This is a trend that we’re all getting rather familiar with, it’s around season after season but have to admit I love it. You must think I love all the trends this season, but that’s really not the case…as you will find out in some of my next posts. There’s something about the sunshine that makes me embrace a more bohemian style…with a little rock chick thrown into the mix of course!

Images thanks to style.com

There are so many ways to work this trend, from loud prints to tribal inspired jewellery so you’ll have no trouble introducing it into your wardrobe. Accessories are the easiest way to work this trend, but if you want to go all out, then there are some totally tribal trousers or printastic playsuits around.  Here are my favourite picks on the high-street at the moment…

1. Leopard print scarf from Miss Selfridge 2. Sunburst pendent, House of Harlow from Pod in Clifton Village 3. Tie dye trousers from Zara 4. Tribal print dress from Matalan 5. Orange peg leg trousers from Monsoon 6. Sandals from Accessorize 7. Leather bag from House of Fraser 8. Tribal cropped t-shirt from ASOS 9. Playsuit from Fat Face 10. Necklace from Zara 11. Trousers from Monsoon 12. Cuff from Oasis 13. Gold tribal heart earrings from Pod in Clifton Village

Laura from A Daisy Chain Dream looks fabulous in the dress from Matalan take a look here for some inspiration.

Here’s how I’ll be wearing this trend...


Do you like this trend? How will you be wearing it?

Things have been a bit rushed this weekend, so I’ve only just got round to posting my outfit from yesterday.  I’m wearing the maxi skirt from this post and have teamed it with a simple white jumper, tan belt and mix of bangles.  I wanted to wear something quite relaxed and comfortable and this just fitted that perfectly.

Following on from my last couple of posts, I wanted to try out a different shot.  Instead of just standing there I wanted to try an ‘action shot’ :)

No really I am.  Look….

And these are just the items I've got with me, there's more in storage.  It’s got to the point now, where if I’m not wearing any leopard print, friends ask me if I’m okay!

If you read my blog a couple of weeks ago then you may have noticed my 7 day challenge, set by my husband.  Well if not, and you’d like to take a peek, then you can see it here.  After I’d finished I had some great comments and tweets from people saying how much they enjoyed it, it made my week! (thanks!!)  I was so amazed that people actually followed me on my challenge and wanted to talk about it.   I really enjoyed the challenge and the excuse to pay my own wardrobe some attention for a change so when it was all over, I asked you to suggest another challenge for me to take on, and you did!

So what’s my next challenge (as if you’ve not already figured it out)?  To go without leopard print, for a whole week.

I bet you’re reading this and thinking that’s got to be an easy challenge.  Well, you know what, it really isn’t.  Most of my footwear is of the leopard variety, and my warmest coat is too…I’m hoping the weather stays mild.  I’ve got myself into a bit of a style rut when it comes to print; I wear a lot of plain clothing and black – I just love black and there’s nothing wrong with that, but when I try to introduce some print, I somehow end up veering towards the animal kind.  So I’m hoping that this might force me to try other prints and develop my style a little further.

I was in my office all day for the first day of my new challenge.  It was an unusually productive day, I actually managed to catch up with my emails, tweak my blog, pull together two wardrobe reports for two new clients I had last week and prep for another new client I have tomorrow.

The only time I left the house today was to walk Hendrix, I waited until the sun popped out for a few minutes, took some photos and then went for a walk.  Luckily the sun was out long enough for me to take a half decent shot, although it didn’t last, Hendrix and I got rained on within five minutes of starting our walk.

I wore black jeans from Donna Ida, sneakers from Ash (a bargain from outnet.com last summer), black jumper from Warehouse and a huge vintage scarf.  My bag is by Angel Jackson.

What do you think to my new challenge?  Am I cheating a wee bit by having Hendrix in shot...a little bit of animal print :)

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?!

Today was rather more hectic than planned.  I spent the morning in Cabot Circus prepping for a shopping trip I’m doing tomorrow and then returned home to find the computer broken…I mean completely broken, it won’t start.   My other half is still in my office trying to sort it out.  ALL my work is on there so I’m feeling VERY VERY stressed right now.  Luckily, I have access to my parent’s laptop, so I can still blog and access my emails. 
I wore this dress from Zara all day.  I bought it a couple of years ago and have found it a really useful item.  I can wear it on it’s own, layer tops underneath it (I chose the peterpan collar again today, but a pussy bow blouse works well too) or team it with cardigans or jackets.  As it was so cold today, the only sensible option was to wear my faux fur coat (of course :)).

Dress - Zara T-shirt - Oasis Shoes - Topshop Bag - Jaeger

As above Coat - Warehouse

Here’s the photo from last night that I promised I’d upload.  I ran out of time yesterday and haven’t been able to post it until now.  You’ll probably recognise the dress, it’s the same one from this post and this post, but I love it!

Dress - Warehouse Cardigan - Mango Bag - Vintage Shoe boots - KG

So, eight months on and my husband and I are still living with my parents. It’s quite scary how quickly the time has passed, when we packed all our worldly belongings away, we didn’t anticipate they’d be there for this long. 

We visited our stuff in storage the other day to try and find our winter clothes that we’d packed and thought we wouldn’t need.   We were trying to think if there was anything else we wanted to take out while we were there but it struck me that we couldn’t really remember what was in the boxes, and didn’t seem to miss much of it either.  It just goes to show how little we actually need. 

There is one thing I'm really missing.  Whilst my winter boots would be pretty useful right now as pumps don’t really cut it in this weather, I can do without those.  It’s our music that I miss the most.  I love music; it takes me away to another world...or fills my head with memories.  It reminds me of awesome times (and the not so good ones) and great friends.  It can really affect my mood. 

When we got back in the car after managing to find some warmer clothes, Al handed me a CD and said ‘thought you might like this’.  It was a Soul Asylum CD, a band I loved when I was 15.  Listening to it took me straight back.  I was really into grunge when I was at school and if I’m honest, I still am! 

I’m a bit of a rock chick at heart and love all things Grunge, Metal and Rock, but having said that I think I’ve got quite an eclectic taste in music.   I think Tori Amos is amazing (I was lucky enough to see her play a while back, it was an emotional gig) and have all No Doubts albums.  I love hair metal (yes, I did just admit that) and Led Zeppelin is one of my favourite bands, but I also like Funk, Soul and sometimes, old school hip-hop!  I don’t know what anyone else thinks but I think that’s quite a mix.

The music I love always has some influence on my style. At school and Uni, Courtney Love was a big influence on my style.  I’ve always loved the girly dresses toughened up with messy hair, leather jackets and the obligatory bright red lipstick and when I think about it, there’s still an element of that in my style now.  The only difference is that I’ve had to develop a more polished version of my old style...the flamingo pink hair I cherished at Uni will never return, but at least I did it while I could.



I’ve spent the last couple of days really enjoying listening to Pearl Jam radio on Last FM (track after track of the likes of Mother Love Bone, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam...you get the idea) and now all I want to wear are my studded boots, girly dresses and fur coat. 

Dress - Warehouse Belt - Second hand Coat - Warehouse Boots - Office

What influences your style?  Is it music, a film star or a particular decade?  I’d love to know.

It's taken me nearly a week to upload the photo to this post, I nearly gave up but thought I'd give it one more go...it's worked!  So almost a week late, here's another outfit post.

I’ve missed too many vintage fairs in Bath this year, so on Sunday I made sure I was around for the Bath Vintage and Flea Market. I braced the chilly wind in my super warm fur coat and spent a few hours scouring the stalls for the perfect Christmas presents. It was such a good fair that I might just pop down to the Bristol one next weekend.

Fur coat - Warehouse Star blouse - Zara Jeans - Topshop Boots - Carvela Belt - second hand

With the weather hotting up again (fingers crossed that’s not just put a stop to that!) is it getting harder to decide what to wear to the office? I was invited to discuss this on BBC Radio Bristol last week and it prompted me to pull together this post. 

When the weather’s gorgeous and the sun’s shining, it can be difficult not to head to work looking like you’re off for the weekend. So, how do you pull together a look that’s both comfortable in the warm and stuffy office, but that keeps you looking and feeling cool? More importantly how do you stay fresh in the heat and ensure you’re still taken seriously?   Flip flops and short shorts just won't cut it.

If you’ve found yourself staring blankly into your wardrobe first thing in the morning, clueless as to what to wear to work when it’s 21 degrees, then read on. I’ve pulled together the hottest summer work wardrobe, to keep you cool, nine to five.

2. If you keep fabrics loose like this shirt from TFNC, Cabot Circus, you’ll remain cool but won’t fail to impress in the style stakes!  I love this colour, it goes so well with the nudes and navy we can’t get enough of this season.

3. This pretty spot blouse is also from TFNC, they have some perfect office wear pieces in this season.  Either wear this loose over a pair of capri pants, or team it with shorts like these from M&S (4)

4. Most people consider shorts unsuitable for the office, but if you opt for a pair that finishes just above the knee, they make a stylish and practical choice!  Wear these from Marks and Spencer, Broadmead, with a pair of flats (16 )  or a low heel (13 ), add a plain top (5 ) and finish with a loose jacket (6) for a tres chic look

5. This top from Whistles, Park Street (5) is a wardrobe staple.  It will go with trousers and skirts and can be layered with a jacket for days when you need to be a little smarter.

6. This draped jacket from Miss Selfridge, Broadmead, will layer over a variety of tops.  The relaxed, light weight fabric will be perfect for hot days and the light colour is so versatile.

7. For days when you need to dress for success, consider a dress like this one from LK Bennett, Quakers Friars. The fabulous shape will hug you in all the right places, and the the capped sleeve will keep you cool.  Finish the look with some tan accessorise (15 ) (17 ).  Or, to dress it down,  just add the pink draped jacket (6 ) and a pair of nude sandals (13 ).

8. Inject some fun into your work wardrobe with this cute blouse from NW3, John Lewis.  It’s another versatile choice as it can be worn with skirts (9 ) trousers ( 12) and shorts ( 4).

9. I love this pencil skirt from A/Wear, Cabot Circus, this colour will go with pretty much anything and the style is perfectly suited to the loose blouses and striped tops that are in abundance this season.  It can be smartened with the addition of a pair kitten heels like these from Dune (14)

10. This outfit from Whistles, Park Street is spot on for work-wear!  Consider splitting up the pieces and mixing them with other items.  For example, try wearing the trousers with the NW3 blouse (8), or the top with the camel pencil skirt (9)

11. I’ve mentioned this shirt from Warehouse in a previous post but it’s just so perfect and so versatile that I had to include it in this one too.  It will look fab tucked into the Whistles trousers (10) and accessorised with the nude sandals from Carvela (12) but it will also work with the grey trousers from Oasis (12) teamed with the flat brogues from Schuh ( 16).

12. Grey is a great colour for the summer months.  It’s so much softer than everyone’s favourite – black.  It compliments this seasons soft ballerina tones and looks smart at the office.  This pair from Oasis, Cabot Circus, (12) will go with all the tops I’ve picked here, and can be worn with heels or flats.

13. Sandals are a must when it’s beautifully hot, however flat sandals don’t quite hit the mark when you’re heading to the office.  Something like these nude sandals with a low heel from Carvela available at KG in Quakers Friars (13), however are perfect.

14. Everyone should have some leopard print in their wardrobe, but if you’re worried about over doing it then opt for a pair of print shoes.  These kitten heels from Dune, House of Fraser (14) will turn your skirts and trousers into something more ladylike and the heel is so practical for wearing all day.

15. These platforms from Reiss, Quakers Friars give you height without the pain!  They’ll work well with any work wardrobe and will keep your feet nice and cool.  Make sure you paint your toes – how about a bright coral?

16. Heels aren’t a must for work; sometimes it’s nice to wear a flat shoe.  This pair from Schuh, Cabot Circus, makes a brilliant choice, not only do they look smart, but they’re a versatile style.

17. I’m loving tan accessories this season, I find them so versatile.  This bag from French Connection, Quakers Friars (16) would make a great purchase.

 

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.

Top ten items this season...so far.

1. This picture doesn’t do it justice, but this dress from Phase Eight looked fabulous on an hourglass client. Will also be fab on an apple shape or column figure.
2. This shirt from Oasis looks so good tucked into a pair of dark jeans. It’s a great price and looks quite designer.
3. These high waist trousers from Hobbs are a fab fit and a perfect choice for work wear.
4. I LOVE this jacket from Whistles! It’s on my wish list.
5. I’ve found these Karen Millen boot cut jeans to be a great shape and fit on almost any shape. They have a real ‘premium denim’ look for those of you who can’t stretch to J Brand or Paige.
6. This shirt form Karen Millen, is very similar to one they did last season, and I love it. The shape and detail is fab. A great one for pear shapes.
7. This skirt is such a great colour for this season and it’s so versatile. The shape is fab as the detail on the waist brings the eye in.
8. This swallow print blouse from Warehouse is great teamed with skinny jeans, even better tucked into high waist jeans.
9. If you’re up for working the colour block trend then this dress might be for you. The shape is great for highlighting and enhancing a fabulous waist.
10. This knitted biker cardigan is from Karen Millen, it’s an easy way to work the biker trend.