Top 10 fashion rules you should blatantly ignore - part 2.

Here's part two of my rant against fashion rules. To read about double denim, green and pink, black and navy, horizontal stripes and bra straps, click here. 

6) Don't wear patterns on your bottom half if you're a pear.

Curves are acceptable again ladies, big bums are ace. Get your patterned trousers on and highlight that arse. Just take a look at Kimberley (second from the right, keep up) and how amazing she looks - she's as pear as they come and she looks incredible here. If you're too self conscious for something high waisted, try pairing patterned skinny or peg leg trousers with a long peplum top.

7) Don't wear midis or maxis if you're petite.

This is my fellow blogger Jodi, her blog's here (she has incredible style, take a look). She's 5ft1, and she lives in maxi and midi skirts. And she pulls them off better than anyone else I know. If these photos aren't proof enough that you little ladies can wear longer styles, I have no hope for the world. Topshop has a nice range of them in their petite section too - if Topshop says it's okay, it's probably okay.

8) Don't mix prints.

Today, I wore a blue floral snood, a black and grey lace pattern skirt and leopard print shoes. Not even kidding. Clashing prints is cool now. It makes your outfit look so much more interesting, and when you have lots of patterned pieces of clothing in your wardrobe (or on your floor) it stops you from feeling limited on what can go together. Start with something simple, like patterned shoes with a checked shirt, and work your way up to different patterns on the top and bottom half. I have my eye on this striped peplum top to wear with my black and white polka dot skirt.

9) Always match your shoes to your handbag.

The rule to match your shoes and bag is the most stupid thing I've ever heard. I literally use two handbags - a big mint green one, and a burgundy satchel. I don't own any mint green or burgundy shoes, what on earth am I meant to do? Clashing bags and shoes are normal.

10) Don't wear socks and sandals.

Do you see how cute that is?! Plus, it'll keep your feet warm and you don't have to bother re-painting your toenails. Topshop have a great range of ankle socks in their 3 for £8 offer - I need these mint green ones more than I need food. Try some of the pretty patterned ones, or even better, frilly ones like in the photo. Go black on black if you're a little bit scared, or try contrasting them - coral socks with turquoise heels would look AMAZING. Go on, I dare you.

Top 10 fashion rules you should blatantly ignore - part 1.

I don't like fashion rules. Fashion's about self expression, and how on earth are you meant to do that with a load of different rules to try and abide by? As far as I'm concerned, you should intentionally try and break them, because most of the time they're a load of rubbish. Here are my top 10 which should be ignored at all times. Read the first 5 here, the next 5 will be up in a week!

1) Don't wear black with brown or navy.

I'm really surprised that even now, people won't wear black and navy, or even black and brown together. This is a particularly old fashioned rule. Would you avoid using your expensive tan leather handbag just because you're wearing a black dress? Or not wear a black top because you're wearing - shock, horror - dark blue jeans? Thought not. Black and brown are both neutrals so they go together, fact. And black makes navy look modern.

2) Don't wear horizontal stripes if you don't want to look fat.

Er. Someone needs to tell this girl that horizontal stripes make you look fat. I'm KIDDING, guys. They don't. Yes, they draw the eye across the body rather than up and down, but that doesn't make you look fat - eyes aren't stupid. The style of clothing matters a lot more than the stripes - if you're wearing a tight fitting dress or top which highlights any lumps and bumps, and it happens to have stripes, I'll give you one guess which part is making you look bigger. A good fitting, flattering piece of clothing will look great regardless of the pattern.

3) Never wear double denim.

Don't try telling me double denim doesn't work because I won't listen. It's like saying you can't wear a cotton skirt with a cotton top. There are so many different colours, weights and styles of denim that it's easy to make this look great - your main trick is to make sure you use two different colours, and then it's simple to go from there. Accessorise with contrasting shoes, and try a belt to break it up a little.

4) Pink and green should never be seen.

I just bought a dark green satin dress, and I fully intend on wearing it with fuchsia court shoes and a matching flower in my hair. And there's no denying mint green and pastel pink look brilliant in the summer. If watermelons can pull it off and look ridiculously appealing, so can you.

5) Don't show your bra straps.

Why should good lingerie be restricted to the bedroom? Answer: it shouldn't. A cheeky flash of bra strap - as long as it's not your manky, long overdue a wash nude t-shirt bra - is harmless, so don't shy away from it. Especially if it's a pretty bra strap. Mimi Holliday's current range is gorgeous but expensive, or try New Look for something cheaper, they have some really pretty bits and bobs.

Hang around for a week, and you'll get to see part 2. Even better, follow me.

How to travel in style.

So, I'm off to Barcelona tomorrow, with my uni course. I'm a little excited, not going to lie. I plan to cram the 5 days full of as much tapas, seafood, fresh fruit, sightseeing and Sangria as possible. Led by my stomach, me? Never ...

I have a list of things I want to do - I've not been to Barcelona and I want to make the most of it in case I don't go again. My list consists mainly of taking photos of various bits of architecture including the Sagrada Familia, and visiting La Boqueria food market. Every day. Fortunately the hotel we're staying in is right near the market, so I can gorge myself as much as I like. We're also going to be visiting all the Zaras and H&Ms in sight, and I think a trip to the Bershka head office will be in order too. I foresee me spending far too much money.

But, in order to get to Spain, we're going to have to take a 2 and a half hour flight. I love airports (hello, duty free?), but I can't be bothered with flying - it's boring and uncomfortable, and drags no matter how long the flight is. And then airports are like a fashion parade, you undoubtedly get the odd person strutting around in heels looking ridiculously stylish, like they've just swaggered off the catwalk in Milan. I can't be doing with that, I need to be comfortable. But that's a little bit difficult when you need to take into account so many different things. The climate of the country you're leaving from. So, er, England. Can anyone predict the weather in England? The BBC certainly can't. The climate of the country you're heading to. Is it going to be a lot hotter or colder than where you've left from? The temperature of the plane. Bet you £50 it's sweltering when you get on, then freezing cold an hour into the journey. The length of the journey. If you're flying overnight and are going to want to sleep, pyjamas are ideal. Right? Your stingy little hand luggage allowance. Want to take a change of clothes? Don't pack anything heavy.

Anyway enough rambling - here are my best tips for how to stay comfortable but still look like your normal, fabulous self when you're travelling.

1) Thin, stretchy layers are your best bet. I usually wear a couple of thin layers with some form of knitwear/hoody over the top, then you're nice and warm but can cool down quickly if you need to.

2) Wear a pashmina - they're thin but keep you nice and warm when you wear them as a scarf, and you can use them as a blanket too. Get one in a nice bright colour! Ebay do them for about 2 quid.

3) When it comes to shoes, you should go for ballet flats. They're comfy enough to plod around in all day and they're easy to take off if you need to remove your shoes in security, or if you want to curl up and sleep on the plane (good luck with that).

4) Don't wear jeans! I don't care if they're Leighs or Mollys, they're just so uncomfortable. They'll come down at the back and expose your bum to the world every time you shift in your seat a bit, and the button at the front will dig into your stomach. Stick to trusty leggings. I also like tights, as long as they're not too small for you they won't fall down and they won't restrict any movement or comfort.

5) Jazz up your outfit with a statement piece of jewellery. I tend to just wear a nice necklace - it makes it look pretty but it's easy to remove for security if you need to, and if you get uncomfortable you can easily cram it into your handbag.

6) No belts! Uncomfortable, and the buckle will only set the alarms off. And despite any of your best intentions, you won't be felt up by an attractive male member of security.

7) Take some thick, cosy socks in your handbag. The plane will get cold, you'll be thankful for them! Having warm feet makes a big difference.

8) Overall, keep it nice and simple.

I'll be wearing black tights, ballet flats, a simple skater dress, a cardigan, leather jacket and a scarf. It's warm, functional and still looks good. Or at least, I think it does (don't dispute me, a lot of effort went into this outfit planning!).

How to style Midi Dresses.

I love midi dresses. Love love love them. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good old short skirt, but since the summer I've been lusting after so many midis. It's just such a flattering length - you don't have to worry about faffing around with fake tan  and making sure you're not flashing your bum to the world when you bend over, and you don't to spend your life on wind-watch, making sure your skirt doesn't blow up around your head. Happened to me far too many times for me to be comfortable with.

This winter, there are loads of bodycon midis around, which is a nice change from all the loose fitting ones that have been in stores over the summer and autumn. They're easier to style without looking frumpy but they can be tricky in their own little way - can you wear flats with them? What about belts? And what jackets look good?! My answers are yes, yes and most. I dunno about everyone else, but in my head things never seem to work, then you try them on or see them on someone else and they look fab. One thing about these dresses, is that they don't really need accessorising that much. Unless it's a really basic one, they're quite a statement piece of clothing anyway, so relax on the post-getting dressed necklace-bracelets-rings-scarves-earrings-headbands-gloves-belts-anklets-whateverelseyoucanthinkof panic. One or two bits is fine, trust me.

For daytime, keep it casual. Midi dresses are naturally quite dressy a lot of the time, so dress them down with soft knitwear and simple shoes. Monochrome's going to be massive in the Spring (which according to the shops is, er, now) so try a stripy black and white jumper over the top, or give a big cosy cardigan a go - chances are you already have one in your wardrobe. They don't need a belt, but look quite nice with a really skinny one belted around the waist, try one with details on, or in a contrasting colour. A leather jacket or big slouchy denim shirt would look good over the top, and for jewellery try a statement necklace. Shoe-wise, just stick on the same ankle boots you've been wearing all winter, your comfy converse, or some basic ballet flats.

For the evening, midi dresses are really easy to style. Like I've said (about a million times) they don't need much, so try adding smart accessories in a bright colour, like a cobalt blazer, bright blue stilettos - platforms are so 2012 - or an emerald green envelope clutch (which, for the record, I need). I like how they look with a big, huuuuge necklace, but if you're a fan of other jewellery go for an embellished chunky cuff, or some statement earrings. Keep your make up nice and vampy - it's still cold enough outside to warrant it - with a deep red lipstick and sparkly black nails.

Images, as always. This midi in question is just £12.99 from New Look - also available with long sleeves, for an extra 2 quid. Bargain of the century.

Daytime

Try teaming your midi with really casual jackets and accessories to stop it from looking too dressy in the daytime. One statement piece of jewellery is plenty.

Night time

Big bold heels and a smart jacket - if you need a jacket - is the best thing for dressing them up. One massive piece of jewellery and some dark lippy and you're done.

Topshop, New Look and River Island are best for these sort of dresses at the minute, I've found. There are loads in depending on your budget, style and occasion, so give one a go! Here are my favourites. Top row L - R: New Look, £15 New Look, £17, New Look, £17, New Look, £15, Cameo Rose at New Look, £15, New Look, £15, River Island, £25. Bottom row L - R: River Island, £25, River Island, £35, River Island, £25, Topshop, £29, Topshop, £45, Topshop, £32, Topshop, £32.

And finally - I know, I know, the end's in sight - here's a few of my favourites from Lookbook.nu.

How to style Maxi Skirts for Winter.

Ah, maxi skirts. Floaty fabric in pastel colours, keeping you nice and cool in the hot sun, blowing around in the Summer breeze, worn with a simple tank top, sunglasses and flip flops. Right? Wrong. It's Winter now, snap out of your daydream people! Maxis have been given an update, with heavy, dark coloured fabrics and now you can wear them with your cosy tights and jumpers, score.

As a general rule of thumb, I wear anything with my maxi (a black jersey Topshop number with a split up each side, which doesn't appear to be on the website any more). Trying new things keeps it looking interesting, and as it's just a simple black skirt it'd be totally pointless to limit yourself, chances are it'll go with the majority of winter stuff you have in your wardrobe.

For the day, try teaming your skirt with a tucked in t shirt, or a loose drapey vest hanging out. Chunky knit cardigans or loose jumpers will keep you warm and cosy, or try a leather jacket to toughen it up. Fine knit jumpers belted at the waist look great. Shoe-wise, chunky Lita-style heels look great, or try some flatforms (they're growing on me). I tend to just wear my regular ankle boots with a little chunky heel, or ballet flats. When it comes to jewellery, go for studs and crosses which are EVERYWHERE at the minute but I love them regardless.

For nighttime, try a more fitted skirt, maybe with a raunchy little slit up the side (though I wear this during the day. What that says about me I don't know). Mix up your textures - try a sheer blouse with an embellished collar tucked in, or a leather (read: faux leather) peplum top. If you have killer abs - and you're not shy - you could even go for a sequin bralet, I wish I could pull that off. Keep your heels high and your jewellery gothic, and carry an oversize clutch to fit your studded flats in for when your feet hurt too much. Is it only me that does that?

Here are some ideas for you visual folks.

Daytime

Wear with casual tops and chunky knits to keep you warm, patterned scarves will add some interest to the look. Chunky shoes and on trend jewellery finish off the look.

Night time

As a general rule, go for different fabrics and sparkly embellishments.  Wear a fitted blazer to keep warm, and try a dressy top and high heels with your skirt. Dress it up even more with jewellery.

And, because I'm good to you, I've picked out a few of my favourites from Lookbook to inspire you even more. As usual, click to enlarge.

New Look - New Job!

I've got a job. Ka-ching! I'm now a Sales Advisor at New Look over the ridiculously busy Christmas period, and fingers crossed if I impress them they'll keep me on afterwards. Xmas temp one day, senior buyer the next. Hey, everyone has to start somewhere, right? Here's my current wishlist of things I want need. Yes, this includes sequin shorts.

High Fashion to High Street: Oversized Coats

Big, oversized cocoon coats were everywhere on the catwalk, and now that trend's been transferred nicely into the high street just in time for this ARCTIC weather we've got (seriously, my entire legs went numb with cold earlier - Topshop Leighs are not good in freezing cold firework displays). They're perfect for layering up and getting nice and cosy, and are a really modern silhouette - something a bit different to what's been in in the past few seasons. Changin' it up, innit. A few examples of the catwalk versions:

As you can see, they're big, exaggerated, long, and that bottom one looks like the sort of thing you'd wear when you reeeeally just want to wear your duvet out and about. The high street versions are altogether more wearable and (more importantly) affordable, so then you have no excuse not to treat yourself to one of Starbucks/Costa's new Christmas specials. And a cake.

The key to styling these coats is the same as with any other item of clothing with masses of volume: you need to keep the rest simple. Slimline trousers, close fitting skirts and no massive chunky boots (sorry Uggs). They're a real statement piece, so let your coat do the talking!

Here are some high street examples of gorgeous oversized coats, so get yourself down to the shops.

Warehouse, £120. For a ladylike nod to the trend, try this neutral coat with a faux (duh) fur collar.

River Island, £100. This ticks all the boxes: heritage, oversized and a gorgeous cosy collar.

River Island, £70. The leopard print makes this one a little bit edgier and lets face it, leopard print is NEVER going out.

New Look, £49.99. If you're a little bit more wary of out-there styles try this classic take on the trend in simple black.

Topshop, £98. Another classic colour - navy - but updated with subtle metallic panels.

Topshop, £110. Finally, trust Topshop to come up with the most dramatic version. If you're brave, this wool blend coat is a serious investment!

Colour of the season: Oxblood.

I know, I know. Oxblood sounds so ... grim. I also think it sounds old fashioned, but I think that's just my brain getting it mixed up with oxtail (y'know, as in soup), so I'm probably alone on that one. But anyway, regardless of how it sounds, it's everywhere this season and I fully intend on filling up my wardrobe - and anything else I can get away with - with things this colour. Here's some inspiration for you. Pretty much everything's Topshop, aside from the pencil skirt (Dotty P's) and the court shoes (ASOS). Just makes my life easier to do it like that, okay?

As for styling it, that's easy. It's really pretty versatile, so go wild. Obviously it will go great with neutrals like black, white and denim, so for a simple look try teaming an oxblood blazer with a graphic tee and jeans. Alternatively, the oversized jumper on the right would look great with disco pants or leather trousers, or you could even try the pencil skirt with a very on-trend (even though I hate them) camo jacket for something a little edgier.

But it doesn't have to end with your wardrobe - oxblood's massive in beauty too. Try it on your nails - if you're not brave enough for the full look try the colour just on the tips, French mani style - or your lips if you've got the guts to venture out like that. I have a gorgeous lipstick (Kate Moss Matte 107, if you're wondering), but I'm too much of a wimp to wear it in public, instead I just try it on in front of my bathroom mirror then take it off again. THE coolest.

How to style Disco Pants.

Okay, I don't actually own any disco pants. I'm pretty sure I'd look like an overstuffed sausage in them: rule #1 of style - don't pander to trends that you look ridiculous in. Take note, Lauren Goodger. But half of making a trend look good is knowing how to style it.

Disco pants might seem scary, but they're actually pretty versatile -they can easily be dressed down for daytime or up for a night out. A good tip when you're unsure of how to style something is to grab a load of random items out of your wardrobe and try them on with whatever it is you're trying to match up. Chances are you'll find something that looks good - it's often hard to visualise items together so by trying on random things you're bound to find something surprising that looks great.

I also recommend Lookbook.nu. Type whatever it is you're trying to style into the search bar and browse the results that come up - there are some incredibly stylish ladies on there who are bound to inspire you.

Alternatively, here are some day/night examples I've magicked up for you lazy ones. Hope it helps!

Daytime

Mix up textures such as denim, studs, soft jerseys and chunky knits. Add casual, comfy shoes, on trend jewellery and patterned scarves to keep you warm.


Night time

Add glamour with heels and dressy tops. Cropped tops and bralets are great if you have a flat stomach, and collars and oversized clutches dress them up.