The easiest accessory there is?

Bags, shoes, jewellery, hats, watches, belts, scarfs - otherwise known as accessories. That is, those things you add to your clothes in order to bring together or, if you're feeling bold, mix up an outfit.

Make-up can also be an important element of any look. Recently, I've become a huge fan of lipstick and the almighty power it has in being able to enhance and transform an outfit, much in the way an accessory can.

I'm not kidding, it really does the trick. Blue jeans and a white t-shirt. Pretty standard, right? Team it with a red lipstick and you have instantly upped your game in the fashion stakes. A black dress on a night out - smoking. Even more so if you add a sultry dash of purple on the lip.

Supermodel Miranda Kerr sporting red lips with a plan white tee.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes when you're heading to the shops all you really need is a slick of Nivea lip balm. Nevermind the hassle. But for the times when you have an appointment or an event, the simplest accessory to add is lipstick.

I'm first and foremost a fashion blogger, as opposed to beauty, but the ability lipstick has to compliment your clothes is something less talked about. It is often the clothes or the make-up that is the centre of discussion, but these two can - and definitely should - compliment each other.

Think matching your pink top with a pink lipstick in a slightly different shade, or wearing all black with a bold orange clour. My favourite look at the moment is a deep maroon shade, like the one from MAC below, which adds a sense of mystery and class to an outfit.

One point of warning, though - unlike a handbag or scarf, which alters your look in a matter of seconds, lipstick is something you definitely can't rush. Depending on how lip savvy you are, set aside 5-10 minutes to make sure you apply it just right - and to ensure the shade compliments the colours and clothes you're already wearing.

Pucker up! x

Bags of character

So over the years I've noticed a number of fashion features which explain how the way you hold your bag says a lot about your personality. For example. according to an article by body language expert Kathlyn Hendricks in Glamour magazine, a bag worn on the crook of the elbow is an indicator of status and power, whilst one worn over the shoulder and close to the body is a sign of a practical and driven nature.

Who knew? Certainly not me. Also surely I'm not the only one who alters the way they hold their bag as and when they walk......?

It got me thinking, though, that the type of bag you choose may indeed be a sign of who you are and the lifestyle you lead. I have some friends who will never, ever wear a handbag, instead opting for a sling over, whilst others love the extra baggage on their arm (if you don't mind the pun).

With that in mind, let the bag match the girl.

Best for...the Fuss Free girl.

Who?
- The wash and go type
- Always moving/walking/running places
- Prefers to travel lightly

Bag?
The sling-over bag.

Calvin Klein, £85

Best for...the Party girl.

Who? 

- Often at drinks/dinner/clubs

- Make-up and mirror are two essentials 

- Wants outfit to do the talking 

Bag? 

The neat clutch.

Accessorize, £25

Best for...the Travel and Explore girl.

Who?
- Weekends are filled with visiting places
- Priorities = practicalities (water, map etc)
- Not interested in making a statement

Bag?
The backpack.

Anna Field, £25

Best for...the Mary Poppins girl.

Who?
- The 'I best pack that too' type
- Likes to be prepared for anything
- Size and weight not an issue

Bag? 
The oversized bucket bag.

Furla, £235

Best for...the Festival girl.

Who? 

- Always at festivals, gigs, open mics

- Happy to rough out whenever

- Denim shorts are a favourite

Bag? 
The so-called 'Bum' bag.

Kipling Presto, £49

Found your match? If not, chances are you are a mix of a few of these. (I'm definitely both a Party girl and Mary Poppins girl at heart).

Oh well, if there was ever an excuse to buy more than one bag....

My favourites: the summer blouse

Summer blouses are so chic. They can be worn with shorts, skirts or jeans. As well as being versatile, they instantly lift an outfit due to their laid back, but pretty, appeal. Wear them to a garden party, dinner with friends or simply out and about in the day. Long sleeves mean you don't have to worry about that extra layer in the summer months, whilst the sheer fabric means you still stay cool.

Here are my favourites.....

1. The Layered One 

Crimson Cotton Floral Charlotte Blouse, £190, Ulla Johnson

2. The Elegant One

See by Chloe, £275, available from Harrods

3. The Floral One

Somerset by Alice Temperley Vintage Floral Blouse, £69, available from John Lewis

4. The Silky One 

Silk blouse, Mango, £49.99

5. The Yellow One

Blouse, Massimo Rebecchi, £84

The Great British Clearout

Summer. The time when we live in our favourite pair of shorts and an incessant amount of vests. The time when most of us take a minimalist approach to dressing (cooler and fuss free - v important given the recent heat wave).

For me, it's also that time of the year when I finally accept that I really *must* sort out my wardrobe.

That top I bought three years ago and wore once to my cousin's christening? It must go. That 12-13 year old vest that used to be my favourite thing ever but no longer fits my boobs? It must go. Also added to the list - a dress too short and a green dressing gown that I wouldn't even let the postman see.

But that's the thing, isn't it? We love hoarding! Even when we know we should move on! To throw out something - even to sell it, or give it to a friend - feels like letting go of a treasure in a treasure chest. 'Oh you never know', becomes the default attitude. I can't count the number of times I have tried to justify keeping an item of clothing even though it hasn't been worn in 5 years.

Image:solopractice

Well, time to put things to an end. This summer, it's time to get ruthless. Here's a checklist of criteria for things that must go. For those of you with similar problems, maybe it will help. (No excuses, right?)

CHUCK:

1. Shorts that are just too revealing. Or skirts for that matter. There's short and then there's too short.
2. One of your many garments that look identical. Not even the queen needs 4 navy jumpers. 
3.  Any item of clothing over 2 inches too big or 2 inches too small. Unless it's intended to be oversized/baggy.
4. Any item of clothing only worn once and that you promise you will wear again, but still haven't.
5. That itchy top/trousers/underwear which makes you squirm just by the thought of wearing it.
6. Stubbon stained clothes. No thanks.
7. Out of date clothes that make you look like you've travelled back to the 60s (and not in a good way).
8. Anything that was bought on an impulse buy and you have forever regretted since.
9. Anything with missing buttons. 
10. Clothes that just don't suit you. Adorable though they look on the hanger, they do actually need to be worn...

Sigh. Let the clearout begin!

Image: media.licdn

Why I love London style

Recently, I've been spending a lot of time in London - the buzzing capital of England and the home of politics, banking and, of course, fashion. 

From Covent Garden to Vauxhall, Oxford Street to Pimlico, I have been travelling around a fair bit. And, in doing so, have been amazed at just the number of creative people there are when it comes to what to wear.

Image: racreation

Now, of course, that's not everyone. It's excluding the people who simply wear suits on the way to work, or those who aren't interested in fashion/dressing well (guy on the tube wearing last week's trousers and a Star Wars t-shirt, I'm talking to you).

But for the good percentage of people who are - typically in the demographic of 18-30 - fashion is clearly something important.

My favourite outfits spotted so far have been one girl who wore block heels, printed culottes (like the ones below) and a white crop top . Another stole the show at Picadilly Circus, if you don't mind the pun, wearing a yellow wide-leg jump suit.

Printed Culottes, Mango £59.99

But there have also been those who depart from current trends, wearing clashing colours/prints or night wear during the day. And good on them! Sometimes, we need to break boundaries and so called fashion 'conventions'. We need to dress how we want to dress, not how we should. And that's why I love London.

People don't judge - it's become 'normal' to dress a bit crazy in the city. Wearing neon leggings is perfectly fine. Black lipstick is the new red.

Image: favim

And you know what? People seem perfectly happy wearing what they want. Forget feeling insecure - London is the home of  not only fashion but confidence too.

Summer travel made easy

With the summer break officially upon us (I say 'officially', the lovely drizzle outside my window suggests otherwise) it's the period when most people decide to travel. Be that jetting off to another land, getting away for one weekend or embarking on a road-trip, it's time to get your shoes on and explore beyond your place of work/home.

Thing is, the actual travelling TO your destination is hardly any fun. Travelling home is even worse. Not only have you got to meticulously plan your journey in advance, make sure you have packed everything you need (and then some), but also decide what to wear on your journey. But, looking good and remaining comfy on your 7 hour flight/car journey need not be difficult.

Here are five tips to make travelling a happier affair.

Image:colourbox

1. Layers, layers, layers

The beauty of layers is, of course, the fact that you can take them off and put them on at your wish. It is like having your own body thermostat which you can regulate. I recommend a thin vest, some form of shirt or blouse and a cardigan/jumper.

2. Ditch the heels 

Image:lenalily

Travelling with stilletos may make you look and feel glamorous but within thirty minutes of desperately looking for terminal 5 at Heathrow, you will be envious of that toddler you spy wearing the nike trainers. Instead, opt for flats - not flimsy dolly shoes but some pumps. If you really must have some height, go for boots with a block heel.

3. Loose fit skirt/trousers 

Long car journeys/flights mean sitting for, yes, you guessed it, long periods of time. Wearing a tight skirt will inevitably lead you to feel uncomfortable and restricted. A maxi skirt, wide leg trousers or harem pants will enable some much needed leg room and will be cooler. Added bonus: all the better for lounging around in when you reach that sunny villa.

4. One bag (zip included)

Okay, if you're like me you will inevitably over pack. BUT when it comes to hand luggage/the bag you have with you throughout your journey, just stick to the one. And make sure it is a) large enough to pack essentials in (a bottle of water, moisturiser, book) and b) has a zip (to prevent the aforesaid items pouring out and leaving you look like you have well and truly lost it).

The ultimate travel bag: York Buckle Tote £265 

5. Take a scarf 

Even if you're going somewhere hot. A scarf has multiple purposes, including acting as a pillow rest and/or sleeping mask and/or comfort blanket when the stress of travelling gets all too much, Hey, we've all been there. Delayed flight anyone?

Image:365travelquotes

New jeans on the block

Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? Of course you do - from classic navy, to jet black, to vibrant red, skinny jeans have become a wardrobe staple.They are great and, yep, I love them too.

But recently the more neglected baggier style is making a comeback. And rightly so.
Although skinny jeans are flattering for most women, often creating a slimming effect, they are pretty tight. Fine when it's cooler, but in the summer months that is definitely not what you want!

Contrast this to the low swung boyfriend and/or 'mom' jeans and your legs have some much needed breathing space. No blood vessel constriction included.

Image:ukfashiondesign.com 

The style of jeans is trickier to get right than the classic skinny, though. Wear it with an oversized T-shirt and trainers and you may end up looking like mum on her school run. But wear it with something more sheek and the look will be on point.

Rips and tears? Again, tricky. Some varieties of this style only have holes in the knees making them look a little rogue. If rips are your thing, go for ones which have a few on the upper leg area too, as well as cut outs on the knee. This will balance out the look. 

And if you're feeling brave, you can make your own using a pair of scissors and/or pin and/or tweezers (as below). Make sure to use a dark pencil beforehand to sketch out where the rips will be. That said, perhaps don't try this on your favourite pair of Ralph Laurens....

Image: seamsandscissors

Sorry skinny jeans, it's time to mix it up......

One Teaspoon Awesome Baggies Distressed Jeans in Blue. £105.00.