Fashion for the Family at Zara

I visited the new Zara press showroom and fell in love with a new collection designed with Mothers and Daughters in mind. Aside from all the amazing high summer pieces that are due to hit the stores in the next few months, the "Mummy and Me" collection offers gorgeous matchy-matchy accessories for adults as well as children.

The boys mustn't feel left out - they also have stylish clothing for little guys to dress up with their Dad's...chicness for all of the family.

I-Spy Something beginning with B

Balenciaga is the brand of the moment, and has been for years (Cristóbal Balenciaga started showing his designs in the 1930's and Nicolas Ghesquiere now heads up the fashion house). It remains the show to rival the best in Paris, and currently in London, Browns sells the label in a very attainable and fresh way.

This pretty cherry blossom printed silk skirt screams "Spring Summer", but will also last for many seasons to come.


Silk printed skirt, £295, Balenciaga at Browns



Fortnum & Mason - for ladies

Fortnum and Mason, at 181 Piccadilly is a destination, not a shop. For over 300 years, it has treated customers to dazzling window displays of temptations within. Offering fresh food, to incredible hampers, a sumptuous beauty department full of lotions and potions and the grand gentleman's floor with grooming, accessories and leather goods on display.

I feel very quite like a silly girl when I walk through Fortnum's as it is a place that most definitely ladies shop. Not girls. The milliner section (hats to you and I) on the 2nd floor has these beautiful designs for sale, if only I had a royal wedding to go to...

On the same floor, in the beauty department, an array of scented soaps, laid out like delicious macarooons (don't bite one!)

And finally, when I was feeling a little out of my depth, I stumbled across something bound to cheer anyone up....who doesn't need a decorated shower cap? Ahh, not so scary now, I like it here, I think I'll stay for a spot of tea!

"I love wearing light silky blouses, but hate to see bras underneath - what should I wear?"

The classic silky blouse works with so many looks - it smartens up a great pair of jeans, can be worn to work meetings with smart skirt or can be layered under sweaters or cardigans for a preppy look.

However, bulging bras or unsightly lace details, can all but ruin the look. I suggest tracking down the perfect fleshy smooth bras, of which I can't really fault Bodas with its Smooth tactel range. Available in 4 colourways and in soft, underwired and padded bras, the fabric is light, but long-lasting making it comfortable to wear everyday.



Smooth tactel bra, £36 Bodas

 It is also available in sheer options...

Sheer Tactel bra, £40 Bodas

The store has so much more than underwear on offer (even though it is incredible at just that!) - be sure to check out the stylish swimwear and 100% cotton t-shirts, as well as oh-so-stylish nightwear (think men's cotton pj's ).

Bring Marrakesh home with you

I was lucky enough to travel to Marrakesh in January for work, and a spot of winter sun. We stayed in the most beautiful Villa Ezzahra where the on-site staff couldn't have been more friendly, helpful and indulgent. I personally indulged in the hammam spa (what an experience!) and we ate the most delicious home-made food for days. The decor in the house and grounds is breath-taking, as is the attention to detail.

We also spent an afternoon touring the markets - not the medina souks, but the "real" Marrakesh markets. We found a treasure-trove of furniture, accessories, decor and more. As always, I couldn't possibly bring back all the things we craved, so I was thrilled when I saw Graham and Green's summer collection with Moroccan influences...

Leather Pouffe, £129 each

Bone inlay tray, £225

White metal bed-side table, £295

Now all I need is to import the sunshine...

Feathers from Milan catwalk to the Rio Carnaval

Frida Giannini's A/W 2011 designs for Gucci signalled the house's 90th anniversary. The 1970's are still well and truly in her mind (and our wardrobes?) but referencing more Angelica Houston, with fur, colour and glamourous fedora hats. Models strutted with glossy berry lips and feathers in their hair.

Birds of a feather flew south to Rio Carnaval, for a more extravagant party vibe....

Milan Fashion Week style notes

The fashion cavalry travelled to Milan, and the designers did not disappoint. The buzzwords - "maximal modernism" meaning pared down, simple clean shapes in opulent fabrics and decorative details. Trends cover most decades of fashion from 1920's dropped waist dresses, to 1950's prim lady-like looks, to 1960 and 1970's....

- 1970's trend is staying put

Gucci A/W 2011

 

Missoni A/W 2011

- Grown-up ladylike luxe 

Bottega Veneta A/W 2011

Jil Sander A/ W 2011

- 1960's prints, buttons and details

Prada A/W 2011

- Stars

Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2011

Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2011

- Checks and quirky tartan (more to come in Paris)

Maxmara A/W 2011

Etro A/W 2011

Marni A/W 2011

- Knee high boots - be sure to expect more of these in Paris....

Prada A/W 2011

Prada A/W 2011