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Trend Alert: Brocade (part one)

  • posted September 2nd, 2011
  • Fashion

roulo-sweater

Capricious? Us? Surely not but we just got our pretty little heads around spring/summer’s brightly coloured and floral trends when suddenly it’s that time of year again. Our social diaries are full of party invites and after-work drinks that call for something a little more Be Beautiful and Damned a la Kate Moss, a little more Bianca Jagger at Studio 54, something a little more…well… fun. Plus all the fashion people are talking about the new season trends and by new season we mean Autumn/Winter 2011/12.

Cue the regal allure of those oh-so-opulent brocades. From sharp-edged shouldered, wow-em dresses at Balmain (paired with lace up boots for added edge) to statement coats at Cavalli and Maxmara, looking OTT has never been hotter. Whether you take a cerebral approach as at Marios Schwab or go out and out flashy, it’s magpie time: the more lavish the better. As Donatella Versace says More is More and this winter it’s time to dig out your embellished evening coats, textured tops and shimmering trousers, not to mention those itsy bitsy, two-tone brocade dresses for the ultimate in Baroque chic.

One of my favourite brocade dresses is this gorgeous black strapless brocade dress from New Look. In animal print brocade it has a fab Fifties shape and will look great with a light tan, as well as come winter. Plus it’s in the sale so snap it up!

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

Short Work

borwnshorts

With all the summer events and parties coming up perhaps it’s just me but is everything in your wardrobe, including those favourite summer dresses, looking a bit uninspiring? If so then please let me direct you towards this season’s hottest solution and a whole new trend to boot; the smart short.

Early adaptors include Alexa Chung, Eva Herzigova at the Cannes Film Festival and of course Kate Moss. The best thing about a great pair of tailored shorts are that they look sexy without being sluttish, smart without being overdressed and they are also flattering. They’re a great look for a casual-ish summer wedding too if you want to look like you’ve made an effort but still stay unique. Most of all, shorts are fun and summer is all about dressing like you’re here to play.

My favourites pick of the bunch are these gorgeous belted shorts from Republic. The tobacco shade is bang on trend for this season and they look they walked straight off the runway. Add a dash of fake tan on your pins and you’ll be hot to trot, no matter the occasion!

Shorts from Republic