Seconds of Style #13 : Style Inspire 2

A little late but here it is, Fridays Style Inspire.

Today's Style

I guess there is a theme in my styling and I would have to call it Romance.

I am a life long devotee to floral prints and the beige/purple print on my Ingrid Starnes Bustier is one of my all time favorites. Florals are gorgeous for any season - in winter they can be dark and romantic, in summer - fresh and breezy. Pair bold floral prints with block basics.

Secondly, high waists are effortlessly stylish. They hide all the stuff round the middle, elongate your bottom half and give off a vibe of seasoned sophistication. I wear this vintage black silk pleated skirt with a white tee and nude ballet flats for day and bright, hot florals for the evening.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with your footwear. A unique and interesting pair of heels can carry an outfit, allowing you to wear simple pieces and still look directional.

Bustier: Ingrid Starnes

Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Vintage

Seconds of Style #12: Clay Pallet

 

I had a lovely chat with Julie from Apparel HR the other day and got all excited about summer fashion. We were talking about what had just been happening in the UK, as it has been my home for the last 18 months. Clay tones and neutrals were a huge focus for Winter 2010 in the UK, both on the high street and catwalks, which I was thrilled about - being a neutrals girl myself. I really loved the warm rust tones and rich caramels which I feel give an air of easy sophistication. Now we all know how quickly colour trends change so I was a bit nervous the industry would move away from these dreamy clay tones as quickly as they found them, but I am delighted to say they have been carried over for summer. I've pulled together a little sample of the clay pallet from SS11 ready to wear. My absolute favourite is Chloé creamy turtle-neck and wispy silk pleated cappuccino skirt. The pairing of the ruby red shoes and bag put this look at the top of my list.

Shop Chloe

Shop DVF

Shop Rebecca Taylor

Shop Topshop Unique

Shop Lanvin

Seconds of Style #11: Whiteout

As expected, my recent travels involved a lot of flea market trawling. In order to do this we would often wander around the back streets of small Italian towns searching for little alleys full of hidden treasures. I really think the bits and pieces I collected over the last few months are true treasures - meaning I had to hunt for them and the end result was richly rewarding. I've been really drawn to glamorous pieces lately and love anything with an old Hollywood feel. Here's a little sample from my treasure chest with the theme of white in mind.

Fur Stole: Porta Portese Market, Rome, Italy

Silver Necklace with Cat Cameo: Melrose Trading Post, LA, California, USA

White Beaded Bag: Melrose Trading Post, LA, California, USA

White Floral Bakelite Bracelet: Piazza dei Ciompi Flea Market, Florence, Italy

Seconds of Style #9: Style Inspire

Welcome to the very first 'Style Inspire'. Every Friday I will slap up a post that focuses on either my own or other inspiring individuals personal style.

For me, Friday is always an exciting day and inspiration for some weekend gorgeousness is always welcome. Even if these posts only inspire you to put something in your wardrobe together in a new and fresh way, I will feel I have done my job. I will add lots of little stylists tips and tricks to help you look polished without blowing your weeks pay. If you have an inspiring look you want to share, send low-res jpegs to secondsofstyle@gmail.com and you might get featured.

Today's Style

Pins and broaches are making a serious come back. They are a clever way to add some glamor and style to simple outfits - think a large diamante broach used to rouche the strap of a white tank. I have used a little snake pin I got at a market in London to fasten my oversized, draping silk jacket. Pins are also a great way to make something fit you better. Bunch an oversized shirt together at the waist and use a sparkly broach to fasten it.

Another way to add punch to any outfit is to layer up chains. They don't all need to match and they certainly don't need to be real precious metal. The more the better. The texture and shine add that extra something. Layer up chains and wear with a black tank, dark skinny jeans and stilettos. Simply perfect.

Lastly, RED lipstick. The number one way to glam up and also make yourself feel sexy. You will immediately feel yourself pull your shoulders back and hold your head high. Mac Ladybug is my favorite.

Sheer Jacket, Vintage from Melrose Trading Post

Shoes, Aldo

Chains, Collected from second hand stores

Lace Cami (worn underneath jacket), Second Hand Store

Jeans, Topshop Over Dyed Indigo Jamie Jeans