GREAT WOMEN CREATE GREAT ENERGY…
As many of you know, last week I was a guest speaker at the Winser London Style Event at the beautiful Flemings Townhouse in Mayfair. Thank you to everyone who came to hear my talk, to shop the beautiful Winser collection and to help create what was described as “an infectious buzz of energy and excitement”. There is something quite wonderful when great women come together – simply joyous. This Style Post is dedicated to the Winser team, to style lessons we can all learn and to the power great clothing can bring to every one of us. Enjoy the read and here’s to Kim Winser OBE for having the foresight and skill to bring together a team of talented, stylish individuals who are passionate about the brand they belong to. It shows in everything they do and wear and it was a privilege to stand beside them.
Style issues that connect us
During my talk we looked at the issues many of us face now we are ‘getting dressed again’:
- “the difficulty with putting outfits together having spent so long in loungewear”;
- “feeling lost and overwhelmed with fashion”;
- “getting to grips with what workwear looks like now”;
- “how to feel positive about our figures when we’ve gained weight”
- “reinvention and how to reassess our style and image”.
Together with great women and with the stunning pieces from the new autumn/winter collection – we tackled them all!
The beauty of a versatile wardrobe
When it comes to our wardrobes – we all agreed, we have too much and need fewer pieces BUT ones that offer versatility. Here are my Top 5 Winser pieces that do exactly that: dressed up, dressed down and from day to night, which makes them such great investments. They looked stunning on so many women I met – all different ages, shapes, and sizes. The look of amazement at how the clothing transformed their figures was pure joy to see. A lesson for everyone – never rely on “hanger appeal” – try things on, step out of your comfort zone and prepare to be amazed.
1. The Limited Edition Maxi Dress
This mulberry silk dress is divine. So many guests agreed hence the reason it practically sold out! It comes in this rich, vibrant green as well as classic black. It is the perfect dress to wear now with knitwear and boots; with or without the tie belt; for a summer wedding (enjoy looking fabulous Dorinda); in the summer with flat sandals or worn open over your favourite outfit. This one dress will take you anywhere.
2. The Recycled Cashmere Poncho
I wore this on my way to the event and was stopped TWICE to ask me where it was from. Don’t you love it when that happens? This is my go-to when I don’t want to wear a heavy coat but I do want the warmth of one. And, if you think you need to be tall to carry it off, think again or just ask my super-stylish friend Sarah (5ft 3) who looks incredible in it. These ponchos sell out quickly – if you are interested in one and cannot find it on the website do contact the Winser team and they will source one for you.
3. Faux Leather Trousers – with a difference
Regular readers will know, I tend to vere away from ‘faux leather’ as I find it looks and feels too cheap. However, having seen Pat (one of the stylish Winser team) wearing them I was smitten. They are waxed cotton (making them machine washable) but finished to look like leather. Genius! They are ¾ length and look amazing with brogues, boots, plimsoles or heels. Team with a great silk shirt; a chunky knit or a t-shirt and blazer – so many options to choose from.
4. The Ultimate Accessory – a silk tie
Such a simple piece but one that makes such a difference. Wear in dramatic pussy bow, loose tie, draped over the tunic dress, on its own under a suit jacket, as a belt – shall I go on? It works with every silk piece Winser create and is available in champagne, cream or black. This is definitely on my wish list for Christmas.
5. The Uber-Chic Tweed Midi Skirt
This tweed pencil skirt is a beautiful example of a piece that can look stunning for the office and equally fabulous dressed down with knitwear and boots. Teamed with a silk blouse – so chic; white shirt – so cool; chunky knit - so gorgeous. Enjoy it Sylvia – you were born to wear it.
6. The Silk Tux Dress
They say simplicity is the epitome of style and this tuxedo dress proves it. Worn over cigarette trousers or leggings; worn as a dress with great heels (go Fiona – we all agreed it looked amazing on you) or with flat boots, loose silk tie and a leather jacket (Nina – you looked so chic). Whether you opt for cream, black or pink – it’s a beautiful piece - enjoy!
7. Wrap up in Style
Whether you go for the wrap coat (full length or short) or the cardigan coat – they are the quickest way to improve the most basic outfit. Simply throw over whatever you’re wearing for the epitome of understated cool. There are beatiful shades to choose from, whether you want to dress tonally or add a rich bold colour – either way it works beautifully.
So there you have it – a snapshot of why I love Winser London. As regular readers of the Style Post you receive 10% discount – just use MAGGIE10 at the check-out. If you do treat yourself to a piece, I guarantee you will treasure it and wear it endlessly.
Finally - if you are struggling with your style – please don’t – life is too short. Simply click HERE and we can discuss it over a coffee or glass of wine and clear up any misconceptions you have with your style, your shape or your image. It’s what I do and it’s what I love to do.
Have a great week-end and feel free to share this post.