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.

Elizabeth Olsen Gives Good Collar

I don't really know much about Elizabeth Olsen, except that she's the actress sister of Mary Kate and Ashley. I have become aware of her mostly through the Style.com app on my iPhone. Her chipper little face keeps cropping up in candid party shots, and she always - but always - looks amazing. It helps that she's beautiful and that she's got great hair, but her outfits are pretty nifty too.

I really love what she's wearing at the Missoni for Target launch (directly above), and I can actually imagine it being pretty easy to achieve at home; all you'd need is a patterned sleeveless shift, a clean white shirt, coloured tights, and a pair of lace-ups. She's lucky the style gene (like the acting gene) runs in the family. I mean, if your sisters name a high-end fashion label after you, the pressure must really be on to hold your end up.