By SolihullStyle      Aug 22, 2023

Well it’s been a while hasn’t it? A while since I’ve written a blog. Why? I mean I’m not sure really why. I think it’s because I felt I didn’t have much to say or rather that I didn’t have much to say that anyone really wanted to read?

I don’t buy lots of new clothes or do shopping hauls on the high street so sometimes just think no one cares what I’ve got to say. We live in an all consuming world.

Blogs are historically written with the purpose of encouraging people to copy or be influenced by others. In the case of a fashion blog  it’s to “buy into” the look that’s there. Maybe even buy the items that are linked? Often with the sole purpose of promoting a brand that the author is working with or in some form of collaboration with. There’s obviously  absolutely nothing wrong with that. I’ve worked with small brands that I’m impressed by myself. I’m not here to preach and being a creative person I take inspiration from all sorts of places! I’m no angel either and love a good link! I love buying something new. But what really excites me is when that something new is exactly what my wardrobe needed. It’s a considered  purchase.

But going back to writing a blog. For a long time I’ve been overthinking it and just hating the idea of being part of the problem. The problem of encouraging women to buy clothes that don’t suit their own personal style. Pushing a narrative that they try that isn’t them because it’s not tailor made to them. I’m a personal stylist and always been passionate about being part of the cure. If you buy clothes you love you’ll wear them. You’ll buy less and you’ll always feel like you no matter what setting you find yourself in. Even if you’re creative and need constant change there will be enough in your wardrobe with a few tweaks each season to keep that creativity fed. I want everyone to feel like that. I want everyone to  know what it feels like to feel great in what they’re wearing.  What I’d love the most is if you’re reading this and nodding going yes, yes and yes I know exactly who I am too.

So this blog isn’t here to make you feel guilty or feel bad about the things you buy. It’s here to shout out “hell yeah” to knowing your own personal style and well owning it!  It’s written with love, real love; a passion and drive for you to buy into your look and not someone else’s or at the very least something to read with a cuppa that gets you thinking and at the very best it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside that you’ve found your own way in the style stakes.

So I’m going to try and write a little bit more often again and try and start a conversation that might be helpful. Today there are no links to any items but if you feel something is completely you then please comment somewhere where I’ll see it.

As the summer starts to fade and are eyes are drawn to new season style it seemed only fitting to sum up what I’ve been wearing. Not all of it but just some bite size chunks that illustrate a few ideas I’ve had. It helps me to cement lots of thoughts which guides me through pastures new and stops me buying the first new arrival I see!

The PS of this blog is therefore to highlight the idea of items in your wardrobe that you can’t do without. Often called desert island products or foundations or probably the key pieces in your capsule wardrobe. Sometimes called fundamentals or foundations or building blocks. I’ll just give an example. They’re mine. The things that never fail to deliver. The items that I know I can put with anything and I’ll feel like me. One is a boyfriend or relaxed fit blazer and the other is a wider cut or relaxed pair of jeans. Not rocket science I know but something off piste is rarely worn every day! We will get to those “special “ items in another blog!

I’ve just done a photo dump but you’re all a really savvy intelligent bunch I’m pretty sure you get it and it’s good to not spoon feed otherwise we’re unable to think for ourselves and if we stop thinking we stop learning and stop growing and no one wants that.

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of love

 

Valerie

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By SolihullStyle      Aug 15, 2021

So this is it!  Another year and another trip to Cornwall! Next year is definitely our last year! With everything that’s happened and still happening around travelling abroad I think we’re just going to, pardon the pun, but “ride the wave!”

I write this blog to showcase a few brands I’ve found and maybe give you some insight into where we visit and why. Hopefully help you find somewhere new to visit or unlock some happy memories of your own. Let’s face it, Cornwall is a popular place to visit and I’m sure most of you have your own favourite destinations.
I’ll start local!

PORTHPEAN BEACH!

This is one of the nearest beaches to our campsite in St.Austell.  We visit this local beach every year though this year only the once! For us it has to be a really sunny day with calm sea to enjoy it. There’s no sand for making sandcastles! There’s paddle board hire but be warned they’re not always available to man the beach front shop. At low tide there’s rock pools. At high tide the seaweed from the rock pools can fill part of the sea where you’d swim but if you’re lucky most of it stays at the edges and gives the sea view that picture postcard look of crystal aqua waters and is as good as being abroad!
It’s a small shingle beach frequented by the locals with a field car park up the hill. There’s no lifeguard but there are loos and a cafe.
And what I wore? Well it was the one and only chance to wear my beach dress! It was those few days of THAT heatwave that I think we will all remember for years to come. It was also the first outing for a new beach bag from a brand called Redefined Objects. I’d found this fab new brand on Instagram before we left Please check them out. They’re making clothes and accessories from fabrics that would normally end up in landfill. I was sent this beautiful beach bag to get some nice pictures of whilst on holiday in Cornwall. It’s a real chance for me to get more editorial style images in these stunning locations and help small brands get pictures of their products without the expense of doing it all themselves. So though I’m on holiday a lot of these pictures are work for me so I try to make them as pretty as I can for the brands I’m supporting. So to be completely transparent I was gifted the bag but this isn’t in paid partnership. The best thing about it was how light and easy it was to pack. Usually I only have room for one large beach bag which is invariably the one I’m carrying! Felt very indulgent to be able to have two! 

 

CAERHAYES CASTLE AND BEACH!

We visit this beach because it’s the closest to us. It’s usually got some swell for body boarding for the kids but I’m not sure I’d travel great distances for it? We’re usually there on a bit of a miserable day so maybe I’m not being completely fair to the place? It’s really beautiful and actually when the sun comes out and the tide is up it is stunning with the castle behind. 
The clothes? Well…this cotton blouse featured in the pics below was from  another amazing brand that I literally contacted as we were leaving! Laura from Maia London posted some clothes to me. Some to the campsite where we were staying. Simply for the same reason I’ve mentioned above. Holiday destinations just provide such wonderful new and beautiful places to photograph products. The colour of the sea, the sky; the sand and even the evening light all help to make an interesting image. So thank you Laura for trusting me with your gorgeous clothes! Xx

HARLYN BAY!

A long windy beach. Great for kids that like waves. Check out Magic Seaweed for information on the swell and wave height. There’s an RNLI lifeguard here and a really great beach café.
This is where I wore more beautifully crafted clothes from Maia London. Honestly have a look at the brand. So lovely to wear, made from hand loomed Khadi cotton. Sustainable and with a passion for fair trade and supporting the communities that work for them. It’s hard to explain what it feels like owning things from brands that care. The fabric is beautiful and so wonderful to wear in the summer. Though saying that, I plan to wear this skirt with knitwear and tall boots in the autumn! The colour has a transitional quality to it and works in the cooler months too. My kinda clothes!

HAYLE!

Another long windy beach with sand dunes and a similar vibe to Harlyn Bay. If you like a leisurely swimming in a sea that’s like a mill pond and the temperature of a bath! This is NOT it! But anyone with kids and teens or with a family member that’s more at home in a wetsuit than a wool suit will understand that this is a pretty cool beach! 
Style note? Well there wasn’t really one but every year I take a long oversized shirt with me. It works as a light jacket over a vest {pictured above with the skirt outfit} and doubles as a beach cover up. I think this white linen one could walk itself to the laundry basket by the time we got home! Bikini? Now over three years old from GOTTEX. I think you get what you pay for with swimwear, well obviously to a point! The bottoms are fully lined and though getting on a bit in bikini years it’s as good as new! When this bikini finally goes to bikini heaven and if my budget allows I will 100% buy from this brands again.

CARBIS BAY!

Well what can I say? This bay really needs no introduction. It’s our favourite beach. We make sand sculptures on its sands every year and we chase the sun and visit as many times as Mr.W can face the drive!
I was back in my Maia London shirt which I adore. Various combinations of linen shorts and suitable layers. This stripped Zara cotton jumper that was a fiver on EBay served me well! Really fairly basic beach holiday attire and a fabulous hat that was totally useless in the wind but made for some great photos!!!! Doh! Ha ha!

TRURO!

A day in the city! Full of all the shops you’d expect in a seaside city. Sea Salt, Joules, white Stuff, The White Company, Fat Face….and so on. In amongst the obvious are a few lovely little boutiques and independents. Lots of places to eat, loads of coffee shops and a fun day out if the weather lacks lustre. Hmmmm actually can’t remember what I wore??? Ahhh yes…. Levi’s and my Maia London shirt! Perfecto!

TINTANGEL CASTLE!

This was our first visit and I want to go next year on a sunny day! The boys both now have full face snorkels and I think they’d love using them here. It’s rather busy with visitors for the bridge and the castle so not sure I’d want to sit in a bikini on the beach? But then, who cares right? It’s an English Heritage site so you have to book tickets to cross the bridge and visit the castle but the beach below and the rocks and Merlin’s Cave all have public access without tickets. The kids enjoyed the caves and taking panoramic pictures of the bay. Gosh I’d love to see that sea in the sunshine! Oh and in the town there’s a “She Sells” crepe shop for amazing crepes and a great coffee!

GORRAN HAVEN!

I’m not 100% sure how we ended up here? It was a dull day and we decided to just have a drive around and check out some beaches. This became a walk along a pretty coastal path down to the beach. Walking on rocks and skimming stones!

MEVAGISSEY!

This is where we go in the evening. Great fish and chips, some cute shops though a lot of the independents close early, another She Sells crepe café and the boys go fishing with dad here until it gets dark. There’s some nice restaurants too but we’ve always just sat in the harbour with fish and chips on our laps! It’s just the sort of place where time slows down.
The evenings weren’t that cold this year and I made good use of an old poncho I pulled out when I did my holiday packing. I haven’t worn a poncho in years. Don’t know about you but I felt like ponchos had had their day but for some reason this year it felt like the perfect layer to pack to wear over a linen shirt.
I think I’ve possibly covered everywhere we went this year? Ahhh no just Charlestown left! The weather was challenging camping for 14 nights. We started in a heatwave, somewhere in the middle was a storm with 70 mile an hour winds whilst sleeping under canvas and there were lots of days when the sun only shone in the evening. Despite the hurdles we had a blast! As usual….Cornwall we had fun and see you next year!

CHARLESTOWN!

Last but by no means least. Charlestown is a great place to visit for an evening stroll or a bite to eat. The picturesque location where Poldark was filmed. If you want to go posh nosh there’s The Longstore which has to be booked to avoid disappointment. Or there’s the Smoking Harbour BBQ that’s exactly what it says on the tin! Sit outside on picnic tables or on the ship that’s moored in the harbour for drinks or seafood served straight from the BBQ.

FEATURED BRANDS 

MAIA LONDON – rust stripe skirt and ochre stripe blouse

REDEFINED OBJECTS – frill tote bag

SISTERS BY CRAFT – hand crochet shopper 

TOAST – large straw hat 

Thank you for reading the blog. I hope you enjoyed it. As the summer draws to an end I have everything crossed for a bit more sun coming our way! For those struggling to balance work and child care I hear you! For those enjoying their summer hols I hope you have fun. Until the next blog! XX V

 

Thank you for reading! XXX

Valerie

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By SolihullStyle      Feb 14, 2021

Where to start?

There’s so much that so many of us are going through right now from saving small family businesses, to struggling with home schooling and oh my goodness couldn’t the list just go on in one endless list of negativity that no one needs to read right now….so I’m gonna do my upmost as usual to give you a light hearted distraction and write my usual pointless drivel!

I think in the summer when we were able to get out in the sun things felt different. Now the climate is colder and often wetter making any kind of effort has become more of a mental challenge. My daily exercise has been a walk. This has involved LOTS of mud so I have literally been stuck wearing chunky soled boots. Good job they’re a massive “thing” right now! I’ve always worn them for watching the kids play rugby but never as an every day style choice! This different lifestyle has made me dress every differently but you know what I like it!

To feel like me I found that wearing the chunky boots with tailored pieces was a revelation! A pleated front masculine trouser worked well and was all that was needed to elevate even a simple quilted coat. Good job I saved this old Zara pair of black trousers from the charity bag!

Layering became my best friend. Bibs, tank tops and padded under layers all helped to feel warm and cosy and a way to add texture and interest to otherwise very dull outdoor essentials.

I’ve put some of my favourite looks to follow:-

Boots – H&M similar here

And then there was Christmas! The first time I’ve not been with extended family at Christmas and my first time cooking a Christmas dinner! One of the highlights of 2020 was a very special surprise Christmas gift from a brand I fell  in love with this year. I bought a dress that spoke to me! A Justine Tabak dress. The minute I saw it I knew I’d love it! You might remember it? I wore it to death in the summer! The neon gingham rainbow dress? Little did I know I’d meet the designer in London at an event. just before lockdown no.3. Pure luck or was it fate? Justine walked into the venue at the exact same time I had my 20 minute slot to view a selection of dresses! We connected….it’s a long story after that but Justine recognised me from the pictures of me in my dress on Instagram. She’s the loveliest person. I’ll cut that long story short and just tell you that she sent me a gift of a dress which arrived on Christmas Eve Eve. A wonderful dress. A dress I’ll love forever! Purely as a thank you for supporting her brand on social media. All I did was gush about a dress that was worth gushing about. She’s got some real treats coming soon for spring so please do follow her journey on social media if you can.

Liberty Print Cotton Camden Passage Dress – Justine Tabak

I made a pact with myself that I’d get up and show up whenever possible. Not just for me but for you guys too. I’ve had so many lovely personal messages from ladies that have enjoyed my daily drivel!  I love writing a blog because it’s more personal. It’s for those that like to read something. For those that enjoy understanding processes and getting to know other people better. I’ve grown to love and be proud of my social media through lockdown. It’s been one of the only creative outlets I’ve got with the restrictions in place at the moment. I hope you’ve enjoyed it too? At times it’s been a real challenge to find something to say or to even simply getting a photo! Most days I’m not dressing up! Walking has kept me sane and I’m not walking in freezing temperatures in a silk blouse or sequins!  Not even for you lot! Lots of layers, lots of snow and lots of laughs!

Side split sweatshirt – ARKET new season colour here 

I’m wearing an XS/S in last years cream

Amongst it all there have been moments of normality. A chance to still go into Smart Works and help our clients there at the centre to continue to receive  the services we offer. Even more important at present than ever. At a time when these  most vulnerable women need help it is crucial that these charities can continue to deliver the support they need. I love working at Smart Works as a stylist, feel honoured to be part of the team and have made some very special friendships along the way. I can’t wait to get back to the office again. Some of the ladies there have worked selflessly as coaches still delivering support at this difficult time. THEY’VE BEEN AMAZING.
I met Ann, oh gosh is it about  four or five years ago now? We met when I helped at a Smart Works event in Birmingham. A mutual contact from one of the brands that support the charity asked if I’d help and of course I said yes!  It wasn’t until a few years passed, the charity moved to the centre of Birmingham and the kids got a bit older that I was able to commit to the charity properly. I’ve been working at Smart Works Birmingham now for a couple of years as a stylist.

So I got to dress up for some filming at Smart Works and a radio interview for BBC West Midlands. I also put on my glad rags for some Zoom wardrobe edits and style coaching sessions which have now started online for the season ahead. Things are looking up and there are glimpses of life as we knew it! I’ve put on some more stylish pics just to show it wasn’t just one big walk in the park! Ha ha……see what I did there?

Recycled plastic shopper – My Funky bags 

Wool trousers – H&M   

I’m wearing a size 10

Fingers crossed the next blog will be over on the other side with the promise of spring, some sunshine and new season style. Hang in their team, we’re getting there! This too will pass! Lots of love to every one. A huge high five to any fellow parents out there and teachers. Enjoy your half term!

I hope you get some inspo from the blog? If nothing else you can take comfort from the fact that I chose to live in my gym kit too! Ha Ha!!

Thank you for reading! XXX

Valerie

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By SolihullStyle      Nov 03, 2019

I have to say it’s tough ticking every box. Writing blogs, posting on Facebook and Twitter; filming IGTV videos and juggling the day job as well as family life.
I’ve always wanted my social media to be a safe place for readers to come and enjoy and feel part of something special that’s theirs as much as mine. I love making the blog pretty to look at with hopefully some creative flare in the imagery and not just about buying any particular piece of clothing featured.
The IGTV videos have become a fun way to show different styles in motion. The point was to hopefully encourage others to give different things a go. I absolutely love planning them and posting them. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to engage with them and comment. None of my social media would be worth while if others didn’t enjoy it and for your connection with it I am hugely grateful.
So this blog quite simply came on the back of rushing out the door to make the most of a special day.
Over the past few years I’ve made a conscious effort to invest in clothes I’ll actually wear! Classics with a bit of edge. What can be more classic than a camel coat! Pick your budget and the shade that suits you. Buy the best your budget will allow when it comes to coats and the fabric will reward you with years of wear. Great with animal print, beautiful beiges, brights or denim. Can be dressed up or down.

BODEN

Left MANGO Right H&M 

Left WHISTLES Right HOBBS

Left ZARA Middle JAEGER  Right WAREHOUSE

Left ZARA Right MARKS AND SPENCER

Left JIGSAW  Right MARKS AND SPENCER

Left ZARA  Right GESTUZ

So it’s full steam ahead with social media! On to the next IGTV video which I’m planning to feature my camel coat. If you follow me on Instagram please watch the videos and make any suggestions for ideas for topics to film. 

I hope you enjoy my musings about style and fashion. lots of love…and thank you for reading XXXX

Valerie

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By SolihullStyle      Jun 23, 2019

AN INVITE TO AFTERNOON TEA!

You would be forgiven for thinking that this is a blog about cucumber sandwiches and Battenberg cake. Nope!

I was invited by Wing Wah in Birmingham to try their newly launched “Afternoon Tea”. A set menu of authentic handmade Chinese dim sum and treats all washed down with a choice of oriental tea.

Such fun to do something different. On a weekday too sans kids!  Just MR.W and I. I’d never tried dim sum before and neither had he. My experience of Chinese cuisine I’m rather embarrassed to admit is the traditional take away that’s very much tweaked to suit a western palette. I’ve consumed, even more embarrassingly, my fair share of “eat as much as you like” Chinese buffets as a student whilst living in London.

The Afternoon Tea selection was created to include many of the restaurants’ most popular dim sum and pastry dishes. All handmade using natural colours from beetroot and spinach. The three tiered platter is reminiscent of the presentation that one might see at many a cream tea venue. In the same way it’s contents were both sweet and savoury. All perfectly formed and beautifully made.

So a very different experience for Mr.W and I. A privilege to be invited and a wonderful chance to try authentic Chinese cuisine handmade by artisans of their craft. It’s something new to try, a real ice breaker amongst work colleagues perhaps on a corporate lunch or a chance to do something different in your own home city?

Mr.W did ask me as we started our meal if I’d only invited him as my royal taster! I did make him try everything before I took my turn! That’s not a failing on the restaurant’s presentation or service which was exceptional by the way, however, it was a dining experience that we had never had before. That’s just my limited western pallet that’s to blame. Or rather that I didn’t know what everything was before I ate it. Was it sweet or was it savoury? With the traditional English high tea I’m fairly confident we’d all know the difference between the main course and the dessert! It was all delicious I just needed a bit of guidance!

In short the Afternoon Tea set menu is a great way of trying something new; something truly authentic; something that normally you wouldn’t do or something that would usually take the trip of a lifetime to take the plunge to try and at no great financial outlay either. My advice would be ask for help; ask as many questions as you need; ask what everything is and enjoy the taste bud journey! I even asked for a fork! I know!!! We were the only people slurping soy sauce on our dim sum dangling from stainless steel cutlery! Ha ha!

DIM SUM AND DRESSES!

What to wear to a Chinese lunch? A kimono sprung to mind! You all know how much I love my dresses so I wore this traditional outer layer/ “throw over”  as a dress. While we’re on the theme of East meets West it seemed fitting to chuck on a vintage Levi studded belt to offset all the Oriental florals. It’s fair to say that you lovely lot have probably noticed all the sales are on now so I’ve thrown a few midi dresses out there at the end of this blog to wet your appetite. Sizes are limited as it’s the end of the season. Perfect timing to get dressed up and enjoy the sun!

REISS – EMMI midi dress WAS £235 NOW £165

TED BAKER – Narrnia midi dress WAS £229 NOW £114

SANDRO PARIS – WAS £315 NOW £157.50

GANNI – WAS £180 NOW £126

TOPSHOP BOUTIQUE – WAS £85 NOW £45

SANDRO – WAS £369 NOW £221.40

MAJE – WAS £315 NOW £157.50

NOT IN THE SALE!! BUT IT HAS CAUGHT MY EYE!

JOHN LEWIS – AND/OR – £195

Thanks for reading!!

Valerie

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By SolihullStyle      Apr 25, 2019

I’ve wanted to do a suit styling video for absolutely ages. We had all the grey check versions in the winter and no surprises but now it’s summer we’ve got an array of colour pop options to choose from on the high street.

The problem I was having, and it’s a common issue with buying a suit, is that I might love the blazer and not like the style of the trousers or visa versa. If I’d found a pricier one obviously I’d consider going down the alterations route but  if i’m being totally honest I was looking for a bit of a fashion fix without too much investment!  So I ended up trialling this bright blue baby from Zara for the purpose of the exercise. Now I’ve broken myself into the whole suit thing I might buy better for keeps? I can feel a trip to Bicester coming on!

The benefit (which I have to say I didn’t think of straight off as I was too suit obsessed!) is that of course you still have a blazer that you can wear with everything from jeans to dresses and a pair of statement trousers that can be styled alone.

You may have your own suit or separates that you can styling together to give a similar vibe. Pairing neutral tones of stone and beige together is a massive trend this summer. 

My videos are just a bit of fun. Nothing too serious and just ideas to get you thinking about your own wardrobe and the choices you make for yourself. Your lifestyle and your style will be completely different to mine but hopefully you enjoy watching my antics if nothing else! 

 

Valerie

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By SolihullStyle      Apr 04, 2019

The next video is now live on IGTV (Instagram) and YouTube. We’ve chosen to download onto YouTube for readers that aren’t on Instagram.

Last week we had that one day of glorious sunshine…you know the one…that one day that was probably our summer!!!! I was court out to be honest, I know! I’ve spent so long trying to manage transition and the extreme change was so out of the blue after all the hail and frosty mornings that even I thought …there’s gotta be a catch here..it must be cold even though it’s sunny!

As a knee jerk reaction to the situation and the need to get out of the door as opposed to being super organised and all over it like I should’ve been, I pulled out my culottes. Paired with a linen shirt and gold sandals I felt suitably dressed for the day ahead.

I know I bang on about the weather like ALL the time but it’s the main driver to what I choose to wear these days. It used to be what I was doing that day, it sorta still is, obviously, but the weather is driving me nuts as it’s become such a huge factor in everything. I’m either freezing because I’ve been over optimistic or all wrapped up and dressed for winter and then the sun comes out! GRRRRRR! Ha Ha!

Anyways, the culottes gave me a life line that I’m very grateful for! They are super versatile throughout the seasons and can be easily dressed up or down. From super sporty to super smart. Great for work too or the weekend with trainers. They are one of those pieces where you can play with juxtaposition … you know…something seriously utility on top like a shirt with pockets but pair the ensemble with heels for a night out to give that all in one look. The styling options are endless. They could easily be a super bright colour if that’s your bag or more of a tailored fit if you’re petite. The high rise works well for me as it keeps the length in my leg despite being cropped.

Valerie

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By SolihullStyle      Mar 19, 2019

So what’s new at Solihull Style? Well, I’ve been trying to up my game a bit more on social media. You know…fighting my corner out there in the ether amongst the selfies!!! I’ve started doing throwback Thursdays every Thursday… ooo on a Thursday ha ha! … on Facebook and Instagram to give readers a bit more insight into my background and experience in the fashion industry from design to styling. To show I’ve been doing this “thing” for a very very long time. From knowing about fabrics, fit, design and clothing consultation to understanding what women want and how styling works for a particular individuals need. Having empathy too with the struggles that life and family can throw our way. They are skills that take time to learn. The creative design part was there from the beginning! I never found it easy to talk about what I’m good at, it’s odd that. Maybe it’s a generation thing? Don’t brag! No one likes a big head? I dunno …. but lately I’ve realised it’s important to give people insight into your knowledge and experience. I’d want to know! So, if you want to know… and actually there’s some pretty cool stories too, stay tuned! Actually it’s not cool to say cool is it? So my now 10 year old keeps telling me!!! 

I’ve been doing videos too. They started out about six weeks ago on IGTV on Instagram and they are going to be on Youtube too moving forward, so that I can post them on the blog for those that aren’t on Instagram. The idea behind the videos was to show how different outfits can be built around a few key pieces like jeans, a black trouser or a dress. I might use a few new season items just to add interest and keep things fresh and current. I can’t justify a whole new wardrobe every season but I might buy a few bits to add a new colour I like or a modern accessory. I’m guessing that’s true for most of us? Hopefully the videos illustrate this and hopefully you all have your own pieces at home that you can reinvent in your own way too. It’s just an exercise in getting our grey matter working and to encourage you to get items out of your wardrobe and wear them! 

 Each video starts off in the week at the planning stage! Lots of ideas go down on paper! Lots of scribbles! The notes of a mad person or a stroke of genius…. who knows… ha ha! I’ve really enjoyed doing them as it reminds me of the good old days….. planning outfits for London Fashion Week or jotting down design ideas while you’re out and about watching other stylish people go by in London…. absorbing your environment and taking inspiration from things that speak to you. Let’s all find our creative side and tap into the season ahead and style that we love. 

I hope you enjoy the funny little stories about my crazy career if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram and I hope you get something from the videos too! 

The idea for the video today came from this crazy weather we’ve been having of late. There’s been balmy evenings and abnormally high temperatures to almost artic conditions and heavy hail. You all know I love the versatility of a dress and if you do too, here’s one to watch!!!! Enjoy xx

Valerie

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