My Style Artist Says……

Are you ready for ‘anything goes’ Spring/Summer 2018?

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Colour is IN

I wish the sunnier days of Spring were here already don’t you? And it’s  looking to be a stonker on the fashion front too.  In fact, there are so many trends to choose from for Spring/Summer 2018 that it made this post quite the challenge! Anyway, here it is – my round-up of the Fab, the Mad and the downright Bad…..

#1. Le Trench. (FAB)

Trench coats are everywhere for S/S 2018 in a variety of shapes. Every major label has a version, so expect the High Street to follow suit. To me, trench coats are always in, but now that it’s like, official,  if you need any tips on how to make the most of yours see my Trench Wear-fare: Little tweaks to make the most of your trench coat!

From L-R: Balenciaga, Céline, Bottega Veneta

Valentino

#2. Colour me….(BAD?) 

Whether it’s bright and brash (think Crayola crayons) or softer pastels (think the Queen), colour is “in” this Spring. And nothing makes me want to reach for my trusted grey and black faster. It’s not that I’m averse to colour – I own my fair share of colourful stuff – but I don’t think I’ve quite recovered from the “colour-blocking” madness of S/S 2011.  Anyway, you won’t find me anywhere near the lavenders, pastels and lilacs but I might indulge in a bold colour (or two) and actually the pinks are not looking so bad. Shock horror.

From L-R: Tom Ford, Off-White, Marco di Vincenzo, Missoni

Anyone for ice cream?

#3. 80s Pick n Mix. (FAB)

The 80s are back! Shoulders? Check. High-waisted jeans tucked into boots? Check. Dynasty-esque dresses? Double check. You can literally choose which bits of it you want. What fun. Tip:  I plan to get involved (obvs) but I won’t be bothering with the high-end stuff. I reckon the High Street will have this one covered. Meaning we can indulge to our heart’s content in the “ one season wonder” fun and frolics without breaking the bank. Oh dear. Oh YES.

From L-R: Emanuel Ungaro, Saint Laurent, Halpern

From L-R: Y Project, Off-white, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafin

#4. Fanny packs, bum bags or roadman bags. (FAB? MAD? Oh who cares!)

Bum bags or fanny packs, whatever  you call them, they are in. I’ll admit that I wasn’t keen on them first time round, but now with a 6 year old in tow, anything hands-free gets my vote! And there are so many fab options. I’m all over this one people.

From L-R: Zimmerman, Noon by Noor, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Tam, Rachel Comey

Gucci

Louis Vuitton

#5. Plastic not so fantastic (MAD. And BAD)

Shame on us, fashion lovers.  Maybe it’s just me, but with all the talk around reducing the impact of plastic on the environment this over-dose on “wearable plastic” (whatever that means) seems at tad out of touch and mighty crass. Plastic rain macs I might be able to forgive but transparent knee-high plastic boots?! Who is wearing this stuff? Emperor’s New Clothes syndrome on steroids.  We can do better.

From L-R: Balmain, Chanel, Balmain

Fabulous top half. Shame about the rest

#6. Bye bye Phoebe. Hello Hedi (FAB or MAD – time will tell)

So this is not exactly S/S 2018 news but I couldn’t ignore the hottest fashion news of the moment. Phoebe Philo – queen of minimalism and the designer of choice for “women with shit to get done” – is leaving Céline after 10 years to be replaced by Hedi Slimane (ex-YSL). Where Hedi is all about youth culture, Phoebe’s Céline is unquestionably for grown-ups, so it’ll be interesting to see what direction he takes. He’s no stranger to shaking things up (he it was who dropped “Yves” from Yves Saint Laurent – see What’s in a name anyway?) and apparently he’s already proposing a Céline Mens’ line.  Is this a yay or a nay? I’m not really sure but maybe we should start stocking up on those Céline accessories just in case. Psst! Rumour has it Ms Philo is off to Burberry…..

Phoebe Philo

Hedi Slimane

So there you have it. A veritable free-for-all S/S 2018 and I for one can’t wait!

Addie x

 

Photos: Imaxtree; Getty images

WARDROBE TREASURES! Featuring: Distressed Wool Blazer

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Gomme Homme A/W 2006

Don’t you just love it when you rediscover something that you haven’t worn in a long time and fall in love with it all over again?  The thrill of a “new purchase” mixed with the smug satisfaction that comes with a bargain?  If you follow me on Instagram you”ll have seen this distressed wool blazer  – by Japanese label Gomme –  featuring a few times in recent posts. A new purchase perhaps? Well, it was when I bought it 10 years ago! From the men’s range (Gomme Homme), I love it’s timeless slouchy and androgynous cut.  But, as I hadn’t worn it for a few years it nearly didn’t survive my last annual wardrobe cull. I’m glad I hung on to it. In fact, since its resurrection it’s seen so much action that it’s probably now a tad more distressed than originally intended. 🙂   The fact that it’s lasted this long is a real testament to buying well and investing in good quality timeless pieces.  So, two things: first, girls you can’t go wrong with a decent mannish blazer – doesn’t  have to be wool. A definite forever piece. Second, when did you last shop in your own wardrobe? Maybe take a peek before hitting the shops next time – who  knows what surprising rediscoveries lie within!

Addie x

Editor’s note:  Buy Well Wear Forever. This is something that I come back to over and over again. So, to show that I (sometimes) practice what I preach each Wardrobe Treasures post will feature something that I’ve had for a long time (in some cases decades) which is still on active duty! 

 

 

What I’m wearing:

Outfit #1: Blazer (Gomme); T-shirt – plain (Gap);  Leather skirt (Primark); Bag (Niccoli); Boots (Deichmann); Sunglasses (Celine) | Outfit #2: Blazer (as before); T-shirt (Cos); Jeans (Primark); Shoes (Isabel Marant); Sunglasses (as before) | Outfit #3: Blazer (As before); T-shirt – logo (Vivienne Westwood); Jeans (H&M); Trainers (Vans); Sunglasses (As before) |

 

 

 

 

Trench Wear-fare: Little Tweaks To Make The Most Of Your Trenchcoat

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MyStyleArtist 2017

It’s getting colder but it’s not quite time to dust off the old winter coat. Perfect weather for a trench coat! Ubiquitous and almost boringly practical, this classic staple can also be effortlessly chic if styled right. Want to add some vava-voom to yours? Here’s how with my ‘trench rules’!

#1. Get a decent one. Trench coats are timeless and if your size doesn’t change much you can literally wear one forever (you’ll certainly get your money’s worth if you live in London). Pay particular attention to the detail: buttons, belts and straps.

#2. Tan is the classic colour but you can’t beat black for versatility because then you can wear it in the evenings too.

#3. Style your trench! Roll or push up the sleeves. Work the collar subtly (leave the collar alone on very long styles).  Cinch the waist, tying the belt instead of buckling it. Tip: Very short styles look best with a cinched waist.

#4. Your trench should be longer than your hem line. Personally, I prefer trench coats with trousers or jeans. But if you are pairing with a dress or skirt, unless you’ve got a very short style, watch that hemline!

Time to dig out that old trench don’t you think?

Love,

Addie x

Cinched waist, pushed-up sleeves and a tweaked collar work brilliantly on short trenches. This one is by Maki Hiroshige (Gomme)

Unbelted and hanging loose is great on loose-fitting styles. Like this round-shouldered A-line knee length version from Commes des Garcons x H&M

All this Burberry mid-knee length version needs is a cinched waist. Don’t forget the hemline rule!

 

 

 

 

 

First outings: Large Kenzo X H&M Shopper. (An instant classic but not for all seasons)

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My Kenzo x H&M shopper FINALLY got its first outing last weekend. I’ve had it for seven months (the collection landed last November!) but this just isn’t a Winter bag – the colour and style are not for soggy conditions. Happily, Saturday was gloriously sunny. And with a bulky gift to carry to a 6 year old’s birthday party, it seemed the ideal opportunity to give it a spin.

Verdict? It did well. Obviously, the colour meant I had to be careful where I put it down. But, I’m usually – and possibly irritatingly(!) –  precious about my bags anyway 🙂 so this wasn’t a problem. It’s large enough to take quite a lot – it managed the gift plus the usual baggage that comes along with a 6 year old – without feeling too bulky. Meaning it fits comfortably under the arm as well. My only quibble is with the straps which are a little “shallow” (not sewn deep enough into the body of the bag) for its size. So, if you’ve got one, be careful not to over load it with heavy items as I’m not convinced those straps can take it. And avoid extremely wet days obvs! Otherwise, another H&M collaboration gem. See Hello my name is Addie and I’m a brand collaboration addict for my other very happy H&M collaboration purchases. And if you would like a piece of the action from the next one, stay tuned to yours truly as I will be tracking events very closely……. 🙂

Addie x