Earn Your Stripes

Colour blocking is as retro and as now as it can possibly get. A blossoming trend in the 1950s (think full skirts and dresses with wide contrast hems or a cute stripy nautical look), and a big hit in the 1960s, adding a flash of colour to clean, minimal, straight or A-line cuts. And then, of course, cropping up at least once in every decade before blasting back on the scene this season.

I'm crazy for colour block pieces. They are striking, even conspicuous (a strange thing to say in a season of colour overload, but still), and seemingly un-versatile but, you know what? That's probably the best part. Most people will only look for wear-with-everything pieces, which is the equivalent of creating a fully neutral décor in your home. Boring.

When it comes to workwear, making a statement is either not encouraged, or worse, not tolerated. Colour blocking and stripes come in handy when you are tired of looking boring, stuck in a style rut, want to celebrate your creativity, or just wishing to find a new sort of strength and confidence, the type you cannot achieve by blending in.

My advice, then? Feast your eyes on colourful, standout clothes, try on each piece that you really like, and find the ones that make you feel great, strong, confident, fabulous and smart, even if it feels a bit far out at first. A great, simple cut, the right length, and the accessories you add will make nearly every well-fitting piece perfect for work.

This week, I styled my bold-coloured, striped A-line skirt with a sleek boatneck top, a leather mini rucksack I've had (but not used) for ages, and two-tone dolly courts (is there such a thing?) for the sheer fun of it.

Keep it brutally simple. Before stepping out, just grab your classic black blazer and some oversized shades, and prepare for the compliments of colleagues and bosses alike.

skirt: Zara, top: some cheap thing from the 1990s, shoes: Schuh, leather rucksack: a market find

Eighties Jeans, Seventies Style

I have had these straight leg jeans by Gap for a while. They are well cut, at least for a pair probably made in the 1980s, with the right sized back pockets placed at the right height.

What has so far stopped me from wearing them - besides the fact that they make me feel chunky from the waist down, which I'm not - are the high waist, the retro light mid-blue colour ('potty blue' as I call it), and the overly clean finish - just the reasons why I had to give them a go yesterday.

I still get a rash from the thought of wearing jeans the 1980s way, so I just gave the outfits a clean 1970s base style, and let the colour(s) do the job of making them look fresh enough for this season.

A safer choice would be a pair of flared jeans, whether bright or greyish blue retro hued mid-wash or indigo, it's up to you. The greater the flare, the stronger the 1970s theme. I decided it would be unfair not to stick with this pair as I didn't want to play it safe or to aim for a total 1970s look, not to mention the fact that these very jeans inspired the outfits.


LOOK ONE

jeans: Gap, shirt: Pacific Girl, belt: charity shop, wooden bracelet, bead and bone bracelet:
Mum's old stuff and a gift, fine velvet tie: found around the house, sunglasses: no idea, bag:
old family throwaway from the 1970s, leather and suede sandals: Zara

When searching for the right shoes, I suggest you choose heels, not wedges - again, the wider the flare, the chunkier the heels should be to get the balance right. Platforms are ideal for sandals, heeled loafers or boots, whichever you prefer. Here, you can be as seventies as you dare to be.

All items as before, velvet blazer: Gimbels

LOOK TWO

Wooden necklaces and bracelets were once big, so the hoarder in the family might have some of those hidden in a drawer. The same is the case of small 'disco bags', thrift shops and vintage style sections of stores are still teaming with those. Oversized clutches and similar style shoulder bags have already been back en vogue since last season.

Jeans, shirt, sunglasses and wooden bracelet as before. Wooden necklace: Mum's old stuff,
leather punchout belt: charity shop, oversized vintage clutch: Pelleterie Bucci,
jacket: Primark, heeled loafers: Zara (TRF)

The daywear jacket is a plain and timeless one, while the deep purple velvet piece is old kidswear I guess, in and out of style for the past century. If you happen to own one of those, remember Tom Ford's velvet suits and tuxes designed for Gucci around 1996 (pictured below), and hold on to yours.

Oooh, I love mirror dirrrt!

Hippie Rocker Reloaded

Just a few days ago I had some fun with this outfit post as, using some of my good old stuff, I decided to bring the springfest atmosphere closer to home and create a look I labelled as feeling like rock & roll and looking like a hippie. 

Yesterday, when I received Topshop's newsletter on new seasonal look the Gypsy Rocker, it just seemed like a great idea to recreate the featured look with items from coolest British high street brand Topshop, actually available in shops and online.

Here's my outfit, and below, the ones I styled with Topshop pieces, grab them and enjoy the spring!

All items: Topshop as at 30th April 2011