Cropped Tops: Do You Dare to Bare?

While, up to now, cropped tops have largely been the preserve of the very young, very toned or very brave, this season they are going fashion mainstream! Whether in prints, pastels or monochrome the bra top featured heavily in the spring/summer collections of scores of the top fashion houses, including Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, Nina Ricci, Helmut Lang, Prada and Viktor & Rolf.
The easiest and most flattering way to wear the style has to be paired with a full, high-waisted skirt, baring just a flirty flash of skin on the upper midriff. Arguably the most forgiving area of midriff to display for most of us mere mortals.

Keep the look simple and understated in a monochrome palette as seen at Donna Karan Collection. The tribal print and accessories ensure that the retro inspired silhouette stays fresh and interesting.

For those who feel more bold (or more toned) this evening, bandeau style in complementary cherry red and burgundy from Prada, may be for you. The subtle ruching lends a grown up edge to the youthful cut.
Alternatively, pair with trousers and wear under sheer summer layers and soft tailoring for demure chic a la Helmut Lang, seen below.

The asymmetrical cut and sports luxe twist make this an ideal understated undergarment for bold, sheer styles. And if, like me, you are starting to plan your crop-top-ready sit up regime, at least you need look no further for on trend workout wear!


Aisha


www.trisori.com

Hot to Trot in Prada's Americana

Bright and fun and playful: Retro Americana is bringing a touch of 1950’s gloss to my fashion wish list this week!
For this season Miuccia has taken inspiration from 1950’s American cars and adorned all and sundry with hot rod flames. With Prada’s entire spring/summer 2012 collection based on the american automobile motif, this graphic style is set to be the most iconic of the season. 

These flaming peep toe slingbacks in patent leather are the epitome of the style: bright, high shine and infinitely playful. (Cue strong urge to acquire, wear and run around making ‘speedy car' noises.)

Prada also brings us what is, perhaps, a more easy to wear option in these patent sandals. Still high shine, equally bright, and with just enough of the playful graphics to satisfy my (newly found) hot rod flame lust. Although my item of choice has got to be this cream leather clutch. Miuccia, you’ve done it yet again.

With patent edged, appliquéd flames in hot, hot pink, as far as I’m concerned, it does it all. Now all I need is to find a way to justify adding it to my personal collection... Which isn’t actually very hard, as where else could I ever find as perfect an accompaniment to the Trisori hard candy ring, in equally hot pink? I think that might just be mission accomplished.

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

Where to shop in Italy

You always wonder why Italians are so well dressed. Fact.

You wish you could go out everyday in a nice pair of Gucci shorts, Armani jacket and bottega veneta heels.

Here at Trisori's your wish is your command, so we have prepared a short (and sweet) list of Designer outlets where Italians (of the north) go shopping.

If you are Milan-based

If you have 1 day to spend shopping in Italy, take a train to Serravalle Scrivia:

http://www.mcarthurglen.it/serravalle/en/brands

Here you can find a nice Cavalli silk Dress for 110 euro (circa 95 pounds) and many other bargains.

Alternatively, you can go to Marni's outlet which is in Milan (Lambrate area)

Marni outlet

Via F. Tajani, 1

Milano

Tel. +39 02 71040332

outlet@marni.it

If you are Florence based:

http://www.fidenzavillage.com/it/i-nostri-marchi/marca/missoni?category=women&

 I can only say one word: Missoni outlet!

If you are Venice based:

Take a train to Vicenza and head straight to Bottega Veneta's outlet. This is proper wonderland for women. The bags are fabulous and they are 50% (if not more) off retail price ans shoes are 200 euro! You can take any taxy at the station and it'll take you there.

Outlet Bottega Veneta

Viale della Scienza 15, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 1pm, 2pm - 6 pm

Enjoy the shopping experience in Italy!