Nautical Style: Smart-Casual Cruise

There's one classic spring/summer trend that always manifests itself on the catwalk and the high street in some shape or form - I'm talking about the nautical look. The classic colours of red, white and navy is constantly being recycled and reproduced.

Last year's take on the nautical theme was to incorporate plenty of navy and red patterning, mostly stripes and polka dots. This year, it's all about glossy blocks of colour and bold statement accessories accented with traditionally delicate, classic stripes. Personally, the way I like to wear nautical is smart-casual, dressed up with luxe accessories for a look I like to call 'smart casual cruise'.

Today, I've been putting together must-have investments for this season and I came across Viviene Westwood hi-gloss navy pumps and the Miu Miu white bow bag. These are just the kind of accessories that pull the look together. So here's my wish list for this season; the following pieces are versatile enough to work perfectly as part of any nautical ensemble and they're right on-trend.

Credits:

1. Red Dorothy Shift Dress, Yarnie by Shin Choi - £166.00
Available at my-wardrobe.com
2. Navy and Red Stripey Scarf, McQ Alexander McQueen - £58.00
Available at my-wardrobe.com
3. New Petite jacket, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania - £322.98
Available at net-a-porter.com
4. White Leather Strap watch, French Connection - £93.00
Available at asos.com
5. Bow detail tote, Miu Miu - £617
Available at net-a-porter.com
6. Navy Ultra Girl Pump, Vivienne Westwood Accessories - £59
Available at my-wardrobe.com
7. Red Wide Stripe Elastic Belt, Wallis - Was £12.00 - Now £7.00
Available at wallis-fashion.com

Tribal Trend: Actually I do like it...

In my last post I expressed my pretty humdrum attitude towards the s/s09 Tribal/African theme I saw at the London Fashion Weekend last month. And my main concern is that the whole tribal thing can often get a bit cliché and OTT - that's something I just don't do. However since exploring the idea further, I've been won over by the tribal inspired pieces from the likes of Marni, Monsoon, Miu Miu and ETRO. They're working the 'African Queen' theme like a dream and I am literally having to eat my own words.

Check out the inspired looks below and you'll soon see why!

Credits:
1. Marni Stone embellished metal necklace - £260
2. ETRO Tribal print silk kaftan - £595
3. Miu Miu Ruched shoulder bag - £755
4. Marni double platform peep-toe sandals - £357

Credits:
1. Philippe Audibert Spiked gold bracelet -£370
2. ASOS Large Stone Cocktail Ring - £10.00
3. Marks and Spencer Aztec dress - £39.50
4. Tamaris Saffron Antic Nappa Sandals - £34.99
5. Monsoon Adana Top - £45

Katie Holmes: The face of Miu Miu S/S09

Did you hear that Katie Holmes is the new face of Mui Mui?

When I heard, I was not convinced but here she is modeling the S/S09 collection. Truth be told, I never had her down as someone versatile enough to carry off such an edgy campaign. However, judging from these images, the girl's done good. Don't you think?

Speaking of good, I LOVE this collection. It's so rural, tribal, nomadic and cultured. To match batik and ethnic inspired fabrics with gorgeous sculptured shapes with such ease is a triumph in my book.

www.miumiu.com

Image Credits: www.miumiu.com