Why I'm All A Flutter



Grazia magazine fashion editorial, model wearing D&G sandals

This ad from Grazia has to be my favourite fashion image of the month, where glamorous silk scarf clad woman seemingly hovers above the pavement as her flamboyant scarves catch the breeze. I'm loving that scarves are having more than a 'moment' and are being worn in so many interesting ways right now, there is something chic yet so relaxed about throwing a silk print scarf on and my favourite looks are one I styled on a recent scarf post here featuring British designer Age of Reason and of course the scarf sandal featured in this ad by D&G which is sublime as well as pure genius. As I imagine myself striding into a lift with the silk tails of my exotic scarf sandals blazing a comet like trail behind me, an annoying little mean spirited voice says "but what if the silk ties from my shoes get trapped as I'm entering or leaving the lift?", but then I think "bugger it, live dangerously take the stairs and make a real entrance!"

Unplug Your Iron Take The Battery Out Of Your Mobile And Have An Adventure!

                                    

Dear Gals,

If today has been one of those dull, boring, stressful days, where you feel like nothing has quite gone as it should, chances are your in need of a little magical moment in your life, how does a road trip in a Cadillac sound? Thelma and Louise style. Or perhaps clutching onto the luxury pile of a Persian carpet while you do a little freewheeling up in a cloudless blue sky, imagine your favourite city or landscape laid out before you begging you to land where ever you choose. Ok so this might be a bit of a tall ask, after all flying carpets only exist in fairy tales right? Well yes, but how about the next best thing, the eastern mystery of a carpet bag made from Persian carpet to inspire a new adventure every day, just looking at these authentic Persian prints on the glossy pile of these carpet bags from carpetbags.co.uk gave me the chills!

If you need tempting any further to join the Kingdom of a Persian princess Carpet Bag are offering this trio of Persian purses to choose from, all hand made in the UK where they are designed at a discount, perfect for carrying lucky coins to throw into your favourite fountain or wishing well.

If like me you feel that filling your luxury flight bag with any less than the choicest travel companions might throw you off your sartorial stride, cowsheds online store, carries the perfect cashmere set for those serious about a relaxing travel experience, contents include, cashmere mini hot water bottle, blanket, eye mask and socks.

So what of those spontaneous, gals, who like high style but with plenty of low maintenance attitude out there? Well the Cadillac might just need to be traded in for a four by four for your road trip depending on what part of the world you live in. If you heading to Cuba or the US you might strike lucky,but if not, here's the next best thing to riding in a Cadillac a sleek shoulder bag by Kim White, that has all the charm of a Cadillac without the price tag, puzzled as to the connection, Kim's Whites ethically designed bag's are made from reclaimed vintage automotive textiles.

1980s Ford Mustang - Blue and Black optical small shoulder bag

 Great for swinging over your shoulder as your saunter into roadside eateries with the gal's and explore the outback that is your own private adventure. I felt dizzy with excitement at the texture, pattern and colour that this unusual source of fabric's brings to Kim Whites unique designer collection. A little squirt of 70's style, engine oil, never hurts to bring out the bohemian in us all!


1978 Ford Mustang - red stripe large shoulder bag



Now that your getting close to mother nature and all that she has to offer, how to hold onto this newfound carefree feeling for as long as possible?

 Number one consign all said travel iron's to the boot of your car (the locals all drip dry their clothing on bushes, its much kinder to the planet and the baking heat will see they speed dry and are fresh as a daisy) number two, stylish casual clothing made from fibres that don't crease and resist perspiration are pretty much a major priority when you and three gals are holed up in your car together whilst you hunt down that perfect roadside stop off, not on your map! Smelling like a rose takes on fresh importance believe me! Scratching your head on where to find this elusive easy wear that is not made of synthetic fibres that pollute the environment or need ironing or dry cleaning?

 Visit natureshop.co.uk and go to the versatile Merino Travel Wear from their super fine range (Nature Shop are currently offering a 20% discount on this range and keen and Simple footwear, but only till the 29th of May 2011) layer up for extra warmth,when those cold night's draw in and your huddled around the campfire, listening to the crackle and smelling the woodsmoke, playing that harmonica you brought just encase or perhaps guitar is more your style ....

Which Shoes Go With Which Maxi Dress??

Hi Gals, after talking to a super stylish friend of mine that was looking to give her maxi dress wardrobe a fresh twist in time for her long awaited holiday to Mexico but at a complete loss as to which which shoes to choose to wear with which type of maxi dress, I decided to post a few potential pairings to help her out! Lady Luck should be reserved for raffles only!  

sneakers are a great low key shoe alternative worn with vibrant striped maxis and olive green looks sophisticated when worn with peach and navy.

 Lace is huge this spring/summer 20011, and these flesh coloured pom pom flats will create a textured but pretty story when working a lace maxi dress. Alternatvely rev up the style stakes for those that are more daring and want to dally with drama, wear some bright slipper style pumps, like these below that give a Morrocan flavour to your look, break out the turkish delight and apple tea!

Ok so we have covered two of the three most popular maxi dress looks this season, lace and stripes, so for the third and final pairing, it had to be a floral print, here are a few alternatives to ground this whymsical seventies inspired alternative.

Cut out pointy flats in electric suede lend themselves to a more casual look that still keys into the opulent fashions of this period, texture was key and clashing textures and colours in brights, create a more contemporary feel. I love these rope and raffia wedges in coral and grey with a white stripe running through below, they would elevate my finale maxi pick, to a high glamour look for an evening by the pool, big hair is a must!

 

Hope you had fun, sharing some options for what shoes to wear with which summer maxi dress styles. I know I did!

credits go to Bells & Whistles and Fashion Era 

                                       Sharon x

                                   

Be Inspired To Transform Your Image This Christmas Season With A Wardrobe Workout!

Giving your Image a makeover and stepping out of your comfort zone when it comes to your wardrobe is just what every gp should have on prescription to beat the winter blues. My philosphy as a Style and Image consultant is be inspired by the seasons and the sometimes miserable weather and use it to jump start a whole range of new looks that harness the drama and romance of the seasons and make you feel the power of reinvention.We all have our favourite basics, but playing too safe can get a little dull.

 If I can do this whilst snuffling into a tissue, so can you! So when I think of snow and ice, am I thinking will there be enough grit on the roads? Or will I tramp melted pool's of water into my home?

Certainly not! I'm thinking of casting off slouchy warm hats in favour of 40's style snood's and skater style hair net's, (to channel my  grown up skater girl look) combining with a cheeky luxe caplet, 70a style pants a black roll neck and a faux fur bag that doubles as hand muff for full on sleek winter glamour. Don't get me started on my wardrobe for wet weather! Have fun trying a new style on for size.    

                                                                           

                                        Sharon x x 

Check In For Stylish Holiday Packing Solution's!

Hi gal's, off on  holiday tomorow to Devon at 5am , but to help motivate me to do the dreaded family packing,( yep even us stylist get mental blocks around ironing piles!) I have come up with some intriging and beautiful and stylish solution's to tackling the mundane holiday packing, starting with this stunning fun ironing board below, not sure about ironing pearl's though!

 If you have not yet entered my sweet giveaway to win 1 of 2 prizes below to celebrate all you 300 fabulous followers out there, check out my previous post and good luck!!

Hope that if your off some where nice for a holiday, this post helps inspire you to do that boring preholiday preparation ! Can't wait to arrive in Devon unpack and kick back with my family!

And after a little ok alot of Devon cream teas I will be brimming with inspiration to create some  stylish new look's for my client's! This room would be perfect and features my passion for tartan!

Look out for a postcard from me!

                                    Sharon x x x

It Aint Half Hot!

Hi Gals, sorry I'm a little behind with my post's I have had a nasty bug, but am much better now! We are in the middle of heat wave here in the Lancashire and I thought I should celebrate this stunning weather with some divine swimwear from Luna! Made in Italy to the highest specification, Luna produces vintage inspired swimwear. Elegant and glamerous and very flattering! I have cherry picked my favourites, Luna swimwear gives killer curves to those that can look a little boyish and flatters curvy gal's to perfection! Hope you are all enjoying the summer sun and feel inspired to bare a little flesh and top up those freckle's! x

Pretty polka dot's with a lace ruffle great for boyish figures!

Snappy black and white polka dot one piece with square neckline, perfect for curvy types

So sweet!

life a bowl of cherries!

French Riviera

Candy Stripes, cool and elegant

                                                                                    

My top womens wear pieces to take on holiday this summer

As you can probably tell I have been bitten by the holiday bug, I'm due to go to Devon see top picture next Monday in my little caravan for a week, yay! I had to include a knitted ice cream sundae being a Stylist, just in case you were wondering . To celebrate I decided to round up some of my favourite holiday finds, the criteria was great value for money, quality and style, clothes and accessories that pack easily and help you feel a little Marilyn! For shoes you must check out M&S, the value is incredible, with lots of really chic styles in the limited range at just £15.00 such as the black patent slides featured here. I also loved their nautical inspired swimsuit really flattering for pear shapes, their stunning Zandra Rhodes for M&S swimsuit in fusion colours and their diamond tribal halter neck beach cover up. Bodens stripey slip on pumps in sunshine yellow and denim blue are over £40.00 but superb quality and you will wear them to death, see also their red shirt dress, wear over wide leg trousers till your tan emerges. See also Bodens cute floral shorts, gorgeous pink stripey toweling dress, reversible floppy floral hat at just £15.00 and floral shopper, I love their prints. I couldn't leave you hippy chics out, so my next stop had to be rokit, their acidic vintage floral dress is great for olive beauties and their pastel floaty floral dress would suit paler creamy complexions, with the added bonus that if you snap it up quickly, nobody else will be wearing your dress. They could both easily transition from day to evening wear, giving great value for money and flexibility! I had to include two of my favourite straw bags from the rokit collection, the pastel flowers white straw shopper is so meltingly sweet and would work really well with the pastel dress featured. The tribal graphic straw would look stunning with the red shirt dress featured and black slides or denim pumps. The texture of the tribal straw is very forgiving and will allow you to wear with practically any bright, deep or neutral shades as long as you stick to clean lines.My two favourite nautically inspired pieces are this lovely fresh cotton rucksack which will never date and this silk ruffle off the shoulder top from Principles also in the sale.

Sharon x