Eight Current Faves in Mint Velvet

Being a personal shopper means I’m always in the shops.  This is great for clients as I’m on the ball when it comes to knowing what’s available, the latest trends, etc., but it can be bad for me as I often don’t have time to shop for myself and miss out on good finds.

Recently, however, there are pieces that I’ve seen and have introduced to my clients (which they’ve bought) that have really stuck in my mind.  For starters, Mint Velvet is having a really good season. Known for its ‘relaxed glamour’ design, it has some pieces that I think are pretty cool and timeless.  So I thought I’d share.

Below are eight key pieces that my clients and I are loving right now.  Click on the captions to read why.

The skirt I mention to wear with the neon sweatshirt above.

River Animal Ruffle Midi Skirt

Have a great Sunday and if you would like to learn how I can tailor a shop to suit your needs, read about it here.

 

Gail x

 

24 Stylish Shirts and Blouses For Spring

It’s the wardrobe go-to; a nice top and pair of jeans.  But what if your wardrobe is lacking in top half options.  Here’s a bunch of stylish shirts and blouses for spring offering a solution.  Some add a bolt of colour to liven your outfit (and mood), others offer a touch of femininity with softer lines.  Sometimes only an oversized boyfriend shirt will do, so there are a couple of options here too.

 

If you want to choose styles and cuts that can flatter your figure here are my top tips.  Pear-shaped ladies can go bold up top with colour and frills, while strawberry shaped aren’t looking for anything as dramatic, for these ladies the attention is better drawn to the bottom half.  If you’re hourglass don’t forget to tuck in  or use a belt to define your waist and apple shapes will look good is figure skimming and longer length options.  When it comes to rectangles, you’re looking to add shape and texture, so interesting designs and patterns are a great choice.

 

Hope you like the ideas.

 

Gail x

 

 

Silk Shirt, £130, Boden

 

 

Relaxed Cotton Shirt, £85, Boden

 

Satin Print Blouse, £35.99, Mango

 

 

Basic Fitted Shirt, £29.99, Mango

 

 

Buttoned Flowy Shirt, £35.99, Mango

Mango Bea Floral Cropped Blouse, £35.99, John Lewis

Per Una Floral Tie Neck Blouson Sleeve Blouse, £35.00, Mark & Spencer

 

 

Geometric Print Shirt, £28.99, Zara

Floral Print Shirt, £28.99, Zara

 

Bow Shirt, £27.99, Zara

 

Flowing Shirt with Rhinestones, £28.99, Zara

 

 

Florence Seersucker Shirt, £65, Hush

Violette Printed Spring Blouse, £69,99, Hush

 

AND/OR Cindy Gingham Ruffle Top, £49.99, John Lewis

Mango Ford Relaxed Shirt, £35.99, John Lewis

 

Kalisa Embroidery Blouse, £138.00 Reiss at John Lewis

 

Jigsaw Ruffle Trim Denim Shirt, £95.00, Jigsaw at John Lewis

 

Noa Ruffle Collar Cotton, £69.99, John Lewis

 

AND/OR Darwin Animal Print Blouse, £49.00, John Lewis

 

Boat Necked Satin Blouse, £17.99, HM

 

Pleated Blouse, £24.99, HM

 

V-Neck Blouse, £12.99, HM

 

Oversized Cotton Shirt, £17.99, HM

 

 

Oversized Poplin Shirt, £29.99, HM

 

Need help finding clothes and accessories to suit you and your lifestyle?  Check out my Wardrobe Reboot, Personal Style Development and Colour Consultation, and 1-2-1 Personal Shopping services.

Nine Things on my Wish List

 

In need of some inspiration as we get through these winter weeks?  Here are nine things on my wish list.  These are pieces I’d love to add to my wardrobe as I plan for spring work and social get-togethers.

 

Let me kick off with a dream purchase and by that I mean it won’t happen any time soon.  A designer bag.  Visiting the Inside Bags exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum recently has  made me love handbags all the more. I saw some beauties there.  I have a few Mulberry bags that I adore and use daily, but now I’ve set up sights on adding a Louis Vuitton or Dior bag to my collection. Anyone fancy buying me one?

 

I have been booked for a few style talks this spring and want to add a few statement pieces to my wardrobe to make me feel confident at the podium.  I’m thinking of adding a colourful dress that will be easy to wear and simple to style.  A blouse that will brighten a black trouser ensemble (and jeans when I’m off duty) and a glamourous pair of heels.  I blame And Just Like That  and the return of Carrie Bradshaw for the last piece.

 

Meanwhile, I’m feeling chilly as I’ve got rid of a cardigan that has seen better days.  It was making me feel dowdy when I wore it and that won’t do!  I need a new backpack, as my last one, which I used constantly during lockdown walks, has finally given up the ghost.  I’d like some new floor-length straight or wide leg jeans as mine are all cropped and I’d like a new pair black rimmed glasses. Again, I’ve been influenced by AJLT.  Lastly, I fancy a beret.  Too much TV you think?

 

So, here we go.  Here are nine things on my wish list.

 

Gail xx

 

Louis Vuitton, second-hand so prices vary, circa. £600 – £800, Vestiaire Collective

Dior, Medium Bobby Bag, £2,800, Dior

Packable 2-Way Backpack (can be carried as a tote), £39, Arket

Floral Swedish Clash Dress, £89, Never Fully Dressed

Leather Slingback Court Shoes, £90, Dune

Satin Shirt, £29.99, Zara

Pure Cashmere V-Neck Button Cardigan, £119, Marks & Spencer Autograph

Blue High Waisted Straight Jeans, £42.00, River Island

Judd Large Acetate Glasses in Black, £125.00, Cubitts

Black Wool Beret, £23.00, Other Stories

 

Dressing up this Christmas

 

Let the fun time begin!  The build up to this year’s yuletide festivities is apace and as a ‘professional shopper’ I’m seeing pieces come in quickly and go out just as fast.  So, if you’re planning to party this Christmas don’t dilly dally on planning, finding and pocketing your outfit as quickly as you can.

I’ve been looking at classic pieces for Christmas parties and get-togethers.  I’ve focused on velvet, sequin and satin pieces which will not only work for this year, but for years to come.  And, of course, these pieces can work for parties and weddings too.  You break them down and mix and match with other items in your wardrobe all year for a high/low look. Think sequin top, jeans and heels for an evening with girlfriends, and sequin leggings with a chunky jumper for a concert or date night.

You’ll find a few short dresses in the selection below.  If you want to cover up legs with something other than fake tan, go for 20 denier tights and wear them with ankle boots for the edgier party look.

Velvet pieces feel cosy and look elegant, while satin has a lustre look that party girls can have fun in.

I’ve chosen mostly black pieces as it’s a classic choice, but there’s some colour in here too.

Choose jewellery to suit your skin tone and add a pop colour with the addition of a clutch or small shoulder bag.

And most importantly, have fun!

Satin

Velvet

 

Sequin

Three Stylish Outfits In H&M

It’s been a love fest for me and H&M this year.  The offer of understated, staple pieces, interwoven with trendier styles has had me hooked throughout 2021.

Living through the lockdowns made me realise that some versatile staples were missing from my wardrobe.  The basics that could enable me to get dressed efficiently yet stylishly were notably absent.  My list included a fitted white shirt, black tee and sand-coloured linen trousers.

It appeared that the brand’s designers had read my mind as H&M quickly became the destination for really great basics.  This month, whether it’s a ‘big coat’ you need, a pair of boots to get you through the colder days, accessories to elevate your look, or replenishing your woolly jumper drawer, H&M has a good choice.

You will still find lots of trend-led pieces in store and online so it’s easy to find blouses with peter pan collars and quilted jackets and longer coats have carried over from previous years.  However, more classic and basic pieces are dominating the shop floor and that’s great, if like me, you need to stock up.

I’ve taken a deep dive and created three stylish outfits from the latest clothing in store.

Click on the images below, or use the links if images not available.

 

A little Inspiration

Look 1

Bouclé dress https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1022881001.html

Pointed boot https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0949215001.html

Quilted shoulder bag https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0938916005.html

Black straight style coat  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0972352002.html

Alice band https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1021502001.html

Bracelet and rings    https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1020167001.html

 

Look 2

 

Knitted dress  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0939544006.html

Knot detail waisted belt  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0907415002.html

Chelsea platform shoe  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0996544001.html

Relaxed-fit jacket  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0916274001.html

Fringed scarf  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0984718007.html

 

Look 3

 

Knitted jumper  Knitted jumper – Greige – Ladies | H&M GB (hm.com)

Imitation leather trousers  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0953710002.html

Chunky loafers  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0993162001.html

Quilted shopper  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0994480001.html

Earrings and bracelet – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1016498002.html

 

I hope you like these three stylish outfits.  Need more help in developing your style and creating outfits for every occasion?  Then take a look at my personal services here that will help you.

 

Gail x