When I heard about Stylist Magazine’s FiestaStylista competition to find a stylist bonus is that the prize includes a trip to New York Fashion Week and the chance to style a cover wrap for the magazine) I couldn’t wait to start putting together SYW’s entry. The challenge – style an S/S 15 red based outfit. I scouted my existing wardrobe and the high street.  I love red, such a bold, impactful cover that can really lift an outfit and your mood, (I never fail to be cheered by the sight of a red shoe) I realised that nothing I had was quite up to the job.   Luckily the shops were in a giving mood and I was quickly laden down with my haul of red items ready to be worked into a FiestaStylista worthy outfit. Best of all almost every item was in sale.  But where to style the outfit?  Happily a beach trip was already scheduled and made the perfect location.

Enter the Red Zone

During my quest to find the best combination, I was reminded that shopping based around a single colour is a great way to create a mini capsule wardrobe, much like my yellow based theme from this . So I thought it only fair to share the red capsule.

Red proves it worth in a formal or casual setting as shown here – take a pencil skirt with a shot of red and clashing pink from Ted Baker, pair with either a neutral shirt and a boxy jacket or a simple T instead.

Colour Clash

A brilliant transition piece which you can wear now and will see you through Autumn is Reiss’ pleated pattern skirt.  Even better this will suit most shapes.   Dress up with Zara’s waterfall front shell top and a pair of courts or down with clashing Breton stripe bell sleeved crop top and flats. Finishing touch that works equally with both looks is this fab red rucksack from Kin by John Lewis.

Go Formal or Dress Down

Go nautical with this Gap Fit and Flare Dress worn over the Breton stripe bell sleeved crop top, finished off with metallic espadrilles.

Try a nautical red look

Or you can mix your reds for an all over look, punctuate with a metallic shoe.

Head to Toe Red with a metallic finish

So many looks from just a few pieces.  If you find your shopping trips result in lots of loved individual pieces which remain no more than the sum of their parts  – try selecting a colour theme to guide you and see what difference it can make.

To see which outfit made our competition entry, head over to .  Like what you see?  Give us a vote by liking the look (most likes get through to the next round).

Green Lipstick, next big thing?!

After finishing our session with Royal Priors competition winner and seeing the flash mob fashion (more on both of these in an upcoming blog piece) we decided to finish our Saturday in Leamington by popping into Space NK to get our fix of new products and spot on beauty advice. We were inclined to think that maybe the excitement of the day had all been too much for us when we were urged to try a green (yes you heard correctly) lipstick! Frog Prince is the latest product from Lipstick Queen, a brand known for its innovative and unusual colours. It truly is bright green and looks more like something to be worn at Halloween.

Fairytale in Green

However, SYW being a self confessed beauty product junkie, I was curious but sceptical.   However when Hannah and the team explained it works by reacting and adapting to the natural pH of your lips and that they were all wearing the shade (it ranged from a barely there pink stain to a full on plum pout) I was ready to try.   When it first went on it was very similar to a shade I already have so I was a little disappointed, however I took myself off for a much needed coffee during which the colour developed to a pop of pretty pink. I was impressed and returned to bag myself some of this green beauty alchemy.

I love when you get a customised level of detail from a product and even better when it doesn’t come with a bespoke price tag. We are sure that it is going to be a summer staple in our make up bag, not least for the shock value when applying it out and about.  Go on try it you know you want to!

Kiss that Frog and bring out the pink

Frog Prince by Lipstick Queen – £22 available from Space NK

To mark SYW’s appointment as resident personal shopper & stylist at Royal Priors Shopping Centre, Leamington Spa, Louise Gardner was the lucky winner of an SYW experience after being nominated by her sister. We thought we would offer you the inside view of her SYW experience.

Armed with Louise’s vital stats and her answers to a few quick questions from us about her favourite clothing and expectations we met for coffee and a chat at Muffin Break (just one of the perfect pitstop opportunities at Royal Priors). This was a great way to get to know more about Louise and introduce her to some SYW ideas.

Louise, like many of us, favours jeans as the main element of an outfit. She has a curvy figure and so admitted to preferring loose flowing layers. As a classic hourglass, my main aim was to introduce Louise to ways of dressing to show off this shape rather than disguise it.   It was also nearing Christmas so I was keen to help Louise find something special to wear over the festive season as she had mentioned she often finds this a chore rather than a treat.

Getting down to business we headed for Planet, a retailer that describes itself as “providing contemporary fashion cut to flatter and tailored to fit for pieces that make the transition from work to social life flawlessly” and was a new shop for Louise.  From the items SYW had pre-selected, Louise quickly discovered several styles and cuts which she liked. In particular a great panel colour jumper dress and a tunic with sequin detailing on the neckline complimented by chiffon sleeves. The embellishment on the neckline and the interest created by using different textures within the same piece worked really well on Louise. The jumper dress was in a fine knit, so ticked the focus on fabrics that skim without being too loose.   Already Louise was warming up to items she admitted she would not have even taken into the changing rooms.

The Perfect LBD

With Louise more comfortable with the idea of a dress, we went for the wow factor with this fantastic LBD. In a draped fabric, with wide cowl neck and a patent belt, Louise was very surprised how comfortable she felt in it (for someone who generally steers clear of dresses). Think we can agree that she looks stunning and what wardrobe would be complete without an LBD?

Next was Roman Originals, offering “affordable, timeless clothing which embodies ageless sophistication and style, for the customer that wants to feel special and get noticed, whatever the occasion”. Roman has a fantastic range of the styles of dress that suited Louise, we dived into a range of fabrics and colours including a beautiful bandage style number in electric blue. We also explored separates including fitted tops which draped and created square necklines and work perfectly dressed up or down with jeans or skirts. A beautifully embroidered kimono shawl top was one of Louise’s favourites here. Although already part of Louise’s wardrobe this one had wider sleeves which created a balance for Louise’s shape and made a very versatile piece

Gap was our go to for introducing jeans fan Louise to the perfect boot cut – a great alternative to her tried and tested skinny jean. This shape not only created an alternative look, it added balance to Louise’s hourglass shape. A great way to start early on Spring 2015’s 70’s vibe without committing to a full on flare.

Gap Fine Knit Sparkle Jumper

Gap also provided the jumper for the season – a metallic fine knit v neck. It adds an instant flash of glamour to any outfit so was perfect for those Christmas nights out Louise was looking for outfits for.

Much Deserved Lunch

After our enjoyable shopping session, we headed to Italian Deli Carluccios (selected by Louise as the perfect spot to refuel and contemplate over a delicious lunch (oh and of course a little glass of wine, well it was nearly Christmas!). As well as the great food and service, it gave Louise and I the chance to chat over the suggested clothes and outfits and of course to decide which shop she wished to select to receive her Royal Priors voucher in. Louise decided that she wanted a little more time to think over the new outfit ideas I had introduced but was keen to accessorise. With it’s wide range of modern, quirky and stylish designers, Fabulous Collection was the natural choice.

Voucher Time at Fabulous Collections

So SYW experience delivered but how did Louise feel? Suitably delighted as it turns out.

 ‘I was quite nervous about trying on clothes outside of my denim comfort zone but actually was surprised on some of Emma’s choices and whilst I didn’t rush to buy them (I never do, as I need about 7 trips to decide!) if I needed a black dress, I was really surprised with how comfortable I felt in the Planet dress!’

Thanks to all at Royal Priors for running such a fab competition and most of all to Louise who was a joy to work with.

Fancy an SYW experience like Louise’s for yourself or as a gift? We cater to all budgets so get in touch via the website, Twitter or Facebook and let us put together something shaped for you.