Wardrobe planning takes time and thought but if you're a busy career women or working mum like me, both time and thought are in low supply come the end of the day. Work, dinner, homework along with all the other daily chores just seem to eat right into both. So, sit down, pour a glass of wine and read on - we've done the leg work for you!
When it comes to fashion, this time of year always poses a problem on what to wear. March weather in Scotland is not a reliable friend! We are all more than ready for a new season and a new wardrobe and yet it's far from time to don your open toe sandals or bare your shoulders and legs during the day. Apart from the fact my feet are far from pedicured, its decidedly baltic!
Navy Is The New Black - Again!
I hear every day that black suits everyone and goes with everything, but in my opinion that's not true. Like any colour, it all depends on your colouring. It can be draining and drab on some, slimming and sophisticated on others.
This season navy is the new black, and about time. It suits all skin tones, looks expensive, stripes better than any colour and looks both sharp and sophisticated. For winter into spring its a perfect choice, as it can be worn with tights to keep cosy and freshened up with one of the new spring palettes.
This navy short suit and the navy dress are both modelled for a spring look, but pair either with high-gloss navy or nude tights OR a low denier black (trust me!) and they will be perfect right now. And a long sleeve, lightweight polo under this short suit will work - try it! Walford at McEwens do stunning high-glass tights that look great with any outfit.
Top Page Left (desktop screen) / Bottom Page Right (mobile): Loren wears Navy Shorts £32, Navy Jacket £45, White Top £45
Right: Tanya wears Navy Dress £45
Becasue that's the great thing - the abundance of colours and shades that compliment navy range through pale pinks, corals, greys, golds, burgundys, reds, teal greens... serioulsy, the list goes on!
Of course, there is a myth that navy and black don't pair up together well but I'm here to bust that - it's just plain wrong! If the textures are similar it can clash, however if you mix textures - leather with denim or wool with silk or low denier black tights with cotton shorts - it stops the colours from blending and enhances the contrast.
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Cool Culottes For Sharp Dressing
I've got Palazzo pants, a midi swing skirt and new culottes on my Winter to Spring list. I have a love/hate relationship with my bum - when I'm hitting the gym four times a week I like it but at the moment I'm less than fond of it.
For this reason I have always loved culottes - they help balance out my bottom half AND also help lengthen my legs. They've been back in vogue for the last couple of years now, but they are everywhere this spring. If you've yet to embrace them I would say forget the denim look - its a bit "back in the day" and instead go for grown up and tailored.
I'm opting to invest in a pair of black wide leg crepe cullottes from Phase 8 on the High Street - I love the simplicity and styling of these.
Culottes in Black - Phase 8, Perth High Street £65
I know I said navy was the new black; but when it comes to a gorgeous culotte I'm a
#SmallCityFashionista who plays against the rules!
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The Little White Shirt
I will say this every season, I just know it. But a white shirt or blouse is a wardrobe essential; its just so versatile. I loved this one with the silver buttons and pocket details. Wear it now with a little cardi, leather pencil skirt and killer stilettos. Or pair it with denim jeans and ankle boots wearing your winter coat on cold days and a spring blazer when the weather starts to turn. Always aim to look polished and elegant by making sure you take care when washing white. It sounds like I'm stating the obvious but it's easily forgotten.
White Blouse Eva Lucia £48
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LORI'S TOP TIP!
This coming season I'm investing in key pieces that take me from day to night. Getting well fitting skirts or trousers is always tricky in my opinion. I'm all about getting as close to couture as I can, so I'm always happy to invest in a bit of nip and tuck for the clothing. If the fit is just a wee bit off, then take a trip to your local tailors and get them garment altered. It makes a huge difference to how they look and how you feel.
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Perfect Winter to Spring Pumps
Shoes can be the trickiest part of a seasonal change but leopard print pumps work with all colours and can pulled on with black or navy tights, trousers and then later with bare legs and a skirt or tailored shorts. They look great with denim, break up black, compliment navy, and look amazing with classic tan, bold blues and bright reds.
Leopard Print Pumps - Eva Lucia £59.95
And just becasue it has been SOOOO long since we pulled on a blush pink shoe, we think this gorgeous leather pump is a perfect bridge from winter to spring. Blush pink looks great with jeans and with cigarette pants in navy or black. Team with a lightweight poloneck to see you through until its time for t-shirts and blouses in pale pastels and soft prints.
Blush Pink Ballet Pump - Eva Lucia £59.95
Of course, the most fabulous of all shoes, the navy court, is high on my list and we've gone peep toe for this year. Abandon thoughts of 'no tights' and go for a good fitting navy opaque until the sun creeps out. After that, pedicure to the max and get a little peep of polish shining through!
Navy Peep Toe Court Eva Lucia £59.95
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Bag It Up!
Block colour bags tick the versatility box big time and we are loving this Juno Tote with its beige, cream and taupe body, sharp black trim and gold detailing. It makes for a statement stand out piece and will look fantastic with those black cullottes and some leopard print pumps. Gorgeous!
Juno Tote Bag - Eva Lucia £59.00
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Lori Smith owns Eva Lucia in Perth, an independent fashion boutique specialising in on-trend looks at affordable prices. Find out more on
her directory listing here.
Together, we're planning to bring you fashions and looks you can source in Perth right now! Follow our fashion chat with the hashtag
#SmallCityFashionista.
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