Something I threw on...

How I jumped for joy, well as near as anyone can jump for joy at half ten at night under a purple velvet throw, when I watched the weather report after the London & South East news. It is warming up - it is official! On Friday, why it is positively sweltering at 14 degrees Celsius.

Of all the trends that make a small but continuous impact, the crafty, prairie chic, ugh excuse me for typing the next word, hipster look is the one I pass on every time. Yet there is one aspect of this look that I own.

I blame it on watching too many spaghetti westerns or maybe it was because in the 70s my mum put me in them a lot....it is of course the poncho.

The poncho is a word not about to fill you with a warm fashionable glow but equally if you move from cape to poncho during warmer months you don't have to give up your style stakes. There is a poncho out there for every occasion and if truth be told you could make your own with a large square piece of material and just make an opening for your head. Don't let an doubts enter for this strike of individuality. There is a style for every preference, sporty, sloaney, live in wet area and for the daring fashionista.

Black Kangaroo Pocket Hooded Poncho £90 Topshop boutique

A.P.C Madras Marl knit poncho was £182 now £91 ASOS

Red Pac-A-Poncho £32 Topshop

Shakuhachi Fringed Poncho was £210 now £105 ASOS

Something I threw on...

What with the return of parky weather I'm actually thinking a rug or two again. Yesterday saw the sun appear in London and boy was it a welcome sight. I threw on my sunglasses and smiled!

My real heartfelt style advice during January and also February is really just make do! Save your pennies and pounds for a little while. Okay retailers might be cross with me but I am not saying don't buy anything just don't try and fill the grey day feeling with items that you might regret.


However there is always that pick me up number option when the grey days are too much and that glass of wine cannot stop the voices in your head that say 'I need something'. Do try and look at your items again and you might find a sort out or shufty around yields a fresh vibe.

But just in case then this number from M&S will work with any separates and lift your spirits with that old 1970s chic. Think Lauren Hutton and Farah Fawcett and be grateful for the £35 price tag. You'll find it online in Limited Collection's Limited 70s chic and in store within the Limited Collection concession area. The product code is T692761.

I think the colour is an added bonus which will suit all skin tones regardless. And if it wasn't for my self imposed style challenge I would be purchasing.

Something I threw on...

In the midst of sales and drab weather, when January always has that grey dull hue masquerading as day, it is hard to think about adding some zing into your wardrobe.

But grey days are no excuse for not making the effort, the easiest way to brighten your life from now until the end of March is with a coat from the sales.

This checked number from Zara at £59.99 is a good example of the High St bargains around.



PS Update thanks for all the tights comments. It goes to show coloured tights make a big difference to a look. Imagine mustard tights in a ribbed knit or more of a burgundy or even a bright orange. Cheerful huh!

Something I threw on...

..for Christmas day. You know the score, effort, things to do, want to keep warm, feel fat from office or friends mince pies and those damn Christmas drinks events plus you've got more food to eat. Suddenly that lovely Chrimbo dress, skirt or trousers are looking worryingly wrong. Never fear, put on trusty old comfy skirt/jeans or trousers and add this jumper for max effect. Brush your hair add some lippy and voila - turkey anyone?

ASOS Embellished Neckline Jumper now £30

Something I threw on...

Mainly for me it is a blanket due to having a hideous lurgie, cough, cough, splutter. But don't think for one minute my mind isn't on the forthcoming party season because when I recover ...look out!

For once I'm veering off clothes and onto an item to work with every thing you throw on. If there is one thing you can afford to buy then make it a nail varnish. Not just any old nail varnish but Chanel's Gondola number 499. In fact the two Christmas Chanel numbers are Gondola or Intermezzo (# 501). Intermezzo is for those who like a Snow Queen look during the festive season!


Gondola is a silent hero nail polish. It has all the depth of the traditional Rouge Noir but has a shimmery edge that adds lustre to your nails. And in December the addition of understated shimmer will add a touch of glamour to whatever else you throw on. It is that little something that goes a long way.

Something I threw on...

Autumnal air challenges the style stakes like no other time. One minute it is freezing the next sunny, thrown in a quick downpour, then back to chilly and you realise why November is a fashion forecast nightmare.

Personally I think the trench coat is the answer as outerwear. It keeps the rain and the wind out, and when it is sunny you can unbutton it and it doesn't sloppy. Guess what - I haven't got one! This year I bought a longed for item a pea jacket so I think next year it is the trench coat. When I buy these items I go large and buy it for ever, so that usually means designer.

And who better or rather more fitting than Burberry for a trench coat. Now I've documented my reasons for staying away from Burberry before so I won't bore you with one of my rants. However I would struggle not to buy a trench from them as the last forever piece in my wardrobe.

I'm always drawn to the black ones more than a camel/ light beige.

Burberry Shower-proof gabardine trench coat £595 Net-A-Porter

But of course this is make do land not la la land so what does the lovely high street have to offer?
Uniqlo which is handily online as well as expanding its presence in the UK has a trench on offer for £59.99 in dark grey or black.

And Topshop have the classic belted trench for £75

Something I threw on...

...what I enjoy about the fashion shows are the polarisation of views. One of us loves x another hates it etc.etc. The fact is most of what we like is subjective initially and then after a while it becomes more everyday so we tend to not think of it in the same way.

Opinions change. Last week I was so upset with the Prada show but to date for as long as I can remember Prada has been directional in some form or another. So will I come to appreciate what I instinctively dislike?

My offering today might frighten some, even though I think it is a perfectly safe number. It is truly a something you can throw on. The knock knock of the door and it is the ruddy DHL/UBS/Cityline/Parcelforce person and you are in your undies post shower - you can pull this on in a jiffy. Or...you've got to meet your friends/acquaintances for coffee and you have no will to make the effort ...again you can throw this on. Dinner party guests and so on.

I know what you are going to say..oh my stomach or my thighs or my bottom, bust, arms ...well what ever the issue forget it. Pull it on over tights or leggings and fiddle around a bit (the side ruching is genius trust me), sigh and apply lippy ...out of the door.

Ruched Jersey Dress Isabella Oliver 365 collection £89

Something I threw on...

... for a great price! As the days draw in I thought I'd expand on that first school run post when I introduced you to easy pieces to put on to prevent the velour joggings taking over.

You've got the leggings, the nice cosy boyfriend cardigan, the flats boots or Hunters wellies and all you need to add is a dress.


And this plum puff sleeve tunic dress with pockets for your tissues to collect in fits the bill. Better still this nifty number is a mere £9.87 from my987wardrobe.com The dress is a polyester/viscose mix which guarantees an easy wash and if you hang it up straight after it emerges from the washing machine you'll probably get away without ironing. What more can you ask. Anon in Borth if this doesn't make you happy....

Something I threw on...

...from my wardrobe!

This week you have a challenge. It is no good me being a bright spark when it comes to Wednesday's and handing it to you on a plate. So far the bush telegraph had told me someone went and shopped the whole school run look and another got her interview look together for that day and landed a wonderful contract with a great day rate. All good stuff but... none of us can escape the fact hard times are likely to get harder. You should attempt to squirrel away as much as possible - she says with a growing wish list in her head!

So, in a real make do push I challenge you to grab a dress out of the wardrobe you keep saving for best. I don't care if it has sequins or marabou on it - pull it out. Put it on and then go through your knitwear and try cardigans and jumpers on top of it. Select the one you like the best and then add a ribbon around your waist or a skinny belt. I don't care what colour it is nor should you.

Then all you have to do is add knee high boots or some courts or flat pumps. Try not to wear tights. Either go bare legged or be adventurous and wear some fashion editor ankle socks.

Et voila. You've been creative and experimented. Plus you've saved money even if it is only in your head. Never underestimate what is in your wardrobe or what you can do.

Now al you have to do it take a photograph and email me your best efforts if you are brave enough.

Something I threw on...

I'm often asked about what to wear based on a more womanly shape. In some respect retailers are beginning to do something about it and let's be clear I'm not talking about size, I'm talking about shape. For too long the debate has been about size and weight. In truth neither are the issue, it is how you dress to suit you. One of my dearest friends who is renowned sports instructor - I don't like to say fitness as it doesn't cover her superior knowledge - always makes me laugh because if you get all bored with your clothes her answer is to say 'lose weight clothes always look better on then'.


In part this is true, mainly because fashion is all about the sinewy. Yet the supermodels aka Helen Christian, Cindy Crawford etc where all quite Amazonian. Tall with breasts, hips and bums. Sometimes I do get quite shocked when a 16 year old model confides that someone suggested she should lose weight. All because her legs were deemed a bit big around the top of the thigh. Luckily she was just looking for me to agree with her because it was a complete nonsense. She has a good head on her and wants to get her A levels before committing further to modelling.

But mainly it is our decision making in buying clothes that is more problematic than shape. I will agree that sizing of clothes is an issue when it comes to cut and availability. Other than designer clothes (believe me haute couture and sometimes ready to wear will do any size for the right price) high street cuts can be a minefield to negotiate.

You know the scenario, you've had kids, you are juggling home/work/school/activities/social life and the thought of shopping for clothes fills you with dread.

What you need is a dose of Nigella. I make no apologies of my love of Nigella. She is the most beautiful woman I've ever met in real life and I've met a bevvy of beauties. Her beauty is there on the outside but shines from the inside as well. I could gush for hours.

Portrait of Nigella Lawson by Jillian Edelstein. Exhibted in and available in postcard form as above from Roast Restaurant

My other dearest friend and godmother to the petit garcon worked at the BBC and always remarked of Nigella 'she's a big girl'. When I met her I couldn't comprehend why she'd been described in such a way. Compared to my friend, yes Nigella is taller, wider and fuller, but whilst the rest of the TV broadcasters lot often look like lollipops on sticks, she looked all woman.

Nigella wore, what is now deemed the Mad Men-esque look before Matthew Weiner had even written the first word. My only beef with her has been that denim jacket someone made her wear for one of her cooking series. And if I might be so bold, methinks Sophie Dahl has tried to emulate the look in her conversion to cookery.

Put simply the Nigella look is formulaic.

Good dress and nice shoes. If good dress is shift style then add good cardigan. Make sure your hair is wonderfully groomed and well maintained, plus flawless skin with enough make up to enhance. Maybe one piece or two of fine jewellery.

The essential ingredient is hair - as it is with Anna Wintour. For Anna Wintour read Nigella Lawson but on a smaller scale.

This is the classic Nigella look and truly it is timeless. You just have to know it is what suits best, and ignore trends (again ditto Anna). Confidence is 9/10ths of the law in clothes wearing!

Essential item the cardigan in merino wool or cashmere. Have in different colours and slightly differing cuts.

Boden Cashmere Cropped Cardigan available in 9 colours £89.00

Essential item, the shift dress. Again have in differing cuts, an a-line version is a must. Never any longer than knee length. Black is an easy option but colour and print work wonders too.

Jaeger sleeveless jersey dress £125

Essential item number 3, a good shoe. For evening and occasions wear a good court shoe. For day and weekend substitute with knee length boots or flat pumps/courts. Even at night some sexy suede knee length boots would look fab. Make sure they are tight and well made. Cute not clumpy.

LK Bennett Monica Court Shoe £185

Something I threw on...

...I know that no one outside of Notting Hill is going to forgo the handiness of jeans and boots for the school run, so, with this in mind I thought I'd have to re-create this look with a more feminine and contemporary overtone.There are three keys items to purchase to work with your current jeans, tops, coats and boots.

The first it this shirt from M&S, a Limited Collection Long Sleeve Floral top at £29.50.


The second is a knitted sleeveless cowl top £32 from Topshop. The cowl detail is important because it works with all bust sizes. You can wear it done up, undone and even on its own with vest top underneath and a skinny belt over it.



The third is probably the one most of you will worry about but it is bang on trend as they like to say and adds a wow factor when it comes to the necessary and ubiquitous 'car' cardigan. Topshop again, it is the knitted Fairisle long cardigan £55


For £116.50 you've got three separates to mix and match which will work with existing wardrobe items. Clashing the floral and fairisle will be a serious style injection to boot.

Something I threw on

This is the first in a weekly style option for the out of towners! And maybe something for those who are big city dwellers. I will try to keep everything as an internet option, which isn't too hard these days and also September sees the launch of H&M online. It does mean that Zara is excluded but since sizing is an issue with Zara this probably isn't an issue. To qualify, sizing in Zara varies enormously depending on fabric, cut and design. I can discount XS and XL but S, M & L have all made an appearance in my wardrobe.

I thought I'd kick of this series with a solution for country living (wild west of Wales, Sussex etc.) and attempt to solve a cry for help from someone who is 'strawberry'. A strawberry body shape is like a strawberry - wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. I like to call it an upside down triangle, which means to balance out the proportions you need to create an additional triangle.

The look I'm creating is modern and fresh for A/W, with a nod, if you select the jumper option, to Prada but doesn't scream fashion.

Item 1 - is a Mango skirt from ASOS. I like to get women out of the trouser/jeans option where possible. Much easier to wear dresses and skirts if you can't rock a skinny jean or this season's leather pants a la Isobel Marant. At £37.90 it is a snip and the wrap feature and asymmetric detail make it more casual for everyday wear. The only problem is Mango like Zara only go up to a L which is a size 12. If you need larger I would opt for the Isobella Oliver maternity a-line skirt. What maternity I hear you shriek! Well, it's just you get a better cut with the waistband and you can tuck things in and add a skinny belt but still get a great shape. It is the perfect solution when you are an apple or strawberry shape.


Item 2 - ASOS bobble stitch jumper in navy, £30. Get the jumper for later when the wind chills the bones. And if you are top heavy for the jumper, go for a lightweight long sleeve tee in grey, navy or black, again this Mango Cowl neck top £17.90 is perfect for on its own or layering and this goes up to a size 14.

Then you only need to add some ribbed or opaque tights with some boots or brogues or even wellies depending on the weather. Do not under any circumstances add Uggs. I've nothing against Uggs but not with this look, okay!

Here are some links to boots ideas.

ASOS Trapper platform ankle boots

Dorothy Perkins Chocolate lace up ankle boots

M&S footglove wide fit leather slouch boots in brown

And a pair of brogues

Topshop soft leather brogues

For accessories, if you are top heavy get a nice chunky bangle or 3 to add detail. And if you are small(er) busted and wearing the navy jumper, a nice very long chain with a locket on the end would be fab. I just dreamt up the locket necklace, I have no images or suggestions to offer but something similar would work. Or a nice brooch.