Cannes Can

Bardot running along the beach at Cannes...Can I emulate this look whilst not falling over?

Lovely readers, I must apologise for my lax posting of late. A wonderful trip to Berlin for the Boy's birthday, followed by a rather nasty chest infection has made me lazy. Berlin was incredible, we stayed in Soho House, bicycled around the city exploring East and West and met up with some chums who I hadn't seen for ages.  I came back to Spring FINALLY being here...and me being nearly bed-ridden and knackered! However I have recovered form and am starting to think about my Summer style. 

People in London are already floating about in maxi dresses and flip flops and whilst I think this is a tad too far, there's no harm putting together a little fantasy collection of purchases that would be suitable for Riviera chic..what with Cannes being around the corner and visit to a pal in St Tropz on the cards.  When it comes to Spring / Summer, simple is best and I have to say the French have it nailed.  My style is a variation on my fantasy collection. Lots of stripes, simple t shirt or prom dresses, a whacking great pair of sunglasses and French Sole ballet pumps. I also try and switch my colour palette largely based around black in Autumn/ Winter to one of white.  This year I may even invest in LWD..Little White Dress of course, keep up!
What are your Summer staples?x

From left to right: Rag & Bone wide brimmed beach hat, £120 @ lagarconne.com, Repetto ballet pumps, £150; Elizabeth and James jersey bustier dress, £108 @ Net-a-porter; Ruffian A-line cotton skirt, £525 @ brownsfashion.com; D&G sunglasses, £235.

Brig again looking very French and pouty in Repetto flats, a Breton top and capri pants.  Top tip, accessorize with a vintage car for maximum glamour.

Looky Likey

So I know that many fashion bloggers have been expostulating over the lust-inducing item(s) that are a pair of Isabel Marant boots.  They're suede, they're ever so slightly slouchy, they give you that certain je ne sais quoi. They're also super double duper expensive..oh and they're suede which means a little bit vulnerable in British weather even with oodles of protectant and a rubber sole.  There is the Bidou boot...

And my personal favourite, the Forbes boot, which has a slightly Western vibe to it..

So I fell for them and pondered over the purchase. I am all for investment purchases, let me state that right now. My Chanel and Mulberry handbags are prize possessions, my beautiful navy Hobbs coat and my tweed jacket, my beaded Chloe dress that I only wear once in a blue moon because I love it so much I'm actually scared to take it to the dry cleaners, my French Sole pumps. I have no qualms on spending items that will last (physically), are dateless and classic.  These boots tick every category except one, they will not physically go the distance. They will scuff, they will wear out, the soles/ heels will need replacing, they will watermark. I couldn't pay nearly £400 for that.  Ms Bosworth on the other hand, totally can and for once, we see a celebrity who has a pair of favourite boots that she wears all the time despite the gazillions of others in her wardrobe..

This, in fact was at The Kings Speech premiere a couple of weeks ago, I really love that skirt too!

..So I thought, what the heck! I'll go for it, I love them! They look great with everything..apart from maybe that weird pink croquet dress in the second picture across at the top (re-think that look Kate) but I still ain't forking out that amount of dough for them. Fashion Gods, help me out.

..And they did. They may not be an exact replica but my goodness do they look super on and all for the bargain price of £70.  Topshop. You did it again.  Now I just need to find that grey skirt....Happy Friday all X