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Swim to Sunset – August’s Outfit of the Month

Posted on: August 8th, 2016 by Emma No Comments

Jetting off somewhere or making the most of the sun in the British Isles? One thing is for certain you need a wardrobe that can cover you from early morning swim right through to sunset, without compromising on style and definitely without lugging around lots of clothes. As personal shopper at Royal Priors Shopping Centre, each month we select a look from the retailers at the centre – enter August’s edition taking you effortlessly through from dawn til dusk.

Look 1 – Swim

Built around this Marks and Spencer hot pink halterneck swimsuit. Not only a fab bargain at £35 but the secret slimming panel gives extra body confidence if needed.

Pick a swimsuit with luxe detail and a great neckline

Halternecks work well on hour glass figures and pear shapes in providing balance. However if you have broad shoulders, you can avoid the halter and go for a bandeau style, as the strap is detachable. This works equally well for athletic shapes who want to create some curves. The finishing metallic detail adding extra glamour that stands in for a statement necklace come sun down.

Base sorted, think about a stylish way to cover up from the midday rays and go for lunch possibly with a cheeky drink. I have chosen Jigsaw’s broken glass print blouse. The loose fit and elegant print are universally flattering.

: Loose but elegant layering

: Don’t forget your accessories

Don’t neglect accessories – to complement the blue of the shirt and contrast with the hot pink, I have chosen one of Pandora’s double leather bracelets in electric blue.

Cover Up (and dance, well maybe)

Also in the cover up club are a pair of classic tortoiseshell sunnies, like this pair from New Look and to keep the look from being boring, Claire’s Accessories, “Choose Happy” baseball cap. Finish off with footwear fit for the pool and beyond, Animal’s Napa sandals. Throw your sunset look pieces (see below) and other essentials in Superdry’s sky blue tote and you are ready for your day.

After a fun packed day, thoughts turn to after dark, be it a backyard BBQ or an Ibizan sunset, its easy, with a few swaps, to change up your look.

Smart but relaxed vibe with these Jigsaw trousers

Add Jigsaw’s Broken Geo Drawstring Trousers over the swimsuit. I love the combination of pink and blue and this works really well. If you prefer a more relaxed fit of trouser then Jigsaw also has a slouchier linear leaf pattern pair in a paler blue.

More relaxed version

The details are what really make the difference in a look like this. The colour and metallic in the swimsuit mean it effortlessly doubles up as your top. Next add some more jewellery to your leather bangle. Pandora’s Essence silver bangle with Hope and Spirituality charms, provide just the right touch. Don’t forget a ring too, as its August I’ve gone for the August birthstone ring.

It’s all in the details

To finish swap your flats for these sparkly New Look wedges, although if you prefer flats you can stick with Animal’s Napa sandals.

Change up to wedges

Lastly tuck away your hat and blouse into your bag, keep those sunnies to hand though, the better to catch that sunset with.

Look 2 – All set for Sunset

Looking for a multi-tasking outfit to see you through your Summer days (or beyond)? Get in touch to book your own 1 to 1 SYW experience, prices start from £45.

Fabulous Garden Party

Posted on: June 30th, 2016 by Emma No Comments

Regular readers of the blog know what a fan I am of Fabulous. Their Annual Garden Party always sells out rapidly, but this year, I managed to snag a ticket, yay! So with a garden partyesque dress lined up all that could spoil it was the rain. Thankfully it didn’t. Arriving at Mallory Court, the gorgeous venue for the event, we were bathed in sunshine. Brilliant to get started checking out a host of the designers featured at Fabulous, not before we had a glass of Pimms in hand of course.

Enjoying the Pimms

First stop Reeves and Reeves, the husband and wife team who are helping Fabulous to design their new own brand – Life’s Journey bangle collection. I can’t wait to get my hand on one of these bangles but in the meantime I was drawn immediately to their chunky leather cuff in vibrant colours. The perfect piece to stash in the suitcase for holiday or to simply bring that holiday feeling to any outfit. After I tried it I just couldn’t take it off, especially as it matched my handbag. It had to come home with me.

Well how could I not?

Even better than the jewellery though was all the beautifully put together outfits. I had picked the dress in my wardrobe that makes me feel most like Audrey Hepburn and I wish I could wear all the time. It’s from Katherine Draisey in Solihull and I know will be one of those forever dresses.

If I click my heels will I become Audrey?

It was particularly everyone’s the shoes that stood out to my stylist’s eye, both the favourite pairs we spotted were from Dune’s summer collection. Jo, Fabulous’ founder had this amazing metallic pair with intricate detailing on the heel, another one to bring a hit of instant summer to any outfit.

The ultimate holiday sandal

Whilst introducing my friend Clare, my guest for the afternoon, to Fabulous’ own brand Mantra, I was able to get the mantra necklace I was already sporting engraved. The mantra is Life is Beautiful so I thought it was only fitting for my engraving to be the date of my wedding.

My Special Date

Jo’s welcome and run through of all the designers at the garden party, made us realise there was still lots for us to see, but first lunch.

But first lunch

This included chance to swap styling stories with Lynn Bromley and to find out about the sartorial challenges faced by Leamington’s deputy mayor. Oh and not forgetting the most delicious dessert, the mint, lemon and raspberry flavour combo was Summer in a glass.

TWYN

Post lunch was more browsing. Most exciting was 2 of the new brands coming to Fabulous. Take What You Need – the concept is a changeable bar necklace which uses magnetic bars which can be personalised. One of them is definitely finding its way to my wish list. The other was Suzannah Key, a young designer just out of college who won Fabulous’ futures awards. I am already in love with her spinning pendants, designed as a result of women’s tendency to touch and fiddle with their jewellery, I can just imagine spinning the compass one around.

Talented Suzannah Key’s spinning pendants

All good things come to an end but another great Fabulous event and now I am sat at home, Betty Draper style, awaiting the return of my husband. I really don’t want to take my dress off, maybe he’ll take me out when he see’s me in it.

If you have an event or occasion coming up and need a hand pulling together you look, get in touch we can shop with you or for you. Our express shop service aims to find the outfit or finishing touch in your lunch hour. Available in Leamington or Solihull for £75.

Solihull Fashion Week

Posted on: April 22nd, 2016 by Emma No Comments

It may not be New York but this new event on the local fashion calendar kicked off in style.

I’m an advocate for shopping local so events like this by the Solihull BID are to be applauded to keep our high streets alive.

The Glamorous Hosts

Presided over by the dapper Mr Du Beke and his very glamorous co host Sameena Ali-Khan who kept the audience very entertained, not least when Anton reduced a couple of James Bushell’s stylists (if you need a go to hairdresser, James Bushell is it!) to tears of laughter and flummoxed with them with the description of a new do “the waft”

Its all about the waft

Taking us though a typical range of Summer events from the Yacht Club to a Country Weekend via a Day at the Races, the catwalk showcased the best from the major retailers and highlighted Solihull’s quality independents. Our favourite looks came from the independents.

With its pretty floral print and dip hem this great dress from Aspire made for me the perfect Summer frock.

I also loved these gorgeous yellow looks from Madeleine Ann to take us to the Races.

Sunshine Yellow

My all out stand out favourite the Yellow fleck chunky knit jumper with black shoulder strap and brooch. It had colour, it had slouch it had cold shoulder and is versatile enough to take it from a Saturday lunch out to a full out glamour affair thanks to the black strap detail.

The Ultimate Jumper?

The high street offering was all about earning your fashion stripes for Summer mix and match different stripes in the same look – guaranteed this is what you will be reaching for this summer to add that catwalk gloss to your look.

Stripes in all Directions

Find more stripes to inspire you on SYW’s Earn Your Stripes Pinterest Board Follow Shape Your Wardrobe's board Earn Your Stripes on Pinterest.

So to steal & corrupt a phrase from one of the illustrious hosts – keep fashioning Solihull!

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The o o o O bag Experience

Posted on: February 11th, 2016 by Emma No Comments

Rapidly becoming a favourite brand of mine I jumped at the chance to attend the official launch of O bag’s first UK concept store in Solihull (not that it hasn’t been a frequent lunchtime haunt of mine since it opened in December). Warning: It’s not a shopping experience for the indecisive, offering a dizzying array of choice of ready made customisation.

So much choice

The basic premise is that you choose your bag shape and then make your very own variation of O bag selecting from on the plethora of handles, interiors and accessories to end up with your own unique creation. The brilliance is that the shapes are classic framers (from the O bag and O bag mini through the O basket and the O pocket clutch style) and the seasonal or personal update is all in the detail. Go bold and add detail using all 3, keep it simple and add nothing, add a pop of bright colour or luxe it up with faux fur trim – the choice is yours. Quality is not sacrificed in favour of quirky, as is often the case. Staying true to it’s Italian roots the products have a chic luxury feel.

It started with a watch

It all started with an O clock, which I received as a birthday gift. A similar concept to the bags, choose a coloured strap then choose your dial. Easy to assemble you simply push your choice of face into the silicone strap. Best of all the price is a fraction of what you would pay for other high fashion watches (straps are £9 with dials starting at £16) so you can easily add to your collection ( have already added a further strap and dial), allowing you mix and match at will to suit your outfit and mood. Showing my age, but for me it’s the updated and much more stylish version of those Swatch watches I coveted as a teen.

With the Spring collection dropping in time for the launch, the latest addition is sunglasses – choose your frame, lens and legs to make a unique combo. The seemingly endless choice means I can see a Summer of O-Sun on the horizon.

Why settle for one set of sunnies?

It was always the bags that were my siren call though, ranging from the classic O-Bag through to the O Basket complete with hole for your beach towel, the modular collection and unusual EVA rubber shells make a unique impression.

I had thought it was the O Pocket, the perfect size clutch with added fringe accessory that was calling my name but all thoughts were banished when I clapped eyes on the O bag ’50. Styled in store with a maroon patent handle and corresponding charm, the shape was what did it for me. Quirky but at the same time classy, touching it was a surprise, I expected it to feel cold and rubbery but was warm and felt almost like suede. I was hooked.

It’s got the strokability factor.

I left with a bag that I know will definitely give me joy every time I use it. Introducing my take on the O bag ’50 styled with emerald green handles and corresponding patent charm.

Bag for Life

With an O bag the beauty is that you can update your wardrobe by adding, changing or taking away some of the detail without losing the shape that you love. My idea of a true bag for life! I’m already planning on the addition of a shoulder strap and coming soon I will be able to accessorise it as a backpack. What would you choose?

If you tend to find a style of accessory and stick to it but crave an easy update then check out O bag. I warn you its addictive and you will definitely need to factor in decision making time.

Style Resolution – Sports-Luxe

Posted on: January 19th, 2016 by Emma No Comments

Whilst I avoided making resolutions this year, I did vow that 2016 would be the year I would embrace the sports-luxe look, not least because it is everywhere and the trend is set to continue through S/S 2016.

Always more comfortable in classic combos and more of a dressed up look, joggers to me were very much the preserve of Sunday afternoons on the sofa and more occasionally post workout wear. However the idea has been stirring for a while to start incorporating as a wardrobe staple – it started with the purchase of these at the back end of summer.

Slim Fit Joggers, The White Company

I was drawn to them by the cinched in ankles, zip pockets and the fake fly detail. However I wasn’t quite ready to do anything other than pop to the local park in them, until I was inspired by a fellow stylist – Helen Canning, author of the blog- Coco Mama Style. Her recent posts on sportswear are fab and show how you can still be smart in sportswear. It gave me the push I needed, so I thought I would share the results with you.

: Sporty needn’t mean scruffy

: All in the Details

The things that made it work for me?

Picking a slim fit to work with and flatter my pear shape, drowning myself in a baggy straight cut would kill the look dead.
Keeping interest with details and textures (another of Helen’s tips) – I opted for this versatile pleather cut out detail jumper, layered over a sheer black top with gold detail.

Retaining some of my signature style details such as jewellery with character (I normally always build an outfit starting with the jewellery) – for this look I went with stacked bracelets and my new sporty looking O Clock watch. Just because you try something new doesn’t mean completely losing those details that make up your style.

Stacked Bracelets from Accessorize and Alex and Ani

Teaming with right outerwear – today because it was very wintery I opted for chunky knit scarf, Bobbl hat & my leather trim hooded blanket coat, equally I would wear with one of this season’s oversize coats in a great pattern.

Ditching the trainers – it had to be heels for me to even contemplate taking the jogger seriously. For daytime I went for my trusty fur trim boots and for an evening cinema trip would swap them out for some leopard print courts.

By embracing this new look I have gained some interesting additions to my wardrobe that I have been overlooking all this time. Next time you are having one of those “I have nothing to wear” moments ask yourself are there items you are dismissing because you only think of them in one context? With a change in mindset you could find yourself with so much more outfit choice on your hands.

Fancy broadening your style horizons but don’t know where to start? Get in touch to book yourself one of SYW’s styling services from a personal shopping session to a complete wardrobe edit – prices start from £75.

December’s Outfit of the Month – Desk to Drinks

Posted on: November 30th, 2015 by Emma No Comments

With the festive season kicking into gear this week, December’s OOTM for Royal Priors is a great look that takes you from desk to drinks.

9-5 Look

Built around New Look’s simple but elegant jumpsuit (the jumpsuit is the item for your party wardrobe but more on that in our party pieces blog…coming soon). To take it to the office layer over M&S’ black and white blouse complete with new romance details – ruffle collar and flounce sleeve. The bronze version of Jigsaw’s Milly Court’s are pared back enough to grace the boardroom but their cheeky sparkle comes into their own when you hit the bar.

Accessories remain minimal, to be amped up come cocktail time.

: Nikki Lissoni Stud Earring Carriers

: Folli Follie

To take you to drinks and beyond, ditch the shirt and add divine details and sparkle with pieces from Swarovski, Lola Rose, and Nikki Lissoni – all available from Fabulous.

: Lola Rose

: Add Sky Full of Stars Coins to your studs

: Slip on some Swarovski Sparkle

Finish it all off with faux fur, the key ingredient this party season. Now you are ready to be stylish and fabulous wherever the night takes you.

Cocktail O’Clock

See the look at the Royal Priors Shopping Centre now.

Book one of our express shops and let us find you the perfect outfit or finishing touch in your lunch hour. Drop us a line to find out more – emma.mascall@shapeyourwardrobe.co.uk

See more of our picks for the festive season over on our Party Prep Pinterest Board
following Shape Your Wardrobe's board Party Prep on Pinterest.

Full Look Details
Marks & Spencer, Faux Fur Striped Coat – £99.00; New Look, Strappy Notch Neck Jumpsuit – £22.00 ; Marks & Spencer, Romantic Tie Neck Blouse – £29.50; Jigsaw, Milly Court Shoes – £149.00 ; Gap, Mini Cross Body Bag, Gold – £24.95

Jewellery available from Fabulous
Folli Follie, Classy Champagne Ring – £60.00; Nikki Lissoni, Rose gold stud earring carriers – £25.00 worn with Sky Full of Stars Coins (Drinks) – £35.00; Swarovski Stardust Light Multi Single Bracelet – £49.00; Lola Rose Holiss Necklace Chocolate Montana Agate – £95.00

Adventures in New York Denim

Posted on: November 21st, 2015 by Emma No Comments

The excitement of the stylish black and white box that arrived on my doorstep containing every woman’s holy grail – a pair of perfectly fitted personalised jeans. How did we reach this fashion nirvana? Denim was firmly at the top of our shopping list during our NYC trip and when the Wallpaper guidebook directed us to 3×1, we needed little further invitation. This little gem, in Mercer Street from the brains behind the Earnest Sewn, promised jeans to your exact specification from the weight of denim to the detailing. As a pear shape with a small waist, jeans and trousers always need to tread that balance to be not too tight across the hip but at the same time not leave a gaping expanse at the waist. I was hooked with the thought of somewhere that could magic this problem away.

Proclaiming it’s status as “one of the top 10 denim stores in the world” made a promising start. Entering the shop you are met with walls adorned with ready to wear jeans in limited edition styles, a huge glass worktop and rolls of demin in a range of weights and every colour from true faded to darkest indigo. The atelier which produces the creations is enclosed in glass to the rear of the shop. Where to even start? Luckily we were guided by the delightful Raymond Yook, who explained the options from bespoke -where you select every single detail from scratch – to custom where you decide on the details to be added to one of 3×1 limited edition designs to off the peg – if you are lucky to fit into one of their ready to wear collection.

: Miles of denim

: All the hardware

I wanted to go for something other than a skinny jean, based on this Raymond made some recommendations and even though I was sure I wanted a dark denim, I actually fell in love with these mid rise boyfriend cut in fleet wash,

Me n Raymond and my new 3×1’s

Even better was that, Raymond was able to offer to adjust them to allow for the fact I fell between sizes. At the same time I got to add a custom detail in the form of rose gold hardware. This pair was ready for pick up within a couple of hours.

However that was not all before leaving I spotted a pair of “gaucho pants” (or denim culottes if you will) high waisted, tailored and offering so much versatility, I hadn’t seen anything that came close to how these looked. (The Karen Millen denim culottes I had my eye on at home paled into insignificance). I wasn’t sure about the colour – no problems said Raymond I could pick a denim and the details wanted. Perfect. I set to work selecting denim, thread and hardware. I opted for a lightweight indigo denim to preserve the tailored look.

: The chosen denim and details

: Internal Pocket Detail

I really wanted to go a bit different for stitching and hardware so plumped for a strong burgundy. Raymond said that he would normally steer clients to the metallic hardware but actually approved of my choices.

Decisions made, all I had to do was wait the 4 weeks for denim alchemy to occur. They arrived last week

: They’re here!

: Presenting my Gaucho Pants

: My own red button

I am definitely in love, thinking might need another pair in a black denim. Would love to know what you think.

Me n my Gauchos

A massive thank you to Raymond for making my 3×1 experience one I definitely want to repeat. Visit Raymond if you are ever in New York or int he meantime you can check out the 3×1 website

If you find it difficult to find trousers or jeans to suit you, get SYW on the case. We can recommend styles to suit your budget and shape, just get in touch by e-mailing or calling. Quote “Blog15” to get 10% discount on any consultation or styling session taken by end of January 2016.

Sneak Peeks

Posted on: November 13th, 2015 by Emma No Comments

SYW’s week featuring previews and launches.

First to Reiss’ press day with NHJ Style Network – the chance at a peek at what’s in store for SS/2016. The collection embraces more colour than in previous seasons (a welcome sight to colour obsessed SYW). Whilst retaining its heritage pieces the story at Reiss for SS/2016 is fluid silhouettes, think east meets west and inspiration taken from the glamour of old school travel.

Dreaming of travelling in style at Reiss SS/2016

What stood out was the instant covetability from the perfect modern take and update on the safari style dress offered in a vibrant coral to vintage styles enhanced by fabrics designed in house by Reiss.

: Safari Style

: Hitchcock Inspired glamour

: Vintage Style

Accessories have gone bold and with it comes a collection of luxe statement pieces with the timeless classic appeal like their tortoiseshell clutch which went straight to our list of must haves.

: Timeless Tortoiseshell

: Bold & Luxe

: Mini Suitcase with sparkle

Men don’t miss out – picture cruising down the Nile in linen pieces, and channelling off duty 60’s film stars lounging in the Italian Lakes.

We can’t wait for Spring to get here. Collection starts to drop from mid January 2016.

While we wait for Spring it’s all about that C word so over to the Christmas launch at Fabulous Collections. With more of our favourite designers expanding their ranges and Fabulous continuing to source new designers, the wish list we were invited to complete got quite long!

Wishing and Hoping

As an owner of one of their gorgeous rings already,

SYW was delighted to find that this season Fabulous is stocking a capsule collection from SORU jewellery, a brand run by Sicilian sisters specialising in super sparkle unique pieces using uncut precious stones. The ruby drop earrings made it onto the list, no question.

Alex and Ani’s celestial wheels caught our eye in midnight blue. They show positions of the stars at the time of your birth, so tapped into our love of the astrological.

Our top pick was the new range from The Giving Keys – gorgeous mini padlocks – another way to instil qualities you desire and yes unfortunately you are supposed to still give them away eventually, that part might prove very difficult.

Wish List completed all that remains is to make sure SYW’s nearest and dearest know what’s on it. Oh forgot, Fabulous takes care of that for you by e-mailing it to them. Fill yours out today by popping into store or on the Fabulous Website.

Guess all that’s left is to wait and see what Santa brings!

SYW’s Stylist Live Experience

Posted on: October 25th, 2015 by Emma No Comments

Headed for the Business Design Centre, Islington and excited about the day ahead. The inaugural Stylist Live event – or in SYW’s view the chance to jump straight into a live copy of one of our favourite publications.

: Greeted by a life-size version of the logo

: First Impression

As a massive Stylist fan (I was bereft when I no longer go the train in the time pre online version and the app and would beg and borrow others’ copies) I would happily pay for Stylist over a lot of the other monthly/weekly glossies out there. The reason? Great content, aimed squarely at the type of person I am, without pigeonholing me. Yes, I want to know the latest trends and fashion but I’m equally interested in culture, opinion, real stories and world events. Billed as an urban festival, Stylist Live had grabbed me (much like the magazine) as different to other exhibitions/live events. With its focus being on a variety of content from fashion to food to learning and the chance to interact with interesting people including the brilliant bunch behind Stylist Magazine. I was certainly not left disappointed by the promised “stepping into the pages” experience.

Styling it up for Stylist Live – Breton Stripe +Red Accent

The distinctive Stylist logo outside the venue in big block letters made an arresting image on arrival and bode well for things to come. After collecting my free bag & bubbly (why thank you), I was delighted to find two areas designated for taking photos styled against a background to look as though on the magazine’s front cover. Even better I managed to ask someone to do the honours behind the camera as I was on my own.

Think we could make the Front Cover?

After a brief meander (a.k.a scoping out the shopping opportunities), I headed to the learning labs – the areas given over to talks/lectures on a variety of matters from journalism to public speaking to setting up your own supper club. Turned out I was much too late to get into the 1.15pm or 1.30pm sessions (“How to start a business for £100”, whilst I have already set the business up – I was interested in the tech side of the talk & ”How to pitch a magazine feature” for my inner journalistic streak). Luckily I was able to get to the front of the queue for the talk I was most looking forward to -“How to be a Fashion Stylist” delivered by Stylist’s own Fashion Director – Alexandra Fullerton.

Waiting for Learning Lab to start

What better way to benefit from the wisdom than someone in the profession at the top of their game? Alexandra’s talk was insightful and instructive whilst being very realistic about the work involved in her job. Alexandra was very down to earth, so not quite was I was expecting and was very refreshing. Her answers to audience Q&A actually addressed the question posed (so many times this doesn’t actually happen). Although the question I really wanted to ask was where her leather leggings were from! The thing I took from her talk was embrace every opportunity that comes your way, be prepared to work hard and be determined. It boosted my confidence to know she didn’t think you necessarily had to have had a background in fashion to be successful in the field. As she explained if you are dedicated in one field it’s likely that you can transfer those skills as long as you apply yourself to gaining relevant knowledge and experience. Definitely worth queuing for. (Side Bar: the queues for the learning labs were causing a lot of consternation, but as it is only the first year I’m sure this is something that will be addressed at any future events given their popularity. Gave me time for some great aerial views and to spy the CrossTown Doughnut stand).

View from the Queue

Next stop – the catwalk for the season’s trends, via a sugar hit with a Cross Town Seven Berries Doughnut. I managed to snag a great seat. As we went from Sweet and Sour through to 80’s Glam by way of Period Drama, I found a lot of looks that appealed both personally and ones I know clients will covet. It was refreshing to see not only brands that are accessible but also put together in a way real women would wear them. Favourite picks came from Sweet & Sour, not a surprise as we rely a lot on colour in our wardrobe to add cheer to grey days.

Post fashion fix, a food fix – SYW headed to Delancey & Co for an NYC inspired lunch, hoping to pretend to be back in the City itself. Opted for the Big Bird – Smoked turkey, shredded iceberg, tomato, pickle, mustard – accompanied by a caffeine hit from Grind – just what I needed to power me up for the next activity – shopping!

Instead of the usual exhibition fare of stand after stand hard selling the same items, there was a great mix of independents anchored by some larger names. I was making a beeline for BOB by Dawn O’Porter, especially after seeing her gorgeous outfit when she introduced Alexandra Fullerton.

Dawn O’Porter Stunning in Vintage

But so much to see on the way, gorgeous coats at Helene Berman and to die for stationery at Post to name a couple. Interest really piqued though at By Grace Ambrose – Her stunning and unusual origami inspired necklaces in bold vibrant colours set in a boudoir themed stand really stood out. I can’t really describe the necklaces and do them justice so head to her website to see more. The beauty for me was in the simplicity of the product and in getting to chat to Grace herself. I can’t wait to wear the new emerald green necklace I walked away with.

: Boudoir Stand

: My Emerald Green Beauty

: Origami Inspired

Finally made it to BOB’s stand. So many gorgeous pieces but fell head over heels with this slinky glitter 80’s inspired jumpsuit.

Vintage 80’s style glitz from BOB

I will be wearing it as an outfit in its own right, with a tux jacket to an upcoming black tie wedding and also am seeing it styled with a cosy oversize jumper and boots for that perfect Saturday outfit –for when you don’t know where your day/eve will lead! Come to think of it, our new necklace will go perfectly.

Shopped out – time for the Stylist Inspires stage to find out what we will be eating in 2016 from Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully. Despite the kind of menus dreamt up by this team and at NOPI not being for me (due to the prevalence of spice) I found this talk hugely enjoyable. To hear two people who were just so passionate about food and what they do was so interesting and inspiring. Whilst I don’t think the title of the session really reflected the content, I could have simply listened to them discuss their world and engage in witty banter all night. It should have also carried a warning – “ you will leave this session starving!”

Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully

With the day drawing to a close I just had time to play dress up at Swarovski. Getting to try some of their pieces and then show them off in what I thought would be a photo but turned out to be a 7 second video – not sure about the outcome but see what you think.

I was very impressed with Stylist Live, I left brimming with ideas, inspiration and of course shopping bags. Well done to all the Stylist Team and everyone who made it happen, you could see the hard work that had gone into the event – roll on next year when no doubt it will be even better.

Nite Nite

Focus on Fabulous Collections- Joint Blog with Oh La La Madame

Posted on: October 7th, 2015 by Emma No Comments

SYW and Oh La La Madame

Our latest post is a joint effort with the lovely Claire Savarino an ex-pat living in the South of France writing about her experiences in her blog Oh La La English Madame. Claire tells us a bit more about the blog and what it means to her.

“I created Ooh La La English Demoiselle 5 years ago, a few months after moving to the sunny South of France with my Frenchman. The initial idea was to communicate with my family & friends and to give me a place to put down my thoughts and feelings and to document my new experiences. After all it’s not everyday you decide to move to another country knowing you don’t speak the language. I wanted to embrace my new adventure, share it with the world, express myself, and more importantly have something to fondly look back on later. After getting married, I renamed the blog to Ooh La La English Madame and at the same time gave it a stylish make over. It was also time for me to evolve the content. Whilst I was still an expat, my life had become more settled. New experiences were becoming old, unfamiliar situations were becoming familiar. However, I was travelling more, so felt it was more relevant to include this in my blog. This is where the popular series ‘A Postcard from….’ was born.

Oh La La remains close to my heart, it’s my way of expressing myself, connecting with others by sharing the reality of my daily life (well with some dreaming thrown in). Stop by sometime at www.oohlalaenglishmadame, I would love to hear from you”.

On Ooh La La’s last trip to British shores we wanted a fun evening out and that’s exactly what we got thanks to the dates coinciding with Fabulous Collections’ (Fabulous Collections) seasonal Girls Night Out. What better opportunity to introduce someone new to one of SYW’s favourite brands? In it’s 10^th year with shops in Solihull, Bath and Leamington selling jewellery brands such as Thomas Sabo, ChloBo, Vivienne Westwood, Alex & Ani and Pandora to name a few. It’s popular Girls Night Out events are exactly what it says on the tin – a chance to catch up with your girlfriends whilst having the new season’s jewellery trends showcased in a fashion show.

Settled in, waiting for the fashion show to start, we took the GNO quiz to find out which trend would suit us most. It’s a great way to focus on the looks and jewellery that is most likely to resonate and I have to say always frighteningly accurate.

Trend Match Quiz

Oh La La identified strongly with characteristics of the dreamer meaning the Cosmos Trend was the trend for her.

“The Cosmos range really appealed to my personality, many of the items displayed via the catwalk carried an astrological theme with sparkle and bling. Those who know me would agree these are my favourite things. I’m a dreamer of all things that sparkle. I’m often found daydreaming or caught cutting out pictures to go on my vision board. I love planning & organising my future. I love anything sparkly and blingy: I’m like a moth to a flame”.

Apparently an adventurer with a love for new things, visiting far-flung lands, and an affinity with the sea I ticked the box for the Seven Seas trend. Even better to find I already owned a couple of the sea themed Alex and Ani bracelets.

Fabulous Catwalk Presentation

Following the catwalk show it was time to browse, shop and mingle

Trying and Buying

Both SYW and Oh La La couldn’t leave without making a few purchases we thought it would be rude not to.

: Oh La La armed herself with bangles

: Satisfied with my Fabulous purchases

: More Alex and Ani this time the Providence range

Some of them contributed directly to charity as they were products from the Re-Loved range – Fabulous’ charity project which takes donated old jewellery provides it to aspiring jewellery design students at local universities and hey presto unique and individually designed pieces are then made available for purchase with proceeds going to charity.

Re-Loved – can you believe this is up-cycled?

And what did Oh La La think?

“I was delighted to spend an evening with my close friend doing something fabulous and for charity. It really was a wonderful evening and so nice to meet everyone involved. It made me wish that I could do it more”.

Oh La La has now cemented her Fabulous Collection fan status by getting products shipped to France.

Fabulous enough for Nice

We even found ourselves fabulous in our Fabulous purchases in Nice.

Celebrating its 10 year milestone in style with a black tie do held at Mallory Court hotel which SYW was lucky enough to attend. What to wear? Seemed only fitting to wear something from Fabulous, what a great excuse for something new, SYW opted for full on Nikki Lissoni with bracelets and encrusted earrings. The evening passed in a blur of lovely company, great food, a bit of dancing and even better our table’s knowledge of the brand won us the quiz, prizes being our pick of gorgeous jewellery.

Glittering at the 10 year ball

Also to mark its anniversary, this year saw Fabulous design and stock its first own brand jewellery, Mantra. Following its success, it has expanded the line with My Mantra – I went to the press launch last week to find out more.

My Mantra Launch

With the Mantra range the idea was to wear a pendant that you could look down at when wearing and as well as seeing gorgeous jewellery be inspired throughout your day with a meaningful saying. My Mantra takes this a step further by making the pendant larger and allowing you to select your own personal mantra. I think jewellery should always be personal and meaningful and what better way than having your own personal motto carried close to your heart? The hard bit is choosing just one. Think I finally have it though, “Create your own story”, that describes SYW’s recent journey and will hopefully serve as a reminder to carry on doing this.

Oh La La found it equally hard to choose.

“I want one that is double sided, so I can fit both of my choices “Make Life Sparkle”/” Today is a Good Day”

However we think that just one sums it up for Fabulous itself right now – “Life is Beautiful”. Yes we think that’s perfect.

Testimonials

“I thoroughly enjoyed my sartorial spring clean with Emma – it was fun, informative and liberating! The idea that I can wear my “best clothes” any time has been quite a revelation. I would recommend Emma’s service to anyone especially if you feel stuck in a fashion rut.

I now wear things I had forgotten about and sold other items that were no longer useful, this allowed for a few key purchases with Emma’s invaluable guidance.”

– Catherine Day