Be an English Rose this summer!!

Hi there!!

According to the fashion forecast at Topshop, the hottest trend this spring and summer is vintage rose designs, Pre-Raphaelite watercolour prints, pastel garden roses and monochrome florals. I for one am very pleased, as it means I can revisit some of my favourite vintage and modern dresses that I already have that tap into this trend-


Topshop silk watercolour floral tea dress

Marks and Spencer vintage rose 50s style dress




See By Chloe navy floral dress

Radley vintage pastel garden rose prom style dress

A sample of whats hot right now in Topshop-click on the links to view:

Bodycon dress, £25




Rose print dress, £30

Its odds on you have at least one floral vintage summer dress in your wardrobe, dig it out as it will be a winner for this summer!

Trend Alert-Snakeskin is back!!

Browsing through Grazia, it's great to read that snakeskin is back on trend! Apparently all things crocodile is on its way out and snake print is its natural successor. Jaeger, Topshop, M&S and ASOS have a great selection on offer.

But, if like me, you love thrifting, try picking up a bargain from your local charity shop, flea market or boot sale. I scored this gorgeous Joseph snakeskin jacket from the PDSA charity shop last year for only £5-still not worn it yet though, a must for this summer, I think!

Try picking up a vintage clutch or bag, this is a great way of getting into the trend too!

Anya Hindmarch

British handbag designer Anya Hindmarch has been awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List. She makes gorgeous handbags and started her business 20 years ago. She has been recognised for her 'I'm not a Plastic bag' tote, which proved a worldwide and environmental success in 2007.

I was lucky enough to pick up this gorgeous cream and gold silk Anya Hindmarch clutch in my local Sue Ryder charity shop earlier this year, for £3.95. It's not quite vintage, but has the appeal of vintage in looks and quality.

Her bags are real investment pieces and she is particularly inspired by handbags made in the 1950s. Click here to view her stunning variety of handbags, some of which are currently upto 50% off!

Thrift Inspiration, doing it the Gucci way!

I was really pleased to snap up this vintage Jaeger bargain-my last purchase of 2008.

A total classic, it is a navy patterned canvas hobo style bag with leather trimmings and was £3.75 in Cancer Research. It will be ideal to use in any season and is big enough to hold anything, either by hand or over the shoulder.

For anyone who thinks it looks familiar, it is virtually the same as the Gucci Jackie O (Bouvier) bag. A great timeless bag that has never gone out of style-my kind of bag!

Barbara Hulanicki and Topshop Collaberation!

Apparently, there will be a designer collaberation between Barbara Hulanicki of the original BIBA and Topshop in April!!

The collection will include bodycon dresses and animal print palazzo pants; wide-leg catsuits with cutaway shoulders-a Hulanicki trademark, printed silk chiffon blouses and three quarter length sleeve suede jackets.

It will be a 20 piece collection with prices ranging from £20-£120 and I for one will be very excited to see what is on offer-watch this space!!

(Pictures:Google)