What to Wear.. in January.

We work out what to wear for the trickiest of situations.

    
WELCOME TO 2010 MY FASHION-FORWARD FRIENDS!

The days are getting longer, but January is usually a dark, dank month so hit the sales for something to lift the mood. If you know your proportions well enough, (my feet are dead on size five and my top half will always fit a small) internet shopping is a good bet for a cheap pick-me-up. Even if you are not prepared to take the risk with clothes, accessories are a safe bet as the price of winter warmers such as hats, scarves and hosiery comes tumbling down.

Wrap up warm this January. My bargain, six pound, charity shop, faux fur coat keeps out the chill and the large collar negates the need for a scarf. 

I love Zara's extensive winter collection and the website is wonderfully slick. Scroll through the catalogue to find macs, leather jackets, trench coats and everything in between.

A fun and instant way to update for the New Year is makeup. Bright lipstick stands out in the crowd so dare to wear it during the day, keeping the lips matt to avoid looking overdone. Boots N^o 7 range does great lipsticks in a variety of shades and finishes with colours ranging from tangerine orange to raspberry red. I loitered for twenty minutes before opting for the pinky perfection of Forever Cherry.

Layering is key (and essential for those of us who refuse to heat our homes i.e. students.) Pick up some thin long-sleeved tees to wear underneath summery tops. Shorts need not be consigned to the summer. Many of my fellow bloggers are fans of opaque black tights under a pair of battered denims with long socks and chunky boots. Cute and warm, an excellent combination. 

When all else fails, hibernate.  

Look Featuring: Rose Long Sleeve Pointelle, 80'S Blue Cheeky Short, H By Hudson Francoise Studded Detail Flat Boot, Fringed Square Cashmere Scarf Grey, David Lerner Footed Leggings in Black and Grey.

Written by Katherine Cliffe.

What I Wore for New Year's Eve 09/10.

We ask our writers what they threw on for NYE.

KATHERINE CLIFFE.

For my New Year's celebrations I wore an Urban Outfitters bodycon skirt and sheer Topshop shirt with Miss Selfridge pattern tights and vintage boots.

My New Year’s Resolution is a perennial one; I will endeavour to put my poor clothes away when I take them off. Repeat after me; the floor is not a wardrobe, the floor is not a wardrobe…

Written by Katherine Cliffe.

What to Wear Over the Festive Season.

We work out what to wear for the trickiest times.

Once again Christmas is upon us and gives us a reasonable (as if we ever needed one) excuse to drink too many eggnogs and kiss innumerable strangers. However, the main joy of the holiday season is the gorgeous clothes and many many occasions on which we can wear them.

Velvet is back and a great way to add a bit of plush to your Christmas wardrobe. The featured Silence &  Noise Strapless Velvet offering is available at Urban Outfitters and is the LBD with a soft touch. It just begs for some fun accessories. (Think a chunky gold chocker or patterned tights, not flashing Santa earrings.)

Sequins have been on the rise all year and are more than welcome when Christmas trots around. If the full on disco ball look is not for you, add a bit of subtle sparkle with a fab bag. Accessorize's Wow Union Jack Sequin Clutch lives up to its name and will make a muted outfit pop.

New Year’s Eve is a night of excitement and anticipation, so up your chances of the perfect midnight smooch by wearing an ‘out with the old, in with the new’ outfit. Everyone likes putting in a little extra effort at New Year and Lipsy does great little party frocks in standout colours, like their Jewel Pocket Bandeau Dress in white and blue.  It of course goes without saying that you’ll be needing a pair of these Dante T-strap Purple Satin Shoes to reach the heady-heights of the six- foot-two hunk by the bar. 

If I could bathe in sparkle, I would and on a recent trip to my perennial friend Topshop, I got my twinkly gold nails on a sheer midnight blue blouse. Great with a bodycon skirt, it will be my date for New Year’s Eve.

Season’s Greetings fashionistas and let us all pray that we unwrap a fabulous coat/necklace/pair of boots on Christmas Day. Or all three. Happy Holidays!

Written by Kat Cliffe.

What to Wear to a Wedding.

We work out what to wear for the most difficult of moments.

Everyone loves a wedding but, after you RSVP, you face one of life’s biggest wardrobe dilemmas. Whilst you want to look your best, unless the bride is marrying your ex-boyfriend, upstaging her is a no-no. Nevertheless, as weddings go hand in hand with an excessive amount of photography, your outfit will no doubt cause you hours of deliberation and a lot of cash. Choose wisely and the rugged best man will be yours.

The golden rule of wedding dressing is to avoid any shade that may result in you being mistaken for the bride. White, ivory and champagne are off the cards.  

At a wedding that I recently attended, I came to the conclusion that formal is the best plan of action even though some people err on the side of casual i.e. scruffy.

Opulent fabrics such as silks and satins look great on pictures but to avoid unsightly stains I suggest a bib and steering clear of all drunken relatives.

Before hitting the shops, check the location; a strapless, low-cut dress in an icy church is not only inappropriate but chilly. Add a jacket or a faux fur stole  keep you toasty whilst the happy couple say their I-dos. Similarly, if you’re only attending the evening knees-up, you can afford to dress a little more extravagantly; so shorter hemlines, higher heels and more makeup are a yes.

Lest you forgot that you could be in your wedding outfit (and scarily high new shoes) for ten hours so make sure your outfit can take the strain. 

Don’t pick anything too tight and consider Magic Knickers. These bad boys will hold that gut in but expect to spend a good twenty minutes pulling them back up again. (Think Friend’s Ross in the bathroom in his leather trousers.)

Accessories can make or break an outfit and weddings seem to send people wild for coordination. Whilst that matching hat, bag and shoe combo may seem like the easy option, it can look painfully conceited and over-thought. Pick out a few colours and stick to them when accessorising.

Tell the bride she looks beautiful, flirt with the barman for a free drink and spend all evening rummaging around in your clutch for your lippy and a night of fun and frivolity is guaranteed. A wedding is an excuse to treat yourself to a gorgeous new outfit so be bold, be brave and you could give the bride a run for her money!

Written by Katherine Cliffe.

What to Wear to Meet Your Boyfriend’s Parents.

We work out what clothes are in order for the most difficult of moments.

 Having met the perfect guy and made it past the honeymoon period, you’re smitten, so wouldn’t this weekend be an excellent opportunity to meet his parents? You recoil in horror. In what will inevitably be a day filled with implausibly long silences followed by inappropriate questions to “lighten the mood” the one thing you do have control over is your outfit.

Here it is important to remember that whilst the horny student that is your boyfriend may appreciate a risqué hemline, dressing appropriately whilst still retaining your own personal style is a must. First of all, don’t feel like you have to go out and buy a brand new outfit. For testing times such as these, it’s always best to go back to an old favourite outfit. Don’t squeeze yourself into a pretty dress that fit before the student diet of carbs and alcohol took over; being uncomfortable is the last thing you need and avoid anything mumsy at all costs.

Here is your mantra: I must dress appropriately. Quiz your fella about potential activities so you don’t wear these five inch fitties to hike up Scarfell Pike. A broken ankle and a fireman’s lift from your boyfriend’s fifty-something father will make you wish you’d strangled yourself with your chunky-knit scarf. 

For a reasonably standard day of genial conversation my advice is as follows. Aim to look sophisticated, approachable and never brash. Jeans are always a winner but keep them skinny and dark to avoid looking cheap or too casual. Go for a statement top; think a smattering of sequins a bit of lace or an unusual brooch. A long-line blazer with casually rolled up sleeves will keep you looking presentable and painfully on trend. Flat pumps or brogues in a neutral colour or black will keep you from looking overdressed.

For a more formal situation invest in a tea-dress like this one from Lipsy; think floaty sleeves, above-the-knee hem and a pretty pattern. Coupled with thick black tights and shoeboots you will be both modestly covered up whilst retaining the cute you were born with.

Remember, children, this day is not a time to dress provocatively, but should be seen as an opportunity to showcase your own style. After all, prospective in-laws are to be tolerated, fashion is to be loved.  

Written by Katherine Cliffe.