CULOTTE, HOT OR NOT?

The culotte has come and gone, and the current version has seen a number of new styles, above the knee, below the knee or right down to the bottom, straight down or wide legs, allowing all body types to wear it, be it short or tall. The culotte was rather hot in the 80's when we sported it with platform heels and bell sleeved tops. The pleats make this pair quite bulky and flamboyant, and if you dress it up with a rather loud jacket the way I did, it's just the right look for a morning wedding or fancy occasion. I prefer dressing it down for the office by adding a simple crisp White shirt with minimal accessories to give an edge. How do you sport the trend? I think I'll keep this for a while, in spite of it's almost apparent demise, a trend that becomes a "go to" item in my closet.... add some killer heels and you're off to clinch the deal.

Snake Print Jacket - Jenni Button

Lace top - Thrifted

Culotte - Pringle of Scotland

Shoes - Milano Outlet Store

Silk scarf - Como Silk

Purse - Jimmy Choo

Silver accessories - Sass Diva

WINTER STAPLES ELONGATING THE BODY

If all else fails during winter, resort to layering with your favourite staple. A coat length just above the knee  is extremely reliable and most suited for the unpredictable Cape of storms, never mind the fact that it is a hot trend! Our current weather changes at least three times a day, almost as temperamental as a menopausal women. Since you never know how hot or cold the afternoon would be, (much like hot flushes) you should not let the morning's rain and wind deter you from  covering up in layers, hence my pea coat from my favourite Italian store, Piazza Italia, combined with  multiple trends including layering, prints, and heavy statement neck pieces! My recent visit to Europe, frolicking the clothing stores, brought me to the conclusion that if there is one staple that we should invest in if you haven't already, it's this kind of coat. It looks equally perfect dressed down with jeans and ads instant glamour to your looks if combined with heels! The mid length also tends to elongate the body if by any chance you are horizontally challenged! Needless to say my fixation with animal print is continued in this blazer, representing  multiple different prints combined with leopard. It also promotes the concept of different prints worn together, as the sunglasses deviate from the print on the blazer although it is in the same colour scheme. I added a touch of Turquoise to break up the monotony of winter's darkness.

 

 

Pea coat - Piazza Italia, Florence

Blazer - Jenni Button

Top - Zara

Pants - C & A

Clutch - Prada

Neck Piece & matching bracelet - Honey

Sunglasses D & G

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins