SHOE CRUSH
A good pair of shoes can enhance a whole look so here are some of my favourites.

Metallic shoes are the most popular shoe trend of 2012. Whether you choose an allover shimmery platforms or just a metallic toe, your bound to turn heads. The above shoe is my favourite (and the mint suede version) out of the Miu Miu glitter boot collection. As seen on Anna Dello Russo and Kate Bosworth. This is one to break the bank balance for: the shimmering banana heel with a splash of pastel suede is fitting for the 1920s revival. It'll set you back £555 though.(I knew Natwest were urging me to get a credit card for a reason.)I say splurge. Topshop, ASOS, Steve Madden have replicas. I love a good knockoff but go designer for these ones. 

Topshop Astrid

Steve Madden

Metallic toes were big at YSL, Thakoon and Louis Vuitton. I really fancy the gold plated loafers at YSL. Im obsessed with smooth gold at the moment.

I'm not a fan of dainty sandal heels. I probably own one and have an excess of Super High Chunky Platforms. My favourites were from Rocha's Spring RTW. But I'm a sucker for the sportier chunkies this season. Most should come with an assistant to help you walk in them, included in the price tag. I predict the Lioness Topshop platform will be sold out soon. They're a glamourous take on 90's sportswear. Even when the sports trend is over they'll go with anything. Louboutin has 70's laceup platforms that are more exotic. I dare you to buy Kurt Geiger's two tone caged platforms-There's a few choices available- metallic or candy coloured. Lush! A colour blocking treat.

Louboutin 

Topshop

Kurt Geiger

SHOE CRUSHES OF 2011
If these shoes were within a pack of lions. I would risk my life for them. They are to die for. Visually Stunning. Worth breaking your neck for. That is all.


CHARLES ANASTASE

 

Can't afford these bad boys? Jessica 'Dany' is my favourite imitation due to its platform shape. Although ASOS Bitten and Jeffrey Campbell Foxy are contenders also. The 'Foxy' has velvet, metallic, suede versions-yummy.

IRIS VAN HERPEN

Solange, Gaga and Kim Kardashian looked amazing in Iris Van Herpen's X United Nude Synesthesia. Though similar to Mcqueen's Armadillo, this ankle bootie's architectural design left me speechless. Shame they were only limited at their flagship stores. Must. Try. Ebay. 

KERMIT TESORO

Filipino designer, Kermit Tesoro is known for his fashion forward heel-less shoes but his innovative skull platforms are the most wearable.

Print n Mix

2012: Supposed doom and gloom: Global recession and the end of the world. Yet the Spring/Summer 2012 collection couldn’t be any more different.... its incredibly upbeat. A print revolution dominates, graphics, florals, paisleys, abstract, birds, tribal and baroque created a colour kaleidoscope. We’ll see retro-Americana, metallics in every shade, jewels and a twenties comeback in the shops. Dark gothic looks, colour blocking, splashy watercolour motifs and new simple silhouettes in sporty pieces just in time for the Olympics. Plus a nice palate cleanser with white romantics and candy coloured pastels. They'll be gold accessories, tassels, cat eyed and John Lennon sunglasses, cut outs baring midriffs and shoulders plus the peplum skirt. Button up shirts, pyjamas, mesh and open weave materials will all make an appearance. Hair and beauty is diverse also: Coral orange lips, wine lips, buns, ombre hair and Hollywood retro curls. I’ll add a trend preview when I can as there's just so darn many.

FLORAL

Flower Power in spring? Hardly a surprise. But this seasons collection was so varied I was never bored. Chic botanical patterns, petal appliqués and bright 3D florals created a blossoming explosion of prints. London and New York catwalks were the most experimental and in Milan, the florals were more retro. Stella McCartney's Resort 2012 collection tops her Resort 2011 citrus prints. Blumarine and Proenza Schouler also went for the vibrant tropical look . A bit too extreme for myself. I preferred the mismatched florals at Mary Katrantzou, Sportmax and Erdem. Christopher Kane focused on candied, stick on flowers teamed with organza dresses and coats. Sixties daisy prints charmed at Marni whilst Peter Som opted for photo realistic roses. Crazy coloured blooms not your thing?, Alexander Wang, Dries Van Noten and Valentino took a subtler approach with monochrome florals. Valentino and Alberta Ferretti's modern romance collection charmed with intricate floral appliqué and  sheer dusty pinks. If your not brave enough, team a floral blouse with cigarette pants or complicate a solid skirt. Zara has an amazing shirt seen on many bloggers. I love the vintage floral look most. If printed perennials are too feminine. Add high top trainer wedges, Rosie Huntington Whiteley style. Jason Wu collaborated with graffiti artist KAWS on a petal print. It added a bit of street cred. Also, It’s all about the printed trouser this season. Get one!

Versace H&M

DKNY

Topshop Leggings

Zara Shirt

                                                                                                    

ASOS Shirt with Placement Floral Print

ASOS Blazer in Scenic Print

                     

PAISLEY

If feminine florals aren't for you. Check out Dolce and Gabbana SS12 show. The clash of psychedelic colours mixed in with fruit, floral and paisley prints, made it look like a massive crazy party. Scarf prints were everywhere right down to platform heels and oversized clutch bags. Prints contained Medusa and Italian motifs. Oversized, gold coin statement earrings, teamed with a  sombrero like hats added drama. I'm thinking find a vintage or Hermes scarf and tie it anywhere on your body. Paisley prints were splashed over tailored pieces at Jil Sander while Emilio Pucci updated it's signature print with a more mismatched creation. Silk pyjama paisley pieces at McCartney and JW Anderson is a double trend hit. Whilst Paul & Joe, Matthew Williamson had a boho theme to their paisley pieces with maxi dresses. The first picture is Prada's Spring Ad campaign-loving the green paisley bodysuit.

M.I.A in Versace

Stella McCartney

Thakoon

Jil Sander

Sport Max Mara

JW Anderson

                 

               ASOS paisley playsuit

Baroque is my second favourite print this season after paisley. Graphical baroque print looks luxurious whether it’s found in the fabric or embroidery. Other intriguing prints are digital flowered images from Mary Katrantzou, abstract art with mirrorlike geometric shapes at Hermès and swirling graphics at Vera Wang. Jill Stuart put birds on pyjama-inspired wear and Marc by Marc Jacobs runway showed bright, abstract birds on a cocktail dress. There’s a print for everyone this season. Spring takes prints to the next level with combined print ensembles. Pairing floral tops with matching bottoms is a high fashion look. The head-to-toe look in all-over florals looked good at Peter Som. The S/S12 season showed flowers combined geometrical prints, polka dots also. Not for me I’m afraid. Only supermodels could probably pull that off. Topshop baroque hotpants and Nasty Gal's painted prints below are cute.           

Topshop Baroque 

                                                   

                                                   

Topshop Unique

Hermes

Balmain

 

                             

Why wear black when you can wear Mary Katrantzou?

Rumour has it February the 17^th is the date it finally arrives. Topshop has merged with London Fashion Week’s favourites Nicoll, Kane, Goldin, Jensen and Koma in the past but it’s now Mary Katrantzou turn. Hail Mary! I am so excited. I’m hoping they have a dress similar to the kite runner piece from S/S12 collection which left me speechless.  Here’s a sneak peek.

MARY KATRANTZOU
Kite Runner printed silk-jacquard dress

The recession has hit so in eyes that means invest in a key piece preferably a print. The summer catwalks were overflowing with graphic prints to choose from. That means Versace, Stella McCartney or Mary Katrantzou. With prints all over the summer catwalks, Katrantzou's are the most showstopping. There’s just something about Katrantzou that makes me gawp. Each dress is an astounding fusion of style and colour, creating a luxe fashion statement. Each design is unbelievable- sooo good it belongs in Tate Britain.

The Greek designer uses bold loud trompe l'oeil prints and structure to form her collections. Each line have been ”thematic”, inspired by perfume bottles, vases, interiors and the 18th century therefore showcasing a maximalist aesthetic. Energetic colours are always on display with a unique variety of prints - floral, baroque, renaissance, birds, fish, and bows whilst still managing to maintain a classic appeal.

Her Spring Summer 2012 collection played with her signature silk digital prints but switched up the silhouettes. This season saw flat and stiffer formed structures e.g. peplums. Her vivid flora and fauna prints were celebrated across her trailing chiffon gowns. Brightly coloured lips completed the look which amazingly didn’t clash with the prints. I loved The blue lips-they really suited the model. Everyone seems to be wearing Katrantzou and even Erik Madigan Heck, New York artist, is fascinated by her prints. Katrantzou is collaborating with luxury bag brand Longchamp and alongside Henry Holland has one the British Fashion Council‘s 2012 Fashion Awards. Rightly deserved. I love browsing through her lookbooks-I want everything gorgeous piece in my wardrobe. Be blown away by her masterpieces. Counting down the 

days Topshop!

  

LOVE THIS. WHERE CAN I FIND IT?