Leather leggings: How to wear them and what to put with them.

Over the last few seasons leather, or faux leather, leggings have taken over the High Street. When I was in H&M today I counted at least 5 pairs and pretty much every store has some, of one description or another.

So firstly, some tips for choosing the right ones for you:

• Are you ready to commit to leather leggings or are you just dipping your toe in the leather/pleather legging water? There are some out there for as little as £10;
• The fit is really important. Everyone thinks about leggings being too tight but equally, baggy leggings are never a good look;
• Check from all angles before buying and have a good wriggle around in them. Wonky seams, leggings that are too tight and leggings which ride up (or down) are never going to work. Oddly the crotch can also be in the wrong place too. Imagine that!
• Most leather style leggings will have panelling or details on them. Light can bounce off shinier fabrics, acting as a highlighter, so check where those panels sit on you. Panels may be best avoided on the thighs and/or bottom and confined to the lower leg, or down the side of the leg instead (see below).

To list all of the leather/pleather leggings available on the High Street would take all night, so here are a few choices at different prices;

Black leather leggings Mint Velvet (£499) - the real deal and I have to admit that they do look lovely;

Liv leather leggings Baukjen (£299) - the real deal at a slightly lower price;

Damsel in a Dress leggings at John Lewis (£89). These are made of a thick fabric and have real leather detailing down the side of the leggings. This is a really flattering way to wear leather on leggings as the vertical lines serve to lengthen the legs. Damsel in a Dress designs for a slightly more mature market too, so they sit fairly high on the waist;

Faux leather leggings Mint Velvet (£39) - these are a good mid priced option, ones that I haven't yet tried but I am planning on doing so.

So, what to put with them? Well on most people, covering the bottom will be a good idea. I have seen one woman wearing the Damsel leggings with a short fitted top from Zara and she looked amazing - but then so was her figure! There are lots of different ways of styling them so here goes!

The long shirt:

There are lots of longer line shirts available. From denim, to silk for a night out, to an oversized man's shirt or a plaid one for a rock chick look, there are plenty of options available.

I like this Ebony print blouse from Mint Velvet (£69). The Nehru collar is flattering, I like how the print is concentrated at the top of the blouse and for anyone with a curvier bust, a V-neck can be created by undoing a few of the buttons. Wear it with the shoes at the bottom of the post for a night out.

The long knit

Long jumpers and biker boots are a nice way to style leather leggings for a weekend. This Merino Kimono sleeve sweater from Jigsaw (£98) is a great jumper and one which I used for an event on Wednesday night. It's long and loose enough to give the right look, without swamping the wearer. It also looks great with a long pendant worn over the top of it.

The shirt dress

Depending on the fabric and print of the shirt dress, it could be worn either to dress the leggings up for a night out, or down, to wear them casually.

GAP has a good selection of shirt dresses and this plaid shirt dress (£35) would work well worn with ankle boots for a casual look. Again, for anyone who prefers to steer clear of a high neck, a V-neck can be created by undoing the top couple of buttons.

The Long Cardi

Long cardis work well over leather leggings, provided that any top worn underneath has the requisite length at the front, if you get my drift.

This long wrap around cardigan from Zara (£19.99) comes in several colour ways and would look good with a brighter jumper, or printed jumper, worn underneath it or with a plain top and a big printed scarf. I think that I would have to work in a bit of neon to this look.

Sweater/jumper/sweatshirt dress

Tapping into the trend for sweatshirts, a sweatshirt dress would give a very modern feel to the look and would look fantastic with a statement necklace. This sweat dress from Topshop (£19.99) would work well, as would a more traditional jumper dress. I am sure that Primark will have some lovely novelty ones in time for Christmas!

I had to include these shoes on here today. They are my current all time favourite. They are the lacey Courts from Carvela (£59 down from £85) and they would look totally brilliant with leather leggings - as they would with lots of things. They are a classic style but the spikes give them an edge, so they tick that box for when you want something stylish but also very modern.

Making the lingerie look more accessible.

Sometimes I see a look that I like but which I know won't work without a bit of tweaking. So, I take the elements of it that I think I can use and mix them with other pieces, until I find a look which is more practical, or age appropriate, but which still nods to the original look.

 

I've really liked these Louis Vuitton slip dresses since I saw Victoria Beckham wearing one of them to the Wimbledon tennis final. Bear with me on this one...

 

Predictably Zara has the best range on the High Street. They have several ranging from this one at £25.99 to over £100.

The problem with them is that, without going into too much detail, one needs to be near perfect in the pert department to pull them off - and have smooth, tanned, toned legs - in fact really one needs to be a Louis Vuitton model (or VB) for them to work well and frankly, well, let's say no more on that one.

I also like this as a look - really high heels, slouchy jeans, a fitted top, a blazer and a bright lip. It's much more accessible and mixing the two looks together would mean that a hint of the lingerie look could be included.

So here's one way of doing it....

Take one Jigsaw lace vest (£24) John Lewis - these are more substantial than they look, aren't too clingy, have a good length to them and come in a variety of colours.

Add some Warehouse distressed boyfriend style jeans (£33) John Lewis

Put a Ted Baker black velvet jacket (£229) John Lewis over the top.

Step into the Gosford Slipper Vamp Courts from Topshop (£60) either in this fabulous bright pink colour...

 

...or in this leopard print finish...

 

...I'd also work in this beauty that I'm currently coveting in Jigsaw at the moment (£79)

 

 

And you're ready for a night out, having given a nod to the lingerie look.  

My cosy, toasty Primark fur gilet

Is it really bad to admit to wearing the same clothes two days running? Well it wasn't the entire outfit that I wore again today - it was only the fur gilet. It was so warm and cosy and I didn't get a chance to photograph it yesterday so I wore it again today too. At least it reduced the price per wear and given that it was from Primark in the first place, it now practically pays me each time I wear it.

 

I was working from home for part of the day today, getting myself prepared for an event tomorrow night, and given that I wasn't on the go that much the extra layer came in really handy.

 

I'm also wearing Primark skinny coated jeans, Zara boots and one of my favourite Cos funnel neck jumpers. Sadly it shrank in the wash but oddly only in its length, and not so that it has gone all boardy and stiff, so it is still wearable.  More by luck than by judgment, this turned out to be a great way to wear it as its "shortness" is totally hidden.

I haven't been able to face Primark for a while to see whether they have any fur gilets this season but the closest that I have come across so far is this Topshop fur gilet (£60) which is also available in grey, mink and lime. 

I like the head to toe black look (not necessarily on me but just in general) which is broken up by the colour of the sleeves and neckline of the jumper. It just makes it more interesting than an all black outfit and means that you can play around with the colours. The fur of the gilet and the coating on the jeans also adds texture to the outfit and as I mentioned above, it works at hiding washing disasters and possibly pulled threads, moth holes, stains and damage caused by little peeps. Who else can see a whole new range of wardrobe possibilities opening up for them?!

Bright Young Things - Pieces to brighten up your Wardrobe (and a dull day)!

It was such a dull and rainy day today that I wanted to show you some brighter pieces. I've tried to keep them fairly plain so, surprisingly for me, there isn't any brocade, camouflage or leopard print, and there aren't any spots or sequins in sight - OK so there are a few stripes and some winter florals - but I allowed them to sneak into this post because they are cheery.  I'm not going to say a lot about each piece (famous last words). Instead they can do the talking!

If you have some trousers, a pencil skirt or a blazer in black, grey or navy which needs a "pick me up", this Cara silk vest top from Whistles (reduced to £30 in the sale) could just be it.

A simple style in a fantastic colour, the Elfin shift dress from Topshop (£42) would look great with a statement necklace and sparkly heels, or for work with a black patent, or leopard print, belt and black heels.

This cable zip back jumper from Warehouse (£42) would do me, my jeans and my ankle boots just fine on a cold winter's day, thank you very much!

Oh how I love this striped sweater from Ted Baker (£99) - apart from the price. But it's definitely one that's on my sale list. I would wear this come rain or shine....

This box pleated skirt from Cos £59 is just a little bit different from lots of things on the high street. "Technical" fabric, great colour, good length and some (but not too much) volume. I would wear it with high, high, heels and a pretty sweater with sparkles on.

In need of something to up the style stakes of your LBD? There's no need for the Fairy Godmother's magic wand, these Cinderella Slipper style courts from Topshop (£60) will make a real style statement. At the other end of the spectrum, wear them with boyfriend jeans and a denim shirt.

For anyone after a dress with sleeves, a good length and some figure flattering ruching, the Opus Dress by Damsel in a dress at John Lewis (£119) could be just what you are after. The colour is fabulous and a great change from black.

Take these Oil painting trousers from Ted Baker (£109) add in the Topshop pink shoes above, a simple top and black blazer and you have the perfect outfit for an evening out.

I saw this fuschia moto jacket in GAP (£69.95) for the first time today. It's bright. Very bright. But lovely!

This Tinna Velvet dress from Ted Baker (£149) is so beautiful you will just want to stroke it. Don't be put off by the length shown on the model on the TB site - well unless you're 5ft 10" or more like she is. On the rest of us, it's a good length. The wider neckline and kick flared skirt do a great job of balancing hips and despite the drop waist, it's still fitted. I'm really feeling the love for this dress!

The Ella skirt by Hobbs (reduced to £62 from £89) would be a great addition to a winter work wardrobe in the run up to Christmas. The A-line shape is uber flattering and with a fitted black top, black opaques and heels it could look knock out.

As you know, I love a bit of colour. Hopefully this will spur you on to have a little play (or buy) and see what cheery combinations you can come up with on a rainy day.

The miracle "bottom shrinking" trousers from Whistles

I wanted to tell you about the Ella Panel Trousers from Whistles (reduced to £40 from £85) because they were a bit of find. There's nothing unusual about them really - navy blue, biker style with detailing at the knees and zips at the ankles. However they do make a good alternative to jeans and what I really like about them is the panelling on them. They have a decent rise on them too which is never a bad thing.

In simple terms, the panelling makes the hips/bottom look narrower than they are - which is great, particularly if you spend a lot of time walking into rooms backwards. As to the magical bottom shrinking capabilities of these trousers, the reason for it (I did have a photograph taken of myself in the trousers to demonstrate the point but it was so horrific that I quickly removed myself from the photograph) is that there are fairly wide, but subtle, panels up the sides of the trousers. These go around to the back of the trouser so that, as shown in the picture below, the distance (in width) from the back mid-line of the trouser, to the outside seam, is much less than usual (probably by a couple of inches on each side) making the hips look narrower. It's a bit hard to explain but hopefully you'll get the idea.

If like me you like a half way trouser - not too smart but smarter than jeans - these are definitely worth taking a look at. As to the photos - personally I like the blurred look, it's so much softer than HD - but it wasn't intentional - just a five year old with a wobbly hand! I'm also wearing my current favourite Topshop pale blue jumper, a French Connection printed scarf and Zara boots.

An All Saints Cocoon shaped coat (with wellies)?!

Here's a first peek at a Cocoon style coat which I bought from All Saints back in the summer.  I immediately loved it for its shape, weight, quality and the two rows of buttons. The fact that it was reduced from £295 to £87.50 didn't pass me by unnoticed!

 

I admit that the rest of the outfit that I was wearing to the school fireworks may not have played to its strengths and it should have perhaps have had its first outing with some leopard print heels instead of some leopard print mittens. However, the great thing about this shaped coat is that you can layer LOADS of jumpers underneath it, so I was toasty warm on a chilly night. One day soon I'll style it up with something other than wellies!

The rest of the outfit was made up of: Jigsaw hat, pale blue cashmere scarf, Whistles trousers, Joules wellies, Miss Selfridge mittens.

The shifting shape of shift dresses...quite possibly working in our favour. Are you listening sticky out tums?!

There was a time when shift dresses tend to be fitted, particularly at the waist, but in the last few seasons, as with lots of clothing, they have become looser and less structured. They don't always look that much on the hanger (and I'm not saying that they look any better on me) but their looser shape can have certain advantages in the tummy region!

Unsurprisingly (Hello Mrs Predictable) this flouro animal print shift dress from Warehouse (£50) jumped out at me as I walked past the shop the other day. Whilst initially quite fitted on the arms, as the fabric warmed up and loosened slightly, it was fine - so just bear that in mind if trying one on.

Hasty snaps with bad shadows and poor light taken at the end of a long day aren't always a good idea. These are more akin to a dodgy Hugh Grant shot taken by the LAPD for even dodgier shenanigans with ladies of the night in the back of cars - but you get the gist and if not, the shot of the model should help with that. Heels would be preferable but with a day in town ahead of me yesterday morning, they weren't really an option so instead I wore navy patent Hobbs loafers.

 

For a couple of other alternatives, Whistles has this sculptured dress (£65 in the sale, reduced from £120) which also comes in a coral colour, with elbow length sleeves, but that's still full price. I like the scooped neckline and the curved seams at the front.

There's also this Crepe Tee Shift Dress from Topshop £85 which comes in eight colours, some of which are also in the petite and maternity ranges.

Whilst I'm not particularly loving either of the model looks, they give an idea of the shape and length of the dresses, how easy they would be to wear either dressed up or at the weekend. Great to throw on with a necklace, heels and leather jacket, or with a long chunky cardi and boots for a casual look. The shifting shapes of shifts are quite possibly to our advantage!

Wearing Topshop spotty trousers and an & Other Stories quilted jumper for a smart(ish)/casual outfit

Many of you will recognise these Topshop spotted trousers which I have had for a couple of years now. For their first outing this winter, I wore them with this cropped quilted jumper from & Other Stories which I bought on my last trip to London. It's fabulously warm and the quilting on the back of the front (if that makes sense) effectively adds in another layer.

 

Being cropped, the jumper does need to be worn with something with a reasonably high waist. I layered a white shirt underneath it, just to lift everything a little and break up the blue.

 

Take a peek below to see some other quilted pieces available at the moment. I have seen all of them in real life and would happily wear any of them! For anyone wanting any guidance, I think that the Warehouse bomber style jacket is a nice introduction to quilting as it would slide fairly seamlessly into a wardrobe which already had some jeans and boots in it, plus a few brighter coloured tops.

 

& Other Stories cropped jumper £55

 

Hobbs quilted skirt £89

 

Whistles Quilted Parka £175

 

Whistles Grid Jacquard dress £135

 

Warehouse Quilted Bomber Jacket (£48)

Let's tackle a very un-sexy subject head on (or rather feet on) - bunions!

Today's post is about one of the least sexiest topics ever - and no I'm not talking Tena Lady - but I'm going to embrace it anyway - bunions! Well, if they're good enough for Victoria Beckham, they're good enough for the rest of us. Only today I saw a picture of Mrs B in Grazia wearing a pair of shoes through which you could clearly see the outline of her bunions.

Most of my clients have foot problems of one kind or another, with many of them having developed bunions, or at least the first sign of them. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't necessarily caused by wearing inappropriately fitting, or high, shoes but rather they are thought to be hereditary (something else for which to thank your parents!) As yet there is still a relatively long recovery period from an operation to remove them, so many women suffer for many years before having any kind of surgery.

Just today one of my clients said that the thought of wearing her high LK Bennett shoes brought tears to her eyes, although that was more down to an ankle injury she sustained as a result of some over exuberant dancing one night. It's also fair to say that women suffer with painful feet because of back or ankle problems and the thought of going to a wedding, with all that standing, is enough to bring some out in a cold sweat.

The real problem lies, in all but the most severe of cases, not in finding comfortable footwear - there's a whole host of orthopaedic looking shoes on the market - but rather in finding stylish footwear. I have concluded that if there is one thing that is most lacking on the High Street, it is footwear that can accommodate a swollen big toe joint. If I were to design a range of anything, that would be it!

So here are some things that might help to ease the discomfort:

• It sounds obvious but give your feet a rest from shoes which aggravate the condition as much as possible, so that when it counts you can dig out those heels without suffering too badly. On holiday, behind closed doors, when driving, in fact any time when you don't need to wear such shoes, give them a hugely wide berth. Keep a pair of heels in your bag/desk drawer/in the car and whip them on at the last moment and off at the first;

• Opt for trainers, converse, ballet flats, smoking slippers or anything else that is comfortable. Right now trainers are definitely having a "moment" and there are some fantastic ones from which to choose. No longer are they just worn to the gym but also with skirts, brocade trousers and sequins; 

Nike Future Run from JD Sports (£55)

• Heeled boots which fit snugly around the ankle, thereby keeping the foot secure, are a good option as they allow you to go up a half, or even a whole, size providing extra room to accommodate any swelling or dis-figurement. Wedge trainers are also good for this as they fit the ankle snugly so there's no chance of walking out of them - unlike traditionally styled shoes;

Wide heel ankle boot Zara (£75) (all sizes now available)

 

Ash wedge trainers, £96.25 from the Outnet

• Shoes made from man made fabrics can be softer on inflamed areas. I particularly like these Zara sparkly shoes (£49.99) which are made of 100% polyester. Whilst arguably £49.99 is a lot to pay for non-leather shoes, to some, just like smarties - they are the answer! The heel height is reasonable on these shoes too.

• A slight platform in a shoe will serve to lessen the height of a heel and a wedge heel prevents the foot being from at such a steep angle, a block heel also offers more stability - so all of these should help with any niggles;

• Look to brands who have made efforts to create comfortable ranges of shoes. Hotter has developed a range of soft shoes with plenty of cushioning, with a couple of styles at least being very wearable. I like these Admire heels (£85) which come in a variety of colour ways:

• Marks and Spencer has its Footglove range and its Insolia range, whilst Clarks is probably at the forefront in terms of style and comfort with its shoes coming in various width fitting, half sizes and with added padding under the ball of the foot.

I really hope that this helps anyone suffering from painful feet but who still wants to be a stylish chick!