Her French Lesson:

No, this isn't about a recent trip to Paris that I took. Just the AW11 French Connection press day. Which I assure you is more interesting, unless you want to hear about me sweating into my jumper as I did NOT know Paris can hit 25 degrees in early April.

Anyways, the new collection left me with plenty to be excited about. Many 70's trends are staying on (I didn't buy those flares for nothing, phew!) and I can't wear half the colours so it means I won't shop as much. However, I do love the look of 70's fashion, and there were plenty of drool worthy pieces at this press day:

Wear with only a bra under. Great for date night (well.... if you know you'll let him get to second base). 

I love this, but I'm worried it would be difficult to wear without the jacket. Back rolls.

Yes!

Fun knit shorts for those skinny enough to look good in it. 

Ah, something we can all wear :)

Zip up your wild side for day, unzip for night.

The essential NYE party shoe. I know it's only April, but a girl's gotta plan! 

This speaks to my personal taste.

Easy way to make a statement.

For the boyfriend, but I'd definitely steal it.

Difficult colour to wear. I will shoot envious glares at you if I see you on the street pulling this off. Don't be alarmed. 

A little autumn boho chic, love!

The key to looking instantly stylish.

Her 70's Show:

I have to admit, as we dipped into trends from different eras, I had great apprehension about the moment the 70's would come around full swing. I don't know why, it's a perfectly good era. But I was actually a lot more for 80's leg warmers, skinny jeans and neon sunglasses (let's not dig those photos up...) 

I suppose the 80's remind me of childhood, being a product of the era myself. The 70's were just too close to be romantic, and far enough away that my impressions of it were made purely by photographs of my mother's youth. Maybe it was how faded the colours looked in those old pictures, a little too murky yellow.  

However, the 70's trend has quickly won me over and I can't wait for the shops to be fully stocked. I already snatched a bargain £15 pair of high-waisted, wide leg jeans from Miss Selfridge (go now, they may still have some!!) And no doubt my shoe collection will be expanding with all sorts of colourful, feathery wedges. I also feel tingles of excitement at the prospect of rocking my candy pink Lacoste aviators once more. 

So here are some of my new favourite trends that I can't wait to embrace in Spring/Summer:

FLARES

I can hear all my girlfriends in Canada who took ages to convince to wear skinny jeans yell out in horror. Sorry girls, flares are coming back, but don't throw away those skinny jeans! They're staying too. Certainly won't help my decision-making problems in the morning; but what do I feel like wearing today??

PLEATS AND BOHO DRESSES

Not only are they gorgeous, but isn't a terrific way hide all those rolls you accumulated over winter? Also loving the muted colours. Not so murky yellow after all!

STRIPES

This is just becoming a classic wardrobe staple. Season after season, we see 70's stripes hit the runways and shops. And don't worry, it won't really make you look wide and fat. That's just an old wive's tale, made up by, well, old wives... and what do they know? 

TAN AND BLUE

Let's jump over to colour for a moment. This is one of my favourite combinations. So retro, yet so current! It's also great if you have a hard time pulling off tan on its own, as many of us do with our lack of, well, tans...

BLOUSES

So pretty, so easy! Just like a college girl in Cancun. If you're not feeling the bib on the left, go for the more subtle white shirt on the right. 

So there's a little taster for ya! All images were taken from ASOS. Which means if you like something, you can actually go BUY IT! OMG!! 

Her Party Time Excellent:

I'm sitting on my boyfriend's bed now, a charming cesspool of germs surrounded by used tissues, but a few nights ago I was at my work's company party all glitz and glammed. Moments before the party I was running around Oxford Street trying to find something to wear after my previous outfit suffered a severe tear (I'm looking at you, ASOS).

So to aid anyone else in a last-minute party dress panic, here are three great affordable finds on the high street, 2 of which can be found in Canada too!

Zara Brocade Skirt with Bow - £25.99

Pair with a simple tight black top and black heels for an instantly flattering shape. The bow will help hide the three course meal, and maybe even the extra dessert you convinced the waiter to give you. You glutton, you! 

French Connection Wisteria Lane Dress - £95 (ON SALE!)

Easy to wear, flattering shape, and no need to accessorise. The sequins and beads are enough glitz in itself. As a bonus, it's also on sale! 

Whistles Hexagon Print Drape Jumpsuit - £110 (ON SALE!)

Don't have time to shave your legs? Someone's clearly attending this party with her husband. Not into skirts and dressed? That's a better excuse. Look chic and elegant without the fuss, just make sure to pair it with heels. 

Her Mint Time:

It's coming up a bit late, but I also managed to get to the Mint Velvet SS11 press days last week. This is a brand I was instantly attracted to upon my arrival in London just over a year ago (how time flies!) and I keep my eyes peeled for each new collection (and sale....)

They combine an elegant style with a bit of quirk, but always keep the colour scheme nice and neutral. The results are classic pieces with an interesting twist that will leave you standing out from the crowd. And we know how hard that can be in London, thank you Camden. But here, let the pictures speak for themselves:

Gorgeous leather dress in an interesting rust colour.

Close up! So much better on leather than human skin. 

Turn the sexy up on your LBD. Still mother-in-law friendly. 

I swear, I was this close to stealing this hat! But no bad karma before Christmas please.

A little Carrie for good measure. 

I just love this colour. Gonna take a few spray tan sessions to carry it off though.

The sequel may have sucked, but we still like Carrie and her big flowers. 

Not the best shot, but this was a nice 70's style denim.