Spring Refresh

FINALLY.

The sun has come out, the weather is (slowly but surely) warming up and spring blossom can be seen everywhere. It's a good time. It's Spring time. We emerge from our winter hibernation mode. The coats we have been wearing for the last 4-5 months seem exhausted & dishevelled. Our boots are worn out. All all in, it's time for a wardrobe refresh and to put a spring back in your step (sorry...)

With that in mind, here's a quick fire list of some wardrobe essentials for the new season ...

• A trench coat. Light-weight, flattering and a timeless addition to any wardrobe, this is perfect for when it's sunny & bright but not quite warm enough to leave your coat at home. 
• A boxy sling over bag, with cross body strap. Great for long walks in the sun when you want to leave your hands free (or in your partner's).
• A bright cardigan. Layering is crucial for a season which isn't yet warm enough for strappy tops alone. Inject colour into your outfit by choosing bright colours like yellow, pink or blue. 
• High-waisted 'mom' jeans. The looser style make these great for a relaxed spring look. Belt up and wear with flats.
• A floral dress. Choose one that sits just above the knee for an elegant look that will take you from day to night. 
• A denim shirt in chambray, indigo or navy. Whatever shade of blue you choose, this is a great alternative to a cardigan. Wear open or button up, choice is yours. 
• Shades. Obviously. (What better way to hide those late night bags?)
• A pinafore. Pair with tights or go bare-legged if feeling brave. Wear over a stripy top to channel total Breton vibes.
• A small back pack. Weekend picnics anyone? Choose a small, nifty size to avoid being mistaken for the less attractive 'work rucksack'.
• White plimsoll socks with a frill at the top. You know the ones I mean. Currently in love. Wear with brogues or pumps. #playgroundthrowback

Head out in style (and comfort)

Let's face it. Sometimes you just want to be in your sweats, sports bra & softest hoodie. Unfortunately though, it's not always the most flattering look for heading out (unless you're hitting the gym, in which case said attire is totally acceptable). Afternoon tea with your mum, brunch with friends, a trip to the cinema - all these outings call for a stylish outfit. But style and comfort need not be mutually exclusive. There are simple ways you can feel good whilst looking good too.

For starters, you can't go wrong with a chic jumper. It's pretty much a hoodie, minus the hood (no guesses there) and the thick interior lining. A jumper has a loose fit - perfect for easy movement - and will keep you warm depending on the knit. You can also shop them in so many colours, textures and patterns, be it Breton stripes (on trend right now) or polka dots.

Another simple comfort hack is to choose trousers with a stretch waistband. High-waisted culottes are great for this (for more click here), as are 'super stretchy' jeans with added elastic. These types of trousers with an elastic waistband are especially ideal for eating out - hello, buffet - without compensating for style in the way a pair of joggers would.

It's also super easy to mix up an outfit by adding a scarf. I seem to mention scarves a lot, but they truly are a fantastic addition to any look, be it day or night. Plus they tick the comfort box. Choose ribbed, chunky scarves in winter and patterned, silk scarves in summer. Both will instantly add a dash of style and colour. Ball or black tie affair? Wear a scarf as you would a shawl for a sophisticated look that's as close to a comfort blanket one can get.

Annnnnd finally: footwear. Bulky trainers - no. Slick pumps - yes. Retailers are rolling out more and more pumps that can be worn with jeans, dresses or skirts. The variety of styles out there is huge, but plain white/black are my favourite. The secure fit and extra support these pumps have will make running for the bus a doddle. You may even want to walk it home. Uber, what uber?!

Sneak peek: What I carry in my bag

Image: sketchedoutfiles

The other day someone chuckled about my stuffed handbag, to which I replied 'yes I am the new Mary Poppins'. Needless to say, I never pack light - never have really. If I could, I would bring far more with me, but over the years you learn to cut back (for the sake of your shoulder more than anything else).

With that in mind, these are the essentials I still carry with me, whenever I head out:

- A water bottle. Key to staying hydrated, especially when on the move and travelling for long periods of time. Bottled water is hard to find on the go so I always make sure to fill mine up before leaving the house.

- Safety pins. A must! You never know when you might need one - a  missing shirt button, a top that needs taking in - these work wonders even in the most awkward of style moments.

- Lipbalm. My beauty essential since the age of 10. Right now, my favourite is the Nivea Vanilla and  Macadamia flavour, the closest thing to dessert a lipbalm gets.

- Card, travel ticket, keys and all that fun (less) stuff.

- Scarf. If I'm not wearing one, I'm carrying one. A style hack is to tie the scarf around your handbag. Not only does this add a touch of colour and decoration to your bag, it also leaves more room inside (bonus).

- Mirror. Because even the most perfect make-up needs checking.

- Plasters. Not just for accidents but for that horrible rub on your ankle when wearing new shoes. Answer = fresh plasters throughout the day.

- Hand sanitiser. A revolutionary invention. It dries within 10 seconds, no soap and water needed. Especially handy for when you're about to eat out.

- The latest magazine. Typically a London based one (Time Out, ES magazine) or Glamour, my favourite women's glossy. Great for getting fashion inspo whilst zoning out the rush-hour commute.

A lot of love for culottes

Call me late to the party, but I have finally seen the light when it comes to the recent obsession with culottes. Despite a less than appealing name that has a strange resemblance to (meat) cutlets, this is a trouser style that has really taken off. From celebrities and fashion bloggers, to stylists and working women, everyone is channelling the look. 

Victoria Beckham does street style chic in culottes

Originally seen in the 1960's, culottes typically incorporate a wide fit leg fit, a nipped in high-waist and a distinct 3/4 length trouser (the latter feature really setting it apart from other styles).

What I especially love about these trousers is one, how comfy they are. As I always say, this blog is about situating fashion within everyday life - and we all know that everyday life requires comfort (unlike the catwalk, where ankle breaking heels & PVC trousers are totally the norm - yikes). Two, culottes are incredibly flattering. A wide-leg hides all flaws. A high waistband creates shape and silhouette. 

Zara offer a fantastic range of styles 

But I think the most appealing aspect of these trousers is just how versatile they are. They allow you to dress up, dress down, or go somewhere in between. Night out? Team with a crop top and block heels for a fierce, urban look. Weekend trip? Tuck into a plain white tee and wear with pumps or trainers for a relaxed, laid-back outfit. Throw over a jumper à la Victoria Beckham for extra warmth. 

There are also so many styles out there. I recently purchased one which has black lace embroidery at the bottom for an elegant touch that added texture. With Spring here and Summer just around the corner, there are a multitude of floral designs to pick from too -  a refreshing change from the standard summer dress! 

Floral culottes by New Look

I love it when a new style or shape of clothing comes out  - and culottes are a good example of that. Get browsing now and shop your favourite (or favourites, for that matter. Once you have one pair you'll inevitably want more..)

My favourites: the bomber jacket

Recently, we've seen another surge of interest in the bomber jacket - and for good reason. The loose, boxy fit makes them super comfy, whilst the padding & nipped-in hem ensures they keep you warm. They also come in so many colours and styles, there's plenty to choose from. To help you out, here are my top five.

1. The Red One

Vilma Red Suede Bomber, Amanda Wakeley, £795  

2. The Practical One 

Dalkieth Bomber, Jack Wills, £79.95

3. The Patterned One

Bomber Jacket, Vero Moda, £32.99

4. The Quilted One

Bomber, Organ Andersson, £152

5. The Party One 

Sequin Ombre Bomber Jacket, Topshop, £70

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.