CLUB TROPICANA

Finally we've had some tropical weather in the UK, so now is the perfect time to embrace SS12's trend for hothouse exotic prints in your wardrobe. As seen in the Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Altuzarra SS12 collections, blossom and palm prints in a myriad of vibrant hues are a quick way to update your wardrobe for the sunshine. Here's my pick of the best pieces available online now:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Havana print dress, net-a-porter.com, £277.50.
2. Field Trip sandals, ASOS, £16.00.
3. MSGM Shirt dress, Farfetch.com, £314.
4. Proenza Schouler printed PS1 clutch, net-a-porter.com, £493.50.
5. French Connection Gwendoline top, John Lewis, £44.
6. Tropical running shorts, Topshop, £28.00.

LFF SHOPS THE SS12 SALES

The summer sales are well and truly underway, and there are some great bargains to be had both online and instore that will see you through summer and into AW12. If you have got your eye on something in a store that hasn't started their sale yet, my advice is to wait it out a couple of weeks as there are plenty more sales to come and there's nothing more annoying than shelling out for something lovely then finding it's been discounted the next day!

As you can see, there's a bit of navy and green theme going on with my sale picks because 1., I've seen lots of green in the AW12 collections and  2., navy is one of those great colours that works equally well in summer and winter; go nautical for SS and style it with rich autumnal tones for AW.

1. Tweed pleated dress, Jaeger, was £299.00 now £149.00.
2. NW3 leaf earrings, Hobbs, was £35.00 now £24.00.
3. NW3 Kisses blouse, Hobbs, was £79.00 now £59.00.
4. NW3 Parliament shirt dress, Hobbs, was £159.00 now £79.00.
5. Navy colour block platforms, Dorothy Perkins, was £42.00 now £25.00.
6. Bali Geo Trouser, Warehouse, was £45 now £25.00.
7. Werdie Marc by Marc Jacobs Canvas Tote Bag, Matches, was £200.00 now £140.00.
8. Navy square heel sandal, Dorothy Perkins, was £30.00 now £20.00.

10% OFF EVERYTHING AT REISS TODAY

To brighten up your pre-bank hol Thursday, iconic high street brand Reiss are offering 10% off everything in-store and online today. Eagle-eyed La Fashion Folie readers may have noticed that the blog recently became affiliated with Reiss. When looking for blog affiliates, my golden rule is that I only seek to partner my blog with brands that reflect my personal style, and Reiss is one of those aspirational, luxurious brands I’d wear everyday if budget permitted!

To get you inspired, here’s a video of the brand's dreamy high summer ‘Prints and Palms’ campaign video, shot on location in uber-glam L.A. My favourite pieces in the collection are diaphanous printed maxi dresses that will take you from poolside to party for your upcoming summer hols.

Visit the Reiss online shop.

FLORAL DRESSES ALA MICHELLE WILLIAMS AND ERDEM

Michelle Williams looked adorable when she stepped out in a SS12 Erdem shift dress whilst on the My Week with Marilyn promo tour. Florals are a big trend this season and for the best intepretation of this look on the high street I recommend heading to Oasis, who have gone print-crazy for spring/summer. Although it may not be a carbon-copy of Michelle's sunny shift, this Oasis belted sundress will look great at your summer soirees and has all the charm of an Erdem number without the designer pricetag.  

1. Erdem SS12 RTW catwalk. Style.com.
2. Michelle Williams in Erdem.
3. Floral belted sundress, Oasis, £50.
    Pendulum Platforms, Topshop, £90.00.

SS12 TREND: SPORTS LUXE

With the Olympics just around the corner, it's no suprise that sport luxe will be a key trend for 2012. But this isn't akin to the dire sportwear trend instigated by Spice Girl Mel C in the 1990s, 2012's interpretation is sophisticated and chic; think subtle sporty details in the form of zips, go-faster stripes and performance-wear inspired panelling. So to get you started, here's my pick of the sports-luxe pieces that are definitely worth sprinting to the shops for.

1. Knitted Mesh sleeve dress, Topshop, £46.00.
2. Isabel Marant Uden track trousers, Matchesfashion.com, £330.00.
3. Jason Wu Varsity wool sweater, Net-a-porter.com, £950.
4. NW3 Hayle trouser, Hobbs, £23.00.
5. Diane Von Furstenberg Sporty-Drew tote, Net-a-porter.com, £660.
6. Ash Bowie wedge trainers, ASOS, £149.00.
7. Marni paneled sweater, The Outnet, £252.50.
8. Karl metallic leather high-tops, Net-a-porter,com, £295.

SIX OF THE BEST SANDALS FOR SS12

For SS12, your sandals should do the talking and make a bold statement in your outfit. Look for glossy, colourful patent (no.1) or flashes of neon (no.2) to inject some colour into your look. Alternatively embrace the futuristic trend with a metallic pair of sandals like this on-trend ASOS pair (no.5.) A fun way to liven up an everyday outfit is with a printed sandal, and no-one does prints better than Marni (no.6). The 'sensible' sandal (no.4) is also a key trend, look for a block heel and real leather to work this look. Finish off with a pedicure and a pop of bright nail varnish and you're good to go!

1. Fearne leather flat sandals, ASOS, £20.00.
2. Highlight patent sandals, Topshop, £28.00.
3. Vinnie flatforms, ASOS, £40.00.
4. Tan leather t-bar sandals, New Look, £24.99.
5. Flipper flat leather sandals, ASOS, £25.00.
6. Polka-dot leather sandals, Net-a-porter.com, £265.

SIX OF THE BEST SATCHELS FOR SS12

You couldn't walk ten paces at London Fashion Week without passing a fashion bod clutching a cambridge satchel in a day-glo neon hue. Undoubtedly the satchel is the hottest bag of the season. The key to taking this look from playground to Prada is the colour; uniform black and brown leathers are official no-gos, instead fluro green, highlighter pink and acid-bright yellow reign supreme. Clash with mismatched neon talons and you're on to a style winner.

Image source: Sterling Style blog


Here's my pick of 6 of the best satchels for the season:

1. Zatchels colour block leather satchel, ASOS, £122.00.
2. Proenza Shouler PS1 large leather satchel, Net-a-porter.com, £1,440.
3. Pink metallic Cambridge satchel, ASOS, £120.00.
4. Fiorelli Havana Satchel, ASOS, £49.00.
5. Fluro green Cambridge satchel, Cambridge Satchel, £105.
6. Shelly structered satchel, Stylist Pick, £39.95.

MEET THREE FLOOR FASHION: THE NEW AFFORDABLE ONLINE FASHION BRAND

If there's one fashion brand to watch in 2012, then it has to be  Three Floor Fashion. I first discovered the uber-cool and jaw-droppingly affordable brand after a heads-up from Brix Smith-Start on ITV's This Morning, and ever since I've been itching to share it on La Fashion Folie. 


So what's so special in my eyes about Three Floor? Well unlike some high street brands that simply rip-off catwalk looks when they're putting together their new season collections, Three Floor Fashion's designs are original and unlike nothing you find in a fast-fashion retailer. Prices start at £39 for a cami (neon yellow and lace, no less) and range up to £129 for a faux fur-trimmed parka (which I spotted at London Fashion Week several times), which are great prices for cutting-edge designs.


I could quite happily post the whole look book here, but I've picked my top 10 favourite looks for your viewing pleasure. Three really is the magic number!



Bear Hug crop jumper, £48.

D'vil shirt, £78.

Heroine cape shirt dress, £68.00.

Field Trip fur parka £129.

Victory bodycon midi dress, £70.

Sweet Talk satin mini dress, £65.

Bear Hug colourblock jumper, £55.

Swoon scallop dress, £78.  

Flare neoprene dress £68.

Cross My Heart midi dress, £118.

Thank you to the lovely people at Temomanin pr for sending me the look book images.

MY MARNI AT H&M SHOPPING LIST

It seems like just yesterday that I was blogging about the Marni H&M annoucement, when in fact it was way back in November. Now the big day is just one week away, and I'm very over-excited to see the collection in the flesh (or fabric if you like). In preparation I've booked the day off work, sharpened my elbows and compiled a shopping list of my favourite pieces. Wish me luck....

View the full collection and campaign over at Look.co.uk.

SS12 COLOUR TREND: YELLOW

A major colour trend for SS12 is yellow. As seen on the Derek Lam SS12 catwalk, nothing says spring time like a zingy pop of citrus in your new season wardrobe. I'd love to own Derek Lam's buttercup yellow a-line dress in picture 2, it simply is the perfect frock for summer. Alternatively if you're not brave enough to wear the trend head-to-toe then you can add a flash of daffodil yellow to your look with a pair of bright sandals or a colourful earring.

This trend is an instant mood-enhancer too, just like the gorgeous spring sunshine we're experiencing in the UK at the moment, a pop of sunshine in your outfit can lift your look and spirits. Here's my pick of the best yellow buys to add a shot of the trend to your SS12 your wardrobe.....

1. Cacharel printed cotton pants, theoutnet.com, £148.50.
2. Erdem Yanne printed front cardigan, Matches, £480.00.
3. Marni sunflower clip earrings, netaporter.com, £250.
4. Vinnie flatforms, ASOS, £40.00.
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs brass and yellow glass crystal studs, net-a-porter.com, £40.
6. Premium coloured pony shopper, ASOS, £44.00. 
7. Speckle T-shirt mini dress, Topshop, £25.00.
 8.Joey yellow necklace, Kurt Geiger, £50.00.  

ZARA'S FAB FLORAL SS12 COLLECTION

If you were a fan of Erdem's fresh florals on their SS12 catwalk, then you're sure to love Zara's new season collection. Dense and ditsy floral prints decorate blazers, shirts and pants, adding a fresh breath of spring air to the collection. There's also fab leather totes that have a designer feel for a desirable pricetag. To update your SS12 wardrobe in an instant, I recommend investing in a pair of printed floral trousers that will look just as good with a slouchy grey marl tee as with a crisp white shirt. Blooming lovely!

Shop the new collection as it arrives at Zara.com.

RIVER ISLAND'S SS12 COLLECTION WOWS!

When these snaps of River Island's SS12 collection pinged into my inbox courtesy of Look magazine, I got pretty excited. Whilst it's fun to fantasy shop designer collections, it's even more exciting when you can actually buy the pieces you are coveting in campaigns. River Island have got plenty of SS12 trends covered here, vibrant prints, futuristic metallics, Versace-inspired bling, 1920s style flapper dresses (very Gucci SS12) and lots of sweetly stylish lace. Personally I've got my eye on the oversized yellow tote, which looks super-luxe for a high street holdall. Hot foot it to River Island quick to get yours before it goes...

 

To view the full collection head to Look.co.uk.

HOW TO DO THE PEPLUM SS12 TREND

One trend I'm very happy to see return for SS12 is the peplum. Unlike the pastel trend (let's face it my clothes are not going to stay pastel for very long in smoggy London), the peplum trend is very wearable and when styled correctly, flattering on all shapes. Here are my tips for making the trend work for you:

• Keep the rest of the silhouette clean and simple- wear your peplum top with a capri pant ala Olivia Palermo or a sharp pencil skirt.
• This is an unashamedly feminine trend so don't be afraid to embrace the peplum in ladylike shades of pink, red and peach.
• Keep footwear sleek and sharp to finish the look- a pointed court is perfect.

1. Catwalk: Badgley Mischka SS12  

2. Celeb: Olivia Palermo in Mulberry

3. High street: Closet pink peplum slash neck dress, Dorothy Perkins £45.00.

    High street: Gilmore2 Metallic Toecap points, Topshop, £60.00.

JAEGER BOUTIQUE'S FABULOUS FRUIT PRINT T-SHIRTS!

Regular readers of La fashion folie will know I have a slight obsession with all-things neon. So you can imagine how excited I was when I came across these fabulous fruit-print t-shirts in the Boutique section of Jaeger today, complete with on-trend highlighter pen scribbles. The only downside? Choosing which of the cute prints to plump for! I finally decided on the melon print, on the basis that neon pink is more wearable than orange or yellow. My only hope is that I won't be on the receiving end of too many 'nice melon' puns, but when my t-shirt is this fabulous, who cares?!

1. Melon print t-shirt, £40
2. Banana print t-shirt, £40.
3. Pineapple print t-shirt, £40.

PRIMARK DOES PRADA 'CAR PRINTS'!

If you were a fan of Prada's 1950s-inspired SS12 catwalk show, then you will no doubt be pleased to see that Primark have revved up their spring/summer collection with car-print pieces that are more than just a little 'Prada-inspired'.

For the authentic Prada look, wear the print head-to-toe, accessorize with colourful jewel earrings and prepare to accelerate to the top of the fashion charts!


1. Car print shell top, Primark.
2. Drop earrings, ASOS, £10.00.  
3. Ameko tan leather bag, ASOS, £85.00.
4. Car print pleated skirt, Primark.

HOT OFF THE HIGHSTREET: ASOS PEACOCK PRINT SHOES

It takes alot to make me wax lyrical about a shoe; Manolos, Louboutins and Jimmy Choos all tend to pass me by. But these ASOS 'Hamilton' peacock print wedges are no normal shoe, and I'm head over heels in love with them! As I keep mentioning, prints will be HUGE this season and ASOS's William Morris-inspired peacock interpretation on a platform wedge unit make for the perfect statement shoe. The combination of intricate detailing and a daring design make this shoe look much more expensive than the £75 pricetag. Surely a strong contender for the high street shoe of the season?

Asos Hamilton shoe, £75.00.

PRIMARK'S AMAZING SS12 COLLECTION

I know one of my new year's resolutions was to do a fast fashion detox and invest in classics, but if there's one SS12 high street collection tempting me to break my vow it's Primark's.

The highlights of the range include bold, floral-print summer dresses that tap into SS12's obsession with print and colour. Tailored cropped trousers in mouthwatering shades of powder blue, lemon yellow and tangerine are styled with buttoned up shirts with polka dot, floral and colour contrast details. And the snakeskin accessories complement the brights and prints perfectly. Primark's buying team have their finger firmly on the pulse this season, there's hundreds of catwalk trends ticked off here! To view the full collection head to LOOK.co.uk.