How can I get an elegant but low maintenance look? If it takes too long, I’ll never use it!

A dress is always an easy way of looking well put together and elegant without any effort. Invest in key pieces to create a capsule wardrobe so everything matches and it’s easy to throw a well put together outfit. The clothes I recommend to invest in are; 2 jackets, 2 trousers and a skirt (all in neutral colours). Then if you buy 5 tops you have a different outfit for each day at work.

A great jacket is always a good finishing touch to an outfit, choose on in a colour that will go with your wardrobe and ensure it is a good fit for you. Reiss always have great jackets and coats but also check out smaller boutiques for something a bit unique.

Invest in a couple of pairs of good quality leather shoes in neutral colours like tan or black than can easily be worn with any outfit. Alternate wearing the shoes so they last longer and don’t look worn out.

Have an easy to manage hairstyle and always use a de-frizzing product like a serum so your hair never looks out of control. Lipstick always adds the finishing touch to make up.


I’m stuck in a style rut. I kind of know what suits me so tend to buy the same all the time, so would love new ideas. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get myself out of my fashion comfort zone without feeling like a fashion victim or freaking myself out?

The easiest way to update your look is to play around with some accessories they are an easy way to update your look with out dramatically looking like a fashion victim. For example try wearing a wide belt around your waist or wearing some brightly coloured shoes.

Try on some dresses, there are lots of styles out there to experiment with and it will instantly update your look wearing one. Buy a new style of jeans, for example if you have been wearing bootcut for a while try out skinny or flared styles. Experiment with a new style of top, maybe with a different sleeve style or one that has some extra details on it.

Visit a new hairdresser and try out a new style that they suggest. Experiment with some new make up and treat yourself to a new perfume.

How can I find my own style put more of my personality into how I dress without looking like I’ve tried too hard?

The key to finding your own style and putting your personality into your wardrobe is to dress in a way that feels right for you not how you feel you “should” look. If you are wearing clothes that you feel yourself in then it won’t look like you have tried too hard. If you are not really sure what you like take a look through magazines, look at what people around you and celebrities (ideally ones that look a bit like you!) are wearing and think if you like it or not.

Are few examples of various styles are:

• Romantic - If you are very feminine and like to feel girlie then the style you will probably feel most comfortable in is romantic with extra details, frills and softness.

• Sporty - If you are a sporty person and always on the go then you are likely to go for a more practical look which you feel comfortable in.

• Avant Garde - You might be very creative and like to make a statement when you dress so avant garde/high fashion pieces will be to your liking.

• Classic - You might not like girlie frills and details so prefer to look classic and timeless in tailored garments in neutral colours. This classic style is ideal in a city type office environment.

Colour is always a good indicator of personality as it has a psychological impact, for example the brighter the colour the more fun it implies so if you naturally have a lively personality you will probably be drawn towards colours that stand out more. Go with your instinct with colour and what you feel comfortable wearing that day. The colours you choose to put on in the morning can really reflect your mood!

Details, prints, colours, and accessories are all ways of expressing your personality so have a play around with them until you feel comfortable.

I'd like to know how to shop economically without having to wear the same things as everyone else

You don’t need to spend a fortune to stand out from the crowd. You will always be guaranteed to find one off pieces in Vintage shops and dress agencies. A few popular vintage shops are:

http://www.beyondretro.com/
http://www.peekaboovintage.com/peek.swf
http://www.absolutevintage.co.uk/

Pandora Dress agency on Cheval Place in Knightsbridge is a treasure trove of second hand designer items

London Fashion Weekend is on at the end of every Fashion Week, the next one being February 25th – 28th (http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/). It is fantastic because all the designers sell past samples and seasons clothes off at hugely reduced prices. It’s not Primark cheap but you can pick up designer items for a third of the price. I am going to be working on the Philips stand taking people shopping around the event if fancy coming up to say hi!

New designers sell their clothing at markets such as Portobello and Spitalsfield, they are always great places to pick up unique items and there are vintage stalls as well.

Subscribe to the Daily Candy emails and you will be alerted about sample sales which are always a great place to find bargains too.

Lastly check out shopping websites when the sales have finished in the stores, they always go on for longer and there are no crowds to contend with. Great sites to check out are Net-a-Porter, My-Wardobe.com and high street stores such as Top Shop and Warehouse.

What are the must own basics that will keep you going year after year?

I recommend investing in the following as a capsule wardrobe:

2 great jackets
2 pairs of trousers – neutral colours
1 skirt – neutral colour
1 day dress
5 tops to go with the above
Good quality flattering pair of jeans
Winter coat
2 good quality day shoes
A pair of really sexy shoes
Underwear that you feel gorgeous in

The last two items are not crucial – but do make you feel fantastic and help to boost your confidence!