My Week With Rihanna, 777 Tour.....

Thanks so tour sponsors River Island I became one of the few people in the world to board the 777 boeing private jet and go to 7 countries in 7 days.  Starting in LA we flew to Mexico City, Toronto, Stockholm, Paris, Berlin, London and New York.  The week was a roller coaster of events an experience I will never forget!  follow the full week through the InStyle diary I compiled but these are my highlights and what I wore on the trip!

This became the outfit of the week I wanted to wear something comfortable but still with a modern rock n roll edge and these leather trousers were perfect for the job worn with my trusted boots that never came off day or night they add a grungy glam feel to the look and go with everything much needed when you dont have time to work out outfits! I have thrown a loose grey marl vest over the top to play with the silver/ grey tones and the silver origami inspired bag lifts each outfit even though is clashes with the gold of the boots try metallics to lift your look
leather trousers by acne
boots by balenciaga
silver bag by issey miyake
grey vest american apparel

Black jeans were another firm favourite on the trip but have added my printed jumper to add some colour to the outfit as its easy just to stick to black or neutral colours these tones are a f=great match with basics
jumper and boots by balenciaga
jeans by topshop

Another piece from my wardrobe you have seen but the silk bomber jacket seemed to be the jacket of choice for other members of Rihannas team it is padded and so easy to fold into bags bit also good for warmth find your perfect one and add it to everything for an instant update this season!
jacket by horiyoshi the third

My scarf choice for the trip was a detachable wool hood great for warmth but also gives jumpers a more street look make sure your hair is tied back and add it to anything I have worn it with my galaxy jumper and jeans and again my boots give this a tougher look
PS.  I am inside Rihannas dressing room
jumper by christopher kane
hood by alexander wang
boots and jeans as before

Finally the most important thing to pack was what I would travel in when sleeping on the plane became a major part of the trip!  For this I decided to travel all in grey (being my new black) and cashmere was the way forward as it doesn't sag when scrunched up in a small space and keeps you warm at all times.  I have added a printed scarf to give detail to a plain look good tip for travelling stick to simple pieces but add cool accessories
matching cashmere jumper and trousers by whistles
scarf by christopher kane
boots and bag as before

My favourite Rihanna look was her outfit she wore in Paris head to toe Givenchy mens silk tee and thigh boots.  Rihanna's stylist Mel Ottenberg and her hair stylist Yusef both say that she finds her clothing inspiration through mens fashion magazines, a girl after my own heart!


The song set .....

The following videos are part of my favourite memories of the trip!
Video 1: sing a long on the plane with the band
Video 2: Rihanna hands out ace of spades champagne on our first leg of the trip en route to mexico city
Video 3: Landing in Toronto Rihanna even waits with us for her luggage at baggage reclaim

With Rihanna's Guitarist Nuno (aka Nuno from the band Extreme....More than Words fame!)

And DJ Reflex (far left), DJ Congorocks (middle) and Brett his manager with me in their dressing room in Berlin before they start to warm up the crowd!

And finally special thanks to Rihanna and Arieta (River Island) .... sisters from another mother!  (and me!)

Purple Reign.....

There is always a colour of the season and for me purple reigns this winter try it in pastel versions or stronger textures be it print or metallic its a great colour that can be worn for day or night!  This week I am giving away this amazing brand new TIMEX watch from the second look!  I am in love with this watch and feel that the wooden face makes this the perfect watch to go with all trends.  Just tell me how you would wear the watch leave a comment below or tweet me @nataliehartley for your chance to win!  

Competition closes Friday 16th November...Good Luck!

TIP...print is still going strong but why don't you give it a boyish twist and layer over a buttoned up blouse and jumper layered over play with shades of the colour and wear with jeans for a good neutral base to balance these colours and prints
jacket by next
jumper by jonathan saunders at urban outfitters
shirt by asos
jeans by levis
shoes by sportmax

TIP...a good cardigan is perfect for winter dressing and this shade of purple is near perfect for me I have layered a rollneck underneath for a retro sporty twist and matched it with these leather trousers this whole outfit has shades of purple throughout just break it up with prints so its not too full on with one colour!
roll neck by uniqlo
cardigan and trousers by christopher kane
shoes by guiseppe zanotti
watch by timex
sunglasses by prism

TIP...dress down a metallic dress layer it over a roll neck this is also a key layering style tip for winter and wear with loose pants the boots toughen it up 
dress by jean pierre braganza
roll neck as before
trousers by american apparel
boots by all saints
hat by river island

Congratulations to Natalie Hughes who won the coat from this weeks blog post!  More great things to win soon, thanks to everyone for entering the giveaway and supporting the blog!

Back in 2 weeks, see you soon!  

Coats.....

It's definitely time to invest in a good coat and this winter there is plenty of choice you don't have to stick to a black classic!  But this week you you WIN the coat from the second outfit just leave a comment or tweet me @nataliehartley how you would wear it and I will pick my favourite answer to win! the coat!  Closing date is this Friday 19th October...good luck!

TIP...inspired by jil sander pale pink has been a big inspiration over the high street, it transforms a simple coat bringing this loose classic style into the 21st century.  I have worn it with loose trousers and a t-shirt but add a white shoe to make the outfit more modern just make sure this coat style is oversized it can not be fitted
coat by m&s
t-shirt by rodarte for browns
trousers by mens gap
shoes by h&m
sunglasses by miu miu

TIP...another pastel coat option but the coolest way to wear a coat this season is with bare legs add a statement boot and a slouchy socks
coat by h&m
shirt by vilshenko
boots by asos
sunglasses by thierry lasry

TIP...if you are looking for a slightly more masculine coat then the style to go for is a sweeping maxi coat stick to dark colours and again add a statement boot this is my favourite shoe of the season and well worth the investment!
coat by french connection
dress by m&s
boots by balenciaga at matches
sunglasses by topshop

Head to Toe Print.....

Across the a/w '12 shows its been all about head to toe print its an adventurous trend but am sure there is something for everyone!  This week you can win my shoes from the first outfit (size 7) so all you have to do it leave a comment or tweet me @nataliehartley how you would wear them and I will pick my favourite answer...closing date is this Saturday 13th October so good luck!

TIP...printed silks work really well together such a bold print like this is best matching to give the appearance of a jumpsuit add a coat and dress this up for night or wear with high tops for day
top and trousers by j crew
shoes by zara
bracelet by zoe and morgan
hat by madeline thompson

TIP...the printed trouser suit trend has been massively influenced by miu miu this winter emulating the 70's but you don't need to be so literal add a roll neck for comfort and a simple plain colour breaks up the print if its all too much for you and add a preppy brogue to dress the suit down for day
suit by asos
roll neck by uniqlo
shoes by pollini
hat by river island

TIP...the tracksuit goes chic!  This is a brave option but can look amazing with a great pair of statement sports inspired heels look for neon accents and strappy fastenings to enhance the idea but a good shoe is very important to carry off this look
jacket and trousers by matalan
shoes by jil sander