Ah, the masterful hand of Jasper Conran. A week on from sitting catwalk-side at Conran's SS16 show, I'm dreaming about updating my wardrobe with the myriad of green hues showcased in the collection (see the full run-down on Vogue.com here - it's exquisite!). Finally my namesake (yup, I'm a Sophie Green) is in fashion and big news come spring/summer 16, too. If your school uniform was bottle green, you wouldn't be blamed for approaching this trend with caution. The secret to taking this hue from grammar school to Grazia is to introduce flashes of embellishment, metallics and iridescents. Fabrics are key here - think soft suedes, glossy leathers and slick snakeskins to add interest to top-to-toe green looks. Here's my edit of the best buys available now:
First column: Iris and Ink green jacquard shell top, The Outnet, £110. Middle column top to bottom: Selected Femme green suede biker, Atterley, £190. Miami large back to bag purse, Stevan Saville, £485. Java mid buckle shoes, Topshop, £46. Third column top to bottom: Green leather culottes, & Other Stories, £195. New Balance 620 green suede trainers, ASOS, £65. Green polo neck, H&M Studio, £14.99.
I've not kicked off 2014 in the best fashion - I'm currently recovering from a kidney infection which has sapped my energy completely. So, to re-invigorate myself for the season ahead I've compiled this edit of buys to introduce some of the new trends into our wardrobes. Sports luxe is still big news, although for 2014 it's seriously chic so look for luxurious fabrics and pair with a heel. A fun trend that I am loving is the demand for monster themed accessories - Fendi have some amazing monster bags and Sophie Hulme's fluffy keyrings (no.2) are just too cute! Primary colours are also big news, so don't be afraid to buy in brights and pair them together. Have you started shopping for the new season yet?
1. Iris & Ink felt & vinyl bomber jacket, The Outnet, £195.
2. Sophie Hulme Pom Pom man keyring, Austique, £95.
3. Étre Cécile fresh air tee, Matchesfashion, £75.
4. New Balance 410 grey/blue trainers, ASOS, £55.
5. Lips in Ditsy and Nails in Collegiate, Topshop.
6. Hillier rose gold bunny pendant, Astley Clarke, £995.
7. Metallic 'Hama' skirt, Monki, £25.
8. Iris & Ink two tone leather pouch, The Outnet, £45.
There's nothing like a fierce bit of psychedelic leopard print to work LFF into a fashion frenzy. If you too love this trend, then we are in luck because AW13 will bring a ferocious appetite for animal prints in all guises, from the classic leopard through to chic croc and dotty dalmatian. But how to wear the trend now? Heritage high-street brand Jaeger have the answer in the form of these super-cool trophy trousers in intensely-hued leopard print. I am head over heels in love with them, so I've styled a couple of looks to demonstrate how I'd wear the trews. With a statement piece like this, I think the key is to have fun; continue the playful mood with a slogan t-shirt and introduce even more colour with bold costume jewels. In the footwear department, a snazzy sneaker makes the perfect pairing for a relaxed weekend look, whilst a metallic flat will add formality and glamour for work. Will you be wearing leopard print this season or next?
1. Leopard print trousers, Jaeger, £99.
2. Cheap Monday pink point flats, ASOS, £60.
3. Magic spike stone drop earrings, ASOS, £18.
4. Brian Lichtenberg Feline Meow sweater, Net-a-porter.com, £100.
5. Lulu & Co Wild at heart t-shirt, Matchesfashion.com, £34.
6. Nuwa bracelet, Claire Hynes, £55.
7. New Balance 420 trainers, ASOS, £38.
8. Jaeger trousers, as before.
One trend that I'm finding really interesting at the moment is the evolution of the trainer from sportswear staple to fashion footwear. During London Fashion Week, the cobbles of Somerset House were hot footed across in many-a-pair of natty New Balance sneakers inbetween the shows. We have, in part, the Olympics legacy to thank for this athletic trend, which I am pretty sure has been helped along by the new super Cara Delvingne whose off-duty model look consists of 99% street/ sportswear. For a great example of how the trend can work in real-life, check out Reem of Five Five Fabulous blog who nailed the look in a leather dress/ Nike sneaker combination during LFW. It's a trend that I'm also keen to try out, so I've been perusing the net for the best trainers out there. Here's my top 6:
1. Stella McCartney Diorite Adizero sneakers, Net-a-porter.com, £140.
2. Trace neon lace up runners, Topshop, £35.
3. Nike Free Running trainers, ASOS, £80.
4. New Balance 410 Blue trainers, ASOS, £50.
5. Trace pink neon lace up runners, Topshop, £35.
6. Nike Free Training trainers, ASOS, £80.
