James Lakeland`s Strawberries & Pimms Party (London)

James Lakeland`s annual Strawberries & Pimms party brought some much needed light entertainment to one of the gloomiest days of the month; the streets outside his elegant boutique, situated in London`s exclusive Marylebone area, were flooded with rainwater but inside, we revelled in style.

James is famous for offering vivid, exclusively developed prints and super- flattering silhouettes and both brand`s attributes were on show that evening.

I particularly liked this metallic jacket – a new material and shape to complement S/S16 collection – repeat after me: silver is the new black.

There was a large selection of accessories to coo over, including this dreamy hat…..

……and an array of amazing necklaces.

I grabbed this ethnic-style, edgy, woven statement collar while guzzling my third glass of Pimms, and I promise, my decision had nothing to do with the free-flowing alcohol. I`ve never liked chokers, and tribal-style jewellery had never been my `thing`. But as soon as I set my eye on it, I knew, it would be my go-to piece for the summer. It would add high energy and redefine my style.

As always, James was a gracious and generous host (I am wearing – of course – James Lakeland`s leather jacket); we reflected on his journey to create this collection and the fact all his merchandise was ‘Made in Italy` - a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship.  I left with a big smile on my face, despite the continuous rain, and a lavish goody bag, that included a feather-like shawl, printed with muted colours of Spring flowers.

Burgundy – Dress the Part in 2016

From Dior to Burberry and from Topshop to Reiss, the colour of choice that featured on many catwalks for S/S16 was burgundy. Sitting between a vibrant red and it`s more humdrum cousin - brown –burgundy can breathe new life and provide an easy wardrobe top up for Spring as well as for Summer.

Go ahead, write your new style story by employing the hue head-to-toe like voguish Parisians or add a splash with a well- chosen accessory like this handbag from affordable-luxury brand – Coach.

I paired my burgundy cashmere with a grey and gold Marc Cain skirt and a red Moschino bag and surprise-surprise (!) it worked.

Of course the safest pairing will be with subdued colours such as sand or grey, but a right shade of brighter and more unexpected colours can also make the cut. I like this fab colour-combo from Prada.

 

So let`s raise a glass to burgundy, the shade that already made its way into a modern style lexicon.