THE REVISIT: FLARES

Now I am a proud wearer of all things pants; Audrey H cropped, Katherine H wide, and the Diane K pleated chino. However sometimes one needs to revisit that mildly controversial pant silhouette, the one that divides all pants wearers to the end, THE FLARE. I have written about flares before on this very blog, but I recently became aware of a trend setting flare wearer that has compelled me to refresh my approach. Fashion Director of Porter Magazine, Gabriele Hackworthy, has long been a devoted wearer of the subversive flare. The key to her successful relationship with them is that she keeps it simple. The pants are black, the layering light. Think a navy double breasted blazer and white tee, or a clean white shirt and solid black fringed cape (beautifully bringing in a little more bohemian influence to her look-see above). Hackworthy ALWAYS wears her black bell's with vertiginous heels and these are a must. Unless you are Karlie Kloss and 7ft tall NEVER sport a flat with a flare! I have found the perfect Gabriele-esque leg lengthening pair for only $50 here www.hm.com. They are such a bargain grab them PRONTO! x

Photo from Twitter @GabHackworthy

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Is this fur real?!

I am having a fashion crisis! Normally when it comes to my thoughts on particular trends I am pretty black and white; flatforms? LOATHE metallics in the daytime? LOVE etc etc...but when it comes to 'faux' (fun) fur I remain on the fashion fence. When the trend first emerged via the faux fur designer du jour British brand 'Shrimps' I chuckled and openly mocked its intentions. But I must confess as I see these colorful and rather huge fluffy coats being sported in different ways (see Alexa above wearing her Shrimps coat in weekend relaxed mode with a hoodie and jeans) I feel a pang of jealousy towards the wearer and wonder if I am missing out!!! I hate to admit to myself that unless you are a)6ft tall b)a size 0-2 or c)a MAW (model, actress-whatever!) then you should probably stay clear of this trend. BUT you can embrace the faux fur fever by grabbing a furry friendly clutch like this one here and here. Have fun with it whatever you do! It sure is a good trend for that! xo

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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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MUST HAVE: STAN SMITH

Nike Air Max's watch out because there is a new (old) sneaker in town; the classic Adidas Stan Smith. Originally created in 1973 for tennis star Stan Smith, the Stan Smith shoe is a legend of the sneaker world, its simple clean lines, flash of color on the heel and ultimate comfort is making it the new go to sneaker for the fashion pack. Celine designer Phoebe Philo (see above) and longtime Adidas fan Marc Jacobs are spearheading their return, and with them leading the way the poor Air Max will have to take a back seat :)

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THE GROWN OUT BANG

Sienna Miller, Suki Waterhouse, Felicity Jones, Alexa Chung and the queen of mussed up sex pot locks Bridgette Bardot, have all successfully sported my current hair obsession, the grown out bang, Center parted and imperfectly perfect, the grown out bang gives its wearers the ultimate peekaboo, coquettish allure! As a lover of all things 1960's and kitsch, I declare the grown out bang is BANG on trend!

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MODEL OF THE MOMENT:ROSIE TAPNER

18 year old British schoolgirl Rosie Tapner is hot on the heels of  her BFF Cara Delevigne, poised and ready to usurp her position of Britain's Top Model. An equine enthusiast, competitive lacrosse player and boarding school attendee (she is finishing up high school at the super society Downe House), Tapner embodies a sporty, healthy and ultimately preppy spirit which makes a refreshing change to the feline and party loving Cara. Already the face of TOPSHOP and the focus of a fashion film for ID magazine (see here) Tapner's profile is set to rise...and rise...and rise...!

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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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THE BOMBER JACKET

So having grown tired of the varsity jacket and blazer I looked for a new lightweight layer that I can throw over my striped shirts and white tee's. As luck would have it I happened upon the silk bomber jacket. Versatile and oh so easy to wear, the bomber can look just as chic with a pencil skirt and heel as it can with a white jean and Superga plimsoll. Wear oversized for a louche relaxed look. I am currently coveting this Equipment bomber, it can be found here www.saksfifthave.com.

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PROUD TO BE A TOMBOY

If you read this blog its safe to say that you know I am a true tomboy when it comes to my personal style. Since that fateful day when I turned seven years old and my mother handed over the responsibility of dressing myself, my closet has predominantly comprised of striped tee's, button downs and crew neck sweaters. So imagine my joy when I discovered the truly inspiring fashion book 'Tomboy Style'  by Lizzie Garret Mettler at the Clare Vivier store in Silver Lake. I devoured the pages filled with both photographic and written tributes to various tomboy style tribes be it 'The Adventurer' tomboy or 'The Girl Next Door'. All of my style favorites made it into the book; Diane Keaton, Lauren Hutton and Ali MacGraw to name but a few. What I truly loved about this book was not only is it an homage of some of the most fabulous style icons throughout history but it is also a celebration of women's spirit and aesthetic identity in society over the years. How much I admire those brazen young women who strutted into Brooks Brothers in the 1940's to buy their blue button down men's oxford shirts. I take my tomboy hat off to them for their rejection of  girdles and high waist skirts and their embracing of the far more practical loafer and pant; all trademarks of tomboy style. Not only did it give these women aesthetic experimentation but enabled them to live freer and with increased practicality. If anyone tells you that fashion trends don't have substance and depth send them this book, this proud tomboy says its a must read.

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STYLE ICON: CAROLYN BESSETTE KENNEDY

Before the current queens of minimalism and classic American style Sofia Coppola and Gwyneth Paltrow reigned there was a member of 'American's Royal Family' Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, that held the throne. When she began to date JFK Jr her white blond mane contrasted with a scarlet red lip and lithe figure gave her such a striking presence that the fashion world sat up and took notice. A fan of simple and classic dressing, Carolyn's love of slim cut ankle grazing pants and white buttons down's paid homage to Audrey Hepburn with but with her own contemporary New York twist. A lover of Calvin Klein and Narciso Rodriguez, on the streets of Manhattan you would likely find her wearing a camel cashmere winter coat over a black roll neck, dark cropped jeans and a black leather loafer. At night she would be seen in either head to toe white or black, no prints or colors in sight. Carolyn was not a fan of accessorizing, her only adornments were her wedding ring and a classic Cartier watch but with that hair, figure and scarlet red lip who needs jewelry? I find Carolyn's pictures to be a never ending source of style inspiration and a reminder to not be a slave to trends, her style looks just as current now as it did back in the 1990's. It goes to show that it is worth investing in classic well made pieces that stand the test of time. To see more photos of CBK take a look here.

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MUST HAVE: GEOMETRY BAGS

I am always on the hunt for a well made, versatile and simple leather bag that doesn't break the bank and I'm thrilled to say the search is over! A fashion industry friend recently introduced me to the new LA based, California made bag line Geometry. I was immediately drawn to the bags clean lines, impeccable quality and simplicity. In highly practical colors tan, white, navy and black, Geometry bags combine classic style with modern elements; think a ladylike handle purse in the contemporary combination of tan and white (see photo above) or a super practical solid black or tan cross body bag. These are the kind of bags you keep forever that only get better with age, and at accessible price points (the bags range from $190-$585) there is something for everyone. Start your collection of Geometry bags here:

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EMERGING STYLE ICON: GEORGIA JAGGER

Its no surprise that the offspring of the original glamazon Jerry Hall and rock god Mick Jagger is strikingly beautiful; and in the modelling scene Georgia Jagger is currently giving the Cara's and Kate's a run for their money! Her Brigitte Bardot-esque features and laissez faire attitude are currently advertising brands such Rimmel and Hudson to name but a few. There is no doubt in my mind that Georgia will be around for a long time to come!

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BAREFACED BEAUTY

I have never been a huge fan of make up and for me less is more; a dab of tinted moisturizer, a curl of the lashes and a swish of Touche Eclat to erase my dark circles and I am good to go. I am of the mind set that heavy make up, especially when you hit your 30's, can age you. Thick layers of foundation and powder can mask a youthful glow and eyeshadow can enhance emerging wrinkles! If you have good skin and the ability to go make up free a la Nicole Richie vacationing in Italy then go for it! Don't you think she looks fresh, fashion forward and oh so Euro chic?! I am going to take a leaf out of her book and try a bare faced day. Not only is it a practical option, as I will I save valuable time in the morning, but I may also look a little younger a la Nicole. I am all for the challenge but I must confess..I can't quite give up my eyelash curlers just yet! Set yourself the bare faced challenge and let me know how you get on! xo

SINK OR SWIM?

Living in Los Angeles, its always the dreaded swimsuit season! I have to admit I'm a one piece kind of girl, and I am quite the anomaly here in the sunshine state. Having recently vacayed in Hawaii (where I gladly sported my blue and white striped onesie!) I admired many uber cool surfer girls in their rash guards, striding confidently along the beach. As I slathered on even more factor 50 onto my burning shoulders, I felt truly envious of the surfer girls in their hip, sun safe and colorful surf wear! So imagine by overwhelming joy when I was doing my daily browsing of the JCrew site when I happened upon an entire collection of rash guards! I was confronted with polka dots, Liberty floral's and stripes galore! Stylish, practical and no more burnt shoulders; could it get any better than that? :)  Get your hands on these pronto: www.jcrew.com

BEAUTY TRENDS: THE BOB

For years I have been on a never ending quest for long, lightly layered, surfy style locks. I have spent countless hours on my hair experimenting with salt sprays, dry shampoos and curling irons of different shapes and sizes, to achieve a look like makes me look like I just rolled out of bed. Victoria's Secret model hair is my main aim (HA! I can but dream). If some of you are confused as to why I would yearn for VS hair I'll tell you that it's the Ying to my tomboy clothes' Yang. However I more than sat up and took notice when one of my tousled hair VS icons Karlie Kloss chopped off her miraculous honey blonde mane for a messy short bob. It looks fresh, current and youthful and makes the rest of the VS surfy hair gang look a little, dare I say it, passe! I am not quite ready to lop my long hair off just yet, but a generous trim is definitely on the cards :)

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

KITTY FEVER

The Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flat is THE must have flat for spring. Its kitschy kitty motif, silken satin and delicately feminine profile is adorning the feet of all of my favorites fashion plates- Alexa and Kate to name but a few. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and versions of these flats are popping up all over the high street but for the real deal head here http://www.charlotteolympia.com/kitty-flats-black.html xo