Inspire Me: The Asymmetrical Skirt

I've always been one for the classics - the essential items that we own that neither we nor our wardrobe could live without; that LBD, the crisp white shirt, that pair of faithful black trousers or the Parker jacket. You all know what I mean.

But as ever in the world of fashion, even our dear beloved essentials every now and again have to take a back seat, while their reworked eccentric counterparts find themselves the new darlings of the glossies. While fashionistas get snapped, posing in and adoring the latest craze, I usually find it difficult to show any affinity for these trends so openly, still unable to detach myself from the classic staples that haunt my wardrobe, the same "staples" that everyone else seems to have forgotten and discarded in the corner.

This all changed however when the asymmetrical (or hi/lo, as it is known) skirt hit the runway this spring and since then has become one of this year's hottest trends. Maxi or mini, multicolour or monochrome, the asymmetrical skirt is this season's creation where anything really does go. There's something refreshing in it's flamboyance and the way it throws convention and uniformity to the wind. And most importantly, it's fun!!...And isn't that what fashion is all about!?

Don't get me wrong. I haven't forgotten the classic pencil skirt - far from it. I just think it's time to give it a well-deserved break...at least for the summer!

 

Hot New Trend: Dungarees

Dungarees. They have got to be the most controversial item of clothing ever invented. Like Marmite, you either loved them or hated them forty odd years ago and not much seems to have changed since. Funny, really, since they were first invented in the 1800s as labourer's overalls. But as ever with fashion, the banal becomes beautiful and the monstrous, magnificent once the fashion houses of Paris and Milan are finished with them.

Thanks to the creative brainchild of Margaret Howell and Kinder Aggugini, dungarees are back in the limelight for 2013, yet still haven't stopped dividing opinion on whether they should or should not be worn.

Margaret Howell RTW 2013

Kinder Aggugini RTW 2013

Admittedly, I am quite a fan of them myself. I find something attractive in their course, denim masculinity which, ironically, gives them an even more feminine quality. I especially like their 'slouchiness' (whoever said only diamonds and pearls can define beauty?). Alexa Chung and Pixie Lott seem to think so too, who have been recently papped sporting a pair.

Pixie Lott

Alexa Chung

I fell in love with them ten years ago, and desperately wanted a pair after watching an episode of Friends where Rachel looks indescribably adorable in them. Paired with a simple tee and sneakers, she creates the ultimate girl-next-door look. Don't you agree? Take a look at some street style below if you're in need of a little more inspiration...

What's so great about the Blazer?

Spring time. It has always been my favourite season. It's the time of year we witness the first bursts of colour within the boughs of trees and the buds of plants and everything seems to be reborn and rejuvenated after months of hapless hibernation.

It is also the time of year we begin to realise that we have nothing in our wardrobe except woolly jumpers and cardigans. With that all-too-familiar feeling we find ourselves suppressing the desire to raid Primark and Zara, grappling for the nearest T-shirt within our reach because we just have to have it, even though, if truth be told, we don't really need anything at all. It's just that nothing we own seems to look any good twelve months later.

But if there's one item of clothing that I'm always glad to dust off come the spring, it has got to be my over-sized blue blazer that I bought from Primark already three years ago. Comfortable and versatile, it can be worn with anything. For an every day look, pair it with jeans. For a bit more glam, roll up the sleeves and wear it over a dress for the evening. Can be worn to work and on interviews as well.

I honestly never thought the blazer of all items of clothing would be one of my wardrobe's most prized possessions. It revives awful memories of a dreary school uniform that I, along with some fifteen hundred others were unhappily compelled to wear for seven years full of lessons, recs and detentions. Back then I abhorred the very sight of it yet now the same garment (albeit with a few nips and tucks, I admit!) has risen to something of a warbrobe classic, a staple that no female should ever find herself without.

And to that I have to agree. It is one of the few items of clothing that has the power to render sublime even the dullest of outfits. There is no limit to the clothes you can match it with and with the medley of colours, deigns and cuts available, this should never be a problem anyway. Buy one and you will be making an investment...not bundling it off to the charity shop the following spring.

Hot New Trend: The Ankle Boot

For me shoes fall into two categories. There are shoes which you know you will be able to wear with more or less anything, and afterwards wear for months at a time. Then there are shoes which are so "unique" in their colour or shape that you can only limit them to specific outfits.

The ankle boot falls into the former category, I have happily observed, myself being prone to buying a good wearable pair of shoes than to sport a different pair every day. If you are too then the ankle boot is a must-have for your wardrobe this season. They can be worn with jeans, tights or bare legs, during the day or night, and have the ability to look casual or smart, depending on the occasion. The possibilities are infinite!

If you're lacking in inspiration find some below. What do you think?

Inspire me: The Cardigan

I know you must have felt it by now. After one and a half months of ostensible "spring" it has finally arrived! Admitted, we're not quite at the shorts-and-flipflops stage yet but nevertheless the light rays of sunshine and slight increases in temperature tell us it's definitely time to leave our gloves and woolly hats in the cupboard to gather dust for another year. 

Right. So no flip flops, no gloves. Then what? To this problem I have found the perfect solution for the springtime: it's the cardigan. Flexible and practical, with jeans or dresses, maxi or mini, it is an essential item for your closet this season. Add to it for a layered look on a cold day or you can wear it with a light top underneath if it's more humid. Make sure you buy at least one size larger than your actual size if you intend to layer. Otherwise it will look like you've borrowed from your nine year old sister.

But enough with me, do you like it? Find the best of our street style below. Any favourites? 

Inspire me: Patterned Leggings

I laughed when I heard that leggings (patterned ones, at that!) were making a comeback. 'Surely you must be joking!' I thought, the visual in my mind immediately reverting to cheesy fitness videos of the eighties. 'How could anybody possibly be willing to look like such an idiot?!' This opinion I maintained for long afterwards and despite the growing fan base numbers for this unlikely fashion trend, I still remained ever-cynical. Now however, as much as I hate to admit it, they're beginning to grow on me. If you are still skeptical, take a look at the images below and tell me that you still hold leggings in high contempt. Or have you already got your eye on a pair?

Inspire me: The Trench Coat

It's definitely all about big is beautiful and this season the new must-have for your wardrobe is, yep, you've guessed it - the Trench! If you're in need of a little inspiration, look no further! Hope you have had a good weekend and let me what you think. Any favourites?

Milano Mode: This is my personal favourite. It's understated and elegant and I love the way her brown suede boots match the colour of her scarf. The trench coat and the maxi bag balance out the skinny jeans, creating a top-heavy look but it completely works! Gorgeous!

Quirky glam: It takes a certain personality to be able to pull off this look and honestly, she's got it! For those who like to stand out (in a good way!), this is the outfit for you. The pairing of deep navy and white against shocking pink is something truly beautiful. This is no ten-minutes-before-the-shops-shut number!

Style in layers: This outfit is another one I love. The layers of a shirt, knitted cardigan, boyfriend hoodie, complete with the trench on top to create a casual but stylish outfit perfect for the day.

Vintage beauty: Vintage is totally back and no harm can be done through raiding your mother's or grandmother's wardrobe looking for gems of garments which radiate that old-world charm. This look has just that. I love how the all-black ensemble underneath creates a more striking visual of the embroidered detailing and bright colours of the trench.

Back to black: I'm a big fan of black - it's classic and timeless. This outfit has been put together with selected matching accessories for a very striking look. In this case - the booties, the satchel and her beautiful hair...who now wants red hair?

Retro classic: I'm gonna be honest - I'm not all that keen on the colour mustard...now I'm not so sure. Who ever thought mustard, burgundy red and green could look so beautiful? This look is very simple and easy to achieve with staple items of clothing.

Big is beautiful: Keep it simple with a giant trench! Not only must it be nice and warm inside but it looks great!