The latest issue

This weekend my final fashion shoot from Dubai came out- fringing. We shot this out in the desert in the middle of no where. It was 4 am start to make sure we got the best light and weren't shooting in the midday sun. As we had already used the same model for three other shoots the make-up artists Rachel Jones made a fringed wig for this shoot and added it to the model's hair so she looked very different to any of the other shoots. It was a great day. Wish I was back there!

Photography Clive Shalice, Hair and Make-up Rachel Jones, Styling me

My sunglasses page was also out this week. Im a real sunglasses addict and have millions at home. My boyfriend just can't understand why I need so many pairs. I try to explain that different outfits need different pairs but he just thinks i'm mad.Im especially loving the Cat's eyes sunnies this season.

Festival time!

So Im now back from my holiday in Crete and it was pure bliss. The only thing I regret was not booking for 2 weeks!!!I I got back to the office today to 469 unread messages and have just ploughed my way through them and written up my interview with Jessica Wright from last week. Now on to the next task my festival fashion page. I myself am off to see the Killers in Hyde park tonight and then to Wireless with the lovely girls from Dorothy Perkins the following week. The problem as always is what to wear especially as the weather is so unpredictable at the moment. For that reason Wellies are essential!!!! Im loving  Hunter's fab brights range at the moment. At £85 they're slightly more expensive than the high street but I have Hunter's and they're so comfortable and will last the test of time so definitely worth the money:

For those blessed with fantastic legs (of which im not one) then hotpants are a great option. Pair with knee high socks and a simple vest or tee. Check out Alexa Chung and Kate Moss:

 

Alternatively a maxi dress or skirt is a great option. Heres my guide to essential festival wear:

Miss Selfridge

Alexander McQueen

Parosh

Warehouse

Dorothy Perkins

One Vintage

Prism

Boutique at Topshop

Paige Denim

What to do......

I don't know about the rest of you but I for one am starting to get really cheesed off with this weather. It's June for god sake and not only is my hair in a permanent state of frizz but deciding what to wear every day is becoming a huge problem. I'm adamant i'm not going to get my knitwear and boots out of the loft but all those beautiful summer dresses and skirts I've bought just don't seem to cut it PLUS  my poor pasty legs haven't seen sunlight for so long I don't dare to bare them! However if others out there are suffering similar dilemmas then despair not i've found the solution-the maxi skirt. Its a huge trend this season and will do for any weather. From chiffon to jersey, vivid print to bold colours, theres a style out there to suit every occasion and every person! This weekend I opted for my grey jersey maxi from Asos (£25). I paired it with biker boots as ballet pumps were simply not going to sustain the pouring rain but on sunny days (if we ever see them) would opt for some sandals instead. A loose tee and biker jacket kept the look quite casual.

If you're unsure about rocking out in a maxi then check out some of these celebs for a bit of inspiration:

Here's my pick of the best maxi skirts out there:


Keeping it casual:

Topshop £35

James Perse £185

 

 Oh so pretty:

Miss Selfridge £36

Rare £45

Make a statement:

Roksanda Ilincic £343.50

Emilio Pucci £710

Winding down....

Fridays in the office generally tend to be slightly quieter so today i'm making the most of it and getting myself sorted before I go on holiday. I have to get ahead on all my pages and sort out shoots i'll be doing the week I get back. This morning I've shot "woven bags" for my focus pages so i'm putting over the images and sorting out credits for them. There are some great bags out there at the moment. Fendi in particular have done some gorgeous ones but for something cheaper then check out Urban Outfitters. They  have a great range of Aztec style woven bags for less than £40.

Fendi

Hermes

Etro

Im also interviewing Jessica Wright from TOWIE on Monday for my In The Closet pages so i'm busy sourcing a location for that.....

                                                    




I have to say though I'm feeling pretty exhausted and so thankful its nearly the weekend. Ive had 3 shoots this week and although great fun can be really tiring. I'm also in the middle of renovating my house and have started doing Bikram yoga in the evenings which really takes it out of you. For those of you that don't know about Bikram its basically yoga but in 105 degrees. It's seriously hardcore and after 5 minutes in the room I look like i've been plunged into a pool of water but believe me after 90 minutes of this you'll sleep like a baby!!!! I started doing it about 3 weeks ago with my friend at The Hot Bikram Yoga studio in Balham and am loving it (www.hotbikramyoga.co.uk/balham.htm). 

Holiday wardrobe shoot

Today I've been shooting holiday wardrobe. The gorgeous model Kajsa flew in from Sweden yesterday so I quickly snapped her up for my shoot. Im going on holiday myself on Tuesday so it's got me really in the mood for packing. I've fallen in love with this fab citrus print maxi dress from Topshop- it'll be a great one for those dinners on the beach. Today's been fast and fun. I've been working with my favourite team of people- Rachel Jones doing hair and make-up and Caroline Leeming is the photographer. Here's a few shots from behind the scenes.....

hair and makeup by Rachel Jones

My beautiful model Kajsa

city break style

Caroline Leeming shooting

traveller style

The Topshop maxi dress I want for my holiday:

A little about me......

So first and foremost let me introduce myself. My name is Charlie wells and I'm a London-based stylist and writer. I'm the Deputy Fashion Editor at The Sunday Express. In my opinion my job is pretty normal with the added bonus that I happen to love what I do every day but bizarrely my friends and even strangers are always fascinated about my job so I thought why not give you a sneeky peak into my everyday work life. From fashion shoots to styling tips, latest trends to great finds I'll fill you in on it all (the good days and the bad days)