Sustainable Style Challenge - How To Style 3 Items into Multiple Outfits

What is sustainable styling? It's about buying less, buying better quality longer lasting investment pieces and being more creative with what you've already got. When you buy something new challenge yourself to see how many different ways you can style it. If you can create 3-5 solid looks - then it's a no brainer. I was given three different items by DFYNorm ethical fashion brand to review and apply my personal style. My challenge as always was to get 5 looks out of each item without buying anything new. 

So how did I do? 

Well bearing in mind I did not buy anything extra to complete these looks, I only used items I had from the back of the wardrobe. I really challenged myself to utilise what I already had and to be as creative as possible. It was not as easy as I hoped. But I was able to get a good few solid outfits created. The 'old' me would have easily been able to create more looks by simply going out and shopping for new items. But I wanted to avoid going back to those unsustainable shopping behaviours... so this is what I came up with:

You can see that I was able to create multiple looks and my favourites are shown below. 

The IKAT Shorts

The JULIE JUMPSUIT

The WAISTCOAT DRESS

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the styles I was able to create.  Some of the key pieces I used from my own wardrobe were:

• Suede ankle boots 
• Over the knee suede boots 
• Suede pumps 
• Red leather pumps
• Flat pointed leather shoes 
• Sparkly evening shoes 
• Leather Jacket 
• Black blazer 
• Accessories: burgundy wool hat, cotton scarf, flower garland headpiece, 3 different necklaces, and a costume jewellery ring
• 2 different black leather bags - a multi-use clutch/over body bag, 1 tote. 

The shorts and the jumpsuit were the most versatile pieces - and I just showed a few outfits, but many more options were possible. For example, the shorts could be teamed with tights and a jumper to see you through the winter. The jumpsuit is linen so this is best suited for just the spring and summer months - and the black waistcoat dress would look great with some bright coloured pumps a bright lip, a quiff and some pinup curls. 

If you have any comments or questions on how I styled these items - please just leave me a comment below. 

For a limited time only readers of my blog can get 20% the DFYnorm range by heading over to the website and using the code: RStyleLee at the checkout - this is available until the 30th September 2016. 

If you are interested in the full video DFYnorm review you can check that out over on YouTube.

Stay fabulous ladies!

Roberta 

(Confidence Coach & Stylist)

PS. If you are interested in testing out a FREE confidence coaching and personal styling session just let me know! Visit www.robertastylelee.co.uk 

A Review of DFYnorm Ethical Fashion Range

It's official I have stepped into the world of Youtube... my video review can be viewed below. The sound quality of the video isn't the best, so I apologise for that (the next one will be better I promise) but if you can stick with it you'll hear my thoughts and opinions on the 3 key pieces that I was given to style and review:  

The IKAT Shorts

The JULIE JUMPSUIT

The WAISTCOAT DRESS

For a limited time only readers of my blog can get 20% the DFYnorm range by heading over to the website and using the code: RStyleLee at the checkout - this is available until the 30th September 2016. 

I hope you enjoyed my fashion review of DFYnorm - and you liked all the different looks I was able to create using my 'sustainable styling' method! You can take a closer look at my outfits over my blog post Sustainable Style Challenge - How to Style 3 Key Items into Multiple Outfits

Until next time... 

Stay fabulous ladies!

Roberta 

The Confidence Coach & Stylist

PS. If you are interested in any confidence coaching and personal styling just let me know! Visit www.robertastylelee.co.uk 

You can see more over on the website at www.robertastylelee.co.uk and other #RSLRecommended products and services all reviewed and tested by moi.

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Creating your capsule collection

Welcome to the busy working city girl capsule collection, all handpicked by moi. I hope you like it!

When creating a new wardrobe you need to be realistic with what you need V. what you want. A capsule collection contains items that won't go out of fashion and can be restyled with many pieces. Shoes and bags will make or break, or renew an old outfit - so think about key pieces that can be matched to at least 4-5 outfits.  

I have really enjoyed pulling this collection together. Inspired by 'Parisian Chic' and corporate life in London - I looked for items that would really work around a busy woman's lifestyle. 

Items shown above left to right: Alexander Wang Prisma skeletal suede and leather shoulder bag now £387, Chloe Drew, leather and suede shoulder bag £880 (out of stock), Saint Laurent classic small monogram suede shoulder bag £880, Gianvito Rossi green velvet pumps £313, Gianvito Rossi brown suede pumps £313, Gucci patent leather pumps £331 (out of stock) H&M black denim boiler suit £35 (out of stock) Balmain double breasted velvet dress now £1,184, Balmain crystal-embellished velvet mini-dress now £1,782. 

The capsule collection 

Items shown above left to right: Mui Mui striped wool sweater £557, Valentino cropped cotton shirt now £263, Zara high waist trouser £14, Balenciaga wool wrap skirt £483, Victoria Beckham red teddy wool-blend miniskirt £166, True Religion Halle skinny jeans £218, ASOS mismatch flat back swing earrings - red £6 (out of stock) H&M long earrings £5 (out of stock) Chuck Taylor All Star low leather sneakers £78

All seeming a bit too expensive? 

Gulp - I  agree. You'd need a fair bit of free cash to buy every item I have pulled together. You don't need to buy designer items though, but you should invest in good quality pieces and if you do buy things that don't fit - visit a tailor to get the perfect fit.

It just so happens a lot of the items I selected came with a designer price tag. Finding alternative items without the hefty price tag is easy. Just decide on what you need and then search your favourite high street shops. Places like Zara and & Other Stories do their own versions of some of the key looks and trends each season. 

If you regularly attend work events where you need to be well dressed, or go out socially to places that warrants a smart dress code - try and combine your wardrobe. Depending on your job, and the industry you work in you may not really need a 'work look' and a 'out of work' look - you'll just need a 'you' look.

If you like the items featured in this blog, visit the Villiod app and you can find my boards, tap and purchase any items shown (if they are still in stock).  

That one outfit that makes you feel fierce

Items shown above top right: ASOS Fuller bust african print scrappy contrast bra (from £20) and underwear(£PNK)

Textures can be a great way to add importance and glamour to an outfit. A well structured dress that compliments your figure is worth a million pounds.  Steer clear of cheap fabrics though as it can really spoil an outfit. For additional power dressing put on some fantastic and fierce underwear. Sit there looking all polished, nobody but you needs to know you have crazy, sexy, gorgeous underwear on  - I'm telling you, it can really boost your confidence - try it!


Important meeting at work? 

No problem. Every gal needs a crisp white shirt, and colour-cordinated accessories make for a smart and practical city girl look. Clutch bag for the evenings too.

You can keep reinventing this look by switching up your shoes and bags. And let's not forget a ponytail, braid or blow dry and different make-up can transform this simple look all over again.

Friday night on the town? 

Sorted. Try this relaxed, stylish off-duty look. Keep things elegant and on point with heels and a structured bag. Check shoulder bags to see if the straps are removable - these can then double up as a clutch bag too. 

Casual off duty look

Easy. This is where a nice clean, well looked after, pair of white simple sneakers can make your outfit look pulled together. Avoid wearing your 'gym' trainers from A to B and have a pair of 'walking trainers' that compliment your style - you can be practical and stylish. 

Date night?

We all need a dress that makes us feel great, no matter what we look like or how we feel - we slip on 'that' dress and it hides the lumps and the bumps and flaunts our best features. You could even match with the black patent shoes and multi coloured Chloe bag. I would avoid wearing velvet shoes and a velvet dress though as this would be a bit too matchy. 

Weekend brunch 

One of my favourite patterns is stripes. It goes with everything and can be dressed up and dressed down. It's very french chic and I do tend to be inspired by the Parisian's elegant and coordinated style for the city gal wardrobe. I've put the velvet heels in this picture but you could swap for the trainers. 

If you'd like some help pulling together your own capsule collection that compliments your lifestyle and body get in touch at: www.robertastylelee.co.uk 

Look good, feel good. 

Stay fab!

Roberta x 

Note: This is a sample of a capsule collection - not all items and outfits ensembles have been shared.

You can see more over on the website at www.robertastylelee.co.uk 

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