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

Brights go with Tans

It’s that wonderful time of year when sun-kissed bodies start to appear all over London, as people return back from holiday or their weekend breaks, they return with a spring in their step and a glow on their face. This is perhaps the only time that we can wear the bright and bold trend, since everyone knows that vivid colours go with tans. However, this is a trend that is to be approached with caution – just a flash of hot pink there or bright green here is where it’s at this season. Here are a few of my favourite brightly coloured accessories that will add heat to any outfit without making you stick out like a sore thumb:

Prada‘s selection of eyewear will not only protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, but the colourful strips of neon are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face, even if you have the holiday blues. 

A Deborah Marquit French lace balconette bra in bright yellow. Yes, your underwear can be bright and beautiful too! Nothing will set a tan off more than the slight show of a bright bra-strap under a white vest.

Purple and orange seem to be the combination du jour, with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Cheryl Cole embracing the trend. You can embrace it too with one of Hermes’ beautiful scarves. Sigh…

This fantastic Mac Electric Eel Eye Shadow nod’s to the 80’s but is all the rage this season. It is the perfect complement to a tanned face and will make any outfit that little bit more interesting.

I have fallen head over heals in love with this luminous yellow faux croc laptop case from ASOS, and at only £20 it’s a total steal. Lugging around that laptop just got way more appealing.

www.trisori.com

Hermès & Co sample sales!

Designer Sales UK
Fri., noon-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: The Music Room, 26 S. Molton Ln., W1K 5AB.

Ash
6-10 June. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Location: 77 Great Titchfield St., W1W 6RF

Erdem
Thurs., 1-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Location: The Future Gallery, 5 Great Newport St., WC2H 7HY.

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Portobello Green, 281 Portobello Rd., W10 5TZ

Hermès
Up to 60 per cent off women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and shoes.
10 & 11 June. Fri., 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: The Music Room, 26 S. Molton Ln., W1K 5AB

French Connection
Fri., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Centro One, 39 Camden St., NW1 ODX

Babajaan & Go-British
Up to 70 per cent off beachwear, swimwear, dresses and accessories for men and women.
11 June. Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Gr., W11 2QA

Paul Frank
6-10 June. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: Global Apparel Showroom, 12-14 Wilfred St., SW1E 6PL