The block colour vibe of the summer has got me experimenting with a dash of uncustomary brightness myself and what’s not to like on a summer day, when  the pavements are hot enough to melt your shoe leather.

White/grey hair requires a bit of neutral to balance the high contrast effect, so my trusty Parka is at hand to knock it back a bit.

Reem Alasadi makes these upcycled Parkas – standard issue with a touch of eighties glamour by unpicking secondhand sequined tops and sewing them to a new garment. I get comments about mine wherever I go.

It’s not often I get to wear full medieval costume on a day out, but my recent conferment of an Honorary Fellowship from the Arts University College Bournemouth, dictated the look.

Here I am waiting to enter Winbourne Minster to make the solemn walk to the front of the stage (not sure if that’s how you describe the church platform).

It was a very moving event to be orated in such glowing terms and as the ‘Fashion Activist against Damaging Stereotypes.’ it was particularly special to get a cheer from all the students too. I nearly lost my composure and had to mop a tear…that’s my tissue you can see  unstylishly poking up from my vintage Pearce Fionda dress.

It was particularly lovely to see Johanna Wulf  collect her degree,  her designs for older women resulted in a wonderful collection that won praise from Daytime TV and is a groundbreaking piece of work to appear at Graduate Fashion Week.

I like to think that All Walks is making an impact slowly but surely and judging by the requests we had this year from colleges to talk about diversity, we are on our way. Thanks to Anne Chaisty  for all her work with the students at The AUCB

Thanks Also to Chris Moore for catwalk photograph of Jan De Villenue (former 60’s iconic model) in Johanna Wulf designs

At www.howtolookgood.com we like to recommend others who we think do great work. In particular those who offer fabulous fashion choices for us real women with ordinary body shapes or something with a point of difference for you to build your own individual style.

Here are our online recommendations for July and you’ll find them all in our shopping directory.

Minuet Petite

First up is Minuet Petite – a clothing brand that sophisticated, glamorous and feminine. Their clothes are easy to wear, well-cut and are most importantly designed to lengthen the silhouette and inspire confidence.

This fabulous purple jacket from Minuet Petite will look great teamed with the tailored shorts looks featured in this months new fashion trends page. It will add height for petites by drawing focus upwards.

It’ll also look great atop your capsule wardrobe maxi, teamed with your Breton and wide leg trousers or with the simple tee and skirt.

Mid Purple Pleat Detail Jacket

£40.50

Sizes 8-20

Minuet Petit

Bourgeois Boheme

Speaking of shorts this Ertha blue belt from Bourgeois Boheme will be a stylish way to finish off any of the looks featured as well as being a perfect addition to your capsule wardrobe to tie the pieces together.

Bourgeois Boheme is an ethical fashion brand that carries some great shoe and accessory finds that transcend the globe and fashion seasons – great for pulling together any look and giving it an individual twist.

Ertha Blue Belt

£8.00

Bourgeois Boheme

Swimsuitsforall

Finally you will no doubt have to consider swimwear this Summer so let us introduce you to www.swimsuitsforall.com that specialises in swimsuits for curvy women.

They have a huge selection in a range of cuts and styles and have online support to help you get the right fit for you. They’re also experts in speciality swimwear, including post-mastectomy swimwear, and long torso swimsuits. www.swimsuitsforall.com is a US site and they deliver to the UK.

Take for example this The Take off an inch! Braided Surplice Slimsuit by Carol Wior which is supportive yet also fashionable. Its underwire, contemporary styled V-insert neckline is paired with metallic hardware accented, braided tank straps for full bust support. The swimsuit will help to control your stomach and lift your bum.  The swimsuit also features a v-inset necklace to enhance your bust and an empire waistline and side shirred surplice bodice to visually slim the torso.

Take off an Inch! Braided Surplice Slimsuit by Carol Wior

$116.00

Sizes 18-24

www.swimsuitsforall.com

Report by Sharon Tyler

A polished, sleek tote will add an understated, practical cool to your summer wardrobe. It will perfectly compliment and hold together this season’s plethora of exotic prints, bold colours and Seventies shapes.

It’s perfect for the office (plus it’s big enough to cart around all your essentials!) as well as dressing up your weekend wears.

This bold blue tote from Zara will add a stylish pop of colour to a white blazer or a simple tee and pleated skirt look. It’ll also look Riviera chic with your Breton top or max up your maxi’s impact. In fact seems that this is a capsule wardrobe item it will go perfectly with all of the items we’ve previously recommended!

What is more a bigger bag will make you look slimmer and smaller and the bright colour will draw focus, distracting attention away from areas you want it to.   

Plain Basket Shopper

 £69.99

Zara

Report by Sharon Tyler

It’s always worth having a great, flexible knit in your wardrobe armour for those less than balmy days.

This season’s chain-mail knitwear has a thin, feather-light feel that is perfect for layering and exposing layers underneath for a subtly sexy look.

This cardigan from Matalan is a perfect addition to your capsule wardrobe, it won’t add bulk; it has a long lean shape and a v-neck to further lengthen and elongate. It’s also a great option if you want to cover up your arms while keeping your look light. 

Try it belted over your maxi or shirtdress to show off your waist and compliment curves or teamed with the simple tee and wide leg trousers.

Tape Openstitch Cardigan

£18

Sizes S, M & L

Available in Grey and Cream

 Matalan

Report by Sharon Tyler