Summer Style: The Smart Maxi

Maxi dresses are truly this Summer's staple, so for me finding a dress with versatility is the key. This 70s inspired number from Marks and Spencer is just the kind of Maxi that you can wear for an interchangeable look.

This dress has gorgeous draping detail at the top and the draw-string belt helps to nips in the waist nicely. I especially love the bare arms for added sex appeal without cleavage overkill - great for those of us who aren't big busted.

In the right shade, grey can be a fantastic hue for Summer - I'd match it with sassy lime green to liven the look or pair the dress with soft metallic greys to add depth. Plus with this colour choice, the dress will work just as well in Autumn. Now that's a smart way to wear the Maxi dress this season don't you think?

Like the look? Here's where to get it:
1. Garden Party Pleated Shoulder Bags by Karen Millen in Lime and Grey
£89.95 available at ASOS.
2. 70's grey maxi dress, Marks and Spencer, £59
3. Late nights platform grey patent shoes, Office, £80
4. Leather Beaded Star Flat Sandal, ASOS, £24.75

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

The High-Heeled Gladiator

It's official. The gladiator sandal remains a firm fixture of spring/summer fashion. How do I know? Well when Christian Louboutin designs a shoe reflecting the trend, that's all the endorsement I need.

So this season we can expect a fresh offering of the warrior footwear - but unlike last season when heels were subtle and the emphasis was on comfort - this time it's all about the bold, high-heeled, ultra glam with plenty of drama.

Personally, I'm relieved that gladiator sandals have had a bit of a refresh. It's not that I didn't enjoy them before, but now with the added height, we get the benefits of elongated legs, shapely feet and a more sophisticated finish.

Check out the new designs from Christian Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti and Balmain - by far my favourite choice from what's out there right now.

Main image:
Pammy Sandals
- £85, www.dune.com
1. Paquita Crepe Satin Sandals by Christian Louboutin
- £547,00 , www.mytheresa.com
2. Moda In Pelle Marrianne Gladiator Sandal
- £85, www.vivaladiva.com
3. Strappy leather sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti
- £342.55, www.net-a-porter.com
4. Urban Gladiator Sandals by Balmain
- £670,00, www.mytheresa.com

Vintage Floral - Stepping into Spring

I'm so bored of winter. I can't wait for spring sunshine and blossomy breeze to banish winter and last season's wardrobe. And in much anticipation, I've been scouring the shops to find the best floral dresses to kick-start my spring/summer collection.

I have to tell you, I've been rather impressed with what's on offer. You see, I'm big on vintage dresses and I'm pleased to find that most dresses for spring/summer are reminiscent of 1940s hollywood glamour and 1960s hippy chic. Bring on the sun!

Here's my pick of the best:

Main image:
Garden floral print bow dress
- £15, Primark
1. Rebecca mini dress by Luella
- £238.50, www.net-a-porter.com
2. Claresta bustier dress
- £20, www.boohoo.com
3. Cotton Satin Sheen Party Dress
- £36, www.goddiva.co.uk
4. Vintage floral prom dress
- £44.03, www.riverisland.com

Wetlook Leggings: Sport Luxe Style

Today I'm thinking about wetlook leggings... You either love them of loathe them. Whatever your stance on them, the fashion world is flirting with them. Endorsed by Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and the Olsen Twins, I have a good feeling that they will be around for most of the year.

Personally? I am under no illusion that just about anyone can wear these. Unless you have legs like Agy or V. Beckham, these will almost certainly look unflattering. That said, I probably will NEVER own a pair but I can see their appeal, especially as a staple piece for the sport luxe look.

Fashion Flirt term for today: Sport Luxe - The mixture of luxury fabrics with sporty shapes.

Anyway, here's how I would opt to wear them - a luxe tunic top, seriously sharp shoe boots, a boyish little cropped leather jacket and a few statement accessories thrown in for good measure.

Like it? Here's where you can get this look:

1. Two-Tone Clamp Bangle - £8.00, ASOS
2. Gold oversized top - £25.00, Dorothy Perkins
3. Box clutch by Bottega Veneta - £602, Net A Porter
4. Wetlook Leggings - £18.00, Topshop
5. Cropped Trench Jacket - £130.00, Warehouse
6. Black Helga Peeptoe Shoe Boot by Georgina Goodman - £322.00, My Wardrobe
7. Striped Ring Set With Glass Stones- £3.00, ASOS

Image credit: Ashley Olsen embracing sport luxe style courtesy of Fashionoa