Ask Nicky

As we struggle to cling on to the final few weeks of summer, last minute holiday deals become more and more tempting, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse.  But as Autumn/Winter style storms the shops it can become harder to find the perfect wardrobe for that impulse getaway. One essential item for that late summer holiday is the beach cover-up – a multi-tasking item that can take you from pool to bar in an instant!  Luckily there are still some great options to choose from!

Some of us may not be as happy with our beach body as others, especially at this latter stage of summer when indulging has become too tempting to resist.  This beach dress from Monsoon will still let you flash a little flesh without overdoing it.  Hitting mid-thigh it sweeps over your stomach conveniently concealing and hiding any worries you may have.  The striking tribal pattern is still on-trend and the embellished detailing keeps you looking as stylish as ever without showing all. £16.50 down from £55.00

For those who want a little more cover, a maxi dress is the ideal solution.  This light blue number from Reiss is perfect as the light material keeps you cool for longer whilst covering almost everything, leaving you to enjoy yourself without having to worry too much about what’s on show. £47.00

Season after season we have seen lace as a prominent trend on the catwalks with designers such as Dolce and Gabbana and Ralph Lauren making good use of the delicate fabric. There is something very elegant and pretty about lace which is why it has stood the test of time. Reminiscent of the Royals, the trend dates back to Queen Elizabeth where lace collars, ruffles, caps and shawls were all the rage during the 17th century.

Today lace is a great fabric as its versatility means that you can create a variety of looks that encompass pretty, flirty, romantic chic and lady like charm. However there is a fine line between right and wrong! So, here are my top tips for wearing delicate lace without looking like a runaway bride...

Try to use lace as an accessory Lace accessories are great as they add a delicate touch to your outfit and you can dress it up with scarves and wraps. Sweet lace collars are useful as they can make ordinary tops look dressier. This mink lace scarf from Mint Velvet will complement a multitude of outfits for summer and would make an elegant edition to your collection of accessories. £39.00.  

When it comes to hair colour, it’s usually not the shape, fabric or design of your clothes that matter but the colour combinations you use in your day to day styling. Many people who dye their hair a different colour suddenly realise that a lot of their favourite clothes don’t look so good on them anymore.

Knowing which colours work with your hair can save you from a major fashion faux pas. You may have to experiment at first, but you’ll soon be able to tell which colours really work for you.

Here are my golden rules and suggestions...

Belts are the go-to accessory to enhance all this season’s big trends, and ‘the skinny’ is an excellent creation because it offers so much versatility. You can double up a couple of belts and wear on your hips for high fashion chic or wrap one around your favourite knits, jackets or shirts. We’re literally spoilt for choice with bundles of colours, styles, prints and embellishments to choose from. You can really jazz up an outfit with this trendy accessory.

If you are struggling to find a belt small enough for your waist, you could try styling a knot at the front or side which will add an interesting dimension to your look while gathering any extra slack from the belt. Why not have a go at doubling up your belt if it’s big enough to go twice around your waist – or if it doesn’t quite stretch, you can always tuck or loop in the loose ends to disguise your trick.

Here are some of my favourite picks from the high-street, which you can tailor to your shape and style.

Move over trusty LBD as this season it's all about the LRD. Eva Mendes and Victoria Beckham have been seen sporting gorgeous red numbers recently and even The Duchess of Cambridge has recently been seen in a bold Red Alexander McQueen outfit for the Queens Diamond Jubilee.

Red is a great summer alternative to black; It’s bold yet classic and provided you get the look right, it can be sexy and sophisticated at the same time. Thankfully there are lots of outfit options to choose from in the shops, making it easy to take your look from desk to dance floor.

Spring/Summer 2012 saw models at London Fashion Week with neutral palettes of makeup for the face and eyes, whilst lips were awash with a contrasting pop of vivid colour rather than the dark and heavy shades seen last season. An unashamedly bright lipstick is sure to get you noticed and this season’s hottest shades are pillarbox-red, neon pink, vibrant coral and electric orange as seen at Jen Kao, Yves Saint Laurent and Jason Wu.

This eye-catching trend is perfect for those who wish to vamp up their makeup look quickly and easily. It’s the best way to simply transform a natural, daytime look into an elegant, yet glamorous evening style. For those of you after a high impact makeup look, follow in the footsteps of Jason Wu who opted for bright orange-red lipstick lined with an incredible ruby red pencil.

At this time of year it is especially important to ensure that your lingerie is comfortable, flattering and fits you well.

When we show slightly more flesh than usual it is imperative that your bust is well-supported and you aren’t showing an unsightly panty line.

Finding the right bra can be extremely stressful and difficult which probably explains why 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra. (Watch this video to check if your bra is adequately supporting your bust http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNvUUtR46qQ.)

Every girl needs a perfect pair of jeans she can rely on as a wardrobe essential; with the power to be dressed up or down, and match pretty much anything in your closet!

The right jeans can be transformational in terms of flattering your figure. The key is in identifying what style is right for your shape – once you’ve cracked that you’ll be able to play around with different colours, patterns and embellishment.

If you are of a slight build, and lacking curves, I suggest going for baggy jeans which you can match with slouchy tops and chunky knits.

It’s supposed to be a special, exciting occasion; however attending weddings always becomes a stress as you struggle to find something suitable to wear. Here, I give you my top tips and suggestions for dressing and accessorising to find you the perfect wedding outfit.

To ensure you don’t tread on the Brides’s toes on her big day, choose a gorgeous green dress to razzle and dazzle them! A dress like this chic, pleated dress from Ted Baker, £129, will really suit women with a slim, leggy frame as the waist-tie will define your waist, whilst the volume on the skirt will help to create a feminine shape. However, if you’re curvy or self-conscious of your tummy, the clever pleated style will conceal any lumps or bumps!

The weather may not be up to much, but don’t let it put you off embracing the hottest makeup trends this summer!

Colour Pop

This summer, makeup is all about embracing bright, bold hues in singular areas, whilst welcoming a palette of natural, neutral shades elsewhere. This look will really work with a fake tan as the brightest shades glow at their best on sun-kissed skin.

Effortlessly ensure your complexion is looking flawless by sweeping the lightweight, mineral infused lavera Natural Liquid Foundation, £11.90 over your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, using your fingertips to gently blend.