The Go-to Style Picks for a Rainy Day!

The rain is unfortunately inevitable, but like my Nan say’s “the trees need it!” I’m a person that can stomach the cold but when it’s wet, its weather that I just can’t stand. I have to say that my ultimate pet hate has got to be using public transport all muggy with wet people. Whether the rain catches you out or you’re fully prepared with your brolly, the rain somehow how seems to seep in and get you and there is nothing worse than getting to where ever you’re going and having to survive the day feeling soggy and damp, and let’s not even go there with the effects of this kind of whether on the hair do!

It’s all very tempting on days that dreary and miserable pouring with rain to slip on into the most unattractive but comfortable attire that is glum and gloomy as the grey clouds. Just because it rains there is no excuse to look as bleak as the weather, because this season more so any has ultra stylish rain pieces so that you can look your very best rain or shine.

Be fully prepared for the rain here on out with super stylish style picks that will make you look good. I’m not talking about bringing out your green filed jackets or Timberland boots, but regular clothing that is rain repellent with a stylish aesthetic.

Discover an edit of rainy day essentials that will leave you dry even through the wettest of April showers without ever compromising on your stylish repertoire…

The Rain Coat

The raincoat is one of the most ultimate rain proof coats that you can ever invest in this season. They were huge for A/W 14 and this season has seen styles develop into more interesting designers such as the yellow Balenciaga rain coat we saw for S/S 15 which had texturised detailing and a fur collar.

The greatness of a rain coat as a outwear garment comes in the way that you can style them, you can either go for transparent styles and layer up with a light weight number or introduce a raincoat to a look in garish colours for that colour pop drowsy day. 

1. Farfetch

2. Liberty

3. Zara

4. Simply Be

Boots

If there is one type of boot to keep your foot dry all season, it has got to be the Wellington boot. It was once a style only acceptable for wearing at festivals but the Wellington boot has seen a chic re-design this season where it’s now normal to buy wedged and stiletto wellies!

Wellies have entered a new generation where you find styles of all kinds and colours that you can actually style and look good in, wear these styles with pattern tights and long socks for a look that is fashion forward and cool!

1. Spartoo

2. Simply Be

3. M and M

4. My Thereasa

5. Miu Miu

The Shoulder Bag

One of the most practical styles of bags for a rainy day has got to be a cross body bag of some form, it's bag style pick that every fashionista should own. On a miserable wet day a side bag can just make life all that easier, where you have great accessibility with a piece like this, as after all you will need a hand free to potentially carry an umbrella and all.

This season is all about mini-bag styles, circle shapes, duffel bags and the python print. Bags are one of the most effortless ways to tap into this season’s trend while still being able to be true to personal style.

1. River Island

2. Very

3. Nelly

4. Monnierr

5. Matches

6. House of Fraser

Umbrellas

A strong sturdy umbrella has got to be one of man’s greatest inventions when it comes to being shielded from the rain!

Unlike other clothing accessories you don’t physically have to wear it, which means for those us that want to go all out with bold wacky designs, you won’t be judged!

It’s often wise to go for styles that are practical for your lifestyle and wardrobe opting for styles that are classic and timeless, but more often than not you just end up losing or breaking an umbrella which for me is a great justification to go for styles that are cheaper in statement stylish designs.

1. Forever New

2. Mango

3. Asos

4. One Kings Lane

There you have it, rain defence style picks for those showery days which almost make me like the rain!

Image source: www.pinterest.com

The Cape Edit

Capes have gradually been working their way back into mainstream fashion over the last few years, and Autumn/Winter 2014 has been an especially strong season for them. No longer the territory of superheroes and fairytale villains, they’re popping up all over the high street after making a statement on the runways back in February. Burberry led the way with monogrammed ponchos slung over the shoulders of Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse and an entire finale of nomad-styled models – and trendsetter Olivia Palermo was spotted in one soon after. Luckily for us there are more affordable alternatives out there, so we’ve done the hard work for you and pulled together a quick list of the very best.

There’s a Navajo vibe to this fringed cape from Miss Selfridge. The wraparound print, and the fringed trim, tap into Autumn/Winter’s handicraft trend perfectly but the neckline has been left uncluttered and fuss-free to keep it feeling modern. Rather than arm slits you wear it like a blanket – just look to Burberry’s monogrammed ponchos for inspiration. I’d pair it with delicate, watercolour prints for a traveller vibe, but it will look great with skinny denim too. And it’s already in the sale, so you can nab the look for a little less.

Zara’s checked wool cape looks like it could have been borrowed from a Grimm fairytale. The heritage plaid pattern is on trend, but it’s the furry green lining in the hood that really stands out for us. The sweeping shape means you can easily layer it over heavy sweatshirts – just add ankle boots and thick gloves and it will see you through the coldest winter days while you channel your inner Red Riding Hood.

This double-breasted cape from Topshop has a tiny heritage check pattern, in a classic palette of brown and beige. If you usually prefer a traditional mac but want to try something more on-trend, this is a great option. Use it to dress up denim with its vintage feel and tailored shape – there’s something slightly Sherlock Holmes about it, but in a good way.

This cape is for streamlined types, who look for functional minimalism in their wardrobes and are happy to spend slightly more on quality pieces that will last. This collared cape from Reiss comes in a beautiful, pearly shade of grey with dramatic flared sleeves and contrasting silver trims. The lines are sharply tailored but softly feminine at the same time, making it a great option to wear to work. It’s quite lightweight, so perfect for between-season transitions.

This Mango cape is more of a cardigan alternative than an outerwear option. But the waterfall shape looks brilliant against sharper separates: try it with long culottes and a simple, long-sleeved tee in neutral colours. Come summer it will be perfect with shredded denim shorts, but right now you’ll need pointed ankle boots and a proper winter coat to go with it.

We couldn’t write about capes without including a quick nod to its cousin, the poncho. This cosy Zara version is perfect for throwing on over denim and a lightweight knit at the weekends, for an effortless downtime look that’s still on-trend. The deep pockets and relaxed hood make it practical, but it’s the contrast stripes at the hem that we love. Pair it with wide leg trousers or leather leggings if you want to go a bit more directional; it’s all about playing with proportion and shape.

The Best Beauty Advent Calendars

Before we start talking gift guides and wishlists, it’s time to look at some of the OTT advent calendars to hit the beauty industry this year. Apparently a Christmas-shaped square of chocolate is no longer an adequate treat, and everyone from Benefit to Jo Malone has found a way to package up their products as an advent calendar. 

But if your inner cynic is rallying against this obvious marketing ploy, just look at how much you could save over buying each product individually. Yes, they’re gimmicky, but when else are you going to get £420 worth of treats for £149 (Liberty) or 24 gifts from Jo Malone? And why not spoil yourself – it’ll give you something indulgent to enjoy when you’re starting to stress about all the gifts you need to buy for other people. 

If you’re a really good friend, you could even buy these for someone else – perfect if you know someone with a birthday at the end of November or start of December.

Liberty

It might be the most ridiculous, overblown thing you’ll ever buy, but Liberty’s £149 calendar is actually crammed full with £420 worth of beauty. That includes treatment vouchers as well as full-sized goodies/deluxe-sized samples from Nars, Diptyque and Laura Mercier. And the illustration of Liberty’s iconic Tudor building on the front marks this out as a special way to start the holidays.

Ciate

It was Ciate who kick-started the trend for luxe advent calendars a few years ago, and they haven’t let up for 2014. This year they’ve hidden 24 treats within what looks like a festive mansion –perfect for nail art addicts everywhere. As well as their luxurious polishes it includes Christmassy transfers, and a few pots with textured finishes, to keep your manicure cutting edge in the new year.

Jo Malone

Who wouldn’t love to start every day in December with a surprise from Jo Malone? It will set you back £250, unfortunately, but this townhouse-style calendar contains the type of luxurious fragrances and body soufflés that might actually make you sorry when Christmas comes around and the surprises have to stop.

Benefit

Benefit’s beauty-stuffed advent calendar sold out online as soon as it still hit the digital shelves, but our sources tell us that there are still a few left in the Carnaby Street store  - so make sure that you get down there ASAP. Every day reveals a different mini-sized treat, including cult favourites and some of Benefit’s all-time best sellers. That includes Bad Gal Lash and They’re Real! mascaras, Total Moisture moisturiser and a few of the brand’s famous cheek and lip tints, so what’s not to love?

The Body Shop

Every purchase of The Body Shop’s ‘24 Days of Joy’ advent calendar includes a donation to War Child, a charity that funds educational resources for children in areas affected by war. You also save £33 compared to buying the products individually, so this is a great choice. As well as a limited edition Glazed Apple body lotion, there are Vitamin E, Argan Oil and White Musk classics.

Knitted Sets to create the Full Knit Look

Add knitted luxe to your wardrobe this season, a look that has been prevalent in some of the biggest ready to wear catwalk shows this season.

Introducing knitted sweaters and cardigans is the obvious way to go for an instant wardrobe update this season, but this autumn/winter is all about donning a barricade of knit to complete a on trend full knit look, which doesn't compromise on chic appeal.

We first saw full knit looks back in 2010 with Chloe’s A/W 10 runway show which saw camel tones in array of knitted delights, the collection included roll neck sweaters, pencil skirts, pant sets and even capes in the most elegant of styles.

This season has seen the development of this micro trend transpire into even more fabulous neutral full knit looks which has seen knitted pants at the heart of most of the looks. The knit in these kinds of looks was presented in much more finer cashmere like knit fabrics. This season has seen the knitwear evolve into more ribbed like knit fabrics where designers like Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Celine put a stamp on the look this A/W 14.

Investing in knitted pieces to create full looks can provide your wardrobe with great versatility, either as one look or as separates for more of a normcore aesthetic. Knitted ensembles will always give you a comfortably stylish repertoire where you can create knitted ensembles that you can either dress up or down, whether it’s a knitted look for a spot of brunch at the weekend paired with your fave slip on’s or pool sliders, to looks that are understatedly eloquent by teaming the knitwear with a miniature designer bag and pair of double strap stilettos, which will give you a ravishingly divine look oozing classic feminine attitude.

Rhianna the celebrity style trend setter is one of the first celebs to embrace the head to toe knit look which she accessories with a directional bag by Louis Vuitton by Frank Gehry in a twisted box design.

Dolce & Gabana A/W 10

Still not convinced by the cosy full knit trend? Well, I’m sure these knitted co-ords below are enough to inspire you for an effortless wardrobe update. Complete a full knitted look with trouser separates from Asos or Zara, or go for cable knit tights and statement ankle boots for a fashion forward style variation…

One: Missguided

Two: Choises

Three: Yesstyle

Four: Bank

Five: Asos

There you have it, knit looks you can pair with knitted trousers and look like your fresh from the runway!

Image source: http://clairedominique.wordpress.com, www.knitting-bee.com & http://yarnstylist.com

The AW14 Boot Edit

This year there are so many great boots, both on the high street and the designer collections, that choosing just one seems impossible. So we’ve done the hard work for you, trawling through hundreds of pairs to pick out the ones that are really worth your attention.

The Bohemian Boot
There are a lot of thigh-high boots out there this season, but this pair from Topshop stands out thanks to its rich, autumnal colour. If you’re planning to channel a Bohemian vibe this winter (and why not? It’s the cosiest way to survive the colder months, as well as the most vibrant), these are the boots to invest in. They’ll look perfect with your oversized shawl and chunky knits.

The Leopard Boot 
These flat Étoile Isabel Marant boots are seriously special if you’re looking for a designer pair. Their calf hair texture, with a black elasticated panel at the side, keeps them casual enough for everyday wear and weekend walks but there’s no denying that they’re a statement piece. Dress them down with denim or style them up with leather for a versatile Autumn/Winter 14 hero.

The Party Boot 
Aldo have gone to town on these boots. Coated in glitter, with a pointed toe and chunky, 3.5” heel, you should be dancing all night in them. The silver-black tone of the glitter is just about subtle enough to stop you from looking like a four year old playing dress up, but still makes a strong statement on nights out. Team them with bare legs to draw focus to your feet, and revel in the compliments.

The Chelsea Boot
This season Tory Burch has offered up the most elegant Chelsea boot we’ve ever seen. A minimalist, black suede upper is beautifully offset by the gold hexagon heel, which gives them a more fashionable edge, but they still feel classic. They’re perfect for day and night, so definitely worth the splurge.

The Velvet Boot 
Velvet’s definitely a trend this season, but not everyone has been daring enough to put it on footwear. You might spot it on the occasional slipper, but ASOS has taken it new heights with this mid-height Chelsea boot. The stacked heel and elasticated panel are classic, but the midnight blue makes them very of-the-moment. Buy them now and wear them to death this year; who knows whether this is a trend that will last.

The Slingback Boot 
Slingback boots and open toe boots might not make sense from a practical point of view, but they look great. That unexpected flash of ankle, or your new manicure, makes the chill you might suffer completely worth it. This Whistles pair comes in sleek grey leather and suede with an almond toe: feminine and minimal at the same time, with an impressive 9cm heel for extra height.

The Acne Boot
Nobody does ankle boots quite like Acne. While the Pistol and the Alma are their most famous styles, we’ve got our eyes on this newcomer, the Jensen. With a low heel and the softest tan suede, contrasted with a pointed elastic insert, it’s one of those styles that will only look better the more love worn it becomes. Invest now and wear forever.

Knitted Designer Sweaters to keep you super stylish all winter Long!

It's petty standard that every winter you'll need bit of wardrobe refresh, investing a good old knitted sweater is a great way to start.

This season has seen  a knitwear revolution, for us fashionista's that's something to get excited about because knit has evolved into a new dimensions, thanks to designers like Bahaus whose bold cable knits in bright colours would have anyone transfixed with their impeccable design. 

Celine and Marc Jacobs also owned the knitwear look this season with their A/W 14 collections which featured ribbed full head to toe knit looks.

If those designers alone are not enough of a reason to get involved with the new designer knitwear wave, then I’m sure these designer treats below will have you reaching for your bank card in no time!  

One: Tory Burch- www.harveynichols.com

This grey cable knit jumper featuring a metallic coating finish is that wardrobe winner that you can absolutely wear with literally everything! This iridescent piece would look really cool paired with ripped black skinnies accessorised with miniature ‘it’ bag and a floppy hat.

Two: Dries Van Noten- www.alducadaosta.com

This statement knitwear piece in green wool features a yellow abstract pattern which flows across the top of the jumper and down one arm. Rock this piece with wet leggings, slip on sneakers and a neon pink oversized clutch to make the yellow detailing of the knit really pop!

Three: Rochas- http://modaoperandi.com

This black wool blend angora sweater with velvet penne front would make a luxe addition to your wardrobe this season. This timeless number is a piece you can bring out season after season which won’t ever disappoint with its versatile appeal. Team this texturized piece with a printed mini skirt and statement necklace for a fashion forward in depth look.

Four: Kenzo- http://www.selfridges.com

This metallic blocked knit piece in gold and white is a piece that you can wear even while transitioning in between seasons. Let this piece do all the talking and emphasise this piece by wearing it with a white skirt, shoes and accessories for a fresh stunning street style look.

Five: Philip Lim- www.farfetch.com

This knitted jumper is in an understated eloquently chic design that sees a roll neck jumper adorned with fabric manipulated knit pieces detailed in the front and on the arms of the piece. Wear this piece embracing a sartorial inspired meets androgynous look, or style with flouncy mini skirt and knee high boots for a super stylish weekday look.

Six: Alexander McQueen- www.mytheresa.com

This furry jumper in all white wool and mohair blend, is one that should be on everybody’s which list! This fairy tale stunner will effortlessly elevate any look, pair it with a leather pencil skirt and tie up heels for a refreshingly chic street style look.

Seven: Karla Spectic- www.net-a-porter.com

Inject a burst of colour into your wardrobe this season with this neon textured sweater. Go really bold and pair this look with royal blue bottoms or dull it down with a pair of black tailored trousers and some statement black running kicks in which the Rick Owens by Adidas would lend well to in achieving a directional look.

Eight: Haider Ackermann- www.thecorner.com

This brown and black hounds-tooth jumper is in a classic print which will serve you well for years to come. The edgy piece is in a fitted long sleeve and body design, featuring a zip fastening in the back. This jumper would look awesome as a complete runway look which sees the same print in extremely oversized baggy trousers. To channel a less edgy look go for a pair of black baggy cropped leather trousers and pointed stiletto pumps.

Nine: MCQ- www.ssense.com

This black ribbed knit jumper is understated and intricately designed, which sees knit covered in a sea of black sequins. Wear this sparkly spectacle in an ensemble of anything from your boyfriend jeans, to a pleated midi skirt for a ravishingly divine look perfect for the party season.

Ten: Derek Lam- http://modaoperandi.com

This coral blue knit will leave you feeling everything except ‘blue’. This crochet wool and angora blend sweater would look rich next to nude pieces or a fun monochrome animal print would give the look a fierce edge.

Do you have a fave winter warmer?

Image source: www.pinterest.com