London Style

Let me cut straight to the chase: style in London is incredible. In my opinion, the best in the world (OK I am a little biased being British and all!). I have been to Paris a few times and admired the effortless chic of the men and women gracing the streets of the left bank, the Marais and Boulevard Haussmann, I have been to Milan and again admired the classic, designer efforts of the ladies there. I have not yet been to New York although this is on my fashion wishlist for the near future!! So I have been to quite a few fashion forward cities and yet I still believe London to be amongst the very best. The sheer energy, eclectic and individual style is enough to secure London the award for most stylish. Women in London really know how to mix it up, the rules are non existent, and a perfect balance of designer and high street is readily achieved.

I have been reminded of our incredible home-grown style today as I attended a course for work at the Barbican. Amongst all the other educators in their smart suits and shiny shoes, I like to think I stood out a bit in my old faithful, ripped at the knee jeans, classic navy blue tee, bright floral cardi, my new Primark sandals, skinny plaited belt and D & G sunnies! The only part of my outfit that gave me away was my bright red lanyard and show pass! On the way home, reading the latest copy of Grazia, I started thinking about the hottest styles to be seen in right now; some I have, some I am still to acquire. So here goes...

1) Colour blocking

So easy to do and so effective - as simple as teaming a bright silky t shirt with a skirt in totally opposite colours. Hot colour combos include pink and orange, blue and green, yellow and blue. For those who are less confident with really bright colours, why not try one bright item, such as a bright dress - teamed with simple accesories and a tan, this looks fantastic. Even adding a colour pop bright bag to an outfit will tap into this trend and add an element of fabulous!

Orange shift dress - £35.99 Zara

Pink pintuck dress - £40.00 Dorothy Perkins

River Island Brights! - £various

2) Stripes

Ever since Marc by Marc Jacobs launched their striped silk dress in beautiful summery colours, the high street has been awash wish similar designs. The midi length is fresh and new, perfect for a summers day with gladiators or wedges.

The original Marc by Marc Jacobs design

Similar coloured Primark design - £11

Gorgous jewel shades in the River Island dress - £29.99

3) Prints

This summer prints are everywhere (again!) and once again, there is a staggering array of designs to choose from. Ditsy florals have been pushed out and replaced by larger, bolder blooms. Graphic prints a la Erdem are storming the high streets - my particular favourite right now is the bright graphic print immortalised on dress and skirt in Zara (see picture below), and already worn by a whole host of celebrities including Denise Van Outen. How best to wear this bold designs? Dresses look fantastic, partciularly with simple accesories, letting the dress do all the work. If you are less confident about a particular body part, play up another, e.g, a graphic print top will look amazing with simple black skinny jeans if you are not confident enough to wear print on your bottom half. Don't forget shoes as well! Shoes are an easy and attractive way to introduce a splash of print into your outfit and get you noticed for all the right reasons.

Zara graphic print skirt - £29.99

Asos dress- £45

River Island Maxi - £32.99

xxx