Sixties Pixie

A year ago, my locks might have given Rapunzel a run for her money but, believe it or not, since my recent cut (live on stage; no mirror - I do like that added element of drama when it comes to my trims), my only grievance had been that my hair was too long (untangling it from my own/other people's elbows I'd become resigned to over the years, but from my own eyelashes - that I can't deal with). So, making full use of my London Fashion Week press pass (more to come on that as soon as I have a minute, but you can check out some of my adventures here), I enlisted the complimentary services of one of Toni & Guy's senior stylists to transform my new 'do from mop to pixie crop (yes, I am now more accustomed to BEING paid to have my hair done, but I was pretty happy with the compromise).

And I love... Aside from the 30 second drying time (and the no-second brush time - a year ago, it was 60 minutes - no joke), the best thing is the effort-free refresh it's given my wardrobe! Everything just instantly looks that little bit cooler, and I can somehow get away with ensembles previously dismissed as too far over the Barbie-does-dress-up line. But my very favourite thing has to be the added pop it gives to '60s style ensembles - now, I'm not saying I'll be packing up my flares and bell-sleeves... (heaven forbid) ...but I am frantically digging out those neglected A-line shifts and mini-skirts - gotta love a bit of fash decade-hopping...

Dress and Top: Both Primark (Past Season), Shoes: Marks & Spencer

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"Shortcuts" to New Season Style...

Every 6 months, we start talking about that "tricky transitional" period between seasons, but I think this month has seen me waste more frantic minutes darting between the Met Office iPhone app and increasing-by-the-second pile of discarded-in-despair clothes on the bed/floor/cat than ever before. But the upside is that all those too-toasty-for-summer-but-insubstantial-for-winter ensembles have come into their own - sleeveless coats and gilets are GO!

And to address the elephant in the post - yes, I have had another little new season makeover myself, c/o my latest hair modelling job - and it's only a tiny bit annoying that Justin Bieber had to go and get virtually the same haircut... and then style it like a troll doll.

Dress: F&F (Past Season), Gilet: H&M, Shoes: Primark

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How to Wear the Blanket Wrap (Take II)

Blanket wrap, cape, poncho or just plain old picnic rug: however you choose to refer to it, there's no denying one thing: it's back with a vengeance.

I picked mine up last summer, to throw on over playsuits and sundresses (see its first appearance here), but this year's tricky transitional period is providing it with a brand new lease of life... in fact, crazy as it may sound, a little bit of me is actually rejoicing in the resurgence of this damp, dreary weather - bring on the layers!

Blanket Wrap and Shirt: Both Primark (Past Season), Trousers: Missguided, Boots: Forever 21

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My AW15 High Street Hit List

Summer has always been my favourite time of year and, until I began peddling it myself, all that fashion chat about autumn/winter in August would fill me with a creeping sense of dread (along with an unconquerable compulsion to invest in a new faux fur coat). But this year, I think I've actually managed to convince myself - this season's 1870s meets 1970s vibe is right up my street. Presenting your AW15 everything-under-£40 capsule wardrobe (a.k.a. my birthday wish list - shhh).

Gilet £18, Jumper £8, Skirt £15, Bag £10, Boots £18: All Primark

Blouse £18, Dress £20, Shoes £14: All Primark

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Go Green: The New Way to Wear Khaki

If you're UK-based, I'm going to go ahead and assume you've been shooting longing glances at these palazzo pants through the window of your local M&S for the last month or so, since pretty much every woman I've spoken to recently seems to have fallen victim to the evil genius of their latest visual merchandising campaign. I managed to hold out until a "20% Off Everything" email plopped into my inbox, and then it was all systems go - after all, I'm only human, and even at full price (£35), they're a bit of a steal.

Going green has to be the perfect way to take your '70s style staples into autumn (that skirt will soon be undergoing a military-style makeover too...) - and don't palazzos, midis and heels make for a far-too-long-awaited and ever-so-refreshing alternative to full-on combat gear? 1998 has been and gone, people! And, whilst its muted tones mesh effortlessly with neutrals, muted needn't mean dull, by any means - a pop of neon yellow will liven things up a treat - so of course I had to slip this canary-hued hobo into my virtual shopping basket... you know, while I was there (and anyway, at £29.50 it's going for a song).

Trousers and Bag: Both Marks & Spencer, Top: Miss Selfridge, Shoes: George at ASDA

Tempted to go green this autumn..?

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