Sometimes style, isn't about stylish

I love a chunky knit, patterned jumper, the ubiquitous Christmas jumper - previously I may have reserved the use to Sunday afternoons with hot chocolate and an old movie, but this year thanks to the fashion demi gods I can wear mine out and about and people think I'm 'cool'.  Last year someone would have thrown a rock at me and next year, well who knows.  This year my Alpine knit is stylish, does it matter that mine is from the 80's and has been hidden in the darkest corner of my wardrobe and before that my Mother's wardrobe?  That for 20 years it hasn't been stylish but now it is retro chic.  If this is the case why should we throw away anything, it'll come around again and old favourites will be revitalised for a new season.

I'm not wearing my jumper because a variation of it is available from most outlets, I'm wearing it because I've always loved it and this is my style, it just so happens that this season people agree with me.  I think this is the key to being stylish, buying things you love and having the confidence that a classic will out last any trend.

I try to encourage people to buy well once, rather than being slaves to entirely trend based items.  As it is almost impossible to find your own fashion voice, if all you do is listen to others.  Adding inexpensive trend pieces seasonally will allow you to maintain your wardrobe and your bank balance, whilst ensuring you are recognisable as yourself and comfortable in the clothes you wear.  Helping people create their own style and stay true to that is as important to what I do, as being able to tell my clients where to buy whatever they need.  A great wardrobe will have 3 essential sections, with a range of items in each.
1. History: These are items that you are personally attached to because of a great memory or individual event, every time you put them on you are transported, because they helped create your memories.
2. Back bone: These are the chameleons of your wardrobe, the base layer that you can alter slightly to build any look you want and ensure that, that look is flawless. The perfect jean, an exquisite suit, or a flawless LBD, the beautiful basics that can be your foundation to create a style.
3. Flair:  This is the fun bit, items that speak to you in a whisper or a shout.  These are the items that draw attention and will illicit comments from those around you, they should be colourful and a little daring.  They are the items that may end up becoming part of your history.

A wardrobe should contain things you love, whether they are bang on trend or not, otherwise where is the joy?