The Grown-Up Playsuit

The playsuit is a summer staple; one that inevitably takes me back to being five years old, clutching a spade in one hand and a rapidly melting ice cream in the other. For me they embody all the fun of the sunniest season without the incumbent impracticalities of skimpy summer dresses (while undoubtedly pretty, breezy mini skirts are hardly ideal for riding bikes or doing cartwheels or sitting cross-legged in the park). Which is why I am so overjoyed at the plethora of playsuits that this season has to offer, for every look, location and lifestyle.

From Catherine Malandrino this zingy yellow number is hot for summer. Style with minimalist flats for day and dress up with a neutral tone blazer and a statement heel for city nights.

If neon yellow isn’t for you, this cute heart print onsie from Anna Sui should tick a few boxes. Made from a delicate silk blend, this playful print is just reminiscent enough of childhood versions, while kept up to date and adult in a classy monochrome. 

For that little bit of hippy inside us all (brought out by the sun, as ever,) this tie dye number by Thakoon Addition ought to satisfy a need. Throw on with a few strings of beads and beach hair, shoes optional.

The playsuit also comes in grander incarnations as proven by Roberto Cavalli in this bold silk printed offering.

Keep the look clean during the day in neutral flats and simply add a slick of eyeliner and a chunky bangle or two for a glamorous evening upgrade. It seems that this summer the playsuit has well and truly grown up.


Aisha
www.trisori.com

Inspiration of the month: 10 Corso Como

There are few places as inspiring as the 10 Corso Como shop in Milan. When I visited this charming little shop a few days ago, I was mainly interested in browsing through their clothing and jewellery collections, but the truth is that every little detail in this shop captured my attention.

10 Corso Como sells the most exclusive items from luxury brands, including clothing and shoes by Azzedine Alaia, bags designed by Stella McCartney, and chic hats by Courreges. I fell in love with a sleveless red knitted dress by Azzedine Alaia, which stroke me as ideal to stroll through the streets of Milan on a warm spring afternoon.

But the real gems are in the shop's jewellery collection. 10 Corso Como has the most stunning collection of modern and stylish bracelets, necklaces, and rings, all created by some of the best fashion designers. As I browsed through the various pieces of jewellery, new design ideas raced through my mind, so I was keen on returning home to start working on new pieces.

Throughout the shop, the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming. I particularly enjoyed their little garden, located on the roof and where you can chill while being surrounded by inspiring pieces of art. Finally, their garden café and restaurant is a little haven of peace in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.
You should really visit the shop and get inspired as much as we did!

Love of the week: Little white dress

 

Whether you prefer a pure white dress or one with a bold contrasting colour, there’s a style to suit you. Team with stunning jewellery from Trisori.com for a dramatic effect. For that simple snowy shift dress, Trisori’s Half Moon earrings in blue will add a delicate movement to the strong shape. 

To set off a more flirty, embellished frock, the Love Bird pendant, with its elegant bright tail, livens up the look with a mischievous twinkle.

 For a funky tribal feel, pair an empire line LWD with Trisori’s Sunset pendant and chunky Olivia bracelet in purple. 

The little white dress is fast replacing the traditional LBD as the wardrobe essential for sophistication, fun and relaxed glamour. From Gucci’s clean, space vixen lines

to Dolce & Gabbana’s romantic broderie anglaise detailing,

everyone has their own take on the LWD. you can definitely get a cheaper but equally cute version of the LWD in ASOS and boohoo:

Release your inner ice queen, or simply show off that gorgeous tan, using accessories to make your mark on this season’s trend. Now all you need is a cocktail.   

The Freshest Florals

It being Spring, it can hardly come as much of a surprise that florals are at the foremost of many of the seasons collections. It is an annual trend and one of the most revisited of fashion fallbacks. But it needn’t be all floaty chiffon blouses and delicate tea dresses, as we are reminded by the bold and distinctly less ‘polite’ floral prints on offer this season.

Rising star and fashion darling Mary Katrantzou gave a bright and eclectic floral rendition of her signature bold prints and structured tailoring. You can be sure of one thing as far as her bloom inspired collection goes: sweet and sickly they ain’t!

If head to toe in primary colour block floral isn’t for you, then try this take on the classic biker jacket. In silk-faille, adorned with Katrantzou’s coveted digital prints, this is the ultimate fashion forward cover up this spring. Pair with bright tailored trousers or let it give an edge to your prettiest summer dress.

Digitals blooms were also central in the spring/summer collection at Amanaka Wilmont, albeit in darker, somewhat more subdued tones.

This stretch cotton number, with its structured floral overlays is my outfit of choice for the wedding season this year. Fresh and feminine without the danger of blending into any nearby flower arrangements.

For a more casual floral hit, look no further than Sandro’s blossom print separates. Wear apart to brighten up your existing spring wardrobe, or together for a print-clashing-ly eclectic ensemble.

Aisha
www.trisori.com

Global Traveller

For many of us it’s getting to that time of year when our minds will be drifting to our summer holidays; whether they have been booked months ago or exist solely in our fantasies, by mid May it’s only natural to be craving a good dose of sun worship and an outlet for our adventurous streak. Luckily for us fashion brings us the perfect match for our explorer-get-away dreams in the form of the global traveller trend. Think bold prints, tie-dye, batik, vibrant tones and rough and ready accessories.
At Burberry, Christopher Bailey delivered perhaps the most iconic take on the trend this season, with bright batik print tailoring, cropped safari jackets and woven raffia accessories.

In this trend, clashing colour is not to be shied away from, and as for mix and match accessorising, more is definitely more!

This striking red number from Bottega Veneta ticks the tribal print trend box as well as giving a nod to the clean cut pleats that have featured on so many catwalks this season.

For a monochrome take on global prints, this Suno ensemble is the perfect understated statement. With a batik inspired oversize print, the cream tint to the fabric keeps the look on traveller trend.
Meanwhile, Michael Kors combined all the tie dye, bright colours and flowing fabrics a girl could wish for; all tied together with suitably sturdy looking cross-body bags and chunky statement footwear. Perfectly practical.

So whether you plan to be jetting off soon to exotic climes, or simply weathering the weather in London this summer, let your wardrobe help to fulfil your every sunny, adventurous daydream.


Aisha
www.trisori.com

Love of the week: Chunky bangles

Chunky bangles are a great accessory for 2012, and are so beautiful in their simplicity that they can match almost any outfit you put together. In particular, fabric bangles are in fashion, and a mixture of silk and gold is sure to make you look elegant and well-dressed. Try earthy colours such as greens and browns if you prefer a more neutral look, like these lorenza and grace bracelets:

or, if you plan to make a statement, why not try rich and royal purples, blues and reds.

 Gem studs look great for something a little more edgy, making your outfit simultaneously chic and classy.

Try pairing any such bangle with a dress such as this:

for a great look. If you choose the richer colours, you enhance the dresses potential to look regal and dressed-up, whereas if you utilise something a little more natural, you can create a much more causal look. In particular, a gem-studded bangle will look great with a full-length dinner dress, as it adds a little danger to your style!
Bangles can look great alone or as a part of a group, and it's a good idea to vary thick bangles with slimmer ones if you want to wear more than one. Thick bangles with a little gold detail look great paired with a couple of slim fully gold ones! 

Lapis Lazuli: A Deeper Shade of Blue

The semi precious stone Lapis Lazuli, once ground up and used as paint in the artworks of the 17th century european Old Masters, is the epitome of blue. Rich and deep and glamorous.

It is also the exact shade of blue that featured in so many S/S ‘12 collections: Hermes, Paul Smith, Elie Saab and Missoni, to name just a few.
For those who still aren’t entirely sold on the pastel shades that abound this season, this is a blue for you. As rich and warm as blue gets, I for one have entered into something of a love affair with Lapis Lazuli.

From Hermes come these casual and clean, draped separates in the shade of the season.

These fun and feminine cocktail dresses are by Elie Saab. Cobalt blue AND with super shiny embellishments? It’s like she knows me too well! Although my favourite blue offering of the season by far is this incredible gown from the British design legend Matthew Williamson:

If, however, like me, your closet and wallet can’t quite stretch to something quite so extravagant, look no further than Trisori’s very own Alchemy earrings in the shade of the moment!:

Aisha
www.trisori.com