Instant Messaging

Its never been so cool to go back to school, or be a school boy for that matter. This year saw the return of the IT bag and most of the arm candy was in the form of a messenger bag. The cool satchel esque bags have been inspired by the uber luxe military, soft utility feel that's been all over the runways the past few seasons. Today's focus is all about the messenger bag and which ones should make it into your closet this season.

Starting with the Mulberry Alexa bag, inspired by London It girl Alexa Chung, the Alexa bag is mash up of Mulberry's iconic Bayswater and a men's briefcase, ticking all the boxes for it bag status. Messenger bags seem to be have become mock ups of the classic bags were are accustomed too, which leads us to the faithful satchel by Alexander McQueen. Looking like the birth child of McQueen favourite, the faithful bag, the satchel will win you new brownie points for the season.

Saving the best to last the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, the bag that started the satchel obsession, is my front runner for effortless chic. Available in a variety of skins from crocodile to leather and suede and a spoilt for choice selection of colours, the PS1 is,the best excuse to hit the books and go back to school.

Mulberry Alexa - £995 http://www.mulberry.com/

Proenza Schouler PS1 in smoke -£1995 http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Alexander McQueen faithfull satchel - £860 http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Where The Wild Things Are

There are few designers whose clothing can bounce off the pages of a magazine or grab your attention from the other side of the room, like the late and great Alexander McQueen’s creations did. Before his death McQueen created one of the most spectacular and inspiring collections of his career for spring summer 2010.

The ultimate capture of his imagination exploded on the runway in an army of tribal fusion. A rainbow of colours swept the room, prints adorned on every piece, with models stomping the runway as if the were heading to war. This leads me to today’s piece, the olindias print cape by Alexander McQueen. From the outside a simple, chic black silhouette, perfect for every day, but lift up the arms and you are exposed to the roaring, royal blue graphic print of the cape.
Turning an everyday item into something unique was something McQueen did best and this is a prime example of his extraordinary work.

Throw on your cape and release the inner wild child. Long Live McQueen.

Available at www.Net-a-Porter.com £460

Your Birthday Suit

Spring is all about the word light, better lit days, lighter evenings, light jackets and probably most important lighter colours. Pastels were a huge hit on the spring summer runways but most noticeably in the form of nudes.
Christopher Kane , Calvin Klein and Burberry Prosum where a handful of the designers that showed shades fit for a candy shop, think blush roses, soft corals, frosty beiges, milky peaches and soft iridescent pinks. Bearing the trend in mind here is my take on the new pastels.

Zip Slip Dress by Topshop – The nude lingerie dress, if it looks like your wearing your underwear, on the outside your probably onto the right thing. This one from Topshop hit the mark perfectly, nude, lace, and silk, channelling your inner Gaultier.
Available at http://www.topshop.com/ £45

70’s Wash Denim Shirt by Topshop – Denim, another revival has made its way back onto the runways, this loose fitting shirt adds a little western touch to springs pastels.
Available at http://www.topshop.com/ £30

Canvas Belt by Stella McCartney – You’ll rarely find a look this season that isn’t finished off with a belt. Tan accessories are oh so summer time and great for adding a harder edge to a soft look.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Skull Pendent Chain by Alexander McQueen – Gold is usually the go to for spring jewellery and while its great, I decided to add the eternal symbolic pendent by McQueen as a quirky alternative.
Available at http://www.polyvore.co.uk/ £240

Leather Linen Ballet Flats by Lanvin – Women breath a sign of relief as ballet pumps are officially chic again thanks to Lanvin. These leather and linen ones are fabulous and come in a variety of different colours including this grey and metallic pair.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £265

Felt Fedora by Brixton Gain – What I like to call a ‘Hollywood Finish’ a fedora is just a little bit California and a little bit rock star and fabulous if not just practical for sunshine weather.
Available at http://www.shopbop.com/ $55

Small Donna Hobo Bag by Alexander Wang – The ‘off duty’ slouchy style bag is great for long summer days and is amazing in the grey sugary shade.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £750

Tilia Acetate Sunglasses by Chloe – I love these 70’s inspired cat eye sunnies and the colour just screams St Tropez.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £245