Oh Leopard print, leopard print how I do love thee! Yes, my favourite kind of print is indeed the animal kind, but I know I’ve got my work cut out if I’m to persuade the rest of you to give it a go.
Despite what you might think, animal prints are actually quite versatile.  A pair of leopard print shoes can add some edge to a girly floral dress and a snakeskin bag will bring your LBD stampeding into this season.  But if you’re going to make this trend work for you, then you’ll need to consider your own style.  If you’re a classically chic dresser, then a simple belt will be the perfect way to introduce the print to your outfits.  If you prefer a quirkier style, then mix things up a little, why not clash animal with stripes?

I want to show you two very different ways of wearing animal print while at the same time  push myself out of the orange-brown-leopard-print-rut that I’ve got myself into (I’m always pushing clients outside their comfort zone, so I guess it’s only fair that I do the same to myself). This dress by Biba does just that.  While it’s very much covered in animal print, the colour and style is a little less obvious and dare I say it, sophisticated.

Dress – Biba available at House of Fraser Shoe boots – Hobbs Earrings – Vintage

I know this whimsical jumper from Topshop isn’t technically animal print, but it is a print of an animal so I think it I can get away with it.  It’s a refreshing take on the trend but has it got you reaching for the rail?

Jumper – Topshop Jeans – Topshop Shoes – Converse from Office

Pick up a copy of the November addition of Folio magazine to see this in print.

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.

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