That 70s Style

For many it is the decade style forgot, but erase disturbing images of ABBA wearing matching Lycra jumpsuits from your mind and remember that this was the era of Studio 54, Woodstock and the DVF wrap dress. Disco, boho or ladylike, SS/11 is all about the 70s – and where that decade is concerned it’s very much a case of the bigger the better. So prepare yourself for big hair, big hats and even bigger platforms - plus some incredibly tiny hotpants - and that’s just at Marc Jacobs! Elsewhere, House of Holland have channelled Halston with a collection of super shiny metallics, whilst Topshop Unique have perfected the festival look of the summer, which is more than a little reminiscent of Stevie Nicks. Think ethereal swathes of chiffon toughened-up with a fringed suede waistcoat, leather boots and lots of ethnic jewellery. There really has never been a better time to raid mum’s wardrobe for a vintage floral peasant dress - the likes of which dominated the catwalk at D&G. You can clash your prints and colour block your brights all you want, but the trend for all things 70s is guaranteed to win out in the end.

Bikinis by Missoni
Platforms by Jimmy Choo

Spring into Summertime

British Summertime is upon us, it's official - even though I did forget to put the clocks forward last night (come on, I bet I'm not the only one). We've even been treated to a hint of sunshine this week. The mere sight of which caused hoards of people to ditch their Winter wardrobes and don shorts, t-shrits and flip-flops somewhat prematurely as it has turned out given today's dark clouds. It is only March after all - the month of blustery gales and bad hair days. Then we've still got the drip drip drop of April showers (and even more bad hair days) to face. However, the timing is apt to at least start thinking about Summer. So stay tuned for a series of posts on the hottest trends around this S/S - starting with 70s style...

The Box Boutique Launch Party

Mayfair has a new mecca to hail footwear fanatics from far and wide. The Box Boutique on Maddox Street has arrived! Last night's launch party attracted the likes of Jameela Jamil (who I have to say looked particularly enamoured with a pair of leopard print stilettos) and the original supermodel, Janice Dickinson, with beau David Blakeley in tow. Beauties by Beatrix Ong, Mechante, Pollini, Ruthie Davies and Raphael Young are displayed in suitably stunning surroundings. I'd attempt to describe the decor as post-modern baroque. There are some fantastically quirky touches - including lamp shades made from bowler hats. The owners, sisters Elena and Yulia Pashevkina, intend their new venture to be: 'a haven for the weary West End shopper... and a shoe obsessive's dream'. It's fair to say that they have succeeded on both points - what could possibly be better than trying on a pair of fabulous shoes for size whilst sat in the comfort of a plush velvet armchair? This place is definitely worth a visit. The Box Boutique, 45 Maddox Street, W1S 2PG

Bridesmaid To Be

I had my bridesmaid dress fitting yesterday, and I'm very pleased to report back that it fits! There was a scary moment just after Christmas when the zip simply would not budge past my waist how ever much I tried. Now, after a couple of months of eating sensibly and a weekly exercise class the only alteration needed is a couple of inches taken off the length (I'm only 5'3). The dress is lovely - I'll be sure to put a picture up after the Big Day in June.

Minnie Flashback

Perusing the 'New In' section of Topshop.com, as you do, I got an overwhelming sense of deja vu - and not because I'd already checked for new items 10 minutes earlier. I'd actually spotted this fringed Minnie Mouse T, and I'm pretty sure I had one of these circa 1990! This would be perfect for a return trip to Disneyland. We may all have to grow older, but who says you have to grow up!