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/

Till I Dye

As much as most of us would probably like to forget the 90’s, I’m afraid the decade is back and much better this time around. Spreading the 90’s phenomenon over two seasons thanks to many a designer and the trend erupting all over New York fashion week for the last two seasons, tye dye has made a comeback. That comeback comes in the form of the tye dye burnout cotton top by Proenza Schouler.

For me there is something just a little sexy about a long sleeve tee, maybe its that way the sleeves end just where the knuckle meets the bends of your fingers or maybe just the sheer mystery of what might underneath? Either way this is one dope way to rock the tye dye trend this season in staple black and white, you really can not go wrong in one of Proenza’s groupie esque creations.

Rock till you drop or just till you dye

Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £265

Ultilise This

Utility, modern military, soldier chic, call it what you want to call it, either way it’s a big trend for spring 2010. Taking note from the military trends of winter (think Balmain and Givenchy), for this season it’s a bit more subtle and definitely more relaxed. Less embellishment and less black, with more earthy tones, like khaki, gentle greys and taupe- esque browns. Designers such as Celine and Sportsmax brought the look to life for the season. Here is my take on Utility for spring/summer 2010.

Quilt Detailed Parka by A.P.C – The Parka, the most staple item to base your look around when channelling utility. This one by A.P.C fits the bill perfectly, its olive green colour is right on trend and the adjustable sleeves mean a ton of different looks.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £285

Taupe Tomboy Tank by Sultan Wash – A tomboy tank is a great basic for any season but even better to add a first layer to your look in the earthy taupe shade.
Available at http://www.sultanwash.com/

Silk Satin Shirt by Elizabeth and James – A perfect example of the softer side of military for summer. Roll up the sleeves and loosen the buttons for a lazy look.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £230

Denim Shorts by Erin Wasson x RVCA – Great Summer investments by Erin Wasson everybody needs to own a pair of the loose, Texas ready boy shorts.
Available at http://www.lagarconne.com/ £50 (on sale)

Dorado Boots by Frye – A personal fan of boots in the summer, a great alternative to the usual summer sandals. Stick to darker tones, but avoid black which can be a little to harsh under the sun.
Available at http://www.shopbop.com/ $498

Studded Belt by HTC – Gold complements the khaki influenced season and this studded belt looks fierce wrapped around the waist of the parka.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £165

Suede PS1 bag by Proenza Schouler – The ultimate ‘it’ bag of the season, taking yet more inspiration from soldiers and their messenger bags, the PS1 is the bag to be seen with.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £1560

Classic Raybans by Rayban – Instant California cool for everybody.
Available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ £111

Stacked Rings in Gold and Rose Gold by House of Harlow – Simple and chic these rings stacked up add a touch of bohemian to the modern look.
Available at http://www.shoptrendboutique.com/ $23 each.