I don’t believe in boring. There, I’ve said it. I know the majority of people struggle with very strict wardrobe requirements for their day-to-day, and yet, here I am, an unapologetic sucker for a style statement. I just love clothing that gives you a clue about the personality of the wearer and makes you look twice. Style is personal, it can be someone loving mismatched prints or vintage finds. It can be the way you put it all together to suit your body shape, it can be good, it can be bad, it can be a work in progress. The important thing is that you find your own and then start building, experimenting and enjoying the journey.

Personally, I’m drawn to a very bohemian aesthetic; beads, sequins, well travelled embroidery and more fluid, romantic cuts. BUT, here’s the thing, sometimes a smarter more pared back look is required. I’ve been road testing this on myself recently, finding my way with a cleaner cut, more grown up look. So, with this in mind, my first post is a nod to the simple beauty of monochrome and how to nail this whilst still looking chic and individual. It’s about detail; it’s about cut and above all, about quality. From the most flattering trousers I’ve found, to a deliciously shaggy faux fur, here are a few of my favourite finds.

When is a shirt not just a shirt? When Kate Spade puts the most stylish of big bows on it, that’s when. Worn with THE black trousers of the season by new kid on the block A line by Jigsaw. Swoon.

Shirt, £319, Kate Spade New York. Trousers, £350, A Line by Jigsaw. Trainers, £55, Puma at ASOS. Earring, £90, Ring, £86, Cornelia Webb.

 

The pussy bow blouse in slick back silk. As sexy undone as it is ladylike, buttoned up. Bravo Paul & Joe. Bravo.

Shirt, £275, Paul & Joe. Trousers, £295, A Line by Jigsaw. Earring, £90, Ring, £86, Cornelia Webb.

 

All for one and one for all. Don’t underestimate the sheer versatility of the jumpsuit. This Rebecca Minkoff sleeveless version is sporty by day pared with Nike Roshe trainers and va va voom by night with a sharp pair of heels.

Jumpsuit, Rebecca Minkoff,  Earring, £90, Ring, £65, Cornelia Webb

 

White in winter? Why the hell not. Like a delicious pint of Guinness this is all about those glossy black boots being beautifully topped off with the most modern of cream pieces. Cheers TopShop.

Jumper, £175; Skirt, £155; Boots, £225, Topshop. Earring, £90, Ring, £65, Cornelia Webb

 

When I say simple, this little dress sums it up. So beautifully understated it will live long in your wardrobe. Just add a crisp white trainer and it’ll take you EVERYWHERE.

Dress, £79.95, Massimo Dutti. Trainers, £55, Puma at ASOS. Earring, £64, Ring, £110, Cornelia Webb

 

It’s faux and this is very important because only fakes need apply for this role. Shaggily beautiful, this is your ‘throw me over a simple daywear look and I will be everything to you’ jacket. Enough said.

Jacket, £125, Unreal Fur. Slip, £101, Hanro. Trousers, £350, Jigsaw. Earring, £64, Ring, Cornelia Webb

 

The Stylish Stuff Beauty Tips: How to face up to black and white?   International make up artist Lisa Valencia creates three looks with minimal products to set you aglow.

Lisa says: “This is natural pared back makeup using just enough coverage to disguise any unwanted blemishes, the rest is all about adding a little texture, matte lips, glossy eyes and a little glitter.”

SKIN prepped using – SIMPLE illuminating cream £8.99

EYES were left bare of mascara and just a little face gloss for texture using Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream £26

BROWS filled in and brushed up with BOBBI BROWN long wear brow pencil in rich brown £29.50

CHEEKS were given a little shimmer using BENEFIT Watts Up £24.50

LIPS, were finished with a red, matte velvet lipstick by LIME CRIME the original liquid to matte lipstick in red velvet £13.22

Add a little glitter around your eyes using MAC glitter brilliants in 3d silver £17

 

The Stylish Stuff Essentials

 

 

Photographs and Styling by Shelly Vella

Make up & hair by Lisa Valencia @ Carol Hayes

Fashion Assistant Sophie Dearden

Model Kirsty Davies @ Models 1

Thank you to Varg Ltd