Spring Summer 2014 - My Picks

It seems that masculine tailoring is set to dominate trends over the next six months at least which 'suits' me very well indeed. Sharp jackets are given a rocky edge, worn with black leather trousers and skirts, or tapered trousers, cummerbunds and skinny ties. There is definitely still a femininity peeking through this sometimes stark monochrome, minimalism, with floaty, floral printed and sheer chiffon's, gemstone colours and pastels all contrasting yet comfortably nestling into this business-like, power dress.

Yves Saint Laurent
Grey and black mannish suiting combines with leather, pointy shoes, skinny ties for a confident and almost 80's mod feel. Sheer blouses offer a softer alternative to stiff buttoned up shirts.

Veronique Branquinho

Silky, satin fabrics in incredibly pale and subtle pastel shades bring us refreshingly out of the winter months with an optimistic look towards lighter, brighter climes. Gorgeous draped soft tailoring, shorts and dungarees look effortless with an almost Edwardian nod in the form of puff sleeves and high necklines.

Elie Saab
Stunning, 3d Chiffon creations in muted tones of coral, emerald, ruby and white are worn long and loose with sweeping wide leg trousers, full skirts and sometimes body-conscious dresses and more structured panelling. Lace makes a welcome comeback for 2014, along with floral printed hems, heavy sequin embellishment which sometimes evoke Spanish Flamenco dancing on warm Summer evenings.

Paule Ka

High street friendly, i can see many of these funky silhouettes and colours translate directly to the UK market. The simple lines, cut out detailing, midi-skirts, black and white, coral, playful prints, full skirts, body-con dresses, ruched satin and a pop of bright fuchsia to boot, it is completely wearable with a flirty, girly feel.

Christian Dior

Raf Simmons has pretty much everything covered this season! There are floaty chiffon set against structured tailoring, floral prints, criss-cross layered effects, satins, candy pink, pastels, sheer organza, statement necklaces, pleats, stripes, one shoulder cuts, oranges, greens, powder blue, cummerbunds, high waisted shorts and trousers. Phew, it all works cleverly combining masculine and feminine details for an eclectic, rich look.

What an inspirational journey. I'm very temped in invest in a knitted, candy pink jumper to see me through the winter and into next year, a pair of high waisted black trousers and maybe even some leather. I'll also be pulling out my slinky, floral printed shirt from Zara to soften a quirky masculine look. Pleats are something I've not yet ventured into but I think i may travel down that path sometime very soon.