When I started to write this post I was sitting at my desk wrapped in a scarf to keep out the chill. But two days later and it’s definitely spring! It’s March so frankly it should be spring and we should be casting off the tights and hats but retailers have panicked and decided it’s time for their mid season sales. Admittedly, I momentarily panicked too and rushed to look at what they were offering in these sales and – panic over – the stock is left over from late summer last year or the really boring basics that came out to fill in the gaps after Christmas. Ignore it – unless ‘really boring stuff’ is actually on your shopping list – and take a closer look at what’s coming out now because it’s far more exciting.
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- Lace blouse by Self Portrait
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- Lace blouse £34.99 at H&M
If you’ve been watching the four main fashion weeks play out over the last month (live streaming of catwalk shows straight to your sofa and instant availability of those collections is possibly the most worrying thing to happen to your bank balance since the internet was invented) then you’ll be chomping at the bit to get out there and shop. But wait, because if you’re very clever you can get the most fabulous of the designer looks at a fraction of the price on the high street. Not only that but now we’ve seen at fashion week what’s in store for our wardrobes next winter too, you can invest in those looks which will still be relevant come late October or whenever the hell autumn is supposed to arrive these days.
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- Floral Dress by Dolce and Gabbana
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- Floral dress £69 at Warehouse
New York has suddenly been revisited by snow in the last week so don’t quote me on this, but I really think you need to start cracking open the spring wardrobe now while the sun is in evidence. Don’t tell my mum but I’ve come out without a vest on today… I know! I like to live on the edge. Life is too short not to embrace warmer weather, although I draw the line at full beachwear until May. The answer is to add a hint of spring to your look with one piece which will single-handedly breathe new life into an otherwise tired look. Here’s what to look out for on your next shopping trip:
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- Wedges £636 by Derek Lam
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- Wedge shoes £48 at Next
Lace – nothing new but that’s why you can afford to have more than one piece. This season make it cream or ivory which looks delicious with faded denim on the weekend. The H&M version seen above is a brilliant rip-off of the sold out Self Portrait design.
Florals – this print is everywhere and on everything at the moment, it doesn’t have to be a dress necessarily. Buy in a darker hue (see Warehouse) and it will work with boots and knits just as well as with strappy sandals and a bit of bronzer.
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- Loafers £430 by Tod’s
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- Loafers £59 at M&S
Chunky Shoes – Whether it’s a mule or a trainer, a loafer or a platform, your feet will look instantly Spring 2017 if they’re encased in something chunky. It’s a great way to add edge to florals, lace or frills and by now you’ve got loads of those – right?
Asymmetric hems – A far more user friendly take on this trend which will keep reappearing. These wonky hemlines actually look really soft and feminine, take full advantage and use the extra fabric to cover any bits you want to hide, it can be remarkably flattering.
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- Asymmetrics at Hellessy SS17
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- Asymmetric blouse £52 at Lavish Alice
Yellow – Nobody is more terrified of yellow than me but yellow comes in a multitude of shades and if like me you’re pasty then the likelihood is you’ll require the palest of yellows. You may just be surprised and find you like it. Objecting to yellow this season, after that yellow dress in La La Land, will get you the same reaction as saying you thought the film was “OK”. This I know.
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- Yellow at Jil Sander SS17
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- Yellow flared sleeve top £19.99 at Mango
Have a lovely spring and thanks for following – please share!
After Carrie... 