Precious style advice from Kate Evans

This is Kate Evans. She's a grown-up style expert and the owner of Precious, a lovely boutique situated in a small Georgian alleyway in Spitalfields. The former womenswear buyer at Harrods and Harvey Nichols has worked in fashion for many years, does a wonderful edit of each season's trends - and has fabulous grey hair.

Not so long ago, I popped into Precious to catch up with Kate and have a chat:

TNMA: I'm a huge fan of Casual Glamour, do you think more and more women are blending day and eveningwear?

KE: I feel that separates are becoming more important as building blocks of a good wardrobe. A good selection of separates allows you to be more creative, and make your wardrobe work harder for you. A dressy top can look equally at home with jeans and flip flops, or super formal with a pencil skirt, equally silk trousers can look at home with a slouchy tee or a tailored jacket.

TNMA: What advice do you give to your customers about looking good at any age?

KE: Focus on the cuts and shapes that you know will work for your body shape, and focus on a colour palette each season that works for you and your lifestyle. Only buy pieces that you feel comfortable in. However, it's still important to try new combinations, or a new colour and not to get stuck in a rut. It's important to look current whether you add a touch of this season's colour or print with a scarf or accessory. Think about what could be your best focal point and play up to that, if it's your legs wear great skirts and shoes, if it's your arms then be adventurous and layer bracelets and wear shorter sleeves.

TNMA:  Please could you tell me the most popular labels/styles for women of a certain vintage?

KE: Some of our most popular labels are Diane von Furstenberg who really does know how to cut a flattering dress for most shapes and ages, By Malene Birger who always adds a touch of Danish cool in a rather understated but glamourous way, Tucker silk print blouses and dresses, which just seem to suit everyone of all ages. Another favourite Danish collection is Rutzou, whose signature softly cut and draped pieces and prints are timeless yet individual.

TNMA: What are your secret go-to pieces, things that you wear again and again?

KE: This season I've been wearing more jeans - MiH skinny Ellsworth and Bonn have been my staple styles - along with a selection of Tucker, Diane von Furstenberg and by Malene Birger tops. I've been drawn back to simple shift dresses with sleeves, probably because the weather has been so chilly, and I'm still loving either printed or brightly coloured trousers with sexy high heels.


Kate then let me loose in the shop to rummage through the rails and style a couple of outfits. Of course, I embraced Casual Glamour. Selecting two looks: one for day and one for evening, (though with their go-anywhere properties, either outfit could work for both: 24-hour style, that's what we like). As boyfriend jeans are growing on me - for day, I chose MiH's Phoebe style which are a lovely wash and don't look too try-hard. This gorgeous DVF nude blouse was one of my favourite Precious pieces and the printed scarf is DVF too. Ever hopeful for a hint of summer, I finished off with a pair of Lola Cruz sandals:

For evening, I opted for another navy and black combination and a fantastic tuxedo jacket from By Malene Birger. That's the second this week, do you think the universe is telling me to buy one?

Mmm...perhaps these jeans will suit my bandy legs.

Precious is at 16 Artillery Passage, London E1 7LJ. If you're in the East End, be sure to check it out.


Do you have any grown-up style tips to add? Or a favourite boutique?