Style: Flats are back!

Alice Temperley blends ethereal style with white plimsolls

On the recent catwalk during SS15 (spring summer 2015) shows a trend has emerged for flat shoes.  I don't deny that heels can look really pretty, slimming, lengthening and help you see over the crowds BUT heels can also be incredibly painful, damaging to the body and completely impractical at times! Hopefully the recent catwalks have shown that flat shoes can be cool- fashionable, styling AND comfy!

DKNY Prom dress with trainers, but still feminine

 I'll be interesting to see how this trend manifests next spring, from plimsoll trainers with prom dresses to masculine brogues with floaty florals.  I am pleased at the prospect that there may be more choices of flat footwear available on the high street next spring- a welcome change to 5 or 6 inch stiletto platforms (which I rarely wear).

Karen Walker Brogues and Florals

 Of course, designers will always try to do something just a little different.  Victoria Beckham offered these flat shoes with a pointy toe.  They look great on this model but as white makes your feet look bigger, I am not sure I could get away with these shoes.  They sort of look like turtle or fish fins to me... maybe I could wear them in the water?  If I see them in person I will take a close up photo for you all!

Victoria Beckham does pointy flats.

It is not just shoes and trainers that come with the catwalk stamp.  BCBGMAZAZRIA teamed this light and airy cream ensemble with flat sandals.  I think we will be seeing quite a few thick banded sandals too.  Comfy for walking to work, tight enough to stay on but also stylish with formal wear.  

Flat Sandals with trousers!

I'm not one to copy the catwalk directly, but I can feel that my feet are pleased that they may have a bit more choice next spring!

Are flats a yes or no for you?  Do you find styling flats with work wear easy or difficult?

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my £40 House of Fraser Giveaway! (Link)

NEW: Taller that your average x Long Tall Sally collection launch

Jourdan Dunn captured backstage wearing TTYA x LTS with Cara Delevingne

Exciting news!  Taller Than Your Average (TTYA), clothing label founded by former ASOS stylist Irene Agbontaen, have collaborated with Long Tall Sally to create an 18 piece capsule collection.  Modeled by the stunning Jamie Gunns and photographed by Alex Sainsbury, the collection aims to make core staples more accessible for the taller women (5' 8" and above).

Taller Than Your Average founder Irene, looking gorgeous in the Maxi Metalic Dress and jumper.

I am a big fan of Long Tall Sally (see my visit to HQ here).  Their philosophy is that the taller girl shouldn't have to compromise on style or choice.  Just take a look at their jeans- several different leg lengths AND colours!  Irene has a similar philosophy and her mission is to help the taller girl feel 'style conscious, not self-conscious'.  TTYA currently has a cult following including Elle MacPherson, Jourdan Dunn, Daisy Lowe and Jessie J.

The collection looks great and costs range from £24- £110.  It is a real mixture of pieces that can be worn together, or mixed with other items from your wardrobe.  I've shared a few of my fashion picks below, including a few styling tips.

Removable Collar Dress (link)

Take the Removable Collar Dress (yes removable), you could style it for the office, or an evening out with dainty heels (as above), or why not remove the collar, add dark tights and lace up boots.  Chuck on a denim jacket or biker jacket and you are dressed for going down to the shops or grabbing a quick coffee.

Jourdan was wearing it above- the striped wrap shirt.  There has been a really big trend this summer for cropped tops and high waisted skirts that display a bit of midriff.  As a (taller) girl, I often sport this trend purely by accident (go me!)!  I love that this monochrome striped top is long enough to skim the hips- even when you (inevitably) visit the supermarket and get asked to reach down a tin of sweetcorn off the top shelf.  I'm not sure I am brave enough to 'bare' the deep V so I would style it over a simple plain vest top (or even one with lace trim to compliment the textures).  I think this might also look good with a thick, black or white elasticated to clinch in the waist.  Or even this belt from Altuzarra for Target (link) and a pair of wet look black leggings.

Striped wrap shirt (link)

Transitioning from summer to autumn is always tricky, but layering is the answer.  Layering thin clothes under a jacket means that if the weather suddenly changes during the day, you can adjust the layers accordingly.  (I always find dressing for the day a challenge due to the weather first thing in the morning completely changing by the time I am dressed!).  This yeti coat looks like lots of fun.  There is something very Marilyn Monroe about it.  I can imagine walking a red carpet in lots of sparkly jewels and a killer dress... then getting up the next morning and chucking it on over a vintage rock band t-shirt with some dark skinny jeans and a pair of converse.

Yet Coat (Faux fur of course) (Link)

Stuck for a (Halloween) fancy dress idea?  Why not stick a pair of ears on an alice band and wear the coat :)

The collection looks fantastic, and launches today on Long Tall Sally (link) and in selected stores.  Long Tall Sally have outlets across the UK, Germany, USA and Canada so hopefully there will be a few items close to where you live.  I'd love to know your thoughts on the collection!

Stand Tall x

Style Spot: Jane Galpin (TV Stylist: Daily Mix Tv)

When I was at The Clothes Show Live last year I bumped into Daily Mix Tv who were filming with Ruth Crilly (A Model Recommends).  Ruth was on a train at that point, but I hung out with the team in the press lounge, and then at the press call first thing.  I already knew one or two of them.

Jane Galpin, the show's stylist, had a really nice outfit on, so I thought I would turn the cameras and ask her what she was wearing!  Jane has an impressive CV having worked for Daily Mix Tv Street Style, How to Look Good Naked, 10 Years Younger as well as 12 years producing The Clothes Show!

Jane Galpin

Jane said that if she knows she will be walking lots during the day, she dresses for comfort.  If you have visited The Clothes Show then you will know that it involves a LOT of walking!  Comfort is essential!  It is also tricky because the sow is held in December.  Outside it is freezing, but inside the temperature rises.  Getting the right outfit to suit two temperatures can be tricky!

Jane is wearing a gorgeous floaty Somerset by Alice Temperley summer dress, clinched at the waist with a black belt.  To make this more winter appropriate Jane put it over skinny jeans.

The cardigan is by Bologaro Trevor and I think Jane said she bought it from Square in Bath (link).

Jane's studded Ash trainers.  Flats are a must at The Clothes Show!

 Jane opted for flat converse type trainers by the brand Ash.  Sadly my photo didn't quite pick up the detailing but I found a better picture here in grey (and they are reduced from £139 to £69.50!)

All together now.... oooooo

Finally as Jane went to go, I spotted this gorgeous Mulberry mini satchel.  Beautifully crafted and simple enough to go with any outfit.  Also small enough to not get very heavy, and long enough to be worn across the body.  Perfect.

If you fancy a little bit of Mulberry for Christmas then Selfridges have some lovely tiny purses and card holders (link)

Thank you to Jane for taking part in this Style Spot!  You can find Jane on twitter (@JaneGalpin) or via her website http://www.howtolookgood.com/ It's one of the reasons I love The Clothes Show- there are so many people with individual style!  Great for inspiration!

Stand Tall x

Ottavio Missoni: Bright Patterns

I woke up to the news that Ottavio Missoni, the co-founder of Missoni, passed away in the early hours.  A sad loss to the fashion industry.  I remember studying the fabrics and patterns during classes and being mesmerised by the combinations.  I felt  like they shouldn't go together- but they sort of clashed and looked good!  Of course I couldn't afford any at that time- but I could admire! 

Rosie Fortescue (5' 4") wearing Missoni shorts.

 Loved by celebrities, designers and public alike, a Missoni item always adds a splash of vibrancy to any room or outfit

Ottavio and Rosita Missoni began the Missoni brand in 1953.  A Missoni item is normally quite recognisable by it's knitted geometric pattern.   I hoped they would do a collaboration in the UK like the 'Missoni for Target' range in America.  Sadly this hasn't happened yet.

Missoni's famous zig-zag pattern fabric.  Credit

The story goes that Missoni were asked to debut their items at the Pitti Palace in Florence.  The model's bras didn't go with the colours of the fabric- so Rosita asked them to remove them.  The model's obliged but, unbeknown to the catwalkers or designers, when the fashion show began the fabrics became see-through in the bright stage lights.  Missoni became the talk of the town (and world) and sales went through the roof.  Just goes to show that sometimes mistakes can be the making of a great start.

Missoni M range.  Bright patterned culotte dress.

Now the brand is looked after by the couple's daughter- so the legacy lives on.

I love the clash of colours and patterns.  For many years things like this would have been too bright for me- too 'out there' though I always admired the pieces on others.  However this year I am embracing my brighter side- more pictures to follow ;)

If you have a Missoni piece I am a little envious!  Are you a Missoni fan?  Are you embracing the bright clashing patterns this summer?

Stand Tall x