Ever wondered how celebrities, models and fashion editor types always look so effortlessly stylish? Whether you want to buy the perfect white tee or find out where the fash pack actually shop. Consider it done, with our round up of the best stylist secrets from the frontline of fashion.
1. The Shoe Fixer
So you've splashed out on a pair of Christian Louboutins, but where, oh where, shoud you get them mended? A supermarket walk-in shoe repairers just won't cut it. Take them to the number one Christian Louboutin shoe menders, Minuit Moins 7, the French cobbler on Whitecross Street in east London. It's the only place that can replace the famous Christian Louboutin red leather soles.
2. The Use On Anything Stain Remover
Wet wipes. Try it, you'll never look back. Especially good on deodrant stains.
3. If It's Good Enough For Lanvin...
When we have a designer dress disaster in the Marie Claire fashion Cupboard, the only dry cleaners we have on speed dial is Scobies. Based in South London, they transform pieces - whether it's alterations or repairs. And, quite frankly, they are too good to keep to ourselves.
4. The Perfect White Tee Shirt
When we find the elusive perfect white tee, we always buy two or three, because, if you don't, chances are you'll never be able to find it again. It's one of the most hard-working items in your wardrobe - wear with a leather pencil skirt to the office, boyfriend jeans on the weekend and even layered under a playsuit for party times. Look out for not too thick cotton, a loose fit and scoop neck, which suits all shapes. We love Gap, American Vintage and Acne. Try this one at Net A Porter to get you started.
5. Pack Like A Fashion Editor
Marie Claire's Senior Style Editor Des Lewis swears by rolling clothes when she is packing for a big trip. 'You get so much more in a small space this way. I roll everything apart from jeans, lay these flat first in your case.'
6. Fake It To Make It
Believe it or not, most fashion editors are not wearing Bvlgari diamonds or Oscar de la Renta statement jewels day and night, instead we shop online at Astrid & Miyu, Asos and Chelsea Doll for budget-friendly but on-trend alternatives. Team a dangly drop earring with a cashmere sweater for an office-approiate outfit.
7. It's Not All About Shopping On Bond Street...
But just around the corner, tucked away behind Oxford Street in the Salvation Army Charity Shop on Princes Street.
A stone's throw away from one magazine publishing house, you have a higher chance of finding a fashion editor's cast offs in there than anywhere else.
8. Or Haggle At A Car Boot
When your wardrobe is at bursting point and you can't see what's lurking at the back, it doesn't make for the most productive dressing experience in the morning. Do it like a fashion editor and have a wardrobe cleanse every six months. Pack away your winter wardrobe in Ikea fabric storage bags or sell your wares at the many car boots around the capital like the super stylists do. Try Capital Car Boot in Pimlico and Chiswick Car Boot.
9. It's All In The Hanger
Don't ever use wire hangers, ever. They can pull on your favourite sweater and your clothes will end up all out of shape. Go for a wooden sturdy style instead.
10. Work It Like A Celeb
Ever wondered how those celebs keep it all contained in their sparkly, barely-there frocks. Yes, Abbey Clancy in Julien Macdonald, we are talking about you. Well get acquainted with the stylist's secret weapon... tit tape. We have moved on from the traditional double-sided roll that you could never find the end of and have become obsessed with the new circle-shaped tape. Use it when you want to flash just enough side boob - or for a quick hem job on a cropped trouser.
11. Tights Aren't Just For Winter
Worried about ripping the crochet or lace on your favourite long-sleeved LBD? Never fear, just get friendly with a pair of old tights. Any colour will do, just pull the tights up your arms before pulling the dress over the top. Then cut and pull out after. Voila - and you have one non-damaged LBD.
12. Embrace The Point
There's something rather sexy about a pointy high heel court or fashionable flat. But with the pointy shape comes the creases. Not so sexy. Stylist and co-founder of The Fab Edit Arabella Greenhill says to 'stuff pointy flats with cotton wool, to help stop the crease forming.' No one told you fashion was comfortable!
13. Make Your Own Rules Fashion editors visit the shows twice a year and collate all the trends which then trickle down to Marie Claire's shopping pages. We pay attention to trends but also make them work for us. No one wants to look like they have just walked straight off the catwalk. A little tweak here and there shows originality. Pastel shades are huge for SS14 - Burberry-inspired pieces will be on a high street near you come March. But if all these sorbet colours are too sickly sweet for you to wear head-to-toe, just work the trend with accessories instead. If it doesn't flatter your shape, don't buy it, no matter what trend it is.
14. Invest In One Key Piece For the winter invest in a fabulous winter coat that goes with anything (try Whistles for its overcoats, FYI - they are just the right length for both dresses and denim). Come summer, visit Miu Miu for its sparkly flats that will dress up the most basic of high street cotton shift dresses.
