Fashion for work has come a long way since the power suit and shoulder pads of the eighties. Although a timeless and tailored suit is still a key essential for a work wardrobe, there are many other options to make you look just as professional. My advice is always to purchase some key statement investment pieces that will stand the test of time, and accessorise with the new season essentials to bring some style and individuality.

A classic pencil skirt such as the Moschino Boucle adds instant elegance and old world charm to your wardrobe. For those who don’t feel comfortable in such a fitted piece, opt for wide leg trousers, the Paul Smith Black pair with satin trim do the job perfectly. These are much more forgiving on the figure and this beautifully tailored piece  will carry you from season to season. Team either of these with a season must have, the pussy bow blouse such as the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania design. This will give you a groomed office look and the dramatic bow will add character to the simplest work ensemble. Finish this look off with a classic pair of Mary Jane shoes, perhaps a black patent pair by Pedro Garcia and a wow factor handbag, the Anya Hindmarch Vigo python shoulder bag will definitely turn heads.




Another favourite of mine for the office is a dress. This is a must for every woman’s wardrobe. There is a dress out there for all women and is the ultimate one stop shop piece. It is easy to throw on and can make the morning rush to get to work, so much easier. Try the tweed sleeveless dress by Oscar de la Renta, an absolute classic. Team this with the ultimate accessory, a belt. The fabulous Yves Saint Laurent black belt with looped gold links is an exquisite choice. Add some opaque tights to give it a modern look, and finish with the vibrant red Gaia Shopper by D&G Dolce & Gabbana. This glossy red leather shopper is super stylish, and will add some colour to an otherwise staple office outfit.



To complete your work image, to feel professional, yet chic from the moment you leave for work, to the moment you arrive back home, then invest in a fabulous coat this winter. A well-tailored and good quality coat is always worthwhile. One of my favourites for this season is the Moschino Cheap & Chic double collar coat, a real style statement with its exaggerated collar a feature, giving this otherwise elegant coat a contemporary edge.

For the brave and the daring, home in on the adventurous shapes and cuts. The angular cut will grace the shoulders of the modern day Crystal Carrington, whilst the futuristic amongst us will embrace the cocoon shape. For the less zany, try the effortless and certainly the most wearable trend of the season – soft and loose.

Colour and pattern lovers will welcome the rich and warm winter usual suspects – military and tartan, but there will be more exaggerated braiding and bigger, bolder brass buttons. Metallic leggings will accompany this look, as well as an array of long leather boots for a full on military explosion.

Tartan wearers will be given a right of passage to mix and match multiple checks with vivid plaids in vivid violets, luscious emeralds, striking turquoise and tangy orange. To add to this sea of colour and pattern there will be the revival of the paisley. Already visible in the fabrics of the end of summer dresses, this trend will continue through to liven up the doldrums of the winter days.

For the less colourful amongst us, perhaps you will be following in the path of the not so obvious trendsetter, Princess Margaret and the Queen! The must have accessory for next the new season is the headscarf. Let the silk blouses, satin skirts lead the way, but do not forget country style fashionistas, scarves, gloves, belts and handbags at all times please!

This new season will see us trading traditional white shirts for red and black ankle boots for grey. Let your winter coat make a statement and hang on to your belts. Add Spanish lace to your layers and fringing to your edges. Upgrade your handbag to a fine leather courier satchel and jewels to your slippers. Whatever your fancy this winter, you will not be short of choice in colour, style, pattern, shape or fabric.

How many times have you found an item of clothing that is almost what you are looking for? However the colour was not quite right, the cut was not quite as flattering as you would have liked, the design didn’t quite hide the areas you would prefer to keep hidden. Then perhaps an haute couture service is the solution for you to find the perfect outfit.

Originating from the French word meaning sewing or needlework, ‘haute couture’ is high quality fashion design and construction. It is a process where the designer will create models from a toile, usually made from muslin, then based on the toile, the garments are made to measure for the client.

Haute couture relies on highly skilled specialist to create the details from the design. It is labour intensive and costly. The clothes are exquisitely crafted clothes in fabulous fabrics, many of which have had literally hundreds of painstaking hours of hand sewing, embroidery and beading lavished on them. As a result the number of couture houses has drastically fallen over the years.

An haute couture catwalk is art personified for the fashion world, with the most beautiful dresses and the most fantastical creations from the world's top designers. The collections are shown twice a year in January and July. From the catwalk they are transformed into bespoke pieces for clients who would like individual and made to measure clothes. They are extremely high specification clothing, with the utmost attention to design and detail.

Having worked with some of the top haute couture houses in the world, Armani Prive, Versace and Valentino to name but a few, I understand first hand the complex process of haute couture, both from the aspect of the designers, but also from the point of view of the client. My clients have desired bespoke gowns for events such as weddings, red carpet events and fundraisers. All have wanted not only one off items of clothing, but to look and feel like a million dollars. This is certainly achievable in the world of haute couture.

Overwhelmed by the plethora of looks, attitudes, scenes and aspirations for spring/summer 2008. Unsure of which key trend to pick this season? Certainly an understandable issue with the array of choices set before you. However there is no need for frustration or confusion, instead embrace the trends and take your pick, mix and match and enjoy!

A bold brazen floral piece; abstract ethnic prints; maxi floor sweeping dresses with their whimsical charms; maritime moments, navy white and red; softened tailoring; jumpsuits, short and long; full skirts flaring out from the waist; distressed denim and my ultimate favourite for the season, jewel-toned dresses. Brace yourself, for 2008 is looking very, very bright.

So for those who are brave enough to wear this is the season’s rich, vibrant shades, a couple of reminders: check your skin tone before making your purchase. Olive and dark skin will be able to carry these shades with confidence and flare. For those with pale skin, make sure that you do not appear washed out. Emphasise your face, so that the colour does not consume you. So for example overdo the mascara. If you love colour but cannot dare to dazzle, then opt for some of the zesty accessories that are available, which will also jazz up your look instantly.

Finally, don’t leave home without the season’s must have accessory, the oversized clutch. This trend is still very much around and can be for daytime or evening. This beautiful look from eras gone by boasts class and adds femininity. Paired with one of the many tea dresses or wide leg trousers gracing our stores, you would be forgiven for thinking we had indeed stepped back in time.