Short sleeves for winter

Here’s something new for your winter wardrobe.  Short sleeve tops but this season sees them in heavier fabrics such as tweed and wool.  Have a peek at the ones I’ve attached below because they’re going to be a key piece for every fashionista’s wardrobes this season.  What I like most about them is they’re a play on the minimalistic look but add a bit of texture to your outfit.

I’ve sourced a few styles that are available in the stores now.  Ideal for work wear, the idea behind this versatile piece is to layer it with a shirt or polo neck underneath.  I prefer the look with trousers but a midi-length skirt will also work.  If you’re really loving the look you can be extra daring and try it with a dress.

 Tweed top £45.00, ASOS.com from October

 Tailored herringbone top £35.00, ASOS.com

Print dress £89.99, Zara

I’ve attached the images from the Jil Sander show because they’ve styled this look with a quirky twist - with the colourful twill as the under layer and kept the top in a single hue.  I think the key behind the success of this look is their attention to the importance of colour, and I think it’s a tip you might want to consider when fashioning this outfit. 

Image courtesy of Jil Sander, Style.com

They’ve kept the same tones of red throughout and I think this gives it a cleaner, more refined finish.  So, my advice would be pick a colour from the twill (whether you’re choosing a twill for the top or the under layer) and then match it to the other piece to give your look the catwalk edge.

Noreen xx

Instant drama

I thought I’d share with you a top styling trick that I often use for myself as well as my clients.  It’s very simple, very effective and very stylish!

Do you ever organise nights out with the girls at the very last minute and then have nothing to wear and no time to find something new?  Well, lucky for you I have a quick-fix answer! 

Dramatic jewellery!  Next time you’re out shopping invest a little time in hunting out a necklace that’s going to help save you from your last minute outfit panics. You want something that will work with the majority of pieces in your wardrobe such as your LBD or your favourite silk shirt and jeans, but it has to be dramatic, eye-catching and out of this world.  It’s what’s going to turn any outfit from ‘Oh that’s pretty’, to ‘WOW that’s cool!’  

I spotted these on the Topshop website.  Undeniably over the top but undoubtedly going to add that little bit of drama to your outfit that will make your last minute rush to get ready look polished and perfected.  My choice with these pieces would have to be a classic LBD.

Last few tips, spend a little bit more money if you can to guarantee longevity and I’d recommend choosing neutral tones and the metal that works best in your wardrobe, for example: if you have a lot of gold detailing in your wardrobe you’re better off choosing a necklace in gold as it will compliment more pieces.

Simple, effective, stylish!

Noreen xx

New season make-up

I know we’re still in August, but I’m already looking at make-up trends for the colder months.  I saw this look on the Coast website, stunning eh?  

Dark lips were a big hit a few years ago with the leading fashion favourites and I’m still a big fan.  I find it so glamorous and anyone that can wear it is just going to ooze confidence.  They’ve kept this look less vampish by teaming the dark lips with warm tones on the cheeks and eyes which I think in turn, makes it more wearable. 

How gorgeous would this look be with one of your new jewel tone outfits for evening glamour this autumn?   #lovelovelove

Noreen xx

The new colour code

Colour is here to stay, although this season bright pops of colour have been replaced by exotic jewel tones.  Sought after by all of the designers, you’ll find the glamorous hues everywhere this season and not just for eveningwear.  Top designers have been demonstrating how to wear it for daywear too and top fashion director Kate Phelan has recommended wearing these jewel tones as a “new sophisticated alternative to black”.  I love it!

To wear for day keep it slick and sophisticated.  Shy away from last season’s blocks of colour and instead focus on one hue.  My favourite day look is in the picture below on the left.  Office chic in rich amethyst from Brioni.

For evening keep it luxurious.  Seek out these hues in the finer fabrics of silks, satins, velvets and even furs.  The evening look I admire most is below right; Gucci goes all out for dinner and cocktails in an electrifying combination of fabrics all in emerald green. (Notice the snakeskin too!)

The rich and luxurious hues just have me captivated and I’ve scoured Style.com to give you some inspiration for what is to come for next season.

All images courtesy of Style.com






Noreen xx

Trends Autumn/Winter 2011

Coming soon! Keep a look out for my posts on the top trends for next season.

First up I'll be looking at next season's colour code!

Noreen xx

If anyone picked up a copy of this month's issue of Luxe magazine you will have seen this beauty page and hopefully you will have recognised the main image used.... ; )

Noreen xx

A photo shoot first

I had a busy day yesterday working alongside a very talented team to create a photo shoot for Tyne Tees model Bel Ellwood's portfolio.  This was an exciting project for me as not only were we shooting for photographs, but we also had a video crew filming all the action.  It will be a little while before the video and pics are edited so in the meantime, as always, I wanted to share some behind the scenes pics with you and give you a little preview of the shoot.

Photographer : Anna Victoria Best
Make-up artist : Karolina Hejnar MUA
Model : Bel Ellwood
Styling : Noreen Elizabeth Styling

The ideas for the outfits came from my desire to sneak in one of next season's trends to the shoot.  Fetish wear as seen from Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Mark Fast and Emporio Armani has been marked as a key look for next season.  I wanted to explore this trend as it's a look I haven't styled before. 

Images courtesy of Style.com

Rather than taking the trend literally, I decided to add a subtle, seductive twist to the outfits : taking dresses with splits up the sides, black lace corsetry, sheer stockings, pointed stilettos and adding the finishing touches of vampish make-up and hair.

Noreen xx

Something new for the office

One look I am loving at the moment, although I haven’t quite had the chance to wear it myself as of yet, is a smart trouser suit with leopard print shoes as seen below. 

An ideal look for your Autumn/Winter work wardrobe.

Let’s face it, work outfits can sometimes be uninspiring, and with the winter months approaching you know your ‘pops of colour’ from summer will go out the window and a wardrobe of greys and blacks will take over. So why not add a touch of gusto to your work wardrobe and try this chic and sophisticated look with a Milano twist.

Keep your work outfit minimalistic and let your shoes do the style talking. I think a smart black, straight leg suit with a tailored jacket will work best and if you’re feeling extra daring (and your work uniform rules permit) try wearing a black shirt instead of white.  Finish off the look by pulling on a pair of leopard print shoes (flats only!) and you’ve entered the world of office-wear chic!

Clockwise from top. Madison Loafers £32, Brushed suede pumps by Jane Winkworth for French Sole, available at Topshop £90, Maccoy ankle boots £36, Alfie scalloped lace-ups £55 all at Topshop. 

With masculine tailoring a big hit for next season, be bold and add an extra touch to your outfit with a pocket square.  White will be best for the office.  You can pick up decent pocket squares from good ol’ M&S, or why not head to your local haberdashery and pick up some quirky fabrics and make your own.

Noreen xx