FRESH FLORALS

Bubble Gum Crepe Dress by Gucci - £1,120.00 | Summer Flower Clip On Earrings by ASOS - £8.00 | Rosebud Lace Mini Skirt by LOVER - £420.00 | Printed Silk Chiffon Shirt by Moschino - £253.00 | Marabou Feather Bag by Topshop - £50.00

We always want what we cannot have. When the summer heat stings our subtle skin we long for the days of playing around with layers. But when the winter blues come knocking, it is the sweet embrace of spring and summer that we crave. London is sporting a very dark and gloomy tone as of late. The only way for me to survive till the sunshine reappears once again is to anticipate summer by working on my spring skin and daydreaming about the fresh florals SS13 has to bring. 

I am swooning big time over these finds. My favourite? The Tea Shirt by Moschino. 

MONOCHROME MAGIC

Photo: Motel Rocks | Author: Pauline Skewes | Publication: Most Wanted

The thought of wearing just black and white may sound bland but let's not forget it was the mix-print craze that proved to us that opposites really do attract. Next in line to prove this point is the monochrome trend.

I am mad for monochrome. There's just something about this classic trend that never grows old. It can be worn perfectly to suit the chic office style look for your 9-to-5 needs, but it can be dressed up with a pair of killer heels to a night full of escapades. 

Take a look at my must-haves that are sure to inject some elegance and style to your wardrobe.CreamContrast Lace Waist Cream Dress from River Island - £60.00 | Chunky Chain Necklace from Topshop - £12.50 | 'Peggy' Round Acetate Sunglasses by House Of Holland from Browns - £150.00 | Artemis Gladiator Shoe Boots from Topshop - £95.00 | Dogtooth Card Holder from Topshop - £5.00 | Mini Gem Flower Drop Earrings from ASOS - £7.50 | Black Smart Shorts from River Island - £12.00 | Kadie High Waist Skater Skirt from Motel Rocks - £28.00 | Cara Washed Silk Crepe De Chine Shirt by Equipment from Net-A-Porter - £267.00  

EXTRA BAGGAGE

A women’s handbag is full of mysteries and wonders, but most importantly it is the place where our beauty essentials hide for safe keeps whilst we are on the go. There’s no denying that often the busier we are, the more neglected the interior state of our handbags become. But perhaps now is the perfect time to beat this bad habit of ours for good and look the mess straight in the eyes and say – no more!

So clean out those unnecessary old receipts, confess that you will only ever need one pen to get you by (not five) and to help you along the way, take a look at the Top 3 Beauty essentials every gal needs in her bag at Trusted Salon here.

RISE OF THE PEPLUM

Photo: Gorunway | Author: Pauline Skewes | Publication: Vitrina

The peplum was an admired trend during Spring/Summer 2012. The extended hems resembling a short skirt, causing the shape of the waist to become more flattering and giving the hips an elegant and pleasing look if worn right. It’s no wonder this craze has continued on to spread like wild wire during fall this year.

The cut has been embraced by everyone from designers such as Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs and Burberry to powerhouse High Street retailers such as Topshop, River Island and H&M. Let’s not forget A-Grade fashion forward celebrities who can’t get enough of the peplum either like Gwen Stefani, Blake Lively and Olivia Palermo to name a few.

Plush peplums have become and easy and reliable option to dress you up for fancy nights out. Think pencil skirts and tops with dark romantic floral prints and peplum dresses with embellished trimmings. When a peplum piece is styled to perfection, it’s sure to be a head turner. 

So take inspiration from the catwalk and get frilled-up by treating your hips with fall/winter’s hottest trend that refuses to go away.

DAY TIME GLOW + NIGHT GLAM

Photo: Claire Olio | Author: Pauline Skewes | Publication: Vitrina

When Fall came knocking on our doors, it was clear that it was the season of goodbyes. We said goodbye to pastel colours, bright floral prints and sleeveless cuts. But it also was as much about returns and new beginnings.

We have praised the return of colour blocking with the use of Falls hottest colour cobalt and we have welcomed in embellished trimmings and golden opulence. During the day, show how bold and brave you are by showing off some bright neon pieces, then when the night time comes to play, give your hair a flirty hairdo and whack on a statement dress to show off your night glam.

Day or night, we are here to show you how to sport Autumns chic trends.

DAY TIME GLOW: Tee by Opening Ceremony, €99.00 | Mini Skirt by Nina Ricci, €255.00 | Necklace by J. Crew, €168.00 | Satchel by Asos, €27.00 | Pumps by Miu Miu, €867.00 

NIGHT GLAM: Gold Peplum Dress by Diane Von Furstenberg, €519.00 | Tote by The Row, €31,827.00 | Ankle Boots by Miu Miu, €898.00 | Necklace by Anton Heunis, €364.00 

TREND ALERT | PAISLSEY PRINT

Photo: Gorunway | Author: Pauline Skewes | Publication: Vitrina

The Paisley print made its mark on many fashion forward gals wardrobes during 2012 Summer/ Spring. And by the looks of things, the Paisley print is here to stay.

The Indian heritage print of swirling curling shapes has made the cut to carry on and survive towards the cooler seasons to come. Believe it or not, the Paisley print is quite versatile. If you learn to balance the attention-seeking print with a tailored piece to complete the look, you will have done the trend justice. Pair your paisley with neutral hues.

For the boho style lovers, this trend can also act as a nostalgic print that reflects back on the carefree hippie days. For this look, opt for a flowy dress with a paisley print topped with a boho hair fringe and before you know it you will be sporting a Brigitte Bardot look. 

With designers including Stella McCartney, JW Anderson and Emilio Pucci continuing to create paisley-printed pieces such as cotton day dresses or an emblazoned matching two-piece, there is no reason for this trend to leave our closets just yet.

COBALT BLUE

Photo: Claire Olio | Author: Pauline Skewes | Publication: Vitrina

When the Fall/Autumn fashion shows rolled out this year, it was quite evident that designers weren’t ready to say goodbye to the vivid and bright colours of summer. Instead, they decided to ease into the transition of the cooler seasons by devoting a primary colour to compliment the traditional autumn hues.

An ocean of cobalt tones has continued to flood runways. With Erdem, Lanvin and Stella McCartney setting an example for High Street, it’s clear this trend isn’t going anywhere too fast.

How to wear cobalt? Choose one main piece such as a cobalt dress and finish it off with a killer pair of statement pumps, colour-block a cobalt piece such as a top, skirt or pants with another contrasting pop colour and accessorize with opulent jewelry to add a baroque feel to your style.