Leaving hibernation

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I feel like God was smiling down on the lifting of lockdown restrictions in the UK last week: Tuesday was the hottest March day since 1968. After a weekend spent finally socialising with friends in groups of six - how decadent it was - it feels like good times are right around the corner and we may be seeing the back of this torturous limbo, after all. While the high temperatures were short-lived (statistically we are more likely to see snow at Easter than at Christmas, so it shouldn’t be a surprise, but somehow, every year, it is), the sun is out and the optimism is abundant.

For many of us, though, with the easing of lockdown has come some feelings of social anxiety: an unease around mixing again. Yes, we’ve missed people – hugs especially. Have I mentioned how much I miss hugging people? – but the thought of numerous social engagements, and the associated pressure is just too much.

If only we could all agree not to ‘glow up’ (how I detest that expression) in time for pub visits, would we not all be vastly happier? For many of us, the ‘lockdown load’, or ‘quarantine 15[lbs]’ is real. When there is so much we’re going to have to get used to again – much of it new and unchartered territory – do we really need to put the pressure on ourselves and each other to be perfect, too? Is it not enough just to be grateful for having made it through?

I, for one, will be looking to make the most of the people who I’ve missed painfully over the last year, and feel grateful for the fact that I’m fortunate enough to have people to love and miss, at all. I will be consuming (preferably in a restaurant setting, but picnics on freezing cold park benches will do nicely too) food, friends and wine with abandon. Bring it on!

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What I’ve been doing…

Making the most of the lido being open

I went for my first swim this year (on Tuesday which was a relief as the water was an icy 9.5 degrees so I needed that sun to warm up afterwards), and have been back on the tennis court this week too. It feels like such a novelty to be exercising outside the confines of the four walls of my living room. Let’s just hope my coordination - rare at the best of times - hasn’t completely deserted me.

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What I’m Watching….

Married at First Sight Australia

I have finally caved and binged series 4 of Married at First Sight Australia. Wow. I’m desperate to discuss it with someone – anyone seen it recently and keen for book club? I’m thrown by the positioning of this as an experiment overseen by experts, when I’m sure many of the participants will be leaving the show scathed in the name of entertainment. It’s inarguably addictive television - and I am not above it - but it did leave me feeling a bit dirty for having watched it. I’m not sure how comfortable I am about returning for Series 5 and 6 - the pull is real, though.

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What I’m Reading…

Commonwealth, by Ann Patchett

This has come really highly recommended by a few friends. It’s the story of two families torn apart by adultery and brought together again in the form of a third, complicated, extended family. Patchett is perceptive and wry in her observations, telling the story from the point of view of various members of the family over several decades. I’m only a third of the way through, but so far, I’m really enjoying it.

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What I’m buying…

Dress, £49.99, Mango, ajeworld.com

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that my mind has turned to dresses in time for Spring. I’ve been scouring the shops for ages to find just the right thing. My Lust List week this week focusses on dresses, so do swing by there on your way out for my edit of the best of the dresses on the High-ish Street for Spring, with prices starting at just £19.99.

As usual, below I’ve linked to all the blogs I’ve uploaded through March, including Your Ultimate Guide to Denim in 2021 and my Best Beauty Buys under £15, so do check them out if you’ve missed them.

And if you have any recommendations to share - sartorial, cultural or otherwise - do drop me a line in the comment section below.

Prue x

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you buy some of the items mentioned, earn a small commission from that purchase.

My top ten beauty products under £15

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Back in the day, I used to write about beauty. The rush I would get when new deliveries would arrive at my desk, often accompanied by extravagant gifts, and always tied up with a generous bow (my ribbon drawer is still full to bursting, all these years later) is etched in my memory. But I have sensitive skin. Acneic and eczema-prone it was often confounding for the experts – the treatment for the former was drying gels, and the latter thick unctures. Instead, the plethora of products at my fingertips were more often than not distributed to grateful guinea pigs in the form of friends, family and colleagues.

There were some products that I grew to love though. Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate (£42.50), Le Labo’s Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum, (£130),  By Terry Crayon Kohl Terrybly By Terry, (£24), anything from the Oribe haircare and styling collection, but especially the Swept Up Volume Powder Spray (£42.50) and don’t get me started on my addiction to a Diptyque candle (£49), especially over the last year.

Having well and truly worked through my stash of favoured beauty products though, I’m now in a position of buying my own. Not only do I want to be confident that they work, my budget is not unlimited. Tapping into my beauty editor pals’ knowledge and some of the classics I’ve used for years, I wanted to share my top 10 products under £15*. After all, the joy that comes from discovering a gem of a beauty product I can afford is immense.

*See number 10.


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THE BLUSH

Cloud Paint, £15, Glossier, glossier.com

In styling consultations, I press my clients to think of texture as well as colour. Sequins, silks, leather – anything with a sheen – next to our face, are going to be more flattering than truly matt textures that absorb the light rather than reflect it. The same can be said of make-up. As we age creamy formulas, or those with a sheen – and that needn’t mean glitter – are vastly more flattering on our skin. Glossier’s Cloud Paint is ideal for adding lift to a face. Start at the apple of your cheeks and blend the stain out over the cheekbone to really add life.

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THE FACIAL CLEANSER

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, £9.50, lookfantastic.com

CeraVe is an American brand that flew off the shelves when it finally arrived in the UK in 2018. It has skincare at its heart and is beloved of all the best beauty editors - Sali Hughes and Caroline Hirons included – and choosing just one of their products to recommend is tricky. I’m currently using their Eye Repair Cream (£12), SA Smoothing Cream (£12) (great for that chicken skin on my thighs) and their Foaming Cleanser. The cleanser gives a good lather and a thorough clean – great for my acneic skin – without irritating my eczema. That being said, this is no milky cleanser. If you’re looking for a gentler product, try their Hydrating Cleanser.

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THE BODY LOTION

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion, 500ml, £11.99, lookfantastic.com

I discovered Aveeno years ago on a visit to Duane Reade in Texas (I love a foreign pharmacy. The array of products that solve problems I never knew I had is mesmerising.). Their Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion is my absolute must-have. It is so light that it sinks straight into my skin allowing me to get dressed almost immediately afterwards, but still provides relief to my intensely dry skin.

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THE ULTIMATE ANTI-AGEING INGREDIENT

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, £4.20, cultbeauty.co.uk

The Ordinary revolutionised the skincare industry when it launched in 2016. Instead of catchy taglines or confounding descriptions promising the extraordinary, The Ordinary focuses on singular key ingredients. Playing to the fact that beauty customers are increasingly knowledgeable about what goes into their skincare products, The Ordinary don’t complicate their offering. Their products prioritise ‘treatment’ over ‘treat’. Experts hail Retinol as the singular most effective anti-ageing ingredient in any skincare regime. It can cause redness, irritation and sensitivity though. The Ordinary have three strengths of Retinol products: this, the lowest at 0.2%, a 0.5% and a 1%. I recommend starting with the lowest strength, used every second day and build up your tolerance. It’s imperative that you couple it with a high factor SPF for everyday use though.  

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THE MASCARA

Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme! Volume Mascara in Black, £7.99, lookfantastic.com

Don’t get me wrong, I love a luxe mascara. Especially Dior’s DiorShow Pump ‘N’ Volume Mascara, but at £29, I eke every last drop out of that tube until it’s dry and crusty. And sadly, no matter how expensive a mascara is, they all dry up at the same rate. Yes, you can refrain from pumping the wand unnecessarily (thrusting air into the tube will only expedite the process), but inevitably just using a mascara will dry it out. In turn, I’m much happier buying a (significantly) cheaper one and replacing it twice as often with serious savings. After all, there’s nothing like the slick gloss of a fresh mascara. Maybelline’s Colossal Go Extreme Mascara does what it says on the tin – big, black lashes – gorgeous for opening eyes.

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THE LIP BALM

Lanolips 101 Ointment, £10.99, cultbeauty.co.uk

I have been through my fair share of lipbalm: Vaseline increases my dependency on moisture rather than curing it; Elizabeth Arden’s 8-Hour Cream is effective, but the fragrance is intense and it’s expensive (I love the hand cream though); and the Original PawPaw Ointment from Australia (my ultimate favourite) isn’t available here. The fragrance-free Lanolips 101 Ointment (always go for the original - who wants an artificial banana perfume plastered right under their nose?) is made from medical grade lanolin that echoes the skin’s natural oils to really heal and nourish. I also use it on my knuckles which are increasingly raw from all that hand sanitiser we’re using.

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THE FACE CREAM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Avène Tolérance Extrême Cream Moisturiser for Intolerant Skin, £15, lookfantastic.com

Avene is a fantastic brand for sensitive or intolerant skin. Fragrance and paraben free, their products are exceedingly simple – this has just seven ingredients – to really focus on healing the skin, rather than complicating it. This rich moisturiser is great on days when I’m feeling a little more sensitive or my eczema is flaring. It’s not an every day one for me, but good to keep any dryness in check.

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THE EYELINER

Kiko Milano Ultimate Pen Eyeliner in Black, £6.99, feelunique.com

Kiko Milano is one of those brands that sits well under the radar but is beloved by beauty experts. Liquid eyeliners are worth replacing regularly so that you can get that clean application without the need to stretch the skin causing wrinkles. To that end, you don’t want to be spending too much on anything fancy. This pen eyeliner makes application super simple on the go. I like to blend a brown eyeshadow over the top to soften the line: as the wrinkles around my eye get increasingly deep, I find a solid line is too harsh.

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THE CONCEALER

NYX Professional Make-up Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer, £8, cultbeauty.co.uk

American brand NYX, is the high street’s answer to MAC. This concealer comes in 24 shades and provides really good coverage. A little goes a long way, so I recommend starting with a light application and then building up where necessary. It can be a bit drying, though, so better on normal to oily skin types.

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THE OOPS, IT’S NOT UNDER £15 PRODUCT

Trinny London BFF Eye Serum-Concealer, £26, trinnylondon.com

OK. This is not under £15. I can’t not include it, though.

I’ve never gotten on very well with under eye concealer. YSL’s Touche Eclat (£21.60) was too drying on me, and the thick consistency of Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage (£30) (a favourite of many make-up artists) dragged on my fragile skin. I loved the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit (£26) but unless I’m wearing a full face of foundation - which I’m rarely wont to do - I find it can be a little on the heavy side. As I age (eugh), the shadows are darkening and the circles are starting to look like they’ve been drawn on with a stencil: an almost perfect moon under each eye. Whilst foundation remains reserved for special occasions, under eye concealer has become a daily must-have. Trinny London’s BFF Eye Serum Concealer is perfect for combating those dark circles, without gathering in the fine lines that are forming around my eye area. Not just make-up, it’s combined with skincare ingredients in the form of Vitamin C and hyalauronic acid and comes with a handy metal applicator to cools and reduce puffiness. Winner.

If you have any products under £15 that you love, drop them in the comments section below and share the love / intel!

And do check out my updated Lust List with the best of what’s New In this week. I’m updating it every Sunday with a rundown of my favourite pieces, so do check it out.

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you purchase some of the products mentioned, earn a small commission from that sale.

Struggling to make the trench work for you? Read this.

Spring time in the UK largely means being ready for anything, weather-wise. Rain, hail, snow, sunshine – the full gamut of weather is possible. In turn, practical outerwear is an essential. Step up, the trench: durable and waterproof, in neutral shades of beige, tan, navy or khaki, no wardrobe should be without one, right? Wrong. The trench is one of the single most tricky pieces of clothing to wear. Here’s why.

Traditionally, they’re double-breasted, meaning that unless they’re done up (which I would never recommend), swathes of fabric flap about like an ostrich trying to take off. If you’re approximately seven feet tall, posing on Instagram, with a hand in a trouser pocket and the sleeves pushed up to streamline the silhouette, this can look great, but if you’re running for the bus or dashing after a toddler, you’re in trouble.

Epaulettes, back yokes and gun flaps (the piece of fabric that stretches from the shoulder down to the bust) add width to your shoulders and can tip your proportions off balance: making a full bust even fuller and broad shoulders even broader. If you’re narrow across the shoulder and a little fuller through the bottom (NB a little), providing the coat is belted tightly, this can be very flattering. For the rest of us, less so.

If you’re more than a little fuller through the bottom, a trench coat in a stiff durable fabric will build your bottom out further, again throwing your proportions off.

Who can wear the trench? As mentioned, someone with narrower shoulders and a fractionally larger bottom will benefit from a trench coat cinched tightly at the waist, as will athletic figures who want to add some fluidity with a trench in a soft, fluid fabric left open. (Styling tip: tying the belt loosely at the back will keep the lapels from flapping about too much). They can also work if you’re petite all over, and you opt for a neatly fitted style. For the rest of us, unfortunately, they’re best swerved.

So, what should we be looking for from a Spring coat?

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The best non-trench, trench

£325, Reiss, reiss.com

OK, so this isn’t waterproof - it’s a wool coat - but, crucially, it’s free of complicated, fussy details that add bulk. There is a belt, which, in this image, is loosely tied at the back giving it a streamlined elegance - great on hourglass and curvy bodies. Come winter, wrap yourself up and tie the belt tightly at the front. It’s a wardrobe classic.

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The ultimate trench

£375, Mackintosh, mackintosh.com

Breathable, windproof and waterproof, a Mackintosh coat in a classic style is always a good investment. Mackintosh have been creating coats for over 200 years and are synonymous with reliable outerwear. This particular style is currently 50% off and I couldn’t tell you why. The classic shape, again, free from fussy details, will work over almost anything - a light dress, a trouser suit or jeans and a t-shirt - and is best on rounder body shapes as it skims over lumps and bumps. It’s the sort of coat you will wonder what you ever did without it.

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The parka

£149, Massimo Dutti, massimodutti.com

Parkas are often seen as casual, but blurring the line between casual and formal is one of the easiest ways to give your wardrobe a modern update. Yes, you could wear this with jeans and wellies, but with a pair of cigarette pants and a fine gauge jumper (I love Uniqlo’s Extra Fine 100% Merino Wool jumpers that are just £24.90 and machine washable), this parka with a nipped in waist will feel polished and presentable. I would remove the purse on the belt though which adds unnecessary bulk.

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Best for athletic figures

£89.99, Mango, mango.com

If you are fairly straight up and down you can opt for one of the plethora of oversized trench coats available on the High Street. Look for one in a flowy fabric rather than anything too stiff. If you’re tall enough (with a cool undertone to your skin), this water repellent style from Mango is ideal. Left open, it has a waterfall effect which adds softness and fluidity to a squarer body shape. Ignore the leggings and trainers that it’s styled with here and wear it over a printed midi dress with boots (or sandals when it really warms up) or over some wide leg jeans.

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The classic trench

£255, J. Crew, jcrew.com

And finally, if you are still keen on a classic trench coat, opt for something neat with minimal details. This style from J Crew doesn’t have a gun flap, nor a back yoke, and the pockets are neat slits rather than flapped styles, so it doesn’t get as bulky as quickly as a traditional trench coat. Consider moving the belt hoops if they don’t hit at your waist - it’s the quickest way to give any item a bespoke finish. Even this style will be better on more petite frames though. Keep the underneath layers neat too, to avoid lumps and bumps.

And let’s just hope that the sun comes out and stays out for our Summer of garden activities.

Don’t forget to check out my updated Lust List while you’re here. I’ll be updating this every Sunday with my edit of all the jolly pieces that are New In that week. If you’re after a particular edit, or looking for something specific, let me know and I’ll endeavour to do the legwork for you!

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you buy some of the items mentioned, earn a small commission from that purchase.

Embracing the Wine-Tum

Viognier is a particular thrill of mine. Something just off-dry. Not sweet, not medium, just off-dry. A good Aussie Riesling is also quite delightful, especially when rousingly cold. Whilst we’re still in these chilly early-Spring days, a Kiwi Pinot Noir also hits the spot nicely. All of which is increasingly evident in my wine-tum.

As our bodies change – be that through lockdown indulgences, omnipresent elasticated waistbands, the miracle that is childbirth, menopause or simply life – it can present our wardrobe with new challenges that need confronting. And so, this week, I turn to the wine-tum and how to dress it. Spoiler: shrouding it is not the answer.

For the record, I am not in the business of shaming anyone for a little bit of softness: I am a walking, talking epitome of softness, and (for the most part, although not always) I’m OK with that. My intention here is not to incite embarrassment or feelings of inadequacy. Quite the opposite. Knowing how to dress our bodies and all the nuances that combine to make us completely unique, allows room for the confidence needed to feel secure – just as you are – to flourish.

So here are some of my tips for dressing a soft tummy which will, hopefully, help you regain any confidence that may have been temporarily misplaced.

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Don’t be afraid to go UP a size

Have you heard of the Ebbinghaus illusion? It’s an optical illusion demonstrating relative size. Looking at the image above, in which case is the orange dot smaller? The one on the left, right? Wrong. In both images, the orange dot is the same size. I use this image in my consultations to illustrate the importance of choosing the right size in your clothing. If you wear something too small for you, you will appear bigger, and vice versa. When dressing a soft tummy, it’s really important (especially with waistbands) to choose a size that allows you to feel secure and comfortable – neither restrictive, nor saggy over the bottom. Wearing too tight trousers or jeans can, at best, cause muffin tops that leave us self-conscious, and at worst back pain. The correct size will allow for a smooth line down the side of your body which is instantly more flattering than lumps and bumps.

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Good lingerie

£26, Figleaves, simplybe.co.uk

No, I’m not going to tell you to haul on a pair of restrictive Spanx on a daily basis (although they absolutely have a part to play for some occasions). Any of my clients will tell you that I have a tendency to rabbit on about the importance of a good bra. And by a good bra, I mean one that lifts your bust up and in. It’s not about cleavage on top, it’s about allowing air and space to circulate under the bust, which is, for most women, our narrowest part. I despise minimiser bras that have a tendency to squish the breast tissue flat and build out that area around the ribs.

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Empire line dresses

£265, Rixo, net-a-porter.com

Dresses or tops with a seam directly under the bust that flare out into an A-line or bias-cut skirt (especially when paired with a great bra) are super flattering on soft tummies. Which is most convenient because there is a plethora of them on the High Street for Spring, just in time for the imminent lifting of at least some of our lockdown restrictions.

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Prints

£59, Massimo Dutti, massimodutti.com

Printed tops or dresses can be really helpful in distracting the eye when it comes to tummies. It’s important to bear in mind the size of the print: if you’re on the more delicate side of things, look for a smaller, ditsy print, and if you’re bigger-boned, then larger prints will be more flattering on you. (NB: As I’ve said before, I’m not using ‘big-boned’ as a euphemism. You can be a size 6 and big-boned. Consider whether your finger and thumb meet around your wrist. If they don’t, opt for bigger prints, and if they overlap, go for ditsy.). Sadly, it’s increasingly difficult to find interesting tops that have some length to them – most seem to be cropped. Ideally a top will be long enough to tuck loosely into your waistband.

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Mid-Rise Trousers

£125, Reiss, reiss.com

We often see in bodies that where we are longest, we are leanest, and where we are shortest, we’re fuller. (This has always seemed particularly cruel to me – not only do I have to contend with short legs, but they’re also on the stocky side). When it comes to carrying weight around our middle, it is often especially true for those who have shorter bodies and longer legs. Bearing that in mind, mid-rise trousers or jeans are likely to be the most flattering on soft tummies: they stretch the torso by stealing length from the legs, as well as being high enough to encase the softness, preventing any jiggle escaping. Avoid pleat fronts on trousers that can add extra volume, though.

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Great jewellery and a v-neck

from £145, Missoma, missoma.com

Dressing for confidence means drawing your audience’s eye to the parts of your body that you love as much as it is drawing the eye away from the areas we love that little bit less. A stonking pair of earrings, or some layered gold chains resting on your collarbone are instantly flattering and will catch your audience’s eye.

Now I just need some sunshine and a cold glass of Viognier, and I’ll be right.

And while I have you, don’t forget to swing by my Lust List (link is in the menu in the top right corner) to see my edit of the best of what’s new in the shops this week.

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you purchase some of the items mentioned, earn a small commission from that purchase.

Your Ultimate Denim Guide for 2021

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So, you asked and (I hope) I have delivered. Here is your ultimate guide to buying jeans in 2021. 

Do you remember the first time you pulled on a pair of skinnies? I do. It was 2005. They belonged to a friend of mine, and the style was Topshop’s Baxter. At the time, The Baxter was selling around 18,000 pairs per week. Over nine months, that’s a whopping 702,000 pairs of legs modelling drainpipes virtually overnight.

Having not had the courage to try them on in store – the shame of being too ‘fat’ for a pair of ‘skinny’ jeans weighed too greatly – I seized the opportunity to try my friend’s in an unflattering shade of grey. I was virtually laughed out of her flat amongst exclamations of “They are not for you.” Which was actually a relief as they were both uncomfortable and unflattering – nothing worse than the struggle to wrestle on a pair of too tight jeans that crush your intestines should I deign to eat a morsel. But still, within the year, I had two pairs in my wardrobe, and by the mid 2010s this number had swelled to a minimum of six. The trend had won out.

Thankfully, for 2021, there is a distinct movement away from the skinny silhouette towards vastly more flattering styles – straight, wide, flared and even bootcut styles are making a return to the smorgasbord of denim available to us. But with so many options, how do you find the styles that are right for you? Let me help.

First up, it’s helpful to think of your proportions before your shape.  

By proportions, I mean, are you balanced, or are you (like me) short legged with a long body, or long legged with a short body. This will guide you on what rise you’re looking for – high or mid (not low. Never low.) If you’re lucky enough to be fairly even either mid or high-waisted will work so wear whichever style you prefer.

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Best for: Long Body, Short Legs

Ribcage straight ankle jeans, £100, Levi’s, levi.com

This is an easy one: high waisted. You want to create the illusion that your legs are longer than they actually are. A high waist on jeans (and indeed skirts and trousers generally) will add an extra couple of inches to your legs. My go-to’s are Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans – I own three pairs. Another top tip for creating length in the leg, is to leave an inch of skin on show at the ankle, so cropped styles are your friend.

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Best for: Short Body, Long Legs

Lana Straight Leg Jeans, £230, Agolde, net-a-porter.com

Mid-rise styles will help to balance out your proportions: long legs are obviously great, but you don’t want your torso to feel squeezed. Nabbing an inch or two of length from your legs will help you reach the balance you’re after. Agolde’s Lana straight leg jeans are generous on the leg and come in a pale blue denim or a slightly faded black.

Right, so now you have your proportions nailed, it’s time to look at your body shape.

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Best for: Straight, Athletic Bodies

Venice Beach Boyfriend Jeans, £75, And/Or, johnlewis.com

If you’re straighter through the torso with square shoulders and hips that mirror your waist, you’re what’s called a rectangle, or column shape. You want to introduce softness and fluidity (aka the opposite of the skinny). Boyfriend styles look great on athletic figures, as they sit low on the hips (building them out) and then hang loosely over the legs. The same can be said for soft (rather than stiff) wide leg styles. This boyfriend style from the And/Or range at John Lewis comes in this flattering dark indigo blue.

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Best for: Triangles

Le High Flare Jeans, £245, Frame, net-a-porter.com

You may be more familiar with the term ‘Pear-shaped’ but I try to avoid it – comparing body-shapes to fruit all seems a little reductive. You are a triangle if your hips are larger than your bust and shoulders. Remembering that styling is about balance, you’re looking for a bootcut or a flare to even out your hips. Styles should be free from any detail in the hip area (no distressing, zips or sailor pockets). Unlike the flares of the 90s – think Michelle Pfeiffer in a rom-com - these are a truer nod to the 70s. Styles should come in a little at the knee echoing the shape of the leg, rather than going straight out from the hips all the way to the hem. A good rule of thumb to bear in mind, is that the curvier you are, the wider the hem on your jeans should be. 

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Best for: the Hourglass

Cropped flare mid-rise jeans, £19.99, zara.com

If you’re a true hourglass, you’re already in proportion, with your bust and hips fairly equal, so you want to maintain that balance. Bootcut styles are going to be great on you, but if the idea of the 90s version makes you shudder, relax, as the new styles sit higher on the waist - great for showcasing your narrowest point. They are also cropped and a pair in a mid-blue will feel infinitely more modern. Darker denim tends to be more flattering, so good to bear that in mind.

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Best for: Round Bodies

Regular cropped jeans, £59, Arket, arket.com

Straight styles will look great if you’re round through the middle and have a fuller waist, as they reduce the ratio between your legs and your waist. Wearing a pair of cropped straight leg jeans will lengthen the appearance of your legs and mid-rise will ensure you won’t be cut you off at your widest point. Arket do brilliant jeans for as little as £59, made from organic cotton with just 1% elastane, which is just enough to hold you in in all the right places without being too rigid. 

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Best for: Inverted Triangles

Treasure cut cropped jeans, £65, & Other Stories, stories.com

If you’ve got broad shoulders and narrow hips, you’re looking to build out your hips, which might seem anathema, I know. When we're constantly fed the idea that small is best, making something bigger can go against the grain. Building out your hips will balance them with your shoulders meaning your shoulders won't feel so broad. If you’re slim, you can pull off tapered or ‘Mom’ jeans, but a safer bet and much easier to wear is a cropped wide leg style such as the Treasure Cut Cropped Jeans from & Other Stories. 

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Best: All-Rounder

Studio cropped straight-leg jean, £210, Totême, matchesfashion.com

For skinny afficionados, if a complete departure is too much to contemplate right now, try easing away gently with a slim, straight leg. Avoid anything tight around the ankle, but something that alludes to the shape of your leg is a winner. If you have slim legs, the Mid-Rise Cropped straight leg style from Totême is perfect but if you’re legs are slightly chunkier, Arket's Straight Cropped Jeans (£59) are an easy win.

 

A version of this guide to denim appeared in Femail last month. Click here to read it in full.

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you buy some of the items mentioned, earn a small commission from that purchase.

Spring has sprung

Spring has definitely sprung here in London. Saturday was positively glorious (although the full-length white jeans I wore for a stroll around the common were a little optimistic bearing in mind the mud that remains omnipresent). But with the ‘roadmap out of lockdown’ finally revealed there appears to be reason for all of us to feel more hopeful of times ahead. And when hope has been a little thin on the ground, this is a vast improvement!

Last Monday, when Boris announced the possibility that come April 12th dining in a restaurant with five friends (outside, of course) may be a reality, my phone went into overdrive with messages instigating plans for dinners and drinks out.

And whilst I dream of eating out again: of good food, good wine, good company and hours of putting the world to rights with friends who I have missed painfully over the last twelve months, there was also a mild pang of discomfort. At least, I think that’s what it was. It wasn’t unease around the lifting of restrictions per se, but an awareness that my world was about to be upended again. Just when I’ve started to adjust to this new restricted reality, I am going to have to get used to a whole new rhythm again: the return of FOMO and a diary filled with back-to-back appointments and dinners, and parties.  

So, I am going to try, consciously, to carry forward some parts of my current reality into my post-lockdown life – if I dare dream that far in advance. As well as finally adjusting to grocery shopping online (I love waking up to a text from Ocado telling me Darren is shortly arriving in his Cabbage van or that this week it’s Robert in his Raspberry van), I’m also very fond of my weekly walks with friends, and having a diary that, on inspection, doesn’t cause me to break out in hives. Long may this less frenetic schedule last.

Alongside my daily strolls with friends, I have also been busying myself in recent weeks with the cultivation of my ‘Lust List’ which launches today. Every week I’ll be stocking up with all the New In delights that I really rate, so do check in here weekly for my round up of the best out there.

And while I encourage all of us to look forward to better times to come – myself included – here are a few of the things making my current existence rather more palatable.

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I’m watching: The Americans. I can’t be the only one who finds discovering a boxset I haven’t seen in it’s entirety absurdly thrilling, when I seem to have completed Netflix. There are six series currently streaming on Amazon Prime, and it features my complete (and perhaps only?) celebrity crush Matthew Rhys alongside his real-life partner Keri Russell. Set around the Cold War, Rhys and Russell play Russian sleeper agents in middle-America, living the American Dream and raising a family by day, and donning disguises and poisoned umbrellas by night. It’s thrilling and gripping, and did I mention there are six series?!

I’m doing: FluidForm at Home Pilates. I have a bad back, or should I say I have no abs?! That’s the same thing, right? I’ve been told for years that pilates is the best thing for my back pain, but previous attempts have almost always ended in further injury. A lot of which, I’m sure, comes down to the fact that I’ve probably gone too hard too soon, and also not done it regularly. This is the first time that I’ve committed to doing pilates (actually anything!) daily, and I’m finding that I’m seeing results just five weeks in. Most importantly for me though, Kirsten’s cues are so specific that – as yet – injury hasn’t haunted me. In case it wasn’t clear though - this picture is not of me.

BBC Good Food

BBC Good Food

I’m eating: Tandoori Roast Chicken. I love a roast chicken - is there any food more comforting? - but if you’re getting a bit bored of the usual, this is a fantastic alternative. Marinated in traditional tandoori spices (I love lots of cumin), it’s then roasted and served with a gravy that uses coconut milk instead of stock. Add some spice to your traditional roasties and you’ve got a knock out meal.

 

I’m buying: Lisa Corti tableware. I’m sure a lot of us are developing an unhealthy obsession with homewares. When we’re all spending so much time in the same place, it’s very easy to get excited about anything that improves our vista. When we’re finally allowed to have people over to sit in the garden (or even inside!) serving up some summer salads on a jolly Lisa Corti tablecloth will be quite the celebration. And until then, brightening up my dinner for one is just fine too.

 

 

I’ve just expanded my styling services to include some ‘back to work’ and bridal packages so do check them out here and drop me a line if you have any questions! As always if you’re after any advice or want me to tackle a particular wardrobe quandary you have, let me know and I’ll focus one of my blogs on it. If you’ve missed any of my blog posts over the last few weeks, do check them out here or click on the posts below and let me know how you get on with them.

Happy springing everyone.

Prue x

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you buy some of the items mentioned, earn a small commission from that purchase.

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Every wardrobe needs one of these. And it’s only £15.

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Trainers: Are you wearing yours wrong?

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Debunking the capsule wardrobe myth

Every wardrobe needs one of these. And it's only £15.

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If you find something you love, buy two. In this case, buy five.

 

Notes on a Wardrobe is here to guide you on all those building blocks for a successful wardrobe. I am not into trends – yes, I love something new and cheery – my wardrobe is by no means an austere gathering of black and neutral shades (although if you have the discipline for it, I bet it makes dressing in the morning easy!). No, my wardrobe is full to bursting with colour and shapes and varying styles. Which is the way I like it.

 

But, when I find one of those classic pieces that I love now and know I will love going forward I fully advocate buying more than one: those favourite jeans that make my ass look pert rather than huge, and my legs look longer than they actually are; the leather biker jacket that does wonders for my waist (OK, I didn’t buy two at the same time – that would have put some serious pressure on my credit card - but it’s been a repeat purchase over the last decade when rips and discolouration have meant a replacement was necessary); and the classic crew-neck tee.

 

For a long time, a good t-shirt was my ultimate building block. For a night out, I’d pair it with jeans, big earrings and heels; for the weekend, trainers and a leather jacket; for work, tailored trousers and some leather flats. And so, over the years, I’ve become somewhat of a t-shirt connoisseur. And for this reason, I don’t sign up for luxury tees. I want one that I can wear liberally and bung in the wash regularly.

 

Historically, Gap was my go-to. Great cotton styles, a good length to stop that unsightly strip of midriff making an unwanted appearance and a nice fit – not too tight, or clingy, but still shapely enough not to make a shelf from my substantial bust. And I still like a Gap tee. My issue is that they’re inconsistent. Every season - be it the shape, the fabric, the composition - something changes. And so, when I discover the ones I like, I buy lots. Unfortunately, last summer, I went back for my classic crew and bought three (black and white, obviously, and then a rich shade of forest green), only to discover on washing that they just weren’t quite the same. They were that little bit soft which, on my curvy frame, has a tendency to look scruffy.

 

Arket, on the other hand, has mastered the crew-neck tee, and better than that, have (as yet) not spent unwisely by changing a formula that already works.

 

Available in a whopping nine block colours (with more dropping for spring) and a further five striped colourways, their Crew-Neck T-shirt is just £15. It washes well (no shrinkage or warping), has some heft to it (even in white it’s not sheer) and has a wide ribbed trim around the neckline. As we age, and our faces take on a certain ‘softness’, necklines become increasingly important. A wide trim on the neckline is vastly more flattering than thin ribbing, or no ribbing at all.

 

My only criticism, and I’m hesitant to make any, is the length of the sleeve. Arket, on the whole, is great for tall, long-limbed people, and that’s true of this tee, too. So, if you’re slightly shorter, you may want to consider putting a roll in the sleeve, to keep the bust perky and limbs long.

 

So, my top tips for the ultimate t-shirt: make sure the fabric has some heft to it (nothing too thin or sheer), the style has length (to stop our muffin tops escaping) and shape (avoid anything boxy or styles that flare out from the armpit) and a significant ribbed trim at the neckline. Or, just trust me, and buy Arket’s in all the colours of the rainbow.

Prue x

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you buy some of the items mentioned, earn a small commission from that purchase.

Trainers: are you wearing yours wrong?

I feel I should preface this post with the edict that you should feel free to ignore any of the advice that follows as you see fit. As with all my posts, my aim is to explain why some styles work on some people but not on others. So, if you’re struggling with an empire line, or big sleeves, or skinny jeans, but are not entirely sure why, then I hope my musings help you unravel the problem and perhaps even find a way to fix them. The philosophies I’m drawing on here are based on objectively reviewing shapes - I like to think it’s something akin to science - and are driven by a desire to boost my and others’ confidence. But, ultimately, fashion is subjective. So you can, and should, ignore any of the advice here if you wish! I promise not to be offended.

So, to this week’s column.

For most of us these days, our feet are constantly ensconced in trainers. We’re certainly not putting on high heels and even loafers or slip-ons feel quite formal when we’re not going further than the supermarket. But, trainers can be controversial. Who knew, right? Let me explain.

When it comes to trainers, there are two things to consider.

Firstly, it’s fundamental to understand proportions. As with all accessories, size is crucial. If you have a delicate bone structure, and very slim legs, you’re going to want a smaller shoe: any of the big retro ‘Dad’ trainers, are going to make you look like you have Lego pieces for feet. Conversely, if you’re bigger boned (and I’m not using that as a euphemism for ‘fat’. One can be big boned, and a size 8, or a size 16 with delicate bone structure), you’re going to want a bigger shoe. A small style will make your body look like it’s rounder than it actually is.

Secondly, where the shoe stops is key. The lower the point that the trainer cuts your leg the more flattering it will be. Which means hi-tops are out. Not only do they cover the slimmest part of our legs - aka the ankle - they also have a tendency to stop at an unflattering point on our calves.

For those of you who are ready to sign out now knowing how I feel about hi-tops, firstly I apologise. Secondly, I would argue that they can work under a cropped jean, but the jean should be wide leg: there needs to be a contrast between the width of the hem of the jean and the leg, so as to make the leg look slim and shapely rather than chunky all the way from the heel to the knee.

So – assuming I’ve kept any of you interested up to this point – which trainers do I rate?

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Best chunky style

£100, Veja, net-a-porter.com

Not all Vejas are created equal. Vejas have been doing a roaring trade since the Duchess of Sussex wore them on a yacht in Sydney Harbour in 2018. Certainly in London, you can’t move for Vejas - they are the trainer brand du jour. But, there are some styles that are more flattering than others. The V-styles (V-10, V-12 and V-Lock, for example) and the Campos have a significant tongue and are cut high, so have a tendency to cut the leg off higher than is strictly flattering. The Esplar on the other hand, is still chunky, but cut slightly lower and is therefore a little more flattering on everyone but especially for those with shorter, sturdier legs.

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Best delicate trainers

£65, Superga, superga.co.uk

Supergas, favoured on the other hand by the Duchess of Cambridge (I’m sure some tabloid could fashion a ‘Battle of the Duchesses’ headline in there somewhere), are a more delicate plimsoll so better for the lighter boned among us. They also come in a slight platform style which is great for adding a bit of height. I like the mid-platform rather than the high platform, which rather defeats the purpose of wearing a delicate plimsoll in the first place.

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best

Retro Style

£75, New Balance, schuh.co.uk

I’m rather partial to any retro trainers. Especially the 574 style from New Balance, which has a total 70s feel to it. These are great mid-weight trainers and don’t have the upturned, stubby nose that some NB styles have - you know what I mean, don’t you? The original Nike Daybreaks I also love, as well as the adidas Originals by Wales Bonner collaboration (which sold out almost instantly), both of which are a slightly daintier take on the retro runner. Select the style that works best on your frame and wear them with mid-blue cropped straight-leg denim, or a floaty floral dress.

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My personal favourite

£129.95, Nike, nike.com

The Nike Air Max 270 is my favourite pair of trainers and I love them when they’re box fresh and exceedingly clean. The sock-like finish means I can wear them without a pesky ankle sock poking out the top, shortening my leg. They come in a lovely Rose colour, but I’m a sucker for anything neon.

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The Classic All-Rounder

£75, adidas, adidas.co.uk

And if you’re in any doubt at all, you can’t go wrong with adidas Stan Smiths. They’ve been omnipresent on the feet of fashion editors and influencers the world over since Phoebe Philo wore them on the Celine runway in 2010. They’re chunky enough that they work on sturdier legs, but not so chunky that they throw off a skinny one. And they’re cut deliciously low so that you can make the most of your ankles.

After all, there’s a reason that ‘Pretty Ankle Contests’ were popular in the 1920s and 30s.

Prue x

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you buy some of the items mentioned, earn a small commission from that purchase.

Debunking the Capsule Wardrobe Myth

We’ve all read them. I’ve possibly even styled them. They’re the ‘Capsule Wardrobe Edit’ stories in magazines and supplements that refer to the timeless pieces no wardrobe can possibly do without. Adjectives such as ‘investment’, ‘classic’, ‘iconic’, ‘essential’ and ‘must-have’ often appear somewhere in an adjacent slug. Invariably they contain a trench coat, and a Breton top – both apparently basic items; both items that are nigh on impossible for me to wear.

 

Indeed, one intensely chic website just last week had their guide for ‘How to Create the Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe’. Of the 13 items they said I can’t possibly live without, I was on number 7 before I found one that would actually suit me. (Incidentally it was about the ‘New Jean Shape’, the straight leg, which I can 100% get behind – I am working on my denim guide as we speak, so do keep checking back here for that.)

 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an enormous consumer of clothes and I have a total aversion to ‘stuff’. The idea of a wardrobe that is completely effortless and is made up of the perfect jigsaw puzzle where every piece works hard and works with everything else, is my utopia. My issue with the idea of articles expounding your Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe, is that one woman’s Bottega Veneta combat boots, are another’s Jimmy Choo pumps. We all have different requirements from our wardrobes, and more importantly different body shapes that will dictate different styles.

 

If you’re struggling to discern which pieces are worth the investment and which ones aren’t, one of the aspects of my Styling Consultation is to give each of my clients a list of pieces that are aimed at being a capsule wardrobe tailored specifically to them – their lifestyle and their body.

 

So next time you read a headline that suggests buying everything an editorial recommends for effortless dressing, I urge you to take it with a sizeable pinch of salt.

 

Instead of giving you an arbitrary list of things that claim to suit you all, but really don’t, here is a list of some of the things that are new in this week that I’m loving and why you may love them too.

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The Striped Polo

Uterque, £80, uterque.com

Many of my clients come to me with an aversion to anything with horizontal stripes. After all, horizontal stripes stretch out, and vertical stripes stretch up. But both can also be enormously useful for balancing out shapes. This polo from Uterque, as well as coming in flattering shades of khaki and azure blue (covering the spectrum from warm to cool skin tones), is ideal for bodies that are the ‘triangle’ shape. If your hips are wider than your shoulders or bust, a great way to balance them out is to add stripes to your top half. I also have a tendency to wax lyrical on the virtues of a collar and a v-neck (i.e. a polo unbuttoned), so this top is the dream.

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Knitted Trousers

Massimo Dutti, £79.95, massimodutti.com

Not quite ready to get out of jogging bottoms, but feeling your self-respect needs a little injection? These may just be the answer. One step up from sweatpants in the comfort stakes but leaps and bounds ahead in the style stakes, these pull-on knitted trousers from Massimo Dutti, have a pleat sewn down the front of the leg which looks smart and is great for streamlining. They’re already long though, so won’t be for all of us, but they do contain 5% cashmere so great for a bit of warmth.

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The Knot Belt

Mango, £29.99, mango.com

Heavily inspired by Isabel Marant’s perennial (and often completely sold-out) Lecce belt, this style from Mango, is a wardrobe essential. I have IM’s belt in tan, and it’s wonderful for adding shape to some of the more oversized dresses or shirts that do nothing for my hourglass frame. And, as it’s completely adjustable, it works on my waist and my hips, so also looks good with jeans and skirts. If you’re new to belts and your belt wardrobe is on the sparse side, one that can sit comfortably at the waist and the hips is a small investment with potentially vast dividends. My other favourite is this one from Arket.

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The Knitted Vest

& Other Stories, £65, stories.com

It seemed to come out of nowhere in the second half of 2020. There are even memes dedicated to the love the influencer has for a sleeveless vest. The problem is, they really are not the key item they purport to be. Sleeveless vests can be great, but, like everything, they’re not universal. Knitted vests are ideal on ‘column’ shaped bodies as they add some width and fluidity to an otherwise straight figure. If you’ve got a significant (or even semi-significant) bust or broad shoulders they’re not going to work, though. This long style from & Other Stories finishes at the hips, so again, is great on straight figures, but if you have a waist or hips, then you’ll want a style that’s much shorter. Try layering it over a skinny roll neck for added warm right now.

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The Denim Shirt

Sézane, £90, sezane.com

And finally - I’m going to contradict myself. If there is one singular item that I think is a wardrobe essential and does suit everyone, it’s the denim shirt. There are parameters though: you don’t want anything excessively long, or excessively oversized. A denim shirt that is neat across the shoulders and the body is probably the most useful item in my wardrobe. I wear mine with jeans (all hail a bit of double denim), with Madmen-esque pencil skirts and high-heeled pumps (when we had occasions that required such a boost), floral midi skirts or as a light jacket over a summer dress. As we age, simple t-shirts become harder to wear, and collars are increasingly essential to flatter the face. A denim shirt can give you that lift, without too much formality. I love this style from Sézane, especially styled with the high waisted trousers and belt.

If there is anything, sartorially speaking, that you’re wanting help on, do drop me a line or comment below and I’ll do my best to break it down for you in an upcoming post.

Have a great week everyone and enjoy the snow!

Prue x

ADMIN: Everything I’ve included here, I’ve included solely because I really rate it. I may though, if you buy some of the items mentioned, earn a small commission from that purchase.