Lace dress from Oasis.

I meant to post this last week, but I was in India for the week and didn’t manage to get round to posting it…I’m not sure that the Wi-Fi in the hotel would have coped any way.  I'll tell you about India in another post, there’s lots to share with you so watch this space…

I love wearing dresses, don’t you?  They’re so comfortable and super easy to wear.  You don’t have to think about what to put with what, you just put the dress on and you’re ready to go.  This black dress is something I bought at the beginning of last season and I’ve worn it loads.  It’s a great one for dressing up and down – I’d definitely call it one of my wardrobe staples.

When I was pulling together the looks I was amazed at how many combinations I could pull together, I may have to do another post using this dress another time.  


Outfit 1.  Zara shirt, Vintage bangles, KG pumps, Zara studded bag Outfit 2. Zara jacket, vintage belt, Angel Jackson bag, Miss Selfridge scarf (I WISH it was a MQ), Dune pumps, Vintage necklace. Outfit 3. Monsoon fusion top, Topshop belt, Mulberry bag, KG heel, Accessorize ring.

For the first outfit, I’ve teamed the dress with a leopard print shirt.  I’d love to wear it tied like this over a pair of jeans but I don’t think I’ve got the guts to do that.  Tying it over this dress is far more wearable and makes the dress look more casual. 

My second outfit is definitely one to save for when the weather warms up (and for tanned legs!!) but it would work well with black tights if I wanted to wear it now. ..or maybe some floral tights!  Think I may have to get some.  I tend to wear pumps or flat shoes when I’m wearing dresses, I spend most of my time running around the shops for clients so heels just aren’t practical and I sometimes feel too smart if I wear heels for everyday, although I love the look on others.  I always wear scarves so you’ll often see them tied to my bag in case of emergency.

This third outfit is a smarter look (hence the heels).  I’ve added a lace top under the dress…I love the two laces together and have tied a tan belt round my waist to break up the sea of black. 

What do you think?  Would you like to see more outfits with this dress?

This is something that I’ve wanted to do for a while now and I hope it will become a regular feature on Hip Shapes and Bristol Fashion.  I came up with the idea when I was pulling together the post about this maxi skirt.   I mentioned then, that I will only buy something new, if I know it will go with at least three other items I’ve got back at home.  Well ‘Three Ways’ to Wear’ is an extension of this.   Some weeks I’ll illustrate three ways to wear a key item and others will focus on a particular trend.  I love the challenge of pulling together looks and outfits using the same item of clothing and proving to you that you don’t need to have an extensive collection of clothes to create countless outfits…just some imagination and a pair of fresh eyes.

As a personal stylist I’ve been through so many wardrobes and while they’re all so different from each other (one of the many things I love about my job is the variety), there are a couple of things that I see again and again.  The first is there are always at least three or four items hanging in the wardrobe un-worn with the labels still on and the other, is that some items are only ever worn a few times and in the same way.  

I want this regular feature to inspire people to experiment more with their wardrobe, to be more creative and not to be afraid to try something new.   As well as this, I’m hoping it will force me to put the time aside to regularly look at my own wardrobe, something that I’ve enjoyed doing with the challenges I’ve done, but that normally comes last after all my clients wardrobes. (On that note, I still want to do more challenges, so if you have one for me, then get in touch!).  So, what do you think? 

Well, if you like the idea then here’s my first post...
Three ways to wear a blouse.

1. Blouse from Monsoon, jeans from Donna Ida, shoes from NW3 and vintag broach 2.Blouse and jeans as before, shoes from Ash, vintage belt, cardigan from Hennes. 3. Jumper from Zara, skirt from Joy, shoes from Dune.

I’m a huge fan of blouses; I find them such a versatile item and perfect for layering.  This one is from Monsoon Fusion, a make that’s recently caught my eye.  I love the colour and the cute heart print (which surprises me as I’m not normally drawn to clothes or jewellery with hearts).  The first outfit is fairly simple, I’ve paired the blouse with a pair of skinny jeans and heels.  I love the shape of the top so I’ve kept the rest of the outfit fairly simple.  I really like the collar and the little bow round the neck so thought I’d try to make a feature of it by adding the broach. 

My second outfit is much more of an everyday look.  It’s a bit blurry, but I’m wearing my leather trainers by Ash with jeans and have tucked the top in, finishing it off with a studded belt and cardi.

And finally, I’m wearing the blouse under this crochet jumper with a skirt and flats.  The collar works quite well around the neckline of the jumper and I like the way you can see a little bit of green through the holes.  I think my favourite look is the middle one, what about you?

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.