RETURN OF THE BACK(PACK)

The whole nineties revival capturing the fashion world's attention at the moment sure is making me feel old; namely because it's the first trend in my sartorial lifetime that I can remember the first time around. Chokers, mini backpacks, platform trainers - thanks  to the Spice Girls I've owned them all. Fashion rules dictate that wearing a trend the second time round is a faux pas - but I believe that's a myth - the secret is to rework the look and incorporate pieces effortlessly into your current wardrobe. Enter the updated backpack - the grown-up girls entry into the nineties trend. 

STYLING THE PETIT BATEAU BRETON DRESS

It's no secret that I love the French sense of style [the blog title is a dead giveaway] - so when Gemini Woman got in touch and asked me to put together a post celebrating the launch of Petit Bateau [aka the holy grail of the Breton stripe] on their site, I was more than happy to oblige.

In a change from the classic Breton tee, I picked a navy stripe dress to style [£120 - shop here]  because I wanted to demonstrate it's versatility. If you're yet to jet off on your summer escape, a Breton dress makes an ideal beach cover up. Style it espadrilles for a St. Tropez vibe. Stripes are also the perfect print for weekend wear - wear your dress with a pop of leopard print for an unexpected twist. You can even smarted up this piece for the office, I'd wear either a white shirt or bib collar under mine for a professional edge. Pair with some colourful flat points and you've got a 1960s homage going on which is a key trend for autumn/winter 2014. 

If you're unfamiliar with Gemini woman, I'd recommend checking out the site. They stock a curation of grown-up, wearable fashion brands including French Connection, Great Plains and of course - Petit Bateau!

Whisked away: Amalfi espadrilles, Mint & Rose, €75. Petit Bateau stripe scarf, Gemini Woman, £47. Fendi two-tone sunglasses, Net-a-porter.com, £200. 

Weekend: Sophie Hulme mini leopard print shoulder bag, Net-a-porter.com, £395. Nails in One Hot Minute, Topshop, £5. Felt borg skater shoes, Next, £24. 

Work: Pointed pumps in beetroot, Boden, £89. Karl Lagerfeld folded cotton-blend collar, Net-a-porter.com, £110. Lips in Inhibition, Topshop, £8.