De Quelle Collar?

I have become just a little bit obsessed with collars. To some this may sound a little barmy.  For those of you who know me you will realise that is nothing new!


Every season there is an accessory that  'everyone's raving about'. Over the past year or so its been 'all about' The Power Clutch, The Midi or The Floral Trouser….or more.  Or similar variations, i am quite sure you could write a very long list.  While i don't like to think i am a slave to trends or what's hot or not at a certain time, you don't have to work in fashion or retail to be influenced by what's going on around you.  And for me at the moment, i can't get enough of collars.  


Its not just me, the simple collar has been popularised by Alexa Chung, Zooey Deschanel, Lauren Laverne and even, dare i say it, shows like Ugly Betty.  What with oversized glasses, satchels and now collars, it has all gone a bit book worm meets Geek Chic, and i love it! 

Beautiful crisp white blouse and simple black ribbon with black opagues add a sexy edge to Chanel tailoring -  lovely wicker bag stops the outfit looking too sexy.

Simple body con dress toned down with a white collar peeping over the top. The short hemline,flats and white collar making the look a bet more daytime, less evening.  

I have never been a fan of wearing one particular look from head to toe and much prefer to mix it up a bit.  Often i feel most happy in an outfit that is a complete mish-mash because it feels more creative and individual;  but this is one trend you cant wear top to bottom.  Unless you really are a bit of a geek! 

Above, my current favourite collar crush. Beautiful cobalt blue Monsoon Charlotte Jumper jumper with cream and red Monsoon Sophia Blouse styled underneath.  Extra warm to wear together and the pop of red keeps it fun!  The red also gives you another colour to pop elsewhere in your outfit.  

Then, here i have taken a very very old monsoon blue velvet dress and popped a pink silk sleeveless (also very old!) Gap sleeveless blouse underneath and worn backwards. The collar is much more dramatic but the fabrics are also much more fancy pants and so the print makes this whole ensemble a bit more…playful?! I also think the velvet and silk together make it bit vintage-y too.  

This time i have taken another old Monsoon summer dress already with a collar and to draw attention to it i have loosely tied a little printed Ditsy Floral and Striped Border Accessorize Square scarf around the collar.  Not only does this brighten up the navy of the dress, but it is a much cheaper way of updating an old dress aaand, is a way of working the Collar, when it gets a bit warmer….

Finally,  before i have bored you all to tears with my collar antics, my last little collar favourite styling tip is to incorporate a simple strand of ribbon into your outfit.  As i mostly plait my hair, i have a box brimming with different types of ribbon, and every colour under the rainbow too.   Here i styled an old Topshop printed blouse by selecting a skinny length of ribbon in a complimentary colour and tying it loosely around and under the collar. This not only makes the blouse even more pretty, but it brings it right up to date too.


Phew.  I own a satchel AND now i have a serious Collar Crush. Maybe i will see if the ridiculously oversized glasses do suit me…..Might not be able to see when i'm riding my bike though!


Hope this inspires you to be a little bit more creative with your new purchases (if your lucky!) and equally to make the most of the things you already have aswell. Oh and to love collars just as much as me :)

xxx

* Alexa Chung pictures courtesy of Tumblr 
** All the other are unfortunately taken by myself, apologies.