Fashion
Nike get a tick from me
Trainers are not only a wardrobe essential for gym-goers but are now sitting firmly in fashion followers closets. This summer the only shoe on my lips, is Nike Roshe Run and boy, haven’t Nike done well this time. The unisex trainer bodes well for every season with bright colours, to darker colours perfect for autumn. These shoes are not only easy on the eye, but are top for comfort and I’ve come across the top 5 pairs that will have you dribbling just looking at them. Ranging in price from around £70 these will dent your pocket but if you’re cheeky and are lucky enough to fit into children’s shoes, they come in at a wonderful £40. (Guilty!)
Original Roshe Run
So to begin, the standard black and white Roshe Run. These original trainers may be the most basic but you will be far from basic when wearing them. Team them with your best jeans for a chilled look or even wear them on a night out. That’s what I love about these shoes, you can wear them without feeling like you’ve stepped out of the hood, but rather that you know your business and know how to set fashion. Black is an essential colour for every wardrobe and as these are sold at most high street shops, there is no excuse for you not to own a pair.
Pink to make the boys wink
Alternatively if you want to add some colour into your outfit, then Nike also do a range of coloured shoes. The bright pink/ coral Roshe Run’s are my personal favourite but colours varying from blue and orange also exist. Brightening up any dull out, they can also be used for the gym but more importantly these shoes would look great at a festival. We all know festival fashion is a biggie and for weekend events like Parklife in Manchester or Everywhere in Nottingham, these have to be on your feet, cutting some shapes.
Get that floral feeling
As the Roshe Run became such a huge sensation within days of being released, Nike got on the bandwagon and released some limited edition pairs which of course the whole world went crazy for. If there are any fashion lovers out there, you will know that pastel and florals are a must have for 2014. So what better way to wear them, then on a trainer TOGETHER. These shoes would look great simply with a pair of denim shorts, with a plain dress or rocking by the poolside.
All white, everything.
White is another essential colour for any wardrobe and this unisex pair will definitely have heads turning. Again they are a limited edition pair so grab them fast but the sleek white finish will set off your outfit to a tee. However, note to self don’t walk in muddy fields, spill red wine or actually even leave the house in them. Clean shoes are a must and these would have to be cleaned like your teeth. (Day and night, that is.)
Crotchet class
If you like to follow a fashion but lead the crowd then the crotchet Nike Roshe Run’s are perfect for you. They come in a range of colours like black and white but the brighter colours are my favourite. Perfect for the summer, this aqua blue will brighten up a tan and will be great for dancing the nights into the winter.
Well done Nike, yet again you’ve excelled in the shoe department.
It’s certain to say that 2020 changed things in fashion, the forecasted trends were overtaken by the demand and popularity for loungewear as the nation worked and played from home. It seemed that everyone turned to online buying of athleisure wear and comfy indoor loungewear as the online stores repeatedly sold out of the favourites!
And as we transition from Autumn into Winter the demand for comfort hasn’t decreased, in fact, the colder, darker nights have seen us reaching for our ‘comfies’ earlier in the evening whilst we settle down indoors with a takeaway and Netflix!
But getting dressed and feeling good even if it is just for indoors or going on an online video call can make us feel lifted, we feel like ourselves again and it gives us that extra touch of self-confidence. Sitting around for a day or so in loungewear is OK, we’ve all done that, right? But any more than a day and well – we don’t feel productive!
I love the well-known quote “Get Up, Dress Up and Don’t Give Up”. I feel so much better when I have made that extra effort to style my hair, wear something I feel good in, and put some makeup on ready for work or an online video call, just as I would if meeting someone in person!
So, what are we all looking to wear this Winter season, and how can we look good and be comfortable too, as I know comfort really is key right now.
Here are my top 5 favourite wearable trends for the 20/21 Winter season ahead:
Joggers – now I know what you are thinking here, but hear me out! There are some really great joggers that give a more elevated look than the traditional gym style jogging bottoms we are all used to. Look out for soft jogging trousers or those with a side stripe (very elongating). Wear them with a blouse, a sweat or a T-shirt and an oversized blazer – add a heel, a chunky or long boot or wear with the trusty trainer.
Blazers – nothing new here I know but a great blazer will take you through day to night, year after year. You can be sat at home in a t-shirt and joggers, throw on a blazer, amp up the lipstick and you are video call ready! Simply one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe. Keep it classic in a neutral tone and you will be wearing it for years to come. The trend is for oversized, but this needs to work for you! If fitted is more your style, then go for that instead! Use a belt to cinch in the waist – another key trend this season!
Checks – One of the easiest to wear trends of the season. Look for tartans, ginghams and houndstooth. Clash them or team them with simple basics. Check coats, check shackets (a cross between a jacket and a shirt), check blazers, check trousers …. Or just take a nod to the trend with an oversized check blanket scarf!
Leather / Pleather – the great news is pleather has moved on so far in such a short space of time, so no longer do you feel like you will literally ‘boil in the bag’. Look out for soft buttery feeling pleathers and leathers in the neutral tones this season.
The warm rich beiges and browns are definitely trending, are easy to co-ordinate with other items in your wardrobe, and won’t date! Wear with a warm cashmere knit, a silk blouse or a tee for a more dressed down look.
Super cosy knit – It wouldn’t be a winter edit without a cosy knit. You can never have too many and with so many great styles to choose from, they can take you from daytime into the evening in total comfort. This season I am loving the chunky cable knits, vest tops and cardigans with exaggerated sleeves. Wear with thick leggings, boots and a warm coat!
Style confidence comes from being authentically you from the inside out so take a trend, make it work, and own your style. Stay cosy and stylish.
When it comes to fashion, we generally know what we like. We have our preferred colours, patterns, and fabrics for example. The problem is that knowing what you like doesn’t equate to knowing what actually looks good on you and projects you in the right way. This is why the Gods created Fashion Stylists.
Fashion Stylists, Personal Dressers, Style Coaches, or Personal Stylists, take your pick. The job titles may vary depending on the individual’s viewpoint but Fashion Stylists have become increasingly influential in shaping fashion and style choices in our social-media orientated world.
Once reserved for celebrities and the well-heeled, Fashion Stylists have moved from the backstage to be on par with Fashion Designers thanks in part to the un-measurable benefits they bring to the equation, image + confidence = happiness. And to celebrate these wonderful individuals keeping us looking and feeling great, we have handpicked three fabulous individuals for you to follow.
TrendLife Presents: Three Fabulous Fashion Stylists To Follow
Do your Instagram feed a favour and follow these three fabulous individuals creating amazing fashion and style content on social media. In no particular order, here are the reasons why we recommend you hit the follow and like button for these fashion stylists.
1. @OwnYourStyleUK
” Personal Stylist helping women confidently look good & feel good every day.”
Reasons to follow: When it comes to style advice content, you will be hard-pressed to find a better personal stylist who also doubles as a Content Queen than Janine of OwnYourStyleUK. Having recently launched her insightful Instagram Live Style Talk, Janine manages to juggle clients, events, and online style courses whilst creating amazing social media content.
If that was not enough, Janine also gives tips and inspiration on skincare and makeup application. All of which is further testimony to why you should be following @OwnYourStyleuk.
Five questions for @OwnYourStyleUK
1. When and how did your love for fashion begin?
My love of fashion began as a child. My Aunt owned a very successful ladies boutique stocking beautiful designer brands and I was hooked – she was my mentor in fashion. My mother was a dressmaker and made a lot of our clothes when I was young too so – It’s really in my blood! I’ve always had an eye to search out great pieces of clothing in shops and always loved to stay ahead of the trends from a young age. I am a creative person and I am in my element when I am styling my clients.
2. What is the most rewarding part of being a stylist?
The most rewarding part of being a stylist is the transformation of confidence in my clients when they truly understand their own style. The newfound confidence means they look great and feel great and I literally watch them develop as they discover their signature style, find out the colours that suit them, and learn the secrets of styling with fabrics and proportions to enhance their body shape.
They learn how to make their wardrobes work for their lifestyle plus we identify any gaps that they may need to fill when we go shopping. They also discover it doesn’t all need to be new! In fact, it’s so rewarding to hear clients say they actually save money after working with me as they no longer make the same mistakes when out shopping. Confidence is the key to styling and watching my client’s confidence grow truly is the most rewarding part of what I do.
3. Where is your favourite place to shop in the Three Counties (Beds, Bucks, and Herts)?
I love shopping in Milton Keynes, it’s right on my doorstep and we have a great shopping centre. My favourite High Street brands currently are Zara, HM, and Jigsaw. I also love Hush which is available in John Lewis.
4. Favourite designer/fashion house?
My favourite designer has to be Chanel – after all, it was Coco Chanel who popularised the little black dress and the Chanel boucle style jacket has to be one of the most iconic pieces which can nowadays be dressed up or down so easily too!
5. If there was one person in the world you could style, who would it be and why?
Wow, that is a question, there are many but it would have to be The Duchess of Cambridge – I mean how memorable would it be to have the honour of styling the future Queen of England for an event! I would also totally love to style Holly Willoughby too, oh and Claudia Winkelman, she would be so much fun!
2. @StyleWithWisdom
“Personal stylist & shopper passionate about clients feeling great and confident”
Reasons to follow: With over 20 years of professional experience in the fashion industry, Hertfordshire based Lisa of @StyleWithWisdom has some of the most entertaining fashion-based posts you will see. We don’t know how much more fun & fashion you can squeeze into a single post but Lisa seems to be on a mission to find out.
We love the “local’ feel to @StyleWithWisdom posts & stories – in particular, the updates on St Albans fashion retailers during these testing times. For all these reasons and more, we highly recommend you follow @StyleWithWisdom.
Five questions for @StyleWithWisdom
1) When and how did your love for fashion begin?
2) What is the most rewarding part of being a Stylist?
3. Where is your favourite place to shop in the Three Counties (Beds, Bucks, and Herts)?
4) Favourite designer/fashion house?
5) If there was one person in the World you could style, who would it be and why?
3. @TheWardrobeEdit
“Stylist and fashion writer with a passion to help other women re-discover their style and exude a new confidence”
Reasons to follow: If you have a passion for fashion and like scrolling to see stylish ensembles, you could spend hours looking at and taking notes from @thewardrobeedit posts. Stylist & Fashion Writer Isabel is who we have to thank for the visually wonderful grid that goes on and on and on. Having styled for a variety of brands and businesses including Intu, TopShop, H&M, Wallis, and Zara, Isabel has an unbelievable eye for coordinating. Her stunningly modelled ensembles are matched with amazing statement accessories and shoes.
Five questions for @TheWardrobeEdit
1) When and how did your love for fashion begin?
Growing up in the 80’s I was hugely influenced by music and the incredible fashion in teen magazines like Mizz or Just17 – think batwing jumpers and puffball skirts! I loved Neneh Cherry, Bananarama, and so many others, and that 80’s style is still something I often refer back to, for my own outfits.
2) What is the most rewarding part of being a Stylist?
Typically, most clients are coming to me because they’re reached a milestone – marriage, babies, retirement, menopause, and often in those instances their body may have changed. While to many people, it may feel like it’s just clothes that a stylist selects, it’s so much more than that. Helping someone to feel good about their body again (or sometimes, for the first time ever!) by sharing advice that works for their shape, is a hugely rewarding part of the job.
3. Where is your favourite place to shop in the Three Counties (Beds, Bucks, and Herts)?
I have lots! I love independents in Bedford like Anorak Shop and Boutique Planet – they stock some brilliant Scandi brands. The Dressing Room in St Albans is a must-visit, and again they have a great range of brands. For High Street pieces, I always head to Milton Keynes.
4) Favourite designer/fashion house?
Anine Bing for day-to-day, effortless style. Elie Saab for couture. Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin for heels. Bottega Veneta for bags.
5) If there was one person in the World you could style, who would it be and why?
Michelle Obama. I’m a huge fan and as she really doesn’t need my styling advice, we could spend the time chatting about politics instead!
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