The Shoot!

In an attempt to kick start the Jolly Well Healed empire I decided to style a high fashion photo shoot for my soon-to-be-relaunched website and on-line shop. I had in mind beautiful rural landscapes as a backdrop, so where better to stage it than in some of the land around my house, including the eerily beautiful woods with a ruin at the edge of the property.

The day of the shoot couldn't have been more perfect: as I wanted the photos to be outdoors I knew it didn't have to be sunny in order to get some lovely images but I also knew that good weather would buoy everyone's moods! Things couldn't have been better: The sun was shining and I felt a bit giddy with excitement.

I couldn't have achieved this without the help and support of my lovely, talented friends. My closest friend Faye was a model and was kind enough to come out of retirement just for me. I had a very clear idea in my head about how I wanted the images to look - natural, effortless and beautiful. Faye was an obvious first choice of model for me and I was honoured that she agreed to help me out. I was also fortunate enough to have help from another friend, Beth Steddon from http://garage-studios.co.uk/ who took the photographs. Saffron Powell (freelance) did Faye's hair and make up and of course I styled the clothes. The clothes used in the shoot are for sale and will be available on the website once it's up and running.

The morning was mostly taken up with hair and make-up and also selecting which outfits to use in each different location. A couple of coffees later and we were shooting! I was so fortunate to work with such professionals who understood my brief. I was also lucky enough to have a friend help look after my 16 month old daughter too which meant that I was free to be hands on.

The first shots were taken in the garden, in front of a huge oak tree. Faye's initial outfit was a goldy bronze short pleated dress by Halston Heritage with incredible pleated angel sleeves. All of the photographs taken below were by me as I wanted to document the day, so I apologise in advance if they aren't very professional but I just wanted to share the day with you all!

For lunch, we sat on the lawn in the glorious sunshine and I made a butternut squash salad with rocket and feta and we had bread and cold meats with it. A cheeky bottle of white wine was opened too. Once our batteries were charged we were on the move again as we had a lot of outfits to get through.

In this shot, the bluebells were out in force in the wood and made the perfect romantic setting! The lighting was really dappled and soft. Here Faye is modelling a gorgeous silk, sequined tie-dye dress from Juliet Dunn and a brass bangle from jewellery designer Nicci Bethell (http://www.niccibethelljewellery.co.uk/)

There is also a small ruin of what we think must have been a coach house in the wood and that also made an ideal photo opportunity. Here Faye is modelling a beautiful rose-gold full-length pleated maxi grecian dress by Halston Heritage. It complemented Faye's colouring perfectly and went beautifully with the stunning half moon brass earrings by Nicci Bethell.

In the shot below, Faye's wearing a stunning navy maxi dress with black embellishment on the waistband and shoulder by Danni Minogue's label Project D. The dress looked incredible on her.

My husband and I have a couple of classic cars and we used the 1959 Peugeot 203 in this shot. It's a really pretty, quirky car which complemented the nostalgic feel of the shoot. In this shot, Faye's wearing a strapless navy silk top from Amanda Wakeley and a skinny pair of white J Brand jeans. Once we had enough images of this outfit it was time for a quick cup of tea and slice of homemade cake before the final outfit change and to make the most of the light before it got too dark to continue.

For the final look of the day we were in the field and using an old ornate bird table as a prop. Here Faye is wearing a beautiful silk paisly kaftan from Juicy Couture and she is also modelling a little tan snakeskin Mulberry bag with a chain strap. The lighting was ethereally beautiful but fading fast. So we just managed to capture the last few beautiful moments of a perfect day.

I'm so pleased with the outcome of the shoot and have had amazing feedback already from those of you who follow me on Twitter (@juliannaheale) and on Facebook (Jolly Well Healed)

As soon as the images have been edited and completed I will post them up for you to see. I will post again very soon.

as ever...

  

      Kisses, Julianna

Getting white down to a tee!

Once upon a time, I was foolish enough to fall in love with the most beautiful and perfect white t-shirt I had ever come across. It was love at first sight! It was the perfect combination of the weight of cotton/silk mix (which meant it felt lovely to wear) and style. A simple, short sleeved v-neck with a little pocket on the front. Understated, practical and luxurious too; everything I look for in an investment buy! The fact that it was Balenciaga also might have had something to do with it! Feeling a little giddy, I ignored the £75 price tag and convinced myself that cost per wear it would be worth every penny. 

One very happy wear later (tucked into tailored black Balenciaga shorts, worn with black patent Miu Miu sling backs) and it was time to go in the wash...

On emptying the washing machine, I discovered that the love affair was more a one night stand and that my perfect tee now resembled a shrunken twisted old dishcloth. On closer inspection, I discovered that my t-shirt was dry clean only (+*^%!). I have never spent that sort of money on a white t-shirt since. How can an expensive white t-shirt that you can't wash in the washing machine be an investment buy? To dry clean a white t-shirt after every wear is a huge expense, not practical and will ultimately put you off wearing it. This was an expensive lesson learnt!

This season's trends do call on the need to own several good white tees/ vests. They are classic wardrobe staples in their own right and are so easy to wear with jeans, shorts, under a blazer etc. Having difficulty in knowing how to wear this season's catwalk trendy neon colours? Simple; team with a plain white t-shirt or vest to complement hot brights! 

This Spring/Summer, I plan to live in my favourite white tee and vest:

Last year's white "Flame" vest from Whistles, pictured above, tucked into Whistles tailored black trousers worn with black patent heels from LK Bennet, an old red Miu Miu satchel and a mustard scarf I clothes swapped with a buddy.

Here I am wearing a white Vince t-shirt (bought in the January sale at 70% off), worn with silk cullottes from Whistles, black patent LK Bennet shoes and trusty black Mulberry Alexa.

Here are some of my current favourite white vests/tees which I have hand picked just for you...

All My Love Basic White V`est £40 (90% micromodal 10% cashmere)

 I love anything from All My Love! The tees are a bit more expensive but feel so lovely to wear as that 10% cashmere makes all the difference! This vest is such a good basic and would look fantastic with a pair of skinnies, tucked into a skirt or layered with a cardi over the top.

Whistles Livvy Vest £30

 A slubby cotton jersey vest which can be paired with absolutely anything. This is this year's version of the vest I am wearing in the picture above. Wear with shorts or dress it up with jeans and a blazer. Perfect with anything! Tailored trousers, jeans, shorts, skirts etc...

Vince Drape Sleeve Tee $98

 Perfect with this season's skinny pink jeans or leggings. Easy to wear tucked into slouchy shorts too.

Topshop Roll Sleeve Burnout Pocket Tee £15 

A great price point and so easy to wear for the season. Buy several! The rolled up sleeves make this tee a bit more edgy. Wear tucked into a long brightly coloured maxi skirt.

Warehouse silk pocket tee £16

 The silk pocket makes this white tee a little more dressy than the average basic tee. Great with jeans or tucked into slouchy shorts.

River Island white v-neck t-shirt £8.99

The cheapest white tee! Excellent value for a 100% cotton t-shirt. Wear tucked into this season's cropped camel turned-up chinos with tan moccasins or strappy sandals.

I think it is vital with white t-shirts that they are replaced regularly as there is nothing worse than wearing a white tee that is slightly grey and tired looking. Often, after a lot of wear and washing, the side seams have twisted round and the tee shirt looks like it's seen better days. I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot of money on a white tee/vest but my biggest tip is to replace them frequently. That way it will always look crisp and fresh, which is exactly what many of this season's trends cry out for.

I hope this has been useful and in my next blog I will be documenting the fashion shoot I am styling for my upcoming website. I can't wait to share this with you!

as ever...

  

Whatever the outcome, enjoy!

      Kisses, Julianna

Runway to Reality!

Here are some ideas about how you can translate some of the high-fashion catwalk looks for Spring/Summer into your wardrobe. I have picked out some of my favourite key pieces from the catwalks and have found more affordable high street alternatives! Clever dressing is about dressing well for less and selecting styles that suit you but also choosing items which will hopefully last longer than just a season. Let the designers influence but not dictate your style!

1.     Chloe Silk chiffon skirt: POA V.  Whistles Erica pleated midi skirt £110 

Chloe - POA

Whistles - £110

    This beautiful Whistles skirt looks great worn with a simple white t-shirt tucked in and pumps or sandals. Alternatively, dress the skirt up with heels and a simple silky camisole and a fitted jacket.  The skirt can easily be worn in Autumn/Winter too with tights, a fine fitted cashmere jumper and a leather jacket. 

         
    
 2.  Christian Louboutin Simple 70 leather pumps V. Lk Bennet skin coloured patent kitten heels  

Christian Louboutin - £370

      

LK Bennett - £140

  These nude LK Bennet shoes are great! They go with absolutely everything. I have the LK Bennet shoes in the black already and they are so handy for work and going out. The nude would be perfect for Spring/Summer and would be very easy to wear with everything, from jeans to pretty dresses! These shoes would work in Winter too with coloured tights and dresses.

3.     Jil Sander maxi skirt V. Reiss Danielle maxi volume skirt £110

 Jil Sander - POA  

Reiss - £110

This Reiss skirt is really easy to wear with a fitted white vest/tee, brightly coloured statement necklace and sandals or wedges. Team with gladiator sandals and massive shades for the perfect summer holiday look! Wear in Autumn/Winter with a fitted knit, shoe boots and a tailored blazer. 

4.     Palazzo pants from Marc Jacobs P.O.A  V. Oasis wide legged crepe trousers £50 

Marc Jacobs - POA

Oasis - £50

     

 These Oasis palazzo pants are great to wear for work and play. Wear in Summer with a silky camisole and a pair of wedges. For Autumn/Winter, team with killer heels and a fitted silky shirt or a roll neck jumper and a leather jacket! 

5.     Prada striped dress P.O.A V. Warehouse stripe tunic dress £65

Prada - POA

Warehouse - £65

     This Warehouse dress is easy to wear for work with a jacket and heels or dressed down with a pair of pumps and a cardigan. Team with tights and riding boots in Winter.

6.     Erdem red Margot lace dress, £1960 V. Topshop Lace Liz Flippy dress, £48 

Erdem - £1960

Topshop - £48

        This Erdem red lace dress is heavenly and is my absolute favourite piece this season! I love this dress! It’s so feminine and elegant with a slight edge of  rock n roll too! This Topshop dress is a great affordable alternative. (I have a wedding to go to in May. Could be a potential… ? )Wear in Winter with thick black tights, ankle boots and just a little bit of attitude!

7.     Erdem Bianca floral silk dress, £3,360  V. Topshop Limited edition pastel maxi dress, £150 

Erdem - £3,360

Topshop - £150

      This stunning Erdem maxi dress is so beautiful and feminine. Topshop has created a very pretty alternative. It would look lovely with ballet pumps and a fitted jacket or flat sandals for Spring/Summer and biker boots and chunky knitted cardi in Winter. I would exchange the green ribbon for a skinny leather belt.

8.      Chloe Marcie large leather tote, £1,010 V. Toast Vanessa bag, £165 

Chloe - £1,010

Toast - £164

     This Chloe bag is stunning and would go with absolutely everything. I have looked at a lot of high street leather bags and found that a lot of them looked quite cheap and didn't seem to have longevity. I think a good leather bag is essential for everyday and this Toast bag is beautifully made and has timeless appeal. It would be a good investment and would work all year round. 

Hope you like my suggestions. If you are planning a shopping trip make sure that you can wear the items through to next season with some clever styling! I think the biggest and most essential investment this season is also the most affordable. Buy some good quality, well-cut white t-shirts to accompany this season's key items.

 A simple white tee is the key accessory to complement wearing this season's bright colours and also catwalk trends. The best news is that everyone can afford a white tee and also find a style that suits them! White t-shirts can look tired and grey fairly quickly and need re-newing regularly. Remember to keep things simple. Wearing white with bright colours is the perfect complement as black can make them look cheap and garish! In my next blog, I will be recommending different white tee's and reminiscing the loss of the best white t-shirt I ever had! (Albeit very briefly! R.I.P. Balenciaga tee)

You don't need to spend a fortune on investing in the latest trends for the season. With a little tweaking and imagination you can find ways of updating your look without falling victim to seasonal trends! 
  Whatever the outcome, enjoy!

      Kisses, Julianna

Spring has Sprung

Spring has sprung and with the promise of better weather to come brings to question what I will be wearing and investing in this spring/summer. We are increasingly surrounded by on-trend images in magazines and on the catwalks and yet we seem to be more confused about what to wear than ever!


My style hasn’t changed much over the last ten years: I tend to live in J Brand skinny jeans, cosy cashmere and converse when I’m off duty and at home playing with my daughter or walking the dog. When I’m at work I generally like to wear pretty Whistles dresses teamed with a Sandro or a Whistles jacket and Jigsaw riding boots. These are my signature uniforms for work and play! I have to be comfortable and to feel good in what I’m wearing. My clothes also have to be fairly durable as having a one year old and a dog can be pretty tough on your wardrobe! Finding the right style that suits you and your lifestyle can make such a difference in how you feel about yourself, and also how you come across to other people. If you like what you’re wearing and feel good wearing it then you’ll come across as more confident to others which I think is important in all aspects of life, not just the workplace.

Off-duty

Smart for work

Trends come and go with the seasons. Personally, I think that if you have the basics in place then it’s easy to buy the more high fashion pieces to update your look for the season. However, if the item you’re buying doesn’t have much longevity and you only want to enjoy it for a season then it’s best not to spend a lot of money on it and to shop around and try to find a cheaper alternative. The latest trend isn’t necessarily flattering for you. So if you just want to have a bit of fun with the latest trends, find a way of incorporating a hint of it in your wardrobe. I will be making some suggestions how to incorporate spring/summer trends into your daily wardrobe next week without breaking the bank.

As I mentioned earlier, my personal style hasn’t changed much over the last decade. I probably invest in a designer bag every couple of years if I can afford it as bags are such big news in the style stakes. At the moment I am loving my black Mulberry Alexa and take it everywhere with me. It’s a modern classic and is really practical as I can wear it worn across the body which frees up my arms when I am carrying my daughter. Another recent investment buy was a Missoni snood which ties in with all the colours in my wardrobe. It’s practical as it keeps me warm but it’s stylish too. It’s not going to date either and I can see myself continuing to wear and enjoy it for years to come.

So far I’ve mentioned designer labels but I wear a lot from Zara and Topshop, even the odd charity shop find too. I am also a big fan of Ebay which is where I have bought some of my designer clothes at bargain prices. If I like it then it doesn’t matter to me where it’s from and if I can get it discounted or at a bargain price then even better! I like to mix and match high street labels with designer pieces and a little bit of vintage thrown into the mix.  Being someone who is obsessed with clothes but is a mother and only works part-time I do not have a disposable income. I think that if you shop around you don’t have to spend a fortune on staying stylish and up to date. What is crucial though is sticking to styles that work best for you: your shape; age; lifestyle; job and budget. Does it compliment you and make you feel good? Ask yourself if you can see yourself wearing it in a couple of years to come or is it just an impulse buy that will stay unworn in your wardrobe?


Whatever the outcome, enjoy!
Kisses, Julianna