MY COMFORT ZONE

Black has always been a colour of choice, not because it's prescribed for my professional attire, but simply because it has a lasting elegance leaving you feeling confident and ready to pursue any task, fit to conquer the world. I veered into some more adventurous combinations introducing Brown to my palette, another taboo that established itself in my new set of self imposed rules of do's and dont's. The combination needed something else to take it to the next level, and all of a sudden, this polka dot scarf fulfilled it's function adding a little spunk to an otherwise bland colour scheme. Don't be afraid of introducing something unexpected, more often than not, you will be delighted about the results of the experiment!

Coat - Zara

Clutch bag - Zara

Skirt - Country Road

Scarf - Laos 

Boots - Moda in Pelle

Necklace - Zuri

Gloves - Primark

GEOMETRY AND FASHION

Mathematics has never been my favourite subject, but it doesn't mean that I have to dislike geometry. My fondness for this print is encouraged by the fact that heavy winter textiles allow you to go a little bold. The design of the coat was spurred on by the fact that the particular fabric was intended for upholstery, and not for garments. Much to the horror of Belle Epoque's principal designer, she succumbed to my request, and skilfully created this beautifully constructed over sized coat, giving it an edge with plain Black cuffs, in the softest faux suede imaginable. If you have the ability to assemble your own clothes, don't shy away from curtaining or upholstery material for winter, as the sheer weight of the heavier cloth gives architectural structure to winter coats. Be a little daring by adding a third colour and don't let the cold deprive you entirely of summer's joyful kaleidoscope. How do you wear geometric print? 

Coat - Belle Epoque

Skirt - Studio W

Turtle neck - Primark

Lace print tights - Primark

Over the knee boots - Witchery

Gloves- Prague street market

Sunglasses - Prada

Bag- Boy Chanel

OVERSIZED COATS AND PRINTED TIGHTS

Like most things subjected to an audit, you should always balance things out, only this exercise performing an audit of my wardrobe, was completely devoid of balancing! So I delved a little deeper with my evaluation  and arrived at the horrifying conclusion that my entire kaleidoscope consists of  primarily Black, White, Citrus and Coral colour schemes, leaving me with a huge discrepancy! The absence of colour suddenly left me feeling empty, and completely lacking a sense of adventure. The only way I could do a balancing act was to add a little funkiness with print. Given the fact that my profession does not allow much creativity or opportunity to display my sense of dress adventure, I naturally gravitate towards the corporate colours and styles. If you're in the same rut, the easiest way of introducing some excitement in your mid season outfits, is by wearing printed tights.  Printed tights should not however be worn with anything to busy making it appear like a jigsaw puzzle. Combining to much accessories could also render it looking a little Burlesque! A simple pair of pumps or high heels would suffice, and if you wear a skirt, unlike me, show a little leg to emphasise the print! If you shorten the hemline to just above the knee and wear it with high heels it instantly elongates the legs, and worn with a flimsy little box pleated skirt, who knows where it will take you? Be brave girls.....seeing this in print, definitely spurs me on to shorten the skirt's length! An over sized coat like this also requires the hemline to be tapered down and should not be worn with to much bulk in the bottom since it could easily make you look to heavy.

 

 

 

 

 

Coat - Asos

Turtle Neck - Primark

Skirt - Studio W

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins

Handbag - Louis Vuitton

Tights - V & D Amsterdam

FASHIONABLY UPHOLSTERED

Occasionally, we should change direction, do something out of the ordinary,  and wear something completely different from our signature style, allowing ourselves to experience the powerful effect of challenging convention. Whenever I wear an item made of upholstery material, I get the distinct feeling that I am being stared at, not because the textile is any different, but because the print is normally very loud and rather bold. Having received a number of compliments on my first project to design and have a blazer made from a piece of cloth more suitable to cover a lounge couch, I decided to experiment with this type of textile. Upholstery material that is not to thick, drapes beautifully and is ideally suited to a structured jacket or coat, and so this jacket was conceived, made from curtaining material. When you become open to change, you invent a new style. Had it not been for experiment and challenging convention,  the name Coco Chanel would probably have been unknown to us.......

 

 

Turtleneck Top - Primark

Pants - H & M

Shoes - Next

Blazer - Belle Epoque

 

 

LEOPARD SPOTTED RAINCOAT?

Murphy's law has it that it never rains when you are wearing a rain coat, perhaps because it is commonly perceived as a utility item, and not a fashion accessory. So it follows that when I have an umbrella with me, it doesn't rain either! I changed my mind about the raincoat's function when I walked into Bershka recently and saw this little animal print parka. It is as light as a feather, and can be folded up neatly to fit into your hand luggage for travelling, or perhaps just worn as a fun item. I thought it was a little funky, adding something quirky to my otherwise rather quite closet. Now I look forward to the next rain, unless Murphy continues to reign...

 

 

 

Raincoat / Parka - Bershka

Turtleneck Top - Primark

Pants - Country Road

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins

Bag  - Mulberry

Neck Piece- Epiphany