3-Ways Satin Jumpsuit

It's always handy to have several staple items in your wardrobe, especially when you're in a rush and need a gorgeous outfit, pronto. This navy satin jumpsuit from New Look £24.99 is wonderfully versatile and each outfit is chic yet affordable.

Lunch date

This sophisticated look is maximised by the skyscraper heels, although they are sensationally comfortable because of the wooden platform. A sleek outfit perfected with a slick of blood-red lippy.

Wool high neck jumper - H&M £9.99, Shoes - Steve Madden £40 (sale), Necklace & elasticated gold belt - Free (gift from fashion internship)

Work

I like the androgyny of this look, and the slight reminiscence of a school uniform - it makes it feel a bit cheeky. It has a playful edge yet is practical for the office, plus looks super cute with Kim Kardashian style French plaits.  

Chiffon/Lace blouse - Primark £8, Tassel belt - Primark £4, Patent rudeboy tassel loafers - eBay £12.99, Necklace - Free (gift from fashion internship)

Evening

My favourite part of this outfit has to be the Tom Ford-esque silver sandals. I died when I saw them and simply HAD to have them, and at £15 they were an absolute steal.

Shoes - Primark £15, Necklace - TU at Sainsburys £14, Pearl and chain circular earrings - Aldo £8, Clutch bag - Free (gift from fashion internship)

Maurice's Mantra

Voted 9th in Vogue.com's Most Stylish Men in Fashion, Maurice Mullen (Head of Fashion and Luxury Goods at the London Evening Standard) has been at the forefront of fashion publishing for almost thirty years.

Marking the beginning of Fall 2016 men's season, the Vogue.com editors weighed in on the well-dressed men they are eager to see, with Sarah Mower, Vogue.com Chief Critic, stating:

“To me, it’s Maurice Mullen of the London Evening Standard, who I always look forward to seeing at the London shows. I have never been able to comprehend the number of immaculate Savile Row suits he must have, nor his ability to deploy the loudest patterns and colors and the killer clashing pocket handkerchief—and plaid trousers on occasion!—while being the most gentlemanly and wickedly insightful neighbor to sit next to at a show.” 

I recently attended a lunch with him, where we were discussing the future and how we see ourselves making an impact within the media industry, specifically within the fashion and luxury goods sector. He shared with me a mantra that he often used to emanate ambitions and succeed when communicating that really boosted my confidence:

“In life, people can be radiators or drains”

He concluded that radiators give warmth and naturally draw people to them, contributing optimistically to others and enhancing their life in some way; they provide happiness and share joy with others whilst radiating positivity.

Drains are the opposite; they withdraw energy from those around them, emotionally exhausting them and only focus on their own issues. This is dispiriting to others, and means that they often take more from the relationship than they give.

Whilst I think this gives an extreme view of the world, it is definitely something to contemplate, both in a personal and professional capacity. It made me wonder if in life, I was being a resilient radiator, or a drag-you-down drain.

Thankfully, Maurice said he thought I was a radiator, with an outgoing personality and ambition to drive forwards but this isn’t necessarily true all the time. Everyone gets down days and it is okay to have them, and to seek advice or the support of others. Only when you start valuing your problems above everyone else’s can this lead down a slippery slope… or into a drain as it were!

Next week, Maurice is off to Paris Fashion Week to teach a class of 22 American students from Washington DC visiting PFW with their tutor for the first time - wish him luck/congratulate him using the below Twitter links!

Inspired by: Maurice Mullen and Vogue.com
@standardfashion  @ESMagOfficial #eveningstandardfashion

Have A Monochrome Moment

With the blossom buds just beginning to bloom, it is time to reap the last of the AW15/16 monochrome trend before SS16 comes in with all its nets, mesh, lightweight denim and lingerie in tow.

I love this combination, as it is simple yet sophisticated, and can easily be transformed from office to evening – just add some winged eyeliner, lashings of mascara and a rich lippy (I advise going for one from this list). Don't forget to dry shampoo your hair for extra volume and to deal with any residual grease (hey, we know you were too busy watching Netflix to wash your hair last night) and voila!

The best thing about this outfit is the price (it totals under £50!) so not only is it sassy and curve-hugging, but it is also affordable for anyone who doesn't have the cash to splash on designers.

Skirt - Primark £6
Turtle-neck top - H&M £5.99
Patent leather boots - H&M £23.99
Layered necklace - Forever 21 £6
Ear cuffs (1 x pearl, 1 x diamante) - New Look £1.99 
Earrings - Aldo £4.99 (Sale)

Tell me what you think of this outfit and don't forget to Tweet/Instagram/FB your monochrome outfit creations - make sure to tag me!

 

Assorted studs - wishbone/cubes/asymmetrical karma set

Primark - £0.50 (Sale)

Penny Pinching Fashion

It’s the end of January and many of us are clawing on to our last pennies until payday (everyone hates the six week pay gap between Christmas and end of January!)

With all the sales on, it is difficult not to get drawn in (for example, Zara has a cracking sale on at the moment with their trousers/skirts selling for £9, and their blouses/shirt dresses going for just a fiver).

So instead of buying more clothes, as there is physically no room left anywhere in my flat for them, I decided to root through my drawers and see what I could find. I’m talking right to the bottom, where the bandage skirts and peplum tops are!

What I came up with had a geek chic inspiration, as it was an outfit for work but I wanted it to have a cheeky edge and be a bit playful.

I used a bit of layering with the kitted statement jumper (Next) and chiffon blouse (Primark) underneath – although it is winter, it has been particularly mild this year so too many layers would have been sweltering, especially on my power-walk into work. No, I am not a morning exerciser, I have severe issues with timekeeping… 
The skater skirt (about £6, Amazon) was a firm favourite from when I was about 18; I love the burgundy wine colour plus it is RATHER short, so being A-line skater style makes it appear more acceptable for the office.

The accessories are an accumulation of fashion internships and sales over the years. The bangles were from Fabulous magazine's fashion cupboard, as were the oversized geek glasses (which look so adorable but as I have never worn glasses they give me chronic headaches but totally worth it!) The brown leather watch with oversized gold face and Roman numerals was from Red Herring from a Debenhams Blue X Sale about 4 years ago. The bone-style Aztec necklace was from Dorothy Perkins from 2012/13 when the whole Aztec print and statement jewellery started doing the rounds – still a gorgeous piece and always gets compliments for its versatility and intricate design.

The black boots were an eBay purchase, drawn to my attention by Daisy Street. I love the panelling on them and the chunky heel with the gold buckles gives them a biker chick feel, but with the ability to still look feminine. Plus they are super comfy, and with a heel of 4 inches, you can get away with them on a night out – win win! 
If you let your hypothalamus dictate your temperature rather than your insatiable need to look good (unlike me), then try a pair of patterned tights instead of going bare-legged. Primark have a fantastic selection for £2.50 per pair. I recently picked up a gorgeous pair of 10 denier with dark love heart prints all the way up the legs - super cute and an absolute bargain.