Channel 50′s chic now….
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: May 18, 2012
We’re brimming over about this summer’s fascination with the 50′s. Whether the fashion world has been inspired by Mad Men or it’s a reference to the iconic Hollywood era, designers from Marc Jacobs to Prada (picture below) have gone 50′s crazy. We too have taken note and found the best pieces perfect for you:
Whether it’s a figure flattering fit-and-flare dress, an impeccably tailored pencil skirt or a neat sorbet hued cardi, we’ve selected the key pieces that accentuate the female form in all her glory. Channel the trend with a top-to-toe look, or introduce accents of it to your wardrobe with a few must-have pieces:
Pencil skirts: The perfect way to put a wiggle in your walk… Go for an on-trend print to give a fresh update to the style.
Crop Trousers: If it’s more of a diner-chic ‘Pink Ladies’ vibe you’re interested in then a crop skinny trouser and a sharp pointed killer heel will do nicely.
Fit-and-flare dress: Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe bombshell with a figure flaunting fit-and-flare-dress. Ready for your close-up?
Pointed courts: vamp up your wardrobe with a high heeled court. Keep it pointed … pick a flirty candy colour …
Boden: next season musts; this season Breton stripe style transformer.
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: May 17, 2012
Not only is it the season of weddings, rain, Jubilee fever and various hot dates in the social calendar, but here in fashion land we are previewing all the brands’ autumn/winter collections. So we know what you’ll be wearing next season, even though you haven’t worn what you should be wearing this season thanks to the weather. How very British. And when it comes to brands it doesn’t get more British than Boden.
Next season’s fashion stories (that’s the inspiration behind each set of clothes in Boden’s fashion ranges) are called things like “Shoreditch” (think cool and edgy pieces) and “Heritage” (think fitted tweeds), and all the brand’s images are shot in Britain. Particularly exciting are the new ultra-vibrant shades (pic above), gorgeous knits that slip effortlessly into a Capsule Wardrobe and a more paired down, tailored approach to jackets and dresses. We’ll keep you posted – next season – once these hot picks hit the Dressipi Website…and tell you who their exciting new face is…
In the meantime I decided to use a very generous voucher from Boden to finally snap up a Breton stripe top! We have been recommending it as a great wardrobe basic that does ‘easy weekend chic’ as well as a work skirt/trouser combo. I’ve decided to skip the casual and work route and take my Boden Breton stripe top out for the evenings. It gives a quirky spin to my mock tuxedo suit that I have created with a black Ralph Lauren tuxedo jacket (get the look with this By Malene Birger piece) + fabulous tuxedo Current/Elliott skinnies (complete with stripe) + Lara Bohinc gold cuff + a very killer stiletto heel (mine are leopard print Louboutins from many seasons ago). Here’s how you can get the look at Dressipi:
What our stylists are buying: small feet? fab shoes …
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: May 16, 2012
There’s been a lot of DHL action in the Dressipi office lately. It’s hard not to when you’re editing and styling gorgeous product all day. Here we 
love nothing more than a good shoe. Today there’s going to be a lot of Choo action as we style up our looks for the newly launched Choo24/7 website (more of that next week).
But spare a thought for those of you with tiny feet like our fabulous stylist Selina. With a shoe size 2 it’s more a “no” to Louboutins and a “yes” to ‘Suri Cruise may I have your high heel left overs?’.
That is unless you know how to shop wisely – which Selina does.
On Friday afternoon a magic box arrived from Zara housing these on-trend rose gold metallic lace-ups. “Oh those are great where did you manage to find them in your size?” Selina had snapped these up from the kids’ department of Zara. Thankfully the future generations of this world are being kept very much up-to-date in the style stakes…which is a great thing…because now you can have small, but happy, feet.
We’ll keep you posted with pics of the shoes in ‘style action’.
I am going to the Royal Enclosure at Ascot on Ladies Day. I have no clue what to wear…
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: May 14, 2012
QUESTION: I am going to the Royal Enclosure at Ascot on Ladies Day , I haven’t a clue what to wear and I loathe being cold if the weather is bad, please advice on a suitable outfit and accessorises that would work in all conditions. I am always very conscious of my legs and am on a limited high street budget.
ANSWER: Ascot Ladies Day is a fabulous excuse to get dressed up. Please note, there are a lot of new rules of attire (see below) in the Royal Enclosure this season. If you don’t follow them you will not be let in!
RULES (as taken from ascot.co.uk)
Ladies are kindly reminded that formal day wear is a requirement in the Royal Enclosure, defined as follows:
• Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer
• Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater
• Jackets and pashminas may be worn but dresses and tops underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code
• Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full length and of matching material and colour
• Hats should be worn; a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.
Ladies are kindly asked to note the following:
• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch (2.5cm) are not permitted
• Midriffs must be covered
• Fascinators are no longer permitted in the Royal Enclosure; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).
Whew!! It’s not as complicated as it sounds. With that in mind, and taking into account your Dressipi Must Haves, here are some ideas we hope that you will like. PLEASE note, I know you are on a high street budget, but luckily for us most stores will be going on summer sale sooner, rather than later, so give yourself another week or so before you buy anything, also a lot of shops have 
instore discounts.
1. WHISTLES 100% silk print dress £165: This is a no-fuss easy-to-wear chiffon dress that will not only flatter your slender frame and balance out your proportions, but also it meets all the Royal Enclosure Rules. It should fall a little below your knees so you don’t have to feel too conscious about them. The other great thing about this dress is that you can wear it on a number of different occasions and not just to Ascot. If it is freezing wear flesh coloured tights.
2. COAST blue dress £95 : Here’s another dress option. This is a very striking piece, and again ticks all the Ascot boxes as well as yours. The ruching detail will accentuate your waist and the folded neckline and sleeve draws the eye up balancing out proportions. When the sun eventually starts to shine you can style this with a summery wedge.
3. MANGO bouclé jacket £79: There are a lot of beautiful bouclé jackets on the high street at the moment, and they offer the perfect cover up to any dress for an occassion as well as looking fabulous with a pair of jeans. You will find similar styles to this Mango jacket at Zara and H&M. This particular one is a firm favourite as it is very understated. This would go with either of the two dresses.
4. J BY JASPER CONRAN at Debenhams hat, £80: It’s worth popping into Debenhams as they 
have some gorgeous hats around and this is really very much a personal thing as to your preferences. So long as you remember you cannot wear a fascinator. I have also given you a link to another piece – a saucer hat – just to show you that you can wear that too.
5. SHOES and BAGS : You’ll want somewhere to house your winnings! Accessorise with a chic bag like this shoulder bag from Mango £29.99. With regards to your shoes, if you don’t like the cold it’s best to go for a closed 
court shoe. Aldo has a fabulous range of neutral courts with different heel heights so you have the option to select what is most comfortable to you as well as keeping ultra stylish.
All of the above accessories will work perfectly with either of the two dresses, as well as with any other outfits in your wardrobe. It’s always important to look for multi-tasking pieces when you are going to any occasion. You’ll want to get a lot out of any great item that you buy. The good thing about Ascot outfits is that they will double up for a wedding or a chic night out with a clever switch of accessories.
Keep checking back with our blog as we will be giving you more updates on what to wear to Ascot as it approaches.
I hope that this has given you some fashion inspiration. Have a great day at the Races. Natalie x
This week’s “fashion firsts” at Dressipi …
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: April 20, 2012
A Dressipi Stylist’s job is never done until she has a “fashion first”. By that we mean when a “I would never wear or buy that” becomes a “gosh who would have thought – I love it!”. And thanks to modern technology and your Fashion Fingerprint ™ we have been having a lot of “fashion firsts” of late. As Tara and I sat at our desks one afternoon this week helping our techies decipher and turn our fashion brains into algorithms for a very exciting Dressipi project, “fashion firsts” came flying out of the blue like shooting stars on a balmy night. It all started the evening before as I settled in to watch Gossip Girl. My phone pinged with a picture hot off the Selfridge’s shoe department shop floor. The message read “which shoe left or right?”. It was Donna and Sarah. Shoe shopping for Sarah’s wedding. On her feet? Silver strappy Jimmy Choos. Gossip Girl could wait this was a Dressipi two-in-one fashion first moment: 1 - Silver strappy high heels; 2 – Jimmy Choos. “Which ones do you love?” I pinged back. “One on the left foot” came pinging back at me. “Then those are the ones you must get. They’re most you” And so she did. And Tara and I nodded our heads as Sarah sashayed around the office modelling her silver strappy sandals with her skinny jeans and polka dot blouse (great combo). Marvelling at how perfect they would look with a cheeky cocktail dress. And the gorgeous wedding dress. And, and, and … “I think I should get a pair…” said Donna…
As Tara and I tried to get back to being techie (what reads wrong with that statement?), the lovely DHL man arrived. Parcel from Monsoon. For Donna and Sarah. Two gold box weave clutch bags as recommended on Dressipi’s weekly email. “I’ve never had a clutch before,” said Donna, “it actually fits quite a bit in.” And it’s the prefect way to update any outfit in a simple fashion flash with a touch of colour or a new catwalk trend (think prints).
And Tara and I nodded our heads as we marvelled at Donna’s brand new floral print Equipment blouse that she had recently bought off The Outnet – at a high street price. Canny outlet shopping and the Fashion Fingerprint ™ go hand-in-hand. Perfect for dabbling in a trend. This is the person who refused to wear florals, but when she did styled them with a cool hooded parka to give all that girliness a bit of edge.”They are on trend and I kept getting them in my recommendations pages. So I thought I should finally give it a try. And I love it!” And Tara and I nodded our heads and got back to the business of techie stuff and exciting projects…Fashion firsts indeed. Natalie x
Wonder whether Dressipi can help me find the perfect 70′s inspired boy blazer in blue?
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: April 17, 2012
ANSWER: Thanks very much for your tweet. We love a seventies boy blazer here at Dressipi HQ. Whether you choose to channel an effortlessly cool Bianca Jagger vibe with a classic double breasted style or a simpler schoolboy version a la Mrs Cruise, you can’t fail with this pivotal investment piece. We’ve found a few brilliant ones out there for you to look at – perfect for your silhouette:
I seem to be wearing everything in my “should avoid” section. Desperately need smart casual wear for work. I work in construction.
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: April 2, 2012
QUESTION: I am going through your capsule recommendations for me but unfortunately there is not much choice. I desperately need smart casual wear for work. I seem to be wearing all the things in your should avoid section. I have £200 to spend now and I live in central London so I have options. I work in construction so I have to have flat shoes with no openings and I can’t wear anything loose (like accessories or belts etc) due to health and safety constraints. I always need layers due to cold portacabins. I hope you can help? Thanks in advance love your website
ANSWER: Hello and thank you for contacting us. It’s lovely to hear from you. Thank you too for your invaluable feedback with regards to our Capsule Wardrobe section. Currently the Capsule Wardrobe contains your absolute best items (and those to avoid). 
We will shortly be extending it to include a wider range of items including basics, investments, trend pieces etc – rather than just your absolute perfect pieces. At the moment we use this section as a starting point to explain why certain features of garments are either flattering or not so flattering for your shape….and to help keep you from wearing the clothes you should avoid. With that in mind here are some suggestions for your work wardrobe:
1. Wallis navy trousers £29.50: Invest in a good pair of trousers, something that flatters your shape but also keeps you comfortable and stylish. Dark colours are best due to the nature of your work (I assume you are on site?). A gentle wide leg trouser is a good shape for you simply because it balances out your hip proportions. I have selected two styles here in a chic navy blue from Wallis. One is in a more casual stretch fabric the other in a linen. You might also like the stylish linen trousers from Boden. They cost quite a bit more (£75.65) but are a great quality trouser. Boden also does a more casual cargo style trouser (£41.65) which would work perfectly for summer.
2. Next rubber sole flats (in black), £28: These patent flats from Next have a sturdy and comfy rubber sole, which makes them a lot more practical and site friendly than a reguar flat shoe. They come in black whcih I would recommend buying – a bit more versatile!
3. Banana Republic open cardigan £55: An open cardigan is a useful wardrobe basic. It’s the perfect 
garment for layering over jersey pieces and acts as a lightweight jacket. You want something you can just throw over your trousers and a top and still look smart. For a stylish touch snap up this figure flattering waterfall open cardi from Next (£23). It has a simple waterfall collar as opposed to a mass of ruffles, making it more user friendly for your line of work. Black or grey works perfectly with navy blue.
4. Black coat H&M £39.99: I love this coat from H&M. It’s not fussy but it also has a chic stylish feel to it. This would sit perfectly over your open cardigan and a top. What’s more there are no belts, buckles, etc to get in the way.
5. Boden twist jersey top £24.65 (in blue): The good thing about this jersey Boden top is that it is an empire line cut – one of your must-haves. This piece is on sale, and they do stock your size in a lovely blue which would work with your navy trousers and a black or grey cardigan.
6. Kaliko jersey tops £19: I have also inlcuded these twist front and ruched jersey tops. They will flatter the tummy area and look lovely balanced out with your trousers.
7. Empire line tops: It’s also worth looking at these Empire Line shirts. I know the pink Simply Be one might be too bright for your work day – but it’s a fun piece for the weekend with a pair of bootcut jeans.
I hope that this has given you some work wear inspiration. As mentioned, we are currently putting together a more user friendly and comprehensive Capsule Wardrobe section…so we will keep you posted. Natalie x
Why oh why ….
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: March 28, 2012
Today we are very excited at Dressipi to release two new features that have been high on our members’ request list. Lots of our members are keen to tell us why they have disliked a certain garment or accessory, to fast track the learning of the technology. Others are very keen to tell us they never want to see a certain feature or brand again and want them removed completely from their recommendations (rather than appear lower down their list).
Adding Why to Dislikes: When you dislike a garment or accessory, a Why option will appear alongside. Simply click on the Why and select the reason why you do not like the item. You can select multiple options.
Don’t Show Again: If you have a preference to never see a brand or feature again – simply tick the ‘don’t show me’ option. Don’t worry if you change your mind in the future, as very soon you will have complete access to all of the information in your Fashion Fingerprint that impacts how we choose your recommendations and you can tweak and amend it.
Tip: You can add Whys and Don’t Shows to your previously disliked garments by clicking on http://dressipi.com/dislikes.
Happy playing!
I’m 18 yrs old and don’t have a clue about fashion. I’m also a size 18! Help…
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: March 22, 2012
QUESTION: I’m 18 years old, and I have not got a clue about fashion and don’t have a lot of money!!! I am also a size 18. I have recently started to lose weight/inches and have got a bit more confident in myself to actually want to dress in a way that suits me! I have to say that 40′s and 50′s icons like Marilyn Monroe and Veronica Lake are some of my idols. And I would like to know if the 40′s/50′s style of clothing would suit me and my shape?
ANSWER: Congratulations on your recent weight loss. You must feel wonderful. Marilyn Monroe and Veronica Lake are shapely 
and feminine style icons. Their shapes celebrate womanly curves….which you have! You have well balanced body proportions and what’s more you have a defined waist. So, to answer your question, the styles from the 40′s and 50′s would look fabulous on you. With that in mind here are some pieces you might like:
1. ASOS CURVE black dress £25: Every wardrobe needs a little black dress, and this fabulous piece ticks all the right boxes with its waist-accentuating band and lovely full skirt. The wide strap halter neck top will support your bust. It’s very Marilyn Monroe. All you need is an air vent to recreate that iconic 
picture. This dress also comes in a bright red and summery denim blue colour. So we have this in two of your favourite colours. Style with a rock ‘n roll wedge like these beauties from H&M in red or black. If you go for the black dress then add a red wedge and vice versa.
3. FOREVER21 £19.75: Another retro style dress that works well on you is the tea dress. The low v-neck
flatters your bust and the empire line cut creates shapely definition at the waist. It’s a fun and flirty piece. Just add your wedges and some oversized sunglasses and a slick of bright lipstick.
4. DOROTHY PERKINS snake print pencil skirt £25: Whilst all the pieces above have those flirty full skirts, pencils skirts are also key to achieving those iconic Hollywood leading ladies’ looks. After all, they really do put a wiggle in your walk…a trademark of your style icons. Have a bit of fun with a hot-off-the-catwalk animal print. It’s very retro 
too. If you want a real vampy goddess look, style it with this chic black peplum top from ASOS. Peplums are a big trend this season and they draw attention to the waist. This top will create a great balance to the slinky fit of the pencil skirt.
So, there you have it. I hope that this has inspired you to shop with confidence. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun with your fashion.
Natalie x
What can I wear to Chester Races for Ladies’ Day?
Posted by: Dressipi Team on: March 21, 2012
QUESTION: I am going to Chester Races For Ladies’ Day and I am stuck on what sort of dress to wear that would most suite me .
ANSWER: How exciting – Chester races! It will be a fun and fashionably glamorous day out for you. You’ll want to look fabulous. 
You have a gorgeous figure and if you look at your Dressipi Fashion Fingerprint you will see that it is all about using clothes to inject a bit of curve into your lovely silhouette. With that in mind here is an idea for an outfit I hope that you will like.
1. Lipsy purple dress £45 : This dress is in one of your favourite colours – a glorious purple. Very striking! The fit-and-flare style will inject a bit of curve into your already lovely shape. It’s all about creating balanced looking proportions. The fitted top sculpts your slender torso and the full skirt and skinny belt create the illusion of a defined waist….and it also draws attention to your long legs. The cap sleeves balance out the full skirt. This is the type of dress you can wear in the summer with coloured flat sandals for a dressed down look, or with a cool wedge and cropped denim jacket for a weekend look.
2. Mango gold cuff, £14.99: It’s time to add a bit of hardware to the outfit. Style this with one of the season’s must-have oversized gold cuffs like this textured piece from Mango.
3. Dorothy Perkins colour block heels £40: Show of your long legs with these stylish two-tone colour block 
sandals. Great with a pair of skinny jeans, soft jersey t-shirt and sharp tailored blazer for a Friday night.
4. Mango red quilt bag, £27.99 : Use your bag to introduce another bright colour to your outfit. This vibrant red is a hot contrast to the deep purple of your dress and it will really make the colour stand out. The gold chain complements the cuff. What’s more – you’ll need somewhere ultra-chic and fashionable to store your winnings!
5. Star by Julien Macdonald hair clip £12 : You could wear a statement hat – it’s entirely up to you. Alternatively for that final fashionable touch, why not add this simple but 
cool oversized flower hair piece from the Star by Julien Macdonald range at Debenhams. The subtle neutral shade adds a lovely balance to the overall colour way of your outfit. But, you could just as easily go for a burst of red or purple. I would, however, advise you not to match shoes-handbag-headpiece in the exact same shade. If you are going to go for one colour, break it up a bit with varied tones of the same shade.
I hope that this has inspired you! Have a fantastic time at the races and enjoy your day out.
Natalie x
