Now, I’m as guilty as most for looking to celebs/stylists and magazines for finding inspriations for new looks and trends.

 

Not only is this a good indication as to what will be a trend for the season, but it’s nice to have a nosey at what those in the celeb-osphere are teaming with what.

 

But, like with everything there is being nosey and then becoming obsessive.

 

Style icons are all well and good as long it’s not at the cost of stunting women from expressing themselves in their own way. I guess what I’m trying to say is it’s not healthy to want to dress/look like someone all the time as you’re at risk of losing yourself.

 

You may be wondering where this has come from, so I’ll tell you. When writing an article for www.femalefirst.co.uk earlier in the week, I was presented with a press release that had surveyed British women to find their favourite First Ladies of fashion. And among the list was, of course, Kate Middleton…take a look at said article if you so wish, Click here.

 

I struggle with the idea that Kate is what an icon is in the true sense of the word (Audrey Hepburn, Lady Gaga, Daphne Guinness, Sarah Jessica Parker), but I respect that others find her idylic.

 

However, when 5% of the lovely ladies polled admitted they keep a scrapbook of the Duchess of Cambridge’s various looks so as to be up to date with her style, it gets me worrying.

 

The time spent collating images of another person’s style (no matter who he/she is) could be time spent on finding yourself in your own fashion. Though it may not be the prim and proper, LK Bennett lady style of a royal, it would be you. Of course, taking inspiration from different looks is how trends evolve but the idea of cutting out pictures of one person’s style to make into your own is, well…weird creepy!

 

The best bit about fashion and style is finding something new. We’re always being told to embrace our country’s economic difficults and turn to the back of the wardrobe to find hidden gems (a trip to the charity shop is also highly recommended) so why not do it?

 

The number of times that I have found something old to team with something new is amazing. Not only does it look better than some things I’m seeing in some highstreet stores, but I get a sense of accomplishment and individualism that I wouldn’t get from looking at the latest outfit modelled by everyone’s favourite royal.

 

You don’t have to be stylist to put a great outfit together, just start small and think about the type of colours, prints and styles you like to wear. From there, look at the shape of your body as some clothes fit some better than others and start working from there.

 

Of course a sneak at your favourite websites, blogs and glossies are always a good place for a mental moodboard but try not to get to engrossed – go for one piece in a mag and build your own outfit from there!

 

And for future reference… how many scrapbooks can one fill with three-quarter length armed, knee length wrap over dresses, pencil silhouettes, LK Bennett nude court pumps and a tiny box clutches anyway?

 

Jen.xox