The look for me

I’ve been looking for ages to fix the right skinny trouser/ layered top look for me. ( Nearly 60, fuller figure and short). In this Jigsaw and Noa Noa combo I feel I’ve got it right at last.

The trousers, in a thick jersey with zip at back are VERY tight on the leg ( and everywhere else) but have the effect of making my legs look longer. The floaty underdress is just the right length and has pretty detailing. The black cardigan is good quality and short and tight so the entire silhouette is flattering even after all the mince pies.

As Josie so often tells me tighter clothes are often more flattering – I’ve listened. All this goes with ankle boots and hopefully in the better weather black flats.

Thank you Jigsaw and Noa Noa

We’re Back and we’re talking LEATHER JACKETS

Bonk

Now that we’ve absolutely cracked our summer travel wardrobes (India- and Bonk mastered the Lumley Linen Look to perfection ** sponsored by www.saharalondon.com*** 

Been thinking recently… and I believe your wardrobe would benefit from a leather jacket. 

Think how great the denim one has been for making outfits more casual/weekend-y – the leather jacket does the same, but keeps you warm in Autumn and Winter.

A few things to remember… 

1.) As  a Polyvore reader explained…. “Brown leather jackets are more of a fad than an investment. You can’t mix brown and black. Ever. A brown leather jacket does not mix with a black belt, or black boots. Ever. So practically, you would get a lot more use out of a black leather jacket than a brown leather jacket. If you are going to invest in a real leather jacket, go for a black one which will be in style forever”. 

 

** Someone had mistakenly told granny that brown was the new black…** 

2.) Go for a FITTED style. Biker jackets are timeless, but the oversized look is best left the the young and waifish… remember a short jacket can go over thin, loose longer layers if you are scared of your bum being on display! I always by my jackets snug as they define your silhouette.

This one, £199 from Autograph (M andS) is a good starting point…

3.) A leather jacket is MEANT to be edgy. Zips, stud poppers etc are par for the course. Don;t shy away from them, as it is these details which will dress down your blouse/dress/cardigan and make you feel instantly stylish. See MP’s use of leather to transform an otherwise middle-aged ensemble….

There are some lovely unlined waterfall leather jackets around, so if this is a style you know suits you, it could be a good move-on. Be warned however, I wouldn’t recommend double-waterfalling! Better to wear with a simple T-shirt or round neck sweater and jewellery for an unfussy look. 

This one is by Oasis and at £140, it won’t have to be a second-mortage decision. 

 

If leather really isn’t your thing, there are a lot of mixed fabrication jackets around at the moment.

Take this Ponte and Lether Number by Mary Portas for House of Fraser:O

Or, this leather armed safari jacket is from Zara (£80) 

 

Never underestimate the effect a touch of leather has on bringing your look up to date. (Denim has the same effect). Even the most classic of items can take on new life (and make a serious style statement) if paired with a touch of leather. Take this overcoat … £125 Topshop – it’s totally ageless.  

Or.. if you have a bit more cash to spare, this Helmut Lang number is now half-price at Flannels (£320)

 

Anyway, hope I’ve inspired you… It’s hard to adapt to the cold post-India, but I think these options make it a bit easier to skin and bear it… (sorry). 

 

MINT VELVET – YOU WERE RIGHT

Dear Josie

I’ve just been looking to update my autumn wardrobe and tried on several items from the company, “Mint Velvet”- you were right – this is a fashion label that’s making very stylish and wearable clothes for me.

After my hols I shall go back and buy the long v neck olive green sweater with shoulder detail and try some tight fit trousers from them. They also stock are rather pricey black textured cardigan with great button detail which is tempting.

I haven’t mentioned my black brocade trousers from M & S……………Next time!

love

Bonk

4 Easy Dress Styles

So here they are… Bonk’s 4 new dress purchases!

3 are from Sahara – new fave shop and the tie-front is from East.

So there you have it… India, here she comes!

Buy of the Day?

Just quickly checked Mint Velvet for their new arrivals…

www.mintvelvet.co.uk

and spotted this cool number… Caramel Lace Detail Tee £49.

Flattering Cowl neck

Cool new Biscuit colour

Added faux under-panel to help that gap between top and trouser!

Worth a go?

 

 

White Linen Trousers, good or bad?!

Every summer, women drag their perennial wide leg white linen trousers (WLTs) out of the back of the wardrobe, dust them off, and wear them in the same way that they have done for the past 3,4,5, or even 6 summers…

I agree that they can look splendid, but here are a few tips to pulling them off 2012 style!

This video gives a good round up of WLT for different body shapes:

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-wear-linen-trousers-for-women

Key things to remember:

1.) Are they REALLY white?

There’s nothing worse than a yellowing, or greying pair of age-old WLTs, so make sure you properly launder them before you wear them again.

2.) Is the shape still flattering?

We all change year to year, as do fashions. If the trousers are meant to be wide leg, they should be loose all-over. I often see women with loose leg trousers, which are tight across the bum… this is not a good look!

3.) Do Wide Legged, White Linen Trousers suit you?!

Most women crave the Joanna Lumley, long-legged, loose limbed look on holiday, but a sad fact is that Wide Legged trousers suit some people more than others..

• Generally, (and sadly), the longer your legs, the better you will look in WLT.
• If you have a big bum, choose WLts without bulky pocket details.
• If you are slightly shorter-legged than Ms Lumley, just try and get a slightly narrower pair- it will make a huge difference. These are cleverly almost bootcut, which is much more flattering… 
• White is less flattering than Black, so the usual tricks apply: a slight wedge/heel will help elongate short legs, wear a top that stops on the hip (halfway down your bum) to make it appear smaller, pair with a fitted top to balance the loose bottom. Or, buy Black, Red, Cornflower Blue or Navy Linen! (Next have them for £20)
• To make your WLTs more 2012, pair with grey/marl top and cool necklace to lessen the ‘white and a bright’ sunburn look. 
• Go for a roll-up/more relaxed feature, like these BHS ones (£13!)
• 

The reason people reach so easily for their WLT seem to me to be the following:

•  They are cool
•  They are light in colour and therefore ‘summery’
•  They cover sun-shy legs

The Alternatives:

There are many alternatives to the WLTs these days…

Maxi Skirts, capri pants, pyjama trousers and coloured jeans are now are everywhere this summer. Why? Because they are a modern, easy update to the loose, linen look.

1.) Maxi Skirts

• Fantastic for all figures
• Can be worn with comfy flats
• Can give a much needed hint of colour/print to a bland wardrobe
• Gives full coverage

• Banana Republic Silk Skirt (Now £39.99)

2.) Capri Pants

• Flattering! (Go for a small elastane content for a great silhouette)
• Lots of bright colours around at the mo
• Always casual and effortless looking
• Very versatile
• M and S side-zip, roll up cotton pant £19.50

Pyjama Pants

• Pull-on/Drawstring so very comfy
• Lovely Patterns to add interest to plain wardrobe
• Can be worn in the evening as a sophisticated alternative to a dress
• These are £38 from Next

Coloured Jeans

• Go for a 100% cotton content.
• Buy a size too big! This way, you’ll achieve that lovely preppy look (surprisingly flattering)
• Roll up the hems twice and wear with flats for a relaxed appearance
• Boden’s Shrimp Washed Chinos £45 

If I still haven’t convinced you… here are some amazing bargains available now:

Wallis have reduced there’s to £14

Marks & Spencer have a wide-selection of colours at £19.50 (but PLEASE do not attempt Twiggy’s look here)

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Pure-Linen-Drawstring-Beach-Trousers/dp/B001W3FWL6?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_2&nodeId=43097030&sr=1-2&qid=1341344073&pf_rd_r=198XEW6M0NGCSQX2B4AJ&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=43097030&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3

… and if you ARE tall, slim and Lumley-esque… this looks like an interesting company:

http://www.vivi-direct.com/