We were just thrilled when the wonderful Katie Portman agreed to take part in our wardrobe series. An award winning blogger, stylist and author (Check out her blog Pouting in Heels, - sass style and soul for the modern woman - its fabulous!) She was once awarded the title of 'best pout in Yorkshire' and you can't fail to agree! We've followed her on Instagram for a while now and she's a beautiful riot of colourful style and inspiration, empowering ALL women to be their very best.
Tell us what you do?
I am a personal stylist who works with women of all ages and backgrounds to help them feel their best and most beautiful, authentic selves. I’m also a writer and the author of the self help book A Little Pick Me Up.
Image: Amazon
Describe your personal style?
My personal style is romantic with an added touch of drama! I absolutely adore vibrant colours, give me a feminine blouse with a big sleeve and I’m ridiculously happy! I’m also more than partial to a sequin or two. Easy, feminine glamour is always what I’m aiming for, so doing casual can often be a little tricky for me!
Who is your biggest Inspiration?
Gosh this is so hard as I take inspiration from everywhere!
Celebrity wise, like almost every other woman on the planet I adore Sarah Jessica Parker, I honestly don’t think she ever puts a foot wrong! I’m also inspired by Penelope Cruz, Olivia Palermo, Tracee Ellis Ross and recently, I think Dakota Johnson’s style is perfection! Oh and Helena Christensen has to be in here too.
I’m also inspired by many, many women I follow on Instagram as well as my gorgeous styling clients.
Image: Pinterest
How often do you shop?
I shop a lot for my styling clients as you’d expect but when it comes to me, I don’t really shop that often! People are always surprised when I say this, but whilst I absolutely love, love, love clothes and fashion, since becoming a stylist, I’ve become really picky!
I’m very strict with myself so if I won’t wear something at least 30 times or absolutely cannot live without it, then I tend to leave it behind. I’m also a strong believer in going with my gut. So when I come across something that speaks to me, I don’t hesitate in buying it. But even then, I’m always asking the questions: Do I need it? Do I absolutely love it? Will I wear it for years to come? etc.
Finally, I’m very lucky in that sometimes some very lovely brands also send me some clothing to wear and share, so I totally appreciate this massively helps with my spending too!I always tell my styling clients to play more with what they have and shop less and I really try to live by that rule. Like everyone though, sometimes I just love to have a good ol’ splurge.
What has been your biggest fashion faux pas?
Hmmm…gosh there’s been lots over the years! Shift dresses are up there for sure (as they do nothing for me whatsoever!) and skirts that were far too short!
But honestly, I think my biggest fashion faux pas has been caring too much about what other people think or dressing down to appease others. I like to think/hope I don’t do this anymore.
What's the one piece you always buy every single season?
A blouse! I just cannot resist them. Also, I know it sounds a bit strange perhaps but statement earrings. I love how they can transform a look in seconds.
What's the one item of clothing you are guarenteed to wear at least once a week?
Definitely jeans, they’re just brilliant aren’t they? They go with everything and can be as casual as you like or as dressy as you please. Love them.
Jumper or Jacket?
Ooooh….tough choice! I’d say jacket by a smidgen. I love how a good jacket can smarten or add a little extra something to the most casual of outfits.
What are your favourite go to Brands?
I love Zara, Sezane, Antik Batik, Anthropologie, Coast and Karen Millen. I also buy an awful lot of vintage! (It just brings me joy.) Designer wise, if money was no object, I’d be all over Zimmermann, Gucci, Stella McCartney and YSL.
A girl can dream.
What's your weekend style?
Most of the time it’s very relaxed, usually jeans paired with a pretty blouse or a fabulous knit, boots and plenty of jewellery. It’s easy, practical and feels like ‘me'.
However if I’m out on the town (which sadly doesn’t happen too often these days as a mum!) then the glamour ante is taken up a notch! Sequins and sparkle are usually my default for evenings out.
How has your style changed over the years?
It’s definitely more colourful for starters. I had a colour analysis session five years ago and it blew my mind! (So much so, I now do this for work!) I once lived in black and rarely ever wore colour but now, I’d say it’s the opposite way round. I wear so much colour these days and hardly ever wear black. I just love how it makes me feel. Plus colour is a great conversation starter too.
Finally, I’d say it’s more interesting and confident. I used to wear so many classic pieces, which were lovely but just not me. I’m so much happier when I know I’m wearing pieces that suit my personality, bring me joy or have interesting elements to them.
What's your most treasured item?
Hardest question yet! Please can I have a few?!
Footwear wise, I have a pair of amazing YSL heels that I bought in the sale at a much reduced price nearly two decades ago from the renowned Pollyanna boutique in Barnsley.
At the time I was a very poor trainee journalist who used to see them in the window everyday as I walked past to work. One day, a colleague told me they’d gone in the sale and low and behold when I went in to ask, they had one pair left, in my size, which fitted me perfectly! I could have wept with joy. Sadly they’re a little worse for wear now but I have worn them so many times and even wore them to meet Manolo Blank at a work event in Germany. I will love them forever.
Clothing wise, I have two items, funnily enough both of which were to mark my 40th birthday a few years ago. My gold lame Stella McCartney blouse which I spotted in TK Maxx and bought as a 40th present to myself. (The most expensive top I’ve ever bought even at TK Maxx prices!)
And definitely, my 40th birthday party dress. I searched for months to find ‘the one’ and as soon as I saw it on the House of Frazer website, I knew I’d found it. It’s by BIBA and it’s basically a body con mini dress, in rainbow sequins. It’s the most incredible dress I’ve ever worn (bar my wedding dress) and now sits on my office wall, for my styling clients to admire because it’s just too amazing to have hidden away. The week after my 40th party, Tess Daley wore it on Strictly and my phone almost blew up with notifications! :)
Signature scent?
Stella by Stella McCartney. Although I need to find another one soon as sadly I think they’ve discontinued it much to my horror.
Song on repeat?
Cheryl Lynn’s 'Got To Be Real'. An oldie but a goodie and will always make me want to dance.
Must read book?
Linchpin by Seth Godin (if you want to change your life/career!) and Birdsong by
Sebastian Faulks. One of the most moving novels I’ve ever read.
Image: Blackwells
What's on your bedside table?
A pile of new books that is forever growing! My little pot of blue Nivea cream which I discovered over the summer and am loving plus photos of my kids.
Image: Boots
Whose wardrobe do you covet?
Most definitely Sarah Jessica Parkers! I mean, can you imagine?! I’d also give anything to have a rummage through Diana Ross’ wardrobe, just think of all those joyful sequins!
Image: Eonline.com
You can email Katie at stylingwithKP@gmail.com if you'd like to book an appointment or find out more about her services.