Spring Style essentials – Guest post by Courtenay Brandt

Spring Style essentials – Guest post by Courtenay Brandt

Remember last year, when I asked my gorgeous friend and L.A. based über stylist, Courtenay Brandt, to write Yummy Mummy: The How to Guide for you all? 

So many of you flocked to ASOS to order the Dolce Vita Pali wedges, that they sold out that same day!

Well, Courtenay is back for you today with her Spring Style essentials. 

I am already working the coloured jeans look with a loose tunic over the top (check me out, on trend!) but I am definitely feeling it is time to get out of the stinky winter boots. 

Those DVF pumps will be MINE!

Hello Grenglish readers.  It has been too long and oh how I have missed you but Spring is back and so am I with all my favourite ways to brighten up your wardrobe.  Colours, prints and skins…all must haves for Spring 2012.  Here are my top picks that won’t break the bank and will make you stand out in a crowd.

Coloured Jeans:

This is perfect way to add a bit of colour to an otherwise plain outfit, and the best tip is to keep the rest of your look as simple as possible when pairing with colourful jeans so you don’t look like a rainbow.  My bright colour choices are red, orange, pink, neon….I LOVE NEON!!!  But when it comes to blues, greens and purples I suggest softer tones.  Surprisingly most people can’t pull off brighter tones of these colours.

Sanctuary “Charmer Skinny” in Purple Haze $147 ww.piperlime.com

 

Topshop “Baxter” in Strawberry 40GBP www.topshop.com

 Coloured Leather Jackets:

Through most of the year I live in my essential black leathers but come Spring I want to switch it up with the sun and warm weather.  For me it must always be a motorcycle style but I love that so many designers are now playing with the fabrics and colours.  If you want to keep it safe I suggest blush or toffee browns like this one from All Saints but for those that are daring how about this gold one from Zara….yes please!

All Saints “Hardy” in Sand 350GBP www.allsaints.com

 

Zara “Cross Over Leather” in Gold 139GBP www.zara.com

 Blazers:

A great option for work and days off are colourful blazers with lots of texture.  They can turn a very casual look into a smart one.  I am a huge fan of the French line IRO.  They are pricey but so worth it.  If you want to spend a little less Zara is always a great option.  They are the best high street option for It-Girl French designers knock offs.

 IRO “Haven” blazer 395 euros www.iro.fr

 

IRO “Agnete” blazer 320 euros www.iro.fr

 Jewels:

What girl doesn’t love jewellery? Two of my favourite designers right now are Iosselliani and Samantha Wills. Iosselliani offers us a colourful chunky look that will take any outfit to the next level while Samantha Wills has an antique flair with her jewels. I am in love with this limited edition Samantha Wills bracelet…you better act fast before they are all gone.

Samantha Wills “The Lovers The Dreamers” bracelet set $240USD www.samanthawills.com.au

Iosselliani “Ombre Fringe” Necklace $345 USD www.iosselliani.com & www.scoopnyc.com

Footwear:

Shoes are another way to play with colour and texture and add some sass to an outfit.  I live in ankle boots and I am currently obsessed with these All Saints blush snake-skin boots.  They are my Spring must have!  I am also a sucker for anything gold or leopard print and when you put them together I am sold.  Stay comfortable in these little beauties from Diane Von Furstenberg.

All Saints “Rustic Serpent” Boot in Burnt Coral 295GBP  www.allsaints.com

 

Diane Von Furstenberg “Metallic & Calf Hair” Ballet Flats 160GBP www.net-a-porter.com

Tell me your Spring wardrobe must have’s that you can’t stop obsessing about…
because I know you are xo

Courtenay Brandt has always had a strong passion for both music and fashion. For the last 15 years she was able to bring them together traveling the world with some of the most successful bands of our generation: Kings of Leon, Massive Attack, No Doubt, Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Britney Spears, David Gray and Maxwell. When Courtenay wasn’t flying around the world or on a tour bus, she lived in some amazing cities including London, Tokyo, New York, Glasgow, San Diego and currently Los Angeles.

Years of living and working internationally has given Courtenay an extensive and unparalleled exposure to many different styles, trends, and designers. She has styled bands for concert tours, TV appearances (Saturday Night Live & Today Show) and awards shows including the Grammys, Brit Awards, and MTV Awards. In addition, Courtenay Brandt collaborated with Kings of Leon and French designers Surface to Air on the KOLxS2A capsule collection inspired by their style.

Courtenay blogs at http://blog.courtenaybrandt.com/

You can also find her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @courtenaybrandt

 

11 Comments

  1. March 9, 2012 / 7:27 AM

    Wow stunning repetoire here-I love coloured jeans-that colour pop just makes me smile (Topshop has a cool range) and that gold jacket will be mine-very JLO-but with edge! Loving the pumps too. Thanks for this!

    • Grenglish
      Author
      March 9, 2012 / 9:16 AM

      She is super cool! I love the blazers, will definitely add one to my spring wardrobe.

    • March 10, 2012 / 8:46 PM

      I am glad you like my selections. I live in coloured jeans right now and the Topshop Baxters are some of my all-time faves. And yes that gold jacket is major…who says a little J-Lo is a bad thing 🙂

  2. Alison, Not another mummy blog
    March 9, 2012 / 11:10 AM

    Fantastic!

    I love those purple jeans. I need those purple jeans. (I’ll probably look in Dorothy Perkins for a much cheaper version of those purple jeans.)

    • Grenglish
      Author
      March 9, 2012 / 11:13 AM

      I have seen a gorgeous Magenta jegging in… M&S for £22.50! I already have a pair in cobalt blue and they are very comfy and surprisingly flattering!

    • March 10, 2012 / 8:49 PM

      Hi Alison. I am totally with you on the purple jeans…love them!!! Sanctuary is a great LA-based company and I believe you can order them on Piperlime and ship internationally. They are an amazing fit and super soft. Zara also has a great selection of coloured jeans, but I sometimes find their fit a bit tricky

  3. March 9, 2012 / 2:30 PM

    I am loving those bright coloured jeans. They are gorgeous. x

    • Grenglish
      Author
      March 9, 2012 / 2:39 PM

      I know! I have a bright blue pair and a red pair and they are FAB. I am thinking about a pair in pink/purple too now though…

    • March 10, 2012 / 8:50 PM

      Thanks Susan! Bright jeans are the way to go this spring and summer. Put those boring blues away and let the sun and colours shine in 🙂

  4. March 12, 2012 / 10:20 PM

    Loving the coloured jeans – I have red ones but they don’t fit all that well, so am thinking I need to get me some of those lovely purple ones too. Also loving the DVF pumps – gorgeous. Ooooh want to go shopping now! x

    • Grenglish
      Author
      March 13, 2012 / 6:22 AM

      I really want to go shopping too but am going to wait until NYC baby!! WOOOOOO xx

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