And what a season it is this A/W 2010. Finally clothes to suit real women with real curves!

Over the coming weeks I will be picking apart the different trends and filling you in on the must have items to suit all and so to start I am going to kick off with one of the biggest (and easiest) trends to wear: Lace.

Forget delicate old lady vintage lace, this time round it’s cobwebbed and heavy meaning far more modern and best of all; far more opaque resulting in interesting textures to your outfits rather than tacky peek-a-boo holes.

My absolute favourite lace item out there at the moment on the high street (and in my opinion a must-have for the wardrobe for those starting to build there a/w wardrobe whilst still mild weather), is this top from Reiss priced at £65.00. It comes in a variety of colours from midnight, charcoal, antique peach and white.

Best worn with a simple black or white basic vest  depending on the colour you go for (far more chic than bra showing), and wear with jeans and blazer for a day to evening look. Or tuck into your black pencil skirt for a sassy work look.

What I particularly love about this top is the fact that it works on both large and small busts due to the fact that the neckline although high is cut wide enough across the collar bone to flatter any torso shape.

Remember to keep accessories to a minimum. Your outfit statement is all about the lace so don’t make it over fussy or you will risk looking rather cheap!

It was actually a friend who told me about this new ‘Shellac Nails’, and upon inspecting what appeared to be her freshly manicured talons, she in formed me they were already 6 day old.

I should point out that my friend is one of those rather fabulous people in the fashion industry who gets a lot of freebies, so when she disclosed the name of the manicurist (no other than Leighton Denny himself), I instantly dismissed this manicure phenomenon as something only the rich and famous can afford.

That was until I entered Topshop Oxford Circus and discovered that they now also offer Shellac nails for a mere £30!!!

I quickly paid up and chose a lovely hot pink colour (with the idea it will suit my new swimsuit for my hols). Now I am in week 2 of my holiday down in South France and the Mani is still going strong! Not a chip in sight and has vamped up my holiday wardrobe a treat!

My nails will never look dull again!

Wah Nails Topshop basement, 214 Oxford Circus, W1D 1LA (020 7927 7844)

After 4 weeks back at work (the wedding feels like a lifetime ago now), I am packing up and heading over to La France for a couple of weeks to Miss Dress a few of the french and ensure they too do not have a bad clothes day again!

But whilst I start to think about what I will be packing for my trip, it prompted me to give the rest of you ladies a few ideas on packing the perfect suitcase too. Several of you have emailed asking for advice on what to take to your various hot holiday destinations, so here it is; a comprehensive list of tips and tricks:

• Before you even start thinking about what to wear whilst away it is always important to do your homework and check on the internet to find out exactly what the weather is going to be like at your destination in order to pack the right type of clothing.

• Rather than emptying the entire contents of your wardrobe into your case, think about exactly how many outfits you need for your time away. Do you seriously need a complete change for every evening of your hols…?

• Save space and rather than pack bulky knits to cover up for cool evenings, opt for a selection of brightly coloured pashminas that work with the colours of items you have packed. They are inexpensive and besides looking chic with any outfit, brights will also compliment a great tan! Throw one in your bag for the plane to add a touch of glamour to wrap around yourself once the chilly air-con kicks in rather than using one of the in-flight ‘institute style’ blankets.

• When it comes to packing, always start with the heaviest items at the bottom of the case, so shoes and toiletries always need to go in first and then start layering items moving upwards to the lightest items being at the top. For the clothes that crease easiest, avoid packing until the last minute to help limit crumpling and always pack flat with the hanger. Hotel hangers are notorious for being non-functionable so save yourself the hassle. Give clothes a good shake and hang up as soon as you arrive to help let creases fall out quickly.

• It sounds obvious but all too often forgotten; always pack likely to explode toiletries in individual bags even if going into a wash bag. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find that half your clothes are ruined by your shampoo.

• Always pack a mini SOS kit for any type of clothes crisis abroad that consists of a few safety pins, double sided tape, and a small pack of baby wipes. They are the 3 top quick fixes to any problem from falling hems, to slippy straps, to spot stains.

• Save any suitcase embarrassment and always pack as though you are going to be spot checked at customs. Therefore always make sure underwear is buried in a bag at the base of the suitcase!

• Rather than packing a separate selection of items for the beach/pool and then bar/restaurant, opt to pack slightly dressier smart casual tops and just a few good key basics as they are far more flexible to transform from sunset to sunrise with the right accessories and bottoms. Too many casual vests and t-shirts and likewise evening tops waste valuable space and weight when guaranteed the majority never get worn.

• Essential holiday pieces that work for any sundrenched destination should always include a good kaftan. Not only is it this season’s must have item but it is so versatile for transforming from beachwear to party wear if you choose one that has a little decorative embellishment and team with a classic pair of white wide leg linen trousers. Also the one shouldered swimsuit is the ultimate beach look. Far more forgiving than a bikini and flattering on any shape or size.

• A large 70’s style wide brimmed straw hat is another excellent holiday staple, besides the sun protection benefit, they are great for anyone who feels slightly self conscious about having their body on display poolside as the size of the hat will not only add proportion but will also act as a deterrent away from figure.

• Don’t bother taking delicate sentimental jewellery on holiday, all too often something gets lost and ruins the atmosphere for the rest of the break. Instead opt for a couple of long chunky tribal inspired necklaces and bangles that are bang on trend. They will revamp a basic vest and transform it from day to night.

• Besides toiletries, shoes are the second heaviest items we all pack. Think realistically about how many shoes you seriously need, there is no point taking a separate pair for each and every outfit. Instead limit to just one flat pair for day that are good for sightseeing, one for evening (wedges are far more advisable than spindly heels) and a pair of flip flops. For those extra savvy suitcase packers gladiator sandals are fantastic for doubling up as both day and night shoes.

]]> http://www.miss-dress.com/blog/general/packing-the-perfect-suitcase/feed/ 0 http://www.miss-dress.com/blog/general/back-to-work-finally/ http://www.miss-dress.com/blog/general/back-to-work-finally/#comments Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:51:51 +0000 admin http://www.miss-dress.com/blog/?p=304 Apologies for my disappearance for the last month – I never knew getting married was such a life consuming experience!

Anyway the honeymoon was amazing and was the perfect end to the perfect wedding!

So that’s it now, the photographs have been chosen and the last of the thank you cards has been written and now normal life can resume and I have to confess I am so looking forward to getting my teeth stuck back into Miss Dress!

There are going to be some exciting changes happening to Miss Dress in the coming couple of months in the gear up to new season but more on those soon!

As i get back into the groove of work (it’s quite tough after such a long time out!), I will whet your appetite once again with just one more picture (my favourite) of my wedding day and then I promise, as of next week we are back to the more serious stuff – fashion!

Clare x

Yes last Saturday 5th June, on a glorious hot summer’s evening I became the new Mrs Chambers to my adorable new husband; Ranji. Our wedding day was everything I dreamed it would be. Perfect in every way!

Before I gush any further, I know many of my fellow followers are dying to see what I wore, however I am still waiting on the official shots from my photographer to post, but in the mean time I can whet your appetite with these that were taken by our best man where fashion was not at the fore front of his mind whilst busy snapping away – at least they give you a glimpse anyway!

No the bride did not change outfit for the evening but the Groom did!!

3am in the morning and the night and a very drunken motely crew that crompised of my dad, Ranji’s cousin, Ranji and our best man Seb. Oh and me in the background!

2 years since the last one and I simply cannot wait!!

Ok so the last movie was not exactly the killer storyline we all thought it might be and I very much doubt that the sequel is going to be edge-of-seat stuff either, but for all those cynics out there, it was never about Carrie will she or won’t she find love, it was quite simply about seeing the fashions super sized on the big screen!

So we know there is a trip to Morroco involved and we know she meets Aiden there and we also know there is a wedding between Stamford and Anthony, anyway what ever happens, one thing we can definitely guarantee, SATC 2 inspired outfits will be filling the high street very soon so we all  have our chance to get ‘Carried Away’ with fashion!

However we all can all appreciate that this can often feel a be a bit like t a challenge in the Krypton Factor on the quest to finding a style that actually fits. Sure there are plenty of brands out there that have got fantastic ranges of small and large cups sizes, but trying to find a bikini that not only flatters your chest, but compliments your entire body such as smooths out your tummy and makes you legs look long and lean are few and far between.

Step forward fashion editor at Stella magazine Ursual Lake , who after spending summer season upon summer season trawling through racks of swim suits for photo shoots and fed up of never finding the perfect combo for ‘real women’ decided to take matters into her own hands and design her own collection of bikini seperates that can be teamed together in any combination to suit all body shapes.

Finally a beach holiday we can all relax and enjoy and not have to worry about the pictures afterwards!

www.violet-lake.com

I have always been a fan of maxi dresses and particularly after such a miserable winter they are an easy light feel good staple to any summer wardrobe that covers up lumps and bumps and those ever-so-pale -post-winter legs, plus (and this is a very big plus) they are the perfect dress for actually keeping warm whilst still purveying a bright summery look.

The high street has really gone to town (so to speak) with this wardrobe staple and there are shapes and styles to fit every shape, size and age.

Having scoured the streets, here are my top 5:

This beachy maxi dress is perfect for layering a 3/4 length sleeve basic slash neck top underneath or even a denim jacket over the top. (Perhaps both it is really cold!!) Of course it is fantastic for throwing in the bottom of the suitcase for that holiday later on in the year. Maxi Dress, £45 by Monsoon

Many clients have been asking me for the best maxi dress for a weddding this season and this is one of my favourites. Layer it with a sharp structured black tuxedo jacket and black court shoes. Multii coloured chiffon dress, £199.00

Wallis is one of my favourite places this season for maxi dresses. I absolutely love this one and best of all it is flattering for any age. Multi coloured chiffon maxi dress, £60 by Wallis

This jersey print dress is a good heavyweight for wearing with boots and a leather jacket for typical English summer days. Jersey dress, £75 by Firetrap at www.next.co.uk

Agin this jersey dress is a lovely heavier weight fabric for good old Blighty. Stick a white long sleeve scoop neck tee under for warmth. Zebra print jersey dress, £120 by Reiss

Needless to say as a stylist it is in my DNA to follow fashion and no matter what the trend I will always find a way to adapt it to suit myself! Plus of course I have to trial these looks for my clients to ensure their wardrobe always look current too!

So the burning question then; How to pull off this all- American work man style without looking like a walking, talking Levi advert? My suggestion is mix it up completely with washed out shades of denim in the style dresses, jeans, shirts even bags and off set it with a little bit of navy for a stylish sophisticated twist.

Try teaming a slightly   washed out denim shirt with a pair of battered boyfriend style slouchy jeans. To give your silhouette a feminine touch, cinch in waist with a slim belt but maintain utility chic by choosing a double wrap style.

Denim shirt, £25 by Dorothy Perkins. Navy Double Wrap belt, £45 by Reiss. Boyfriend vintage wash jeans, £75 by French Connection at asos.

Denim dresses are a godsend for laid back weekend style. Team with leggings and ballet pumps or a flattering pair of wedges. Cover up with a stylish navy boyfriend blazer. Alternatively choose a structured dress and it will be a modern twist for the office.

Short denim shift dress, £55 by Oasis. Structured denim dress, £160 by Karen Millen. Navy boyfriend blazer, £40 by Dorothy Perkins

A bit of change this week to my normal fashion posts as I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining Bluewater Shopping Centre as part their Fashion Panel!

The shopping centre based in Kent  is home to over 300 stores, and I am the new lucky lady who will be offering shoppers the chance to have VIP personal styling sessions with me and showing exactly what to buy, where to buy and how to put all those new purchases together into a variety of different outfits that are fit for any occasion.

I will also be making regular appearances at fashion shows hosted by the centre and drop in Clothes Clincs for those in need of some quick advice to any fashion Dilemma!

If you would like to book a session at Bluewater, please contact me on the usual address: dress@miss-dress.com

See you shopping soon!