Stunning LIV

I was called last week by Caroline who is the PR company representing LIV

LIV is the most beautiful clothing which allows you to wear ethical garments without having to compromise on fashionability or quality.
LIV's clothing has to be felt to be believed, cotton that is soft as cashmere with the longevity, wearability and versatility that only cotton can bring to a garment.

I was thrilled to arrive home after speaking on Marlow FM about Royal Ascot style to find a box sitting on the doorstep. Like a child in a sweetshop I rushed to open the box. I found myself saying O'h and A'h which the dog found quite amusing!

Just look at what was in my beautifully wrapped and presented box.
The box was wrapped in a gorgeous white ribbon and when opened I saw this lovely note.

The box had this wonderful smell, I noticed a little lilac tissue paper wrapped box shape and when I opened it I found this wild lavender hand made soap which is engraved with the LIV logo. What a beautiful touch.

I can now see you all tilting your head for this photo, I really just wanted to show you the ticket with the little heart, it really is a brand that has thought of the personal touches.

This is the beachcomber deck dress which I was sent and I have not been disapppointed, it did look like this on the website.

	A flattering boat neck shift dress with retro deckchair stripes and softly elasticated at back to draw in waist. Made in India using 100% organic and fairly traded cotton

The Pier Cardie has a retro feel and styling and looks great over the deck shift or the Urchin Vest. Made in India using 100% organic and fairly traded cotton.

I am thrilled with these pieces as this brand really does say what it does on the tin.

Have a look at their website and I'dlove to know what you think www.liv.co.uk

I have a treat for you in that we will be running a competition with this brand so please do keep coming back.

Lots of love

Lisa

Day 30 - My favourites seasons pieces

Well, today is the last day of my 30 day blog challenge where I have bought you my style picks from the high street.

I hope I have covered most brands that you can readily pick up when you are out and about. I am sure I have missed off some so apologies for that.

What were you favourite pieces from the days?

Here are mine.

Bubble dress from Desigual

Lace top from ZARA

Peplum top from New Look

Stunning, embellished dress from French Connection

 Slim fit jeans from H & M

Front ruffle dress from F & F at Tesco

Ivory Ponte jacket from ZARA

Heart detailed cardigan

Please do let me know your comments, I really do love to hear them

Lots of love

Lisa

Day 29 Sizzling Summer Style

Sizzling Summer style

There is something truly wonderful about feeling the warm sun on your face, doesn’t it just make you smile your way through the day?

As a stylist I am always like a child in a sweetie shop when I see what the fashion world has conjured up for us to be seen in during the summer months.  Getting ready for summer is always an exciting time, whether we are air bagging away our winter clothes or preparing to add in new pieces to our wardrobe to inject a new lease of life.
This summer is no exception and I am thrilled to tell you all about my hot finds from both the high street and luxury brands for this year. The trends this season are quite varied, I just know you will find your favourite.

Colour plays a huge part this season, the ice cream colours will fit beautifully into your wardrobe, pretty shades of mint, powder blue and soft lilac will give any outfit the modern look.  The most flattering way to wear these colours is on their own, they work so well together.

If you prefer to wear a bolder colour then vibrant yellow is a trend all on its own. Yellow looks stunning with a pair of indigo jeans or team it with a lovely wide legged pair of linens for a chic daytime look.

Do you like blue, then indulge yourself in the electric blue that is adorning our high street, it looks wonderful if you mix it with an orange or a soft coral. Dress it up with gold accessories for a great evening look.

I am so enjoying seeing the revival of the feminine woman, this trend emphasises a woman’s silhouette but not in a girly way, more of the sophisticated and chic lady. If you are a lover of this look then you will find the waisted dresses right up your street. Dresses are perfect for work, home and play. DKNY and Nicole Fahri’s collections of dresses are truly beautiful.

Nougat London this season have embraced the ‘white’ romantic trend, wear dresses with lace detail and embroidery anglaise to create a feminine but sophisticated look. Wearing white gives a fresh, crisp look. White is a great base where you can add any colour or print.

 Do you love prints, well this season you have a gorgeous selection to choose from, my favourite this season is the paisley and the floral. Both can be worn subtly or make a statement with a strong print. Ted Baker’s floral collection are for me the best this season

 I have always recommended the ‘peplum’ as a great style so was I pleased to see it as a fashion piece for this season. The peplum adds curves and distinction to a pencil skirt or flat fronted trousers. Vera Wang’s designs were inspired.

 Summer is all about femininity, the flapper/drop waisted dresses have made a comeback with a vengeance. The tassles  on these dresses add fun whilst leaving the dress to inject the dramatic appearance, for a great selection of dresses visit ASOS or pop to River Island.

Keeping with the feminine look has seen skirts and dresses with amazing pristine pleats, Whistles, Zara and Primark have the most amazing skirts in their summer collection. As the fabrics are lighter the items will not create additional bulk where us ladies with curves don’t need it!

With the tassles comes the feathers this season, feathers are being seen as a great accessory piece on a hairband, earrings and are being used as trims. The beauty of the feather is how the use of colour has created new, exciting and different looks for many occasions.

Bling is back and lots of it, I have to admit I love this trend which sees flecks of glitter injected into fine knit jumpers and sequins scattered on the front of t.shirts.  Don’t keep this look for evening, it looks wonderful worn during the day. In keeping with the glitter based ideas we have seen the shine of pewter, silver and platinum used as a finish for simple garments. Be wary of wearing block metallic colours if you are top heavy, as the light reflects it makes the area appear larger and disproportionate

Enjoy the summer and these beautiful trends, they’ll make you smile sun or rain.

lots of love

Lisa

Day 28 It's holiday time!

Your summer holiday is coming up fast and it is a very exciting time of the year but also one of the most daunting......you only are allowed 12-20 kilos depending on the airline of weight in your suitcase, how do you get all your clothes in this case, the answer......You Don’t!!

Please don’t stress or worry yourself, follow my tips and you will pack efficiently and effectively;

• Prior to packing work out what you will be doing on your holiday, days around the pool/on the beach, excursions, evening meals etc. Plan your outfits!
• Select garments that can be teamed together ie;

Shorts with t.shirts/vest tops/cotton shirt

Skirts with t.shirts/vest tops/ cotton shirts

Dresses – The unsung hero as they are a stand alone garment and need nothing else to look stunning

Linen is a super cool, natural fabric and looks amazing in the sun teamed with colour, fabulous for the warm evenings socialising.

A couple pairs of sandals/casual flip flops – Try and make sure they work with your outfits, popular to belief you do not need a different pair of shoes for each day!

• When packing, roll each garment, it keeps them crease free and you can fit far more in your suitcase
• Pack a  few accessories that are of a base neutral colour so they can be worn with the majority of your outfits.

Lots of love

Lisa

Day 27....Does Style have an age limit?

Absolutely bloody not!

I feel that it is about time I put this issue to rest, for the sake of many women all over the UK and further a field.

I hear so many lovely ladies who are looking fab over a certain age ( me included! ) asking the question 'should I really be wearing this at my age' or ' I can't really shop in there anymore as I'm too old'.

What has happened to this nation where age has suddenly become such a big issue?

I feel really passionate about this subject ( as you may tell ) as it seems in many cases that once you are over the age of 35 then its all down hill from there and when you reach the ripe old age of 40 then it's all over and you have to look and behave like your mum!!!

Well ladies, your personal style is all about your personality and your body shape NOT your age. At all ages we can look amazing, as we grow older we just choose to wear the season's trends in a modern way rather than a trendy way.
You can shop in all the high street stores, there really is something for everyone in all of them, you most certainly will not buy your whole seasonal wardrobe from only one but you then have this wonderful collection of stores to choose items that will make up your capsule wardrobe.

I don't usually get on my high horse but this is one subject that makes me jump aboard and shout from the roof tops.........we are all individuals and deserve to not only look great but feel great, it has no bearing on our age.

I would love to know your views

lots of love
Lisa

Day 26 my secret love

Desigual is one of my favourite brands but then I am a little quirky and this brand is definatley not for the faint hearted.

This stand out brand will certainly set you aprt from those around you and it will also make you feel great as the fabric used is soft, so perfect for you natural personalities.

Found in their stand alone store in Westfield, Shepards Bush ( where I am the personal stylist ) and in many House of Frasers.

This great half length t.shirt is perfect as an addition to any block coloured skirt, jeans and linen trousers for the summer. It adds that splash of colour so simply. This top is called the Agricu.

Wow, look at this 'Bubble' waisted dress, perfect for the hour glass, top heavy, pear and slender/athletic body shape.
The plunging neckline works really well for the Top Heavy, the waist is accentuated for the hour glass and pear and the A line moving skirt works so well for those lovely curves.
For the boysih figure it gives you the curves you really don't have.

As I mentioned before, not for those who like to stand out but their flat fronted A line skirts are beautiful and they LOVE the apple body shape or anyone who carries weight on their tummy, for example after having a baby.

The flat fronted gives the body that lovely silhouette.

I found this dress whilst browsing and as a lover of the denim look, yet I feel I may be gearing towards the feminine too I fell in love.

The halter neck line works so well to accentuate the shoulders,perfect for the hour glass and pear and the ruffles will really help to make any smaller busted lady appear fuller in this area.

This is an empire line dress so will also work so well for the apple shape as it disguises the tummy area.

Desigual is well priced, known for cutting on the small side so be prepared you may well need to do up a size.
For some of the dresses they do come up quite short in length so don't be afraid to wear them over leggings or skinny trousers.
Enjoy!

lots of love
Lisa

Day 25, Beach cover ups

Beach cover ups

Picture this....spending the day lazing by the pool, taking a dip in the sea or playing with the children in the sand or by the pool side.  The time of the day comes for some lunch and in most cases we like to cover up our swimwear whilst we eat or popping to the local shops.

Beach cover ups are so pretty now and can keep you looking cool and chic, let me show you my top 4 for this summer.

I love this chiffon aqua beach dress from H & M, it is so easy to wear, an amazing colour and at £19.99 it is very affordable. If you wanted to you could add in a simple belt to create the waist and change the shape of this garment to either waisted or an empire line.

The silk kimono is a great throw over for those sunny days. I love this one from M & S, at £29.50. This kimono has a lover plunge neckline, great for the larger busted lady and it has the most gorgeous embellishment around the neckline to add interest and help rebalance the lower body.

The beautiful bell bottom sleeves create a great shape to this garment, they also create a little extra femininity.

Another Kimono style beach  cover up from H & M for £19.99 with a little different style. This lovely front opening acts very much like a waterfall effect creating a slimming line. The paisley print is super to really inject one of this season’s major trends and the abundance of colours will allow this kimono to work with any swimwear.

I love the sarong and what is even better with this sarong is that is comes from Resort and for £16.00 you get 2.

The sarong is a very simple garment to wear as you can tie how and where you want to. By having the ability to do this you can create the shapes your body deserves, for example tie just about the bust line to create a strapless effect, tie on your waist to allow the curves of your bottom half to come alive or tie on the hips to create a longer looking torso.

Lots of love
Lisa