Trending... Tribes & Tribulations

From left to right:
Etro, Dries Van Noten, Lourdes Ciccone in AllSaints, Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Roberto Cavalli

No doubt you've heard the words 'Ethnic', 'Tribal', 'Aztec' & 'Navajo' floating round the pages of the fashion mags recently & that's because this trend, after appearing in the Spring/Summer runway shows of L.A.M.B, DVF, Jean Charles de Castelbajac & many more, has now hit the high street with a bang. 

The most obvious way to work this trend is with a large Navajo tribe print with a splash of colour much like the sell-out AllSaints mini dress donned by Madonna's daughter Lourdes (above) which has also appeared on the bodies of HSM's Ashley Tisdale & Una Healy of The Saturdays fame. Jean Charles de Castelbajac & Dries Van Noten have both gone for small detailed prints in eye catching bright colours for a stand out look. For inspiration for a more ethnic & ethereal look choose more natural, muted colours like Etro & add some soft feathers & fringing in the style of Roberto Cavalli.

What we at TTP love about this trend is that it's the perfect choice of styles, textures & colours for this transitional period from Summer to Autumn. Loose knit jumpers, oversized capes & silky kimonos are staples for your aztec closet. Consider the texture of an item before you buy it... Tactile fabrics like wool, mohair, leather & faux fur are great for outerwear. Think autumnal in your colour palette with earthy shades of black, browns, beige & nude with rich reds, blues & greens sparingly thrown in to the mix for contrast. Your prints should be sharp & directional rather than abstract & a great way to get the tribal feel is to look for prints that echo animal print in their markings but are not immediately identifiable with a certain species ('cause then you're just wearing leopard print!) & your accessories should make a statement. Look for feather detail, fringing, chains, spikes rather than studs & anything that resembles armour.

Now that you're armed with information about the trend, it's our duty to show you the best way to rock it. Have a look below at our Top Picks from the high street & on-line & go forth & let loose your inner tribeswoman!                                                              xo TBC

Top Picks

Earthy Ethnic:
Black/Silver lace & jacquard jacket - Karen Millen €302.00,
Geo-pattern bodycon dress - Miss Selfridge €61.00, Vanessa vest - Motel €35.90,
Fringed aztec tote - Accesorize €65.00, Mohair cocoon cardi - Topshop £50.00stg,
Embellished python skirt - AllSaints €210.00,
Mercer Wedge - Michael Antonio Studio $105.00 (approx €75.00) @ www.endless.com

Aztec Accessories:
Pharoah bead statement necklace - Accesorize €24.90,
Green/Gold origami clip on earrings - ASOS €19.23,
Mixed metal stack ring - Accesorize €12.50, Metallic coil bracelet - Penneys €5.00,
Cobalt blue stud earrings - ASOS €10.26, Metallic plate neck piece - Penneys €5.00,
Silver plated arrow ring - Aurelie Biderman €131.08 @ www.net-a-porter.com

Tribal Tones:

Snake print satchel - Penneys €13, Monochrome fair isle jumper - River Island £40.00stg,
Soft Barbarian Ikat print top - Warehouse €72.00, Mixed print kimono - R.I. £50.00stg,
Soft knit palazzo pant - Forever 21 €21.75, Red Adelia ankle boots - Miss KG €110.00

Making a statement

Trending... Statement Jewellery

A girls best friend when you want to add a little oumph to your outfit? Jewellery of course, and this season the bigger and bolder the better! On catwalks Gucci, Jean Paul Gaultier and even Chanel completed their looks with lashings of statement eye candy. And to our delight, as every girl knows that jewellery worn right can uplift not just our outfits but also our spirits.

Style godess in the know, Olivia Palmero shows us how to work this trend perfectly, peared down with no other jewellery and a simple up-do. I love the statement earring choices of Blake Lively and Eva Longoria, for me this is how to wear big earrings, no necklace is a must, you want to enhance not over-do, showing us that making a statement can also be elegant and classy. Like all of the celebs shown, its best to compliment your statement jewels with a solid background of colour in your outfit to enhance the look as much as possible.

Top Picks

Clockwise from top left: Emerald drop earrings €15.38 ASOS, Spike ring £10 Topshop, Drop earrings with pleated detail €19.23 ASOS, Stretch bracelet £20 Topshop, Multi coloured feathered necklace €32.05 ASOS, Gold cut out cuff £12 River Island, 24 karat gold plated ring €166.82 Oscar De La Renta (Net-a-porter), Fish pendant £14 Topshop, Metal bib necklace €64.10 ASOS.

Personally, I'm a statement ring kind of girl.. a bold and beautiful ring compliments most outfits with ease. And with the statement trend, mixing it up and adorning your fingers with multiple bejewelled beauties gives us the bonus of being on trend AND feeling like we've gone back to the days of raiding our mums jewellery boxes!

Statement neck pieces, bibs and layered necklaces are huge right now, and the choker is set to make its come back for autumn/winter. Bangles get mixed up in different types of metals and bold cuffs are the arm's best friend this season. This really is the wallet friendly way to inject some glamour into your wardrobe with plenty of on trend bargain buys to be found in the likes of Topshop, ASOS and Forever 21.

So there's never been a better time to experiment with your jewellery and find what works for you. Think walking, talking, living piece of art and you've got it nailed!                                            xox Marie

Cult product alert!

Looking for a must have make up item this summer that will see you through day and night and has had all the experts talking? Well look no further. The Naked Pallette from Urban Decay has had beauty insiders raving since its release, hailing it the holy grail of eyeshadow pallets. 

Made to suit all skin tones and complexions, perfectly pigmented and with 12 shades of neutral colour suitable for every occassion we can see why this little wonder is selling out on a regular basis. One thing's for sure neutral is far from boring. If you love your make up (like our Tabby) you will want to have road tested this baby for yourself to see if all the hype is warranted and if you adore it as much as the masses. Its in stock now on www.lookfantastic.com or in Urban Decay stockists. 

And who better to test this product i thought than our very own beauty guru Tabitha.. Seeing as she is the BIRTHDAY girl today I thought this little gem might go down a treat as a present for the beauty-ista herself! Surprise!! Every beauty junkie deserves the best of the cult products right? I sense maybe a review on this pallet in a future TBC Make-Up Round up feature! Marie XOX

Ladies We're Lovin'... Nicole Scherzinger

From left: Attending the Cars2 premiere in BOSS Black, Covering UK In Style Magazine wearing 

                Stella McCartney, Celebrating her 33rd birthday in Jean Fares Couture

She's got it all... The formula 1 racer boyfriend, the phenomenally successful music & tv career, the glossy hair, bangin' bod & stunning looks & now it seems ex Pussycat Nicole has also got the killer wardrobe! 

Recently the singer & US Xfactor judge has upped her game & moved on from the bra tops &combat trousers she once sported whilst writhing against chairs in her music videos. Following her stint as a guest judge on the UK Xfactor last year, we've noticed how Nicole's style has evolved since she has stepped out on her own. Flaunting her enviable curves in structured Victoria Beckham & Karen Millen dresses during the 2010 auditions, she diverted all attention from the Cheryl & Dannii fashion wars. 

Dressed to impress this past month in BOSS Black, Stella McCartney & Jean Fares Couture, Nicole's style is sleek & sexy but most importantly for us mere mortals it's attainable! Check out the high street versions of Nicole's looks below! :)                      xo TBC

Look 1: Raspberry Ripple: One-shouldered dress - Coast €205.00, 

              'The Roxy' jumpsuit - Lucy in Disguise £190.00

Look 2: Mono-con: Monochrome mini dress - Miss Selfridge £35.00, 

              'Glamazon' bandage dress - Karen Millen €215.00

Look 3: Metallic Minis: Long sleeve metallic shift - Warehouse €38.50 (sale price), 

              Pleated cocktail dress - Halston Heritage @ ASOS £296.00 (sale price)

Happy Birthday Marie!! xo

Fun in the.. sun?

I don't know about you but we here at TTP already have our sights firmly fixed on Autumn/Winter collections and are busy coveting the latest of what designers and high-street have to offer in trends for the coming season.

BUT it is still July and even though it may not be sunny (fingers crossed for August!) we still need to be suitably summer stylish come our last bit of fun in the sun before winter. So today we're bringing you the best of the end of season in stores and online and also some new season gems that will bring you from end of summer through to autumn. 

So in this time of transition, whether you're lucky enough to be jetting away to the sun between now and the end of September like our lovely Tabby or are praying for good weather so you can live up those long summer nights at home, here's some ideas to have you beach/garden/party ready in no time!

Clockwise from left: Embellished maxi €65 A|wear, Floppy hat £15 Miss Selfridge, Summer mini collection nail polishes Essie €21.73, Halter bikini top €38.33 and briefs €28.20 French Connection (ASOS),Embellished sandals £39.99 River Island, Korres face and body sunscreen spf30 €23.08 ASOS, Denim dungaree skirt £40 Topshop, Moroccanoil oil treatment (25ML) £12.85, Aztec print dress (petites exclusive) £32 Miss Selfridge, Flower sandals £70.00 River Island, Orange halter dress £38 Topshop, Feathered beaded sandal €125 Dune, Original Wayfarer sunglasses €138.46 Rayban (ASOS), Brown oversized bag £50 River Island, Cream belted knit cardigan £38 River Island.

Top Picks

If you haven't already heard the beauty buzz surrounding Morrocanoil products, its about time you gave this product a try. This oil will have even the wildest of hair looking tamed and gorgeous so is a summer must have. These mini nail polishes from Essie (available at ASOS) will give your nails the colour pop they deserve for summer/autumn and are a perfect size for bringing on your getaway/staycation. 

It may or may not be your thing but dungarees are big news at the moment. (well, if its good enough for Alexa Chung..) If you want to recreate the look but without feeling like you've stepped back in time to pre-school days, then this Topshop dungaree skirt is a more sophisticated take on the look and will have you on trend and grown up chic. 

Every girl needs something to snuggle into wen the evenings start to get chilly and this belted cardigan from River Island is cosy and stylish, what more could we ask for!

Lastly, we can't go anywhere without a fab bag for our journey and we love this River Island oversized bag, great for airport practicality and sophistication. Victoria Beckham has nothing on us! Here's to the rest of your summer.. May it be long, sunny and most importantly super stylish! xox Marie

Trending... LWD (Long White Dress!)

Left to right: BCBG Max Azria Resort, Blake Lively in Chanel Haute Couture, Givenchy Couture, 

                     The Row Resort, Donna Karen Resort (Images courtesy of Style.com)

There's been a lot of talk about colour blocking this past season & for everyone who's loving it, don't throw out your clashing clothes yet! This trend is set to continue into the new season however you may want to make room for another colour in your wardrobe.. That colour is white!

Maybe it's the recent wedding fever, for weeks we've been salivating over the lace appliqué & beaded embroidery on the gowns of Mrs. Crouch, Mrs. Hince & of course The Duchess, but whatever the reason, white is the colour of choice this season! From the Resort offerings of Lanvin, Carolina Herrera & Elie Tahari to the Couture offerings from Givenchy, Stephane Rolland & Giambattista Valli, every designer worth their salt has featured the LWD in their Fall collection.

To create this look think more babe than bride! Blake Lively (pictured above), Naomi Campbell and Rihanna have already debuted their LWD looks using crochet cut-outs, sheer fabrics and playing with hem lines but if you don't dare to bare quite as much why not try white separates? A sheer top with a nude bra underneath teamed with lace detail shorts will give a respectable nod to the trend as will a Broderie Anglaise style mini dress or a long white dress with a plunging neckline for an extra boost of sexy! Check out some of our high street favs below! :)                                                     xo TBC 

Top Picks

 Clockwise from left: Oasis Tiered Broderie Maxi -  €81.00, River Island Pussy Bow Blouse -

                                £35.00, Topshop Peter Pan Collar Sleeveless Shirt - £32.50,

                                Miss Selfridge Lace & Sheer Dress - €125.00, R.I, Lace Shorts - 

                                £29.99, Warehouse Layered Shift - €90.00

Ladies We're Lovin'... Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

The Red Carpet queen...

Here at TTP we love nothing more than a woman to look to to inspire us. We're talking confident, strong, successful and most importantly for us style junkies, a girl who really knows how to dress.

So to kick off our Ladies We're Lovin' feature we really couldn't think of a better style crush than lady of the moment Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

If you havent already heard of this multi-talented fashionista (you must have been hiding under a rock) get ready to see ALOT of the gorgeous Rosie on your screens, magazines and red carpets as she promotes the summer blockbuster Transformers: Dark of the Moon. And we couldn't be any more excited as this lady certainly knows how to dress!

Replacing Megan Fox is no easy feat but we think Rosie more than rose (geddit) to the challenge in the style stakes. The 24 year old English supermodel and actress (this is a girl who knows how to work her assets) has become a household name in fashion circuts in just under three years. Coming onto the scene in 2006 as a Victoria's Secret model, but it wasnt until 2008 when she was cast in Burberry's fall/winter campaign that she really started to get noticed. She recieved Elle's model of the year award in 2009, has appeared on the covers of British Elle and Vogue in recent months and is the covergirl for the next issue of Love Magazine. To top all of this off she gets the guys vote too as she was crowned Maxim's Hottest woman in the world 2011. With achievments like that under her belt, a dress sense to die for wether its red-carpet glamour or just out for a stroll in LA, and an acting talent to boot, we predict there's big things to come from this gorgeous lady we're lovin'...       xox Marie

Festival Fever...

Trending

Yes we're all well aware that festival season is upon us and the magazines and blogs have all given us their festival favourites but you haven't yet had the latest looks from us! Some of the biggest festivals in the world have already been and gone but Ireland's very own Oxegen has yet to arrive and we want you to be looking as good if not better than the stars! 

From left to right: Alexa Chung in Topshop & Tali Lennox in Lacoste both @ Glastonbury 2011, Pixie Lott in Prada @ Isle of Wight Festival 2011 & Kate Bosworth in Topshop @ Coachella 2011.

There are no real trends at festivals other than wellies, denim and braided hair but that doesn't mean you can't look trendy and stand out from the pack! Festival favourite Alexa Chung shows us how to wear a pretty white dress and make it Glasto appropriate by adding tousled hair, shades, a cross body bag and short flat boots. Spawning from rock royalty, Tali Lennox knows how to mix it up with dungarees strewn over a polo shirt. Pixie Lott brighten up the stage at Isle Of Wight in her pretty Prada 2 piece complete with matching flowers in her hair and the effortlessly cool Kate Bosworth gave us rock chick at Coachella with off white cut off shorts, an american flag tee and staple Rayban aviators. 

Top Picks


Taking inspiration from the stars, we've been ruthless in going through all the high street and online shops to find the perfect adaptations of these looks that are affordable and accessible to you...

    Look 1: Alternative Alexa          Look2: Trendy Tali       Look 3: Pretty Print Pixie     Look 4: Killer Kate

Look 1: Pink corsage trilby - Awear €15.00, Floral print crochet waist dress -

           Topshop £36.00, Leather fringe moccasin shoes - New Look £24.99

Look 2: Pineapple print tie top - River Island £19.99, Light wash denim dungarees 

           - R.I. £39.99 Yellow Flashrun wellington boots - Adidas €89.00

Look 3: Lace Hair Bow - Lipsy @ ASOS €17.95, Floral print playsuit - Max C 

           @ www.doo-lally.com €50.40, Festival purse belt - ASOS €25.64, 

           Brown riding boots - R.I. £89.00

Look 4: David Bowie T-shirt - Miss Selfridge £22.00, Faded red cut off denim 

           shorts - M.S. £28.00 Topflash sunglasses - ASOS €15.38, 

           Fringed cross body bag - www.littlewoodsireland.ie €42.00           

Trending... Colour Pop - Bags

With the colour blocking trend in full swing we'd thought we'd bring you another way to work this trend and bring brights into your accessories. Bright coloured bags are everywhere right now and will carry through to Autumn/Winter too so its a great way to inject a little colour into your life without going into colour blocking overload.

Designers championed this trend for this Spring/Summer but the high street works the trend so well bringing you decent quality bags for great value, so you can have a rainbow of choice for arm candy!

So whether you're lucky enough to have snapped up one of these bright designer beauties or will instead have one in every colour from the high street let your handbag get noticed this summer, the bolder and brighter the better! :)          xox Marie

Clockwise from top left: Missoni red print bag £590, Neon yellow leather clutch Christopher Kane €375.37 (Net-A-Porter), Blue/white striped bag Prada £850, Snake & leather clutch Marc Jacobs €895 (€537 Net-A-Porter sale), Tassel bag 'pouch' in Wild Rose Dior from £1,000, Multicolour clutch Versus £630 @ (Harvey Nichols), Hot pink bag Mulberry 'lily' £1,532, Yellow leather bag Miu Miu £650, Proenza Schouler medium leather satchel €1,286 (Net-A-Porter), Floral print silk bag Jil Sander €565 (Net-A-Porter)

Top Ten Picks

Clockwise from top left: Orange envelope clutch ASOS €32.05, Colour block satchel ASOS €96.15, Print soft bag Awear €15, Tapestry doctors bag Accessorize €93, Pink clutch Zara €29.95, Ladylike Turnlock bag Accessorize €54, Suede mini grab bag ASOS €44.87, Teal Ostrich effect bag Forever 21 €25.75, Purple/Yellow satchel Urban Outfitters €141, Yellow satchel Penneys €9.

Trending... Wedges

Top 10 Picks

Clockwise from top left: Nine West Braxton Blue8 Aqua & Mint Wedge €129.00, Next Orange Suede T-Bar Wedge €64.00, Miss Selfridge Kea Brown Pony Wedge €45.00, ASOS Hooch Slingback Rope Espadrille Wedge €121.79, Penneys Brogue Espadrille Wedge €23.00, Red Or Dead @ Schuh Tegan Colourblock Wedge €130.00, River Island Floral Print Canvas Wedge €69.99, Faith @ Debenhams Taupe Animal Print Peep-toe Wedge €83.20, New Look Patent Metallic Wedge €32.99, Topshop Blue Lattice Lace Up Wedge €70.00

Take a step in the fashionable direction this Summer with some leg lengthening Wedges. Stylish, yet very comfortable, the wedge should be your footwear of choice this season. 

For a casual daytime look try neutral colours such as the classic black and tan wedge above from ASOS or the super affordable brogue wedge from Penneys which hit stores this July. Prints always look great with denim - try River Islands floral wedge with the denim cut off's in Marie's post below or the animal inspired and colour block wedges above with simple skinny jeans.

Wedges are also great for elongating your legs and giving your feet and back a  break from the pressure of stilettos and flat sandals. See? Affordable, stylish AND beneficial to your health... It's time to work the wedge. Do it for your own good! ;)                       xo TBC

Trending... Shorts

Top 10 Picks

Clockwise from left:  Denim cutoffs with suspenders Forever 21 €17.75, Tan cut work shorts Miss Selfridge £29, Tailored Gold button shorts ASOS €32.05, Smart belted shorts Mango €22.90, Pink Twill shorts Miss Selfridge £28, Apricot belted shorts Miss Selfridge £32, Floral print short Urban Outfitter £32, Nude soft shorts Awear €30, Tribal Print shorts ASOS €43.59, White pocket shorts River Island £26.99

One trend that's a must have in your summer wardrobe is the humble short. They come in all shapes and sizes and have never been more versatile. From the holiday essential classic denim cutoffs to the menswear inspired Bermuda shorts and for the brave among us hot pants there really is something for everyone and for every occasion.

The high-waisted dressy short nips in your waist and teamed with a cute top and killer heels looks great for a night out or special occasion. While the City short is a perfect summer staple for the office, and the trendy Bermuda shorts with a tucked in top and wedges will have you barbecue or summer party ready in no time!

This trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon as shorts have been seen on AW'11 and SS'12 catwalks making this a trend worth investing in. Get your shorts fix while the weather allows them to be worn in all their glory, then team with tights come winter and you wont be caught short in the fashion stakes!            xox Marie

The Make-Up Round-Up...

Hey everyone,

We've done a few posts about fashion & style (there's many more to come!) but now I have some top make-up & beauty tips to share with you. 

There are so many cosmetic & beauty brands out there that sometimes when you go into a pharmacy or department store you simply have too much choice & don't know what to buy! Well I am more than happy to be your guinea pig & let you know my pick of the bunch...

Clockwise from Top Left: Barry M Instant Nail Effects in Black Magic €4.95, Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in No. 3 Maui €33.00, Gosh Eyeshadow Trio in Pink Sunset €9.99, A'kin Rose de Mai Anti-Oxidant Day Creme €26.99, Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 in 2.5 Ward Sand, MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara €21.00, NARS Single Eyeshadow in Galapagos €19.80, MAC Lipglass in Pink Lemonade €17.00 & Alberto Balsam Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner €3.10

I've tried nearly every range of make up out there & even when the make up artist at the counter gives you a make over & it looks amazing in the shop light, you never know how it will wear until you spend the day trawling around the shops or slaving away at work & then take a toilet break, look in the mirror  & realise its half way across your face. I have pretty normal skin, not prone to spots, not really oily, not really dry, so technically all foundations should work on me but to date the only one I've found that actually wears well on my skin & is a perfect colour match is Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation. With an in built SPF 15, this is one of the most lightweight & low coverage foundations on the market. It feels like silk on your skin & when you find the right shade it blends in seamlessly with your own colouring. Why I think it works so well for me is that its not so heavy that it looks like its sitting on my face but rather it enhances my natural skin tone & evens it out, creating a perfect base for the rest of my make up. Everyone's skin is different so I can't guarantee it will suit everyone but if your still struggling to find your perfect foundation I recommend you at least give this a try!

My favourites for eyes at the minute are NARS, GOSH & MAC. Galapagos by NARS has been in my make up bag for nearly 2 years now after the first time I picked it up in Paris. It's a high pigment eyeshadow in a dark brown shade with a speckle of gold shimmer throughout. Amazing on blue eyes to really bring out their colour! The GOSH Eyeshadow Trio in Pink sunset is one I just picked up last week. My favourite way to wear it is to get an angled eyeliner brush, dip it in the red & purple & line underneath your bottom lashes, flicking it out at the end. Then with your baby finger, press into the light pink & sweep around the inner corner of your eye. A perfect summer disco look! Finish off either of these eye looks with a lashing of MAC Haute & Naughty - my new best friend! This mascara has two wands, a fatty & a skinny. On clean eyelashes, use the skinny wand first to elongate your upper lashes & lightly define your lower lashes then on your upper lashes generously apply the product with the thicker wand. The best mascara on the market to give that false lash effect!

Technically it's a bronzer but I use Bobbi Brown Illuminating Powder as a blush. Maui is a shimmery, salmon pink shade with high pigmentation so a little goes a long way with this bad boy. Apply with a clean, soft blusher brush & blow off the excess before applying.

Give yourself a mani/pedi with a twist! Barry M do great cheap, colourful cosmetics & a personal favourite is their crackle effect nail polish in Black Magic. Try painting over gold or silver metallic nail polish for a cool leopard print look.

The Lipglass range by MAC is huge! My favourite shade at the moment though is Pink Lemonade - a high shine, summery coral shade. It's quite sticky so maybe avoid on a windy day but otherwise its sure to get you a compliment!

Without flawless skin you will never have flawless make up & my top tip to achieve that is the all natural & organic Australian skin care range A'kin. Because the ingredients are all natural oils & plant extracts they absorb into your skin really easily & give you a beautiful glow. I use Rose de Mai Day Creme but there is a moisturiser available for every skin type.

Lastly, a little tip I picked up along the way... You know the very annoying way you shave your legs & about a hour later they're all prickly again? Well straight after shaving cover them in conditioner. I can't believe how well it works. I use Alberto Balsam Tea Tree Tingle because 1 - it's cheap! 2 - it's a light formula so easy to lash on quickly & 3 - the tea tree soothes your legs after shaving & leaves them smelling delicious. Leave the conditioner on for 2-3 minutes & then pat your legs down with a towel et Voila! Silky smooth pins! :)

xo TBC

Slane 2011: The Pre-Festival Update...

Marie (left) & Tabitha (right)

We headed off to Slane on Saturday for a bit of day festival fun and to fill you in on the fashion and festival looks. We're not crazy on the thoughts of getting down and dirty and sleeping in a mucky tent for a weekend (although we have been known to partake on occasion!) so a day festival was perfect to ease ourselves into festival season and scope the hot looks for festival fever 2011.

We were wearing a floral dress (Marie) and rust playsuit (Tabitha) both with boots, thankfully the weather permitted us to leave our wellies at home. :)

We saw quite a alot of people still sporting the denim cutoffs and tee look which has always been a winner but we would suggest if you want to shake up your usual festival wardrobe you can let go of your staple go-to looks and get experimenting, its festival time so anything goes!

Playsuits are comfy and practical for a gig/festival as you've got the security of shorts but with a more put-together look. In the past dresses were a festival don't but not anymore. Team a pretty floral number with boots (and a pair of shorts underneath for added modesty) and you'll be the belle of the festival.

Here's a few of our picks for festival must haves in stores and online now! Happy festivities!                                               Marie xox

Floppy hat £21.99 River Island, Tassel Box Bag £25.99, Floral tea dress £35 ASOS, Pink aviators Marc by Marc Jacobs £129.99 Urban Outfitters, Pale blue Hunter wellies £70 Office, Gold waist belt £19.99 River Island, Denim Biker £100 Levis, Image- D&G S/S 11, Blue floral playsuit €18 Awear, Jimmy Choo Hunter wellies £255 Net-a-porter, Fringe bag £30 Topshop, Leopard Blazer £39.99 River Island, Mock Stockings £12 Pretty Polly, Image- Braids Erdem S/S 11

Top Picks... Prints

Look 1: Lilly maxi dress £75 Miss Selfridge, Yellow print dress £50 Topshop, Peep-toe sandals £69.99, Kimono jacket £39.99 and Rectangle print bag £44.99 all River Island.

Look 2: Leopard messenger €25.95 Zara, Jumpsuit £44.99 River Island, Pink jacket £35 Miss Selfridge, Print shorts £19.99 River Island, Oval ring €3.90 Forever 21, Platform wedge £69.99 River Island.

Look 3: Blue print skirt £29.99, Print stud court £74.99 and Fruit stripe top £21.99 all River Island, Beaded clutch €27.80, woven scarf €10.80 and gold/coral bangle €12.80 all Forever 21, Tribal dress £28 Miss Selfridge, Belt €4.95 H&M, Sandals £12.99 River Island.

One thing is for sure, no matter what your taste this trend has something for everyone. For the daring amongst us mixing prints is big fashion news so for a change dont be afraid to clash your prints.

For the more timid of us this seasons prints look amazing teamed with block colour basics, like a floral jumpsuit is muted when teamed with this pink soft jacket (shown). Some of the prints in stores are great for occasion wear, like this lily maxi dress (shown). Printed tops or blouses tucked into bold coloured skirts for work and tribal dresses accessorised to the hilt for play.

Prints have been seen in everything this s/s and no apparel was safe, thankfully! So if you dont fancy going bananas and doing the head to toe Stella McCartney fruit cocktail look, or going wild with your wardrobe you can still be on trend with your accessories as these have filtered through nicely to stores too.

There are so many ways to work this fashion friendly look, so.. embrace the print!                                                    xo Marie

Trending... Prints

(Left to right: Jonathan Saunders, Mary Katrantzou, Blumarine, bags by DVF, Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney) 

Spring has sprung and i don't know about you but we're coming into summer more brightly dressed than ever this year! The spring/summer runways were bursting with beautiful PRINTS from delicate new florals to vivid bold patterns to get you noticed. Some stunning and innovative prints were showcased and have given us plenty to be inspired by.

Jonathan Saunders shows how wallpaper print is done in striking colours and beautiful textures.

While on the topic of prints Mary Katrantzou's name will forever be associated after her S/S collection this year. Her concept of interiors on clothes and 'putting the room on the woman' wowed audiences.

Skirts in the shape of lampshades, interior tassels and fringe trimmings were only the beginning. The stunning digital prints were what made the collection astounding. I would say expect to see alot more of this very talented lady and more digital imagery prints coming to a runway and high street near you soon.

Holly Fulton's vision was of Art Deco and tribal motifs either printed like on these palazzo pants (shown) or through trimmings on her sixties dresses, but all finished with large art deco jewelry and matching clutches or vanity cases which amped up the outfits. Accessorise, accessorise!

Thought animal prints belonged in Bet Lynch's wardrobe alone? Think again. Blumarine sported a pretty way to wear leopard in pastel brights and neutral browns, all with lashings of gold jewellery.

Pretty as a (lioness) picture!                                    xox Marie

Top Picks... Colour Blocking

So I've shown you the best of the catwalk, but what about the high street? 

The high street shops and online stores have loads of great separates that together can transform your old winter wardrobe to a bright and stylish colour blocked closet! I've trawled the shops and online stores to find you the very best of what's out there to help you become a Colour Blocking Queen. 

Take a look at some of my Top Picks below:

                                            

           Look 1: Desk-to-Dancing Brights          Look2: Boho Blocking        Look 3: High Street Highlights

Look 1: River Island Blazer £34.99, Topshop Heeled Sandals £80.00, 

           Accessorize Studs £8.00, River Island Linen Shorts £29.99, 

           Topshop Varnish in In The Red £5.00, Topshop Leather Satchel £85.00, 

           ASOS Vintage Style Skinny Watch €32.00

Look 2: River Island Red Leather Jacket £140.00, Zara Metal Mesh Belt €22.95,

           River Island Green Maxi Dress £19.99, Top Shop Metallic Ring £5.00, 

           River Island Grey Wedges £59.99, ASOS Clutch €70.50

           

Look 3: New Look Pink Heart Purse £9.99, Aldo Yellow Peep-toe Heels £60.00, 

           ASOS Obi €19.30, Miss Selfridge Coral Suedette Shorts £34.00, 

           Miss Selfridge Mint/Grey Dress £38.00, River Island Purple Trousers £29.99

Leave a comment and tell us your favourite of our Top Picks and how you are wearing the trend this season :)                       xo TBC

Trending... Colour Blocking

(Left to right: Prabal Gurung, Issey Miyake, Marc Jacobs, Giambattista Valli, Gucci, Gucci)

Colour Blocking is one of my favourite current fashion trends & it is EVERYWHERE right now. So many design houses picked up on this trend & have created their own interpretations. Pictured above are some of my favourites from the catwalk. 

Prabal Gurung gives us a lesson in taking colour blocking to work. Using the uniform below-the-knee pencil skirt & reproducing it the brightest shade of yellow, this uplifting combo has the power to make anyone look forward to a day in the office!

Going for a more relaxed wearable style is Japanese designer Issey Miyake. A simple blue shift dress & light chiffon indigo cover up is the perfect ensemble for an evening stroll in Cannes.

Proving that the colour blocking trend doesn't just apply to the brightest of brights, the fashion powerhouse that is Marc Jacobs has given us what I like to call Boho Blocking! Muted colours & peasant tops have been given a modern twist.

Giambattista Valli is another example of how using two different fabrics can add intensity to the colour blocking trend. I'm a big fan of the red/pink combo. This would look amazing on the likes of Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts with her pale skin & fiery hair.

Finally, my favourite two colour blocking catwalk looks come from Gucci. This season the Italian design house stepped it up & made the fashion pack take note. Cocktail dresses, jumpsuits & separates all featured in the S/S collection in a range of jewel tones all tied together with a metallic gold waistband. Simple, Sophisticated, Stunning! The last look on my list is exactly how I imagine Mrs Mills of The Sunday Times Style Magazine would look this Autumn when the cold sets in. Darker, dramatic tones in chiffon, faux fur & silk topped off with shades & a wide brimmed fedora. Loves it! :)           xo TBC

Marie's Lust List...

Hey there!

Im back! And first things first, getting to know you! Here's a mood board that sums up my passions and influences...

• I'm a tad shoe obsessed and have adored Christian Louboutin and his shoes from the moment i set eyes on the cheeky red sole.. These are shoes that speak for themselves making a women feel sexy and elegant, what more could a girl ask for?
• I'm really fascinated by underwear and believe that wearing beautiful underwear everyday and not just on special occasions is a must for feeling fantastic. Ive included a sketch by Jean Paul Gautier for La Perla here, just gorgeous!
• I live for fashion! So many designers so little space but I've included Marchesa and Zac Posen here. Marchesa inspire me alot, the two English designers "make dresses for women to feel beautiful in" and that they sure do. Their designs are always show stopping with amazing detail. I admire Zac Posen's fearless approach to fashion, extrovert evening wear and beautiful tailoring. He has made a real impact coming onto the scene at the tender age of 21 and since has made the industry sit up and take notice. A real success story for any budding young designer and fashion lover alike.
• The Mulberry Alexa handbag (shown here in red) was an instant classic last season, Alexa Chung is one lucky lady to have inspired that creation and to have one in every colour and size! Jealous much?! Marc Jacobs, Luella, Zuhair Murhad, Chanel, Valentino are amongst my other favourite fashion houses with Erdem, Ellie Saab and Burberry Prorsum all making a great impression in recent seasons. 
• I grew up watching old movies and that's really where my love of clothes began. Marilyn Monroe was mesmerising to my young self. The ultimate woman, bomb-shell and glamour icon of her time and still a retro influence today. Ive also included Coco Chanel and Brigitte Bardot here, two such strong and inspirational women. A strong sense of character and determination to succeed is something to look up to and which paid off for these ladies. Seen echoed today in Coco's legacy, Chanel which is an iconic and revered brand. Bardot in her day, to me epitomised style and flair and i love everything about her look and it influences me daily.
• Rachel Bilson is my contemperory celebrity icon as her style is so interesting and diverse and she is my go to celeb as we have similar-ish frame and body type, everyone should have a look-to celeb for inspiration!

And that's me! Marie, Mimi, Mk, all of which i may be referred to here (and alot more besides!) xox