My Favourite Style Tip: Mix Timeless Classics with Current Trends

French fashion retailer La Redoute has asked me to name my favourite style tip. A difficult task, as I have so many, but as I can only choose one, it would be to mix timeless, classic items with edgier trends to create a unique look of your own. Classic pieces are so versatile and can be mixed with any style from vintage to bohemian to urban, resulting in a fresh, modern and original look. As well as mixing designer with high street, think about what is going to make you look different.

As Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”

Over the years I have invested in classic staples that I use as building blocks in my wardobe, injecting my own sense of style with some more dramatic pieces - a statement necklace, an unexpected pop of colour, a leopard print handbag or a vintage dress.

It all started when I was a student living in Paris, and was heavily influenced by French women who are renowned for their innate sense of style and have that certain 'Je ne sais quoi'. I started to invest in timeless classics that looked chic, elegant and sophisticated. La Redoute has created The Secrets of French Style, a guide to the seven wardrobe essentials that you need to achieve the impeccable look that French women do so well. They include enduring pieces such as the trench coat, the white shirt, ballerina pumps and Breton stripes, all classics that I still wear to this day, from season to season.

All my outfits look better when there is at least one timeless piece in the mix, and once you have these, you can really start to have fun creating your own distinct style. My style is quite unpredictable in that I like to mix flattering classic items with unusual combinations. This might include mixing prints or fabrics such as stripes with florals, sequins with jeans, leather with lace or a jewelled top with tailored trousers.

This can be seen in the picture below where I am wearing a classic trench coat from La Redoute, with another timeless piece (the Breton stripe top). I have made it my own look by mixing the stripes with a camouflage print scarf and kept it fresh and current by wearing my New Balance sneakers. I've also mixed designer with high street by adding my Mulberry cross-body bag.

A close up of the classic tan trench with traditional Breton stripes and edgier camouflage print scarf:

In the picture below, I have dressed up my trench with black leather look chinos, eye-catching handbag (I adore leopard print with a trench) and added a pop of bright cobalt blue with my top and statement necklace.

Do you mix classic items into your look? And what is it about your style that makes it unique? As always I would love to hear your comments.

Abbi x

My Yard Wish List

I am trying to be really good at the moment and not buy anything, helped by the Easter holidays, when I'm too busy having fun with my boys to go shopping! But last week I worked at Yard for two days in a row, and inevitably became tempted by all the gorgeous things on offer. Not sure how, but I managed to stick to my rule, and nothing came home with me. Instead, I had a trying on session and compiled my wish list. Without further ado, here it is:

First up is this great every day outfit:

I LOVE these pale blue Maison Scotch skinny chinos, perfect for casual days and such a welcome alternative to jeans. The soft super stretch cotton and figure hugging fit make them incredibly comfortable. I've teamed it with a blue Henley top and a gorgeous scarf in a similar shade from Becksondegaard and Victoria pumps. I would wear this outfit everywhere - school run, out to lunch, to work etc etc. So I should really get it.

Maison Scotch Skinny Chinos £105
Maison Scotch Henley Top £55
Becksondergaard scarf £33
Nat & Nin pale grey bag £160

Next up is another Maison Scotch outfit, I am clearly very drawn to this label:

How amazing are these botanical print skinny trousers? They make such a statement, I absolutely love them. They are made of a stretchy canvas material and look very feminine. I'm wearing them with a pink henley top from Maison Scotch and my own bargain bomber jacket that I featured last week on this post here. When the weather gets warmer I would just wear with a tank and lots of jewellery.

I am so lucky that Tasha was also working last week and agreed to model some outfits for me. Her first outfit has only just come into the store - this beautiful cobalt blue jersey dress from American Vintage:

She looks so stunning in it! It is perfect for holidays, dressed up with lots of jewellery or dressed down with some thong sandals.

American Vintage Mid-calf dress £116

Tasha's next outfit is much more for every day. She is wearing a pair of very on trend super soft joggers by American Vintage in dark grey with her own Topshop vest and a stylish rucksack, also by American Vintage. I love the print on the bag (There is only one left in the shop!)

American Vintage Slubby Joggers £80
American Vintage Bag £200

Finally, I would like a pair of these crepe animal print trousers from French Connection, to wear on holidays and summer evenings. They feel amazing on and could be worn with a vest or a simple tee, and even dressed up with a little jacket and heels.

French Connection Trousers £65
American Vintage Silky Top £94

So, which outfit is your favourite? What is on your wish list for the summer months? As always I love to read your comments!

Abbi x

Bargain purchase of the week: Warehouse bomber jacket

The bomber jacket is an unlikely fashion classic, but there is a staggering amount of them all over the high street this season and lately I have been quite tempted. They are a great alternative to a biker jacket as they are much more lightweight, perfect for the sunny days we are having at the moment. It's easy to add layers in cooler weather and yet they can last right into summer when styled with shorts or skirts.

I love some of the luxe silky ones that are around, but for my first foray into bomber territory I wanted a slouchy version that would smarten a pair of jeans, but still work for a night out.

So, I was thrilled to find this quilted navy bomber jacket at Warehouse for just £15, down from £48! Yes, £15!

Warehouse Quilted Bomber Jacket £15

It's super light, but the quilted material makes it feel cosy. I love the simplicity of it, which makes for endless outfit possibilities! Today I wore it to work for the first time and styled it with an old Breton top from Topshop, True Religion boyfriend jeans, Accessorize statement necklace and Victoria pumps from Yard. It's a very versatile jacket and I'm looking forward to wearing it with heels and jeans in the evening.

The day after I ordered my bargain bomber, I discovered this fabulous post from some fellow fashion bloggers, about how to style the same bomber jacket in six different ways. It's a great guide for styling options and you can read it here. The jacket they featured is also quilted and similar to my navy one. It's from Next and comes in grey or red (pictured below). I will definitely be taking inspiration from some of their style tips!

Next Quilted Bomber Jacket £38

So, what are your thoughts on the bomber jacket? And have you found any fashion bargains recently?

Have a great weekend

Abbi x

Finally, some skater shoes!

The slip on skater shoe is most definitely having a moment and at the start of this year I decided I had to have a pair, after becoming obsessed with this surprisingly chic shoe trend. Little did I know this would be an ongoing project for the next three months!

First of all I decided that I wanted these leopard print ones from Kurt Geiger.

Kurt Geiger Laurel £99

Annoyingly they had sold out in my size (and in Harrods, Selfridges etc), and they still have, despite me checking online every day!

As I already had leopard print ones in my head, I set out to find an alternative.

I loved this pair by Bertie, but they had sold out at Selfridges, John Lewis, Dune etc

I then ordered this animal print pair from Clarks. I had high hopes and the price (£39) was much better, but on arrival I didn't like the shiny trim around the edge and they made my feet look huge!

At this point I decided to look at options other than leopard, starting with this fabulous pair from Topshop:

High Vamp Skaters £20

Such a great price, and they would have gone with everything, but they were so so uncomfortable!

Unfortunately the same thing happened with these Tartan Skate Shoes, also £20 from Topshop. I did try to size up but my feet looked mahoosive!

I also really really loved the print on this version from Whistles, but didn't want to spend that sort of money on a style that I'm unsure about..


Whistles Lena Slip On Trainer £135

These floral ones caught my eye by Peter Pilotto for Target from net-a-porter.com, but they had completely sold out.

Then I completely fell in love with these gorgeous gold perforated ones from Hush and knew that my search was over. I couldn't believe it when they had also sold out. (They will be back in stock in 5-6 weeks, so I may still be tempted.)

I had pretty much given up at this point, but spied this leopard print pair from Office on a recent shopping trip in London.

They were only £20 and they are so comfortable, I'm really pleased with them - they look good with everything from distressed boyfriend jeans to maxi dresses.

So have you embraced the skater shoe trend? As always I would love to hear your thoughts...

Finishing with a pic of me wearing the fabulous Office leopard ones with True Religion boyfriend jeans, Gap shirt from last spring and sweatshirt by American Vintage at yard last autumn.

Abbi x

Investment Buy: The Biker Jacket

Never has the biker jacket been so versatile. My classic black one, bought several years ago from Zara, has had such longevity that my wardrobe would feel incomplete without it. It's the perfect jacket for inbetween seasons when the weather is so changeable and there is still that nip in the air. I get so much wear out of it that I snapped up another one in the sales just before Christmas, in a gorgeous soft grey. It was from Whistles and is no longer available, but they do the same one in black, pictured below:

Whistles Lita Leather Biker

I have only just started wearing it and am beyond pleased with it! The grey is a much softer colour for spring, and looks good with everything - layered over jersey dresses with heels, paired with a floral midi skirt or dressed down with boyfriend jeans or skinnies and flats.

This season the biker has been revamped with cropped versions, bold colours and asymmetric designs, as well as pastels and classic leather options. They are such such a feminine and soft take on the otherwise masculine and tough jacket, it's absolutely perfect for everyone.

If you are a fan of the classic black leather biker, there are still lots around. My favourite is this one from Jaegar - I tried it on a couple of weeks ago and it's made of the most buttery soft leather:

Jaegar Leather biker Jacket £399

I also love this quilted style from Oasis - pair with a feminine skirt for a hot spring look:

Oasis Amy Quilted Biker Jacket £169

Moving on to grey, this one from All Saints is such an investment piece and would be in your wardrobe for years to come:

All Saints Cargo Leather Biker Jacket £298

Another timeless one is this pearl grey jacket from Mint Velvet, perfect for spring:

Mint Velvet Pearl Zip Leather Biker Jacket £259

Moving onto pastels, I absolutely adore this pale blue version from Karen Millen, with quilted shoulder detailing. It looks fabulous with different shades of denim.

Karen Millen Signature Leather Biker Jacket £399

It also comes in this stunning orange shade which would add an amazing pop of colour to your outfit:

Karen Millen Signature Leather Biker Jacket

An ideal investment piece for the spring is this leather jacket in sand from Baukjen:

Baukjen Ravenna Leather Jacket £389

And this contemporary style from Reiss in soft pink is so beautiful:

Reiss Fray Leather Biker Jacket Soft Pink £450

Another one in pink is this more purse friendly option, but still in real leather. In the flesh it is a paler pink than the picture:

River Island Pink Leather Jacket £120

It also comes in this fabulous cobalt blue colour:

River Island Blue Leather Jacket £120

I had to put this one in as it is so different and such a stunning print. I would wear it over a tee and jeans:

Ted Baker Isabeau Floral Print Biker Jacket £179

New in at Mint Velvet is this stylish option in an ivory Jacquard fabric:

Mint Velvet Ivory Jacquard Biker Jacket £119

And a similar but more affordable version from Boden in soft cotton:
Boden Cotton Biker Jacket £69

And I love this gorgeous light weight biker jacket, ideal for the summer months:

White Stuff Salt Bay Biker jacket £65

Next up is this faux leather jacket from Oasis in pink, looks very lovely on:

Oasis Hannah Faux Leather Biker Jacket £58

And another floral one at a really fab price is this one from Kaliko:

Kaliko Lydia Print Biker Jacket £39

Finishing with a pic of me in my Whistles grey one. I'm wearing it with a thin sparkly knit top from Whistles from last summer, True Religion boyfriend jeans, and Boden ballet pumps.

So will you be rocking a biker jacket this season? And if you already have one, are you tempted to update in a bolder colour/design?

Abbi x

Outfit Post: Monochrome

This spring the monochrome fashion trend has been everywhere and it seems as if it's here to stay. This is good for news for a number of reasons

1. It's easy to pull off - putting together a black and white ensemble is a no-brainier and you probably already have pieces in your wardrobe that fit the trend
2. It's universally flattering
3. Sleek and sophisticated, it makes you look instantly polished and pulled-together
4. It's classic and timeless - works for all seasons, and particularly good between seasons
5. From graphic prints to checks or stripes, it's easy to wear at the weekend, but smart for work or a more formal event.

I'm such a fan of this trend - such a cool and fresh look, and you can mix up different fabrics to make it more interesting eg. a black leather skirt with a sheer top. And if you don't like the idea of going top-to-toe in this classic trend, then add a pop of colour with a bag, shoes or coat to balance things out.

Here is my monochrome look, worn this week to the opening night of the From Page to Screen film festival, the UK 's only festival to celebrate the adaptations of books into films. I have been working on the PR for this event since the autumn, and we celebrated with some bubbles for the launch night.

1. Top from Karen Millen here

I love this colour block sweatshirt, Karen Millen is so fantastic at the moment. The white bit is knitted, and the black panel is sheer, really like the contrast.

2. Teamed with Mint Velvet Zip Detail Jeans here

I bought these black jeans from Mint Velvet last autumn and I wear them more than any other jeans. I love the fit and the distressed wash.

Here I am in the pic below wearing the Karen Millen top and Mint Velvet jeans together. I am also wearing a black Jenny bag by Nat & Nin at Yard, black suede ankle boots from Office (old), black and white cuff bracelet from Zara (very old) , circle pendant silver necklace from Tiffany and my beloved watch from Olivia Burton.

So will you be embracing monochrome? As always, I love to hear your thoughts...

Abbi x

Restaurant review: The Stable, Poole

The Stable began five years ago, located at the back of The Bull Hotel in Bridport, around the same time that I moved from London to Dorset. A rustic cider house serving exceptionally good gourmet pizzas at reasonable prices, it is incredibly popular with tourists, as well as remaining a hub for locals. I've lost count of how many times I've been there - for girls nights out, parties, with visiting friends or when we're feeling lazy and take the kids for tea!

The Stable's success has seen the chain expand across the South West to include Weymouth, Bath and Bristol. I was delighted to be asked to review the latest venue on Poole Quay last week with my friend Sarah. Housed in a beautiful building by the water, the interior has been stripped back to create the unique character that the restaurant is known for - with long communal wooden benches, exposed beams and big oak barrels.

It really is a must for cider fans with over 55 different varieties from predominantly boutique West Country cider-makers. I have never seen so many on offer in one place and luckily the staff know all of them inside out! They suggested we try a cider tasting board - five third-of-a-pint glasses that move from dry to sweet for £7.50 - such a great way to sample different varieties and find one that you really like - we loved the Bee Sting Pear cider and the the Dorset Nectar.

WHAT WE ATE
You think you know what a pizza is, but think again! The Stable sources top quality fresh ingredients from local suppliers and pizzas are quirkily named after local icons including The Durdledoor and The Sandbanks Scorcher.

We could also have chosen from their delicious range of artisan pies and fresh salads, but of course we went for the full pizza experience. I ordered the Brownsea Bantam (£10.50), a total winner with a generous topping of red peppers, local field mushrooms, tomato and mozzarella on a perfectly thin and crispy base.

Sarah chose The Billy the Kid (£12), with goats' cheese, caramelised onions, field mushrooms, fresh spinach leaves, tomato and mozzarella and topped with roasted hazelnuts, which she said was equally delicious. They arrived quickly on wooden boards with our own pizza cutters and we also shared a side salad.

We were far too full to contemplate dessert but I've sampled them many times with my two boys, who always ask for the brownie or chocolate pizza!


WHAT WE WORE

Me:

Yellow fine knit top - 2nd Day at Yard
Black washed double zip jeans - Mint velvet
Black suede boots - Office
Necklace - Accessorise

Sarah:
Blue animal print top: Soaked in Luxury at Yard
Jeans: Maison Scotch at Yard
Necklaces: Model's own

With its buzzy and relaxed atmosphere, the Stable's unique style of serving pies, pizza and cider is a winning combination, so much so that the sixth restaurant opens its doors this week on Fistral Beach in Newquay. We had such a lovely lunch and despite only tasting the various ciders on offer, neither of us could remember where we had parked the car afterwards!

Abbi x

Last week, Dorset Fashionista reviewed the Hix Oyster and Fish House, you can read about it here

If you would like to see your restaurant to be featured in a future review please contact me on abbi.irving-bell@hotmail.co.uk

Disclosure
The meal at The Stable was received free of charge but all the opinions are my own.