More Sugary Shades: Marni Spring 2012

The Marni collection, shown as part of Milan Fashion Week, ticked all of my style boxes: bright colours; bold patterns; sharp collars; and neat, vintage-y shapes. In some ways, it was vaguely reminiscent of the Mulberry Spring 2012 show, particularly in its use of ankle socks and ice cream shades.

So pretty, and I love the slim-fitting organza slips peeping out from beneath the different skirt lengths. For me, though, it was the eccentric, retro-feel prints that really stole the show.

I love the complementary yet mismatched use of pattern, and I am particularly enamoured with the spotted look. I think the houndstooth check bag works perfectly, and the contrasting polka dots of the dress and the collar would be such a fun look to try at home. It certainly wasn't an understated collection, then, and yet there was a certain clean elegance about it. I just hope that the high street takes note; I will be thoroughly disappointed now if the shops of Spring 2012 aren't saturated with sugar-high shades and brave, bold prints.

Socks with Everything

As I mentioned in my review of the Mulberry show, I am very pleased by the number of little socks on the Spring 2012 catwalks. They've cropped up at Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, House of Holland, and elsewhere.

Anna Sui, Spring 2012

Marc Jacobs, Spring 2012

House of Holland, Spring 2012 (Images from Style.com)

This suits me, because my ankle sock obsession is pretty much out of control right now. I've long been working socks as a daytime accessory to add a jolt of colour or quirk to an otherwise unremarkable ensemble...

... but the day version turned out to be a gateway sock. I've now graduated onto the harder stuff, and have started working socks for evening. I get some funny looks wearing this Calvin Klein dress with a white vintage belt, gold Marks and Spencer's shoes, and pink Topshop ankle socks, but it just feels so right! I am definitely not ready to let this micro-trend go just yet, and plan to try socks with everything until well into the new year!