I often get asked to do various different interviews, whether it be for another blog, a website, a brand feature or a magazine and I always get asked what my style secret is. Truthfully, I don't have one. I know that's not at all thrilling to hear but if you want my style manta and the guidelines I live by, keep reading...
- Comfort. I have made many uncomfortable mistakes over the years from very bad footwear choices to really cheap fabrics and ill fitting jeans. Now I dress for comfort and when even when I'm out shopping I make sure I shop by this rule too. If it's uncomfortable, put it back and walk away. I've spent and lost far too much money on uncomfortable clothes and shoes just because they were 'in'. No more.
- Simplicity. Some may interpret this as 'boring' but for me simplicity is key in putting together my outfits. I'm a relatively lazy person by nature, and even more so when it comes to getting dressed. I like to throw on an outfit in a morning, run my fingers through my hair, spend no more than 5 minutes doing my make-up and then get out the door. If an outfit needs more than 4 separate items of clothing (not counting thermals for Winter) then for me it's too much faff.
- Jewellery. As you saw in Monday's post I'm a huge jewellery fan and I believe that the transformation of an outfit is down to jewellery. I love layering smaller pieces together and every day I switch it up by pairing different necklaces, earrings and bracelets. I stick to gold because I know that works for me and it's just, well...what I like.
- Quality over quantity. This does not rule out the high street. There are some items which over the last couple of years I've invested in and of course you all know that I do love my designer shoes and bags. BUT. The high street is more than capable of producing quality clothing, you just have to spend a little longer finding it. I read the labels and look to see what garments are made from, 100% polyester is something which I just have to walk away from. It won't wash well, it won't do the environment any favours (Yes, I know I'm not an angel on that front but baby steps) and it will not be comfortable (refer to #1). High Street brands like H&M, Zara, Mango, & Other Stories, Topshop, M&S are all capable of producing incredible clothing and using fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton and it might mean that you pay a few quid more but in some cases a 100% cotton t-shirt will only cost a fiver more than a viscose t-shirt, and I can tell you which one will last a heck of a lot longer. A few years ago my wardrobe was about 5 times the size it is now, door hinges strained trying to keep it all in. But as I became clearer on what exactly my personal style was I realised I didn't need all this 'stuff'. I began clearing out all the unnecessary Primark purchases, because y'know that shirt was £6 (it still has the label on) and I might have worn it to blah blah blah, but never did. I wrote a list of what items I wanted to invest in, ie. a leather jacket, black blazer, winter coat, jeans, ankle boots etc and as and when I could afford these things I would 'upgrade' them. Again, don't be thinking this means you have to spend a fortune on these things, just shop a little wiser.
And there you have it guys, my style rules xxx
