Pink coats, pink coats and more pink coats.....

Pink coats have been dancing on the fashion periphery for a while now.  It started last winter with Jil Sander's oversized pink coat (see below) but it has taken until this winter for them to filter down on to the High Street - and for A/W '13, the pink coat is where it's at!

I don't suppose that anyone will be surprised to learn that over the years I have had several pink coats. It started with a pink Oasis trench about 9 years ago and was soon followed by a pink Boden coat and after that a Benetton one. I tell you this only because, sadly, I clearly don't have a reason to buy a pink coat this winter, which I consider to be a shame.

The deal on pink coats is this: they should be the softest palest of pink, worn oversized with rounded shoulders and clean lines, or perhaps military style, but they should be devoid of frills, peplums, or anything that makes them look too girly. So, I've done a quick whizz around to see what's on offer at the moment. Not all of them fit the "deal" above but that's good, because not everyone will want to walk around in a pale pink, oversized, coat this winter.

French Connection (£175) has this lovely pink coat. Being double breasted and with a collar, it is probably more suited to women who don't have lots of curves. I like the swing shape of this coat, which gives it a bit of a 60's feel.

The Hobbs Lacey coat in orchid pink (£239) is a favourite of mine. I like this particular shade of pink as it has a depth about it which suits paler skins in the winter (that would be me then). The oversized shape lends itself well to the whole androgynous look which is so big for A/W '13 and it will work well with trousers and brogues, or boots, as well as dresses. Grazia quite often has a Hobbs discount voucher at the start of each season so if you're tempted, it may be an idea to keep your eyes open for that.

J Crew has this pretty, very ladylike, coat which also comes in petite and tall and costs £312.15 - or slightly more if you need the tall one, which seems grossly unfair to me. It also comes in a colour similar to the Hobbs one above, but is only available in a petite and in a size 0 - so it's probably not one for the masses but someone may do really well out of it as it's in the sale for around £185. (Kylie, if you're reading this, you know where to go for your winter coat).

This is the only picture of the coat that I am dying to see, which is from Topshop and as yet not available (unless someone tells me otherwise).  Again, it's a pretty pale pink with clean lines so it's definitely one to watch.

This pretty pink Marks and Spencer (£99) military style coat is from their plus range and comes in sizes 20 to 28. I like the shaping on this coat - simple and flattering with a revere collar, angled pockets at the waist and it is also single breasted.

Zara (£179) has this masculine style overcoat. It's not dis-similar to the above style but it has less movement in the skirt part of it. There's something about black buttons on a pink coat which always stand out. Personally I prefer buttons the same colour as the coat - but not enough to change the ones on my own coat. Cheery looking soul isn't she?!

For those who prefer something less than a full length coat, Zara has this woollen overcoat for £79.99. It's great for those who perhaps travel a lot sitting down and don't want their coat to get creased, or for those who have fantastic pins. I'm a big fan of playing to your strengths so if great legs are your strength, show them off at every opportunity, cold or not!

Boden (£149) has this Mia coat which is very chic, in a classic Audrey Hepburn type of way. This bubblegum pink is a great colour and I can see it working really well at the weekend with jeans, Chelsea boots and a chunky roll neck jumper.

For a paler than pale pink coat, Reiss (£225) has this blush jacket with a waist tie.  It's a lovely design with clever detailing in the panels. Whilst a waist tie isn't for everyone, it's definitely worth a try.

 

Being cream, this Jigsaw (£265) coat doesn't really belong in this post but I fell in love with the colour, texture and shape of it, together with the fur collar. As I have mentioned before, all things fluffy, soft and furry are going to be huge this winter (a post on this particular trend will follow) and for me this coat embraces the trend in a very classic 1940's way but with a modern twist, as opposed to a less sophisticated (OK, chavtastic) kind of way. This coat would look amazing at a winter wedding - I just need one to go to now.

  

 

If a pink coat isn't your thing at all, there will be many other options available.  Zara has these pink trousers for £29.99 which are great but as ever with Zara, it's a good idea to start with the XL size and work backwards to avoid being utterly demoralised when the medium ones don't even go over your calves.

 

 

 

Warehouse (£28) has this lovely box bag in a pretty pale pink colour. I like the silver frame and the structured shape of this particular bag and it is well priced. Again, a great wedding option (hint, hint friends).

 

 

So, that's where we are on the pink coats - will you or won't you?  Perhaps you wouldn't have before reading this but now you might be tempted to.  Or like me you perhaps would love to but don't have  a reason to. Oh well, if that's the case, that's the great thing about this time of year, there's always something else just around the corner.....

 

Shorts and stripes - possibly for the last time this summer - but there are lots of things that I'm dying to show you....

On reflection, I'm not sure that it was such a good idea to comment to the security lady at the airport that my chunky heeled, red wooden Topshop sandals would be good for stashing drugs in if you were that way inclined. She smiled and agreed, as I took them off to go through security, but I have since had visions of them being ripped apart and of me being arrested. Although I suppose it would have made our journey a little more exciting than arguing about who had eaten the last fruit pastille and I think that I probably did have a point (see below!)

 

 

So, now that we are back at home I have a million and one ideas for blog posts. However, given the state of the children/house/piles of washing/my legs (I forgot to take a razor on holiday)/lack of food in the cupboards/episodes of Coronation Street to catch up on, today I am going to show you a picture of the cashmere crew neck jumper from Boden which came with me to Guernsey and which did a great of keeping me warm on the days that it was a little overcast! I have already found it so useful and know that I will continue to do so over the next few months. Pink and stripes are a match made in heaven for me so whilst it's more than I would normally pay for a jumper, I know that it will be worth it in the end. It's just one of those jumpers that will go with everything, from these cut offs, to smarter navy trousers, jeans and also my navy sequinned skirt.

 

 

Oddly enough, having just checked at Boden, there's a 9 week wait for this jumper but only in a size 6. Given that they come up fairly snug (mine is a size 10 as I didn't want it too tight) I can't quite work out why that may be but in my experience a 9 week wait rarely translates into anything longer than a three week wait.

I think that this is probably the last time that shorts will be featuring on Style Guile this summer, which is sad if only for the fact that it means that the summer may be coming to an end. However, life moves on, as does fashion, and with the new season approaching, there are plenty of exciting finds for me to bring your way.

Whilst the sun is still shining, let's look at some bright things courtesey of Topshop, Karen Millen, LK Bennett and Boden

Today we visited the beautiful Channel Island of Herm, where we headed to Shell Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - well in my opinion at least!

 

 

 

 

Given that it was warm enough for even me to don my bikini and go for a swim, I can't quite bring myself to write about darker colours so with that in mind, today I am looking at all things bright and beautiful. 

 

Keeping with the sunshine theme, and with all things beautiful, there's this neon necklace from Topshop. At £70 it's way up there on the higher priced side of costume jewellery but it would put a smile on anyone's face.

 

If I'm going to have to think about next season, I'm happy to think about this Topshop fluffy boyfriend coat (£89). The bright colour is cheery and the fluffy texture is a huge trend for the season. There will be lots of fur gilets, fur coats, fluffy jumpers and warm, textured pieces, which is great for when it gets colder (ssshhhh).

I found this hot pink sequinned cardigan in Karen Millen at Bicester a couple of weeks ago. I loved it but couldn't justify its existence in my wardrobe, so it may still be there. Not only would this go with brighter coloured pieces for now but it would also work well with black and grey in the winter, or with it being so fitted, with one of the fuller circle style skirts that are starting to appear in the shops.

These lovely bright yellow shoes were in L.K. Bennett at Bicester. The staff there are really great at sending things out if anyone likes them enough to think about buying them. They don't give a refund though - just a credit note. These would look lovely with a smart, slim leg black trouser suit for work, or with ankle length jeans and an oversized grey jumper or sweatshirt, perhaps with the Topshop necklace above, for a more casual look.  These aren't the Sledge shoes, which are the highest the LK Bennett do but either the Shiloh, Sabira, Sybila or Sabrina (how confusing?) and which are lower and easier to walk around in.

For a brighter trouser, Boden has these skinny cropped jeans for £49. I think that it's nice to keep a bit of tanned ankle on show for as long as possible. We're not quite ready for the full length jeans/socks/boots look just yet. They come in a range of colours....

...to include these pink ones too. Personally I would wear them with white, black, navy or grey on top to keep it simple but I have been known to mix two brighter colours together if in the right mood!

If the idea of bright trousers or a bright coat are too much to contemplate, a bright bag is a nice option. These were £75 from Marni at Bicester and come in this great range of colours. If Bicester is a bit too far away, I really like the Canonbury clutch from Boden as an alternative which cost £59.

I hope that you like these choices and that wherever you may be, the sun is shining!

Baum and Pferdgarten - it's worth taking a look at this Danish brand's look book together with new site, MYTRND

For those not familiar with it, MYTRND is a fabulous site which allows brands to upload their look books for people to look at, rate, compare and shop from. There's a huge range to include Marni, Jonathan Saunders, Miu Miu and Milly, amongst others.

When I was asked to choose a brand about which to write, I wanted to choose one that was accessible from a price point, that had great design with pieces which were sophisticated but with a twist - hence my choice of the Danish brand, Baum and Pferdgarten.  If you would like to read my review, you can do so below. The link to Baum and Pferdgarten's look book is below the main picture. I hope that you enjoy it!

• LOOKBOOKS
• BRANDS
• BUYERS LOUNGE
• SIGNUP & LOGIN
  • Sign Up
  • For Brands
  • About MYTRND

By Beth Goodrham, Editor at Beth Goodrham on Baum und Pferdgarten's AW 13 Lookbook  2013

My new “go to” brand

See Lookbook

Turning the pages of the Baum and Pferdgarten A/W 13 look book, I was in style heaven. The collection contains everything that the modern busy woman could want in her life and in her wardrobe. It’s cool, effortlessly chic, refreshingly simple and sophisticated.

For me, this collection epitomises everything that is so incredible about Danish design and styling. Clean, simple lines with an unparalleled attention to detail which takes a piece from being ordinary, to extraordinary.

The strength of the collection lies not only in its beautiful simplicity but also in its accessibility. Whilst styling is essential, practicality is equally important. With snuggly parkas and full length wool coats, elegant knee length dresses, block patterned knitwear and pieces that can be layered, the Scandanavian appreciation of cold winters shines brightly!

Whilst the silhouettes of the pieces are clean and uncluttered the clever use of print, colour, texture and detailing makes every piece varied and interesting. The collection is an endless surprise of contrasts. From modern animal and geometric prints, to the use of both muted and bold colours, from cuffed trousers to textured jumpers, simple shifts to skater skirts, elegant tailoring to relaxed separates, there’s something for every occasion.

Baum and Pferdgarten has somehow created a strong brand identity, whilst at the same time giving us a huge amount of variety of styles, textures, fabrics, prints and colour – and all at a great price. For me this is my new “go to” brand. I hope that you like it too.
 
 

See Lookbook

By Beth Goodrham Aug 2 2013

Beth Goodrham
Editor
Beth Goodrham

A moment of monochrome magic, or madness perhaps?!

OK, so here's my top tip for travelling and one that I really should adopt myself. Before arriving at the check-in desk, check that you have, in fact booked in two bags weighing 20kg each (as I had wrongly assumed) and not two bags weighing 15kg each - or else you will find yourself doing a hurried re-pack in the airport which will involve stuffing towels/pants and a various selection of items into the hand-luggage of your entire family. Oops and double ooops.

 

Although we're away, I forgot to take any photos yesterday, which is a good excuse to wear the same outfit again. I did manage to give a radio interview though. There I was at the Normandy market buying nectarines in my best French when Guernsey's chief roving reporter shoved a microphone in front of my face and started interviewing me about the cost of school uniform. I didn't really have a chance to object.

 

 

As to the outfit, a week or so ago I thought that I would wear what was a largely monochrome outfit, with shades of pale pink and silver added in to soften it. This jumper is the Zara one that I have packed for our trip to Guernsey, worn with a Hobbs statement necklace, Russell and Bromley pale pink bag, silver Zara shoes and white Gap jeans. Here's a closer picture of the Hobbs necklace, which I bought in the summer sale a couple of years ago now.

Hope that you all have a fabulous bank holiday. I don't know about anyone else but I'm not buying into the view that it's the last hurrah of the summer. There's plenty of heat in that sun yet!

Holiday packing - the why's, how's and why on earth?

Tomorrow we go away to Guernsey, for our final break of the summer. It's a while since I have done a post on packing but I always like taking a look to see what other people pack for their holidays and adopting (or adapting) their tips and tricks to make things easier.

 

For the beach/pool (I could be being ambitious here) I have a boy leg swimsuit from Seafolly. For similar, take a look here.  I also have Crew sunglasses and my bargain Asda hat, which is similar to one that I saw in Liberty a while back now. A bit of tactical ruching on a swimming costume, combined with a lower leg can make for an easier piece to wear on the beach than some I can think of.

 

I have a selection of tops which include two printed, one lace, one long sleeved, one striped, one sequinned and one neon. I like a wide variety of tops, largely to counteract the limited selection of bottoms that I take with me.

Experience has taught me that if I'm warm, I'm comfy and that if I'm comfy, I'm not grumpy. Well, that's the theory at least. So I have packed four jumpers - plus a cardi for travelling. Even I shouldn't be cold then.

From top left to right I have a coral H&M sweatshirt, mint cashmere jumper from All Saints, new Boden striped cashmere jumper and a black jumper from Zara which is a chunky cotton knit, slightly A-line with a zip up the back and pleats around the neckline.

As I mentioned, I have a simple selection of bottoms - 2x Gap jeans, 1x Joules skirt and also a pair of cut-offs. That's all that I will need for trips to the beach and to neighbouring islands.

 

We have one fancy pants event, which is my Dad's 70th birthday. It's being held at a Manor house on the island and is an evening event - but a fairly informal one. As part of it will be held outside, a flimsy little number won't do for me so I've opted for Jigsaw trousers (down to £79 from £139 in the sale) a Whistles sparkly jumper and Mango shoes.

 

 

This photo gives a better idea of the print on the trousers. I'm also going to wear a new bangle/cuff that I bought in the Karen Millen sale at the weekend. I felt that the bright yellow and diamonds would add a nice splash of colour to the outfit.

 

Are four bags excessive? Perhaps, especially when I'm only taking four pairs of jeans/skirts/shorts but here's how it works. The snake print bag holds the travel documents, which go in the Cath Kidston boat print bag, which I use as a handbag. To get around the limit of one piece of hand luggage, the Cath Kidston handbag goes into the larger Cath Kidston  bag which also holds my laptop and that counts as my hand luggage for the aeroplane. The striped bag is a beach bag into which the snake print bag goes with purse/keys/phone in it when I go on the beach. See, it all makes perfect sense!

As well as a good selection of tops and bags, I like a good selection of cuffs, so in addition to the Karen Millen one I also have the ones below, from left to right top row - Cochinelle, Cath Kidston, Tory Burch, Cath Kidston, Tokyo Jane and La La Rocks. To save on the weight restrictions I could well be wearing them all at once. Which gets me thinking, between us we have 10 wrists. Time to go and get some more to add to the collection.

I always find it really interesting to see what people use for skincare, hair care, make-up and nails.  I'm not sure but I think that I probably travel pretty light in that regard. Here's what I have:

Skincare - Boots face wipes, Estee Lauder advanced night cream (which I use in the daytime at the moment too) and Estee Lauder advanced night repair eye cream.

Hair care - VO5 styling wax.

Make-up

Bobbi Brown pot rouge for lips and cheeks in pale pink
Bobbi Brown lipstick in Wild Rose (more for the evening)
Clinique Chubby stick in curvy candy (daytime)
Maybelline "the falsies" volume express (fantastic mascara, I love it!)
Maybelline master smoky eye pencil in navy.

Boots nail polish remover pads and stay perfect nail colour in Me! Me! Me!

And here's one thing that I will NOT be taking with me. I saw it in H&M the other day in the maternity section. Imagine sporting that on your bump. Brilliant!

Camouflage prints - love them or loathe them? Let's take a look and see what's around.....

So, camouflage - what do you think? Love it or loathe it? Either way, we're going to see a lot of it in the stores over the next few months so I thought that I would take a whizz around the High Street and see what's out there at the moment. Rest assured, there will be much more to come but this will give you a flavour....

For those with skinny pins, or who would prefer a print on their bottom half, the GAP skinny mini trousers in blue camo are a pleasant alternative to the traditional green print camouflage and somehow seem a little less scary. They also come in a pale grey and cost £34.95. I like the colour combination of the trousers and shoes below, which would translate well into a pair of ankle boots for the colder weather. Wear with a chunky jumper, maybe blue or bright yellow or pink, and that's an outfit sorted. Or dress them up with the usual heels/blazer combo.

Predictably Whistles are way ahead of the game, with several camouflage pieces in their new collection. This camo sweat dress (£95) is one of them. It's not any easy style of dress to wear in terms of shape but I can see it working for some, perhaps layered over skinny jeans in the winter, or with thick tights and heeled ankle boots/shoe boots.

This camo dress, also from Whistles (£155) has a great colour combination, with the yellow taking centre stage. The style of this dress is clever too, with it's shading down the sides of the torso and the arms, it's one of those that just whittles everything down. I would love to see it worn with...

...these fantastically bright yellow shoes from LK Bennett £85 down from £170, It's a great outfit for a late summer, early autumn event. I think that these shoes would look equally great with the blue GAP trousers above.

For something which is camouflage pretty much in name only, there's this printed scarf from Reiss (£14 down from £49), which is a great price and a good way to dip your toe into the camouflage water.

Lastly, this GAP  tote (£39.95), whilst a very traditional camouflage print, is a good way of updating your exiting winter wardrobe, without spending a huge amount of money in doing so. True, you could probably get a pair of trousers from another brand for the same amount of money but GAP is bound to have some sort of discount soon.

If I'm honest, I've always had reservations about wearing camouflage - it just doesn't seem quite right to turn clothing worn in conditions fraught with fear and danger, into a fashion item. I feel the same about wearing religious symbols and prints associated with particular cultures - that seems disrespectful.

So, does the fact that I would wear a camouflage print in blue (the GAP jeans) or in pretty pastel colours (the Reiss scarf) rather than the GAP bag make me a hypocrite? Probably. But I can somehow get my head around those pieces more easily.

As to how to wear camouflage, think less All Saints (as in the band, not the shop) utility trousers, desert boots and white vests and more fitted, glamourous and stylish.

Having taken a look at what is out there has certainly opened my eyes to the possibilities of things to come. Hopefully it may have done the same for some of you too - or alternatively crystallised your view that never in a million years would you go there. If that's the case, I hope to be able to bring you some alternative trends over the next few weeks that may be more your cup of tea!