Style Blog

For Autumn Winter 2010 Whistles draws inspiration from a palette of rich earthen shades, textures and tactile fabrics.

A feeling of late 70's casual luxe sits alongside an eclectic British country look.

Skirts come in full swing skater shapes, camel trousers in soft silk, evening wear in leopard print and snoods and mittens in soft cashmere.

Whistles has moved to the old All Saints space, 35 Duke Street from Nile street.

http://www.whistles.co.uk

1. Camel is the fashion forward colour this season. Invest in a coat, cape, knit or suit as this will take you through to Spring and is this season's essential tone.

2. The hourglass is back with nipped in waists and lots of cleavage. Think 'Mad Men' 1950's Feminine cuts in beautiful fabrics. Elbow length gloves and small bags.

3. Knitwear will have an alpine theme with images of reindeers and snowflakes worn with flowing skirts, leg warmers and wedged boots. This look is for the fashion hardy.

4. The LBD (Little Black Dress) has been taken over with the PBT (Perfect Black Trousers). Dresses are still around though, in muted bronze rather than gold metallics.

5. Lace - tops, dresses and skirts with nude background are gorgeous this season. Sensual has replaced obvious sexy, although leopard print is still in fashion, which is great for the bold and beautiful.

6. Sheepskin lined shearing jackets and gilets are everywhere this season. Find yours in a vintage clothes shop, but get in there early!

7. Skirts will be 'a-line' wraps, kilts and tulip shaped. You'll find all lengths but the trendiest are calf length, full length OR short.

8. Bags have shorter straps and carried in the nook of the arm.

9. Oversized long belts worn tied on the outside of outfits. Find these in the menswear departments.

10. Shoes - wear thick socks or patterned tights with pointed toe kitten heels or loafers. Bows and buckles are bang on trend. Boots are furry with square toes.

Unless your day job is being a body double on Bay Watch, the word swimwear alone can be enough to make you shudder. Most women feel a little apprehensive about stripping down to a swimsuit.

The truth is that you are already gorgeous. And armed with these helpful hints and tips you'll feel even more summer-ready and swimwear-confident then ever before.

1. The new wonder-beach attire this year is the 'Tankini'. It's a lycra vest with briefs and it’s perfect to cover up bellies and can be pulled up when laying down.

2. Patterned sarongs are a fabulous way to casually camouflage any areas you aren't ready to share. Wear them as a skirt, dress or shawl. And it's perfectly acceptable to keep them on whilst sunbathing without anyone remarking..."aren't you hot in that?"

3. Patterned bathing suits are brilliant for confusing the eye and will allow any bulges to go un-noticed. Details such as ruching are also marvellous for that.

4. Think about adding earrings, a headscarf or a wide brimmed hat to take the attention up towards your face.

5. If your hips are wider than your shoulders keep all the detailing above the waist with plain bottoms, and make sure that cut finishes above your widest part. If your waist is flat, show that off with a belt detail.

6. If your shoulders are wider than your hips find halter neck tops and keep details on the hips.

7. If your body line is straight create curves with patterns and vertical lines.

8. To look slimmer find a swimsuit with a central patterned section and outside panels in a dark blocks. This will visually cut you into thirds.

9. Under wiring or support - if you need it in a bra, chances are you'll need it on the beach too.

10. Add some pool side glamour by slipping on a very trendy kaftan.

And remember, nobody's perfect! Even super models have complaints about their bodies! Invest your time in enjoying your figure and showing off the areas you like. When you do this you'll look around see that everyone is busy worrying about their own stripped off bodies.

Enjoy your water fun and sun lounging. And please remember to be careful about the sun with high factor lotion, sunglasses, hats and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Globe Shopping Without Leaving Home.

From harem trousers, kaftans and turbans, lime coloured print dresses to vibrant peacock feather earrings, african safari jackets, gold jewels and South American rain forrest designs, this season's fashion is a melting pot of cultural flavour.

Tropical florals and prints are hot, hot, hot!!! Make the most of the summer with these flattering printed dresses.

The maxi is everywhere, but if you are petite or have lovely legs, opt for knee length numbers that are around in the shops at the moment, like this one from Wallis http://www.wallis.co.uk To get your money's worth, wear these shorter dresses with thick knee length socks well into autumn.

You really can wear your holiday on your sleeve. Just add chunky jewellery and 
gladiator sandals.

Link: http://www.wallis.co.uk

Fashion's crowing-glory is the hat. This simple accessory conveys more confidence than any other.

Hats communicate individuality, intrigue and style. And this season you can pick one up for less than £20.

Which shape suits me?

If your face is...

Long go for a wide brim and low crown.

Heart shaped opt for a medium brim and try a beret in winter.

Square go for a rounded shaped hats.

Round go for more squared styles.

Oval, lucky you, most hat shape will suit you!

Straw hats are practical for keeping the sun off your head and face.

Take a friend shopping and have fun trying loads on.

Go to the men's section of shops too for even more choice and for the very trendy ‘boyfriend’ look.

* Straw hat £18 Wallis www.wallis.co.uk