Our second lovely blogger for the photoshoot was Fiona (Avenue 57) she started blogging because she’s always loved talking about clothes so she thought why not put what I love into a sideline.  She has met some amazing people along the way and a handful she now calls her very good friends. The fashion blogging community for women over 40 and/or women with children is really friendly and supportive.  She describes her style as mixing different trends with classic items and she loves all sorts of colours. Fiona’s favorite brand on the day was Sandwich Clothing she hadn’t heard of them before (insert shocked face) but they are made with quality and style in mind – we have to agree! 

Sandwich clothing Plisse Skirt
French Connection La Boheme Top
Sasha London Margarita Heels

I often struggle with skirts due to my lack of waist but the skirt worked well due to the attention to detail of the pleats. The skirt hung very well and was very relaxed on the waist. The jewelled neckline of the top worked really well as there was no need for a necklace. I adored the bag too – slightly off teal (more green) but it worked very well with the skirt.

French connection La Boheme Jacket
French Connection Polly Plains Mesh Top
Sandwich Clothing Faux Leather Pants

This jacket was a show stopper for me. It looked completely ‘dated’ on the hanger but how wrong could I have been? It was sensational on and I’ve got my eye on it for the season ahead. Teamed with a simple top and trousers there is nothing else to add. This jacket is the statement item and I loved it.

Hobbs Josie Sweater
Sachelle leopard boots
Sandwich Faux Leather Pants

This is all about the boots – they were absolutely the best piece of footwear I had the pleasure in wearing. Totally a dress up dress down item and they felt amazing on. I think they really jazzed up the outfit too. The Sandwich faux leather pants were like wearing a second skin – so soft and so comfortable.

Sandwich Clothing Fancy Jacquard Dress Sasha London Margarita Heels

I picked up this black dress thinking it was ‘nice’ and that it was ‘just a black party dress’. I was wrong. It was AMAZING. It fit so well due to the stretchy sides and it had enough detail with the jacquard front to be wow but not too much to be over the top. It had a really flattering neckline also. A great length (neither too short or too long) – this was one of my favourite items. The shoes … oh my goodness the shoes. Everything about them was perfect. The colour, the height and most importantly the comfort.

Marella Red Dress and Eliza Gracious Abbey necklace (In store)
 
If one thing screams Christmas party it’s a red dress. This didn’t disappoint and with the necklace I felt very comfortable and ready to party.

Hobbs Alina skirt Noa Noa Atelier Georgette Blouse Sachelle high heel boots Hobbs Alina Coat
 
I loved this blouse on the hanger, I loved the skirt on the hanger, I loved the boots on the rack and the coat on the mannequin. I was encouraged by everyone to put it all together in one outfit. I was unsure at first. I’m not an ankle boots, bare legs, pencil skirt kind of lady but …. They were right and I was wrong. I felt ‘funky’ and with the coat on I felt super amazing and glamorous.
 
What is the number 1 item on your Christmas list?
I really do want a Bobbl hat. I saw them in the store (navy blue with red faux fur pom pom). I wonder if the husband is listening to me when I keep going ON about them?

What is your favourite Christmas song?
Gosh, so many to choose from but as SOON as I hear “Fairytale of New York by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl” I know that the decorations can come out of the loft and we’re all set to start celebrating!

Do you have any tips for any people wanting to start their own blog?
It’s a very crowded marketplace, be sure you are doing it for the right reasons. If you think you’ll make money and be sent lots of free clothes then step away from the PC now. If you love writing and you love fashion and you want an outlet to share then sign up for a blogging platform of your choice and write away! 

What’s your favourite trend of A/W?
Faux fur and faux leather – I can’t get enough of them.

Who is your style icon and why?
I adore Victoria Beckham. She gets it right all the time and I love to see what she is wearing/designing next. It’s not ever practical for a lot of women in terms of lifestyle and/size of items but it’s heavenly to look at.

Read more about Fiona's day and win a £50 Gemini voucher on Fiona’s Blog