SS17 trends: The statement sleeve; a fashion buyers dream

As those of you that follow my Instagram stories will know I've been a little unsure about the statement sleeve. I was born in the 80's so they're slightly too reminiscent of perms and shoulder pads for my liking! 

My gut instinct has been that exaggerated sleeves are a bit of a fad and too fussy to suit my style. Whilst I still think all of that's true I do understand why they're everywhere at the moment.

In many ways, a trend like this is a fashion buyer's dream; a statement piece that customers have to buy into as they won't have a similar item already in their wardrobe.

This an easy trend for young fashion but definitely trickier for other sectors, particularly for mature customers. I can imagine that when the SS17 catwalks started coming through, that half the UK's buying teams were as excited as the other half were in despair.

For young fashion brands, the volume sleeve is SS17's must-have item. It's easy, for their customer, to buy into it as it's a quick fashion fix to add to their wardrobe. Every blogger on Instagram's been seen wearing one the last few months so they seem to be an easy sell. 

On the other hand, many older customers don't like it when they 'did it the first time', the 80's feel of this trend and the inherently unflattering shape could be off-putting. I believe, though, that when designed cleverly, the volume sleeve can suit most shapes.

Personally, I'm now a convert. This Zara number is surprisingly flattering, especially when I turned it around so the V was at the front and double tied the belt rather than leave it flouncing around (adding unnecessary extra volume to my middle!). 

I was surprised by how good it felt to wear this top, it was nice to wear something a bit flouncy and fun for a change! I think a trend like this works well for me when I pair it back with jeans and flats. 

From a trend forecasting point of view, I don't think the statement sleeve will be around for more than a couple of seasons (it's no skinny jean trend!) but I'll be enjoying it while it lasts. 

Top | Zara | £29.99

Bag |Zara | £39.99

Sliders | Topshop | £19.99

Jeans | Asos | £30

Fashion: My pick of the best baskets for SS17

If you've been following my Instagram for a while you'll know I'm partial to a wicker or straw basket. I've recently taken this obsession to the next level by adding this little honey pot basket from Zara to my collection. 

I missed out on it last time it was in stock so when the waiting list email came through, to say it was available, I bought it straight away. 

It's a bit smaller than I would usually go for but it's so cute I couldn't resist. Even though it's quite a novelty style I think I'll get a fair amount of wear out of it. It'll look great with jeans and can definitely be dressed up or down. I also think it works well with this poplin Zara jumpsuit and The March sliders.

My french shopper, from last year, will still get a lot of use again this year and I'm also tempted by a few of the other baskets out there at the moment.

See below for my top picks from the high street for SS17.

J Crew £49.50

Zara £19.99

Mango £39.99

Spring Wardrobe Staples: Levi's Mac

This spring I'll pretty much have this outfit on repeat. Despite being a fashion buyer my personal style is fairly classic so this will be my go to for the next few months.

I was so happy when I found this mac, it's super light and I know I'm going to find it really useful in my wardrobe whilst the weather's so changeable. Living by the sea means the weather swings wildly from 'named storm' territory to a Caribbean Dream World in the blink of an eye. You basically have to be prepared for anything. 

It's the perfect shade and a good shape to wear with all of my spring favourites. The loafers were a value buy from ASOS whilst I save up for the Gucci versions, I'm starting a new business so they aren't really an option for me at the moment! 

Mac: Levi's

Jeans: Weekday

Shoes: ASOS 

Fashion History: The Breton Stripe

I wear Breton stripes at least a few times a week, they're my go to and have been a staple in my wardobe for years.

The legacy that was started by Brittany sailors continues today. As a fashion buyer I know only too well how popular and profitable the Breton top continues to be, every clothing brand I've ever worked for has sold these items in large volumes. Whether they're short sleeved, vests, multi coloured or of the traditional long sleeved variety, they're the defining items of many brands.

In my opinion the best are from Petit Bateau, they're the right side of slouchy and have a wide, boat neck. Petit Bateau's are also heavier, the thinner high street versions just can't compete. 

The history of fashion is usually a little unexpected and The Breton is no exception. It began after an official decree (The 1858 Act of France) introduced The Breton top as the uniform of the French Navy in Brittany. Apparently the stripes made seamen easier to spot if they went overboard. I always find it so interesting that something functional can be the beginning of such a ubiquitous fashion item. 

Breton Sailors

Brigitte Bardot

With a reference to it's maritime heritage The Breton is often referred to as a Mariniere and traditionally includes 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleans victories at the time. 

Nautical style was later made fashionable by the upper classes in the 1870's, mainly in France and England. At this time it was pink, green and red. Later, Coco Chanel's 1917 nautical collection brought the classic Breton to the fashion fore, having been inspired by Breton fisherman while at the coast. 

Throughout the 20th century the Breton was synonymous with artists and stylish creative types; Pablo Picasso, Jean Paul Sartre, Brigitte Bardot and the Beatniks of the 50's and 60's springing to mind.

Pablo Picasso

More recently it continues to influence the aesthetic of many designers, Jean Paul Gaultier being the most obvious. Today it's synonymous with classic dressers like Alexa Chung. 

For me, it's longetivity is in it's simplicity, ease and effortless style. It doesn't try to look stylish, which means it invariably does. A classic breton looks right on everyone, regardless of who you are, your age, colour or gender. I can't think of anyone I know that doesn't have one in their wardrobe, from my boyfriend, to my mum or my friends little ones. Even Cub, my Springer Spaniel, has some stripey items that look great on him. 

Fashion Buying: what does a fashion buyer do?

I often get asked how to get into fashion buying and what a fashion buyer actually does (I sometimes get asked both simultaneously which always gives me a little chuckle). I think this interest comes from the perception that being a buyer is glamorous, that it's a life filled with days of attending fashion shows, flicking through rails of clothes and travelling the world. 

Whilst there's definitely an element of the more fabulous side of life (once you get to the higher levels) there's also a bit more to it than that. It's a ridiculously varied and pressured job role that keeps you on your toes at all times. One moment a buyer will be trend spotting at a festival with their designer and the next they'll be signing off their range to board of directors. 

It's a super competitive field and it's definitely not for the faint-hearted but it's a great industry for those that really love fashion and have the right balance of skills.

How to Get a Job as a Fashion Buyer

£22.00

Basically, fashion buyers are retail experts in sales analysis, future trends, customer knowledge, negotiating and planning. They predict what customers want years before they realise they want them. They are responsible for planning ranges that are profitable and commercially viable. They utilise sales data, trend analysis, knowledge of the market and the customer to create products that are competitive. 

In addition to creating the initial objectives for their department, they analyse customers buying patterns, pricing structures and reactions to trends, ensure quality levels and plan ranges that fit into assigned budgets.

They liaise and communicate with each function of a business to ensure productivity and effective ways of working. They are the function that brings the others together to work together in unison,  most notably the design, merchandising and garment technology departments. 

On a day to day basis they keep their knowledge of trends up to date (this is where the shopping and catwalks comes in), review current sales, plan for future ranges, meet suppliers, present their ranges to management, visit stores, manage the critical path of their styles, attend fit sessions and manage their teams. 

Buyers are highly organised, driven people with great communication skills and commercial acumen. They are often (but not always) the pivotal function in a companies product team, they're usually the team with ultimate responsibility for the success of a range. 

Find out more about me and the role on the rest of this site, particularly in the about me section and on the rest of my blog.