The dress and suit are from the same collection and whilst I've put both in the capsule wardrobe, I suggest that the either/or rule for the skirt and dress could be applied. Unless of course you just adore the colour and want to go for the full mix n match.
VERSATILE EVENING WEAR - how many times do you buy an evening dress only to wear it once? Not with this look, this delightful dress can be worn for a special evening out with patent courts and tights and then dressed down with navy leggings, ankle boots and a navy poncho to ward off the Autumn chill. BINGO! a dress earning it's place in our wardrobes.
LOOKS FOR THE AUTUMN - I know we're barely over the Summer but the shops are stocking their Autumn Winter collections so here's my first choices for the season. I love the Chocolate Caramel tones of this outfit. These Wallis handbags are just gorgeous - I'm having difficulty choosing.
COLOUR MIXING - choose unusual colour combinations over "safe" colours to give your outfit some Zing! (ensure the colours suit you tho!)
VINTAGE - a theme which can be applied for various occasions - here's one for business & another for a summer weekend away.
This versatile navy dress can be styled with so many other colours, I've chosen pink for a summery edge but the jewel colours coming in for the Autumn will work just as well.
A chic capsule wardrobe ideal for a weekend away on the French Riviera.
CHAMPAGNE n STRAWBERRIES - perfect for a Summer wedding or a special night out.
Gold metallic accessories provide an elegant alternative to black hence Champagne n Strawberries. Gold accessories will also go well with cream, mink and a variety of browns hence they'll get alot of wear. Use the red shoes and clutch if you want to vamp it up a little. Wow - lady in red!
SOME MORE SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS?
I've been busy sourcing and co-ordinating garments with some fabulous accessories for Summer outfit inspiration. All these items can be found on the high street or online but you'll have to be quick as some are in the sales and many a keen fashionista will be keen to get their hands on them. Here's a few suggestions for using these stylebooks;
-If there's an item you really love, just click on the stylebook and it'll take you to the retailers site for details and prices. At the time of styling all these pieces were in stock but if they're coming up as out of stock, don't despair you can try substituting with something similar.
My second tip and this is my favourite as it's re-using what you already have.
- Use the stylebook as a guide, print it off then look at your own wardrobe. Is there anything in there you could use? If there is, use the stylebook for ideas, what accessories could bring your own outfit up to date?
Use the stylebooks as concept boards i.e replace the skirt with one that suits your own body shape and colouring and then using the similar theme work back through the accessories.
However you decide to use these ideas, I believe it's important that you're wardrobe works hard for you - so whatever you buy ensure it goes with at least 2-3 other items in your wardrobe. I've styled many of my key pieces showing various looks for different occasions just simply by changing the accessories. Have fun and enjoy looking fab!!
A perfect way to update your favourite pair of jeans, these gorgeous orange brogues were my starting point for this look. As they're so striking I've kept the rest of the outfit simple so as not to distract. The retro print on the jacket and the owl pendant compliment and pull the look together. If orange is not one of your best colours, try substituting with another colour - just find an unusual pair of shoes and work back. This jacket also comes in a greeny turquoise colour which would look fabulous if you co-ordinate it with a pair of turquoise shoes!
I've used different textures to give this look a boho theme and kept the colours neutral. This beautiful snake-skin print silk skirt can be worn in the summer with a short sleeved t-shirt, crochet waistcoat and gladiator sandals. As the days start to cool and the nights draw in it can also be worn with a long sleeved t-shirt, a faux fur gilet, tights and a pair of shoe boots. With the maxi skirt/dress being one of the key trend pieces this summer, and they're here to stay, unless you're lucky enough to be taller than 5ft 8ins always ensure you wear heels.
Wimbledon's just around the corner and I've brought a touch of nautical to the centre court. The retractable roof means umbrellas and macs are not as essential as they once were, leaving the door open to fashionistas. I love this white broderie anglais dress from East as it's so versatile. A jacket or cardigan, in any colour, will keep off the chill. Great for Wimbledon but also useful for pic-nics, summer business dressing, barbeques, weddings infact there's not many occasions this wouldn't look good at - a real summer investment piece.
If you've enjoyed reading this, and there's plenty more ideas where these came from, then why not sign up for our Free Newsletter above. We'll notify you everytime we update the blog with new tips and ideas. For instant stylebook updates, then you can also follow me on twitter @josmallbones.
-If there's an item you really love, just click on the stylebook and it'll take you to the retailers site for details and prices. At the time of styling all these pieces were in stock but if they're coming up as out of stock, don't despair you can try substituting with something similar.
My second tip and this is my favourite as it's re-using what you already have.
- Use the stylebook as a guide, print it off then look at your own wardrobe. Is there anything in there you could use? If there is, use the stylebook for ideas, what accessories could bring your own outfit up to date?
Use the stylebooks as concept boards i.e replace the skirt with one that suits your own body shape and colouring and then using the similar theme work back through the accessories.
However you decide to use these ideas, I believe it's important that you're wardrobe works hard for you - so whatever you buy ensure it goes with at least 2-3 other items in your wardrobe. I've styled many of my key pieces showing various looks for different occasions just simply by changing the accessories. Have fun and enjoy looking fab!!
A perfect way to update your favourite pair of jeans, these gorgeous orange brogues were my starting point for this look. As they're so striking I've kept the rest of the outfit simple so as not to distract. The retro print on the jacket and the owl pendant compliment and pull the look together. If orange is not one of your best colours, try substituting with another colour - just find an unusual pair of shoes and work back. This jacket also comes in a greeny turquoise colour which would look fabulous if you co-ordinate it with a pair of turquoise shoes!
I've used different textures to give this look a boho theme and kept the colours neutral. This beautiful snake-skin print silk skirt can be worn in the summer with a short sleeved t-shirt, crochet waistcoat and gladiator sandals. As the days start to cool and the nights draw in it can also be worn with a long sleeved t-shirt, a faux fur gilet, tights and a pair of shoe boots. With the maxi skirt/dress being one of the key trend pieces this summer, and they're here to stay, unless you're lucky enough to be taller than 5ft 8ins always ensure you wear heels.
Wimbledon's just around the corner and I've brought a touch of nautical to the centre court. The retractable roof means umbrellas and macs are not as essential as they once were, leaving the door open to fashionistas. I love this white broderie anglais dress from East as it's so versatile. A jacket or cardigan, in any colour, will keep off the chill. Great for Wimbledon but also useful for pic-nics, summer business dressing, barbeques, weddings infact there's not many occasions this wouldn't look good at - a real summer investment piece.
If you've enjoyed reading this, and there's plenty more ideas where these came from, then why not sign up for our Free Newsletter above. We'll notify you everytime we update the blog with new tips and ideas. For instant stylebook updates, then you can also follow me on twitter @josmallbones.