Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: The long and the short

April 23, 2015

The long short can be problematic. It’s all about proportion (as always ) whereby the lower leg needs to stay as exposed as possible. The answer? Heels. A few shapes work here; courts, with a low-cut toe, strappy heels, ideally with a cross over at the ankle, or wedges – like the ones I am wearing . Ensure the ankle strap stays low-cut or choose a slingback.

If the short is high-waisted, all the better, as it will streamline those pins. Team your shorts with a cropped shirt, tee-shirt or sweat top.

Top as before, hat from a beach stall in Spain, belt by Prada (www.prada.com), shorts by Paul & Joe (www.paulandjoe.com) and wedges by Topshop (www.topshop.com).

0 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: All white now

April 22, 2015

There is nothing like an all white get-up to make one feel that summer may be around the corner. Even though the practicalities can be off-putting I highly recommend it. If you do happen to get muck on your whites – use a bit of Vanish hard soap on it first, always with cold water and then wash at up to 60 degrees with a biological powder and, if you can, hang out in the sun to dry.

Both these pieces are comfortable, relaxed and easy and I resisted the urge to add jewellery or fancy footwear.

Top as before, skirt by MHL from Margaret Howell (www.margarethowell.co.uk), shoes by &Other Stories (www.stories.com).

0 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Acne’s super sleeve sweat

April 20, 2015

Sweatshirts have a funny effect on me. No matter how many I own I convince myself I need more. On spotting this my rational brain said ‘ But you already own at least 8 sweatshirts!’ the irrational one replied ‘ Yes, but THIS one has balloon sleeves, and it’s in optic white AND it is fleece backed so it’s like wearing a cuddly toy…’ The irrational side won in about, ooh, thirty seconds. I do have to perform a Houdini like contortion when taking it on and off to avoid make up residue/moisturiser/general dirt transferring to its snowy white neckline. I also have to steer clear of my children. I love it though, it feels summery and bright (even though its cosseting coziness renders it useless on a very warm day) and it lends any outfit that edgy Scandinavian cool.

Sweatshirt by Acne (www.selfridges.com), top (just seen) and trousers MHL by Margaret Howell (www.margarethowell.co.uk) and shoes by Converse (www.office.co.uk).

0 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: High and low

April 15, 2015

In fashion speak we use the phrase ‘high and low’ to describe either a designer garment worn with a high street buy or a very smart item with a scruffier piece . This is a bit of a mixed bag; the top is a bridge brand (mid-priced designer wear), the chino’s are J Brand, therefore classed as designer denim and the shoes are by Gap. Make of it what you will but I was rather chuffed with the end result. The tee-shirt remained underneath for the time being, but you could whip it off in a jiffy, (please check that you have an appropriate bra on), add some heels and off you trip to the wine bar….

0 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Flower and Duster

April 14, 2015

The optic white top, shirt, sweatshirt or tee-shirt is a perennial classic with any jean – never more so than with a vintage wash in my book. See my pinterest board ‘Classic, yet modern’ for more ideas( https://www.pinterest.com/annaberkeley/classic-yet-modern/). As it’s daytime I added a simple white tee underneath so it’s infinitely more wearable.

We aren’t quite at the ‘no coat’ stage (more’s the pity) weather wise but a cotton duster is just right. (Topshop have 25 versions currently so there’s a wealth of choice in just one store!).

Top as before, necklace by Nocturne (www.anthropolgie.eu), jeans by Mother (www.donnaida.com), shoes by Prada (www.prada.com), coat by MHL Margaret Howell (www.margarethowell.co.uk).

0 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Self Portrait’s optic white floral tee

April 13, 2015

First up – white on white for a fresh, fun party look. Self Portrait’s spring summer collection is chock full of winners. Innovative dresses abound covering a variety of events, from cocktail parties, to the races, to weddings, christening’s, work events, dinner out …… The dress I was after sold out so I tried this fanciful floral top instead. Reminiscent of my mother’s 1960’s floral wedding dress this top is multi layered. There is a gauze slip with 3D appliqué flowers pasted on top and random cut outs in the outer layer. It’s open at the back and fastens with a tiny, pearl sphere. It’s so pretty it’s almost a shame to wear it.

http://www.self-portrait-studio.com/en/new-arrivals/3d-shell-tee-product

Top as above, skirt from Topshop (www.topshop.com), earrings by Nocturne (www.anthroplogie.eu), sandals from &Other stories (www.stories.com).

3 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Prints for your frame – small

April 3, 2015

Olivia Palermo does a SMALL polka.

Small framed women are easily dwarfed by the wrong print size – polka dots, sprig like florals and thin stripes are all good bets for you. An oversized bag or sunglasses add a fun element to any outfit (as shown in image 2 of style supremo Olivia Palermo).

Image 1 – Stella McCartney 2012 catwalk, Image 2 – Olivia Palermo in NYC, Image 3- Pins and Needles white floral dress £45 Urban Outfitters http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/uk/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=5130466961119&category=WOMENS-COLLECTION-16-EU

0 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Prints for your frame – medium

April 2, 2015

Donna Karan.Spring 2015. Printed skirt. Chloe dress

These are all medium, although the printed floral skirt is an interesting one; it’s ideal for those on the medium/large frame range as it has both medium (the yellow flowers and stems) and large (the white flowers and stems). Prints are so subjective, like art. You need to respond to the print and really love it. If you don’t fancy head to toe print, start with a scarf first and then graduate slowly to a top or a skirt.

Image 1 -Painted shift by DKNY Spring Summer 2015, Image 2 – Pinterest image no brand attributed, Image 3 – Chloe Autumn Winter 2011 snakeskin print.

0 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Prints for your frame – Large

April 1, 2015

VERY LARGE floral print from Chanel Spring 2015 RTW Gucci, pre-autumn/winter 2015 LARGE

A huge thankyou to all the wonderful ladies from the AWC (The American Women’s Club) in Knightsbridge, London last week for attending my Spring Summer 2015 styling presentation. There were lots of questions following my talk on body mapping and which prints are appropriate for your frame. For the next three posts, as I sadly don’t own enough print to demonstrate the different scales effectively, I will show clear images of the various prints suited to small, medium and large frames. When you wear the wrong print size you will look ‘off ‘ – one that is too large will swamp you and make you seem bigger or disturbingly out of proportion. The correct print size will complement your shape and appear natural and easy.

Image 1 – Chanel RTW Spring 2015. Image 2 – Gucci pre- Autumn/Winter 2015 – stunning mix of soft and strong colours. Image 3 – Stella Jean blouse £354 from My Theresa.com http://www.mytheresa.com/en-gb/scimmia-printed-silk-shirt.html#

0 Comments

Anna Berkeley

Three days, three ways: Get skirty

March 27, 2015

It’s not exactly groundbreaking but the sheer ease of this look is a major bonus for me. Try it with any shirt and skirt combination. If the skirt is full keep the shirt neat and if it’s a pencil, like the one I am wearing, gently blouse out the shirt from the waist for volume on top. I am so over winter and long to be free of the coats, the tights, the layers and the chapped hands….I am breaking out a bare leg, all the fashion week attendees did it (although many of them have a car waiting to reheat goose pimpled limbs) so I braved the cold. I find if my feet remain warm enough it’s just about bearable. Give it a go.

Shirt as before, skirt from Levi’s ( www.levi.co.uk), boots from Hudson (www.selfridges.com).

0 Comments