Pre- spring blues

Winter is drawing to an end, you're getting excited about the spring collections and what trends to incorporate into your wardrobe. However, it is still bitterly cold outside and you dont want to stick out like a sore thumb in the rain - its just not practical. I am going to show you the three peices you need in your wardrobe this pre- spring season, and what to wear them with.

What's that, a hat?

The first, is a great hat. Weather a fedora, a trilby or a turban - a hat is practical, as it will protect your head from the spring showers but also stylish in the right shapes and colours. Here are a few of my PICKS:

        

Hats from : Rag & Bone at net-a-porter, Oasis, Topshop, Marc by Marc Jacobs at net-a-porter

        

A trench coat or a parka

A trench coat is a classic for anyone wanting to be warm and effortlessly stylish at any time of the year. If you don't already own one, pick one up in either a classic beige or khaki green.

You could be brave and wear a leather trench a la Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Blake Lively, or put your own take on the trend by looking for one with a sheen or a lacquer finish for a really edgy look.

Coats from: Dorothy Perkins, John Patrik at lagarconne.com,  Mango

The second coat option is a parka, in either a khaki green or beige. And I'll tell you why, because this piece is great for layering. Layer it over shirts and lightweight jackets and add a belt, keep it open so you can see the layers of your outfit. If you're missing your faux fur gilet (or you want to wear one) don't. Get a sleevless model and wear it over a more demure, spring colour of midi skirt. Save the gilet for when it is not raining.

Coats from: H&M, Dorothy Perkins, YMC at mywardrobe.com

Mid season, mid length

My third choice is that indeed, a Midi. Weather you choose to wear it shopping or on a date, make sure it is in a season appropriate colour. Think pastel pleats and strong patterns, im really liking the idea of a sugar colour skirt with tye dye accents. Just make sure if it's chiffon, protect it from the rain and when it gets warmer, DIY your skirts into drop hem skirts and wear them with boots all through the spring.

Skirts from: Dorothy Perkins, Mac by Marc Jacobs at net-a-porter.com, rokit.co.uk, Topshop

Thanks for reading! As always comments are appreciated. I usually always follow you/comment back 

-Olivia x

Best and Worst of 2011

Face of the year; Freja Beha Erichsen

Weather we liked it or not - and trust me, at first I certainly didn't - Freja has been at the front of every designer's minds, been featured on every ad campaign going and become a style muse for many. 

And believe me it helps being Karl Lagerfeld's muse. This beauty just beat Miranda Kerr for the number one spot, but you just don't realize how many times I have opened an issue of Vogue this year and exclaimed "Oh, not her again!?" 

I wish Freja all the best in 2012, lets hope the fickle fashion industry doesn't leave her behind. 

Something tells me it won't.

Best Dressed; Blake Lively

I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have done it. Something in my mind's eye says the title should go to someone like Olivia Palermo, or Kate Middleton - something is telling me that maybe I should be a little more patriotic.

But let's face it, nude photographs aside, Blake has done one hell of a job amazing us with her outfits this year. Christian Louboutin even named a shoe after her, and since that day we haven't seen her without a pair of Loub's on her feet, a charitable feat I must admit!

So this one goes to Blake, maybe because of my kindness karma will grant me with a longer pair of legs now?! 

Trend of the Year: Colour Blocking

Colour blocking was definitely a major trend for 2011, and it was seen on major celebs such as Rihanna, Emma Stone, Olivia Palermo, Kate Bosworth and even Kim Kardashian (who decided to go all out and wear an entire outfit from the Gucci Spring/Summer collection). It's been a fashion love affair, but if any one of you had been paying attention to Absolutely Fabulous Christmas special you would know that colour blocking is OUT for 2012. 

However, don't fret!The answer to all your fashion problems lies in PRINTS for next season  -so stock up on colourful paisley in muted blues and pair it with your favorite neutral heeled sandals and  we'll see you in Spring!

Trend I never want to see again: Chino's

Now, a man in chino's is probably not too much of a bad thing, in fact, a change from the bog-standard Levi jean is a sign that a man has put in some effort to his outfit. So, providing it is not paired with a Ralph Lauren polo top, or a Snap-back, I think it's safe to say that men really have no other alternative.

But ladies, we can do better than this. Chino's are a thing of the past- they belong in A/W 2011 for a number of reasons:

Firstly, they make your hips look big, and now really who want's that?

Secondly, You will only find Chino's in natural brown, burgundy or mustard. They are not a must have for S/S 2012 and therefore will not transition well into next seasons wardrobe. Chuck them out.

Thirdly, and lastly: They make your hips look BIG. Need I say more?

So that is my little 2011 tribute post, I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you all for reading, I would love to hear your feedback. What do you think was the best/worst of 2011? Comment below!

Olivia xx

Picture sources: 1. Tumblr 2. here 3.here 4.here

Style Inspiration: Olivia Palermo

Olivia Palermo, my namesake, has for a long while now been one of my biggest style inspirations.
Her style is impeccable and the once reality tv star has become a style icon in her own right .
Genius combinations of Olivia's favorite French Sole flats,  Hermés bags wider than her own frame plus sprinkles of Topshop and Reiss make up her everyday wardrobe while colour, statement jewels and Charlotte Olympia shoes seem to be her event staples.


Here are some of my favorite outfits from Olivia:

All Images from Tumblr

I think it's fair to say that most of my new year style resolutions will be inspired by this lady! 

-Olivia x