Fashion by Shona Harding of Pearls and Scarlett

Going into the New Year most people see it as a chance to change or adapt the lifestyle choices or habits we all slip into throughout the year. For most people it is giving up chocolate or cigarettes, for others it involves a gym membership or two. These resolutions normally don’t last very long as we put the expectations far too high and set ourselves out for failure. So for a change this year why not set yourself a resolution to try a new style or look. As with everything we do on a day to day basis we are habit forming, it is part of our DNA and this is no different for the way we shop. We get used to buying from the same shops; it gives us comfort to know what size we are in that shop and that season after season they tend to stick to only variations of the same look.

If the prospect of changing your style is too daunting why not look to your favourite films or T.V programmes for inspiration. Programmes like Downton Abbey and films following the lives of Marilyn, Wallis Simpson and Margaret Thatcher are all popular and hark back to the days when women dressed in a more stylish way. Likewise if you were inspired by Princess Diana or Jackie O you can achieve their style by just making the smallest of changes.

Plan your seasons – take an hour out of your weekend to really think about what you will need for the next 3 to 4 months. We can take Jackie Onassis as a style inspiration for example; start with a Capri length or cropped trouser, very straight leg with vents at the ankle. A great colour is a dark beige, navy or black, team that up with a pair of ballerina pumps or loafers; good labels to look for here are Jaeger, French Sole & Max Mara. Then a higher neckline for the top - slash is great with ¾ length sleeves. Avoid prints and stick to plain, it is classic and will ensure the look won’t date. For evenings out try a black shift dress, length just below the knee teamed with a short swing jacket or bolero and medium-heeled court shoes. 

Keep jewellery to a minimum with just an elegant bracelet or earrings. If you look at photos of her from the 1960’s right up until her death she never made a fashion mistake because she understood and knew her style.

Next edition, I will be discussing a different look altogether; in fact it could not be more opposite to the elegance of Jackie O - the madness of Helena Bonham Carter!

See you all in April.

Shona

This article appears in our Feb/Mar 2012 issues - click here to read the All Things Local issue of your choice.

Fashion with Shona Harding from Pearls & Scarlett

Summer has finally arrived and at this time of year we are always reminded of re-growth and nature’s way of renewing everything around us. So why not use fashion in the same way, recycle from nature and find new ways to shop ethically. Budget shops are big culprits of offering cheap goods in a constant flow of ever-changing styles but there is a big trend towards fashion with better morals. The business I am in supports this and even the high street giants are starting to realise that customers want fashion with a conscience. So how do we shop safe in the knowledge our fashion is not harming the environment around us?

Look out for eco fashion websites – they are great for sourcing their products direct from the craftsmen that make them, ensuring they receive the bulk of the profit from items sold. ascensiononline.com is one that offers a great range of clothing, accessories and homewares which fall within the criteria whilst not compromising on quality and look. fashion-conscience.com is also a great site which offers vegan, sustainable, fair trade and recycled fashion.

High Street – although they are generally lacking in nearly every area of ethical fashion some are trying to change the way it sources its suppliers. Next, M&S and Monsoon are to name but a few, but the ranges in store are limited and cost more. They are also starting to use organic cotton more in their products which is always a great step towards a more natural product. It’s also great for babies whose skin reacts badly to chemical interference.

Eco Shopping – there are a great many independents around that use a range of local artisans who produce items from recyclable products. These include drinks cans being made into handbags and newspaper pulp used to make handmade jewellery. This style of fashion is always going to appeal to one section of the fashion market as not everyone wants to buy into these kinds of fashion pieces – but it’s becoming an increasing trend for those who wish to ease their own conscience whilst not compromising on their love of fashion and shopping.

Dress agencies, hiring and charity shops all offer a way of recycling your clothes whilst buying new items to add to your wardrobe.

See you in a couple of months, Shona xx