A/W 2013-14

With S/S '14 trends hitting the catwalk last week at London Fashion Week, its hard not to get carried away with what your taking on holiday next year. In the mean time as temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, heres a few ideas of how to stay warm AND look good using a few of my favourite trends.

Rose Pink

This seasons hottest colour. The pink coat stole the show in AW13/14 catwalks but choose pretty much anything rose pink and you're on to a winner. Mix multiple shades together and experiment with texture...

For information on the individual items click here

Skirts & Shorts

Brave bare legs or invest in some warm tights. Skirts and shorts aren't being put away for the winter and are very much a staple part of your winter wardrobe this year. While minis are still perfectly acceptable, the lady-like calf length skirt gives you a few more inches of warmth.


Floral

Flowers also haven't been restricted to the summer months. Hold on to the chance of sunshine with florals.

For more information on the individual items click here

Check

Punk is back and with it comes check. A single statement piece is probably sufficient for most wardrobes. Add a plain fluffy crop jumper to a pair of check trousers for a simple but stylish look or be daring and clash with another print.

For information on the individual items click here

Oversized

I have just invested in an 'oversized' teddy coat from Topshop. I spent a good while working out which size to get in order to get the balance between over sized and just plain silly and eventually decided on the smaller one. As a general rule, the bigger the better but for someone of my size I didn't want to be mistaken for a Hagrid-look-a-like. This of course depends on the cut of the coat (or other oversized item of clothing) and its worth shopping around to find a shape that you can pull off.

If the androgynous look isn't for you, balance oversized items with something slim fitting for a more feminine look.


Texture

Sequins, feathers, silk, quilting...the list goes on. Combine different textures to make a perfect, on trend outfit for any occasion.

For information on the individual items click here

So how do you put these all together? Its good to experiment and there are really no rules but here is a few guidelines I will be following:

1) Mix and match. Whether thats with textures, patterns or trends, experiment with different combinations. How about a pink fluffy crop with check shorts and and oversized coat? Or a sequin skirt, silk top and feather jacket? Just be careful not to go too far!

2)  Keep warm. Self explanatory really.

3) Go oversized but know where to stop. There is a fine line and just make sure you are on the right side of it.

4) Sensible shoes. I know it sounds boring but while most things would look great with a pair of heels, you'd be better off preparing for puddles in a nice pair of boots.

5) Its never the wrong occasion for sequins. Especially as we get closer to Christmas.

Honestly Delicious

I've lived in Brixton for 18 years now and I'm completely ashamed to say that I've never ventured to Brixton Village. I naively   thought that the market was limited to the market stalls dotted around the side roads around the station. How wrong I was!

Walking though the arch we arrived into what can only be described as a treasure trove of tiny cafes, restaurants and bars tucked amongst Caribbean food shops and independent boutiques.

There was such a buzz in the air from all the Sunday afternoon chatter of young (generally very good looking) couples and groups of friends probably discussing last nights antics over a latte, crepe or plate of delicious food (be it Thai, Lebanese or burgers and chips!).

We had visited with a purpose - to check out Honest after so many people raving about it. We arrived and were told we would have a 45 minute wait despite trying to time out visit at a non-conventional mealtime of 3pm. So we went off for a peppermint tea and waited to be notified by text that our table was free. By this point we were starving and these burgers had a lot to live up to!

My usual panic over choosing what to eat was calmed by the small and simple menu. I went for a homemade lemonade and an Honest burger (on a gluten free bun - this market is a dream for any gluten free eaters) and Barney went for the special and we shared a side of coleslaw. 

It was all absolutely delicious! As in seriously good. The chips were debatably the best chips I've had in a long time...or maybe ever - they were all crispy! Yum. And the burgers were amazing too. There was such a charm about the place and the staff were very friendly and helpful. 

It was such great value for money, supporting British farmers (all meat is purchased from Ginger Pig) and a really lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

For more information on Honest burgers, you can visit their website at www.honestburgers.co.uk