The Friday Girl's Picks: Topshop Midi Skirts

Midi skirts are still kicking about and are looking as fresh as ever before. This week I've picked three Topshop numbers that I really like at the moment. The denim one is so pretty and would look lovely with a stripy top or a lacy white camisole and sandals. The tropical floral number in the middle is part of an amazing two piece but can of course be worn on it's own. This would look fab dressed up or down. Finally, the taffeta picnic blanket multi-coloured beauty of the last one is limited edition and the most expensive of the three is such a statement piece. 

What do you think about this statement midi skirt trend?

Two Ways to Wear: Topshop Printed Folk Jacket

This season's jacket is the folk, printed, studded beauty that is this Topshop Jacket.  For only £48, you can get your wardrobe update with a folk festival twist. You might think that this little jacket has limited ways to wear but today we're sharing with you two completely different ways to wear. One, a casual relaxed look for the weekend and the other a smarter look that you could wear for work or a wedding. We've also included a statement bag to show that this can be worn in two separate ways too.  Black is a great base for a lot of outfits and this monochrome beauty has so much wear in it! It also has flattering cropped sleeves and would look great on shorter and taller ladies so no swamping jackets here. Let us know what you think about these outfits over on our Twitter page. 

For the first look we've gone for a relaxed, boho chic look with some ripped jeans, also from Topshop, some brown leather fringed sandals, a relaxed tshirt and chic black nails. This is the perfect look for day to day running errands, weekend lunch with the girls, anything! The next look is to pair the jacket with it's matching skirt and a little white shirt. Pair with flats because the skirt is quite short to keep the look sophisticated. We've chosen some black gladiator flats to coordinate with the skirt. Finish with a slick of bright lipstick to bring the look up to date and into the summer time. 

The Friday Girl's Picks: Fruity Fashion Good Enough to Eat

The sun is most definitely out and it's time to have some fun with fashion! Below are some of my favourite picks of the novelty fruity trend. From pineapple print jeans from Topshop to a few lovely bits from ASOS including the cute watch, spotty dress and strawberry t-shirt! I especially love the two bits from New Look, the orange slice clutch and the watermelon print high waisted bikini bottoms which are fab for if you want to hide your middle area but still want to rock a bikini. 

What do you think of this trend? Will you be rocking anything fruity this summer? I've definitely just picked up the orange slice clutch for a splash of fruitiness into my wardrobe! It was only £9.99, which is a fab affordable price for a little trend injection. 

The Friday Girl's Picks: Summer Raincoats!

This might not be what you want to hear, but today, it's raining. We all know that in Britain, good old Blighty, we get a bit of rain every now and again! So, to keep all our lovely clothes dry and stop us getting soggy, occasionally we'll need a coat! I've trawled the net and found a lovely little selection of raincoats perfect for the summer months and great if you're heading off to any festivals too! 

1. ASOS Henna Print

2. Next Floral Print

3. George at Asda Animal Print

4. Topshop Clear

5. Le Petit Bateau Yellow Fisherman 

How to Wear: Spring/Summer Boots

Boots used to simply be a thing of the cold months, useful for making sure that your toes don't fall off from frostbite! Now, we're seeing a little influx of spring and summer boots worthy of the sunshine! Clearly these aren't the ones for a day at the beach but in this transition period of May where it could still rain at any time, they're perfect. 

The first of the spring/summer boots that are in the style spotlight today are these vibrant beauties from Topshop. These are called the Allied Desert Boots and also come in a fab poppy red colour. We just loved the vibrant cornflower blue of this pair, they make such a statement. Paired with your favourite skinny jeans and a bright summery shirt you can do no wrong. 

Next up is the classic Western inspired cowboy type boot that comes out every year, without fail! This lovely pair are from ASOS and look lovely paired with a ditzy floral dress or in this case, a little pair of dungarees from Monki and a denim jacket. Perfect for festivals and parties in the park!  

Lastly, a more sophisticated and on trend pair of boots. These open toed (& heeled) Kurt Geiger boots are great for a night out or drinks with the girls and look perfect with an all black ensemble. Being a really versatile nude colour they'll look great with almost any colour too which means they're technically an investment piece!

What do you think? Will you be rocking one boots this spring/summer or will you be sticking to sandals? Let us know @Theimageconsco on Twitter! 

10 of The Best Summer Night Out Tops

Even though it's coming to summer, we still need a lovely selection of evening wear, something that we often pair with Christmas parties and the like. When it comes to Summer evening wear, long sleeves and thicker fabrics are gone which can be daunting for some of us who like to cover up! 

Here's a lovely little selection of 10 of the best evening and night out tops suitable for partying those summer nights away, whatever your body shape! Click here for all the links to the pieces.

1. Strappy Topshop Cami 

This is perfect for straight up and down or smaller busted girls, perfectly pretty and would look fab with skinny jeans and some bright heels. 

2. Debenhams Draped Top

This pretty cornflower blue colour is lovely for the summer and the clever draping at the front is fab if you carry a little extra weight at the front of your stomach and you want to conceal it. The long sleeves are also great if you're not comfortable having them out. Who said the summer has to mean sleeveless tops? 

3. Grey Peplum The Outnet

This is another one that's really good for straight up and down girls if you want to give yourself a bit more shape with the illusion of the peplum. 

4. Mango Scarf Print

This Mango number is another one with fantastic draping at the front to conceal any tummy that you want to hide. 

5. Pink Peplum

Another amazing peplum top but this one is in a lovely bright pink colour, perfect for the summer time. 

6. ASOS Boxy Kimono

This is really good if you want to cover your upper arms if you aren't comfortable with them. This top isn't great for ladies with larger busts, a C cup is probably the biggest that would look good with this top due to the boxy shape and high neck. 

7. House of Fraser Green Drape Cami

This is a pretty draped top, again good for love handles and tummy problems as it will skim over it. 

8. River Island Floral Shirt

This pretty floral print is great for flowing over lumps and bumps too but also looks great on straight up and down ladies. Don't do it up to the top button if you have a large bust as this will only make you look bigger.

9. River Island Cross Over Stripe

Another perfect straight up and down girl's top or perfect for pear shaped ladies because if you pair it with some black skinny jeans all the interest will be drawn up top and your pear is a thing of the past! 

10. Debenhams Cross Over Wrap Top

Another perfect wrap over top great for top-heavy ladies. 

The Friday Girl's Picks: How to Style The Midi Skirt Trend

The midi skirt is a huge trend this Spring/Summer14. We've seen them before, but this time round, there's less body con and a few more swishy and pretty shapes about. The midi skirt is rests in-between your ankle and your knee, it's really flattering and looks the best with heels. A midi skirt with flats can make you look shorter than you are, so keep the heels on!

Circle

The full circle skirt can look really 50s and swishy, pretty and girly but can also look really modern. This vinyl Topshop number is definitely a modern take on the retro classic. £55

A-Line

This incredible ASOS Scuba material skirt is a modern take on the classic A-Line shape. I LOVE it. £30. This looks perfect with the white shirt it's styled with and would look amazing paired with some monochrome animal print too. 

Pencil

This beauty from Zara, for only £35 is a great summer shade and would work really well with so many colours. Best for top heavy ladies to make the most of your great legs. 

See how these lovely ladies style their midi skirts:

Kate Moss for Topshop

Kate Moss has certainly caught our attention this week with the announcement of her "bow legs" and the eagerly awaited launch of her collection with Topshop. Since turning 40, the supermodel claims

 "I feel happy. I turned 40 and I felt more comfortable in my skin, probably more comfortable than I ever have. It's an actual feeling. I still feel nervous at times, but not as nervous."

Her new found confidence and happiness translates within her designs by opting for a more sophisticated version of her own treasured pieces. Her personal style is embedded into the collection to give a sense of identity and maturity. Expect to find an eclectic mix of fringing, sequins and crepe satin alongside tailored pieces, trouser suits and floral printed shirts.

Kate Moss' revelation is refreshing to hear, as many worry about turning 40 and lose confidence in their appearance. Use her words as inspiration and make sure you feel comfortable in your skin instead of focusing on age. If you would like some help in feeling great book a personal shopping trip today!!

What do you think of the collaboration?

The Friday Girl's Picks: Florals

We all know that florals are always big for spring, but this year, florals have gone bold! There's not a ditzy print to be seen and I am loving it. Check out my picks for the best bold spring florals around. 

Mystic Whistles Floral Wrap Skirt
Joules Lia Cotton Floral Trousers
River Island Black Floral Top
Aloha Topshop Floral Playsuit

How to Wear: Matching Sets/Co-Ords Trend

So this has been a trend that we've been loving here at The image Cons Co, it brings the power suit out of the eighties and into the now. This look really packs a fashion punch and is great for the up and coming Spring & Summer. Don't think it's just for model-type, we're about to tell you that you can wear this trend whatever your body shape.

The great thing about these matching sets or coordinates are that you get two pieces that you can mix and match with other things and one powerful outfit, so it's 3 in 1 with endless possibilities!

This amazing Zara suit is perfect for summer weddings or parties, or the office if you've got the best boss in the world! This is perfect for straight up and down girls or a slight curvy hourglass. 
ZARA Yellow Suit

Don't be afraid of wearing a print if you are bigger in one place or another, wear it on your smallest area, your legs if you're top heavy and your top if you're pear shaped. This will balance you out and you're still able to wear the latest trends. Remember to keep the shapes, skirt lengths and necklines to what suits you and you'll be fine. 

This stunning set from ASOS Curve is a great length to cover larger thighs if  you're conscious of them and shows off the slimmest part of your leg. These barely there sandals are also perfect for that as they are leg lengtheners! The side panels draws the eye downwards in a streamlined way to really slim you down. ASOS CURVE Geometric Set

This little co-ord suit set is amazing for shorter girls as the cropped jacket is a good length and won't swomp you if you're around 5ft 3. These shorts are also high waisted so they'll make your legs look really long. This isn't to say that taller ladies can't wear this, you totally can but it's just a great style for shorts girls too. 

River Island Cropped Jacket
River Island High Waisted Shorts

What do you think of this matching sets trend?

The Gingham Trend for Straight Up & Down Body Shapes

Image Source & Links to Clothes

This Gingham trend is really coming in for Spring/Summer and here at The image Consulting Company we always like to share a new trend. Also one of our main mottos is dress for your shape so in this post all of these tops are for the straight up and down girls who don't have the biggest bust. Now sometimes these ladies can feel a bit down about the lack of size in this area because lovely things like wrap dresses need to be pinned to prevent gaping and it can be a bit of a nightmare. But the plus side is that you can wear pretty high necked tops like these and the prints work really well because they won't make you look bigger than you are. This can happen with bigger busts and busy prints can make you seem larger. The high necks are also a problem for making you seem bigger than you are for bigger busts as tops tend to hang off you like a table cloth. Luckily for smaller breasted gals these will flatter and look oh so cute this Spring/Summer. 

If you do have a bigger bust and still want to go with this cute gingham trend, why not try a 50s style dress in this pretty print that will flatter curves or even a pair of gingham check trousers or leggings with a plain top if you're top heavy. This will bring more emphasis down to your smallest part, your legs.

Hope this was helpful!

SS14 Trend Watch: Optical Illusion

Optical illusion dresses are crowned the most flattering frock ever invented! A bold yet true statement!! The name itself suggests a kind of trickery to the eye, a magical spell or, maybe, in reality a very clever manipulation of fabric and pattern design.

The trend sneakily creates an illusion of a smaller frame by producing a new line that demands attention. The new silhouette is created by a panelled insert (that is lost on the eye) or an impressive print that almost initiates confusion that the naked eye can't process; leaving everyone believing that you are 100 times smaller than this morning!

Another clever technique is to incorporate transparent triangular inserts that all point to the centre. Let's face it, if someone is pointing we are all looking!! Once again everyone's secretly wondering how you managed to loose weight in one hour - shall we tell them it's the dress or a unknown mystery created by an optical illusion????

Take a look below at how to achieve the optical illusion trend and where to find a stunning dress from Topshop.

1. Bodycon Dress by TFNC: £45

2. Lydia Dress by Motel: £38

3. Mirror Stripe Bodycon Dress by Annie Greenabelle: £36

4. Lace and Chiffon Maxi Dress by WYLDR: £56

5. Make Some Waves Mesh Dress by Jovonna: £50

6. Embroidered Backless Maxi Dress by Rare: £45

The Friday Girl: How to Wear Leather in Your 30s

Second in the How to Wear Leather Series is the 30s!Ok, so these aren't strictly real leather but you can find some absolutely gorgeous real leather trousers on the market out there. These are a fab alternative that can also be layered over normal leggings for a thicker appearance, I normally do this with my leggings to avoid the see-throughness if they aren't thick enough! Paired with a classic chic striped top and denim jacket this is a great relaxed weekend outfit. 

Top: New Look
Denim Jacket: Topshop
Handbag: Topshop
Boots: Topshop
Leather-Look Leggings: Dorothy Perkins
Watch: Michael Kors

How To Wear Ankle Boots

It's confirmed!!! Ankle boots are my favourite kind of footwear - black ones in particular. I believe that they are the most versatile piece of footwear I own and since buying my Chelsea Boots I have worn them most days.

Ankle boots can be teamed with cute dresses and skirts, leggings and various jean silhouettes alike. The classic shape can be worn for a variety of occasions during the day and evening. Living in a city, the footwear style is a great way of combating style and comfort as I walk to most places. The boot adds an edgier touch whilst meeting friends, going to gigs or simply walking to work. After choosing my outfit I simply select either my flat boots (on most occasions) or my boots with a small platform heel, which dress up the outfit slightly and still create a stylish look.

So.........to conclude, in my opinion, ankle boots are the most versatile piece of footwear on the high street. Take a look at the range I have selected that are available at the moment. There are so many different styles to choose from you will be guaranteed to find a pair that suits your style. Do you have a favourite piece of footwear that you cannot resist??

1. Ark Double Zip Ankle Boots from Topshop: £78

2. Metal Trim Strap Block Heel Boots from New Look: £27.99

3. Double Buckle Ankle Boots from New Look: £27.99

4. Schuh Taboo Boots: £80

5. MONTH Chelsea Boots from Topshop: £45

6. Deena & Ozzy Parker Buckle Chelsea Boots from Urban Outfitters: £75

The Friday Girl: How To Wear Leather In Your 40s.

Leather has been huge for the past few seasons and it doesn't seem to be going away. If you don't think you can pull it off because of your shape or age, think again and see if you fancy trying any of these outfits. Leather doesn't have to mean racy Victoria Beckham videos or too tight trousers, it can mean chic and classic.

The Leather Skater Skirt:

This is fab for pear shapes with hang-ups about their legs and bum as this skater skirt will skim over the problem areas. Is also a really good length for late 30s-40s who may feel that they can no longer where the mini length but don't want to cover up completely! This is a great date night outfit or adding a blazer and a bigger handbag could be a swish office look.

Leather Skater Skirt: Whistles
Heels: Kurt Geiger at Topshop
Animal Print Blouse: Episode at House of Fraser
Clutch Bag: Forever New
Nars Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

The Friday Girl's Picks: Spring Handbags for Now!

So, the gloomy month of January is well and truly here, but fear not, we're over half way through and spring is a-coming. All the shops are starting to bring out some spring/summer bits and it's becoming a lot brighter! Pastels and brights are back in force and it does put a smile on my face! Now I'm not saying go and buy all the clothes that we can't wear for another 3 months because we all know that it won't be warm enough. I've picked out a few handbags & clutch bags that can easily fit into your early spring wardrobe to bring a bit of brightness, all for under £60! 

Yellow - Accessorize £34
Black & White - ASOS £35
Neon Pink - ASOS £25
Green - Boticca £57
Coral - River Island £28
Blue - Topshop £36

I hope this helps to perk up your January!

How to Accessorise: Part Two

As discussed in last weeks instalment of How To Accessorise, I have invested in three different accessories that have enhanced my wardrobe.

This weeks accessory discovery is socks!!!

I found that various ankle socks are very practical for the Winter season and also stylish. I have invested in various colours and styles to add an extra touch to my look. Socks are versatile as they can be worn in the day through to the evening. I also team the accessory with skirts, trousers, jeans, shorts and dresses (over tights) and with boots, shoes and trainers. I wear them so much I have asked for a range of styles for Christmas - with glitter ones at the top of my list.

Top Tip: My advice would be to make sure that the ankle sock is long enough to fit over the top of the boot. Ideally, you should be able to have enough length to create a worn look by scrunching the sock. I have made the mistake of choosing a style that wasn't the right length leaving me irritated and uncomfortable all day. Remember the whole purpose of the sock is to be visible to create a stylish look.

Stores: Topshop, Urban Outfitters and H&M are a great location for socks; to name a few. Remember, that socks are ageless and can be found in most stores.

What colour socks do you love to show?? I dare you to wear a pair os socks this festive season - there are so many styles available, you will be spoilt for choice!!

The Friday Girl's Gift Guide:Pressies for Girls!

So, I thought, a lot of our clients are mums and grandmas or you might be similar to my age and looking for some gift inspiration for friends and sisters, daughters, granddaughters, nieces, girlfriends of sons, etc! I'm in my early twenties so thought I'd just share a few ideas across the price range of things I think the fashion and beauty loving girls would love to appear under the Christmas tree in 19 days! (19 DAYS?!) 

1. Kurt Geiger Bond Heels £250.00
2. Melissa Obadash Gold Hoops - John Lewis £35.00
3. Essie Stroke of Brilliance Nail Polish - £12.00
4. Marc Jacobs iPhone Case - Libertys - £40.00
5. Marc Jacobs Make-Up Bag - £35.00
6. Benefit Most Easiest Nudes Ever Eyeshadow Kit - £19.98
7. Topshop Sequin Swing Top - £35.00
8. Michael Kors Watch - £135

Image Source

The Friday Girl's Tips: Dress for Your Shape: Pears!

Over our time at Bristol Fashion Week, we did a little bit of market research and we found that a lot of the women we saw were pear shapes. This means slightly heavier on the bottom than the top. We saw size 8 pears to size 18 pears! A lot of ladies are surprised that pear shapes can be smaller sizes but they can, it just means that you're bottom half isn't in perfect proportion with your top! But who wants to be perfect, hey? 

Here's a little post to give some little hints and tips for dressing the pear, this week I'm focusing on tops

Being a pear, one of the best things to do is elongate your figure and balance out your top half with your hips. Draw the eye up with slightly padded shoulders or a statement scarf or necklace. Highlight your waist with a skinny belt if wearing a dress and wear something dark and slimming on your bottom half if you're very conscious of it.

Try a bright top to draw the eye upwards, here are some from Topshop I'm loving at the moment;

1. Topshop Heart Geo Print Shirt

2. Floral Print Tee

This is also a fab shirt from Marks & Spencer which will elongate the torso and draw attention upwards; perfect tucked in to a pair of tailored trousers for a smart effortless look

Last tip: One of the worst things that you can do is wear a big baggy garment on top to cover yourself up as it will just look like you're as big as your bottom half all over! 

Topshop's Winter Coats

As the Winter months draw closer the need for a warm coat will become more apparent. Whilst browsing the Topshop online store I came across an array of exquisite jackets and coats that will see you through the season in style. A variety of shapes, colours and textures allow for Topshop to be a leading destination for selecting the perfect coat.

Take a look at my favourite picks from their coat department.

Blue/White Popper Front Boyfriend Coat: £58

Grey Furry Check Biker Coat: £85

Fuchsia Slouchy Mohair Boyfriend Coat: £89