Summer Sweethearts...

For those of you that prefer a prettier, girlier look than that offered by garish, bold prints and the Military uniform, then this is one Spring/Summer trend that could be for you.

Last summer saw runways bursting with block colour, but this year has given way to a much calmer palette of subtle ice-cream and nude tones. Pastels are set to be the colour of choice for all feminine beauties, with sugary shades such as pretty peach, powder blue, baby pink, pale yellow and soft lilac at the top of the essentials list.

Wear these super-sweet shades in thigh-high cuts with provocative splits, sheer tops, ruffles or heavy drapery to highlight the femininity of this trend. Keep the shoes strappy and girly, but with the heel height cranked up to avoid looking twee.

Here is a few of my favourite runway shots... The outfits really do speak for themselves in my opinion!

Versace S/S 10

Louise Goldin S/S 10

Christopher Kane S/S 10

Soldier Girl... Attennntion!

The Army trend is back with a vengence guys! As Jean Paul Gaultier and Balmain demonstrate below, mixing utility fashion with strong military references is the new way to look smart and powerful, yet remain chic, laid back and sexy. This hardwearing yet sleek look is definately a force to be reckoned with; just a few cleverly selected pieces will have your wardrobe standing to attention in no time!

In terms of where to find this look on the High Street, River Island have a wide variety of Army inspried pieces at the moment. Another way to achieve this trend in an affordable way is to search local markets and also Military clothing websites. Khaki, stone and black are the essential colours for this look, keeping camouflage at the forefront of your mind at all times! Heavy, hardwearing details such as gold and silver buttons and zips are also a good way to accentuate this style.

The biggest must-have for this trend is the tough Military jacket. This can be paired with anything from a pair of cargo pants, to tight fitting ripped jeans. A good way to ensure this look remains rugged and Army like is to bag yourself a pair of worn, calf length worker boots. If you're wanting to glam up your Soldier gear, take a leaf from Balmain's book and wear your jacket with a micro leather skirt, a sequined vest, and finish with studded platform heels. Adding a touch of sparkle will bring the femininity back into such a masculine look.

Keep make-up to a minimum with glowing skin and lightly glossed lips for the day, maybe stepping up the lip colour at night for a more glamourous hit. Also, keep hair looking natural and not too tame, I shouldn't imagine real Soldier girls have much time to spare for correcting the do ;)

High Voltage Prints

It's finally time to start preparing for Spring and Summer by ditching those dull and boring darks and getting in those funky colours and bold prints. On inspection of the Spring/Summer 2010 catwalk collections, it is clear to see that attention-grabbing digital prints and exotic floral brights are set to steal the spotlight.

Perfect for exhibitionists, digitally manipulated images decorated many of the runways most memorable pieces. Gucci (see below), Versace and the late Alexander McQueen approached this vibrant trend from many different angles, but all celebrated a (hopefully!) hot and joyful summer with clashing colours and edgy prints.


For those of us that don't earn an A-list wage package and can't quite afford an expensive designer piece, the trusty High Street are offering their own take on the catwalk inspired trend. Here, you can indulge in the look as far as you like, whether you simply want to go for a high energy tunic and skinny jeans, or a sexy summer thigh length dress and killer heels.

If you choose to work this look on the maxi dress or maxi skirt skirt (another of 2010's Spring/Summer trends), be careful to ensure that the pattern isn't too small or intricate, and instead fairly large and bold as this ensure you are looking fresh and fashionable. If this rule is ignored, you may run the risk of looking too busy, cluttered and intense.

However you choose to rock this style, have fun, be bold and crank up the colour!

"I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!"

It has to be said, if you haven't seen these on your recent shopping spree's, you must have been walking around with your eyes closed! Clock pendant necklaces have made it big on the high street since D&G introduced multiple clocks on their chunky bling collection (below).

The thick chains give the necklace a rocky edge, while the clock-faced pendants add a fresh and fun element that shows Dolce and Gabbana's take on Surrealist art. The clock pendants are also reminiscent of the very current Alice in Wonderlands 'Mad Hatter', whom is famous for his oversized pocket watch.

For me, the clock pendant is a welcome change from that of pearls, which have been lining the shops jewellery stands for a long time now. They can be found in a number of different styles and finishes, from elaborate vintage gold with multiple chains to one simple polished silver chain with a single pendant. I've posted some of my favourites below for your viewing pleasure :D

Underwear... The daring new outerwear.

Up until now, catching a glimpse of the bright white bra strap could be considered as one of the biggest fashion faux pas, but 2010's Spring/Summer collections have turned this blunder into a whole new trend for women. Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior and Marc Jacobs each played on the lingerie inspired look in a different way, but all took on a very romantic feel, some taking a slightly vintage, burlesque angle, yet some were more modern and masculine. Corsetry, boned satin bra cups, and pretty lace details were mixed with layers and jackets in order to achieve this sexy-sweet style.

In terms of how to rock this style on the street as opposed to on the runway, it is actually a lot easier than many people may first anticipate. This trend is suprisingly versatile, and can be approached with varying degrees of dare. For those who do not want to leave the house in simply a bra and those super sexy big Fifties knickers, begin with pieces edged in lace, or step it up to a more racey bustier top.

If you still feel too exposed, play around with lace bodies, tulle layering or sheer chiffon tops to reserve ones dignity! Also, slouchy, fine knit cardigans and jumpers tone down the sexyness of the overall look, which may be more well suited for a day time outfit. Masculine jackets (see above) also compliment the blatant sex appeal within this style, giving a very powerfull, feminine image. Corset style dresses are another easy way to achieve this look, with many high street stores re-creating the hot designer must haves.

To keep the trend fresh, avoid red or black, and instead go for the Spring/Summer's favoured neutral and pastel palettes for a more girly, romantic edge. Nude tones are very now and will keep the look up to date.

Now with Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I'd say it was about time to show those guys just how hot you really are... Whether you have a date or not! ;)

'Disabled & Sexy'

So I mentioned very briefly in the 'About Me' section that I'm planning a charity fashion show to raise awareness that people with even the most severe of disabilities can be sexy, display individuality and follow fashion. I basically wanted to take this opportunity to tell you guys about it, and hopefully gain a few more supporters along the way!

I am working along side a group of volunteers from a charity called The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Our little group is made up of a bunch of very fashion forward, passionate, gorgeous girls... Some of which are in a wheelchair, some of which aren't. During the Jennifer Trust's annual conference last year, a few of us were interviewed by Natasha Wood for Gok Wan's 'How To Look Good Naked - With A Difference'. From this, we were inspired to do a little campaigning of our own. We decided to put together a charity fashion show, not only to raise money for a well deserving charity, but also to push the message that disability CAN be sexy.

We want to break the stereotype that people with severe disabilities are introvert and do not need to take pride in their appearence, but infact that we are just the same as everybody else and desire to look and feel good. In order to do this, we will model ourselves alongside able bodied models in an effort to prove to the world that fashion is for everyone and should not descriminate. We strongly believe that disability is ignored within the fashion industry, and that the only way to change this is to put it in the forefront of the public eye.

The show itself is to be held in London at the latter end of the year. We are currently in talks with a top TV presenter who has offered to host our show for us! (Sooo excited!) But I don't want to say too much about that just yet until everything is confirmed, so I better shush!

Below is just a few of the girls (and me!) who are modelling in the show.

Anyway, I'd love to know your opinions on the campaign :)

Perfectly Parisienne...

If you're anything like me, when you think of French fashion, the first thing that springs to mind is the sophisticated glamour of Chanel. The classic monochrome and signature simple lines seem to embody the essence of all things Parisian. The unmistakable Chanel suit and pearls will no doubt be a must have for all high fashion, elegant women for many years to come.

Although this look has always been a hit with women of all different ages, the new 'Parisienne' range by Topshop really caught my eye recently. Instead of going for a classy, formal feel, the range is more relaxed and playful, using a much broader colour palette. While the classic Parisian look can be described as sexy, the modern take on it sees a more flirty and fun side to it. The floaty dresses and playfully embroidered tees show a more comfortable, innocent aspect of the style. Polka dots and stripes still remain high at the top of the Parisian check list too!

In terms of accesorising, the more playful and girly the better. Pile on the pearls with an embroidered tee and skinny jeans for a day time French feel, or take your floaty dress out for wining and dining with an oversized bow and patterned/spotty tights. Whether they are ballet pumps, sandals or heels, keep shoes feminine and pretty to really emphasise the girly, cutsie essence of the look. Voila!

Sparkle and shine... Mine, mine, MINE!!!

I can honestly say I don't know one girl who doesn't love to get dolled up in her most glamourous dress, highest heels and blingiest bling... So it's a good job that its set to be a hit for us ladies in Spring 2010!

To keep my look chic and not showy, I keep either my dress or my jewels vamped - but rarely ever both together (wouldn't wanna run the risk of looking like Dame Edna now would I?) So basically I either wear a trusty LBD (with a lace twist), add a little colour with sky scraper heels and pile on the accessories, or I wear a totally blinging dress, killer black heels and a few chunky bangles. Simple and easy to do, yet majorly effective ;)

(So I may not be a model, but thats my best attempt guys! ha!)

I personally hope that glitz and glamour stays around forever, because hell, I really do love it!!