from India. 

Details





What do you think to maxi skirts? Do you have one?  I’d love to hear your favourite way to wear it, or even better if you’ve posted about this, pop the link below…I’m always on the lookout for outfit inspiration!

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.

Well it’s that time again, the new collections are making an appearance in the shops and with the sale items finally disappearing we can start to think about how to work the spring/summer trends and what to buy to update our wardrobes from last summer.

If you need some inspiration then head to the Mall at Cribbs Causeway for one of their fantastic fashion shows.

I used worked at John Lewis as one of their fashion advisors before setting up my own Personal Styling business, (www.nikiwhittle.com) and had the opportunity to experience the shows from behind the scenes. The work that goes into getting the shows and outfits just right is incredible!

Mark Heyes has become a regular host and is returning again, with celebrity hair dresser, Andrew Barton. Mark says: “Thousands of fashion-savvy ladies return year after year, so if you’ve not been before, then come and join us. As well as the fashion shows, you can enjoy free cosmetic make-overs, mini-manicures, massages, hair advice and styling by SAKS”

The fashion magazines are full of fab images from the catwalk shows at the moment, how many of you look at the models and think to yourself “there’s no way I can wear that!” Well you can, with a little inspiration from the Mall fashion show; you’ll discover how to interpret the catwalk looks and adapt them into something much more wearable.

Showcasing outfits for all ages and styles, and fabulous make-overs by Mark Heyes, the shows are a must for anyone who’s not sure about how to work this season’s trend’s, or is looking for a fab trip out.

Tickets cost from just £8.50 and are available from www.mallcribbs.com or The Mall’s Information Desk.

Makeover model Sally:


Sally Whitworth was picked to be one of the makeover models at The Mall's fashion show last October.

Sally said: “It was so exciting to receive personal style advice from Mark Heyes and the other experts. Going out on the catwalk was scary, but everyone was very supportive and knowing I looked good gave me the confidence to do it. The buzz stayed with me for some time afterwards. I’d really recommend the experience to anyone!”

All images courtesy of Sarah King