On Trend: THE PUSSYBOW BLOUSE

The pussybow blouse is having a moment, and I must confess I love saying 'pussybow blouse' almost as much as I love wearing one! If you are not a big lover of necklaces, scarves and such then the pussybow is a great way to get some detail into your top without feeling over adorned. Avoid looking like you are heading to the office and stay away from pencil skirts a la Maggie Gyllenhaal in Secretary. Instead pair your blouse with something unexpected, be it a full tulle skirt a la Miroslava or masculine tailoring as sported by Caroline Issa (see above photos). My personal favorite way to wear my pussybow Frame Denim blouse is with a pair of cropped denim pants. I always like to throw in a casual element to my style so that I never look like I try too hard! (even though lets be honest, hours of thought are put into my outfits!). To get pussybow's into your closet, take a look at this gorgeous window pane number from Tory Burch (also on sale so HURRY!) and for a real deal take a peek at this ASOS denim shirt. Enjoy! CM XO

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FALL MUST HAVE: THE CAMEL COAT

Oh how I love and long for this time of year, with the cooling temps comes a whole load of fashion excitement, especially when it come to shopping for a new fall coat.  Along with the military parka, peacoat and trench a new classic has emerged-the wool camel coat. Incredibly versatile, the menswear inspired wool camel coat is a highly wearable and neutral item that can go over pretty much anything, be it a a white shirt and blue denim, or a shift dress and sneakers. It serves the same purpose as a trench but in a heavier and warmer wool fabric. Its classic, chic and feels expensive. My current favorite is by Rag and Bone and for a more affordable option check out this incredible deal from Zara! CM XO

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On Trend: The Culotte

When I first heard that culottes were making a comeback, I had flashbacks to 1980's childhood fashion fights with my Mother. Before I was allowed to wear short skirts (which I was oh so desperate to do) I had to make do with a culotte. Mother professed they preserved my girlish modesty! Jump to 2015 and you can't part me from my beloved culotte collection! Practical and oh so wearable, culottes give you the elegance of a skirt but the much needed practicality of a pant. Unless you are incredibly tall, avoid wearing with flats, stick to pumps or for more comfort go for stacked sandals. To balance the often voluminous culotte try tucking in your top to show off your waistline and give your look some definition. My perfectly priced favorites can be found at Club Monaco and JCrew. CM XO

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Must Have Shoes: Marais USA

As an adorer of anything and everything associated with France, I was naturally drawn to the Parisian inspired LA based (and made) shoe brand Marais USA. The North Marais is a divine part of Paris (beautiful shopping, great style, chic cafes) and Marais USA's shoes are just as pleasing. Year after year, founder and creative director Haley Boyd creates impeccably wearable collections of classic must have shoes with a chic 'Marais USA' twist. Priced under $250 and available in a beautiful array of colors, shapes and styles in both leather and vegan options, these shoes are a must have for any style conscious girl's shoe wardrobe. My personal favorite is the Jardin Heel, a gorgeous block heel sandal; the heel is high enough to give me that much needed polish and leg lengthening lift but comfortable enough to wear all day long, its the perfect shoe! J'adore! CM xo

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NEED IT: MANSUR GAVRIEL BAGS

Mansur Gavriel bags' low key elegance and clean lines has made them the new must have for every laissez faire fashion girl; the one who shies away from loud logos and extraneous hardware accoutrements. Founded just 2.5 years ago in NY by two such girls, these simply chic and exquisitely Italian made bags are a hot ticket and notoriously difficult to get your hands on. List of stockists, both online and in store's, here. Good luck! x

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MUST HAVE: THE TASSEL SHOE

I am always on the look out for a fashion forward and polished flat and am feeling rather tired of the basic ballet flat and loafer. I am currently swooning over JCrew's Harper leather tassel mules. With their elegant pointed toe and whimsical yet oh so on trend tassel, these mules are a must have shoe for spring. Find them here x

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FIRST DATE FASHION

Thankfully as a married woman I no longer have to gussy myself up for first dates but as a stylist and fashion aide to my single friends I am often curating different looks for their Tinder profile pics and more importantly their first dates! Here are some of my key points when dressing for dating;

-'Less is more' When it comes to showing skin, you want to play it cool and keep things a little mysterious and leave your date intrigued. I always suggest a loose silk shirt, unbuttoned accidentally a 'little too low' OR worn semi sheer as seen above on Miranda Kerr. It is essential that you wear a beautiful and color appropriate brassiere to give your potential Amour a hint on whats to come in the future! Equipment blouses are my personal favorite and Stella McCartney lingerie is truly exquisite.

-'Proportion is a priority'. If you are going for the looser fit blouse you have to balance your proportions and go for a form fitting skinny black pant or dark denim jean. Keep the pants rise hip hugging and for an added dash of 'I didn't try too hard' indulge in the 'half tuck'. Avoid the fashion forward high rise pant, it's tricky to pull off and  men just simply don't get it!

-'Forgo the flat'. Ladies this is not the time for you new Repetto loafer or Loeffler Randall flat boot, if you are going for the silk blouse/skinny jean combo then it is imperative that you sport a heel. Vertiginous Louboutin platforms do not get my vote, I suggest you go for a simple strappy sandal or a chic suede pump, (which can be found here).

-'Approach finishing touches with caution'.  A first date is not a testing ground for cutting edge make up trends and over sized statement jewelry, instead think 'no make up make up' (Nars 'Orgasm' blush never fails), delicate stacked rings and a small pendant necklace (my favorite subtle jewelry of all time is by Williamsburg based Catbird.).

With these tips I think you will be all set but if anyone needs additional guidance feel free to ask me any dating fashion ?'s in the ''Get Clareified' section on this site. Bon chance!

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SPORTING STYLE

For fall there is nothing better than mixing a little 'sportif' into your look. Take note from the Parisian brand A.P.C. who can always be relied upon for some tomboy style. I particularly love this outfit from their Fall look book; the collegiate baseball jacket pared with the full skirt and simple heel is so wearable and shows you the perfect way to mix some sporting style into your look but still retain your femininity! In fact I loved this look so much I couldn't resist and acquired this jacket myself, if you too can't live without this jacket it can be found here but hurry it is selling out FAST!

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THE MUST HAVE: TURTLENECK

After years of belonging in the fashion wilderness, the turtleneck is officially back in style. There are countless benefits to sporting the turtle! As a stylist I have worked with several older actresses who always gravitate to them for their ability to conceal and distract from a not so smooth jawline. Not only do they cover up a loose neck but they elongate it too! The comfort factor can also not be denied, there is nothing better on a cool fall evening than throwing on a gorgeous chunky knit turtleneck and reveling in its blanket like soothing! Also don't just trust on your turtle for casual eves, combine with a sleek leather or silk pencil, add a high pump and a great bag and you will reach the heights of fall fashion!

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MUST HAVE: PIAMITA

There is nothing I love more than lounge wear, to combine comfort and fashion is simply heavenly and one can achieve that with the NY based line Piamita. Launched in 2011 by a W magazine editor, Piamita's collection of versatile silk separates can be worn just as easily at an evening soiree with heels as they can at relaxing at home. Inspired by classic society icons Nan Kemper and Talitha Getty, Piamita's looser cuts and original prints make this line your go to for laissez faire fashion moments. Take a look here x

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STYLE ICON: GIA COPPOLA

When your mother is famed stylist and socialite Jacqui Getty and your aunt is Marc Jacobs' number one muse Sofia Coppola, its no surprise that Gia Coppola has evolved into a noted style icon. Her LA roots mixed with her well traveled upbringing have had huge influence on her style; an interesting combo of SoCal's relaxed aesthetic and Europe's expensive simplicity. Think cotton button downs and paper thin tee's paired with Parisian chic simple black leather mini skirts and sharply tailored pants. Her look is classic yet fashion forward and always a surprise, I for one will be keeping a close fashion eye on Ms Coppola, I suggest you do the same.

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LOVE IT OR LOATHE IT?: The Jumpsuit

Stella McCartney has always been a cool girl, London style. Famously down to earth and the creator of such wearable clothes I have always aspired to own vast amounts of her collections. I always look to her own clothing choices, she has a real woman's body; an ample bust and she isn't supermodel tall. I have recently noticed her fondness for jumpsuits, a clothing item which has frankly always intrigued me, as a lover of dresses for their 'throw on and go' quality, jumpsuits have that same appeal. However there is a fear I will look more 'mechanic chic' than 'tomboy chic'!. I am yet to leap onto the jumpsuit bandwagon, and yet to decide if I love it or loathe it! I'll keep you posted xo

STYLE STAR: EMMA STONE

Emma Stone's style star continues to shine and her appearance at the 2013 Elle Women in Film awards was blinding. I am head over heels for her magenta Valentino Resort 2013  dress; the femininity and frothiness of the pink chiffon is beautifully balanced by the clean preppiness of the dresses' stark white collar and cuffs. The dress is divine and so is Miss Stone.

TREND REPORT: THE BLACK LEATHER BIKER JACKET

So all the cool girls have thrown out their army jackets and are now sporting the new must have cover up- the black motorcycle jacket. This archetypal cool kid piece is now being redesigned by all of the super hip brands and Acne, Carven and Burberry all have their own interpretation. The through lines are; the jackets are cropped, have a shrunken fit and are a little boxy. These jackets are perfect for giving your style that androgynous boy meets girl cool factor, throw over floral's, lacy dresses and of course pair with your skinny cropped denim a la Alexa. Make like Audrey Hepburn meets Patti Smith and invest in this trend pronto! x

MUST HAVE: THE FLORAL PRINT PANT

Yes minimalism is my thing but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the more playful side of fashion. One recent trend that I have been admiring is the floral print pant. For myself I will stick to a black and white print but if color is your thing, I highly suggest you grab yourself a rainbow bright pair! The key to anyone pulling off the floral print pant is keep the rest of your look simple and neutral. Go for a solid top (pull a color from the pant as seen in the photo above), for your outer layer stick to a simple, sharply tailored blazer, trench or military jacket (army green is the new neutral don't you know!) add a sky high sexy pump and you are SET! I have seen some fabulous floral pants at my old faithful www.zara.com Have fun! x

RIP THE BALLET FLAT?

When packing for my trip to London and Paris I grabbed my trusty tan Repetto ballet flats but then a wash of hesitation came over me, dare I ask myself the question; are my ballet flats feeling a little tired? Sadly the answer was yes, I had a moment of fashion focus and thought of just as comfortable alternatives. I came to the conclusion that while my ballets flats are eternally chic and will always be easy to wear, a tan Repetto loafer felt far more current and more interesting, a little more sturdy and a better contrast to my favored polka dot maxis and trench coats. Don't worry my ballet flats are not going anywhere and they are certainly not going to fashion heaven, they are just going to take a little break :) Find your  Repetto loafers at www.openingceremony.com or for a cheaper alternative go to www.stevemadden.com x

DO YOU DARE TO FLARE?

I am particularly excited by the resurgence of the bell bottom but it is all too easy to get the look horribly wrong and resemble an extra from Boogie Nights! My rules when going for the flared look is keep the denim a mid blue (see Dakota Fanning in Elizabeth and James Jimi Bell Bottoms), with a high rise and wear them long with a stacked boot or a 70's inspired wedge (inspired being the operative word here ladies!). On the top half of your body you can't go wrong with a white tee but also consider a tucked in and collared silk Equipment blouse. In regards to your outer layer, flares look particularly great with a belted trench.  They are also a great denim silhouette for a curvier girl as they balance out the hips and bust, just please make sure you wear with a heel, flats and flares do not a good match make! Find at www.shopbop.com x

PRINTS PLEASE!

Now if you are a regular reader you will know that I like to keep my style neutral and simple but sometimes I crave a little whimsy. Since MIU MIU's famous Spring 2010 season when we were launched into a fashion frenzy by its collection featuring cat and bird prints (see on Kirsten above), I have been yearning a piece of the action! This year Victoria By Victoria Beckham, Carolina Herrera and Altuzarra have all jumped on the fashion bandwagon with their collections heavily featuring cat and bird prints. This trend is clearly not going anywhere. If you are the daring sort, try a heavily detailed print dress like Kirsten's. I have found a fantastic and affordable option here: www.asos.com. Or if you are feeling timid about this trend why not try a bird or a cat print silky blouse like this one www.netaporter.com tucked into a pair of high waist jeans or a black skater skirt? Fun, fresh and bang on trend!

MUST HAVE: The white suit

My previous post on the LWD got me thinking about another look that is becoming a classic look that I also recently acquired, the white pant suit. Lauren Hutton, Bianca Jagger and more recently Camilla Belle and Leelee Sobieski have all sported the white pant suit. Like I mentioned in regards to the LWD, white is universally flattering and looks so current, fresh and chic in the spring/summer. Make sure your suit fits you perfectly, I recently came across a fab double breasted suit at Zara (yes I'm obsessed with the Spanish store at the moment!) and just to give it that higher end look I dragged it to my alterations lady for a little nip and tuck. My darling suit's facelift was hugely successful and I wear my high street number as proudly as if it were Stella McCartney! Run to Zara before it sells out! x

MUST HAVE: The little white dress

Dear Little Black Dress (aka LBD) I hate to be the one to break it to you but you have a serious contender who wants to steal your crown and plant itself firmly on your throne, the Little White Dress (aka LWD). I myself have become a recent convert to the LWD due to its immensely wearable nature. Not only is it a more feminine and much lighter alternative to the old faithful LBD but it is also flattering for all skin tones. During the day I wear with my tan Repetto ballet flats, APC denim tote bag and tortoiseshell sunglasses and in the evening I switch these out for my black heeled ankle boots and my Chanel 2.55 . For a really glamorous evening look do as Kirsten Dunst has and pair your LWD with metallic accessories, I adore her silver Mary-Janes. For your very own Little White Dress I suggest you head to Zara. Enjoy! xo