leather

The Perfect Wearable Wardrobe.

The key to the perfect wardrobe is creating a succinct collection of versatile pieces you can mix and match to build any look for any occasion.

It all comes down to making considered purchases instead of buying everything you see or like -too much clutter only makes it harder to find something to wear.

It’s important to really know and understand your style and the look you are going for, so you can really know what to look out for when your shopping. This should help keep a theme running through your wardrobe allowing you to mix and match in so many more combination.

Next, have a sort out. The season has just changed so now is a perfect time to go through your clothes. If you haven’t worn it in ages, or you don’t think you’l wear it again then loose it -why do you need to keep something you never wear.

On the bottom: I think you need a classic pair of blue skinnys for the casual days a pair of black jeans to dress it up slightly and a pair of smart trousers. Also consider a couple of skirts, a simple mini skirt, a midi pencil and a button through A line skirt.

bottoms

On your feet I would say a pair of Nike Roshe runs, then a pair of Loafers, heeled boots and then the strappy heels/ stilettos will work with any outfit and take you from popping to the shops, to a lunch date, to night on the town.

shoes

On top the choices are more open but my advise is go for a selection of versatile pieces. Get a couple of camis, a sweater, a couple of long sleeve tops in different styles and a selection of vests and jumpers. Try to get a mix of different, lengths, sleeves, fabrics and colours. Try to avoid getting similar tops in the same colour.

tops

Dresses wise go for a fitted midi little black dress, this will work perfectly for any evening look then go for a couple of shift/ t shirt dresses that you can dress up or down with heels and a clutch or flats and a tote/shopper.

dresses

Accessories: Find a warm scarf that goes colour wise with everything a neutral colours works well such as grey, black or khaki works well for me, then find a large clutch for the nights and a tote/ shopper for the day. Then finally coats and jackets are really important, I would say invest is a smart coat shorter coat and a long warm wrap up coat,

acsessories and coat

Ta dah! that’s it.

Phew I know that seems like a lot and a bit complicated but I hope it helps. As you can see from my wardrobe I like simple shapes and minimal pieces. Tan, Khaki, denim and black are my autumn go to colours. I tend to stay away from patterns for some reason but create interest by mixing fabrics and textures so leather, croc, suede and patent which feature heavily throughout. All the pieces are very interchangeable and work from everyday casual to a night out.

Clothes featured can be found at Asos, Newlook, Pretty Little Thing, Missguided, H&M, Riverisland and Forever21.

For more details please leave me a question in the comments below.

Easily Suede.

The 70’s is back this autumn with a modern twist; new colours, new shapes, new textures but for me its the suede that needs to be the key piece in your wardrobe this season. Suede is such a luxorious fabric when to get it right, there are so many great pieces out there is it hard not to. My favourites are a draping suede jacket, the suede A line skirt and the suede shift dress.

For me it has to be the shift dress that steals the show, its so easy to wear day or night and so effortless. This little khaki suede number is from missguided £25 but the the clean shape, seam detail and side zips make it looks much more expensive. Pair it with some loafers and a camel coat or heels and a clutch for the perfect autumn look.

Newlook are killing the suede skirts. Go super 70’s with the button through mini skirt, add a modern twist with this leather and suede trim skirt or dress it up with this suede midi skirt starting at £12.99.

new look suede skirts

Or the suede jacket adds a touch of texture to your look with this tan suede waterfall jacket by Zara £49.99 or this sleeveless khaki waterfall duster for £25 from Boohoo.

Image 1 of FAUX SUEDE OVERSHIRT from Zara

https://www.missguided.co.uk/dresses/suede-dresses/suede-t-shirt-mini-dress-green

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/_/N-cm2?No=0&Nrpp=120&Ntt=suede+skirt&filtered=1

http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/jackets/faux-suede-overshirt-c269184p2773874.html

http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/new-in/emma-suedette-belted-blazer/invt/dzz97396

Do you love a bit of suede? What are your newest Suede purchases? leave it in the comments below.

suede lap shot

Dress Down Khaki.

Yesterday I had the afternoon off work and my boyfriend’s family where down from Manchester. It was so nice to see them again, we met them for lunch in Kensington after some london site seeing we then got the river boat down the Thames to Cutty Sark for some delicious ice cream from Black Vanilla. It was such a lovely afternoon and the perfect start to the weekend.

I wanted something comfy and casual to wear so I paired a simple khaki cami from Newlook with Black rolled up Topshop Jeans, Asos leather sling back sandals, Newlook sunnies and my Pulsar watch.

dress down khaki

I really love these sunglasses. I picked them up yesterday after my old ones cracked. I never buy expensive sunglasses because I am forever loosing them, sitting on them or dropping and cracking them. These cost £3 in the Newlook sale. They are a simple black frame with black lenses, with a quilted texture on the arms and a grey inner frame. A steel for the price.

Check out the Newlook sale here: http://www.newlook.com/shop/sale/womens-sale_30082?intcam=INT-2015-16-WK16-HOME-ZBck-0027

A link to my post on Black Vanilla  https://katielouisaclarke.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/black-vanilla-2/

Men in Sandals.

Men’s summer footwear can be slightly limiting. Most guys stick to their trainers and I am defiantly not saying there is nothing wrong with a good pair of chino shorts, white T, sunnies and a crisp pair of white converse or relaxed boat shoes. But when you are away on holiday and the weather is just too hot for shoes you have to turn to something lighter. So what are your options?

Fip flops- the classic beach shoe, really comfy and relaxed perfect for a warm day of doing nothing.

But what if you need something a little more sturdy but still light and airy. My solution; Birkenstocks. They are such a classic summer essential and round any outfit off. No blisters between your toes from flip flops, and a more supported sole an they are so durable being leather and cork. I know they ain’t every guys cup of tea but I think they’re great. You should defiantly give them a chance especially if flip flops are sore on your toes.

birks

The Big Black Bag.

The black bag is every girls staple. Its more wearable than the little black dress- the black bag can accompany anything from jeans and a T shirt on weekends to work to a night out. I just wanted to talk you through my favorites right now. With the black bag you need to consider what makes it different from other bags- think different textures something that breaks up the shape.

For everyday- Go Big. Think Tote, Shoppers, Box bags. Keep it black but consider contrasting leather with suede, gold or silver finishes and consider croc- a popular texture for the season.

best of big

From left to right. First we have River Island Suede and Leather Shopper bag £45. I love the croc suede, you don’t often see it, also the luggage tag adds a relaxed feel perfect for the weekend. Next along is Zip Top City Bag by ASOS £32- the all over crock makes it stylish and sophisticated, the gold finishes and boxy style make it perfect from the office. Next along is Pieces Tote bag in Contrast Black with Strap Detail £40, the perfect bag to wear on your shoulder suitable for any occasion and a good size for all your must haves. And finally Mango Hobo Bag £34.99- the most relaxed bag of them all but the slouchy nature is dressed up with the contrast black nylon with leather front pocket, perfect for Monday all the way through to Sunday.

black bags

For anyone living a busy life these bags are perfect. Keep everything you could ever need to get you through the day close at hand.

All these bags are available from ASOS.

http://www.asos.com/women/bags-purses/cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=8730&via=top