ValApparel

So, here we are, we have reached number 10.

It’s been a hard slog (for you) (and me, you only need to read this drivel, I need to think about what I am going to say and then write it – so stop complaining!!), but the finish line is in sight, keep going, nearly there……..

I have thought long and hard about number 10 and whilst staying in Edinburgh over past couple of days, I did a lot and I mean a lot, of people watching, taking in all the various looks, I even got stopped on the Royal Mile to be told by one lady and her friend, that they loved my fashion style, (they were both stylists and I was the first one they had stopped that day), I was totally blown away – genuinely, it was difficult to get my feet back on the ground after that). I digress…….. what I am trying to say is my mindset was swayed as a result of my people watching.

I was initially going to make my last piece on the resurrection of lace but

• i am not a huge fan
• i like being able to mix fabrics, styles and colours up and this material isn’t so easy to do this with
• it doesn’t have a lot of give in it, its very structured and this season I am all about comfort
• it’s my BLOG and I will do what I want

I was also going to give the ‘tie’ a mention, yes, as in men’s tie (obviously women’s in this case), as there are a lot of suits and tailored looks doing the rounds and a tie with a nice crisp shirt is a great look but it just didn’t make for a very interesting subject, it’s a tie, it has a knot and hangs down – end of!!!

I did keep coming back to ‘LAYERS’ and I will still give this a mention. Given the climate we now live in and the fact that, we can literally have ‘four seasons’ in one day (I blame Greetin’ Greta, it was never as bad as this before she started ranting on and on about climate change, when she should have been in school!!!!), it’s difficult to know what to wear. A great way to combat this is by wearing lighter items of clothing but more of them. A simple vest, with an open shirt and a trench coat with some jeans and trainers or brogues. A hoodie underneath a bomber with a midi skirt and some boots, you get the idea.

But, in the end, I decided to go with something I have oodles of, something that every/most outfit needs, something that just adds that certain ‘je ne c’est quoi’ (43 years later and I can still remember how to spell it) to finish it of.

WITHOUT FURTHER ADOO – NUMBER 10 is ………. JEWELLERY…. METAL, to be precise. Did I hear someone muttering ‘ is that it?’. Well, yes it is, there is no need to be so rude!!!

I have said many, many times, that accessorising, even the most simple/basic outfit can totally transform it and this season is no exception. Soooo much choice and autumn 2023 is all about METAL.

I shop on ETSY a lot, particularly for jewellery, as I know I am going to get a one-off piece from some of their sellers, just something that little bit different, I think it’s important when buying costume jewellery to have something slightly out of the norm, with ETS,Y you are also helping small, independent businesses.

Well fashionistas, that’s my top 10 tips for autumn 2023. For those of you who have read them, I really hope you have enjoyed them, for those of you who haven’t ….**&&%%~~!!!!@@@ to you.

There will be a BONUS BLOG which does involve all 10 tips and, little old ‘moi’. Please keep a look out for it and have a read when you get the chance.

This has been fun and I have been valapparel.

See you all soon.

Enjoy being you xx