My favourites: the Breton top

2017 is the year of Breton - the Spring/Summer collections were full of nautical stripes. Large stripes or thin, navy stripes or black, Breton-style tops are perfect for warmer months. And with summer finally here, what better time to channel French Rivereia chic than now? Here are my top 5 - team under dungarees, tuck into shorts or pair with jeans.

1. The Ruffle One

Breton Blouse with 3/4 Length Ruffle Sleeves, £39, Yumi at La Redoute

2. The Bow One 

Alexandra Breton top in navy stripe, £29, Hobbs London

3. The Sequin One

Deckhand striped sequined silk-satin top, £300, J.Crew

4. The Classic One

Antonia Cream Stripe Cotton Top, £85.00, L.K Bennet

5. The Sleeveless One

Oasis Stripe Tie Shoulder Top, £29, Oasis at House of Fraser

Tailoring - why it's worth the extra ££

Image:robertold

Important event coming up? Summer ball? Your best friend's wedding? A formal dinner? Whatever it may be, finding the perfect dress is tricky. First, you must consider the level of formality required (smart vs black-tie vs white-tie) before moving onto the colour, design, length etc. It isn't easy - there's a reason personal stylists exist after all.

On top of all this, the FIT is essential. Hands up if this has ever happened to you: You spot a gorgeous dress that looks ideal for the occasion and head quickly to the changing room. Only to find the fit is well off. You try a size smaller or a size bigger. Still no luck. It's too tight in X area and too loose in X area. You leave feeling dismayed and perpetually annoyed at said store.

It's for this reason that I've become a convert to getting dresses tailor made. Now, I know it isn't cheap. However, if the event is really special - and one you're going to remember - it's worth it. This happened to me recently with an Oxford ball, where I wore a two-piece bodice and skirt (above). The bodice fit was perfect, thanks to multiple measurements of the upper body. And the skirt was made to my waist size - but with an extra inch added for breathing/eating/having fun room.

Tailoring is also great for suiting different body shapes. Most retailers make dresses with a standard 'soft' hourglass shape in mind. For athletic figures or for those who are top/bottom heavy, these type of dresses might not hang as well. Tailoring will help, being tailor-made for you. 

Image: stitchnfix

Just be careful not to pay too much. Dresses that come with a tailor made service will of course cost more but shouldn't break the bank. There's also the option of buying a dress and taking it to your local tailors. Most dry cleaning places will also help alter your dress if it's just a small adjustment that needs making - such as an inch added or taken off a certain area.

Finding the ideal dress is hard enough as it is. Take the hassle out with tailoring.

Slogan tops: the basic rules

2017 marked the year that slogan tops made a comeback. They have always been around, but recently we've seen them sky-rocket to the heights of fashion. Whilst once having a reputation for being crude and a bit 'young' (think t-shirts with I heart One Direction on them), they've had a re-vamping. The spring/summer 2017 shows had models parade down the catwalk in t-shirts adorned with witty, feminist and even controversial slogans.

But getting the right slogan top can be trickier than you think. Here are the ground rules.

Image: harpersbazaaruk

1. Short and sweet works best

Let's remember, a slogan is there to be read. And not everyone can read quickly - nor wants to be staring endlessly at your chest for that matter. Stick to a statement of a few words, rather than a convoluted sentence.

2. Wear political statements at your own risk 

Unless you're ready to get into a heated discussion - and have some strong points to win the argument - avoid slogan t-shirts with political or religious views. Pick carefully. A T-shirt with 'I am Feminist', is very different to one stating 'God's not real', which is likely to cause offence.

3. If you choose a brand, make sure it's one you genuinely love

Only wear brands and labels across your top if you genuinely like them and what they stand for. You pretty much become a brand ambassador by wearing a top with a clothing label, so choose wisely.

Image: cliqueimg.com

4. Positive vibes only

No one wants to be faced with someone wearing a depressing slogan across their top. Morning commutes are already grim -  not least if you're sat opposite someone with 'what is life?' scribbled across them. You might feel edgy and contemplative wearing one, but best to avoid the sombre.

5. Witty to you or everyone?

Okay. Witty statements are probably the hardest to get right - but if done right, they can make an outfit. Do a 'sense' check when buying this type of top. Is it funny to just you or would your friends/colleagues/family find it funny too? If the answer is no to all of them, leave it on the shelf to avoid comic disappointment.

Image: Pinterest

6. Don't forget aesthetics

Slogan tops need to look good as well as have a punchy line. If the colours are off, the sizing odd, or the pattern/font just not appealing, don't buy it simply because you like the statement. You have to wear it remember.

7. Style it right

Which brings us to the final point. Styling. Try to keep the top on show, rather than have it covered (defeating the point of having a slogan in the first place). Simply tuck into jeans or high-waisted shorts and let it do the talking. Literally.

Image: wheretoget

How to style Lace

Oh lace. Worn right, it can truly make an outfit - oozing prettiness or sexiness. Gone wrong, and you'll look like you just stepped out of the local panto. A subtle hint of lace adds a delicate touch - too much lace adds unfavourable shock.

But there are a number of incredibly easy ways to style lace. Read on for how.

WHITE LACE

A pretty top or a shift dress made from white lace is one of the easiest looks of summer. Perfect for evening cocktails or a garden party. Make sure the white isn't overly white (off-white or cream works best) to avoid a wedding dress mix up. By choosing a relatively neutral colour, you can opt for more intricate and patterned lace, which will add interest in the form of texture.

Image: Enviousfashions

LACE BAGS 

A clutch bag with lace is red carpet glam all over. To avoid it looking cheap and trashy, choose clutch bags with trimmings of lace (rather than fully covered) and in the same colour as the main bag. If you want to be extra style-savvy, look for box-shaped clutch bags which are currently on trend.

PANEL LACE

Panel lace is where part of your clothing - be it the top of your dress, or the hem of your shorts - is made from lace, rather than the main fabric material. It's a more casual way of doing lace and means you don't have to overly commit. It's best to keep the item in question relatively simple - a fitted dress or high-waisted shorts - so the lace is the centre-piece of attention.

Image: Farfetch 

LACE BLAZER

A more daring look for those wanting to experiment. A fully laced blazer is perfect for wearing to dinner parties or nights out.  Another option is to choose a blazer with a colourful lace inside, resulting in a flash of colour whenever you take your jacket off. Feeling less bold? Opt for blazers where only the lapel has lace lining.

LACE UNDERWEAR

Of course! Who could resist? There are so many sets/colours/styles out there that the tricky part will be actually choosing what to buy. Personally, I love the fresh look of pastels or bright colours for day, and deep colours for night.

Image: Pinterest