How to incorporate summers biggest trend into your wardrobe.

You can't help but be taken back to your youth when wearing this fun, flirty and feminine trend. You might think polka dots are just to be worn on kids and 50's style dresses but the catwalks showed us otherwise. This is one trend that can take you through all of summer's occasions from work, to cocktail hour, and picnics in the sun. Why not go all out and combine them with some other key trends such as sheer detailing and monochrome? With designer s and the high street going polka dot crazy here are some great options to suit any budget.

Polka dot leather FIFI clutch by Lulu Guinness £245.00

Such a cute accessory for summer. Team this clutch with your favorite outfit to make a bold statement, perfect for the upcoming wedding season. It can be handheld or worn over-the-shoulder with the chain strap.


Lula Guinness cobalt stop super slim umbrella £28.00

As much as I think after a 6 month winter we deserve a rain free summer, we must always be prepared! This stylish accessory will brighten up those summer showers and keep you stylish come rain or shine.


Zara polka dot ballerina shoes £29.99

These pretty flats are just what our feet need after months in our winter boots. Perfect under skinny jeans or a cute dress, these are a versatile piece for your summer wardrobe. 



Marc by Marc Jacobs Daphne Dot Sweater Dress £225.00

This sleeveless sweater dress with oversized polka dots and cute open back with ribbon tie is the perfect dress to take you through summer. Pair with tights for those chilly evenings. Not content with one key trend this dress combines two with its 60's vibe. Quirky and unique this is a must have investment for summer.


 Haider Ackermann polka dot silk blouse £795.00

This 100% silk blouse incorporates 3 key summer trends: sheer, monochrome and polka dots. Wear for work with a black camisole underneath or sex it up at night with a lace black bra.


Nina Ricci polka dot peplum dress £1,150.00

This elegant dress is perfect for a summer wedding or other special occasion. The pleated peplum waist and hem work together to create a classic hourglass silhouette. Wear this light grey dress with a bright clutch and matching shoes for a chic and stylish look which is bang on trend.


Mantu pink spot jacquard pencil skirt £345

Italian label Mantu is inspired by the everyday glamour their country is renowned for. I love the geometric print and youthful colours; this pencil skirt is the ideal day to night piece 

Written by Rose Humble 

Bunny ears have been a lasting addition to the world of fashion since adorning Hugh Hefner's bunny girls in the 60's.

They have popped up for decades in the world of high fashion with bunny ears used as a key accessory in many amazing editorials and even making appearances on front covers including on Catherine McNeil for Vogue Paris June 2007, Daria Werbowy for Flare Sep 2009 and Natalia Vodianova for Tatler in May 2011.

They were reinvented once again during Paris Fashion week AW 2009/10 when Marc Jacobs, designing for Louis Vuitton sent his models down the runway in giant bunny ears. They also featured in the ad campaign with the models sporting towering pink haute couture versions of the headpiece. The look was copied by Madonna a few months later when she wore a similar pair to the Costume Institute Gala in New York.
The famous bunny ears have also made a presence on stage and on the red carpet by stylish celebrities such as Lily Allen, Lady Gaga and Mary-Kate Olsen. Most recently they starred in a stunning shoot featuring Barbara Palvin for Elle UK March 2013.

I am glad they are not only reserved for fancy dress parties as I think they add a fun, whimsical fairy-tale look to some of my favourite fashion photographs. After being around for this long I am happy to say I think this is one look that will never go out of fashion.

Long live the bunny ears, thank you Mr Hefner!

Here are some of my favourites bunny looks:






 
Written by Rose Humble 

ModaLisboa / Lisbon Fashion Week is the biggest fashion event in Portugal. It takes place twice a year – in March and October.


Nuno Baltazar AW 2013 (ModaLisboa / Photography: Rui Vasco)

After spending three wonderful days in Lisbon, watching the shows and getting familiar with the Portugese fashion industry, I can say that Portuguese designers are not only extremely talented, but also not appreciated enough on the European fashion scene!

One of my favourite shows during ModaLisboa Trust was Nuno Baltazar's show (see picture above). The designer proved that his high position in Portuguese fashion is well-deserved. Excellent tailoring and attention to detail make this collection stand out from the others. Strong, confident look and timeless elegance - fashion at its best!


Valentim Quaresma AW 2013 (ModaLisboa / Photography: Rui Vasco)

Valentim Quaresma is a jewellery designer based in Lisbon. After 20 years of collaborating with an avant-garde fashion designer Ana Salazar, he started his own line in 2005. His futuristic and innovative style quickly brought him a lot of popularity and recognition.

In 2008, Valentim won "Accessories Collection of the Year " award at ITS competition in Italy. He is currently considered as one of the top jewellery designers in Portugal.

Valentin's creative process concentrates on the specific function of the objects he works with, which, once transformed, are given a new functionality and meaning. His conceptual art has been exhibited in many cities including Lisbon, Porto, and Barcelona, as well as in international galleries and art biennales. 


Ricardo Dourado AW 2013 (ModaLisboa / Photography: Rui Vasco)

Born in Portugal in 1980, Ricardo Dourado finished his education at CITEX Porto in 2003. Since 2004, Ricardo presents his work at Lisbon Fashion Week. He is also part of the design team at Polopique, a fashion company with studios in Portugal, Spain and Brazil.

The collection, inspired by the daily life of Soweto, featured colourful African prints combined with black and white elements. Skirts and dresses had interesting cuts and were accompanied by asymmetrical tops and coats with oversized shoulders.

Ricardo presented looks that were uncomplicated and versatile enough to last several seasons. His show was one of the highlights of Lisbon Fashion Week and proved that the Portuguese designer has a great potential and doesn't blend in with the crowd.


Pedro Pedro AW 2013 (ModaLisboa / Photography: Rui Vasco)

Pedro Pedro presented stylish collection featuring oversized coats and longer skirts inspired by Indian and North American portraits of families. The designs are strongly rooted in nature - the colour palette is toned and all details are kept to a basic minimum. Our prediction: fur handbags will be a big hit next season! 


Luis Buchinho AW 2013 (ModaLisboa / Photography: Rui Vasco)

Luis Buchinho, an established Portuguese designer with over 20 years of fashion experience, opened the second day of Lisbon Fashion Week. The show took place under the historic arcades of Pátio da Galé and attracted a lot of people.

Luís Buchinho is one of the most respected names in Portuguese fashion. He has been designing for the past 20 years and has participated in several international fashion shows such as São Paulo Fashion Week and the official calendar of Paris Fashion Week. His clothes are modern and
cosmopolitan, featuring feminine silhouettes and structural forms.

The designer, inspired by the Portuguese revolution in the 70's, presented strong graphic lines and geometric shapes. Bold colour combinations (black-white-red) gave the collection a characteristic touch. The designs were accompanied by over-the-knee boots and long leather gloves. 

Alaxandar Protic AW 2013 (ModaLisboa / Photography: Rui Vasco)

Simplicity, lean silhouettes, and strict colour palette - the key elements of Alaxandar Protic' style - were all present in his latest collection. The result is magnificent: modern and wearable designs suitable for every occasion.

As we can see, Autumn/Winter 2013 will be mainly black and white with occasional colour combinations of browns, reds, and greens. Plain, simple fabrics are definitely dominating the next season's look. The silhouette is changing – winter coats and jackets have broad, oversized shoulders. Invest in key accessories such as long leather gloves, round sunglasses, and stylish handbags – they will make your look complete!

My top three summer make-up collections. One of my favourite things about spring is the exciting new make-up collections.