Steal Her Style: Olivia Palermo
She was the chic villain on The City, a spin off show of The Hills showcasing the fashion world in NYC. A socialite turned style icon for many, Olivia has climbed the ranks in terms of style since her TV debut. She launched her own website in 2011, where she posts articles about her personal style and travels. Olivia embraces her long legs and opts for skinny jeans, fitted leather trousers or structured shorts that show off her assets. Her outfits often incorporate layers including short sleek jackets and a blouse or long coats and plenty of accessories. Sophisticated is her personal style in one word. She appears to never have a hair out of place, reflecting her wealthy background. She oozes class.
Trendwatch: The Wrap Skirt
It appeared on the catwalks as far back as Autumn/Winter 2012 and now the wrap skirt is back as a key winter essential. Over the past few months, this classy yet chic trend has gained momentum and is currently at its peak. You can’t enter a high street shop without finding the wrap skirt in a couple of unique patterns or colours, so whether you want to make a statement or just simply be on trend, there is a style for you.
To get the most out of this skirt, yes, it would help to have long lean legs but not at all necessary. At the point where the garment wraps, a triangle shape is created, giving a flirty edge to this mini. It’s all about working the item into your wardrobe to suit your figure. Yes, it is also true that unless styled correctly you could find yourself looking like a young schoolgirl having rolled their lengthy skirt up a few inches resulting in a lop-sided effect (hopefully this isn’t your aim).
In order to keep this trend sophisticated, focus on the skirt’s fit, colour/pattern and length when buying. What you team it with is also very important to get the best styling result. The correct fit is easy to establish, once it sits comfortably just above your hips.
When it comes to colour and pattern for women with smaller hips you can pretty much wear them all, focus on which colours compliment your hair and skin colour instead. For those with wider hips darker colours and simple patterns are best. Back to the legs – if you aren’t blessed with lean long legs, this style of skirt can still work for you. The wrap skirt can be worn in a longer length giving more coverage. ASOS do pencil wrap skirts, which fall to just above the knee, while stocking long flowing metallic wrap skirts as well.
Unlike other trends this season, the wrap skirt comes with versatility. A longer version for the office, teamed with tights for a casual day look or a flirty mini for a night out – the wrap skirt is a must have for your winter wardrobe. Team with a delicate blouse or cami with plenty of layers to bring a bit of leg into December. That’s a wrap.
Winter Essentials
We can all feel it, the sharp cold of the winter winds have arrived and they aren’t going anywhere. Time to do a bit of shopping to ensure you are well wrapped up and stocked up on thermal necessities. Where to begin? Let’s start from the top with headgear and work down to the fancy footwear this season has to offer.
Lately I’ve become a bit of a hat fanatic. I’ve always owned my fair share of hats but never wore them to the extent I do now. This is the perfect time of year to get into the hat wearing habit as there is a wide variety available, from snug to sophisticated, to add to your winter wardrobe. Donning a cute beanie or even a statement fedora will not only accessorise an outfit to current weather standards but also might help you avoid the common cold (always a plus). When investing in headgear take some time to discover which style suits you best. So, if you’re looking to add a bit of personality to your layered winter look, go for it.
To keep the goosebumps at bay dress up your neck with a practical piece of colourful knitwear or an on-trend tartan scarf all available at Stradivarius. Prices range from €9.95 to €15.95.
When it comes to your chilly torso a good quality, warm but polished coat is an absolute essential. A woman’s personal style is often completely summed up in this one item. It is the staple piece of your outfit when out in the frosty air so it’s best to invest. The cosy parka is back as always to keep the heat in but maintain a trendy appearance. The bomber jacket has made a reappearance this season following the surge of the varsity trend. Try a leather coat with faux fur trim, which is proving to be a popular alternative to the parka. Pull and Bear, Jack Wills and Topshop are offering quality coats this winter.
Getting your legs out is a thing of the past so stock up on tights with a denier of around 60 to keep snug. Winter boots are what many of us look forward to buying this season and by the look of the high street selection there is no need to splash out. Bershka currently stock a wide variety of ankle and knee high boots in black, brown and tan from €39.99.
Shannon O’Sullivan
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