My plans to create a series of features on more fashionable looks started a long time ago. However, finally getting off the ground took some planning.

The aim of Dani’s Little Book of Fashion is to dissect looks into wearable chunks, that will work for the person carrying it, whatever their personal style.

 

I am taking on a look that will not be my everyday and might even border on editorial, to the streets; each element can be used separately to add a little twist to our everyday wardrobe. I wanted to create more fashionable looks that are fun but easy to incorporate in our daily lives.

Before I start, I’d like to thank my wonderful boyfriend who is doubling up as a photographer. He is not a photographer, so thanks for supporting me and being patient  – especially when I know he hates taking posed pictures.

So, the look to open my Little Book of Fashion is what I call the “new romantic”. Take a black tule skirt, add a cute t-shirt, pop socks, high heels and a statement clutch. Pearls added that extra lovingly touch.

The tule skirt, brought back to life by SJP a long time ago in full ballet version, keeps popping into my radar from time to time, so I decided to embrace. For me, it rings back to my ballet memories, and I feel very comfortable wearing it. I added a tiny petticoat under this H&M number. Needless to say, this works very well with ballet flat pumps.

I paired it with a super cute Lulu Guinness for Uniqlo t-shirt, with a boat neck and hemmed cut sleeves. I really love this tee – it can be informal or be dressed up, versatile as any t-shirt but on the girly side.

Now, what I really like is the little pop socks, which I had tons as a child. Clothes that bring up memories are the best! These are from Primark – white, with a braid design at the foot bridge and black organza frills. It adds a layer of innocence and I think is a lovely detail. Pop socks work well with brogues jeans.

Stilettos are the shoe kings of my heart. I love a nice pair, and most of my going out compositions feature them. This pair is what I call “red-on-red”, a Christian Louboutin Decollete 100 with pointed toes (different from the classic almond toes Decollete I have) and it is a fabulous shade of red, which matches my personality perfectly.

A pair of popping-colour stilettos can go a long way in sprucing up an outfit and is the perfect way to discreetly introduce colour to a wardrobe, especially if you are scared of it. This season, magenta is very in, but as an investment that will probably stand the test of times, go for red or even a royal blue or leopard print – which can be a scary print but trust me, it is worth it.

The statement bag is my beloved Eye clutch from Lulu Guinness. It adds playfulness to the look. A clutch can also work in the same way as the shoes. Both together in a clashing manner will make an old pair of jeans and t-shirt quite chic. At the moment, lots of high street shops have great clutches – New Look has some fab and fun fruit ones.

Now a few variations on the look. First, would be throwing in a leather jacket and/or Dr Martens and toughen it up. Second, replacing the skirt with a pair of jeans, loose with rolled legs, so you get a more informal look that will take you from day to night. Take a cape or a fitted blazer, in black or a popping colour. I think royal blue would look great!

For makeup, I did my usual “going out” base (Hourglass Veil Primer, MAC Fortified Skin Enhancer Illuminateur, MAC Studio FIX Foundation and Powder, MAC bronzer and blusher, Makeup Revolution highlighter), with a smokey earthy eye look using Urban Decay Primer and Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro 2 palette, NYX Skinny eye liner with an exaggerated cat-eye, Kiss Lashes and Lady Danger MAC lipstick. All set with Urban Decay All Nighter spray.

I love pearls. I find them a great way to either throw a vintage charm or add instant sophistication to a look. I use mine to exhaustion to be honest. These are a mix from Forever 21, Accessorize, Primark and New Look, bought at various times of my life. I am still to invest in good ones, which is totally worth it if you can afford.

So that’s it for now. There are quite a few pictures, as this is the first one and I got quite excited. I am hoping to bring a new edition (with less pictures) of my little fashion book very soon! Obviously, we are not professionals and while this first shoot is in no way perfect, I am quite happy with it. Plus, we can only get better, right?

Regardless of what you are going to wear, remember: trends are loose guidelines only – pick and choose, take inspiration, adapt to make them your own. The most important thing is to feel comfortable within your own style. Always. 

Fashion styling, makeup and modelling (really!?): Dani Dutra

Photography: Andy Edwards (I did art-direct it though, and took the picture of the shoes!)

Location: St John’s Parish Church, Stratford, London