Regular readers will know that last week I wrote about what to wear to a winter wedding as I was heading to one myself.  If you missed it, you can read it here.  I talked about reviewing your wardrobe and reminding yourself what you’ve got before going out to buy a new outfit, using my own wardrobe as an example.   I thought you might like to know what I ended up wearing.

The wedding was in the Lake District, I’d been there before but I’d forgotten quite how stunning it is!  We arrived on the Friday evening and had Saturday morning before the wedding to explore…




The wedding itself was lovely, and Gina looked beautiful.  Her dress had been altered to include a piece of her mum’s lace wedding dress, what a lovely idea!  She also had these wellies in case of emergency.


I know it’s nice to buy something new for a special occasion, but I love to get out some of my old favourites and wear them again.  I wore my Whistles dress, Hobbs shoes and fur shrug, all of which I’ve had for yonks but made me feel great!  

I know I look a little uncomfortable, but it was freezing and there were a group of people getting kitted up for a hike right in front of me. Dress from Whistles, shrug from Coast, shoes from Hobbs NW3, and earrings from French Connection.

Bag from Jigsaw, ring from House of Harlow and bangles are a mix of vintage, indian and accessorize.

Leopard cardigan - Oasis Scarf - H and M Hat - Gap Jeans - Donna Ida Boots - Duo

Despite my constant moaning about not being able to wear my jeans, I’ve actually enjoyed this challenge. It’s been great to be forced to look at my clothes in a new light. As a personal stylist I spend a lot of time going through other peoples wardrobes. I remove the items that don’t work, discuss what shapes and styles of clothing work for them and their shape and then mix and match a selection of outfits using only their current items, to create a collection of outfits that they didn’t realise were in there. I’m constantly telling people that they don’t need lots of clothes to look good, they just need the key pieces and to understand how to mix and match effectively.
I love that I can show people how to wear more of their wardrobe and how to pull together some quite different looks without buying any new clothes, but I don’t ever put the time aside to do go through my own wardrobe.

This may surprise you, but I don’t have a lot of clothes…I practice what I preach, and this challenge has only reinforced my opinion that you don’t need wardrobes bursting at the seams to create lots of different looks. I know that this was only a seven day challenge but I’ve discovered lots of new outfits, and have really enjoyed playing around with my clothes and it’s made me realise that I need to put some more time aside to re-asses my own wardrobe.

Today I wore my jeans, because I could. It feels good to be able to wear them again but I will admit that when it came to deciding what to wear with them, I found I was faced with much more choice than I’d had over the last week. This explains why I ended up wearing the same cardigan from the last post.

I’m going to miss doing my challenge so I think I may have to set myself another in the New Year…any suggestions?

This is probably going to be my last post before Christmas so I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Love Niki x

I’m actually quite enjoying pulling together outfits that don’t involve my jeans. I don’t’ think I realised how many outfits I could make without them. I don’t own many skirts (maybe two, or three at most) so will automatically just pull on a pair of trousers as I find them the easiest thing to wear when I’m short of time (which I often am). For work however, I tend to wear dresses. They’re so comfortable and are easy to dress up if I need to but I realised that I don’t really wear them outside of work, and I’m not sure why. So this outfit is my Sunday/day six look. I’m wearing a Whistles dress that I’ve had for ages and tend to keep for work, but instead of pulling together quite a polished look with pumps or heels, I’ve dressed it down by wearing my biker boots (again) and a cropped jumper…no one would know it’s a dress.

Dress - Whistles Jumper - Limited Collection Scarf - H&M Boots - KG

It’s great to be able to demonstrate how easy it is to dress an outfit down. SO often, I see clients wardrobes full of occasion wear that they’re saving for best. It’s such a shame to have something you love hanging in the wardrobe unworn, especially if it’s something that makes you feel great when you wear it. Why not experiment a little, there’s always a way to dress something down so it can be worn more casually. Try teaming a LBD with thick tights and a chunky cardigan or pull a jumper over the top for a great casual look, you never know, you might discover a whole host of new outfits!

I’m starting to realise that the challenge here isn’t so much not being able to wear my jeans, but more trying to blog every day...it's Sunday now and I've got Friday, Saturday and today's outfits still to post.   I’m also finding photographing my outfits everyday difficult, I’m enjoying documenting my outfits, and it’s great to have a record of them for future reference (it's something I do for my clients so it’s great to know it works) but, I’m not a natural in front of the camera, I’m not comfortable there. I don’t know whether to smile, look away, look down…I don’t know how to stand or what to with my arms. So please ignore my awkward looking poses and look at the outfits instead!

Anyway, that’s definitely enough rambling!  This is my Friday outfit and day four of my challenge.  The morning was taken up with personal shopping trip so I needed to pull together an outfit that was polished and comfortable, yet still ‘me’.  It’s also unbelievably hot in the shops at the moment so I try not to wear too many layers as I only end up carrying them.  It's great being forced to look at my wardrobe in a new light, I’m pulling together outfits that I may not have seen had I not done this, but it’s taking me longer to get ready in the morning.   

Blouse - Oasis Skirt - Warehouse Bag - Jaeger Shoes - Oasis

I bought this skirt last year and its great perfect for work; it’s comfortable and goes with loads of different tops.  I like it with this blouse for work, but I can dress it down with knitwear if I want to.  This blouse was one of my best purchases this summer, I didn’t buy many items last season but this has definitely been my most worn item.

Friday evening was the bloggers Chrismas party at Java arranged by the brillint My Street Chic.  I was so nervous about going as I’ve never been to one before and didn’t know what to expect.  And while I love blogging and am trying to put aside more time to do it, I do feel like I’m only playing at it.  But I shouldn’t have worried.  I went with Chrissy from Just So Fashion and had such a great time.  Gina and the team put together an awesome night.  It was really lovely to meet the people behind the blogs I read and so inspiring to see everyone’s different outfits - a refreshing change from the usual party uniform that I see at the Christmas party.

Dress - Zara Jacket - Topshop Belt - Second hand Shoes - Finsk for Faith Necklace - Asos

 It took me a while to work out what to wear, but I eventually settled on this dress.  I LOVE the dipped hem trend and it’s here to stay so I know I'm going to wear this to death.  I‘m not a very girly girl so to make this work for my style, I teamed it with my leather jacket, studded belt and skull necklace, all of which I've had for years and years! 

Today is the first day of the challenge set by my husband for me to go for seven days without wearing my favourite “wear it all the time” item of clothing - black jeans.  I had a new client today and spent the morning sorting out her wardrobe.  I’d normally chuck on my black jeans and a pretty blouse as it’s not unusual for me to end up scrabbling around on the floor searching for clothes at the back of the wardrobe.  But today that wasn’t an option...
Instead, I opted for this blue skater dress from Whistles teamed with shoe boots.  I’ve had this dress for a while and I’ve worn it loads, so I thought I’d change the look a little by wearing a peter-pan collar t-shirt underneath it.  I love the way it changes the look of the dress and makes it a little more girly. It does take some time to arrange it so it’s comfortable though.  The belt I normally wear with this dress vanished when I was rushing around on a shopping trip with a client.  It was one of those ones that just ‘pop’s’ together so I was bound to lose it eventually.  Anyway, I ran out of time to find another belt so had to grab this one, it’s a little too big for my waist so I tried to make a feature of it...I think it works?

Whistles dress Oasis t-shirt KG shoe boots


When I arrived home, the weather had gotten really crazy and I was frozen, so I layered my new favourite chunky jumper over the dress and added this scarf.  I’d forgotten how difficult it is to take decent photos inside when it’s dark so apologies for the poor photography skills.  I’m in the office all day tomorrow so hopefully I’ll be able to make the most of the daylight.

Marks and Spencer Limited jumper H&M scarf Topshop loafers

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.

Now that I’m living with my mum and dad in Bath, I’m finding it very hard to resist girly days out with my Mum. Yesterday, I gave myself a well earned day off and drove Mum to Bristol for a spot of shopping, coffee drinking and deli eating. I know I've only been living in Bath for a week but I have to admit I really am missing Bristol.  I miss being in walking distance to my friends and I miss the Bristol buzz.  Bath is lovely but it’s so different to Bristol.

Our day of shopping started in Clifton Village and The Arcade, a part of Bristol I love rummaging in. It’s changed since I was there last; there are some great new shops. I went into a gorgeous craft shop – I Love Crafty.   It was full of lovely presents perfect for Mothers day but with my mum was in toe I couldn’t make any purchases. I’m pleased to say however that they have a website so I’ll be visiting it later today before it’s too late.

Next I walked straight into fab vintage shop Clifton Vintage Boutique (I took some photo’s but they really don’t do it justice – note to self – must buy a decent camera!!) and spotted a really cute, blue, floral fifties dress, I wish I’d tried it on now; my wardrobe could really do with an injection of this seasons florals!





After the delights of Clifton Village, we jumped back in the car and drove to Park Street to visit my favourite shop Whistles. I must have tried on half the shop but was lucky to have a very patient sales assistant. I was naughty and made a couple of purchases, a blue shift dress, perfect for Personal Shopping trips, and a high waist pleated skirt that fit’s like a glove and will slot seamlessly into my wardrobe. Being a pear shape I love this seasons fifties inspired skirts that are springing up everywhere.

On our way home we popped to Cribbs Causeway, and then home for a much needed cup of tea.  It was a long day but really lovely. I’ll find it hard to resist more girly days out – and they’re a great excuse to go back to Bristol.

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.