During one of my many lunch-break browsing sessions this week, I realised how spoilt for choice we actually are this season. There is such a delicious selection of trends on offer, and I must say I am most impressed! Ok, so the flouncy florals are a tad old now, but this seasons quirky calypso twist on the mundane pastel prints that bloom into fashion every Spring has added a funky edge to the girly classic. Whilst pondering over which of the delightful collections I should dedicate my next post to, I decided that an entire A-Z of fashionable alphabet goodness would be absolutely ideal! So here it is, the grand alphabet of tasty Spring/Summer 2012 trends. From grungy tribals to princess pastels, there is something to suit everybody this season. My bank cards are in for a
real treat...
is for
Anorak
Just like the classic trench coat, these super comf anorak jackets have been in fashion forever. Even my mum has a few sneaky Barbour's somewhere in the back of her wardrobe...
Popper Parka
ASOS - £65.00
Pac A Parka
Warehouse - £35.00
Billy Lightweight Parka
Whistles - £125.00
Wrap Parka
Levi's £150.00
is for
Belief
Slouchy shapes and grungy fabrics form the basis of this holy collection. Can't say I'm especially religious, but I do enjoy a good cross motif...
Cross Vest
Project Social T - £22.00
Religious Charm Chunky Bracelet Pack
ASOS - £10.00
Cross Front Long Cami
Topshop - £22.00
Tie Dye Fluro Cross Vest
Topshop - £18.00
is for
Cropped
It's probably fair to say that this raunchy little collection isn't for everyone. If you can whack on one of these minescule numbers with a maxi skirt and still look good, then congratulations. I am extremely jealous.
Black Studded Bra Top
Miss Selfridge - £24.00
Leopard Print Bra Top
New Look - £14.99
Buttercup Crop Top
Topshop - £22.00
Ballnese Border Bra Top
Warehouse - £27.00
is for
Darling buds
Don't discard your floral fantasies just yet, because one again they've returned to the catwalks. This time with a vintage twist and neon brights to liven up this classic springtime look.
Floral Belted Dress
Oasis - £50.00
Vintage Floral Jamie Jeans
Topshop - £45.00
Bequii Printed Full Skirt Dress
Ted Baker - £169.00
Limited Collection Cotton Rich Floral Jacket
Marks & Spencer - £55
is for
exotic skins
Once again this infinitely wearable trend prowls its way back onto the catwalk. Don't overdo though; the 'Cat Slater from Eastenders' look is never ideal.
Animal Print Jogging Blazer
Zara - £49.99
Leopard Print Skinny Belt
ASOS - £6.00
Zebra Tank Top
Mango - £19.00
Man vs Wild Maxi Skirt
MinkPink - £55.00
is for
futuristic
Step aside sheer fabrics, futuristic mesh, perspex, and abstract cut outs have taken over this season. My mother absolutely hates it, I absolutely love it. Definitely not a collection for everyone...
Raver Perspex Metallic Sandals
Topshop - £55.00
Metallic Gold Leigh Jeans
Topshop - £45.00
Silver Metallic Lip Foils
Urban Outfitters - £7.00
Metallic Plastic Mac
Topshop - £45.00
is for
Geometry
It's hip to be square this season - or rectangular, or octagonal or trapezoidal. Sharp angles and Crayola colours are everywhere thanks to this 1920's Art Deco inspired collection...
Project Geo Print Tee
Miss Selfridge - £25.00
Geometric Print Leggings
New Look - £6.00
Geo Triangle Ring
Topshop - £7.50
Geometric Bodycon Dress
River Island - £25.00
is for
Hot pants
So the British weather come summertime is not exactly hot pants-worthy, but if you've got it, flaunt it, regardless of the torrential rain and gale force winds. At least you'll look good...
Premium Studded Hotpants
Topshop - £75.00
Denim Flower Short
Mango - £22.99
Blue and White Stripe Short
Miss Selfridge - £30.00
Parisian Acid Wash Hotpants
New Look - £19.99
is for
ice cream
Pastel colours and ice cool prints are hot on the high street this season, and not only do they look absolutely adorable, but they are also entirely calorie-free. I'll take one of each...
Ice Cream Crop Sweat
Topshop - £24.00
Print Jersey Skater Dress
Vero Moda - £16.00
Ice Cream Collar
Topshop - £20.00
White Print Denim Shorts
River Island - £25.00
is for
Jewellery statements
Plain T-shirts have never looked better thanks to the invention of the glorious statement necklace. The bigger the better in my opinion...
Unique Cobra Collar
Topshop - £65.00
Statement Necklace
ASOS - £55.00
Western Fringe Necklace
Urban Outfitters - £28.00
Gold Aztec Pendant Necklace
Miss Selfridge - £14.00
is for
Kat Maconie
for Dune
Known for her edgy but wearable designs, and slightly hefty price tags, Kat Maconie can create one beast of a shoe line. Thankfully she has teamed up with Dune and decided to hit up the hight street. As these beauties aren't available just yet, here is a Maconie taster to get you in the mood...
Sylvia Heel
Kat Maconie - £240.00
Maude Grey Flats
Kat Maconie - £180.00
Erica Heel
Kat Maconie - £200.00
Audrey Bow Flat
Kat Maconie - £175.00
is for
Lovely Lace
Drape it with denim, layer it with leather, or simply wear it alone; lace is back on the catwalks in its usual crisp and elegant form. An absolute summer classic…
Skater Dress with Applique Detailing
ASOS - £85.00
Natural Classic TOMS
Office - £45.00
Darling Lace Midi Skirt
ASOS - £85.00
Cropped Lace Poncho
Pieces - £26.00
is for
Mint
Freshen things up in your wardrobes this season with pale, icy green. If you're afraid of too much colour, just think of this little beauty as an updated neutral...
Coloured Ultra Skinny Jeans
Warehouse - £40.00
Sheer Sleeveless Blouse
New Look - £14.99
Maddie Eva Sole Brodues
Topshop - £32.00
Double Side Dplit Maxi Skirt
Miss Selfridge - £37.00
is for
Nautical
Absolute. Summer. Classic.
Sweat in Stripe with Pockets
ASOS - £25.00
Two-Toned Striped Shopper
Mango - £22.99
Stripe Vest Dress
French Connection - £47.00
Aqua Flat Espadrille
Office - £10.00
is for
Orange
Brighten up the dullest British summer days with a splash of orange. Scrap the fake tan though, as you will end up looking like a traffic cone. Or naked. I speak from experience...
Drape Tux Blazer
Miss Selfridge - £45.00
Jersey Maxi Skirt
Matalan - £12.00
Slit Back Stripe Shirt
Topshop - £32.00
Super Short Denim Hotpants
River Island - £20.00
is for
Perfect
Pastels
Another updated neutral that can easily be hardened up with a leather jacket or statement jewellery. Gorgeous for both spring and summer...
Midi Skirt With Pleats
ASOS - £38.00
Jacqueline Playsuit
Motel - £48.00
Colour Block Bucket Bag
ASOS - £35.00
Coloured Skinny Jeggings
Denimocracy - £66.00
is for
Quirky
Sunnies
Step aside aviators, the funky shades have taken over and quite frankly I'm obsessed. I look like Ozzy Osbourne in my latest pair, and I couldn't give a damn...
Lennon Sunglasses
Henry Holland For Le Specs - £70.00
Square Sunglasses with Cut Out Lens
Mauricio Stein - £45.00
Round Plastic Sunglasses
Topshop - £16.00
Cat Eye Sunglasses
ASOS - £15.00
is for
Rucksacks
Not quite a Mulberry Bayswater, but there is something about these casual rucksacks that I particularly enjoy. It's just a shame they weren't this cool back in year 7...
Stone Stripe Rucksack
River Island - £30.00
Leather Backpack
Pieces Orli - £95.00
Caramel Canvas Beacon Backpack
Barbour - £159.00
Acid Wash Backpack
Topshop - £34.00
is for
Sports Couture
This super fit collection mixes smarts and casuals with neons and pastels to create a vibrant high street look with a sporty twist. Amazing to wear, amazing to look at, but probably not particularly sport-friendly...
Burnout Tee
Topshop - £20.00
Sporty Chiffon Maxi Skirt
New Look - £19.99
Blue Colour Block Front Zip T-Shirt
River Island - £20.00
Colourblock Dress
Miss Selfridge - £39.00
is for
Tribal
Fashion has once again taken an exotic turn with an explosion of tribal looks. Liven up your wardrobe this season with graphic prints and earthy tones with this aztec-inspired collection...
Blanket T-Shirt
Allsaints - £50.00
Gold Tone Statement Tassel Necklace
River Island - £28.00
Print Panel Leggings
Miss Selfridge - £22.00
Tie-Dye Maxi Dress
Mango - £79.99
is for
US of A
God bless America…and our wardrobes...
Flag Top
Mango - £9.99
MOTO Bleach Flag Print Hotpants
Topshop - £34.00
Black American Dream Print T-Shirt
River Island - £15.00
American Flag Wraps
Nail Rock - £6.60
is for
Vertical Limit
Dressed up or dressed down, monochrome stripes look a treat. The simplicity of black and white is effortless, chic, and looks good on anybody. Add a splash of colour with some (much loved) statement jewellery and you're ready to go...
Long Sleeve Stripe Shirt
Topshop - £38.00
Zip Stripe Dress
Rare - £39.00
Striped Blazer
Mango - £59.99
Jordan Jean
Motel - £48.00
is for
Water World
From designer to high street, photographic prints on clothing is a growing trend the season. Walk around looking like a postcard all summer in these exotic summery prints....
Water Print Bodycon Dress
Miss Selfridge - £42.00
Photographic Ocean Print Midi Tube Dress
River Island -£30.00
Beach Print Dress
Primark - £17.00
Donja Contrasting Printed Silk Scarf Dress
Dries Van Noten - £670.00
is for
X-Ray Vision
A maxi and a mini in one. Genius! Pasty legs are no longer an issue…
Maxi Skirt In Mesh Spot
ASOS - £45.00
Mesh Maxi Skirt
Dahlia - £60.00
Sheer Maxi Dress
American Apparel - £58.00
Long Skirt With Splits
Zara - £39.99
is for
Yellow
Whilst initially quite scathing over the concept of walking around looking like a highlighter, I have actually come around to this neon delight. Add a zing to any neutral outfit, be it with a subtle blouse or a full on maxi dress. I'll probably start with the blouse...
Full Pleat Maxi Skirt
Mango - £44.99
Short Cape Shirt
Zara - £25.99
Maxi Dress
Sunspel - £65.00
Cropped Trousers
ASOS - £25.00
is for
ZigZag
Somewhere in-between stripes and tribal prints we have ended up with the zigzag, and this Missoni inspired pattern has well and truly hit up the high street…
Print Column Maxi Dress
Miss Selfridge - £47.00
Ombre Skirt
Topshop - £16.00
Coloured Aztec Shift Dress
Warehouse - £26.00
Washed Print Trousers
Topshop - £36.00
There is nothing better than a classic rouge lipstick, and having tried and tested numerous brands and shades in the past, I have finally found my absolute fave; Russian Red by MAC. MAC's range of matte lipsticks are fantastic, and this saturated, deep velvety red adds 1940's Hollywood glamour to any look night and day! Russian Red is a staple piece in my heavily overflowing makeup bag, despite the fact that my mum insists my lips are too big for such a dramatic shade, and tends to refer to me as Mick Jagger.It's easy to apply, and most importantly stays put!! Usually after a hefty meal and numerous cocktails, '1940's glamour' would hastily turn to 'Joker from Batman' which lets be honest, is never ideal. This tasty little lipstick has seen me through meals, dates, nights out, days at work….none of which have resulted in Joker-related embarrassment.
