Inside Tips From Westfield Insider Alyce Cowell

Westfield Insider Alyce Cowell is the envy of many women - me included! She shops for a living and gets paid to do it - imagine that! I caught up with her on her recent trip to Perth to find out what trends she loves, who her fashion icons are and what we can expect this summer season - here's what she had to say:

What should every woman have in her winter wardrobe?

The four main trends this season are shimmer and shine, lady-like, sixties and print-clash

•  Shimmer and shine is a lot of sequins, glitter and Lurex.
•  Lady-like  - lots of cinched in waists, full skirts, structured tops and pointy heels.
•  Sixties are high necklines and mini hemlines.
•  Print-clash could be a floral pants with a striped top.

• •  Must have items:

•  A statement coat
•  A great pair of jeans
•  A good pair of boots
•  A hat
•  A black dress

Which celebrity in your opinion has a rocking style: 

My answer to this never changes – I am obsessed with the Olsens - they’re my absolute favourites. 

I think they are amazing. 

Spring/Summer trends what can we expect to be wearing in the warmer months?

I’ve noticed lots of neon touches like bags, shoes and accessories – a little splash of it looks great.I think we will see lots of colour.

Which celebrity in your opinion has a rocking style: 

My answer to this never changes – I am obsessed with the Olsens  they’re my absolute favourites I think they are amazing. I just love that they wear whatever they want and don’t care what anybody thinks I love how they kind of just throw something on and they look so good – just effortless.
I also like Diane Kruger I think she always looks great.

How long does it take for you to get ready?

Usually it takes me about an hour.

If I know what I’m wearing it’s significantly less and if my hairs done, again it’s a lot less time.
I think the biggest thing for me is choosing the outfit and I feel better about myself if I like my outfit for the day.

Do you find that there’s more pressure on you now to look amazing now that you are the Westfield Insider – or do you have bad days? 

I absolutely have bad days and if you see me at home where I’m just blogging I’m wearing my zebra print bathrobe so it’s not that glamorous at all.
I’m not glamourous all the time that’s for sure and that’s probably why I take my time to get ready.

Favourite stores to shop in: 

Sportsgirl - it’s my favourite because I always find something I like there and there is always such a range.

Even if you feel like it’s too young for you or doesn’t suit you their accessories are great so there is something there for everyone.

I love Sussan for the accessories.

Wittner for their shoes and Lovisa for their jewellery.

Fashion rule you live by?

My motto is WWMKD – What Would Mary Kate Do.

It's a little motto I live by and somebody actually made me a bangle with that engraved on it for me.
I find one of the best tools to use if you are really not sure where to start with fashion is to pick someone you love – whether it’s someone with the same body shape as you or you just admire what they wear.
Google them and you can get so many ideas from their outfits.
If I’m ever stuck I just think of the Olsens because I love their style and I’ll use their outfits as inspiration. 

We went to: FIVE Bar, Mt Lawley

We enjoyed: Lemon, Lime and Bitters

She wore: Dotti pants, Sportsgirl blazer and tank. Accessories by Lovisa.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Shopping a topic every girl can relate to

Dreaming up my new look!

Relaxing at FIVE Bar

Rocking cobalt blue!

Fashionista’s tips for the new season

Fashion blogger Alyce Cowell gave out style tips at Westfield Innaloo last week.Pic by Dom Menegaldo

WESTFIELD Innaloo got a visit from Alyce Cowell, one of Australia’s savviest shoppers, as part of a series of in-centre events held around the country last week.

The 23-year-old fashionista whose job it is to shop and blog for a living hosted the events, which showcased the current spring/summer trends and answered questions about the biggest fashion challenges of the season.

The former editor of Covet Magazine and Sportsgirl stylist said the style session at Innaloo involved making over two local women, discussing key trends and investment pieces for the wardrobe.

“The style session was fantastic; we taught the ladies how to get more for their money by building key investment pieces for their summer wardrobe and how to take them each from day to night,” Alyce said.

“Our two Facebook fans who were chosen were naturals on stage as our real women models.”

With spring in full swing and summer just around corner, Alyce also talked about the trends of the season and how they could be worked into most wardrobes and suit different body types.

“Colour blocking is the biggest spring/summer trend but we’re also seeing big movements towards other trends like boho, animal print, white on white, monochrome and stripes,” she said.

“The trends for this season are great because they’re all really adaptable for different ages, shapes and lifestyles.

“It can be daunting experimenting with new trends, so my tip is to tailor it for you.

“For example, if you’re not an animal print person but would love to start wearing it, try adding an accent instead, through a heel or clutch until you’re comfortable.”

Other tips she offered shoppers was to add a bit of colour to an outfit with accessories and to buy a great pair of jeans.

“It sounds boring, but when you have the building blocks of your wardrobe sorted, you can start having fun with trend items and mixing and matching for multiple looks,” she said.

“A pair of well-cut jeans that suit your shape will never date.”