The Patsy is a new addition to the London Retro family, a modern take on the iconic Wayfarer shape with a rounder base. With rounder glasses set to be a huge trend this summer these glasses are a great transition for the individual that’s used to the squarer frame, as well as those that like to make a statement with their eyewear!
The Patsy is available from Glasses Direct in black and tortoiseshell, and are priced at £99 incl single vision lenses.
BLACK BUCKLED SANDAL – ZARA
BROWN SANDAL WITH GOLD PLATE – H&M
NEON GLADIATOR – TOPSHOP
NUDE STUDDED GLADIATOR – ZARA
METALLIC STRAPS – TOPSHOP
I can’t say the past few days have been too inspiring to go shopping for sandals, however I have learned that the gloomy weather of early spring is the best time to shop for summer essentials because no-one else has their mind on dressing for the warmer summer months – unless of course they’re going on holiday!
The sandals above are perfectly versatile, there’s definitely one pair for everyone that will go with your entire wardrobe.
Although the summer can be a great time for style experimentation, comfort also has to be a consideration when the sun is in the sky and temperatures rise. For ladies who have the bonus of carrying a baby bump through the summer months, the latter is likely to be a priority. However, it’s nice to think that you are maintaining your usual fashion standards even when your ankles are turning into cankles and you’re increasingly spending shopping trips scoping out the nearest public toilet rather than potential purchases.
Finding decent maternity wear has become less of a challenge over the past few years as retailers have risen to the fashion challenge, but it’s still difficult to find a balance between trends and practicality. When it comes to this summer’s trends, there is plenty for pregnant women to choose from.
Striking summer maxi dresses are perfect for sunny weather – they are light and airy and because they feature high or relaxed waistbands they cover baby bumps with ease. You’ll find plenty of maxi dresses featuring tribal-inspired designs this season, but it’s also worth looking out for oriental and tropical floral prints as well as plain pastels, which are both big summer trends. Look out for breathable fabrics like cotton and jersey, which will help keep you cool and also wash well.
One of the other great things about maxi dresses is the fact they look at their best when teamed with sensible footwear. Wearing flip-flops, gladiator sandals and low wedges could well help soothe those cankles, or even stop them taking hold in the first place!
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The Swedish Hasbeens pop-up store launched in the Selfridges Shoe Galleries this morning. The retro shoe brand that has been taking the world by storm will be presenting their SS12 collection as well as styles exclusive to Selfridges. The SS12 collection is inspired by the active lifestyle of the 40s-50s, which made fashion sportier and more comfortable. The line features the Classic Old Tennis Shoe, the Bowling Shoe, the Strong Lady Sandal, the Cork Wedge, and the Pump Ballerina.
The pop-up store will be open for four weeks, make sure you go and check it out.
During the week I was invited to Bicester (pronounced Bister) Outlet Village for the launch of the British Designers Collective store. The pop-up boutique concept store offers British emerging talent the opportunity to showcase their collections in a unique setting. The exclusive collaboration between Bicester Village, one of the nine Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages by Value Retail, and the British Fashion Council is now in it’s third year. British style icon Alexa Chung and spokesperson for the British Designers Collective was there to open the store, her speech focused on her love for British fashion and how much she couldn’t wait to start shopping in store.
Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase ‘must have’ pieces from their previous seasons’ collections at the usual Bicester Village reductions of up to 60% on the rrp. Designers include Peter Pilotto, Jonathan Saunders, Nicholas Kirkwood, Preen, Lulu & Co, Bella Freud, Erickson Beamon, Holly Fulton, Emma Cook, Markus Lupfer, and Marios Schwab – to name a few. My personal faves were the Mawi jewellery, Nicholas Kirkwood heels, Lulu & Co shirts, Jonathan Saunders sweaters, and the Holly Fulton prints.
The BDC pop-up boutique will run until 9th May, the menswear selection will launch on 16th May and run til the end of June. Designers include YMC, Oliver Spencer, Margaret Howell, James Long, Sunspel, Tim Little, and Richard James amongst others.
Coveted British shoe designer Charlotte Olympia has also opened a pop-up boutique to coincide with the BDC pop-up, the store opened on 17th March and will run until 31st May. I need some of those spider web soles in my life!
