Why Peplums Are Your Friend

The wave of peplums adorning jackets, tops, skirts and dresses which flooded the catwalks and collections this season can, for many, be rather intimidating. Like most women I know, I have a strict aversion to any clothing that could potentially make my hips look any larger than they need. And, at first glance, peplums can seem to fall into this category. However, a well cut peplum can be supremely flattering as well as fashion forward, falling largely into the rather more desirable category of ‘hides a multitude of sins’. From floaty to structured, minimalist to baroque era frills, this seasons peplum come in a range of incarnations to suit your every mood.

To ease yourself into the trend, try this sequin embellished, super sweet miniskirt by Preen.

The subtle ruffling at the waist is understated while still remaining a feature. Make sure to show it off by tucking in whatever top you choose to pair it with.
If this has whet your appetite for the waist enhancing frill, then Alexander McQueen’s emerald green dress should be right up your street.

With a tightly drawn in waist and fitted skirt, the peplum frill will draw welcome attention to the smallest part of the torso while skimming rather politely over the tops of the hips and stomach. Is it any wonder the fashion pack have welcomed the style with open arms?
For a more structured look, The Row bring us a clean cut tailored peplum in soft cotton jersey with black silk trim.

Wear this piece with a pencil skirt or skinny jeans; the key to keeping the peplum flattering is to pair it with slim cut, fitted clothing: the peplum is volume enough all by itself.
If you are looking to make a striking statement this season then look no further than this scarlet Osman number.

Against the clean lines and colour block style, the leather peplum is a stand out feature. There is no need to overdress this piece, simply team with minimalist heels, an up-do and Trisori’s Bubbles earrings for the ultimate on trend ensemble. 

Aisha

www.trisori.com

Pleats: Yes Please!

Pleats, for many of us, will inevitably call to mind dull school uniforms in dreary shades of grey and depressingly un-flattering shapes. Personally, after leaving school, I was only too happy to get rid of every single pleated item I owned (all of them grey, dull and unflattering) at the earliest opportunity. But it seems that, this season, pleats are making a full blown, fashion come-back.
Only, thankfully, this time the pleats in question are not grey, regulation, to be worn at least three inches below the knee. These pleats are colourful, playful and very, very fashion friendly. It may just be time to forgive and forget the pleat’s past sartorial faux pas.

This spring, the humble pleat gives texture, depth and detail to colour block styles, as in this emerald green dress by Jil Sander. To be styled with bright accessories for maximum impact!

In a departure from last year’s tailored neon lace, the Christopher Kane spring collection also featured pleats a-plenty, including this cut-away fluoro pink number. Perfect for spring with a pair of your favourite ankle boots and a plain white tee.

However, some of the most memorable pleats of the season have to be those showcased on the Prada catwalk, keeping it modern with graphic patterning and fresh in sorbet shades:

Proving their versatility, pleats also come in softer, more romantic incarnations. From The Row- the Olsen twins luxury label- comes this blush coloured silk-georgette Eastlyn dress...

...and from Tibi comes this sweet, pistachio, silk-chiffon baby doll dress:

In softer offerings such as these, the pleating will serve the purpose of creating wonderful movement. Think Rose on the prow of the Titanic with the wind blowing through her hair; think Kathy searching the moors for Heathcliff; think love-struck Juliet on her balcony in the evening breeze. Your very own heroine dress, guaranteed to billow out behind you in an infinitely satisfying fashion. And for me, that’s more than enough reason to wholeheartedly welcome back pleats!


Aisha


www.trisori.com