Anyone with a teenage daughter (let alone teenage twins) will probably agree that buying clothes for them can be challenging. They don’t want to wear ‘kids’ clothes but they are too young for most of the adult shops and nearly all of the styles are just too grown up. It is more of an issue for Sienna, the more petite of my two, because although she is 13, she actually fits age 9-10 or 11-12 in most kids stores but the styles are too babyish for her. If they had it their way, they would live in the washed out palette currently available in Brandy Melville but let me tell you, it’s not cheap and that one size fits all business doesn’t work for us.
Being twins, I spent the first year of their life dressing them the same. To be honest, apart from the cute factor, it was much easier to go in to a shop and grab two of everything. Job done. But as they approached the age of two, their different personalities were already beginning to show so I decided to dress them differently. And it has been that way ever since.
So here we are, approaching the summer holidays, with the desperate pleas of ‘Can we go shopping mum?’ And although I shop/style for a living they are my hardest clients to please!
Together, the three of us have scoured the high street and the online world and hopefully brought to you a teenage holiday wardrobe that works for the summer including something for the beach, options for a day trip, and a night out on holiday.
They can’t wait to ditch their uniform and sleep in every day so In the words of Alice Cooper ‘Schools out for summer’ and so are we.
Enjoy xx
(Not) Lost for Words…….
In light of Melania Trump’s rather awful fashion faux pas a couple of weeks ago, I thought I would delve into the world of slogan tops. Let’s face it, there are so many other statements she could have made that day. But I’m not one for politics so let’s talk fashion. Slogan tops have been around for a while now and whether you want to make a full on feminist statement or simply a declaration of love, there is something for everyone. I particularly love the collaboration between Katherine Hamnett and Help Refugees which is available on ASOS. Not only is it reminiscent of a Wham t-shirt circa 1984 but the best thing is 100% of the profits help to raise funds and awareness for people caught up in the refugee crisis.
Most of these tops are ones I currently own and these pictures show you how I wear them to hopefully inspire you. They are now nearly all in the sale. I have then showcased some other slogan tops depending on whether you want to go all out ‘look at me’ or just quietly whisper your arrival. I know it’s about 100 degrees out there but we also know that it can be short lived and we may be back in a sweater sometime soon.
One of my favourite tops I ever spotted was in the kid’s department of Next last winter and it simply said ‘It’s Cool To Be Kind’. Something I try to teach my children on a daily basis. If there was more kindness in the world, I guarantee there would be more peace.
Enjoy xx
Summer Whites
Did I mention that I love a heatwave!
I also happen to love a white frock. If it’s broderie Anglais then we are winning two fold. But I am well aware that white is not the easiest of colours to wear. First off, if you’re travelling by tube, the chances are it will be a lot less white when you arrive at your chosen destination. Brushing up against all sorts and potentially sitting on something that resembles an M&S sandwhich are obstacles we would all rather avoid. I’m also aware that a lot of you only wear black and to transition over to white is a scary thought. But nonetheless I am showing you ways to wear white and that’s not necessarily head to toe. Whether it’s to work, to a wedding, or to the beach, I hope I have covered all scenarios. My all time favourite white look has to be Bianca Jagger in a white trouser suit at her wedding to Mick Jagger. Super cool and undeniably super chic. The Topshop one in the pictures is rather amazing. The blazer has a masculine boxy shape and it’s fully lined. The trousers are high waisted with a long slouchy fit and pockets. I don’t often wear a suit but it makes a great alternative to wearing a dress all the time. This is a keeper.
Some of these pieces are in the sale but those retailers know what we are hankering after and have held back putting everything on a sale rail. After all, it’s only June. (Even though I saw new season coats already on display at Liberty yesterday!) That will be the crazy world of fashion, and they wonder why retail is struggling. I’m still searching for bikinis. 🙈
Enjoy xx
Welcome...
I am in my 25th year of this crazy industry we call styling. I worked on several magazines for 11 years as Fashion Editor and Fashion Director and have been freelancing for 14 years. I have dressed every body shape and every age from newborn to 101! I love my job and the ever changing landscape we call fashion and I am as comfortable styling an A list celebrity for a red carpet event as I am a new mum stuck in a rut.
When I’m not working, I am mum to three girls – twin teenagers and a 6 year old. Navigating through teenage life with technology and social media is a learning curve I could do without but unfortunately a necessary evil. I introduced a parental control app when they got their phones which, quite frankly, is one of the best things I did!
I hope my blog will inspire you and give you ideas, my aim is not for you to continuously spend money on new items (although I will be sharing my new purchases) but to add to your existing wardrobe and wear what you already have in new ways.
Some of my work and a bit more about me are also on this website so feel free to have a nose around.
There is no doubt about it, I am happiest when I am in a dress and sandals. I love the Summer. After all, I was born in the middle of Summer so it’s in my blood, right? There is less to think about when dressing in the heat. Apart from sunscreen and sunglasses, I just pop on a dress and head out the door. With some kind of warm layer of course! We are talking about a British Summer after all and at 8am, it’s still very chilly on the school run. I tend to dress for one season when I leave the house and by the time I get home at the end of my day, I am in an entirely different look. Less bulky generally.
So here are my Top Ten Summer Dresses under £50, the great thing is, the sales have started so lots of them are marked down. A couple have sold out already so I have put links to alternatives.
Would be great to get your feedback!