Clothes designers can’t always be strong in every area of clothing that they design and right now, the area to shop, with the strongest fashion impact is in the accessories department.

At the moment, more is definitely more and that means that our wardrobes are in for a huge transformation with the purchase of just a few items.

If you want a fast-track to an updated wardrobe for winter, then check out some accessories with the highest impact that you can add to your collection.

Sculptural Earrings

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Picture: Unsplash.com

Big earrings are the new avocado on toast - big, fun earrings don’t need to cost a fortune.

It can be easy to get carried away with the size and colours, so try and choose something that you know you will be pleased to still see and use in a year or so.

Whilst small and dainty earrings had their time in 2017, 2018 has seen accessories go back to bold. 2019 is set to see earrings become much more minimalist and modern - think geometric and sculptural shapes in gold and silver.

Whether you pair with a black roll neck or a high-power work suit, a pair of earrings is sure to add to any outfit.

Diamanté Shoes

If you can’t help but enjoy something with a little bit of sparkle, then your wardrobe is sure to benefit from a dazzling pair of diamante shoes.

Crystals, gemstones and diamanté can all be found studded onto some of this seasons biggest shoe trends, from stiletto heels to encrusted diamanté thigh high boots. There’s no shortage of shoes that have been transformed with a few jewels.

A great way to add some style to a basic jeans and jumper combo, you need a pair of sparkly shoes in your wardrobe this winter.

Unusual Handbag

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Whilst a classic black tote is ideal for work, you don’t want to just have one style of handbag as you go from the weekdays to weekends or days to evenings.

Bag designers are currently having a lot of fun, from unusual fabrics, such as velvet and suede, to fun details like chain handles and sequins, there is no bag which is too 'out there'.

If you are having trouble finding a bag that is both weird and wonderful (and within your price range) then have a browse through your local charity or vintage stores - they’re sure to have plenty of budget-friendly options for you to choose from.

'Extra' Makeup

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Picture: Unsplash.com

Thanks to festivals and the resurgence of 80's and 90's fashion, makeup has had a complete transformation over the past few years. Trends were once simple and elegant, but now more is better.

Glitter makeup features heavily in most makeup looks, whether it’s across your eyelids, in your brows or used as a highlighter. Neon and gold are also really popular, with contrasting colours spread across your eyelids, cheekbones and lips.

'Snake' Into The New Year

Snake print is one of those things that doesn’t look different when expensive or affordable. When the pattern is in a neutral shade, you’re sure to find a pair of boots or a shirt which will last way beyond the initial trend.

If you’re looking for a pair of snakeskin print boots, then a 90's heels and toe shape is the perfect style and possibly the most sophisticated item of clothing you’ll find on the high street this winter.

Written By: Natalie Wilson

Published in Blog
Thursday, 29 November 2018 13:04

Fresh Off the Runway: Winter Fashion Made Affordable

Summer is quickly becoming a distant memory, and the weather is reminding us daily that it is time to ditch the summer wardrobe and say hello to a new season of fashion, cosy nights in and an abundance of chocolate.

Although it can often be difficult getting into the swing of things after a seemingly endless summer, particularly when it comes to transforming your wardrobe from bikinis to jumpers. No need to stress, you’re top 2018 Winter trends are coming your way making your Christmas that little bit easier!

Boots

Highstreet fresh off runway1a result
Photograph source: Pexels.com

Highstreet fresh off runway1b result
Photograph source: Pexels.com

We all know Winter wouldn’t be Winter without a great pair of boots (or three) and it’s no secret that Alexander McQueen’s Winter boot collection is breath-taking. The collection hosts an array of gorgeous styles ranging from chunky ankle boots to sexy leather thigh-highs. Or nod to the 60's with the beautifully elegant leather mid-calf length boots with a round toe and block heel.

Luckily, such pieces haven’t gone a miss, and high-street retail has brought out their own interpretation of boots, saving you a whole load of money this Winter.

Pair your thigh-highs with an oversized knit for a cute yet effortless look which is often modelled by Ariana Grande. Or if the thought of bare legs is making your shiver, you can wear with jeans or tights. In the Style is a great place to look for affordable boots that are inspired by the catwalk.

Coats

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Photograph source: Pexels.com

Being cold is not an option this year, as an over-spill of coats from the runway take over the high street in an abundance of styles, you are sure to find one that suits you! A particularly popular trend this Winter is the shearling jacket that has originated from the Stone Age where sheepskin was used to protect and insulate. Almost 2.5 million years later, this historical classic has made it onto the 2018 runway, being interpreted by a range of designers in a host of different styles including; leather, denim, suede and bomber, all combined with essences of Shearling. A piece we cannot ignore is by Giorgio Armani which contained a mix of brown suede and leather giving the jacket texture and detail, costing a total of £2900.

If that’s too hard to swallow, the high-streets have brought out a range of heavy-duty faux shearling jackets that look good enough for the runway at totally affordable prices making it a worthwhile investment this Winter. This smart sophisticated jacket looks super cute worn causally with a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and some casual shoes, adding an essence of boldness and grunge to a ‘made no effort’ outfit.

Alternatively, a statement coat is a perfect way to effortlessly add a pop of colour and texture to a neutral or black outfit, making you look like you are fresh off the runway. Oversized bomber jackets are super on trend this season as well as faux fur and long trench coats. The options are endless, and each are a great way of making a statement as well as staying warm and comfortable this Winter.

Home Comforts

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Photograph source: Pexels.com

Fashion doesn’t always have to leave the house, particularly during the cold festive months of Winter. Keeping up with Winter trends begins at home.

Although it may not seem obvious, sleeping trends are a thing and are becoming increasingly popular, particularly on the high-street. Women's sleepwear is a forever expanding category and is being payed more attention to in the fashion industry with an abundance of styles to choose from. You can now find over 1000 sleepwear styles online making the perfect necessity for a cosy night in, or a great stocking filler for your loved ones. A popular sleepwear style this year is the traditional shirt and trouser set that you can find in an array of different colours and fabrics.

Oversized Sweatshirts

This trend is a definite favourite as it offers comfort and warmth as well as a cute and effortless look that you can wear with anything. You can find these sweaters anywhere, from Primark to Urban Outfitters depending on your budget. A top trick is to look in the men’s section for that perfect oversized fit. Pair your sweater with some thigh-high or ankle boots or some Mum jeans and trainers for that super cute 90's skater look. If you want to dress this look up, then switch the sweatshirt for a chunky knit. The best knitwear on the high-street this Winter is embracing bright colours to inject the dark weather with a pop of vibrancy. You can find affordable pieces like this in River Island, Primark and Topshop.

Written by: Poppy Jones

Published in Blog

You should never hoard clothes or keep items that you no longer wear or like.

Published in Fashion
Wednesday, 25 April 2018 15:48

4 Streetwear Brands That Are Changing the Game

Streetwear has been a massive trend for a few years and some of the styles can become similar and repetitive.

Published in Fashion
Thursday, 05 April 2018 19:41

What is Old May Never Fade

Classically Inspired Fashion to Incorporate this 2018.

Published in Fashion

Jenny Holloway has been working in the fashion industry for over thirty years; both in the private and public sector.

Published in News
Wednesday, 20 September 2017 15:19

Is Revolutionary Red the New Millennial Pink?

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The soft shade of millennial pink inspired us and brought on a cultural shift last year, but there seems to be a new sheriff in town – revolutionary red. While millennial pink changed the way we perceive gender and was universally considered to be the color of youth and playful quirkiness, red has been around for a long time, and we’ve always associated it with power. Whether it’s in form of sexual energy, or as a statement of capable skillfulness, we always use it to make a statement.
Want to know how the trend appeared and how to get the hottest new look from the runways? We’re here for you.

Red For Revolution

Red for revolution

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This colour is here both as a response and as a form of extension to what millennial pink meant. We used pink to signify new directions in fashion, to break the boundaries of our preconceived notions of gender. Male celebrities like John Legend, Ashton Kutcher, Pharrell and Bruno Mars have been rocking pink and looking gorgeous in it, and we’re slowly letting go of the idea that pink is frilly and girly. Androgyny has been ruling the runways, but now we’re getting back to red, and the excitement that it brings.

From Hillary Clinton’s pantsuit, to Sofia Vergara’s array of bodycon dresses, red is the colour of feminine power, it’s the colour of rebellion and protests. From the TV adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, to designers like Max Mara, Fendi and Oscar de la Renta, red is used to signify something bold, something potent and dynamic.

Update your wardrobe

 Update your wardrobe

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Regardless of whether you care much for social politics or not, red is still the perfect colour for the fall of 2017. Want to be a stunning beauty? Then take a look at Rihanna’s gorgeous dress from the premiere of Valerian. If you want to turn heads, a red dress is the quickest way to do it. Pick a sexy, off-the-shoulder little dress for a date, or bring that vigor to your everyday work outfit by wearing a form-fitting, knee-length red dress, and throwing a black blazer over it.

Blouses are also a beautiful way to rock this trend, but if you want to be really bold, then go for a pair of over-the-knee boots. Kendall Jenner’s classy red turtleneck paired with bright red lipstick can also be a good inspiration for some everyday elegance and sophistication.

Accessorize Smartly

Accessorize smartly

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Accessories can go a very long way in making a statement, and wearing pretty little details like the ones you can find here can really bring that oomph to your entire outfit. A big leather handbag can provide the perfect contrast to a red dress, or you could wear something that’s all-black and then offset it with a few pieces of vivid red. Just imagine a black sweater and a neat pencil skirt, and then red nail polish, a red brooch and little square scarf tied around your neck. You’ve just turned something that was practically invisible into something chic and stylish.

Red also works beautifully with metallics, so strappy gold sandals or a thin silvery belt can give you that nice dose of glam.

Think Vintage

Think vintage

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Red is modern now, yes, but it’s also timeless, and a fashion diva might wish to pay tribute to famous ladies from history who wore this color and made it so famously feminine. Take Marilyn Monroe’s famous dress from River of No Return if you want an inspiration for something jaw-droppingly sexy, or in case you want that refined, cultured fashion take Grace Kelly’s loveliness and elegance to really show the world your incredible style.

Wearing red is more than just following a trend. It’s not a color that can be worn by the meek, it’s something that grabs people’s attention and holds it. It represents the raw power of women, it enchants you and commands respect. So, be daring, and be confident. There’s no way you can’t look good in the perfect shade of revolutionary red.

Written by Sophia Smith

Published in Blog