When Vicki Broadbent (@Honestmum) contacted me as she and her friend Rachael were interested in a Colour Analysis session with me, we quickly got booked in and the following week I arrived at Vicki’s mums house in Leeds, who to my delight had baked an incredible cake for the occasion!

We had such a fun session working through my colour drapes in order to identify both of their dominant seasons. We went through their most complimentary accent colours, neutrals and their best metals, along with how they can inject their best colours into their wardrobe to make creating outfits and shopping much more streamlined going forwards.

You can read the full post from Vicki about their experience below….

Where It All Began

Sustainable Style Swap returned for its 6th event York at Pitcher & Piano with stunning riverside views and was hosted by myself Laura Fawcett & Sara Anson.

We have both always been lovers of vintage and second hand shopping. As Personal Stylist’s we obviously love clothes, but due to the increasingly detrimental impact that the fashion industry is having on the environment, we are also extremely passionate about prolonging the life of clothing and promoting circular fashion through our platforms. As a result the first Sustainable Style Swap event was held back in 2019 and since then we have prolonged the life of close to 1750 items of clothing from our events.

The idea of the events was to provide a fun and relaxed space where likeminded people can connect, give their unwanted clothes a new lease of life and enjoy updating their wardrobes in a sustainable way.

If you haven’t attended one before the concept is very simple…

• Cleanse your wardrobe.
• Bring along 5 good quality, clean items of clothing, shoes or accessories that you wish to swap.
• Enjoy coffee & cake provided by White Rose Bakes as the team of wonderful volunteers merchandise the rails with Laura & Sara into size order to make it easier to find what you are looking for.
• Shop the rails and take home up to 5 items of your choice with Laura & Sara on hand to offer style advice.

Top Tips For More Mindful Shopping

We are not trying to send a message to tell you to stop buying any new clothes at all, but the aim is to encourage us to think through what we are buying before hand, use what you already have first and then consider any future purchases by following these simple steps to help you to start shopping more mindfully;

• Identify your own style and avoid being sucked into buying everything that you see on instagram & following trends, unless you are certain that what you are buying really reflects your unique style and will be a wise addition to your wardrobe. A Wardrobe Edit & Restyle can really help you to understand your style foundations if you are feeling a little lost and is a great entry into personal styling

• Edit your wardrobe twice a year. Less really can be more and keep what suits your lifestyle, body shape, colours & style personality

• Make friends with a tailor to get that perfect fit, there may be some amazing pieces of clothing in your wardrobe that need a simple tweak such as the straps being lifted, leg lengths shortened or taking in at the waist

• Buy what you need as a priority, not what you want. Keep a list on your phone for more mindful shopping and for those impulse purchases try to hold back by waiting for two weeks before you buy it, if you still think it will be a good investment after this time then it is probably a wise choice

• Invest in good basics – blazer, jeans, t-shirts etc. These items are the glue that hold your wardrobe together & the foundation of your outfits

• Don’t underestimate accessories & their power to change an outfit

• When buying new – can you think of at least 3 different ways to wear it and think about if it makes you feel great or not ie confident, comfortable, classy or uncomfortable, fidgety, frumpy for example

• Shop preloved first (eBay, Vinted, vintage sellers, swap events & parties) and remember to support local and small businesses who are likely to have much more sustainable practices

• Fashion is circular – you will always find similar preloved so if you do enjoy following trends be sure to look for a second hand options first

• Know your measurements when buying preloved, ask for pictures and read reviews to ensure you are spending your money with a trusted seller and the item is likely to fit you well

• Look after your clothes and don’t over wash them to prolong the life of the fabrics – wipe down, air out and steam to refresh rather than washing repeatedly, de bobble wool knitwear, repair and store properly.

Sustainable Pop Up Shops

We are passionate about supporting local female business owners and for the first time we were joined by some fabulous pop up shops which filled the space with joy and complimented our sustainable shopping event perfectly;

Moon Cloud Vintage (60’s & 70’s vintage clothing)

Milliner Hannah Lauren (Gorgeous headbands)

Watson & White Vintage

Makka Rakka Preloved For Kids

Hannah Weston Handcrafted Jewellery

On Sundays Candles

Shoe Porium (Vintage footwear & bags)

Save The Dates!

If you would like to join us at the next Sustainable Style Swap in this format we are delighted to announce the following details (ticket link will be released soon for early bird reduced price);

Date: Sunday 8th October

Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm

Location: Pitcher & Piano York

We are also so excited to be in the process of organising a long awaited and by popular demand a Sustainable Style Swap Kids! It is all in aid of Martin House Children’s Hospice and all of the proceeds from the event will go directly to this charity.

Date: Sunday 9th July

Time: 11am – 2pm

Location: Bishopthorpe Village Hall (parking available, hoorah!)

We are expecting this to be rather busy so will are kindly asking for as many helpers as possible! If you are able to bake any cakes to donate for the event or are available to come along to help us with the clothing we would be most grateful, so please get in touch.

Tickets will be released soon

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you at the next event.

Love Laura

xxx

You may have seen my latest Instagram styling reels where I shared some of my key staples from my wardrobe and I had so many messages about this topic with so many of you saying how much you enjoyed it and found it useful, which was so lovely to hear.

A capsule wardrobe is something that most of us aim for, whether the aim is to be more sustainable and reduce over consumption, encourage us wear more of what we already have, or reduce the amount of time, energy & money invested on planning outfits and shopping.

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is a collection of absolute essentials (usually around 30 items but this can vary from person to person depending on lifestyle) that are well loved, interchangeable so can be worn with lots of different pieces, non seasonal so can be worn all year round, and generally timeless pieces that you can rely on and can add more seasonal and trend led pieces to across the year.

For the minimalists, a small amount may be enough to form the majority of their wardrobe, whereas people on the more the maximalist side could still benefit from investing in a capsule wardrobe to form the back bone of their wardrobe that will enable more extravagant pieces and impulse purchases to be worn in multiple ways – ultimately it’s a win win and something that will benefit most of us.

I have been asked a few times recently to put together a list of what I would include in a capsule wardrobe, often these items are included on my clients shopping lists during a wardrobe edit ahead of a personal shopping trip. So here we are, hopefully some ideas that you love and can provide inspiration for the year ahead, stay tuned for the essential accessories to style with a capsule wardrobe in the next blog and do drop me an email if you would like more help with how to style each piece.

1. Jeans

A light pair and a dark pair, in your best fit. If looser fitting jeans are new to you then the best place to start is with a straight leg as they suit all body shapes.

2. Black Wide Leg Trousers

A wide leg full length trouser can add length to the legs and is flattering for pretty much all body shapes. Wear with a white t-shirt, oversized blazer and platform trainers as a dressed down look, or a pair of pointy heels to dress up.

3. Block Colour Trousers

Such a fun way to inject a splash of colour into your wardrobe and they can be any colour you like as they are not directly next to the face. If coloured trousers are new to you try a darker pair such as khaki or if you’re feeling braver a red pair, both are such versatile shades that can be styled in so many ways.

4. Midi Skirt

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to midi skirts and it can be a bit over whelming finding your perfect fit. The most current skirt to add to your wardrobe is a slip skirt, layer with an oversized knit and chunky boots for winter and a t-shirt, denim jacket and chunky sandals in summer. Why not give a nod to the nineties and try a chocolate brown as an alternative to black and experiment styling with neutrals, orange or purple.

5. Leather Trousers

Leather trousers are a real investment so experiment with faux leather first and then go for the real deal if you are wearing as often as you wear jeans. People often associate leather trousers with evening wear but dressed down with sweatshirts & trainers can be a super cool alternative to denim and just as comfortable.

6. Day Dress

Day dresses are an easy way to inject print into your capsule wardrobe. They need to be comfortable and something that can be easily layered up so why not try styling yours with a thin polo neck underneath or a cropped jumper over the top to change the look as and when you please.

7. Shirt Dress

We all need a go to dress for any last minute invitations or events where there hasn’t been enough time to prepare for. A shirt dress allows for you to feel smart and put together for an evening occasion but can be worn unfastened to look like a kimono over jeans and a t shirt during the day.

8. Boilersuit

If you’ve followed me long enough you’ll know that I’m not shy of a boiler suit/jumpsuit and I truly believe there is a style out there for everyone. There is something about dressing in only one piece and they are the ultimate easy going day off outfit.

10. Cardigans

A cropped cardigan is not only super cosy but is a great way to nip you in at the waist and add a splash of colour to your basics. Style over your favourite t-shirts with jeans or wear with just a bra underneath with leather skirt or trousers for a night out.

11. Jumpers

Knitwear is the easiest way to inject your best colours directly next to your face which harmonies with your complexion and have the power to lift your mood. Crew necks are so versatile as they can be layered over shirts or polos or simply add some layered necklaces over to add interest to the neckline. Find your favourite style and buy it in your favourite colour and a warm or cool neutral depending on your skin tone.

12. Sweatshirt

Coral & peach scream spring summer so this sweatshirt will give an instant lift to your basics. Style under a khaki quilted coat or shacket with leather trousers & trainers for a put together but comfortable spring outfit.

13. Knitted Dress

A knitted dress is like wearing a hug and perfect for days where comfort and warmth is key. Throw on an oversized blazer and chunky black boots for an alternative dressed down and stylish look.

14. Shacket

A teddy shacket in a neutral shade is such a versatile piece that acts as an indoor to outdoor layer so ideal for working from home to popping to the shop or running errands in while looking like you’ve made an effort.

15. Black polo

The ultimate layering staple for all year round, if black worn next to your face isn’t the ideal shade then switch the black for cream or a pop of colour instead.

16. Knitted Vest

Knitted vests seem to be going nowhere so if you are yet to try the trend that is becoming a firm wardrobe staple again then look for a style that complements your colour pallet and can be layered over your existing dresses and shirts or simply worn on its own with jeans or trousers.

17. Classic Tshirt

Finding the perfect white tee can be a task in itself but COS never fails to disappoint when it comes to jersey and their heavy weight cotton wears and washes like a dream. Don’t forget to wear a flesh toned bra rather than white for a clean look.

18. White Shirt

A white shirt is a firm staple in all capsule wardrobes. However off white or ivory often suits most complexions more than stark white and this soft feminine style will layer well under knitwear and dresses up well for an evening look.

19. Long Sleeve Basics

Essential pieces such as basic jersey tops can often be left to the bottom of the priorities pile but investing in good quality and responsibly sourced cotton that will wash well can really open up new ways of layering your clothing to create different looks.

20. Striped Top

Everyone loves a Breton stripe so why not mix things up and try a splash of colour. Stripes are an easy entry into print clashing so find a stripe that tones well with one of the colours in your favourite printed dresses and away you go.

21. Blazer

A checked blazer is a timeless classic can take you from desk to dinner with very little effort needed. Make sure you are choosing either a cool or a warm toned check to compliment your complexion.

22. Leather Jacket

We all know and love the trusty leather biker jacket but the leather blazer has come back from the 90’s and this oversized wardrobe staple freshens up the simplest of outfits. Style with jeans and a simple t-shirt with either heels or jeans and you’re ready to go for almost any occasion.

23. Trench Coat

The trench coat is the ultimate transitional staple that you can wear with confidence and hold on to forever knowing that it will never go out of style. Go for classic beige to lift darker pieces and style with denim or black, khaki, navy or a pop of colour are great alternatives.

24. Colour Pop Coat

There’s nothing quite like to power of a colour pop statement coat on a dull day to brighten up and lift your mood. Green is a physical balancer and is perfect pick me up if you’re feeling a little under the weather.

25. Faux Fur Jacket

We all now know that leopard is a neutral so it only seems right to include a faux fur leopard cropped jacket in my list of essentials. It can be styled with other neutrals or colour pops, dressed up or dressed down and in my opinion is a true all rounder.

26. Practical Coat

I can’t think of a colour that I wouldn’t team with with khaki so style up your school run or grocery shop with a quilted coat and be sure that whatever you happen to throw it over it will work.

27. Suit

A colour pop suit is such a versatile investment taking you from work worn with a shirt & loafers to a wedding styled with satin vest & metallic accessories. The blazer and trousers can be worn separately opening up so many ways that you can wear these investment pieces across the whole year.

I really do love the start of a fresh year, I find it is the time for me to refocus on goals and plan ahead for my business after recharging and winding down over Christmas. 

I have been feeling motivated and super busy getting everything ready behind the scenes over the last week to enable me to launch my brand new Colour Analysis service for 2023.

For now, I wanted to kick off the year by sharing some of the things that I always find myself doing with my own wardrobe this time of year and I think that some of you may find a few of these tips useful. 

Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

It is so easy to feel demotivated and hibernate in January/February and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but our wardrobes and self confidence can often suffer as a result (remember the impact that lockdown loungewear had on some of us?!).

So to avoid you getting stuck in a rut, see you through the final cold months and prepare for spring, here are a few of my top wardrobe tips for waving the winter goodbye in style…

I’m not talking a full wardrobe detox in one go here, it’s about taking one slow January paced step at a time. Use those quiet weekends or evenings to tackle one or two categories to minimise the chance of becoming overwhelmed. 

Start with your active wear draw, put away any seriously festive pieces that you know you won’t wear until next Christmas, then the next day or so work through pyjamas, then shoes & bags one evening, jeans & jumpers the next until you have worked through the whole of your wardrobe & draws.

All you need to do to begin with is ask yourself these questions:

a) Do I love it? If you saw it in a shop now would you buy it?

b) When did I last wear it? If we are talking over two years then I would say the probability of you wearing it again is pretty slim.

c) Do I have at least two to three ways of styling it differently with my existing wardrobe?

d) Does it fit you well, flatter your complexion and generally make you feel fabulous? If not, then chances are you are settling for something that’s just ok. If you bought someone a present and they thought it was ‘ok’ you’d be disappointed that they didn’t totally love it wouldn’t you? The same goes for your own wardrobe choices.

e) Turn all of your hangers around the other way. When you wear an item put the hanger back the correct way, then as the months go on you are able to see which items you are not wearing as the hanger will still be facing the wrong way. When spring arrives it will become clearer which pieces from your winter wardrobe are no longer serving you.

The pieces that are no longer needed can be sold, passed on or taken to charity. Having less really can mean more as you will be able to see the wood for the trees and start wearing more of what you have.

Inject & Experiment with Colour

I always check out the Pantone colours for the coming season. Doing so enables me to get ahead now and dive in to my own wardrobe to see what I have already and how I can restyle it, making it feel fresh and ready for spring.

Working with colour trends rather than fashion trends I find is a much more subtle way of updating your look each season as colours that suit you last forever, trends come and go.

Persimmon peach is a new take on neutrals and would look super stylish teamed with denim, brown, cream or pastel blue. 

Cherry tomato red, toucan green & blazing yellow are up there as my favourites and I’ll certainly be having a good old rummage through my wardrobe to see which looks I can create with these colours.

Before you shop, make a plan and stick to it.

A bright new knit can be just the ticket to cheer up the cold early months of the year. Before you shop make sure you are only buying what your wardrobe is really lacking, what you really love and make sure it is multifunctional.

Charity shops and pre loved sites are kind on the bank balance and environment so are an ideal way to update your looks for the season ahead this time of year. 

Having an understanding of which colours to look out for and what is missing from your wardrobe before is the key to a successful shop.

Here is my edit of multifunctional staples that will add a pop of colour to your wardrobe and see you through until summer.

Thanks for reading,

Love Laura xx

As the first signs of autumn appear my thoughts quickly turn to planning my footwear, taking me from sandals and straight into boots.

I’ve put together a blog of this seasons hottest shapes and styles that will work hard in your wardrobe and take you from day to night with ease. Oliver Bonas never fail to deliver on quality and have covered every angle from classic styles to tapping into trends, so hopefully there is something here for everyone.

Western

An 80’s classic brought up to date with a metallic wash, these mid heel cowboy boots will add a funky twist to any outfit. Style with dresses or jeans, a blazer & graphic t-shirt.

Tall & Clunky

The mid calf clunky boots that were so popular last year has had a makeover, wear these knee high boots with shorter dresses or over leggings with an oversized shirt or blazer.

Sock

The classic sock boot continues to stay on trend for the foreseeable. Style with midi/maxi dresses or looser fitting jeans and turn up the hem to draw the eyes to the boots and show off the slimmest part of your legs.

White

White boots look particularly great on those with fair hair as this creates balance between the colours on your top and bottom half, if you have darker hair try to add some white as close to your face by layering a top under a chunky cardigan or jacket.

Kitten Heel

These simple and elegant kitten heeled boots will see you from the office to dinner and will work with so many different looks. Try styling with leather trousers and a luxurious cashmere knit for optimum contrasting textures.

Hiking

Perfect for funking up your school run look or an ideal weekend footwear choice. Style with khaki utility trousers or jeans and an oversized puffer coat.

Metallic

Talking the classic Chelsea boot to the next level these silver boots are an ideal choice for festive nights out if heels aren’t your bag. Style with sequin dresses or skirts for an alternative twist on a party look.

With spring fully under way and a warm British summer on the horizon (always the optimist!) now is the time to review your lighter footwear. So why not book that pedicure in and get ready to bear those toes because sandal season has officially arrived.

I am excited to share my curated edit of the hottest summer footwear available this season to see you through all occasions.

Do remember to shop your own wardrobe first, only buy what you really feel you need and will actually wear, and of course pre loved shopping is a great first stop!

Sliders

Ideal for funking up your pool side look, elevating your loungewear or slipping on with jeans or dresses to pop to the shops.

Colour Pop

Sporty

Bling

Clogs

Sandals

From fisherman, to metallics to flatforms it is all about adding edge with a chunky sole.

Flatforms

Metallics

Printed

Fisherman

Flats

Heading back to the office? Then look no further, ballet pumps and loafers are back on the fashion scene. Smarten up with tailored trousers & skirts and then dress down out of office hours with dresses & jeans.

Chunky Loafers

Ballet Pumps

Backless Loafers

Oxfords

Mid Heels

Clogs are back on the scene along with an array of super comfy mid heel options currently out there proving you can still add a funky & feminine touch to any outfit without sacrificing on comfort.

Clogs

Shoe Boots

Espadrilles

Mules

Kitten Heels

High Heels

Seventies and nineties revivals are still leading the way in the fashion world seeing platforms and ‘barely there’ strappy shoes making the ultimate fashion statement.

Platforms

Mules

Fringing

Strappy

To celebrate International Women’s Day I’m really excited to share some of my favourite female owned brands, all founded by women. It shouldn’t take days like this to encourage us to share the love days like this and I’m going to make a conscious effort to to continue this more often.

I love discovering new brands and now with internet shopping at an all time high there are so many incredible companies with gorgeous and well thought out collections coming into my radar all of the time which is really exciting.

So if you discover a new brand that you love (especially a female owned one), read up on the back story and the brands ethos – if the information provided ticks all of your boxes and you want to support them then tell your friends, check out their product before anywhere else, give their social pages a follow and sign up to their mailing lists through their website for updates around new drops. Lets help these amazing businesses go from strength to strength!

I have selected my top 3 picks from each collection, all with different personalities and price points in mind, as well as sharing the inspirational stories behind how these amazing brands were founded with you.

Rixo

The Story…

“RIXO’s story began in 2015 in the London living room of best friends, then students Henrietta Rix & Orlagh McCloskey.”

“Our philosophy at RIXO is to evoke a wanderlust & free spirit in all our wearers, filling a gap in the contemporary market with easy-to-wear, feminine shapes and high-quality materials. Always inclusive, always empowering, we aim to create a fusion of original hand-painted prints and timeless silhouettes to flatter every woman, irrespective of age, season, size, nationality or time of day. We hope there is something in our range for you, that makes you feel the best version of yourself.”

Rogue Matilda

The Story…

“Designer and founder Katie Matilda Cary entered into the shoe business following years of frustration at the inability to find the perfect flat shoe: pumps were un supportive, trainers unprofessional and traditional brogues unflattering. Rogues aim was to provide a fashionable, well-made, alternative to all this. With added sass.  Katie cut her cloth in the world of advertising and later as a womenswear buyer at Fenwick. This insight into the luxury world of fashion and communications inspired her to create products of her own that transpired seasons and trends to create one of a kind pieces you would love for life.  At the heart of the brand is a desire to update tried and tested styles, for the modern women, with a signature Rogue twist. With a forever focus on reinventing the brogue for women as a comfortable, and well made everyday choice.”

Watson & White

The Story…

“Hannah and Kari and have been best friends for twenty years, meeting at college studying fashion and textiles. Now in our forties with children in their teens and a desire to do something together – we spotted a gap in the market for a lifestyle site and store for women just like us and our friends.”

“Women who love fashion and style but don’t want to spend a fortune on designer labels. Who love the High Street but want to look different to the crowd. Women who are inspired by other women and how they can style the same outfit in such different ways. Just like us  – two friends who will pick the same dress off the rail, but always wear it our own way.”

Sezanne

The Story…

“The story of Sézane begins with a forgotten suitcase and a love of vintage. Upon discovering an abandoned collection of vintage clothing, Morgane Sézalory began making slight adjustments to the pieces, and selling her finds online under the name ‘Les Composantes’. Her monthly drops, or rendez-vous, became an anticipated event in France.”

“By 2013, Morgane realized she had found her calling: she began supplementing her vintage pieces with her own designs & Sézane was born.”

By Sara Christie

The Story…

“My name is Sara Christie and I have had a love affair with classic style and fashion ever since I can remember. Heavily influenced by my upbringing, dressing well was seen more as a sense of pride rather than dressing in the latest looks and trends. 

My Jamaican Grandma Speedy and my Grandad Maestro met and worked in Kingston Jamaica as a seamstress and him a Tailor.They came to England in 1951 on the Queen’s invite to start a new life in the UK. Along with many others they bought with them hopes, dreams and of course a distinct sense of pride.This was echoed loudly in their sense of style and dress.

Displays of self expression, that bring out the best in you, that elevate you and make you feel beautiful should never be underestimated. “

Dress Like a Mum

The Story…

“‘DRESS LIKE A MUM’ was created by Zoë De Pass and launched in 2015. The campaign was designed to dispel the myth that mum’s can’t dress, with the motivation being to speak to and inspire women not to lose themselves, their identity and energy in the midst of parenthood or ‘middle’ age, plus develop creative sustainable wardrobes for women as they moved through the various stages in their lives.”

“Zoë (a mother of three) lives in Brighton, and is hugely passionate about sustainable fashion. Her commitment for sustainable style came from an early age and has been demonstrated throughout her career.
In 2017, Zoë set up fashion label DLAM. With longevity and sustainability at the heart of her vision, she developed a range of products that include multiple (sell out) DLAM sunglasses, footwear, active wear, t-shirts and accessories.”

Sancho’s

“After meeting at Exeter University in 2012, Kalkidan Legesse and Vidmantas Markevicius opened their first pop up store on south street in 2014. A few months later they opened their first permanent shop on fore street, 10 doors down from where the current shop lives. The name Sancho’s originates from when Kalkidan was a child she was lovingly nicknamed ‘Sancho’ by her Ethiopian family.

They found their inspiration for Sancho’s Shop through travelling to developing countries such as Ethiopia where they saw, first-hand, the effects of the fast fashion industry. The low wages, mass dumping, social disruption and environmental destruction affected them to their core. 

“We are realists and we know that the only way to provide the opportunity for sustainable development to millions of people around the world is through jobs.” [Kalkidan Legesse] 

We encourage our customers to ask questions and do their own research, we want to support a community of like-minded individuals that want to know the truth behind their clothing and the effect it has on our planet.

“We couldn’t do it without this incredible community, so thank you so much for being a part of it! I am a firm believer that the only way to predict the future is to create it, and ethical fashion is part of creating a greener, fairer and more equitable future.” [Kalkidan Legesse]
Let’s do it together.”

Queens of Archive

The Story

“Queens of archive is an independent brand run by women, for women. Born from vintage influence and female empowerment we create timeless, feminine, easy-to-wear dresses inspired by a bygone era.”

“We keep our styles current, using bespoke prints and fabrications sourced and designed in-house. We are a big believer in slowing things down. Queens of archive dresses are produced in exclusive, limited runs. We limit our footprint by working to pre-order driven production, constantly working towards our zero waste goals throughout our business.”

“We understand the importance of sustainability for the Queens who wear them. We seek alternatives to a traditional fashion business model, using only plant-based luxe fabrications.”

“We love the hybrid culture of our brand, fusing our three passions of fashion, music and creative storytelling to bring a layered, more considered product. We aim to bring something different to the table of a sometimes indistinguishable fashion landscape.”

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and hopefully discovered a new brand or two that you love – let’s hear it for the gals!

Love Laura xx