Parisian perfection

I have often admired the French woman's prerogative of laid back, easy elegance. For a maximalist, materialist Brit like me, peeling back the layers and ridding my wardrobe of the non-classic pieces doesn't come easy, and so makes their style (and mind-set) even more desirable.

Whilst I'm not ready to trade in the make-up and hair products for a bare face and blow-dry, I am ready to learn a few sartorial tricks from the oft-quoted Parisians. So, farewell paillettes and bon voyage towering heels, and hello to sweet ballet pumps, classic trench coats and Le Smoking de Saint Laurent...

Photo credits; all via vogueandcoffee on Pinterest

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

Trends you should hate (but actually LOVE)

1. Retro denim
When denim is so bad, it's so good... Double denim, denim dresses, frayed hem denim skirts, patchwork. I. Want. It. All.

P.S. Flares are back.

2. White shoes
Stigma of trailer parks and colouring in scuffs with Tipp-ex - but when paired with boyfriend trousers, good things happen. The more I see it, the more I like it.

3. Metallic leather
So outdated, but so cool!

4. Mirror lens
The trend better suited to scenes in Top Gun, this look has travelled into the blogosphere of certified stylistas.

5. Sliders
Tres Unchic. However, I'm willing to let this slide (ahem) as it looks SO comfortable for the summer heat.

Photo credit: WhoWhatWear; Stylelist; Fabsugar; the xtyle; Vogue; Pinterest; Pinterest; Le 21eme; modern legacy

Distressed distress

When it comes to the 'undone cool' of recent denim trends, how far should we go to distress our look before undone becomes run-down? With distressed details working hand-in-hand with boyfriend cuts, I am a fan of rips so large you can see a comparatively skinny leg peeking through to give the illusion of perfect pins. On a skinny jean, however it doesn't work so well and borders on lewd.

With the help of some style snaps, here is my 'how to' on avoiding any distressed distress.

Thumbs up to dashing distressed

Say no to disastrous denim

Ringspiration

The popularity of decorating fingertips to the hilt is still staying strong this winter, which is convenient seeing as the party season has only just begun. Instead of searching the shops for your perfect LBD, it's time to hunt out the ultimate digit jewels. See this run of beautifully adorned hands for inspiration.

 

 

Photo credit: All via Pinterest

White is alright

It wasn't that long ago when white shoes had the reputation of a one pence piece: low value, dirties quickly and is considered highly un-chic to carry on one's person. The only time you would be seen dead in white heels would be for fancy dress purposes, or risk ending up on the worst dressed lists of Heat magazine.

But, as is often the case with certain fashions, the white shoe is making a comeback, and all thanks to the blogosphere.

The new generation of trend-setters have gone viral, and it is now easier than ever before to see what people are wearing on the other side of the world, therefore mixing your style and finding inspiration from all corners of the globe. It doesn't matter if you live in Stafford or Sussex- you CAN dress like a Californian, if you choose. Such bloggers have given me a new found faith in the white shoe and, often spotted in them during summer months, street chic and fashion week, are able to carry off this previously dirtied trend with aplomb.

So, if I want to feel like I am on a sunny coast somewhere, or even just wanting to hold on to the British summer that little bit longer come August, I will be dressing my feet in these beauties from Zara: simple, to the point, and highly desirable. Plus, they will set off my summer tan spectacularly.

Meet you at the checkout.

Photo credit: f-2013.blogspot.com