Topshop X Marques' Almeida

We seem to have once again hit the season of a collaboration hysteria, with the promise of Alexander Wang for H&M and the already successful Marques' Almeida for Topshop range that was released this month.

I managed to grab a slice of the action, and was surprised with how good the quality actually is. That sounds scathing, but when I have already worked with Marques' collection in Matches, the bar is set remarkably high. I therefore didn't go crazy with the buying, and just went for low-key pieces guaranteed to delight me through to spring.

Two weeks later, I am scanning the remaining stock online, and am surprised by how much is left. It could have been more successful, perhaps, if Topshop had pushed the PR as much as an H&M collab. Maybe it comes down to Marques' being still too under the radar for mainstream shoppers... either way, it remains that I will be having a second hit very shortly.

The '90s are back, baby.

GT-C.

Photo credit: Cropped Magazine; Elle

Cashmiracle

When you are lost in transition, as Winter makes way for Spring, we turn to the old faithful: Cashmere.

Many top editors and bloggers turn to this marvellous piece of engineering to keep both warm or cool, depending on the time of year and weight of the ply. Take, for example, this fashion week go-er (Ada Kokosar) who looks ready for, well, just about anything the day has to throw at her. The outfit has a play on texture, with the softness of the sweater and her Hache clutch against the sheen and high-tech finish of the heels - layered with socks - and skirt (both Jo No Fui).

Cashmere is an investment and so my preference is for easy-breezy pieces that will work hard to earn their keep. My advice is to stick with easy-to-wear hues, in classic shapes. If you are one for a hit of bright colour, I love a bright sock to draw the eye down to your (fabulous) shoes. However, Chinti and Parker have a great selection if you have a penchant for prints, stripes, brights and amazing shapes. Here are my top picks of cashmere delights to make you both spring and fashion ready.

Johnstons of Elgin, £159

Denis Colomb, £436

Burberry Prorsum, £2,195

Brora, £39

Chinti and Parker, £350

Photo credit: Madeleine Thompson blog, Johnstons, Farfetch, Matches, Brora, Chinti and Parker

Christmas jumpers? Don't sweat it

Are you a Scrooge in the making, or a Santa's little helper? Whichever camp you belong to, there is always a special sweater to sport. Come Christmas morn, when the snow is crisp and white (unlikely here in the mild climes of Devon), you can pull on something warm, cosy, and very festively appropriate.

Here are my top picks to wrap up in, now.

Marks & Spencers, £35

 

Topshop, £55

Mary Katrantzou for Save the Children, Bid here

 

Zoe Karssen, £43

Meadham Kirchoff, £375