As it was payday this week, I'm in the mood to shop. I've just had a nose online to get some ideas and have to say I'm finding River Island's styling features quite fresh and inspiring.
I love the clashing prints included in this look - stripes,
florals, and a dash of colour blocking thrown in for size. The look is not one I would usually chose, but it does work. I think the addition of the pale pink frilly socks and heels is particularly cute, and ties in this season's preppy trend.
The key to this look is the belt. The mannish, long length blazer would swamp the 1950s full skirt, making one appear rather like a tent, if that belt did not clinch in that waist.
This is a difficult look to pull off - it's all about clashing and being daring, and can so easily go wrong. The most important part - have fun with it!
I'm thrilled that parkas are making a return to the fashion scene, and this year they're going to be more luxurious than ever before; as thankfully designers have not compromised the value of design aesthetics when taking into account the practical need of outer-wear. Altuzarra leads the way this season, teaming parkas with heels and sequined gowns for eveningwear practical-luxe. But my fave has to be Thakoon's retro red and blue checked number.
Spots were popping up everywhere on the catwalks. Stella McCartney opted for sequin-like discs embroidered onto sheer tulle dresses, whereas Marc Jacobs covered his models head to toe in spots, including gloves, hats and hosiery. Invest in a spot print dress for the office a la Vena Cava or pick up a few spot themed accessories to ease your way into this trend.
For evening wear the emphasis was on borrowed-from-the-boys tuxedos. Yves Saint Laurent's came in white with nothing underneath, other designers feminised the look by adding sequins to the trousers or teaming a cream silk shirts with statement black chokers.
