This is one of those love it or hate it trends.  But if you hated it last season, then you might find yourself warming to it this autumn, as this time round it’s grown up into something much more wearable and versatile.  The fringing from summer is still hanging around, so if you loved it like I did, then you’ll still find plenty of bags overloaded with it.  However, the fringed skirts and tops have all but gone and in their place are the far more conventional tassels, dangling from necklines, shoes, bags and belts. 

Moderation is the key to getting this look right.  Don’t be tempted to wear too many fringed items at once and make sure you keep the rest of your outfit simple.  It’s a trend that can be worked into your everyday wardrobe, if you’re careful and choose items that suit your own style.

This bag laden with fringes is perfect for my everyday style.  I wanted the bag to blend in with my outfit in a rock chick kinda way, so I’ve teamed it with my black skinnies, silk top, leather jacket and animal print pointies.

Bag – Topshop, £75 Silk top – Topshop, £35 Black jeans – Oasis, £48 Animal print shoes – Oasis, £40 Leather jacket – years old! Ring – House of Harlow, £45

 For work, I like things to be a little more polished.  I’ve accessorised these tailored trousers and blouse with a tassel necklace and pair of statement tasselled,shoes.  They nod to the trend, but keep the look clean and simple.

Blouse – Monsoon Fusion, £48 Trousers – Zara, £29 Belt – Came with trousers Shoes – River Island, £60 Necklace - Topshop, £12.50

This trend isn’t the preserve of festival goers; it really can be worked into your everyday wardrobe. But don’t forget, moderation is key, and less is more!

See my full column in this months Folio magazine.

Pippa Middleton is turning into a bit of a style Icon.  A week doesn’t go by without seeing her in the celeb magazines.  And what about those shopping frenzies that follow? They have the power to bring a website crashing down!

I should probably come clean at this point, and confess to not being much of a fan of Pippa’s look, she has a very ‘classic ‘look for someone in their twenties – I prefer something a bit more edgy. However, writing this column has somewhat altered my opinion of her. It’s all too easy to be ‘in fashion’ and even easier to look terrible in the process.  Being stylish is much harder; it takes a degree of confidence and an ability to understand your shape and how to dress to suit it best.  Pippa may not be at the forefront of the fashion scene, but she’s absolutely got style.

I might even go as far as saying she’s a style icon for the modern day stylista, not only is she photographed wearing items again and again, but she shops on the high-street, most recently at Zara, French Connection and Whistles.  She invests in classic pieces, building up a collection of clothes that work hard to earn their place in her wardrobe.  She re-works outfits to create numerous looks that unlike some of the regularly papped celebrities, are relatively easy to recreate. 

So while I still might not be a huge fan of Pippa’s look (I still think it’s a little old for her) she knows how to build a great wardrobe and develop a style that’s not a slave to fashion, and that’s something to be commended.  So if you fancy working Miss Middleton’s style, then these pieces certainly wouldn’t look out of place in her wardrobe.

Handbag Pied A Terre at House of Fraser £225

Leopard print wrap dress from Florence and Fred at Tesco £16

Ballerina’s from Dune £55

Boyfriend jacket from Mint Velvet £99

This comes from my  column in Folio magazine's September issue

I’ve always given jumpsuits a wide birth. It’s not that I’ve never liked them, truth be told, I’ve always secretly fancied wearing one. They look so effortless and carefree. The reason I’ve stayed away from jumpsuits is because I thought they’d do absolutely nothing for my pear shape and whilst I like the look on others, I wasn’t sure I could pull it off.

So When Rachel Nott the editor of Folio magazine asked to write about how to work a jumpsuit, the challenge was set. I thought I’d never find one to flatter me, so I spent an afternoon hunting down the perfect all-in-one. The choice is immense and you’ll be relieved to hear they’re a far cry from the original eighties styles. Think fifties glamour and seventies boho instead. Eventually I found this simple, wide leg style that skims my hips and highlights my waist (something all pear shapes MUST do). My voyage into the world of jumpsuits had begun.

In one afternoon, I’d gone from avoiding jumpsuits, to wanting another. Are you persuaded yet? Go on, trust me, there’s a style out there for everyone. Team with gladiator flats and a scarf for day. Or dress up with chunky heels and statement earrings for an alternative to your LBD. Give them a chance, you never know, it might just become one of your summer staples, it has mine!

This is how I've worn mine...

Jumpsuit and hoop earrings from French Connection Leopard print belt from Oasis Wooden shoes from Russell and Bromley

Sandals from Gap Scarf from H&M Sunglasses from Sunglasses Hut.

Look out for my feature in this months Folio Magazine

Four people, a selection of day and night outfits each, all sourced from charity shops – impossible you might think...but no, Bristol’s local Charity shops impressed me no end!

With Bristol photographer Matt Collins in toe, Rachel Nott (Folio magazine’s editor) myself and two gorgeous models, spent a Saturday rummaging through the treasures in Oxfam in Clifton, St Peter’s Hospice in Bedminster and Cancer Research UK on Gloucester rd. We spent almost five hours collecting - and trying on of course - clothes and accessories to create fabulous outfits, at bargain prices, to be featured in Venue Magazine.

With many of us having to tighten our purse strings at the moment, it’s the perfect time to show you that looking good doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little imagination and a good selection of accessories it’s possible to create some great looks from your local Charity shop.

I love a good rummage and often find little gems from charity shops, flea markets and vintages shops to add uniqueness to my wardrobe, but I must admit, I’ve never tried to create complete outfits using only charity shop items. I was a little apprehensive about how things were going to turn out, but I don’t know what I was worried about, we had that much choice we struggled to decide what to go for!

I had a fantastic time and everyone was so lovely and professional, will be great to do this again if they’re up for the challenge!

You’ll have to wait for part two to see the final looks, but until then here are some behind the scenes shots. The full feature in Venue will be available to purchase on Jan 26th.

All photos courtesy of Matt Collins - www.crushimages.co.uk, matt@crushimages.co.uk, Tel: 07968 062859

Models: Gosha and Giles

My recent feature for Folio magazine was about all the fab fashion events taking place in the region this season. Since then Cabot Circus have had their fashion show. The outfits were great – very wearable, however I’d have loved to have seen some more accessories. Jewellery can really make an outfit and this season it’s all about statement jewellery, the shops in Bristol are brimming with oversized necklaces, and big bangles.

Here are some images from the show (kindly provided by Abi Dare) to encourage you out of your winter wardrobe. I’ve also hunted around Cabot Circus to find you some fabulous accessories to help with the often tricky transitional dressing.
















Savvy summer styling:



Unleash your girly side with these floral bangles from Topshop.



Take your favourite outfit from day to night with this striking necklace from Topshop.



Pile on the bangles and work the tribal trend with these from Walis.



Update your favourite jeans and t-shirt combo by adding this statement necklace from Topshop.



Team this necklace from River Island with a pair of skinny’s, a stripe t-shirt and boyfriend jacket for instant chic.



If colour scares you then ease yourself in with these little block colour rings from Dorothy Perkins.



Sharpen up your Utility Chic outfit, with this bracelet from New Look.

All images kindly provided by prshots

Image courtesy of Matthew Lincoln Photography.
The finished results:
All images courtesy of Matthew Lincoln Photography.







If you want to get in touch with any of the people involved then here's where to find them:

Photographer, Matt Lincoln, http://www.matthewlincolnphotography.co.uk/
Make up artist: Dianne Jamieson, www.bgorgeousmakeup.com
Hair stylist: Sam Bell, www.hairat58.co.uk
Florist: Lisa Elliott: 0117 9732440
Jewellery: JP Diamonds, http://www.jpdiamonds.com/