Fashion: Mellow Yellow

The Duchess of Cambridge certainly kick started spring for me, from the moment I saw her in that gorgeous Roksander Ilincic dress I wanted something yellow in my wardrobe.

Colour block from head to toe, accessorise with a popping lemon piece or dabble in a 'hello-yellow' beauty trend. The vibe is cheerful, zingy and all about leaving winter behind.

Here's a round up of some of our favourite pieces, if you're not brave enough to dare yellow in the form of a dress, why not add something in the accessories department (dibs on the Chanel bag)...

Top Left: Halston Heritage, Top Right: Whistles, Bottom: Victoria Beckham 

                  

Clockwise from Top Left: necklace: Zara, Bikini: Melissa Odabash, Trainers: Marc Jacobs, 

bag: Chanel, Clutch: Carvela

                      

Fashion: Perforated is having a moment

What was once only seen on sportswear, perforated is picking up the pace in the trend stakes. Whether pierced, hole punched, or laser-cut, perforated clothing and accessories are having a major moment this season.

It has the stylish edge of leather, with a lighter airy feel, because of the perforated or punch hole design. There's lots of ways to incorporated this trend into your wardrobe. Whether you hit it full on with the statement bag or subtly with a pretty summer dress, a perforated piece will add a touch of sports luxe chic to any outfit.

We have hand picked some of our favourites below, with the Stella McCartney clutch and Chloe Flats being top of our wish list for Spring...

                 

From Top Left: top - Maison Scotch, heels - Nine West, leather jacket - river island, clutch - Stella McCartney, top - Zara, flats - Chloe, shopper - Zara, high tops - balenciaga, dress - m missoni

Fashion: Stradivarius - Zara's ridiculously affordable little sister

Regular followers of the blog will know that here at stylekt11 there is one high street store that we all love - Zara. So you can imagine our delight when we discovered its even more affordable little-sister brand Stradivarius. 

It is a new wave of labels that produce pieces that just work with every other item in your wardrobe. Think denim dresses, leather sleeved parkers, pleated skirts and open knit slouchy jumpers. We have handpicked some of our favourites below:

Parker £69.99, Denim dress £25.99, knit jersey with bow detail £25.99, neoprene pleated skirt £19.99 

stradivarius.com

Fashion: heels and jogging pants - more wearable than you think!

Here at Stylekt11 we love love love our heels. This season we are especially in love with strappy sandals. They can transform even the safest of looks into the coolest of outfits. 

We think Zara has some of the best on the high street at the moment and have selected our favourites below:

Zara £49.99

Zara £69.99

Zara £69.99

Team them with some silk joggers, tuck in your top and pop on a tailored jacket for an instant evening update on the sports luxe look. We love these silk joggers from The Kooples in black and white snake print or plain black ones that are both sleek (for day) and slinky (for evening).  

The Kooples £175

The Kooples £135

Fashion: what to pack for a Spring holiday

Following on from our article about what to pack for a weekend away in the UK, we decided to tackle our next challenge, packing for a Spring holiday. 

So this week I went long haul to a wedding in New Orleans. Long way to go for just a wedding, so given we would be without children for 6 whole days, we decided to make a road trip of it. Flying into Nashville we spent two nights at the home of country music before driving down to Memphis for a quick tour of Gracelands before heading to New Orleans.

One thing was for sure, with 10hr flights, stopovers and a 5hr car journey, whatever I packed had to be comfortable. I therefore travelled in my favourite denim shirt and leather look leggings

Also given my destination, my wardrobe staple just had to be jeans, jeans and more jeans...

So, I started with 3 pairs of jeans, all skinny, two ripped Gap pairs and one smarter J Brand pair for the evening. Next a series of t shirts, I love these wide necked, fluid ones from h&m made from slub jersey. They are super flattering as they don't cling and come in a variety of colours. Plus at just £7.99 each you can afford to buy them in every colour.

I also threw in some denim shorts by R13 (£108) and some smarter patterned silk W118 ones by Walter Baker (£50) just in case the weather was really good. Both currently available from the outnet.com and all to be worn with my trusty tees.

So that's the daytime sorted, onto evening wear. I stuck with jeans as my basis and packed two sparkly strappy tops (a beautiful cream sequin one from Evie Loves Toast, close up below) and a cream leather tee that I picked up in Adolfo Dominguez in Madrid recently (also seen close up below). Finally a grey jumper from Asos with a leather cutout collar just in case the weather turned cooler...et voila...I was done.

Footwear consisted of my trusty cowboy-esque ankle boots and Havaiana grey flip flops. Evening has to be heels, so my nude leather Louboutins were the obvious choice.

A capsule wardrobe for me is all about picking key pieces that go with everything else you have chosen in coordinating colours, so choose your palate and work within it. Mine is almost always neutral -  creams, greys and shades of peach. 

So that's it, I was all packed and ready to go...

Fashion: Patchwork is here to stay

Thanks to Nicolas Ghesquiere's debut collection for Louis Vuitton, patchwork has become big news and it's here to stay.

The obviously way to work the patchwork trend is a pair of jeans in either skinny or boyfriend cut. Below are our pick of the best from high street to designer. OR... why not make your own by cutting up some old denim and sewing patches on your favourite jeans. Remember to keep the top half of your outfit simple, a plain tee , vest or shirt as seen in all these pictures works best. Otherwise it could all look a bit too fussy.

From left: Karen Millen £99, Zara £29.99, Current/Elliot @ theoutnet.com £121

Alternatively why not try a patchwork shirt. Our absolute favourite has to be this Chloe shirt, it's fabric is soft enough to tuck into your jeans or wear outside, undone over a maxi dress. Its is also on sale and is just £88 on theoutnet.com. You will wear it so much you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Fashion: Metallic clutch - its a keeper!

Black is always the play it safe colour when it comes to clutch bags, but here at Stylekt11 we have been seduced by the allure of metallic. We think this silver clutch will last and last and last. Over time it will then become a great vintage piece for your daughter, niece, baby sister..

This little number will go with most colours and will compliment any outfit.  It will be your go to accessory when nothing else works, because metallic goes with everything. It brightens up a black outfit and works equally well with brights, neons or pastels. It's neither too summery or too wintery and so will carry well through the seasons too.

It's a little bit more expensive than your average high street bargain, but this will definitely be worth its weight in...silver.

Alexander Wang clutch, £313. Matchesfashion.com

Happy Easter

All our favourite things for Easter!

Wishing you all an amazing Easter! 

StyleKt11 will be on an egg hunt and trying not to eat all the chocolate we hope you have an amazing weekend in style! 
The sun is shining for the best part of the weekend, so lets get our sliders on and soak up some vitamin D.

Remember looking good is feeling good! Enjoy the #Easter.

Fashion: Espadrilles have never looked so cool

We are loving the unexpected sunshine here at Stylekt11 and so felt now was the right time to tell you about the footwear staple we are all lusting after right now… espadrilles! They are THE summer footwear of choice thanks to their breathable fabric and easy-going/wear with anything appeal. 
The classic Chanel logo ones are still an old favourite, we are loving the idea of a bespoke monogrammed pair from Design A Manger, available in classic stripes, pink and navy shades from giftvault.com Topshop and h&m, as ever, have come up with some great high street options and we particularly love these rose gold ones.

Clockwise from top left: pink canvas monogrammed Design A Manger £65, Chanel black and beige £245, Topshop leather espadrille high tops £70, h&m rose gold £14.99 

Wear them with anything from little summer dresses, jeans or skirts and shorts. They add a touch of dress down to any outfit and are super comfortable too. We think they'll be around for a few summers yet, so go on, treat yourself...

Fashion: workout gear H&M stylee

If we are going to make an effort to get hot and sweaty through exercising in the gym or a local class then we must do it style.

We all seem to be doing classes left, right and centre. So whether you are pushing buggies in the park with Fit4mum, spinning and TRX at Ride, toning with Cobham Pilates or doing a outdoor circuit with team from Canyourbodyweight.com - we are all doing our best to look and be healthy. 

If you are shopping locally Sweaty Betty is the go to place in Cobham, as well as Adrenalin sport. 

But if you like a bit of style on a smaller budget without it looking like you have gone a bit cheaper, then H&M is the place to go. We were really impressed with the quality, price and style. We bought all the above for around £60 and in some other places you pay that for one item. The great thing about it is that it's stylish, it's seasonal and it works.

Accessories: Dress your neck

Finding the right accessories leads to transforming a seemingly dull outfit into something wonderful. We love how, when you are wearing the most basic 'get up' it can get a lift from a few sparkles.

If you want to work your current wardrobe and not splash the cash, buying high street accessories is the way forward. We have chosen a few of our favourites that will add a touch of cool to your wardrobe and make you think you have a whole new set of outfits.

left to right: Banana republic/H&M/Zara

Fashion & accessories: Fringe benefits

A huge trend this season is the fringe look. Its everywhere and on everything. The look is about embracing a fashion that makes you feel nice - the long strands make carry yourself effortlessly, making your outfit swoon as such. You glide and it glides with you.

We love a trend, but when embracing something new its important to find the right way to wear it. The reaction we want is "That's such a nice bag! Do you mind if I get one?" Not "Oh my God, my 18 year old niece just bought that bag for her trip to Ayia Napa" - see where we are going with this? It's all about finding the right balance and making sure the trend blends with you and your lifestyle. 

Our weekly routine is probably similar to yours in some way...kids, husband, work, kids, husband, work and (if we're not too sleep deprived) the odd evening out with girlfriends in town. So where does this trend fit in? Well its more versatile than you think. 

The kimono from River Island could work over jeans and a cami for an evening out or as a holiday cover-up, it looks better on than on the hanger its a must try. 
The bag we have chosen from Zara is great for work or everyday use and big enough to fit everything in if you want to use it instead of a changing bag. 
The shoes, well they are a statement piece that will make any outfit pop for a night out in London think how well it they go with a Cocktail at The Edition. 

Hopefully one of our 3 fringe favourites will make you want to give this seasons trend a try.

Holiday Fringe - River Island Kimono

Work Fringe - Zara Suede Bag

Luxe Fringe - Gucci @ Netaporter

Fashion: Weekend in the British Countryside

Weekend in the Countryside anyone??

Time away in the UK always poses a challenge on deciding what to pack, no amount of checking the forecast will guarantee what the weather is going to be like. 

Hot in the sun, freezing in the shade, how is a girl to cope with looking stylish! LAYERS! That's the answer. Anything goes when it comes to layering, mix and match colours, textures, patterns. I've picked a few key pieces I'll be asking away with me over easter weekend. 

I never fly anywhere without a huge scarf, my favourite of the minute is the classic Louis Vuitton leopard stole, I love the mix of navy in the one above, next a fab update from last springs khaki version that everyone seemed to be coverting from zara. 

The parka with a leather sleeve a little utility with an edge. When it comes to basics I love American Vintage, I find they wear (and wash) very well, and are thick enough to wear alone, without everyone seeing your belly button!! Top left we have a cool cashmere sweater from Iris and Ink at The Outnet, and bottom middle boyfriend style from h&m both look fab worn layered with a denim shirt, or with a statement necklace and your favourite skinny jeans for an evening look. 

My footwear of choice for my weekend away is a comfy pair of trainers, these New Balance blend perfectly with my capsule wardrobe and of course Wellington boots! 

You never know when the sky's will open and your taking your country walks splashing through muddy puddles. 

Fashion: Beautiful Khama Totes and its supporting a good cause

Bag a beautiful tote and empower women in difficult situations

We have found these wonderful Khama totes which will compliment you throughout the summer. On the beach, going for lunch, it suits all situations.

The price is reasonable (£15) and what is more you also help charities that help empower women in difficult situations, by offering business loans and and training to groups of women in one of Africa's poorest regions, and most disadvantaged communities. 

Being charitable is the most fashionable anyone can be...

Khama collaborated with well known London Street Artists Sweet Toof, Aida and Malarky to design artwork for the new Khama collection of tote bags.

Fashion: Slides - Eeek or Chic

I was shocked when I first caught a glimpse of what resembled a Birkenstock in Celines SS13 campaign. However, it seems the "Slide" is now back and here to stay. This season everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon. We've seen high end designers, Isabel Marant, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Christopher Kane producing ugly chic footwear and of course high street offerings are a plenty.

To pull off this look you need a 'don’t care' attitude. Once you've mastered this, they play perfectly with almost anything - your favourite maxi dress, slouchy separates, boyfriend jeans or with swimwear by the pool. To be honest anything seems to go! 

Fashion: Bona fide biker jackets

The biker jacket has been in existence for about 100 years, I kid you not. It has been a staple through decades and a unisex staple at that!! Think James Dean, Debbie Harry and now it's worn by Kate Moss, Harry Styles and Nicole Richie.

The luxe biker jacket designer favourite is, of course, Rick Owens and anyone who is anyone usually carries one in their wardrobe.

This spring/summer '14 we have such an array of choice. It's no longer about just the leather look - we can wear it in denim, floral and suede.

Stylekt11 has picked out a few firm favourites for all budgets and taste.

Click to buy Denim H& M, Pastel Zara, Floral MSGM, Smart M&S, Luxe Rick Owens

Fashion: Lace...more wearable than you think

On our travels this week we have seen so many girls channelling the lace look in some way that we felt we just had to share our favourite lace looks.

Inspiration comes from Burberry's head to toe lace, but you don't have to have Burberry kind of cash to work this trend.

Topshop, as always, have come up trumps with a beautiful orange lace top and skirt. If wearing both together seems a little too much, then mix it up by wearing the top with your skinny ripped jeans and the skirt can be dressed down by teaming it with a simple cami.

 

Florence and Fred at Tesco even have a lace offering in this beautiful pink dress:
                           

Finally if its a top you are after, Asos have these super cute cami's which would look great under a blazer worn with jeans:

Fashion: Pregnancy bump dressed up in Piloto

With a wedding to go to and being 7 months pregnant, I found myself in a dilemma! 
The dreaded trawl through various websites and stores to try find something that was chic,and stylish, that would fit my ever increasing bump, and that I could wear again post pregnancy, was I chasing the impossible? 
I have never been a massive lover of maternity wear, although in the 3 years since I had my daughter it's come a long way think Topshop, H&M,and Isabella Oliver. 
Still on this occasion nothing ticked all the boxes so I turned to the ever faithful Net A Porter for some luxe inspiration - Peter Piloto had just launched their "for Target" range and I found this perfect piece for under £100, matched with my skinny black waist belt, my ever faithful mid height black pumps and little clutch and voila!! 
Now I can't wait to wear it again on my holiday (post pregnancy) with these electric blue shoes.

Gifts: Friday feeling is PINK

In celebration of our 'Friday feeling' we have picked out 5 pretty pink things just for you.

One of our friends is a lover of this colour and as its her birthday this week, we dedicate this blog post to her and her favourite colour.

We love the Dior nail glow, Zara sandals, Stila blush, Brut Rose gift set, and the beautiful drop earrings by Shourouk.

Happy birthday Mrs Newman x (click on names to buy)

Beauty: Faking it

I don't consider myself an authority on much, but fake tan is absolutely something I know EVERYTHING about. I have been 'faking it' for 20 odd years and have tried every different fake tan product on the market. I have also tried and tested all the recommended exfoliators, mitts and moisturisers that go with the various tanning products available.  


So what do I look for in a fake tan? First and foremost a product that is easy to apply and dries streak free. Next up, a beautiful olive tone, I do not want to look like I've been tangoed. Another must is the smell - I do not want to smell of Digestive biscuits while it 'develops'. Finally, a tan that lasts and doesn't start going patchy when it wears off.


I can honestly say after trying pretty much all of the fake tans out there - Sienna X, St Tropez, Fake Bake etc that Xen Tan is the only one that actually delivers on all of the above. I use the 'Deep Bronze Luxe' colour, but there shades to suit every skin type. Best of all its available at Space NK in Cobham so you don't have to go far to get that perfect golden glow...

Fashion: Copacabana chic

Since the rise of East London fashion label House of Hackney, it seems everyone is turning to exotic prints - here's a list of our top favs to get you vibing Copacabana!

Clockwise from top left: Dolce and Gabanna Swimsuit: Netaporter, Red Palm Dress: Zara,
Palm Print Cigarette Pant: Topshop, Floral Cami: Topshop, Blue Dress: House of Hackney

Fashion: THE STAPLE - the white shirt

This is the season of the white shirt, and seasonal non trend if you like. We think this is something everyone should have at home. Its versatile, timeless and every year it evolves in a very subtle way, keeping it classic and a safe bet. 

From sleeveless, to feign stripes; boyfriend fit, to slim fit; there is something for everyone. It is the wardrobe essential that will carry you through every season effortlessly.

Stylekt11 has selected 5 favourites just for you..

Clockwise from top left. Suno@My Wardrobe, Gap, All Saints, Equipment, Next

Fashion: Maxi skirt crush

Here at Stylekt11, there is one item of clothing that we have all had a long term crush on - the maxi skirt. It is just so versatile. Team it with either a loose fit tee or jumper. Won with flats, they are the ultimate in daytime chic, but pop on a pair of heels such as these beauties from Salvatore Ferragamo and its an instant evening outfit.

We are in love with this maxi from Malene Birger. Its fabric, the cut and its colour are all perfect for Spring and would absolutely see you through Summer when teamed with a loose fit vest such as this one from Gap

Clockwise from top: Contrast-back tank, Gap £14.95; Flat sandals, Sam Endelman @ Harvey Nicols £140; Heels,  Salvatore Ferragamo @ mytheresa.com £539; Maxi skirt,  Malene Birger @ net-a-porter £175.

Fashion: KT11 Spotlight Evie Loves Toast

This week we want to shine the Stylekt11 spotlight on Evie Loves Toast. A great little shop in Cobham high street which stocks a bit of everything. You can always find something for you, great gifts for friends and family, as well as a lovely selection of kids clothes. 

It's ideal when you don't have time to go further a field (London/Guildford/Wimbledon), but you desperately need that  little something to finish off an outfit or gift for a friend.

Evie Loves Toast has some great tee's on offer in a range of colours - perfect for your Easter holiday wardrobe. It also stocks cute little slippers which come in a range of colours to make your feet look beautiful in the summer months. 

StyleKT11 loves the accessories, especially the cuffs - a fab accessory suitable for everyone. Cuffs manage to turn a plain everyday outfit into an effortless cool one and at a reasonable £14.99, why wouldn't you?