today i'm channelling... reiss 1971

There were quite a few Reiss pieces pulled for the shoot the other day, and they reminded me just how much I wish I could afford to shop there. So I took a little look at their website on the offchance that there might be something within my budget. Sadly there really wasn't (unless you count a couple of basic T-shirts in the sale), but I did happen upon the lookbook for Reiss' offshoot line 1971, which is aimed at a younger demographic and focused on denim and leather. It was love at first sight: this lookbook could pass as a high fashion shoot in any glossy. I just love the nonchalant styling of half-tucked-in oversized shirts, minidresses paired with lace-up heels, and loads of skin-tight denim and leather, all perfectly teamed with mussed-up, rock-chick hair. So, given that I can't afford any of the actual pieces in the lookbook, I thought I'd have a scout around for some cheaper alternatives to recreate them.

First to catch my eye was this beautifully simple look (above), elevated to perfection with a few lovely little details. I adore the oversized cut of the shirt and how it's half tucked in, the zip-detail on the trousers and a flash of ankle above the mesh-detail courts. So, to recreate this, team Zara's Oversize Shirt, £29.99, with Topshop's Premium Black Leather Cropped Biker Trousers, £140. I am in love with the amazing biker detailing on these trousers and they're a perfect substitute for the Reiss version, but admittedly £140 is still not cheap, so if you'd prefer a faux leather version, then try Next's Black Faux Leather Skinny Trousers for a mere £32. Finally step into Asos' Sensation Mesh Kitten Heel Shoes (love these a lot), again a brilliantly cheap £32, and scrunch some salt spray into your hair: try Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray, £14.65 at Amazon. Lovely stuff.

I love the next look (above) so much that it managed to make me see two things I usually dislike (pink clothes and tracksuit trousers) in a whole different light. And that's no mean feat. I've always hated pink clothes; I love orange, coral, salmon and blush, but bright pink = Barbie in my eyes. A couple of weeks ago, however, my new favourite style icon, Columbine Smille, paired black skinny jeans with a bright pink silk shirt and a white fur coat and looked amazing. And now here's another reason for me to reconsider my allergy to pink. The same goes for the grey tracksuit trousers, which I generally think should never be seen away from the sofa. So it's testament to the power of a really well-styled look that two items I'm not sure about have been put together to make an outfit I love. Anyway, onto how to get this look for less. Team Marks & Spencer's Classic Collection 3/4 Sleeve Blouse with Camisole, £25, with George's Jogging Bottoms, £8 - but please never leave the house in these without adding fierce heels! Asos' Tender Lace-Up Peep Toe Shoe Boots, £44, will do nicely. Finally throw on a leather jacket, like Wallis' Black Leather Biker Jacket, £145 (or Warehouse's PU Quilted Biker Jacket, £55, is a great faux option), and you're good to go.

The final look (above) is a great party option, and perfect for the girl who doesn't want to look too saccharine sweet in a cocktail dress. Mixing up the textures means this lace top and leather skirt combo is a much more on-trend and interesting alternative to the potentially boring LBD. It's also très Christopher Kane, ergo very good. First you'll need a lovely lace bodysuit, so either dare to bare by showing off a statement bra under Fashion Union's Lace Bodysuit, £13.50, or, if your party's a little more conservative, try Miss Selfridge's Black 3/4 Sleeve Lace Bodysuit, £20, which has a black front panel but is all lace at the back. Over this, slip on Topshop's Premium Black Paperbag Waistband Belted Leather Skirt, £85, then step into Asos' Tuscan Cuff Wedge Shoe Boots, £45. Finally scrunch some salt spray through your hair, and I'd probably add a slick of bright orange or pink lipstick, too.

So there you have it. Three leather-based, slightly rock chick looks courtesy of Reiss' 1971 line, and perfect for anyone who doesn't fancy looking too sugary sweet this winter.


Pictures: Reissonline.com