This painterly Bloom Cushion, £35 from Marks and Spencer, is just one reason why M&S has one of the best homeware ranges on the high street. We love both the colour combination and the Watercolour Challenge-style aesthetic, though we’re sure Hannah Gordon never made anything this comfortable.
What do you think? It seems a wee bit over acted by Lisa Snowdon… but we’re really loving Dannii’s cute looks and VV’s attitude. It’s definitely making us want to pop on those nauticals and hit the beach.
Always a summer favourite, the classic trilby is once again making a comeback with fashion-savvy A-listers, as seen here on Jessica Alba and Madonna.
Here’s our pick of the best on the high street (just don’t forget the oversized shades):
There’s just no getting around it, the maxi dress is a must-have summer staple. Here we round up five of our faves… And don’t be put off by thinking maxi dresses are just for taller figures. There’s a way to wear this trend for every shape. Read our tips for how to wear this season’s hottest trend and you’ll be working it to the maximum in no time:
*Wear it with a chunky belt to cinch you in at the waist – especially if the maxi dress you’ve chosen has layers of fabric.
*If you’re tall, accessorise with flats and attention-grabbing bangles.
*Don’t be afraid to be girly – it’s what the maxi dress is all about. Florals are the print of choice and maxi dresses in pretty summer colours, like pinks, reds and whites pack a mighty style punch.
*If you’re petite, go for a maxi dress that’s long and lean. Voluminous styles can make you look shorter and wider while a close fitting A-line cut is much more proportionate to your frame. Choose smaller prints so you don’t drown in pattern.
Colour blocking was seen all over the catwalks for spring/summer and it’s a trend that looks set to stick around for some time.
Taking inspiration from the early 90s craze for pairing contrasting blocks of colour, it’s a great way to infuse your wardrobe with energetic brights. The trick to it is to be eye-catching without being overwhelming. Work the look by combining two or three clashing separates – fuchsia and midnight blue are a good starting point – and team your colour blocking outfit with retro super-high heels for an eclectic edge. Here are some of our high street faves:
Colour block dress, £15, at New Look.
To celebrate its 125-year anniversary tomorrow good old M&S is turning back time by encouraging everyone to spend a penny. Selling two million items for just 1p, the store is offering 20 products so take your pick from cufflinks, jewellery, knickers, tea towels, and ties and socks, and everything will be up for grabs at the tiny weeny penny price. Shoppers will be allowed to bag themselves five items each so get raiding that piggy bank.
Bright, electric blue was all over the spring/summer catwalks, and to work the trend into holiday wardrobes we’re coveting this striking Per Una Cactus Leaf Kaftan, £35, at Marks & Spencer.
Can we wait ’til 7th May to see Zandra Rhodes’s capsule collection for M&S? No we cannot. Featuring a range of womenswear, accessories, holiday pieces and lingerie, the pink haired designer has put her inimitable stamp on the high street staple and the collection looks set to fly off the shelves. “I am thrilled to see my prints and their beautiful clothes reach a wide range of customers,” she says. Starting from £6 for a pair of knickers, prices go up to £65 for a jumpsuit and £89 for a one-shouldered dress.
B is for bows and we’re big into them. Go large for a nod towards eighties excess or small and subtle to hint that you know what you’re doing. Do office chic with this pussy bow shirt, £29.50, from Marks & Spencer; liven up a plain dress by cinching in at the waist with this big bow belt, £10, at House of Fraser; or accessorise with these Ted Baker metal bow stud earrings, £45, also at House of Fraser.
Boxing Day can only mean three things: sales, sales and more sales!!
Here we list just a few of our faves: Topshop – Sale starts 26 December Net a Porter – Up to 50% off, sale starts 27 December The White Company – Up to 50% off, sale starts 26 December My Wardrobe – 30% – 50% off, sale now on French Connection – Up to 60% off Marks & Spencer - Sale now online, starts 27 December instore
