Fashion: Wardrobe Insider (part 3) explains the new 'Normcore' trend

The versatile, wardrobe staple that is the jean made an appearance in all its glory for this season as part of the new ‘Normcore’ trend.  Combining the words ‘normal’ and ‘hardcore’, this trend is all about a blank canvas wardrobe, not standing out and wearing the most luxurious pieces you can in a very classic, plain way.  

You can make this trend as simple or as complex as you like, but as a firm believer that we should all feel our best in our clothes everyday, the simple version may not give your outfit the wow factor and that inner feeling of wonderful confidence. 

Therefore the easy way to glam this trend up would be through accessories and luxe fabrics.  Cue Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney (below) who showcased the plain side of Normcore through paired down knitwear in the softest of materials and relaxed shapes. 

Check out Zara’s replica combo, perfect for lounging or rushing around.

To complement this look, wear it with your favourite leather jacket and if you haven’t already got one, opt for a collarless style that is simple in shape and therefore will go with all types of outfits!

Reiss collarless leather jacket

Alternatively for this look, rock your favourite denims, casual shirt or white tee and trainers! If any of you have already started building your ‘capsule’ wardrobe; the essential foundations to your style, then many of these will form part of this trend.  Great news for the bank balance!

Fashion: Wardrobe Insider (part 2)

On our last post we talked about picking the right colour coat for your complexion, so speaking of colour, there is a wonderful hybrid of palettes going on this season and it offers up a sumptuous mix of colours for lots of occasions, whether you are heading into the office for a quick meeting, being supermum for the day or heading into town for a girly cocktail night!

First up is old meets new with folk gypsy style at the heart of the autumn winter rainbow; olives, rusty reds, warm oranges, deep pinks and romantic purples; craft couture at its best!  The luxe way to channel these colours is definitely cashmere; soft, comforting and effortless.  Invest in a cashmere sweater for everyday wear and team with ripped knee jeans and your favourite Nikes or Converse. 

Zara's new cashmere collection in this seasons hottest hues

V-neck styles are much more flattering for bigger busted body shapes as they draw the eye inwards and downwards. However if you have a smaller bust the round necks are fine, just make sure to accessorise with a statement necklace to break up the block colour. Bejewelled detail is back with a bang this season too so make sure your jewellery is showy and eye catching!

New Look bejewelled necklace

Ok so we've spoken about capes, shawls, coats and jumpers, now lets talk a bit about the bottom half…..If ripped knees aren’t your thing, but you’re still on the lookout for the perfect pair of jeans on an affordable budget (we’ve all been there), then head to River Island to try on their ‘Molly Jeggings’.  Crafted with their new 4 way stretch fabric, these work wonders on all body shapes, lifting the bottom in all the right places and shaping the thighs!  Do not be put off by the ‘jegging’ name, their stretchy fabric moulds to the legs so they are super flattering! 

River Island Molly Jegging

The other key piece for accenting the folk trend is the dress; long, luxe, woolly and belted (if needed) and teamed with knee high boots. The dress is an easy piece to throw on and looks really chic! The shape of dress will depend on your body shape but use folk accessories to jazz it up if you feel more comfortable in a block colour! 

The Folk Dress showcased at Ralph Lauren

If doing a neutral colour, then team with one of your shawl capes too in a stylish check to layer the trends and create a full outfit!

Knitted dress Massimo Dutti

Topshop cape

Fashion: Guest article from The Wardrobe Insider (part 1)

This week we have asked The Wardrobe Insider's Katie Powell, fresh from Paris Fashion Week, to give us her insights from the shows and how we can translate the trends into our everyday lives. First up - capes, coats and blanket wraps...
  

            WRAP UP IN YOUR PERSONAL STYLE THIS AUTUMN WINTER

              By Personal Stylist at The Wardrobe Insider, Katie Powell

                                            

Utility chic at Victoria Beckham, denim galore at Burberry, 70’s rock n roll at Saint Laurent and abstract florals at Chanel; just some of the most irresistible trends served up on the fashion menu for spring/summer 2015 and showcased across the most stylish spots on the globe! With the most sophisticated city in Europe closing the shows last week, we are now left to drool over the collections and start making our shopping lists for March next year - #EXCITING! 

                                 

Utility chick at VB, florals at Chanel and denim at Burberry

But as ever, the unveiling of one season in the fashion world coincides with the arrival of the one before and right now, it’s all about autumn/winter!  

 As a personal stylist, the winter season is one I am very passionate about since there are always more elements to one’s outfit, meaning more to style and more opportunities to create that wow factor!!!

I tend to find a lot of women also prefer this season, but not for the same reason; mostly because we can wrap up, boot up and forget about trying to camouflage those bits we may not feel so comfortable with (we all have them). The down side to cocooning ourselves in this oversized style though is that we often forget about making that extra bit of effort to feel our best in our clothes and adopting the same rules that we would when all is on show in the summer season.  So the question is - Is your winter wardrobe still complementing your body shape? Are the colours that you’re wearing still illuminating your skin tone and hair colour? Are you making that extra bit of effort to put the finishing touches to your outfit? And do you feel amazing in every single piece of clothing that gets an outing?  

The answer should be yes to all of those, so let’s take a look at how you can feel comfortable and amazing this autumn/winter but in a true style that works for you and your shape!  

The most glamourous addition to your autumn wardrobe should most definitely be the cape coat, shawl cape or the blanket coat (sounds comfy, huh); super cozy and easy to wear for all lifestyles. The cape was showcased all over the catwalks from Burberry Sacai and Issa and conjures up wintery images of long country walks and pub lunches by the fire.

Burberry pioneering the cape cloak look for AW

                                         

If you are opting for a cape coat, then invest in a classic neutral (navy, camel, grey or black) that will complement any outfit and become a staple piece. However, if you prefer to experiment with a shawl cape or blanket as a wraparound piece instead then look at checks, velvet and patchwork detail for the key textures of the season. 

    

Clockwise from top left: Asos cape Cardi, Sessun Reina at asks, Topshop unique showcasing the patchwork look

  

Your coat is there to keep you warm but it must also complement your silhouette.  If your legs are your slimmest area, wear the cape coat as is and team with a leather look or high gloss black jeans but if your waist is your best feature then use a belt over the top to cinch and define, one of a/w’s other key trends.  

Dolce and Gabanna giving us all cape inspiration 

                                                          

When choosing the hue of your statement coat, fairer skin tones should pick deeper, brighter colours as anything too light will wash your complexion out. This way of thinking can be applied to the rest of your wardrobe too – essentially, the lighter the piece of clothing and the paler you are, further down the outfit you need to wear it!

Katie@thewardrobeinsider.co.uk

 www.thewardrobeinsider.co.uk

Fashion: Biker boots

So, the weathers turned and that means one thing for me.... sandals away, boots are out!

I get so excited with the change of seasons. I love nothing more than comfy cosy cardi's and thick black tights, along with that comes comfy footwear. My cosy footwear of choice has to be the biker boot. Not only can they be pulled on in seconds when you're running out the door and late for the train or for school, but your skinnies tuck in perfectly and some are fleece lined so you don't even need socks!

All around KT11 (and KT22 for that matter) Jimmy Choo's are strutting down the street, but the high street does some great versions too, so you don't have to spend a fortune. If you're more steal than splurge, here's our round up of the best high street versions.

Jimmy choo from £595

Clockwise from top right - Ash: £120 - The Outnet, Frye: £148 - The Outnet, Steve Madden: £115 - House of Fraser, Zara: £89.99, Frye: £148 - The Outnet, Miss KG: £80 - Kurt Geiger.

Fashion: A new take on an old classic print

Stella McCartney was just one of the designers to revisit a classic print this season. Houndstooth is seeing a revival in a range of different pieces - jumpers, trousers, skirts and of course the blanket wrap. 

Here at Stylekt11 we have all invested in the blanket coat for those cold autumnal evenings ahead. However, if your not a big print kinda gal, but love the idea of houndstooth then try the Falireo Sarti scarf. Wear it with black, grey, brights or denim for a nod to this season's new trend.

For the more adventurous among you, why not go for the 7 for all mankind jeans or the Isme pencil skirt. Both would look amazing with a plain black jumper or tee.

Clockwise from top left: Fallerio Sarti Scarf - far fetch.com, Sweater - USC.co.uk, 

Jeans - 7for all mankind,  Wrap - M&S, Pencil Skirt -  Isme.com, Blanket Coat - Stella McCartney

Fashion: Army chic

Calvin Klein, Vivienne Westward, Paul and Joe...the list of designers channeling the military trend for autumn/winter is endless. They have all jumped on the bandwagon with coats, trousers, shirts and skirts in varying shades of khaki. 

Here you can see how (l-r) Balmain, Calvin Klein and Isabel Marant have interpreted the trend with structured silhouettes and loose fitting trousers.

However, military is also one of the easiest off duty looks to incorporate into your wardrobe too, giving it an instant 'dress down' update. My favourite is the heavy weight khaki shirt/jacket. It is the perfect cover-up for this changeable weather. Throw on over your favourite tee and skinny jeans with bikers for wet weather or over your summer dress with gladiators for when the sun makes an appearance. 

Alternatively, why not try a tee from American Vintage or bag from Givenchy. Below are our pick of the best designer and high street khaki's:

Tipi slip on skater shoes, £20, Topshop

Givenchy medium Antigona bag in color-block leather
£1,595, net-a-porter.com

Faux leather shorts £25.99, Zara.com

Canvas wide-bimmed hat £19.99, Zara.com

Wool checked shirt dress £35.99, Zara

American Vintage Jacksonville long sleeved top £45, Matchesfashion.com

Isabel Marant John multi-pocket cotton jacket £425, Matchesfashion.com

Fashion: Oxblood is the new burgundy

I love coming into the autumn season, for the love of all colours bold and rich. One of my favourites is a more subtle take on red...burgundy or 'oxblood' if you will. 

Its less bold than a bright red, but makes a nice change from black. There is something about oxblood leather too which just screams luxury.

You don't have to be head to toe in it either. Why not try the cami below with your favourite leather trousers or skinny jeans, or just add a pop of colour with these stilettos. Alternatively, if you're not quite sold on wearing this season's must have colour, why not vamp up your lips for a seductive night on the town with the Hourglass lipstick from net-a-porter? 

From top left: cardi - missguided.com, City bag - Zara, shoes - Gianvito Rossi @Harvey Nichols, cami - Miss Selfridge, lipstick - Net a Porter, jeans - Burberry

Fashion: brand to watch - Waven

Whenever I get word of a new Scandinavian brand launching I sit up and listen. The reason, Scandinavians do parred down, off duty basics better than anyone else. They are however, often quite pricey.

So when I hear that a brand who 'take their inspiration' from parred down Scandinavian design is launching, but at an affordable price, I take notice. That brand is Waven and it's launching this month. Hot hot hot on the fashion radar, it produces quality denim and high street prices with a range that includes jeans (of course!), plus clean-line chambray shirts and jackets. I, for one, will absolutely be updating my wardrobe with some of their key pieces...

www.waven.co.uk

Fashion: Embrace the flat

I love wearing heels, they make me feel empowered, sexy and improve my posture no end - I have no choice but to hold my shoulders back and tummy in when I walk!

However, these days for me, heels are reserved for the office or evening and I am learning to embrace the flat. I just can't get through a whole day in heels anymore, so have learnt over the years to dress from my feet up. I find a cool pair of flats, be they brogues, ballet pumps, gladiator sandals or ankle boots and then I work out what I can wear with them. 

That said, as heels add instant glamour to any outfit, it can be hard to feel elegant and sophisticated in a flat. Imagine my delight when I came across this seasons new trend of pointed flats. The pointed toe elongates the leg and can be worn with almost anything - skinnies, skirts or shorts (yes, the weather is supposed to pick up this week!).

Here at the stylekt11 office we love these offerings from Zara at £29.99 and £19.99 respectively:

Fashion: Tartan - traditional worn modern

I am a huge fan of this season's tartan! Already in my wardrobe and worn twice. I love patterns and summer threw them back at us with a vengeance giving us the confidence to mix and match.
 

River Island

Blogger style

With this season's look I think it fits perfectly. The traditional cloth has been given a modern makeover. My choice is dark green trousers from River Island - I have worn them twice already and experimented with day and night looks.

In the day I teamed them with a white v neck tee and snake court shoes, adding a denim jacket. It was a casual semi smart look. For the evening I matched them with my laser cut faux leather tee from topshop and I wore leopard courts and carried an orange leather clutch. Both looks worked well.

I am now considering a relaxed blazer which I know I will get good use out of because I love jeans and it adds a new twist for day.

Add tartan to your wardrobe for the season and watch a traditional pattern make you look chic and stylish. 

Another River Island fav relaxed blazer

Fashion: to culotte or not?

So this trend has taken a while to win me over. Last time I wore culottes was at school in an effort to stamp my own style on an otherwise boring school uniform. I got away with them for a whole 2 months before a beady eyed teacher caught me and my Mum had to make them into a skirt! Oh well, I tried.

They've come along way from then though. This year sees a multitude on offer from just about every high st chain worth it weight. Topshop have a great red pair that would make any outfit pop. My personal choice would be a denim cotton pair which I would team with a cropped top.

They're not just for the size 8 amongst you either, I've seen culottes look fabulous on those of us with a curvier figure. Team them with flats, block heeled sandals or stilettos and a shirt or loose vest tucked in and you're ready to go!

Check out our pick of the high street and designer offerings and let us know what you think.

See By Chloe printed crepe culottes £270, net-a-porter.com

Topshop croc textured culottes, £50

Whistles Mio leather culottes, £395, whistles.com

Fashion: Back to school cool

Upon getting my fashion mojo back after two kids, I take more pride in my appearance on all levels. Its not a vanity thing, its more of a feeling good thing. If I look good I feel good all day long, whether I am feeling shattered or not. 

With the summer almost over and back to school looming, I am knee deep in name tagging and sorting two kids back to school. However, I have managed to put together a good summer wardrobe which translates well into the new season. 

Dressing up for the school run is not about trying to be a catwalk queen on a daily basis, its about starting the day by making a little time and effort for you. Even if you don't have time in the morning, plan it a little the night before - it's something that only takes minutes not hours.  

So here are my top ideas for looking good on the school run: 


1. Comfortable and stylish footwear is a must my choice this season is going to be : boots from marks and spencer for colder days, Superga for dry autumn days and birkenstock for the mini heatwave.

2. Trousers - gorgeous relaxed jeans available from Zara, stylish joggers from Gap, patterned look trousers from Topshop

3. Button up shirts are always good, BUT wear them in the right way and add jewellery to give them a more feminine touch. We also love sweat tops and we think they look nicer with a collar. Denim (the one below from Current Elliot is a keeper) shirts are also back in for the season with oversize working well. We particularly love the new tartan look clashed with a leopard scarf.

4. Get a good school coat, duffle coats are everywhere, starting with Marks and Spencer and Topshop.  

Topshop duffle - looks nice on Cara and will make you look school cool!

5. A blazer smartens everything and can quickly transform a casual outfit especially if your heading out after you have dropped the kids. This one is a relaxed checked one from River Island - fab with black or blue jeans.

6. A white soft shirt is always a winner and one like this works well. Don't try and let the shirt work for itself - keep the look effortless but add simple jewellery and a belt to give it a chic finish. This one below is Theory and currently reduced on the Outnet.

Enjoy the start of the new term looking and feeling good.

Fashion: Olivia Palermo's new shoe collaboration

If there was one celebrity I would choose to dress like 24/7 it would be Olivia Palermo. She is stylish, sophisticated and utterly gorgeous. 

I'm not quite sure how she does it, but whether she's attending the polo or being papped on the street, she just NEVER gets it wrong. It helps that she has, in my humble opinion, some of the best taste in the business. 

Therefore we all stood up and took note when we heard she was collaborating with purveyor of high-end heels Aquazzura. She has worked with them to produce six styles for their autumn range and they are nothing short of utterly divine! 

Check them out on net-a-porter from early September onwards.

Superga - Back to school cool

Anyone who is anyone in the world of fashion blogging is in Superga - Alexa Chung, the Olsens. Suki Waterhouse even has a range on the website.

Celebs in Superga

An amazing italian fashion brand which has been around since 1911. So, if you think you have just unearthed this style in the comfort department, then think again!

Ok so fashion has moved on since 1911 and especially so in SS14 -  the look is all about understated cool. If you want to wear something in the day that looks good, but isn't too try-hard, then Superga is the look for you.

I recently bought a pair in white and have put them with my Jamie ripped jeans from Topshop - an instant hit for the daytime. I also put them with my shorts and a brecon stripe tee. 

I think in my mind (and in my mind I am younger than I am) I want to do the school run in September with comfort but still look cool. I work a few days a week and when the meeting doesn't require a glam squad moment, then its going to be Superga.

They also do a cool kids range and my mini me daughter is going to have to get some to keep up!

Ripped Jamie jeans from Topshop matched with Superga