Knits: the do's and don'ts

Not ready to launch into Spring yet? Me neither. We're reading all about new Spring looks - yet the weather doesn't quite seem like garden parties will be around anytime soon. That said, it's not as bitterly cold as it has been - meaning that Arctic coats (and the like) are loosing their appeal.

The answer to this conundrum? Knits! Knitted clothes are the perfect solution for the Winter-Spring transition. Knitted fabrics (warp and weft-knitted) are designed so that they interlock air in the loops, meaning the fabric is both warm AND breathable.

Technical spiel over, it's not always easy to both buy and care for knitted clothes. So here's a quick low-down on the do's & don'ts:

DO:

- Go for quality over quantity. Fast fashion and our throw-away culture is slowly loosing its appeal as people become more aware of the environmental/ethical side of production. Opt for knits from a mid to high-end retailer. I particularly love those by Jack Wills and Urban Outfitters.

- Opt for neutral colours. Stone greys, dark navy & a soft cream are all fail-safe colours to go for when buying a knitted jumper or dress. Versatility is always a plus!

- Experiment. A knitted jumper needn't be boring - try a cropped one or an off-the shoulder boat neck style. Team with a denim dress and tights.

- Decide beforehand what thickness you want. Knits can vary from lightweight and smooth to thick and chunky. Buying a couple of each will give you plenty of flexibility depending on your mood - and the weather forecast.

DON'T:

- Forget to read the care label - especially with wool. Ever put a knitted jumper in the machine wash, only for it to shrink to what could be the size of a baby wear range (see above)? Hand washing is a safer option.

- Be afraid of roll necks. I love these - they pretty much double up as a scarf, keeping your neck warm and cosy.

- Leave a snag untouched. An unravel of thread will only catch on something and cause more unravel (*quietly screams*). Neatly cut the loose thread as soon as it appears to prevent a full-blown hole.

- Go crazy on the patterns. It can turn your knitted items from sheek to sheer disatser. Apart from Christmas jumpers, that is. There's always an exception...

Why fashion is art

The term 'Fashion' and what it encompasses is often thought to be a somewhat frivolous affair. Surface level. Image orientated. No depth. After all, clothes are just pieces of material to be worn, right?

Yet I would have to disagree. The fashion industry often gets a bad stick - think diva-like attendees at catwalk shows or unhealthy models. Sometimes, it feels as if the clothes themselves take a back seat - a funny paradox given they are the centre-piece.

Thing is, every item of clothing has a story. And that story begins with a concept. Just like a painting, there is the initial idea, the planning, the inspiration. Think about beautiful, Egyptian inspired dresses with Aztec print. Or glimmering, sheer tops inspired by starry summer nights. Even a simple sweater may have been inspired by another decade, such as 60's neon's or 70's stripes.

Image: Pinterest

And just like music, another art-form, fashion repeats itself. It is always growing, changing. Yes, it's a fast-paced industry. But it's also an inspiring one. Whilst away in Geneva, I walked into the Dior store and found myself lost in that exact same feeling you have in a gallery - the clothes were that wonderful, original & awe-inspiring. The skill that goes into them, from design to finish, shouldn't be under-estimated.

Fashion takes from other cultures, ages, art-forms. There's so much scope, so much to play with.
I think that's why I have, and always will be, passionate about the area.

Smaller businesses also bring a story to the clothing. The unique jackets by The Design Studio, started by a mother & daughter who I met last year, is just one example of the artistry and history that can lie behind a piece of clothing.

So next time you pick up that jacket, top or blouse, look for the art in it and the depth to it - because believe me, it's there.

New year, new blazer

There's nothing quite like a sharp, classic blazer. Whilst once restricted to the work office, blazers are fast becoming a look for all occasions. My favourite smart-casual outfit must be a pair of skinny jeans, a simple T-shirt and a beautifully tailored blazer.

The problem is, it's not always easy to get one that looks 'just right', as it were. With that in mind, here are 5 key tips when shopping for that ideal blazer.

1) COLOUR

Image: Emmagem

A key consideration to make. Scour your wardrobe before buying and consider what might go with most of your other clothes. Dark colours are always a fail-safe option - as is grey - but if you're feeling more adventurous a brightly coloured blazer will lift any outfit and make a bold statement.

2) FABRIC

As in my last post (Fabric Feels), it's key to invest in a blazer that is made of good quality material, such as tweed or even silk (if you want a lighter-weight one). This will ensure the blazer not only lasts for more time but also fits better.

3) FIT

Tweed blazer, Jack Wills 

The blazer should be fitted enough in a way that is 'slim-fit', as opposed to skin-tight. It should never be stretched taught across the shoulders. If you have a larger cup size, pay special attention to how it looks around the upper body and maybe consider going a size up.

4) BUTTONS 

Blazers are designed either with or without front buttons. Choosing one complete with buttons may be the better choice, since then you have the option of doing it up or keeping it open - and flashing your outfit underneath. Equally, a fully buttoned blazer can look very slick.

5) LENGTH 

Long blazers were a thing of the 80's (along with over-sized shoulder pads, yikes). For a modern look, opt for blazers where the hem skims your hip bone.