STYLE 101: "Fashions fade, style is eternal." -YSL

It can be truly frustrating for a busy woman to keep up to the minute with trends. Every season we're bombarded with trend after trend and many wonder, what are the things that will never go out of style? What should you invest in? As an editor I see trends come and go, but I also take note of the things that will never go out of style. Here are some favorite fool-proof looks that are eternally stylish:

#1 The Little Black Dress (LBD)I have many little black dresses.You should own at least one. The love affair with LBDs began during the 1920s when Coco Chanel introduced it as an everyday dress that can go from day to night with a raise in the heel, a switch from a handbag to a clutch and a dash of red lipstick. The LBD is even more stylish today and comes in an array of cuts and detailing.

#2 Sunglasses They really are a life saving when you wake up in the morning only to realize you look as if you've been to hell and back. I suggest you invest in designer shades, go designer shade shopping at vintage stores and you're bound to find something that's unique and durable. Please stay away from anything that makes you look bug-like. I adore Halston's line of sunglasses.

#3 Extreme Nails When it comes to nails stick with the two no fail colors. Either go with very pretty pale pinks or very rich dark reds. My favorite for pale, sheer pinks is Essie and for Rich reds I adore OPI. Try:A. Sugar Daddy by Essie (a luxurious sheer pink)B. I'm Not Really A Waitress by OPI (a candy apple red)

#4 Bold Jewelry Bold jewelry can add a little spice to your outfit. I love daring necklaces, cuffs and cocktail rings. Jewelry is also a great way to incorporate a season's trends into your closet without breaking the bank. I suggest you find pieces that you will wear forever. You have to really make sure your collection screams you. The best costume jewelry is always found during your travels. Whether it be real or costume, jewelry will always look fabulous with minimal care. Some items every girl should have:

• Cuffs (Try to find exotic styles with eye catching details)


• Hoop earrings (Thin is in)


• Statement necklaces. Cocktail rings (don't be shy and wear them during the day)

Style is not fashion and does not come easily. Some are born with it and other have to work very hard. It's a hard task but it's not impossible. A few good places to start would be through fashion blogs, fashion books and guides and of course magazines. A book you should get your hands on if your absolutely new to the fashion world and want a crash course on the industry is the new title by Nina Garcia, The One Hundred. It features 100 pieces that every women should own as well as tid-bits of fashion history. My favorite website for beauty updates is Temptalia the editor is up-to-the minute and features almost every new product out there. For fashion updates I enjoy La Couturier . It's a great site with a fresh take on fashion. My favorite magazine is Town & Country. I hope this article inspires you to work on your own personal style and must haves. Remember, be fabulous or stand outside.

The Difference Between Clothes And Fashion By Gabrielle Teare

As a personal stylist I spend many hours reviewing wardrobes. Given the fact that we only wear a shocking 20% of what we buy, frankly most of my clients waste money. The buzz of buying translates into the unworn, there is nothing remotely glamorous about this. I have improved since I learned the difference between “clothes” and “fashion” and now wear most of my wardrobe until it wears out.

“Fashion” is last season’s sleeveless jacket. Hugely expensive, but did you ever see anyone wearing this?? This is a non garment too cold to be a jacket, too edgy to be worn often by most in public. “Fashion” is also the here today, gone tomorrow looks that reinvigorate your wardrobe. Shoes are a fantastic “fashion” statement and so are bags. Fashion should be fun!

We all need regular “fashion” hits but we should not pay too much for them. Remember the 80:20 rule, and do not pay over the odds for something you will wear only for a season or not at all. Buy the diffusion ranges or the better high street brands and look to wear for 2 seasons only.
Sometimes we are all hit with a “I will die if I don’t have that” and these instincts should be followed for the sheer fun occasionally but if you let them dominate your wardrobe you will have nothing to wear.

“Clothes” are what you actually wear 90% of the time so spend money on them, buy the best you can afford and look to keep them. A great beautiful coat in your style and colours will last 10 years so buy a more expensive one. The “fashionable” coat will last 4 months so don’t pay too much have fun with it buy a great colour and look to replace it.

“Clothes” are your signature style. Last summer when smocks were in most of my clients bought them, these are now part of the vast unworn in your wardrobe, along with the sleeveless jacket etc. “Clothes” should be items that you love deeply that you will wear for ever. Jackets, jewellery, coats, cashmere should not be dull but beautiful in rich colours. Fit is everything, buy for how you are now, not I might lose some weight or I am fat so I will buy a bigger size this does not work. Buy beautifully cut garments that flatter whatever shape or size you are.

If grey is in and it does not suit you don’t buy it. In short, learn what suits your body, learn what style you are and buy clothes that fit you. Baggy clothes generally don’t flatter and make you look fatter than you are. Go spend your money on fantastic must-have shoes instead or a great piece of jewellery and when things are in the shops that you love, that make your heart sing, that really really suit you, buy them. These will form a great wardrobe for many seasons to come. Aim to be beautiful and fabulous and you will be!