Project 100 - top tops

Well wasn't that Mr Osbourne a bundle of fun with his 20%VAT rise for January 2011 in the UK. Forward planning is the order of the day because if that doesn't kill a fair few shopping habits I don't know what else will. It means every purchase will have to be key.

Project 100 helps to give you a basis to make those decisions and today is all about tops.Often the icing on the cake - a top needs to balance or accentuate a look, depending on the image to be created. A top will make or break a look. I've selected tops on the basis of capsule, adding drama and detail.

All examples are, just that, examples. I often select designer to show cut and design (and they are better images). These influence the high street and you can always source a similar item within your budget. You'll always find the equivalent in my Saturday' High St Pick of the Week post.


1. The White Shirt - you knew I was going to say this! I know I couldn't survive without one but for some of you, you will have a basic that is your white shirt. When I say white shirt I do imagine some detail whether it is the quality of the cotton, the collar or cuff or that it is all lace. I found the perfect white shirt dress in TK Maxx last week for £39.99 - a DKNY jeans number I intend to wear it to a book launch.

2. The t-shirt - there has to be one. Mine is a grey Top Gun t-shirt. I love it. It says Maverick on the back. For one of my friends it is her Clash t-shirt and another has the most beaten up t-shirt from Greece that looks wonderful because she wears it with attitude. Don't go all Balmain on me with a designer number get something that means something to you.

The Jam £20.00

3. The going out top for jeans - you know the score something sparkly, you need sparkle in the night lights.

Alberta Ferretti Sequined tulle top £464.89 net-a-porter

4. The easy breezy day top for jeans - I miss watching Americas Next Top Model. I used to be a firm follower but as with anything formulaic you drop it at some point. My favourite task was the Cover Girl commercial when they had to say 'easy breezy' oh the tears! This top is a great example of an easy top to throw on for no effort styling.

Paul & Joe Sister Joyau Embellished Petal Silk Top from my-wardrobe £182

5. The Jumper & 6. The Cardigan - do I really have to give an explanation? Useful, necessary and not exciting. These two items will hardly light up your fashion credentials but where would you be without them. I always think Coco Chanel, the Duchess of Windsor and Nancy Mitford when I wear such items or even Kate Moss. Attitude and spirit to dress up the basics.

7. The Blouse - a wondrous item that can change an outfit in an instance. I love to use a blouse to make me look either Park Lane Princess or a de-constructed rock chic - bed head hair, skinnies and boots with black nails, heavy eye make up and... a blouse. I like to think of blouses as subversive.

Chloe wrap-around silk blouse net-a-porter £795

8. The Fab Top - the top you love that is nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with your personality. It is a top you buy and just love. It makes you feel good. If you haven't got one find something that fits the bill.

All Saints Cassiopeia Top £60 (in sale)

9. The Waistcoat/Gilet - Sometimes an outfit won't work without a bit extra. It either requires a bit of drapery or some structure. I like both but sometimes the structured waistcoat can harden a look and whilst that works for editorial in real life yo might want to convey a softer image. You can't beat All Saints for a bit of drapery that is more from the Maison Martin Margiela than middle of the road.

All Saints Dylan Gilet £45 (in sale)

10. Striped Sailor Top - Come on did you think there wouldn't be a mention of a stripy top. Think Seberg, Bardot, Gaultier - go and watch Breathless and then nip out and get one.

Project 100 - a few LBD's

Much as I've tried, one LBD never does all occasions. The LBD is life saver, the ultimate hero piece of any wardrobe. I think countless designers have tried the multiple one LBD dress thing but I'm afraid that isn't the solution either. The differing styles of the LBD speaks volumes.

The strapless LBD -This is the most obvious number for a host of events from gala diners to cocktails for two. You can find this style in any shop for any budget from late October/early November.

Herve Leger Strapless bandage dress Net-A-Porter

The art gallery opening LBD - slightly directional but always minimalist, this little black dress number needs to work with glasses and a pensive look.

See by Chloe A-Symmetric Dress my-wardrobe

The dinner party guest LBD - Not to showy, better to cover than flaunt. This LBD needs to keep it all reigned in, no matter how much you drink. Just add some glitzy earrings.

MaxMara wool mix dress Matches

The LBD shift dress - an easy throw on for a no thinking required day. Either add a jacket, cardigan or alternatively put a shirt or jumper underneath. Versatile and useful.

Oasis Formal Black Stitched Shoulder shift dress

The very important meeting LBD - when a head of the game attitude is required then the black dress needs to be a hybrid of masculinity and femininity. Go for long sleeves and a collar, it will fit and look the business.

Discount Halston gloss effect silk dress The Outnet

The **** me LBD - what women wear to be the top fashion dog, and what actually attracts men are two different issues. Trust me when I say, look at Joan in Mad Men for bedroom action via clothes.

Evianna Duchess Satin Dress Coast

Going out for drinks with girlfriends LBD - this is a fun night out but requires a bit of effort and a sassy number. It's not a competition but you want to make the effort. The shape, detail and a shorter length will do all the talking without screaming look at me.

Silk trim tunic Karen Millen

The dinner date LBD - A simple but sophisticated number that presents you with a sense of ease. Choose a deconstructed but soft look. Nice hair, nails and make up will make you sparkle all night long over candle light.

Layla dress All Saints

The country weekend/city break LBD - The dress that works with riding boots or wellies. The addition of a warm jumper makes it look like a skirt. Wear with a pea jacket or trench coat and feel a million dollars whatever the weather on your weekend away. It can double up as an evening dress to keep packing to a minimum.

MaxMara dress from Matches

The beach to bar LBD - After an afternoon of lying on the pool or beach lounger. Pull this out, Birkin style, from your beach basket and make to the bar.

Bex Beads Kaftan Dress French Connection

Getting a Grip...

...and rolling ones sleeves up. These were the very words uttered by the new Chancellor - predicted here first. Also he actually said 'tightening our belts'. Now none of this is music to my ears in fact my first thoughts were inspired by a recent post by Queen Marie of Kingdom Of Style. Come on where is the fun when the ruddy Chancellor of the Exchequer is talking make do style!

However, it does appear that the UK is going to be beset with austerity fever in the name of reducing the national debt - as Faux Fuchsia would say people of China, India and the USA look away - 'tis only us Europeans and Blighty in particular who are involved in this sleeve rolling episode.

Working your wardrobe harder becomes more important and I will continue with Project 100 soon unless the Chancellor gets his hands on it first and makes it Project 33.5 based on a projected cut back of 20 items in year one and 46.5 items in year two if the budget deficit is to be turned around.

Zip my dress up please darling

Where would a gal be without a dress that needed zipping up. How else can you get your other half's attention or have fun in a changing room with contortion moves. I've zipped countless dresses in my time and I find the process of zipping most satisfying.

I also have to tell models, actresses and clients you step into a dress with a zip back and one with a zip on the side goes over your head. If I had a pound for every time I say it well...

I love a dress because it says so much by the cut, the colour and the cloth. Day, evening or night a dress can work its magic. As I'm dedicating a whole post to the LBD, there won't be one on this post.

The cocktail dress - synonymous with classical Hollywood, the cocktail dress screams grown up glamour. I'm leaning more to the post war style when women really began to kick up their heels and go out for cocktails. So I've selected a vintage dress from Shrimpton Couture as a splendid example of what a cocktail dress should be.


1950s Pale Green Cocktail Dress USD $350


The going to the bar dress - this of course is the modern equivalent of the cocktail dress and says meeting girlfriends a la Sex and the City. Just add high heels and a clutch. Sorry the image is ridiculously tiny so click on link below! Why do some internet sites prevent use of images - don't they know about blogging.
Reiss Hermione Dress £195

The exceedingly useful wedding/christening/graduation dress - guess what I've got this one. I would say that the format is quality and style over fashion trend. Buy the right dress and you'll never be lost again for when that invitation arrives. Then all you have to do is accessorise with the seasons costume jewellery and shoes. Find similar styles at Coast or in a charity shop.
Moschino Satin cocktail dress £264 The Outnet

The tunic dress - So useful and suits any shape. No bust issues either. Day or night with heels, flats or boots and perfect with leggings. High St or internet choose a print and some colour.
Fairy dress by Designers Remix at my-wardrobe £159

2 x The work dress - the bar was raised by Roland Mouret and his galaxy dress, which has spawned a thousand copies. But that is good news if you want a high st number for not too much outlay. I've selected one option from M&S as it is a good example of what you can find to wear to the office if you look. Maybe linen is a bit impractical but it is a nice colour. There's more choice when winter comes and Oasis usually have a great one for around £70.

M&S Pure Linen square neck dress £35

2 x a print dress - Because so many of us choose black or a block colour it is important to make sure you've got a print dress in your wardrobe. A great print whether abstract, floral or other is a must. Look for inspiration in the collections on style.com. Car boot sales, vintage shops or charity shops offer opportunites to find some vintage print dresses. One feels Miuccia Prada had visited the print archive somewhere for next season's Prada dresses.


The maxi dress - Goes without saying these days why you need a maxi dress. Very useful all year round it seems, 'nuff said.

A white dress - If Betty Draper hasn't converted you to a white dress then listen to me. A good white dress works wonders. Forget being a bride. All white is where it is at. I've chosen a lacy one with some ruffle detail. Of course it works well for dinner or drinks on a summer evening but equally the same is true in the cooler months. Don't wear one to a wedding unless you really are the bride! Again the image is rubbish so click on link below to see it properly.


Reiss Missy Dress £159


I've cheated a bit by assigning the number 2 against a work dress and a print dress but there will be a further 10 dresses all black next week. Make your dresses colourful and not black, your wardrobe will love you.

Trouser trouble sorted

For trousers to really work well you need to know how they sit on the body and most importantly if you buy ready to wear you will need to get them altered. Alterations are cheaper than chasing the holy grail of finding a pair of trousers or jeans that fit perfectly.

Check out if you have a dip in you back and how pronounced that is. If you do you are typically an hour glass or pear shape. You need to make the waist band fit, to avoid muffin top due to buying the trouser pant too tight so it doesn't fall down. Same for jeans. Make sure the rise suits and there is a curve on the waistband. If you happen to be more of a boy shape (straight up and down) then a lower rise will work well. It would be fair to say that apple shapes have a hard time when it comes to trousers and I can give not real comfort except to say that a jersey flare with a fold down wide waistband is probably the best option. Such a style is hard to find although they were all the rage many years ago, but the harem is the obvious solution now with this waistband element and the detail of drape.

When you select a trousers do so on the fit around the backside, front, hips and thighs. Any bagging on bum or at the front is a no no as is tightness on the thigh creating creases or bunching. But don't forget you can get them altered. The waist and leg length is easiest and it is easier to take in than let out. If you haven't got a dressmaker use a local tailor, no one is going to turn away custom these days.

Sexy black trousers - probably the best high street retailer for that Helmut Newton-esque model posing in black trousers/pants is Karen Millen. They always have a black pant offering every season and they wash well and hold their shape. A classic cut, they will work for years regardless of the trends that come and go. The wonderful wide waistband should make these work for all body shapes.Tailored black trousers £120

Cigarette Pants - again are a useful must have in the wardrobe. Often with a turn up the essence of the cigarette pant is the fact it is straight and fitted. The forerunner of the drainpipe, the skinny, and the base for designing the peg. It is obvious a straight pencil cut creates opportunity to change the basic template and add to. Whilst a flare is the equivalent of the a-line skirt and as it's strength comes from the cut at the waist. Lots of options from designers such as Rag and Bone to on the high st. Zara have a pair in red currently if you fancy.
Rag and Bone Wool mix trouser £260.00 at Matches

The sexy flare and the cigarette pant are your investment purchases. Spend your money here as quality is a key ingredient to carry off such garments.

Jean territory is the nightmare of most women. I have to say if they don't work for you and the idea of finding a pair is hell then don't bother. They are not what defines you. I do wear jeans but occasionally not everyday and I have only two pairs a skinny and a flare.

The skinny jean - a wardrobe staple and easy to buy anywhere. Topshop's Baxters are a firm favourite but I always have to have the waistband altered as I need the right fit on the leg which leaves a gape at the back but an inverted triangle reduction always resolves it. If you've got wide calves then the straight jean will be a better option.

The flared jean - this is a personal favourite so I'm not particularly objective about it's value because I love a flared jean. I prefer the skinny flare to a true flare but that's a personal decision and always go with the proportions of leg that suits you. The Made in Heaven brand do a wonderful retro pair and again only buy at this price if it is the look for you. You could have 10 pairs of jeans alone and there is no reason not to.
MIH retro look jeans £148 Matches.com

The flared jean always reminds me of the Charlie! Revlon advertising, an inspiring image for a stylist.

Leather trousers(!) - the rock look only please. I'm thinking men and women who've pulled it off. It needs boots not high heels and a good t-shirt. And for goodness sake never wear a leather jacket on top as well think Jim Morrison not the Fonz. I know Balmain have worked that leather pant with statement heel look but I still think it only works with a good tee. It needs that dress down rock chic element to really work. Mind you Hermes worked a great leather look reminiscent of the Avengers for A/W 10, so in reality there are no rules...just advice that morphs.


A colourful cotton pair - you now what I mean, it's like a jean but not. In red or any bright bold colour it adds zing. Find them in Uniqlo, Gap or Zara. A grey t-shirt is a fab look with a coloured jean trouser.

A chino - the chino has had a come back and whilst I can't grab an image from the Oasis website, I've linked it. The point with a chino trouser is, it is very much at the whim of fashion trends, and I would say go cheap and cheerful but on trend rather than see it as an investment buy.

The jodhpur - who can forget the influential Balenciaga A/W 07 collection when you all sported a J Crew blazer in lieu of getting your hands in the real thing. Well the real star of the collection was the jodhpur trouser and it is still around, next season it will be in black. Again given the trend nature of this item, head to H&M or COS for a reasonably priced and designed pair. Or find a genuine pair at a car boot or charity shop and dye them.


Shorts - A city short works all year round with the added help of thick opaque tights. The staying power of the short is assured with new designs and materials - this season it is all about the leather. Try a few on to get the right cut and length for your body.

The Jumpsuit - I know there is nothing worse than a convert but if you need a wow factor and you are more of a trouser kind of gal then you need to jump to it. ASOS is awash with jumpsuit that don't cost the earth.
ASOS Assymetric Shoulder Jumpsuit £30


I feel I've left out the sailor trouser but again adapt your top ten to suit your preferences and if you add it on to make 11 then I won't tell.

Get Your Coat on....

The point of having a coat could be argued is to keep you warm in cold weather. We all know that at its basic level this is true, but since when has one coat fulfilled all style needs. I've listed 10 coat and jacket items that will fulfil your basic wardrobe needs. You have probably got most of these already but when money is tight this checklist will help you to make a decision on what to get.

A proper coat - the one to spend the money on! A good looking coat that makes you feel glamorous and stylish when you put it on. Worth spending your money on this item. Look at coats from Acne, Maje or on the Outnet to make that investment. You can even try TK Maxx, I once saw a great Valentino coat in there down from an extortionate price to £299. Of course I didn't have the readies when I needed them but I'm saving for a decent winter's coat as I last bought one over 4 years ago and it is looking very tired.


Alexander McQueen cashmere blend coat discounted from £1,215.87 down to £425.55
It's a keeper!

The trench coat - do I really need to give any explanation on this one. I must confess I haven't got one but I must. I kick myself over the +J one in black last September in Uniqlo and recently Zara have had some great ones too. I know for most the holy grail in a trench is Burberry but I think get one that fits you well and it will be a winner.

A leather jacket - it adds an edge to many looks and the biker style leather jacket has a tighter cut and less bulk of the style of old - wear with skinny jeans, skinny flares, over a dress, with a skirt or trousers and it doesn't have to be black. I've selected this one from New Look although I bought mine from Select last year on the recommendation from Mrs Fab and it has been money well spent.

Pea coat or jacket coat - the pea coat is a jacket coat based on the navy jacket of old. Much favoured by Jackie Onassis it retains a certain Waspish connotation. However it is a jolly useful throw on for all manner of waspish activities. Think country walks, weekend grocery shopping, a football or rugby match with a date/bf/husband. Just add sunglasses. Or work it like Jane Birkin with Serge.
Dress or duster coat - my personal weakness and guess what I found the one that would bring my much joy on the bl**dy Outnet. I can look...I've got my £50 sale one bought from Wallis many moons ago. I had it altered to fit better and there is nothing nicer than a dressy coat for evenings.
Vera Wang Brocade evening coat now only (cough) £561.75 on the Outnet

Ignore my flights of fancy you get the idea. I would look something that fits this bill at car boot sales, charity shops and discount outlets such as Bicester.

Tuxedo jacket - ditto ref trench coat. This one needs no explanation. I bought one in H&M over 5 years ago and it is still going strong. Works well over short tunic or body con dresses, with jeans and all many of trousers.

Parka - festivals, bank holidays at Brighton if you go to them then you need a parka. Asos and Topshop have a great selection and without breaking the bank. The winter warmer ones are a life saver too. Speak to Mrs Fab...

Blazer - more of a season transition piece and a personal choice. They've made a big come back with recent 80s retrospectives and Celine's latest offering the more female almost tuxedo number has inspired a few high street retailers. Be careful this is a fashion nightmare. One moment it is current the next... keep it on the budget side if you really really want/need one and wear it a lot. If a blazer is not you thing then have a glam Jacket to wear in the same way as a tux but for day/evening/ weekend. I have fallen in love with a cream double breasted jacket in Zara but it is a seasonal item so am being v.good.

A cape - charming, a nice to have. Not the most popular style wise so keep an eye out for them in sales, and vintage shops if you fancy a punt. They add a different element to a look. Think Jane Birkin again or Anna Dello Russo - it is all about the drama!

Image:Fashionising.com

The indulgence coat - once in a while all the thought of being good, staying within budget gets thrown out of the window when you see that coat that says 'film star', 'rock chic', 'fashion editor'. It might be leopard or fur or colourful- you don't need it but you can't ever sleep again without it. Sleep on it if it is a store item, buy now if car boot or second hand shop find.

What I haven't selected a denim jacket! Well just drop the cape or blazer and insert denim jacket. Adapt the list for your own taste.

Project 100 - the posts

Back to the serious stuff of staving off the great austerity bite for your wardrobe.


I will be posting a series on the ten most essential items in different categories.

• coats, jackets
• trousers
• dresses
• little black dresses
• tops
• skirts
• shoes
• boots
• jewellery, accessories
  
• summer vacation essentials

Tomorrow starts with coats!

image:fotosearch

Project 100 - attitude

There really is no point in giving up or compromising one's style when hard times are threatening but with limited funds at the ready some basics need to be in place to work that wardrobe harder.

This is were attitude comes into play. You need a lot of it to pull everything off. I was reminded by a great giveaway on the Shop Curious blog that neither glamour nor grooming is to be forsaken. Get these two basics right and everything else will be a breeze.

1. Good grooming - I should just direct you to Faux Fuchsia for a lesson in good grooming! FF takes attitude and uses it to good effects. Grooming doesn't mean big hair dos and a brazilian. The essence of good grooming is well cut and washed hair, and clean nails. You can varnish your nails - Coco Chanel never used nail varnish on her hands. She thought colour on nails vulgar! I adore nail varnish, although for years I abstained with my superior Chanel knowledge and kept varnish purely for my toe nails and only red or orange at that. However times have changed and you can't go wrong with a white tee shirt, jeans and painted nails.

2. DIY beauty - save pennies and pounds by setting aside a couple of hours a week to undertake your own personal beauty salon regime. I put on a hair mask (usually a John Frieda on or a freebie), soak my feet in a bowl with lemon in the warm water and a splash of olive oil. Then I undertake pedicure and paint toe nails. I tidy my eyebrows and like a lie down with tea bags or cucumber on my eyes. I finish with a manicure. The manicure never lasts when you do it yourself so be prepared to carry the varnish around with you to top up any chips. When I can afford it I use Barielle products when I can't Nivea creme is my default. As for hair removal well I managed with Veet bikini wax strips for tidiness and use men's shaving products for legs and armpits - I prefer them.
You can have one defining item that is your beauty staple like Sister Wolf who is a red lipstick devotee!

3. Accessories - Choose well. I think you can use costume jewellery to great effect but equally a well chosen piece can add drama to your look. This summer I'm making do with a my lovely Hermes leather bracelet from Mr MDS and a pair of old pearl earrings. I would if I had the money buy a pair of the lovely Wendy Brandes Cleopatra earrings, which you can win on her Polyvore challenge I think they are very glamorous and no wonder they ended up on the ears of Samantha for SATC2. It is an item like this that adds the Martini factor to a look. Another item is this necklace from By Marlene Birger at my-wardrobe


4. The Martini purchase - I can make do with all my clothes this summer. I have no problem with wearing things until they die on me. But I firmly believe you need one wow item that makes you feel fabulous or gives you that Martini moment. For me, this season, it is the jumpsuit. I bought one for work so I had one item that was current and now I would like a few more! I never knew jumpsuits were so much fun. This season the high street has some great ones from Topshop, French Connection, Reiss and Next to provide a selection to think about. You will have the one item that you love - add it to your wardrobe and work it.


5. Get Creative - Charity shops, car boot sales and swishing events all offer opportunities to inject something new or provide retail therapy for a few pounds. Sharon Rose Vintage is the queen of thrifting and is a wonderful example to all for bargain hunting yet staying on trend and stylish. Your personal style is your own and you can find things to bring you joy by searching. I often reorganise my wardrobe to make me look at what I have with fresh eyes and create looks.
One reader asked me about swishing and if they could do it themselves. I would say so! Just invite a group of friends to come around, make it fun by assigning them drink or nibbles to bring too. Each item gets a ticket and then you have a browse period before the grabbing or negotiating starts.

The basic premise of Project 100 is to choose glamour first and find the practical way to deliver without throwing money at it - that's where attitude comes in.

Project 100 - first things first

Baton down the hatches austerity measures are on the way. To date Keep Calm and Carry On has been an amusing diversionary phase that allows the middle classes to nod in a knowing way and think about allotments. Then there is the affluent and super rich for whom at the worst the coming 'economic hell is freezing over period' will mean less eating out for the former and and less super yachts for the latter.
Those of us with bills to pay, roofs to keep over our heads will face rising costs with the likely increase in VAT and the continued increasing food costs to mention a few. This is without the mention of inflation or unemployment. Gosh I'm a bundle of joy aren't I!

But for those of you who want style savvy without breaking the budget, not making mistakes and not breaking the bank then... I'm afraid it calls for restraint, planning and budgeting.

Cut up the credit card or at least freeze it in the freezer to save for a proper emergency (sorry shoes and handbags don't count!). And sort out your finances properly, that means saving too.

If you need a head start then read India Knight's The Thrift Book to get your brains cells from shopping bags to money bags. Tomorrow I'll give you first base...