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Trend Alert: Summer shorts

linen-shorts

As we move into the summer months even the British weather seems to be perking up. Time to dig out those summer shorts girls and show off your legs. This season’s shorts are smart enough for the office but cool enough for a party and frankly as far as I’m concerned you can never have enough. They look chicer than a mini skirt and are far more practical too. Whether you’re cycling or sunbathing, many this season also have a retro pin-up girl air, which is bang on trend.

My pick of the crop are these ultra gorgeous high-waist shorts from LA-based designer Seneca Rising. The perfect length to flatter your thighs the dusty orange shades looks hot with this summer’s khaki, grey or nude colour palette. I love this label, which takes tomboy shapes and styling and gives them a feminine edge. These shorts are a great investment piece too and are sure to see you through a summer of picnics, beaches and city living.

Featured: Shorts from Seneca Rising at FarFetch

- Isabel Dexter

Style Clinic: Leopard print

leopard dress

This season the international catwalks in Paris, London, New York and Milan were awash with the hottest print of the summer – leopard print. Channel your inner sex kitten in this sumptuous print, beloved of bar maids and Kate Moss alike. In the first post of my new Style Clinic posts where I answer a pressing style question of the season, we look at the coolest-for-cats style in town.

Q: What in the cut off point in age terms on leopard print? I love it but I’m scared that at 42 I’m past it.

A: As a former personal shopper and stylist I’m a true believer that we need to forget that old ‘mutton dresses as lamb’ phrase. Age is not a factor that needs to determine what we wear, especially if it’s something you love. As long as you take into account shape, quality and fit a print should never be too ‘young’ no matter what your age.

Leopard print is huge news this season and everyone should be trying it. Every single way they like. For the brave a fabulous leopard print dress is just the ticket. Try this leopard print maxi dress for a touch of Seventies glamour. It’s in the sale at the moment and would look ultra chic with simple accessories. The long, flowing shape is really flattering too, no matter what your age!

featured:  Leopard print dress Dorothy Perkins

- Isabel Dexter

Style Tips from Bobbi Brown

camo-jewelry

It should be summer but the weather is so changeable at the moment most fashionistas are struggling with their wardrobes right now no matter how style savvy they are. Recently makeup maestro Bobbi Brown has been sharing her tips for stylish dressing with the fashion crowd and I thought I’d share some of my favourites with you. It’s definitely (fashion) food for thought!

1. Take inspiration from your friends. When I was a teen we didn’t have that many celebrity magazines to follow the latest fashions so I’d look at my girlfriends instead. There was one who wore the perfect combat jacket, sending me on a mission to find myself the same one.

OUR TIP: Try this amazing vintage camouflage combat jacket.

2. Pay attention to your shape and who you are. At 5ft tall I look better in clothes that are cut for my body and I’m always going for the unexpected when it comes to style.

3. Wear things that make you feel good. Look at what others are wearing on the street. I’d rather pair a stack of sparkly bracelets with jeans than a dress because the contrast is what makes it interesting.

OUR TIP: Add some bling a la Bobbi with these gorgeous sparkly bracelets to spice up a casual, daytime look.

- Isabel Dexter

Style Clinic: Holiday wardrobe

As the summer sets in this is the second of my series of style clinic posts with a focus on holiday dressing. Packing for a trip can be stressful but shopping for it is certainly fun! Here’s the latest burning fashion question and some of my top tips for sexy, sultry summer dressing with a difference!

Q: I’m going on holiday to an island off Spain where the temperatures are high in the day but plummet at night. Last year I ended up ruining all my outfits with endless layers to stay warm. Can you suggest something that means I won’t freeze to death but will still look sleek and stylish?

A: Instead of packing bulky layers that will take up a lot of suitcase space and will also look too wintery invest in some smart summer dressing. The first thing is to seek out some handy, lightweight cashmere cardigans to wear over pretty dresses. I love this cardigan from Crumpet. The draping gives a feminine air and the cropped sleeves keep it summery. Plus it’s ultra flattering and will work with pretty much everything in your wardrobe.

Featured – Cashmere cardigan Crumpet

- Isabel Dexter