Jacqueline Clarke's Concave Caviar Ring

Statement jewellery. Now what’s that all about eh? Does one really have to choose between jewellery that makes a bold, brash statement or that whispers quietly? Jewellery is very personal and we think that as long as you love a piece, it shouldn’t matter when you wear it – and whether you’re choosing to make a statement or not! In the bath, to the park, heading to the supermarket, at the office – you get the idea.

And so we’d advise you to wear Jacqueline Clarke’s rather lovely Concave Caviar Ring anywhere, and everywhere. The oversized ring certainly falls into statement jewellery territory, with miniscule glass beads in a vivid sapphire shade sparkling from a soft, burnished gold setting. The intriguing form is somehow reminiscent of the spirit of Zaha Hadid’s flowing designs, resulting in a very modern shape which is both unusual and unique. It’s one of those rings which is bound to elicit both remarks and covetous looks from anyone with excellent taste. The Concave Caviar Ring makes a subtle statement. The best kind to make really.

What to wear with? Well we could advise you to dress up a simple black cocktail ensemble, but if you know anything at all about fashion and vaguely appropriate dress, you probably already mentally working through outfits that would show off Jacqueline Clarke’s ring to its best advantage. Crisp summer whites could be another perceptive choice. But honestly, if you love this ring as much as we do, you’ll want to wear it with everything, all the time. And why not?

The Jacqueline Clarke Concave Caviar Ring is available to buy online at Wolf & Badger.

P.S. There are also some matching Caviar Earrings if you’re feeling particularly flush…

Liberty & b store: the perfect sundress?

Longer days and the hint of warmth in the air can mean only one thing; summer’s just around the corner. Before you consider those endless hours spent lazing in the park, dancing around the best of Europe’s festivals and chilling out at the beach, there’s one essential seasonal item you need to lock down; the perfect sundress. Yes, all of the glossy magazines are covered with shouty headlines about bikinis, but really your first priority in buying clothes to fill a summer wardrobe should be choosing a relaxed, pretty sundress. Waking up to the sunlight streaming through your windows, there’s not a moment to be lost – picnics are to be organised, garden parties attended and hours spent doing nothing much other than chatting with friends and drinking chilled fizz.

We think we may just have found that elusive frock; taken from the too-cool-for-school collaboration between two London institutions, b store and Liberty, the Kim dress ticks all the boxes. The lightweight cotton is oh-so-easy to wear, while the delicate paisley pattern is what the fashionistas might describe as on-trend. A softly scooped neckline and full pleated skirt make this flattering whether you’re a beanpole or someone celebrating womanly curves.

And did we mention the pockets? Often overlooked in womenswear, the fantastically practical addition of pockets takes this dress from an A- to a definite A+. It’s the killer detail, ladies. Obviously you’ll probably still need a handbag, but if you’re just heading to the park to read the papers and enjoy the sunshine, you can pop keys, phone, lip balm and all of those other essentials in these handy draped pockets. Start planning parties, picnics and lots of doing absolutely nothing at all…

The B Store Loves Liberty Kim Dress is available to buy online on ASOS and b store.

Atalanta's Weller's chic, feminine designs

Who is she?

Atalanta Weller is a woman who knows what other women want; beautiful, conceptual shoes. Inspired by the fashionable likes of Prada and the design talents of architects such as Pier Luigi Nervi, Atalanta Weller’s style destiny became clear as soon as she immersed herself in the world of shoes.

Following her studies at the prestigious Cordwainers College in London, the young designer put her best foot forward with her feminine and innovative shoe designs. Atalanta Weller the brand took shape in 2009 making its mark on the fashion industry by winning the covetable NEWGEN award for three consecutive seasons.

Equipped with incredible vision and futuristic flair, Weller went on to break the rules of fashion convention with her shoe designs, collaborating with fellow avant-garde designers Henry Holland and Gareth Pugh along the way. A wealth of experience combined with natural instinct has enabled her to create collection after collection that shoe lovers around the world inevitably fell head over heels for.

The Look?

Inspired by iconic femme fatale costumes, Weller’s designs allow the wearer to exude sexuality and power. Tapping into the intersection between fashion and design, femininity remains at the forefront of all of Atalanta Weller’s concepts, with comfort refusing to take a back seat thanks to her proficient technical knowledge.

Designing for the independent and fashion-forward woman, sculptural shoes based on avant-garde ideas, sit alongside playful twists on the more conventional styles of wedges and stilettos in her collections. Her ‘Woven Wonders’, ‘Poodle Shoes’ and ‘Cubes’ display the designer’s courage, creativity and faith in her own designs, while her SS12 collection takes inspiration from fishing boats and ocean liners by exploring a fresh colour palette of crisp marine blues and naturally warm orangey-reds.

The Buzz?

Owning a pair of Atalanta Weller shoes, ensures that you’ll be following in the fashionable footsteps of Sienna Miller and Nicola Roberts. Plus it’s an investment in fashion history too; the Victoria and Albert has purchased two of her designs to be held in their permanent fashion collection. In March 2012, ATALANTA by Atalanta Weller was launched at Urban Outfitters, offering a more affordable way to get your hands on the designer’s covetable shoes.

Where to Buy?

Atalanta Weller is sold on the shelves of  directional fashion boutiques, including The Convenience Store in London and Fashion Mixology in Oslo, as well as online on Young British Designers and Coggles.

Atalanta's SS12 collection takes inspiration from fishing boats with a fresh colour palette of crisp marine blues warm orangey-reds

Meet the Michael By Michael Kors Jalita. In a flattering café au lait shade, these sandals will match anything and everything you could ever wish to frolic in from now until September, whether you’re sporting a floral frock at a summer wedding or offsetting the acid-bright neon tones of a body-conscious sports chic look. And with a midi wedge heel, comfort is assured whether you’re wandering around hot, dusty cities on a long weekend away or negotiating public transport in sultry August heat.

Shoe. Concerns. Solved. Let the summer begin.

Get ready to hop, skip and dance into the summer with Michael Kors' Jalita sandals. We're fairly sure they go with everything!

Zalando offers shoes, accessories and fashion from over 1,000 brands including By Marlene Birger, Paul & Joe and Alice By Temperley, with free shipping and returns available.

Lanvin's take on the sports luxe trend...

Imagine, for a brief moment, that sometimes it’s more practical to run in flats rather than heels, and that occasionally it’s not a bad idea to prioritise comfort over glamour. If we were to slip off the vertiginous Manolos and pop on something a little more relaxed, this season we’d definitely be rocking these stylish sneakers designed by the marvellous Mr Alber Elbaz for fabulous French fashion house Lanvin.

The sports luxe trend has reared its confusing head once again, leaving us wondering whether we can really get away with wearing jogging pants any time, anywhere – and whether it doesn’t look just a little silly pairing said sportswear with heels. Lanvin’s fun high-top trainers are perhaps the most glitzy sports shoe you’ll find; printed with a blingy diamond pattern they’ll add a hint of athletic chic to your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Contrast the monochromatic tones with a flash of go-faster neon, and pair with slim fit jeans or well-cut city shorts. Steer clear of those performance fabrics, racer backs and sporty cutaways at all costs – have you ever seen a Parisienne break a sweat? No, didn’t think so…

Lanvin diamond-print canvas and leather high-top sneakers are available to buy online here.

TIme to really organise your wardrobe?

When it comes to fashion, trends come and go quicker than you can say “super luxe hides”. Then, given the dominance of vintage and retro in the style stakes, it feels pretty risky to throw anything away. In all this it is the humble wardrobe that suffers. This poor, ill-used item of furniture must take the brunt of our never-ending quest for the perfect outfit. Something must be done, or rails will buckle and hangers will break. So prepare yourself for the ultimate wardrobe detox:

Try it all on

You’ll need to put each and every garment through its paces. If you’re not strong enough to go it alone, invite some friends over for moral support and second opinions. You may also want to have a stiff drink to hand. Honest feedback on those skinny white 7 For All Mankind jeans you thought looked so good can sting.

Chuck the ugly

We’ve all been guilty of getting carried away with a trend that simply doesn’t suit us. Own up to your body shape and the colours that work for you. If in doubt think ‘would I wear this to cocktails with Trinny and Susannah?’. If the answer is a whimpery ‘no,’ then you know what to do.

Jettison the ‘I’ll grow into it’s

Optimism is lovely when you’re thinking about what the weather might be like tomorrow. But when it comes to the size of your clothes, optimism is tragically misplaced. Your wardrobe is too special to be clogged up with clothes that do not – and will never – fit you.

Banish the bargains

Discounts can sometimes offer a lure that is impossible to resist in the shop. But when you get home and you’re no longer blinded by the flattering mirrors and twinkly lights, blunders can be revealed. Don’t let an item worm its way into your permanent collection simply because it was a steal.

Question your staples

If you’re anything like me, it’s best to count the number of little black vests you have by the dozen. ‘It goes with everything’ and ‘it’s so useful’ are phrases that won’t cut it during a wardrobe detox. Cut your hoard down to the bare essentials and – while you’re at it – you might want to consider being a little more creative from here on in…

…and then?

Once you’ve faithfully followed the steps above, you should find yourself with a gargantuan pile of garments waiting patiently for a new home. Don’t let them down. It’s now time for some good to come from your cull. Below you’ll find some of the best ways to get the most from your wardrobe rejects:

● Car boot sales: In the UK, you can use The Carboot Junction to find an event near you. Then load up your motor (or that of a generous friend) and head out to seek your fortune. If you’re new to car boot sales, remember to check the weather, give some thought to presentation and prepare yourself for an early start.

● eBay:This website is essentially a car boot sale made easy. For a decent listing you’ll need a keen eye for photography and a thorough description – then the patience to spend a lot of time in the post office, queuing to post your sold goods.

● Preloved:This adorable little site works in pretty much the same way as eBay. The main difference being that it doesn’t charge listing fees or selling fees to private sellers.

Welcome to a new, organised wardrobe!

● Etsy: Creative types may want to pop pimped clothes on this handmade equivalent of eBay. Clothing on this US-based site tends to be feature pieces, so do take a look at what’s currently on offer to see if your items will suit. Like eBay it’s free to join Etsy as a seller, though listing and selling fees will apply.

● Covert Candy:  By listing your clothes on Covert Candy you can earn credits to spend elsewhere on the site. Money never changes hands on this big online swap-shop, keeping things pretty simple.

● Clothes Agency:  Boasting brands such as YSL, All Saints and Vivienne Westwood, the Clothes Agency makes second-hand shopping feel positively decadent. Warning: If the items you’re selling are more New Look that Louis Vuitton this site may not fit the bill.

● Champagne and Lemonade: Like the Clothes Agency, this site boasts a range of brands that will have your eyes goggling; from Stella McCartney to Chanel Vintage. It also includes a Never Once Worn section, so if any of your jettisoned items didn’t even make it out the door that should do very nicely indeed. Similar sites include Vestiaire Collective and Covetique.

Sportswear: Culture

American designer Claire McCardell was the voice of sportswear in the fifties. She introduced the words  “practical” and “comfortable” into women’s fashion, and may we celebrate her for this. Fan of ballet flats? Thank McCardell. What she also did was pioneer how to pull off sportswear without sacrificing femininity. Her designs included mix and match separates from leotards to hoods, pedal pushers to playsuits. (Short interlude: are pedal pushers going to make a come back? I’m fearful they are.)

McCardell’s “popover” dress, a wraparound design in linen or denim, sold in the thousands. Its USP: “the modern woman could both be chic and do the cooking,” says the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Or take her cotton gingham halter-neck summerdress. This design emulated the move away from tailored couture to fabrics that flowed around around the body.

Another key influence on sportswear was Bonnie Cashin. Her androgynous designs incorporated checked trousers (similar to those worn by Mad Men’s Betty Draper) and ponchos and tunics were her trademark silhouettes.  Women could dress in trousers and a shirt without surrending to menswear designs. Hoods were introduced too, in the form of ultra-long necks on sweaters, designed to be pulled over the head.

Coco Chanel was also a pioneer for making sport chic, way before the Americans got on board. During World War One, Coco began designs based on the idea of women’s sports, offering flannel blazers, sailor tops, long-line jersey sweaters and straight linen skirts.  One hundred years later, Chanel’s designs keep to the brand’s founding concepts of simplicity and casual elegance.

Sportswear from Claire McCardell's classic dress and playsuit to Bonnie Cashin's androgynous shapes and Coco Chanel's sports chic

Sportswear: Catwalk

Via the elusive Chinese whispers in the design world, sports style was big news on the catwalks for the Spring/Summer 2012 shows.

● In Paris, British designer Stella McCartney mixed her love of simple, wearable separates with a stroke of sexiness, with a collection featuring one-shoulder silky mini dresses and asymmetrical sporty mesh tops.

● Victoria Beckham branched out from her signature style of feminine, tailored dresses into “technical sportswear” with a range of hooded jackets with pockets and zipper detailing and even – wait for it – glossy baseball caps.

● As might expected for a sportswear company, Lacoste came out tops with the athetic trend. Classic jersey polo dresses were given a modern update with 1920′s dropped waists, while the entire collection exuded an air of effortless, urban chic.

● If you truly desire a revival of jogging bottoms as daywear, Rag & Bone showed how to do this without looking like you’re actually going jogging, pairing a pair of blue silky drawstring pants with an semi-sheer white shirt and sky-high platforms.

Chic, sleek sportswear-inspired designs on the S/S 2012 catwalks of Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Lacoste and Rag & Bone

Sportswear: Closet

So the history of the sports trend is decades long, fashion’s elite has stamped its approval and we’re sold on it, but if you don’t have a couple of thousand pounds spare to get up to speed with the sports trend, the high street has some purse-friendly knock-offs. Take advice from the catwalk and replace the idea of sporty brights with a monochrome palette to keep this look elegant. Mix and match is the way forward, so wear a zipped track top with tailored trousers, and tuck a fitted shirt into a pair of tracksuit bottoms. Track pants should definitely be worn with heels – tracksuit bottoms with trainers is gym chic and only that. Unless, of course you manage to track down a pair of Isabel Marant’s sold-out-everywhere sneakers…

● Topshop – Cream buckle backpack

● Filippa K – Crepe string pants

● Motel – Veronica shift dress

● Cos – Sheer panel jumper

● Isabel Marant – Wedge trainers

Look to the catwalks and mix and match athletic pieces from the high street: Filippa K, Cos, Topshop, Isabel Marant and Motel

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.

Sunshine brights by Mulberry S/S 2012

Gloomy old January; despite being perked up by the good intentions of New Year’s resolutions, a resolve to spend time at the gym and a  new health kick, the first month of the year is pretty gloomy, grey and a slight come down after the excitement of December festitivies.

So what better way to inject some positivity into the month than with a few colourful pieces to bring some sunshine to your wardrobe? Here’s our edit of some of the best brights this season, bringing a smile into getting dressed on those cold, dull days.

By Malene Birger Isara pleated silk-chiffon blouse

Vibrant as the greenest grass, By Malene Birger’s blouse is made in the softest silk-chiffon, adding a little ladylike elegance to outfits; pair with contrasting fabrics such as leather or velvet for a directional look.

ASOS plastic spike necklace

A simple white tee is all that’s needed to showcase this translucent fluoro acrylic necklace. It’s a must have for those days when nothing in the wardrobe seems to work – add this and you’ve got fashion-forward style to go.

Acne Shore CTN oversized sweater

This chunky sweater is a great transitional piece as the light cotton knit means that it’s perfect for spring and summer – investment ahoy! For now, layer over a buttoned-up shirt, and come spring, pop on over a flirty printed mini.

Haute Hippie jersey dress

Show-off style without revealing too much skin, this draped scarlet jersey dress from Haute Hippie is modern yet elegant. Keep accessories minimal and let the frock do all the talking.

Opening Ceremony suede boots

A shade of mustard so pungent it’ll make your your eyes smart, these yellow boots from Opening Ceremony are sunshine bright – guaranteed to make you smile.

Carven jacket

In crisp cotton twill, this jacket from Carven is exudes that adorable brand of girly chic that the French do so well. Wear with spring’s eye-catching printed pieces or contrasting pastels for a touch of je ne sais quoi.

H&M earrings

With the upcoming release of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, and designers from Roberto Cavalli to Etro showing pieces inspired by the jazz age, the 1920′s is the decade to channel this season. There’s hint of art deco style to these dangly earrings – and it’s hard to say no to statement jewellery at this price…

Anya Hindmarch Valorie clutch

January probably isn’t the month to throw all caution to the wind and splash out on extravagant accessories, but who can possibly resist Anya Hindmarch’s glitzy clutch? It’s electric blue. And it’s sparkly. You have a whole twelve months to ensure that this is an investment rather than a frivolity…

Miss KG Audrey flats

Cute, girly pumps with petit heel and grosgrain ribbon trim, these are perhaps the perfect shoes for a day running around town in style. And they’re Dorothy red – we love.

The best brights by: By Malene Birger, Opening Ceremony, Anya Hindmarch, ASOS, H&M, Miss KG, Acne, Haute Hippie and Carven

Now, it has been noted that others have cottoned onto the stylish wonder of the witch of late; Marc Jacobs employed the true eccentric, fabulously Gothic, and all time style heroine of this column for his Fall 2011 campaign. My Lady Bonham-Carter. I loved to hate this campaign; the anti-fashion doyenne being lauded as fabulous by those who have claimed her in the past as dishevelled, crazy and mad. It never ceases to amaze me the hypocrisy of the fashion press, it happened with a silk jersey pantsuit many moons ago and I have never forgiven them – I was right; they caught up. Eventually.

Only in this case Jacobs’ love for a grungy Goth was to answer for so I have let him off. Moreover, he paraded Bonham-Carter as if she was in a mental asylum. Oh how I how an anti-fashion statement these days. With Polka Dots. So chic.

Juergen Teller's quirky photographs of the ever eccentric Helena Bonham-Carter for Marc Jacobs' Autumn Winter 2011 ad campaign

My love for witches was apparent at an early age – obsession with the two dimensional Meg and Mog rapidly grew into adoration for the scruffy Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch. The Harry Potter sensation saw a more recent digress back into the be-caped school halls. I must confess the contemporary wardrobes incorporated into the series were of course necessary but it was Jany Temime’s interpretation of the real sorcerer’s clothing that was reminiscent of those childhood imaginings.

Dreams of boarding schools, untied shoelaces, kittens, capes, velvet and striped socks shape my style direction to this day. I won a Tiffany 12″ at a Halloween party (aka ‘Christmas for Goths’) at the age of five dressed as a bat – trust me, I’ve always loved a little devoré and ears on a headband. In the Festive spirit à la Jack Skellington, get a little witch involved for Christmas. Every December Mama Rowe gets a precise location for where to find this year’s perfect Christmas striped sock. This year its these lovelies from Happy Socks.

My favourite show for AW11 at London Fashion Week was presented by my fellow cat obsessives at PPQ . A monochromatic palette of soft silky blouses reminiscent of old YSL, high waisted pencil skirts and bad ass form-fitting LBDs covered in lace were right up my alley, however it was the feline styling that stole the show. A felt cat eared skullcap by the innovative and simply wonderful Flora McLean at House of Flora worn with a Mildred Hubble pigtail? Yes please.

Jack Skellington; PPQ's Autumn/Winter 2011 catwalk show with hats from House of Flora ; Midred Hubble from The Worst Witch

Black cats have long been the traditional go-to familiar for witches. Norse mythology has it that Freya, the goddess of love and fertility, rode in a chariot pulled by two cats which I quite fancy as a challenge to the scrutiny of the Congestion Charge. For now though, due to the restrictions of a fourth floor flat, I am wishing myself a Merry Kittymas in these; a luxurious and completely expensive choice without the responsibility of a pet is surely the divine velvet smoking slipper that goes by the name of the Kitty Flat by Charlotte Olympia? Add Ms Olympia’s stunning gold web earrings and beret for full glamour Witchery.

Top it all off, of course, with a chapeau. If Charlotte’s Web Beret and Flora’s felt Kitty are not quite your bag, there is always a creation to be found by Laetitia Crahay at the luxe Cat and Mouse Ear HQ – Maison Michel. Also as the head of accessories and jewels at Chanel, lets face it, she really does know best when it comes to all things accessoires, chic, Français et mignon.

Now I get to include The Olsens. No column is complete without at least one Olsen, but two, together, in chantilly lace animal ears? Too perfect. Mix it all together with a dash of Jean Seberg in A Bout de Souffle, a Breton stripe, some pearls and a cropped black trouser and there you have it – La Petite Sorciere Francaise.

Kitty-inspired accessories as seen at Charlotte Olympia, Chanel, on the stylish Olsen sisters, and at luxe brand Maison Michel