My favourites: the blanket scarf

Oh, how I love a blanket scarf. The perfect way to look chic (without really trying) and have an actual comfort blanket (without really trying). Given the chilly weather and my last post on wool, what better time than to reveal my 5 favourite scarves...

1. The Tartan one

Women's Lillia Blanket Scarf, Pepe Jeans, £40

2. The Minimalist one

Logo Blanket Scarf, £195, Bloomingdales

3. The Two-tone one

Two tone wool blanket. £59, And other stories 

4. The Bright one

Super soft scarf, £45, French Connection

5. The Patterned one

Grey Swallow blanket scarf, £160, Alexander McQueen

Wool 101 - a whistle stop tour

Image: Pinterest

Winter means you want to stay warm - it goes without saying. And wool, one of the oldest natural fibres around (thank you fluffy sheep), is your best bet. My favourite coat is made from 100% wool. My turtle-neck jumper? Wool. That blanket scarf? Wool too. But before buying woollen clothes, there are some important things to know.

First up, some wool is higher quality than others. If this is important to you, then Merino is your best bet (named after the Merino species of sheep). It's super durable and is also the softness out of all the wool varieties. That means wearing it and not having to worry about itchy skin - because ain't nobody got time for that. 

Speaking of  which, you'll read labels stating that wool is 'super fine'. This is another term for softness, rather than thinness. So a 'super fine' wool jumper will have a much softer feel than a normal one. Basically, if the diameter is smaller, it's less likely to push against your skin and create that dreaded prickling feeling. 

Extra fine, merino turtle neck sweater, £24.90, Uniqlo

Next up. Did you know that wool is classed? Just like you get 'Class A' groceries in the supermarket, wool is also classed. There are even people called 'Wool Classers' who determine the type, based on fineness and brightness. Most commercial wool is of a whiter type, meaning it is easier to dye. So if you have a strong shade/colourful look, chances are it will be this class of wool. Shetland varieties will be of a browner colour and may skip the dying process altogether, leaving a more authentic garment. Who knew? 

And finally, blends. 100% wool does seem very appealing, but sometimes having a wool blend can give you the best of both worlds! For example, 10% nylon will add some elasticity, meaning the jumper will have a more snug fit. Just be sure to ensure that wool still makes up 75% of the blend, to get the full benefits (especially warmness) that wool brings. 

I always read inner-labels now to check the composition, before buying. Be warned, some wool looking clothes are actually made from synthetic polyester! Oh how looks can be deceiving....

Wool is one of the most timeless fabrics out there - and one of the best for winter. It retains its shape well, is durable, comfortable, soft and warm. 

What's not to love? 

* Sparkle this Christmas *

Tis the season to be merry! And sparkly. Yes, if there was ever a time to wear sparkles it's Christmas. Multiple work parties, festive gatherings and 5 course dinners mean it's perfectly acceptable to get the glitter out. Whether it's just a subtle touch or a full blown-affair, here are some ways to get sparkly.

As Mariah Carey once sang, All I want for Christmas is.....

Glitz up your make-up. I hardly ever wear make up, but a cute glittery eye-shadow will add a festive touch to any outfit. Opt for golds, emerald greens, royal blues and dark purples for a fully dramatic look that'll be sure to turn heads.

And your accessories. A sparkly clutch bag. Yes please. Diamonte earrings. Yes please. Sparkly heels. Yes please. Why limit yourself? If your outfit is relatively plain, then glittery accessories won't look over the top. Instead it'll be the perfect balance and festive touch.

Sparkly dresses are a yes. There are three occasions when wearing a head-to-toe sparkly dress is totally okay. Your birthday, Christmas and New Years. It's the ultimate party look and there are soooo many varieties out there! Whether it's a long gown (perfect for black-tie Christmas dinners) or a short number, get browsing now.

Search for the details. Adding glitter needn't be difficult. You can experiment with subtle touches - think glittery collars on a shirt, buttons made out of jewels or sparkly hems on skirts/trousers. These small details will make your outfit extra special.

Warm up with glitter. Woven gold or silver threads in beanie hats, gloves and scarves is a cute (and cosy) way to add sparkle. The perfect option for Boxing Day walks. Go matching for ultimate glitter pizzazz.

Now, where's the mulled wine?

Suited, Booted: what to look for in a blazer

I love wearing a suit. Not everyone will say the same, but back in sixth form when we had to wear suits, I definitely found it a cause of celebration, not commiseration! Fast forward 5 years and now in a London corporate job, a suit is pretty much expected. It puts you in the right mind-set. It looks smart and sophisticated. It's professional. Did I go out and shop for suits before starting? Oh yes - and picked up a few things along the way.

Firstly, a blazer might be in your size, but sometimes it pays to go up a size, or down a size, depending on the look you want. I have a blazer which is slightly over-sized but that's because I liked the way it fell/hung. Liked having it that tad bit longer. On the other hand, you might decide to go for a blazer one size (or a few inches) down, to achieve that 'nipped in', fitted look. Be sure to try on a few.

And be sure to experiment with different fits, as well as sizes. One blazer which has lasted me from sixth form to now has a tapered front but a shorter back. This means wearing it with high-waisted trousers or a high-waisted skirt creates a feminine silhouette from the side. I like that it's a bit different to the fit/style of a normal blazer. Keep your eyes peeled for those slightly unusual styles.

Image: bcbg

And experiment with colours and patterns! Obviously black, navy and grey are perfect fail-safe options and should definitely make up a good percentage of your blazer collectiom. But a check blazer? A pinstripe blazer? A maroon blazer or emerald green blazer? Why not. Just be sure to check with the company policy first - or save it for that weekend dinner party...

Also, don't forget functionality - e.g check for pockets. If you're like me and always have your personal/work phone on you, you'll want to have a pocket in your blazer. The number of blazers that skip pockets altogether (or have 'fake' ones for stylist purposes) is more than you think. It's a practicality worth considering.

Image: mango

As is the lining. Good quality lining will mean the blazer will last longer. It's also an aesthetic consideration too. Sometimes, you might want to roll up the cuffs of your blazer for a stylish 'rough and ready' look. But to do this, the underlining has to look pretty good. Just because it's on the inside of the blazer doesn't mean no one will see it. A solid colour works well, like dark blue or red.

I could go on but I'll stop there for want of blazer frenzy (!). Other factors to consider include buttons (are there spare ones included inside?), lapels (how much of your shirt do you want to show?) and shoulder pads (a little, yes, too much, no.)

Happy Blazer-ing!

First photo courtesy of Telka Zcos & VanityStudios 

My favourites: the trench coat

Trench coats are a quintessential part of Autumn dressing (for both men and women). There is something so classic about the fit and look, something so wonderfully British. Yet there are more styles out there than you might think.
Here are my favourite five right now.

1. The Black One 

Saskia Trench, £199, Hobbs London

2. The Draped One

Patty Drape Flared Trench Coat, £200, French Connection

3. The Classic One 

Artistry Wool Camel Trench Coat, £195, Oliva Bonus

4. The Tartan One 

Angela Mele Milano, £184, Yoox

5. The Pastel One

Wrap trench coat, £80, Yumi 

Going out? Read this first

Going out is one of the pleasures of life. So is getting ready. There's nothing better than glamming up, with your girl-pals, over a glass of wine. Trust me, sometimes I prefer this to the night itself! Okay, not completely, but it certainly does set the mood for the night. 

But it can also be stressful. Outfit malfunctions are the biggest cause of being late. (Source: Friends of Niluka). To take the stress out of getting ready - whatever and wherever you might be going - read on.

Image: 8tracks

1. Plan your outfit the day before - or at least in the morning 

There's nothing worse than trying to haphazardly piece together an outfit when you have sub 1 hour to spare. Rushing is just not ideal in a situation when you want to look your best. Sure, have a couple of options in mind, but don't leave it all to the last minute.

2. Do an underwear check

If your dress/top is low cut and might reveal a flash of underwear - have you decided what bra will go? If you have a halterneck, do you have a strapless bra at hand? Is it better to ditch the bra altogether?! Be sure to consider all options when getting ready.

3. And a weather check, of course 

Image: HackneyGazette

Yes, your outfit is fab. But standing in a queue when temperatures are sub 5C is not. Not matter how good you look, shivering and moaning is not the best #ootd. If you know you might end up outside for a bit, or have to walk, then always take a coat. The cloak room fee is totally worth it.

4. Pack your bag before you start getting ready 

Hands up who has ever forgotten their ID before? Yep, me too. Frantically trying to chuck your card, money, ID, make-up and phone into your bag, just as you are about to leave, is a recipe for disaster. Having learnt from experience, I now get my clutch ready before the evening. No stress added.

5. Consider the accessories 

Image: Pinterest

An outfit can be made by a necklace or pair of earrings. Be sure to factor in an extra 5-10 minutes to experiment with jewellery when you're dressed. Sometimes, nothing may be needed (e.g a fussy dress that can do the talking by itself) but often, a piece of jewellery will bring an outfit together.

6. Consult your trusted forces

Asking someone for their opinion on your outfit is the perfect sense check. If you have your label  sticking out, or your outfit is too under/over dressed for the occasion, your friend will probably tell you. It'll also give you a boost of confidence to go and have a bloody good time. Cheers to that.

Autumn is the time for...

Image: pinterest

It's official. Summer has gone. Autumn is here. The temperature is rapidly dropping and the mornings getting darker. Daytime drinking is less acceptable, along with short shorts and permanently wearing your Raybans. But the season (if you're reading this in the UK) is also a cause of celebration in terms of fashion and clothes. Let me explain.

Autumn is the time for maroon, burnt orange and earthy brown colours. When the leaves are so beautiful, who can resist a tertiary colour palette that imitates the nature around us? These shades are also very easy to mix and match. Team with a dark maroon lip for full effect.

Autumn is the time for trench coats. It's definitely coat weather now (my recent Insta poll showed that 95% of you agreed). To ensure it matches the rest of your earthy wardrobe, invest in a classic belted trench coat in a light or medium beige.

Image: i0.wp

Autumn is the time for thick, cable knit scarves. As we transition to cooler weather, layering becomes essential. Not quite hat and gloves weather just yet, but a chunky scarf will not only protect you from blustery winds, it'll lift your entire outfit too.

Autumn is the time for knee high boots. Hard to get right, but when done well, knee high boots look extremely sophisticated. Dark brown or black is best. Choose a boot that has a simple design and is relatively flat (as opposed to high heeled) to avoid a tacky look.

Autumn is the time for quality jumpers and cashmere cardigans. Soft, wool-based fabrics, will feel great against your skin and keep you warm. Opt for looser styles that have a flattering cut. Chai tea latte to go? If you insist.