Houndstooth fashions have come and gone over the years, but recently made another comeback.  This fashion trend is one that I have always been a fan of, and I can remember many, many years ago buying my very first houndstooth coat and going to Paris and feeling ever so chic and fashionable!!  This design is one that can be worn in a variety of ways, whether it be with a coat, skirt or jacket, or an accessory like a purse, shoe,belt or hat. I do associate this trend more with the winter months, but some have been known to transition this trend to summer with a dress. I prefer the dress in winter, but that really is a personal preference. You need to be super confident to pull this look off, which is why I stick to attempting this look in the fall/winter with a coat, skirt or simple accessories!  Take a look at some of these looks and give it a try...

One of my fashion 'staples' is a fitted blazer!  I have several in different colors, prints & textures, and you'd be surprised at the difference it can make to an outfit.  A blazer isn't just something to wear to the office; I love to pair it with jeans when I want to jazz up an outfit.  A fitted blazer will make you look slimmer too if you get the right fit. Don't wear the big boxy jackets that were out a while ago, but rather a fitted jacket that nips in at the waist for a more flattering look!  I also like to add a brooch or big flower on the lapel to match whatever I'm wearing it with, or sometimes I'll just add a skinny belt.  Don't be afraid to try prints too!  I have a great leopard print jacket that I wear with black skinny jeans and it looks fab.  Detail on a blazer like piping or check can look great!  Don't think that this look is conservative - it doesn't need to be!  You are in control of how to put this look together to suit any and every occasion!  Take a look at some of these blazers...

A big trend that started last year and continues to be a big hit this year is assymetrical looks.  I like this look and think that applied in the right way it can be very flattering.  Shorter ladies need to be careful of this look though, because if you wear this style in a skirt or dress and you don't wear heels, it can make you look smaller and wider, and no-one wants that!  I prefer the look worn on the neckline and I sometimes add a brooch to accentuate.  Also a tailored jacket looks great with an assymetrical hemline, worn with a fitted pencil skirt and nude pumps to give a longer and leaner look.  Take a look at some of these styles to see what would be a good look for you....