What to Wear: Fantasy Fashion Week

You'd have to be living under a rock (or, in Thailand with very limited internet access... ahem) to not know the international fashion shows are upon us, showing each fashion houses new season collection. When browsing through American fashion blog, Refinery 29, I spied the fashion editors 'fantasy fashion week' outfits, and for the first time, may have slightly regretted the time frame chosen for a holiday... I want to go to NYFW!

"I'm currently big into bold prints and this skirt-and-glitz combo is high-impact without being too over the top. I'm not usually a sparkles girl but hey, it's Fashion Week." Bottega Veneta Grosgrain-trimmed Silk-Blend Chiffon Blouse at Net-A-Porter , House of Lavane Vintage Diamante Necklace at House Of Lavande,Givenchy Patchwork Skirt at Kirna Zabet, Charlotte Olympia Masquerade Heels from Footcandy, Edie Parker Jean clutch at Rosear.

What to Wear: Quirky Handbags

The 'mini trend' - see; clear plastic accessories, underwater prints, fetish and the like - all great in theory and on the pages of Vogue, are often too 'trendy' to incorporate in everyday life and become a real trend of the season. One mini-trend I'm finding myself seriously buying into are these quirky, printed small bags. Easier to wear than the fashionistas at Paris Couture Week (see the Prada number above) would like you to think, I've picked three favourites with simple outfits to flatter.

This 3.1 Philip Lim tote (£645) is one of the more bold bags knocking around designer stores this season, and without doubt the most novel item on my radar! I love the bag teamed with a simple, black outfit, I'm obsessed with this Burberry Prorsum Cut-Out Cashmere jumper (£895), teamed with a leather skirt like this McQ Alexander McQueen Circle Skirt (£645) you have instant effortless chic. The Valentino Studded ankle boots (£670) are just too perfect with this skirt to leave out, and a simple Mulberry Gold Plated cuff (£200) finishes the outfit.

At The Office: Pretty Pastels

There is little more exciting announcement than watching heavy winter tweeds, wool and cashmere layers in the office fall away to be replaced with lighter, floaty fabrics in sheer tulle, chiffon, cotton and lace in the prettiest of pastel shades. 

I love wearing colour in daily life, from bold neons to pretty pastels - although I do admit that pastels make for the safest and simplest option when considering office attire. How to work it into your wardrobe this summer? Take inspiration from the runway and wear pastel hues from head to toe, or break up the colour with whites and creams.

The Rachelle Edit: Summer Sorbet

This time last year, if you told me I'd soon be swooning over lilac, I'd have laughed at you. I'm no longer eight; mad about decorating my room, only wearing and only buying things ever again in my new-found favourite hue, lilac. Fortunately, by my eleventh birthday I'd realised there was more to life than the light purple hue, and by the age of fifteen, lilac was OUT. How Spring/Summer 2012 3.1 Philip Lim has changed my mind (again).

From Left: Botiker Cross Bod Handbag (£197) available at ShopBop. Victoria Beckham Denim Lilac Crepe Vest (£115) available at Net a Porter. Topshop Structured Blazer (£65). Gold Plated & Cream Cuff and Ring from a selection at House of Harlow. Kurt Geiger Himalaya Suede Sandals (£205). Linda Farrow Luxe Sunglasses (£486) available at mytheresa. Topshop Stonewash Denim and Crochet Hotpants (£34.)

Rachel x

What to Wear: Tropical Prints

One of my favourite looks from the catwalk this season are the tropical prints; in particular those from Dolce & Gabanna and Stella McCartney. Topshop has recreated the tropics-trend exceptionally well & whilst its only May, I have to admit to both a pair of printed cropped trousers & a skirt to pair with tanned thighs & a Club Topicana attitude...

Pretty. Pretty. Pretty. I have the skirt (which is sadly no longer available) in the same print as these Topshop shorts (£35). The combination of colours in the print makes it incredibly easy to pair with similarly coloured items everyone already has in their wardrobes. This J Crew cashmere jumper (£200) complements the coral tones. Add Zara nude wedges (£59.99) & Diane Von Furstenberg clutch (£320) to give a modern classic finish to the look.