Rochas' exquisitely pretty Borsa Tote bag

Collections for Spring/Summer ’12 floated onto the catwalks on a soft cloud of dreamy pastel shades; from the palest buttercup to pretty powder blue and delicate rose – the colour palette for this season is subtle, seductive and ineffably charming.

How to work the look? We suggest experimenting with sheer and lace fabrics or colour-blocking and combining pastel tones. And so the Borsa tote bag from French brand Rochas provides a pitch-perfect starting point for easing a little spring colour into your wardrobe. Made in buttery soft leather in contrasting sugar pink and ice cool aqua (and delivered with a miniature zipped pouch), it’s an accessory that makes a statement – quietly.

For Rochas Spring/Summer ’12, designer Marco Zanini delivered a collection infused with elegant 1950′s femininity; think New Look silhouettes, exquisite midi skirts and gowns in duchesse silk, and semi-sheer organza pieces. It was a catwalk show that seduced the onlookers with its understated sophistication, and we’re similarly won over by the brand’s roomy tote. For now, pair with classic winter separates; come spring, wear with an array of those achingly soft pastel tones. We can’t wait!

The Rochas Borsa Tote is available to buy online here.

Miu Miu's Collar: a new style staple?

The key to a succesful wardrobe is all about getting the basics right: the simple white shirt; the beautifully-cut black trousers; the chic knits and of course – the perfect pair of jeans. These items are the bread and butter of what we wear; the solid foundation on which to build stylish ensembles. However, combining a plain t-shirt and jeans (however well they fit you) is never going to score very high in the style stakes.

Once you’ve nailed the essentials, it’s all about what you add to those – accessories have the power to transform any outfit from everyday to extraordinary, and make you feel a million dollars, rather than girl-next-door. As Marie Antoinette once said “Let them eat cake” – and outstanding accessories are the patisseries, macarons and double-chocolate brownies of our wardrobe.

Miuccia Prada has a particular talent for creating eye-catching accessories of every flavour and colour; her glitzy heels for A/W 2011 have become a must-have among the fashion élite. But the ultimate sugary treat on Miu Miu’s dessert tray this season is most certainly this glamorous feather collar. In a deep scarlet hue, the beribboned collar nods to the current trend for jewel tones, and there’s a hint of 1940′s sophistication too.

It’s not an everyday item by any means, but it is a piece that you can wear with almost any wardrobe staple to create a stand-out look. Whether you pop on over a flirty black dress for a sexy, chic evening look, or wear with a simple jumper and jeans combo for a quirky weekend outfit, it’s an accessory that has transformative power. It’s not a fashion basic by any means, but considering just how versatile Miu Miu’s collar is, it may just become a style staple this season…

The Miu Miu Feather Collar is available to buy online here.

Rosamosario's pretty Lara Flowers bikini

Prefer to be sunning yourself poolside or frolicking in the waves rather than sweltering in a stuffy office or sweating on a commuter train? You’re not alone… And one glance at Rosamosario’s cutesy bikini is enough to have just about anyone drifting off into a summery daydream; the pretty two-piece epitomises days in the sun without a care in the world – other than reapplying suncream and making sure that one’s deliciously cool cocktail is topped up.

The Italian label, launched in 2005 by designer Carlotta Danti, is actually famed for its seductively luxurious lingerie, rather than floral swimwear. However, this means that you’re assured the superb structuring that you would expect from an underwear label – after all, however you sell it, bikinis are essentially just a socially acceptable way of sporting items in public that you would generally only consider for more intimate situations.

A white bikini isn’t perhaps the kindest choice for those of us with less than modelesque proportions, but the floral print is a little more forgiving – not to mention flattering – to the female form. Meanwhile underwired, moulded cups give the bust a little extra oomph, whilst ruffled detailing on the briefs cleverly disguise any lumps and bumps in the hip/derrière zone.

Net-a-Porter’s style experts suggest pairing with a wide-brimmed hat, chic flats and covering up with a sexy sheer lace playsuit from Imitation. Of course, you could always keep things simple and accessorise with a chilled glass of Cotes de Provence and a smile – your call!

The Rosamosario Lara Flowers two-piece swimsuit is available to buy online at Net-a-Porter.

Vaessen's eye-catching Lies sunglasses

Ray-Bans and Jackie O-style shades are all well and good, but let’s be honest here – these are the jeans and white tee of your sunglasses wardrobe. They’re dependable staples – basics if you like. When the first rays begin to emerge, a plethora of sunglasses in all shapes and sizes hit the high street, usually at throwaway prices. Of course, the designer brands have some seriously covetable shades on offer, but what about if you’re looking for something just a little different?

Enter Ralph Vaessen; a Dutch government employee turned designer whose handmade sunglasses have definitely caught the eye of the fashion cognoscenti. His ultra-luxurious shades are stocked in a mere handful of the most exclusive boutiques across the world and made from luxe materials such as natural horn; if you’re a sunglasses connoisseur, these accessories will certainly appeal.

Exclusive they may be, but the current collection offers something for everyone – if you have the budget (we’re talking four figures…). Looking for quirky and cool? Go for Lies: an angular design that’ll match with fashion-forward wardrobe items this season, or Merel, offering pink lenses and mottled dusky red frames. More of a vintage fan? How about the orange-accented Grace, or cats-eye style Willemijn with graduated deep green lenses? Vaessen’s sunglasses are undeniably a considerable investment, so you may wish to choose a more classic form; we suggest the elegant Ann design, or the impeccably chic Lotte.

Whatever shape you’re craving, you can be sure that not everyone sunning themselves will be sporting Ralph Vaessens, although rest assured – these lightweight sunglasses are true future classics.

For more information, see the Ralph Vaessen website, and to buy online, head to Colette’s webshop (of course!).

Iconic sunglasses handmade with luxe, lightweight materials; Ralph Vaessen's Ann, Willemijn, Grace and Lotte designs...

Antje Geczy's sumptuous Spring Bouquet Ring

Didn’t get the armfuls of gifts from queues of perspective suitors on Valentine’s Day? In that case, we suggest skipping waiting around for Mr Right to proffer a prettily-packaged parcel and treating yourself to some elegant jewels pronto!

And what could be more spectacular and timely than the Spring Bouquet Ring created by designer Antje Geczy? Berlin-born Geczy truly understands the meaning of luxury jewellery, having worked at Christian Lacroix and assisted Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel’s Haute Couture Studio, before launching her eponymous label in 2009.

The seasonally-themed ring is a sumptous symphony of multi-coloured sapphires and undulating 18-carat yellow gold fronds, embellished with delicated diamond detailing and exquisitely crafted golden blooms. Antje Geczy is inspired by the decadent beauty of precious stones, often constructing dozens of waxes and drawings to help create the final design. She has been described as “the modern and sophisticated image of the new European woman”; something we’d all aspire to, no doubt?

And with the Spring Bouquet Ring proudly sparkling from a slim hand, you can be sure that you’ll exude modernity and sophistication.  We’re told that gold is a sure investment and it’s sensible to collect modern art – Antje Geczy’s jewel seems to combine these ideas beautifully.

The Antje Geczy Spring Bouquet Ring is available to buy at Kabiri.

A sensible and useful purchase for January...

After the frivolity and over-indulgence of the festive period, January is the moment to (try to) tighten our (metaphorical) belts. It’s all too easy to stray into splurging in the sales territory, but resist temptation – you’ll be regretting those last season buys come February. And who knows; it’s just possible that with your current fitness zeal, said purchases may just be a little roomy…

If you can’t resist the lure of the boutiques, now is the time to invest in something sensible and useful – a luxe Lanvin keyfob, for example. Non, merci to queueing for the short term gratification of high street-designer collaborations; this is a far wiser and more long-term Lanvin buy. Sartorial magician Monsieur Alber Elbaz has waved his wand and created a selection of truly delectable knick-knacks including this fashion fabulous ‘Shop Till You Drop’ keyring.

Featuring one of the designer’s signature bows and a simply adorable tiny shopaholic sitting atop a trio of Lanvin packages, the keyfob is a simple way to upstyle your everyday handbag. Fashionable friends will naturally recognise the French brand’s chic, yet fun look and admire your style nous, whilst you’ll be able to gloat over your (rather ironic) shopping restraint. Plus accessories mean avoiding the potential embarassment of changing rooms and sizing confusion…

The Lanvin Shop Till You Drop Keyfob is available to buy online at Matches.

'I have a beautiful heart' connects each and every one of us....

Designed by Lauren Del Vecchio, a stylish New Yorker facing a rare autoimmune disease and a failing heart, it is a tenderly hand-crafted contradiction; the brown leather is lean and classic, whilst the typography is whimsical and romantic. This modern fusion serves to create a design that is elegant, simple and unique; no doubt a reflective trademark of Lauren herself: cool urban upbringing meets a soft and gentle soul.

The bracelet declares simply: ‘I have a beautiful heart.’

This statement is a testimony to Lauren’s own heart, which has been fitted with a pacemaker/defibrillator following heart failure in 2007. Since then, she has had to slow down drastically: no more work, no more parties, just rest, relaxation, and doctors. On her dark days, she is so fatigued that she cannot move from her bed to the couch.

While her true friends and family have shown unconditional support, she is in dire need of funding to help finance her medical costs. A regular girl just like you and me, all she wants is to do at this point is maintain as much normalcy as possible. The support of people around her is crucial to her well-being. You can offer your support by buying the bracelet here.

The proceeds will go towards her potentially crippling medical bills; without the proper care and attention, her health will decline dramatically. It is literally a matter of life and death for her. By buying it for yourself, friends, or family, you can help save a life and get a fabulous piece of jewellery in the process.

Lauren personally wraps and packages each parcel slowly, individually, one-by-one before sending them out. She does this to celebrate the intense connection she feels to the people who have been gracious enough to offer their support. For her, it is one of the strongest expressions of kindness and love.

It is also her belief that those who wear the bracelet affirm its message. It would be impossible to claim otherwise. She hopes the bracelet will serve as a visual reminder of her heart and her story. She is on a mission to heal herself proactively and raise awareness in the process. She has no doubt that she will dance and run again.

“I dream of a healthy heart; a whole, healthy, perfectly pumping, beautifully pink heart.”

Candid, smart, and compassionate, she is a fighter who has shown plenty of heart already. Why don’t you do the same and show yours?

To find out more about Lauren, visit her blog. You can also show your support on Facebook.

The ‘Save Lauren’s Heart’ Bracelet is available to buy online here.

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Christian Louboutin Python Heels, available online here.

Daisy Knights Skull Necklace, available online here.

Austin Reed Camel Coat, available online here.

Smythson 2011 Diary, available online here.

Liberty Print Scarf, available online here.

Missoni Snood, available online here.

Lanvin Leopard Ballerina Flats, available online here.

Topshop Limited Edition Maxi Dress, available online here.

She Died Of Beauty T-shirt, available online here.

Boyy Large ‘Slash’ Bag, available online here.

Perfect for accessorising... well, everything!

Serious stones might be off the menu for fashion purists working the minimalist trend but for the rest of us, the vicarious thrills and pure pleasure of picking up some gorgeous bling are not to be underestimated. Just holding a piece up and watching the refracted rays crystallise into twinkling disco lights against your hand or throat is enough to raise the heart rate. Buying jewellery doesn’t necessarily mean frivolous either, although like silk underwear, it can certainly appear that way. But in the same way that a whisper of silk next to your skin makes you feel ready to take on the world, rocking some serious sparkle is an instant mood booster. Fashion-wise, good jewels can take your look from so-so to superb in seconds, and for providing a twinkly counterpoint to autumn’s neutrals, nothing beats a big statement piece. Jewels even work from an economics point of view because not only can a diamond be worn forever; it’s also the perfect thing to pawn if the economy goes pear-shaped again. Not, of course, that you’d want to.

Economics aside, few jewels are lovelier than the tanzanite. Not for nothing is it more highly prized than the better known sapphire. Unique to the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania, a cut stone comes in the deepest ultramarine shot through with iridescent purple lights. It’s this that has made it one of the most popular stones in the world and also why it’s the star component of so many beautiful pieces such as the ‘Dancer’ ring by Ritz Fine Jewellery.

Ritz Fine Jewellery might be better known for the sort of bling more commonly found brightening up the mink coats and blonde highlights of Russian oligarchs’ wives but in this case, they’ve managed to combine serious luxury with edgy chic. Featuring a huge navy tanzanite surrounded by white diamonds and pink tourmaline, the ‘Dancer’ ring is definitely more Jade Jagger than Ivana Trump. It’s something you could imagine wanting to wear to a gig (maybe not in the mosh pit) or to a private party. It would brighten up a simple LBD or lend a little sparkle to a crisp white shirt, and would work brilliantly with this season’s skinny leather trousers. While it’s certainly got enough bling to please even the most magpie-like WAG, it’s also seriously cool. And if you don’t have £75,000 to blow on the ‘Dancer’, it’s still worth checking Ritz Fine Jewellery out. Other treasures to be found include gloriously luxe perfume bottles whittled out of citrine, morganite, pink quartz and amethyst which start at a more affordable £2,500. And if that hasn’t got you excited, then you need to see the ‘Galaxy’ rings. They might not have quite the impact of the ‘Dancer’ but each features a constellation of pink tourmaline, citrine, sapphire and amethyst which is more than enough to make you go weak at the knees. Forget Phoebe Philo, ice just got cool.

More information on Ritz Fine Jewellery is available online here.

Jena.Theo's beautifully cut great coat

The nights are getting longer, the days shorter, and it’s increasingly difficult to find the will to struggle out from under the covers and heed the shrill call of the alarm clock. One motivation may just convince you to throw off the duvet and head for the high street; the perennial quest of The Winter Coat Hunt.

However, there’s no need to jump out of bed just yet – we’ve found the perfect cover-up for chilly weather on our favourite browser-window-shopping destination: Young British Designers. Offering the best of Blighty’s new design talent, the site sells a selection of delectable pieces to fix that fashion craving, whilst supporting up-and-coming creatives.

And we’ve fallen head over our Bionda Castana heels for Jena.Theo’s sumptuous Blue Ashes Great Coat. The aptly-named military-inspired piece is made in a wool-silk blend with a luxuriously soft silk lining. From the chic shawl collar, to the splendidly elegant swing cut, it’s a design that is an investment in every sense of the word. Plus with the all-enveloping style, this clever coat means it’s almost like staying in bed. You could wear it with pyjamas, but we’d suggest pairing with one of Olivia Rubin’s pretty silk frocks for a fashion forward, yet feminine look. Rule Britannia!

The Blue Ashes Great Coat by Jena. Theo is available to buy on the Young British Designers website.