the bold print that is everywhere this summer

With colourful patterns such a hot trend right now, it was only a matter of time before we embraced the foliage print along with other more conventional styles. Give your geometrics and stripes a miss for a while – this season it’s all about palm, cactus and leaf designs from top to bottom. Whether you opt for a subtle piece of swimwear or a bold jumpsuit, this is the colourful style that everyone can wear.

French Connection, Whistles, Zara and Topshop are all purveyors of the trend, with pretty camis, work-appropriate blouses and structured trousers part of their repertoire. Check out my favourite pieces below – whether you sport them now or save them for somewhere more exotic, you’ll appreciate a little bit of nature being brought back to your daily grind.

1. Topshop Palm print jumpsuit - £39.99

2. Zara printed bomber jacket - £39.99

3. Whistles leaf embroidered sweater - £75.00

4. French Connection Lala palm drape wide leg trousers - £85.00

5. Zara palm tree print sneaker - £29.99

For more inspiration follow my pinterest board - Summer 16 bold prints

shake those pompoms!

Head pompom!

Within a season a micro trend often comes along that's fun, frivolous and plays on our inner child. So while I'm feeling optimistic about the warmer weather, let's jump board the sweetie train and embrace the colourful pompom into our stylish lives.

The best way to wear this trend is through accessories as they will change up any outfit and are relatively in expensive. Some high end designers have added pompoms to their shoes, bags and jewellery and where they lead, the high-street follows.

Dolce and Gabbana Pompom shoes

So whilst these Dolce and Gabbana pompom shoes aren't exactly practical, these ones from Glamorous at ASOS certainly are!

Glamorous pompom sandles, £29.00, asos

I am currently obsessed with finding the right clutch bag with pompoms on it to take on holiday with me. But with so much choice it's hard to make my mind up.

Textured envelope bag, £29.99, Mango

Star Mela floral clutch, £60, asos

A fab statement necklace is he bets way to show case this trend. This one is from Zara for £17.99, it will see you through the Summer and can be worn in the daytime or dresses up for the evening - everyone's a winner!

Pompom necklace, £17.99, Zara

You can even have the mutli-coloured ball's in your home -

Boho Pom Pom mirror, £16, notonthehighstreet.com

Or if you are crafty, there is nothing stopping you from making your own trend inspired pompom adornments.

Pompomania, £3.99, amazon

No one can be in a bad mood in the presence of a pompom which is why I am encouraging you to go forth and purchase something now! Share with me what you have brought in the comments below or on social media.

put a spring in your step

The 5 pairs of shoes you will need this Summer.

Finally the clocks have gone forwards and so now's the time to discuss spring shoes. What can we wear on our feet to make us feel “new season”. So shoe lovers rejoice, this season it's all about what you are walking in so step up your shoe game and book that pedicure now!

1. The Ballerina

Let your inner Ballerina shine through with the biggest move on for the flat shoe we have had in years. It's the soft, tie up, true ballerina shoe. These from Mui Mui are what little girls dreams are made of...

Check out Kurt Geiger for a more affordable pair in white, pale pink or tan - £89.00 Kitty flat ballerina

2. The espadrille

So easy to slip on, so versatile and in so many prints and colours, what's not to like about them? I love my Boden espadrilles - £69.50

3. The no-back loafer

At its simplest it’s like a prayer shoe, but this season anything backless goes: loafer, block heel, espadrille. Last year's biggest shoe for the fashionista's from Gucci, this one from Topshop KOLA loafer £59.00 is a little bit more in my price range!

4. The pimped-up trainer

Trainers or sneakers are thankfully here to stay as a trend item. But who says they have to be plain, white and boring like Victoria Beckham. Many designers have pimped their's up with metallic's, embroidery, colours and jewels. River Island high top trainer - £95.00

5. Block heel's

Chunky block heels ruled the runway, which are not only on-trend but also comfortable. Our feet will be very happy! Whistles VOE high sandal - £185.00

6. For that style statement shoe, go with Pom Pom's

Zara Pom Pom sandles £ 49.99

Style rules for transitioning into Spring summer

This week I finally went outside without my Winter coat on! Enough was enough, it's April and I was still wearing my winter scarf round my neck and sometimes even putting my woolie hat on. BUT then the sun came out and I feel I can finally move forward towards Spring style.

With it being so cold it's hard to make that transition from Winter to Summer without feeling the chill. So if the thought of trying to give your winter pieces a spring-appropriate umph is overwhelming, I'm here to share with you my style tips on how to transition your daily wardrobe from the big freeze to the well, slightly milder change without a complete wardrobe overhaul.

1. Double jacket

It's jacket season, but the key to keeping warm is layering your jackets up on top of each other. My favourite is wearing my black biker jacket underneath my khaki parka, leather is warm and always instyle as it can be teamed with anything. Bomber jackets are also good for layering, put your denim jacket on underneath one and you have two great layers to keep you warm. Failing the double jacket look, you can invest in a lightweight Summer duster coat that will see you through Spring, Summer at Autumn, my bright yellow one is my go-to piece for this time of year.

2. Layer-up

Layers, layers and more layers is currently my unofficial motto! So to ensure you beat the April showers and are prepared for glorious sunshine, in equal measure, use what you already have in your wardrobe to keep you warm underneath your lightweight jacket. Wear your stripe tee, with a denim shirt, thrown over the top is a sweater all worn underneath your bomber jacket.

3. Scarves

The key to transitional dressing is being prepared for all the elements – the Great British weather means having sunnies and an umbrella on you at all times. Ensure you always have an extra layer of warmth with a chic lightweight scarf – opt for neutral hues that are ready to be paired with any look, and tie around your bag when you don’t need it for an extra accessories injection.

Jigsaw floral print scarf, £49.00

Zara stripe cotton scarf, £17.99

Becksondergaard Scarf, The Dressing Room £65.00

4. Get rid of the winter boots

Pop those Winter boots back in the cupboard for next year and it's time to get the flats out. I am currently living in my trainers, brogues and loafers to update my look, but I can't wait to move into my ballerina flats and espadrilles when it does eventually get warmer (see next week's blog on Summer's hottest shoe trends). From lace-up flats, a now familiar sight on shop floors, to pretty scallop-edged pumps, there are numerous offerings to give your wardrobe an injection of femininity. If you’re after a more androgynous look, invest in a pair of tassel-detailed brogues.

5. Add some colour!

Desperate to ditch the black and winter hues in favour of something brighter but aren’t quite ready to go the whole hog in bold colours? Injecting colour into your wardrobe now will brighten up your mood and your style. Last week I blogged about colour and what colours can do for you if you wear the right ones. Add a touch of Rosa Quartz to your look. A hot colour trend this season (see last week's blog post), give the feminine tint an edge by teaming it with an otherwise monochrome look – from a pale pink coat to a candyfloss knit, it’s the perfect spring shade to bring your wardrobe up to date.

Cos Coat £150.00

Zara Asymmetrical blazer £69.99

Oasis paper bag trousers £40.00