![My life in fashion: Five minutes with radio presenter and stylist Rebecca McKinney](https://i1.wp.com/imageirl.imageresizer.io/8C1xtiJVl2-s1280x720-q85.jpg)
Trend for me… has at all times been a giant a part of who I’m. As a young person I used it to slot in; in my twenties it helped me uncover my profession path and in my thirties it’s a software to specific myself. Garments for me mirror my temper and in some ways have been my armor – a effectively put collectively outfit offers me confidence, I really feel like I can deal with something.
My journey to changing into a stylist was… coincidental, however full future. A regulation graduate, with creativity in my coronary heart and soul, I walked away from the authorized bar in Belfast and determined to do retail advertising and marketing as an alternative. Strolling that path has taught me a lot about communication and the facility of individuals. A chance with a shopper, in Victoria Sq., got here as a large leap of religion that opened profession doorways I by no means anticipated. Trend has at all times been the catalyst for fulfilling my goals. Three years as Victoria Sq.’s resident private stylist gave me the chance to work with unbelievable international manufacturers and produce trend occasions and campaigns that I will be perpetually pleased with. Once I’m not internet hosting the Cool FM breakfast present, my styling enterprise continues to satisfy that zeal of serving to ladies be ok with themselves. A effectively put collectively outfit has magical powers!
I get up at… 5 mornings every week, my alarm clock wakes me up at 4:45 am. I at all times put an outfit on the chair in a nook of my bed room the night time earlier than. If I do not, my day will begin off flawed. I hate nothing greater than feeling thrown collectively; it beats my temper all day lengthy. I have been doing the breakfast radio present for eight years and my early morning fashion has undoubtedly advanced. On days after I’m working purely within the studio, my go-to is elevated loungewear: leggings and an identical sweatshirt, chunky runners, an outsized coat, and a cap. My present model of selection for minimal effort with most fashion can be Adanola. Once I hit the gymnasium after the present, Gymshark is my go-to. Once I’m racing to a shopper assembly or filming for Cool FM after the breakfast present, I would like an outfit that makes an influence however nonetheless appears to be like good from 5am.
My style is… continually evolving, however my normal look would at all times be good with a nod to what’s at present trending. I really like an outsized blazer, skinny denims and heels. A few of my favorites come from Zara and I at all times dimension up with their jackets. Outsized is stylish.
Everybody ought to have… a pleasant coat. Jackets are the spine of my wardrobe. A fantastic jacket can rework even the only of outfits – whether or not it is a tracksuit or a black sweater costume, placed on the fitting jacket and also you’re flying! In the intervening time I like structured shoulders and a barely androgynous match – ASOS, NA-KD and River Island are the jackets for me this season.
My weak spot is… impartial tones are my weak spot. I flit between sporting a tonal palette of cream and white to a daring pop of colour — there is not any center floor for me! Nevertheless, I am not an enormous fan of print. For daytime I reside in cream knitwear and camel coats. For evenings, and often for work events, I lean in direction of a impartial palette with a pop of colour.
Two of my favourite appears to be like I’ve ever worn are… a vivid electrical blue structured coat by Karen Millen to guage Greatest Dressed Woman at Down Royal Racecourse, and a vivid pink and black Solace London night costume to host the Miss Northern Eire last. I am continually fascinated by what works finest on digicam, and colour blocking is at all times a winner.
Once I’m styling outfits… I really like taking just a few hours out of my schedule to plan an outfit, whether or not it is for work outfits or for after I’m touring. I put up a garments rail and work out appears to be like from head to toe, including footwear and equipment alongside the outfit. Then I rapidly snap a photograph and reference it with an outline of the day I plan to put on it within the notes part of my cellphone. This helps me really feel organized, which in flip encourages my mind to remain calm when my schedule is busy.
My very own wardrobe is… a small walk-in, however I profit from the area. I usually advise clients to prepare their garments by merchandise or colour palette. My choice is for a colour palette move, so I do know if I am in search of a impartial base I can go to that part and discover one thing tonal. Tonal dressing is vital to creating an outfit look well-thought-out and costly…even when it is not!
I primarily store in… I really like to go searching – Zara, Mango, ASOS, All Saints and different tales are the repeat offenders on the road. I often do not buy a designer except it is an funding shoe or bag. For night put on I prefer to look a bit extra to seek out one thing totally different. I manage so many occasions all year long that it stays fascinating for me to alter my look. I promote most of my work clothes after I’ve worn them so another person can share within the pleasure of sporting these items. My favorites for occasionwear are Nadine Merabi, Solace London, Reiss, Self Portrait and Rebecca Vallance.
My favourite time of 12 months to dress is… autumn. I really like jackets, boots and knitwear. The perfect chunky, black boots I personal are from Skechers – they have been the shock purchase of the season, however I really like how they brighten up any outfit. My birthday is in September, so I really like planning an awesome social gathering look and treating myself to a brand new piece for my AW wardrobe. This 12 months it was a traditional Ted Baker camel coat. It’s an funding piece that I do know I’ll put on for years to return.
Heels will at all times be the place my coronary heart is… and I’ve constructed up a pleasant assortment of footwear. From traditional black tennis footwear to nudes which can be barely there, to an emerald inexperienced outfit that modifications the sport! But I’ve come to understand an condominium increasingly. A current buy was a pair of New Stability 327s in a cream color, they definitely increase an off-the-cuff look.
Three clothes I at all times encourage my shoppers to put money into are… a camel coat for AW/a trench coat for SS, an outsized white shirt and nice denims. These three gadgets will constantly work laborious for you in your wardrobe.
In the case of equipment… I’m a minimal woman. I put on gold jewellery on daily basis. Chunky rings and delicate pendant necklaces from Monica Vinader are my go-to, the standard is excellent. For the night, I select an announcement piece and get to work with it. A stupendous earring or a ravishing necklace – one or the opposite, by no means each!
My favourite individuals to comply with on-line for fashion inspiration are… Erika Fox (@retroflame), Pippa O’Connor (@pipsy_pie) and Lydia Millen (@lydiamillen), however I draw inspiration from in every single place and everybody. Nothing makes me happier than strolling previous somebody in a wonderful outfit on the road. I might give them a excessive 5 if it did not make me appear bizarre!
The perfect fashion recommendation I’ve ever obtained… stay a traditional in a world filled with tendencies.