Lets get Tropical!

Aloha!!! The temperatures here in the UK are for once reaching tropical heights. Since we don't normally have the opportunity to embrace a good tropicana trend, I decided to source some summer styling inspiration in celebration.  I have put together a collection of the hottest street style snaps from around the globe. Each image communicates ways of putting together an outfit which includes a colourful summer print, without looking touristy or tacky. 

Show off your exotic charm in style whilst you can, this summer girls!

What if we just pretend that life is easy?

Everyone knows how much I love a good 90s rewind and this blog takes me back to yet another childhood favourite! 

Dungarees!!! Oh yes! I absolutely love mine.

Looking back at some of these iconic images from 90s pop culture the trend could of hit us as a bit of a faux pas at first, but this year dungarees have popped up in true style and choosing the right pair will definitely earn you extra cool points this season!

Pixie Lott.

Alexa Chung.

Talita Silverberg.

This mini trend has now been adopted by all the trendiest A-listers and style bloggers after of course first appearing on the catwalk.

This year the 90s favourite has been remixed in many fabrics, colours and prints. 

   As pretty as a picture with a bird print at Kinder Aggugini.

   Go Fuscia in suedette overalls and channel city chic girl at Philip Lim.

   Bare midriff and Beautiful Broderie Anglaise at Moschino.

   

  Go acid House with a funky print at House of Holland.

This morning I hit the summer sales and noticed that the dungarees trend is now in full throttle on the high street. There is a pair of dungarees for everyone. Although there are lots of short versions and pinafore style dresses too, my ultimate style choice is those which are full length. 

Here are my faves from the high street.

Pink floral print full length £40.00 from River Island.

Parisian Blue Floral £19.99 from New Look.

Pop Floral Print £60.00 from Topshop.

Megzhan skinny acid wash denim £30.00 from Boohoo.

This trend can be a tricky one to master with an air of style, but don't worry it's pretty easy. Team printed dungarees with a plain top in a neutral colour to keep your look elegant and wearable. If your much braver with your styling, clash cool prints for instant fashion statement vibes. The beauty of dungarees is that you can dress them up with a fabulous heel or dress down with a sandal. And also try and remember to keep your accessories simple.

 If like me your a fan of the original denim all in ones, the same rules apply. I tend to pop on my converse for an easy off duty look, still looking on trend but feeling super comfortable.

Last but not least, do not team your denims with a red and white chequered shirt, unless of course you are going for the country farm girl look.

Like a Little Teapot

Make like a teapot with this seasons freshest floral print. Inspired by the patterns found on your grandmas vintage china, fashion has gone all 18th century ceramic on us.

The famous 'Willow Pattern' has inspired several of the designers this season. Many collections have channeled the oriental print, splashing deep blue details onto elegant white pieces such as tea party style dresses, blazers and cigarette pants to name a few. 

Tadashi Shoji 2013 Show

The china pattern is pretty, delicate and super chic. This print can really be suited to any occasion, afternoon BBQs, a family wedding, cinema dates or cocktails with the girls. Now that the sun is shining grab a blue and white floral piece and communicate vintage sophistication with a cool new twist. 

Here are my favourites from the high street.

Miss Selfridge, China Blue Floral Dress £65.00

Dorothy Perkins, True Decadance, Retro Blue Floral shirt £40.00

Accessorize, Blurred Paisley Kaftan, £39.00

Dorothy Perkins, Alice + You, Navy Floral Volume Prom Dress £29.99

Although legend will have us believe that the story of the Willow Pattern is of a Romantic Tradgedy the style inspiration taken from the beautiful illustrations is far from tragic. 

"And so the lovers perished......" 

From a fable to ceramic...now through fashion, the romance lives on.

Fluorescent Adolescent

Like most people, I often find myself dreaming of being transported back to my childhood. Those carefree colourful days when a Twist & Squeeze and a Push Pop were sweet treats....and the highlight of my week. 

"Oh please take me back to the 90s!!!!" 

We have seen the 90s trends surface and stick around over the past 12 months, from grunge to rave. This summer we have seen more new twists on the colourful decade and the most noticable is brought to us in the form of the flouro/neon trend. I'm so happy to be re-living my teenage disco days in more mature fluorescents this season....no Push Pop needed. 

 The powerful colour trend lit up this seasons catwalks. At the London and Milan shows, Simone Rocha, David Koma and Versus set the runways ablaze with acid greens, hot pinks and vibrant oranges.

As always the high street is channeling the trend and my choice is to go flourescent with River Island...I feel they have the best neon shades on the high street. A few have been a little hit and miss with the colour palette. Not that I am surprised, it must have been difficult for the design teams trying to capture high fash rather than high vis.

 

Flouro Lime cropped t-shirt £10.00

Flouro Yellow coated mini skirt £20.00

Both available from River Island online.

No Styling Required

Above is my choice for a neon look but there really is no rules. Its so easy to stand out from the crowd this season with a powerful punch of colour. The key to the trend, is that brighter is ALWAYS better. Choose extreme bright colours in any shape and style, to become bang on trend in an instant. Wear your neon shades as block colours or with more subtle hues for a toned down version. Match your tropical pieces with your staple tan wedges and bronzed summer legs for a super striking summer look. 

Don't worry if you're not brave enough for a luminous yellow dress or a tangerine jumpsuit. Start out with a stunning fluorescent handbag or go barefaced and splash on a neon pink lippy from Mac or Barry M. Neon is such an easy trend to wear. You could quickly whack on some illuminails for a quick trend fix. You can even style up a neutral outfit by adorning yourself with a neon necklace.

 Easy peasy 'citrus' squeezy!!