So I’ve noticed a lot of the recent posts featuring in this blog have been “new season this, new season that”… very fall-centric. But I personally haven’t invested in a lot of new pieces for the autumn season and instead I’ve been clinging onto my summer tops, dresses and shoes for as long as humanly possible, as well as raking in the last of the in hopes they’ll still be in style next year.
The temperature’s dropped but I seem to be handling it ok. Here are some quick tips I’ve been using and hope you’ll draw inspiration from on how you can wear your summer pieces while making a statement for the rest of the year:

Open toed shoes

Definitely keep the shoes alive throughout fall. With coloured tights, printed tights, stirrup leggings, regular leggings and of course the all important leg warmers, there’s still hope for sporting the peep-toe and hosiery style until it gets too icy to wear them. If peep toe boots are the new style, why can’t we pull this off for a few months longer?

Summer dresses

If you have a lot of thin material summer dresses, this one is a lot of fun in the experimentation stage: Pick ones of different lengths, putting on the longest first and the shortest last. The layered effect looks great on the bottom (especially when there’s a big mix of patterns for a nice boho-chic look). Top it off with a chunky cardigan and a waist belt for shape.

Invest in a long sleeve tee

I bought myself some basic long sleeved tops and they are proving to be the most practical buy I have made. They look great under cardigans, but they can also be paired with summer tanks, t-shirts and dresses. Plus it feels like wearing a completely new outfit when all you’ve done is added an extra layer – love it!
Layer
…Everything – 3-quarter length leggings with tights, shorts with leggings, short sleeved blouses with chunky cardigans. Layers make for a unique and personal style statement so experiment as much as possible – you’ll be surprised how many outfits you can create from a few summer pieces.

Ever since YSL hit the catwalk with a sequined pair of Harem pants at the beginning of 2009, high street retailers have embraced the trend and they’re all over the fall collections.

Although they do pose an 80s fashion disaster, the style has been toned down and can be very flattering. The trousers skim the hips and accent the thinnest part of the leg. For pear shapes, the advantage here is that the fabric won’t cling to the largest sections of your hips and bum. On the contrary, those with more athletic figures will appreciate the fullness of the trouser to give a more feminine curve to the hips and bum.

During the day, pair them with shoe-boots, a fitted top and a feminine-cut blazer or cardigan. Shoe boots, with or without a heel, can be taken into night and are one of the season’s essentials. Fitted shirts, vest tops and t-shirts are a must, as draping fabric will only add bulk – showing off your femininity is important in mastering the harem trouser.

At night, stilettos, a fitted tube top or backless top are perfect. Tube tops can be worn in the same colour as the trousers. Add a skinny waist belt to mock the jumpsuit look, or simply tuck the top into your trousers and add a belt around the hips to accessorise.

Don’t be afraid of the harem trousers – once you buy your first pair, you’ll be hooked.

Crystal Renn, the size 16 model for Evans, gave Celebs on Sunday these 5 tips for curvy girls to look their best. Pick your best assets and flaunt them!

1. If you’ve got a tiny waist, then a cinch belt is a must. And if you’ve got great legs, then go a bit shorter with your skirts. There’s always something that’s worth playing up.

2. I think curvy women look great in statement pieces. You don’t want to go too little and dainty. Make the most of the fact you can pull off, say, a piece of statement jewellery in a way that a smaller girl probably couldn’t.

3. Tailored shapes can really change your appearance. Personally, I love big bell-shaped coats and dresses, but there will always be a shape that looks really good on you.

4. Make the most of your individual style. I don’t like anything that’s too girly or pretty, so I’ll toughen up a little dress with a leather jacket or some leggings (Evans do some great ones). Identify what works for you and go with it.

5. I love 50s-style underwear, the kind that comes up to your waist with a little bra. I think it’s flattering in all the right places and a great way to get a man’s attention. I hate thongs – a guy must have invented them because they’re so uncomfortable it’s unbelievable.

Just a note of some quick tips I use to keep skin, makeup and style looking fresh and fabulous during the summer months.

Stay Hydrated

More susceptible to a stitch during your morning workout? The changes in temperature may have something to do with it. Make sure you avoid dehydration by keeping caffeine and alcohol consumption to a minimum and drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.  For a little added flavour, try squeezing some lemon juice into your water. Not only does it taste great, but it will help your body burn calories and helps to give skin a clear, natural glow.

It's water, I promise!

Stay Protected

SPF isn’t just for the beach! You should try and get used to applying it daily. Mix it with your regular moisturiser and use at least an SPF 15.

Bare It

Just as we decrease the layers in our clothes, you should be decreasing the amount of make-up you use. Try mixing your foundation with 2 parts moisturiser for an even, lighter application that won’t fade while you enjoy activities in the sun.

Colour Is A Go!

Hot colours this summer? orange, pink, purple and yellow. These have been especially apparent in nail polishes, so make sure you grab yourself some for perfectly pedicured feet.

Shine On

Try shiny lip glosses in shades of peach and baby pink. They compliment a summer glow and comply with the lighter application rule.

Keep lips hydrated while adding shine with gloss

Line Them Up

Eye shadow = clubs at night, eyeliners = fresh faced in the day. You can make the line as thick or thin as you like and the colour is more likely to stick than a shadow. Try shades of blue and green – they make a bold statement without looking overdone.

Stay Smudge Free

Use waterproof mascara to avoid smudges after swimming and make sure you invest in an oil based eye makeup remover to fully cleanse before you sleep.

Summer Dresses

Summer dresses are the perfect fashion statement for summer: they’re feminine, transition easily from daywear to nightwear and show off tanned, toned legs.

Tan Indoors

We know you’ve been told before, but we’ll reiterate it: please don’t harm your skin in the sun and on sun beds. If you exfoliate your skin well before applying a self tanning lotion, it looks just as good and is much safer. Try applying it before bed and showering in the morning to avoid the smell on your skin all day.

Sunless tan creams have come far in the last few years - applied right, they will look as good as a natural one

Protect Your Hair

Use a conditioning mask when you’ve been in the sun, after swimming and after exercising outdoors.