What I have been wearing - Summer Weekends.

Karen Walker Dress, Belt and Sunglasses Karen Walker. Sandals by Witchery

 

  Top and shoes by Witchery, skirt by ASOS, bag from Colette by Colette Hayman, Watch by Michael Kors, Peace sign Bangle Karen Walker.

 Dress and cloud ring by Karen Walker, Jacket by Sussan, Bag and shoes from Witchery, Sunglasses by Stella McCartney from Shopbop, Watch by Michael Kors, ring Tiffany and Co. 

 Dress by Miss Crabb, Belt by Sass and Bide, Bag and shoes by Witchery, Sunglasses by Karen Walker, Watch by Michael Kors.

 

T-shirt (best t-shirts) and sandals by Witchery, skirt by Steve Alan, Necklace by Lovisa, Bag and Sunglasses by Karen Walker

How To Look Stylish - Part 2

Here is the next addition of my 'How To Look Stylish' tips.

• Make sure you own a full length mirror.  How are you going to see how an outfit balances or truly looks if you don't have a complete view!  Always take a final look before you head out the door and it is worth following the French rule (created by Coco Chanel) of taking off anything that overwhelms or stands out too much.  

• Take time to play!  Spend a couple of hours now and again playing dress up.  Pour yourself a wine, put on some great music and pull everything out of your closet.  Mix and match, try on different things and get some ideas and inspiration for outfits.  Not only does this help you know your wardrobe inside and out but it also means you have outfits in mind when you are in a hurry.  

• Know your shape and what suits your body type.  No matter how beautiful a garment is if it doesn't suit your shape then it won't look right.  It always looks better when you accept your shape and dress according to your figure. For more information on this I suggest books such as 'The Pocket Stylist' by Kendall Far or books by Gok Wan or Tim Gunn.  You can find these at The Book Depository.   

•  Constant fidgeting is unattractive so if you are really uncomfortable don't wear it!  Not all amazing outfits will be comfortable but you have to commit to them and deal with the discomfort or not wear them at all.  It pays to choose styles that work for you and your lifestyle because no matter how fabulous something is if you cannot wear it with confidence or you look uncomfortable then it will not look fabulous on you.

• Belts are your best friend and are one of the easiest ways to update or change outfits.  Invest in good belts that will last the distance and keep them leather as much as possible as cheap man made materials look shabby quickly.  Sass and Bide always do amazing belts and although expensive they do great sales.  Also check out Cue, Witchery and also Karen Walker for fun belts. 

• Learn to Accessorize - scarves and jewellery can update your look in an instant without breaking the bank.  In saying that it is worth investing in great quality or designer scarves as they will never date and they always look chic, also spend good money on the things you wear every day such as diamond studs, watches and rings.  There is a huge range of amazing costume jewellery around now that can enhance, update and give wow factor to simple wardrobe staples and these items don't have to break the bank.  Try River Island, Lovisa, ASOS and Bauble Bar for some great statement jewellery.  For scarves try Good&Co, Witchery and Shopbop.   The best way to know what works is to experiment.  

Until next time, happy dressing.
Melissa x

Copyright © 2013 Melissa Bult-Burns Ta Angel Guidance Ltd. All Rights Reserved

How To Look Stylish - part 1

Here is a piece on looking stylish and creating great outfits. I have decided to do it in parts as there is so much information on this subject.

There are certain ideas that will always remain stylish and things that are considered typically un-stylish but it is subjective of course.  These are my thoughts on the matter based on years of research, experience and practice.

Creating a good outfit does require work.  Even when you see those amazing women who appear 'effortlessly' stylish or 'thrown together', nine times out of ten they have spent great deal of time putting that ensemble together for it to look as though they haven't!

Here are some tips:

• Start by doing research.  Know what is happening on the fashion scene and what is currently trending and then take what works for you or suits your style.  It is important never to be a slave to trends but being inspired by them can keep you looking fresh and current while maintaining your signature style.  Be conscious of what suits your life style and your overall 'look' so that your purchases will be worthwhile.  Here are some sites worth checking out for research: elleuk.com, style.com, vogue.com, fashionista.com, refinery29.com. 

• Never be a slave to labels either.  Wearing only designer labels is boring and can look contrived.  Be creative and mix high end with high street or vintage pieces for a look that is all your own  

• When you purchase items be conscious of what you already have in your wardrobe.  This means you will be able to create multiple outfits with your new pieces.

• Invest in classic items such as jeans, coats, blazers, little black dresses, pants and plain sweaters and then add twists with more trendy pieces and accessories.  It is far better to spend the money on a perfectly cut quality jacket than on a trendy top. 

• The same goes for investing your money on good shoes and handbags.  The best you can afford.  It is better to have less and better quality than one in each colour that look cheap and will wear out fast.  Nothing ruins and outfit faster than cheap looking shoes and handbags.  Keep them looking nice by spraying them with leather protector and regularly polishing.

• An exception to above rule in my opinion though is that it is okay to invest less money in trendy clutches or shoes that you only wear now and again.  Both of these items are not typically for everyday use.  If it looks good and you are only going to use it for the odd dinner date or party then you can get away with it.   

• It is also worth investing in a great pair of sunglasses (or two...or three...) because they can make you look like a million dollars.  Classic styles or unique but not 'overly' trendy styles are best as these will last the distance and not look dated within 12 months.  Always keep them in their case when not wearing to take care of them.

This is the end of part one, look out for part two soon.

Melissa x

Copyright © 2013 Melissa Bult-Burns Ta Angel Guidance Ltd. All Rights Reserved