SUMMER BASICS: THE SILK CAMISOLE.

What feels better on your skin than any other fabric? Silk, of course. This delicate and luxurious fabric elicits thoughts of lounging in silk sheets on a luxury hotel king bed, until breakfast service arrives with a cup of coffee and viennoiseries, if in Europe, or a large stack of blueberry pancakes, if overseas. Or on a yacht overlooking the Mediterranean as the sea breeze blows around your silk robe, if on a cruise. 

Fresh out of boats and breakfast service attendants? Unfortunately, me too, but there's still a way we can incorporate this rich fabric into our lives: camisoles. Silk perfectly complements

the style of camis, since they're usually the first layer of clothing and give your skin the natural benefits of silk. Did you know silk is a body temperature regulator? Think of it as insulation; it keeps your skin hydrated. So, how can't we do without all that against our skin for the day? Trust me, you'll be satisfied of your investment.

The models of silk camisole are basically two, but they're both versatile and can be styled in different ways. So check out my personal selection:

1) THE PLAIN SILK CAMI: this clean model is going to be staple in our closet for years to come. Personally, I chose a summery white version, that I find very chic, if combined with either matching or contrasting jeans, blazer/cardigan, and layers of delicate golden necklaces.

2) THE LACEY SILK CAMI: this more elegant version with matching/contrasting lace trimmings that everyone should have in their closet, seamlessly transitions from one look to the next, since it can be worn from suiting at work to an evening out on the town, combined with distressed denim/a sleek pencil skirt + cardigan and heels. I've got two colour combinations of this model: one in delicate aqua silk + cream lace trimmings, and another one in classic black silk + ivory lace trimmings. Anyway, there's such a wide selection of wonderful pastel shades on the market, that you'll be spoilt for choice, if you choose to buy one.

And you, which style and colour combinations would you prefer of this re-discovered trend?

🌞HOW TO WEAR LEATHER IN SUMMER WEATHER IN 8 EASY OUTFITS.🌞

While still waiting for more kinder weather to come, this would therefore appear to be a good moment to take stock of the key pieces to have in our closets next season. Cotton, linen, and silk are all standard fixtures in any summer-ready wardrobe. Leather and suede, on the other hand, probably don’t come to mind when you’re getting dressed on a hot, humid day — but that doesn’t mean you should disregard these pieces entirely, especially since we all work in air-conditioned environment. Don’t get stuck thinking only of the heavyweight hides you wore through the winter. Leather of a lighter variety has been a key trend for Spring, and you can expect it to continue well into the coming season. When it comes to how exactly to wear leather in Summer, a few updates and some strategic styling will make it better suited to the rising temperatures we all hope will come soon. Certain pieces will always have a place in your outfit rotation, or at least in mine since I'm a great fan of leather, no matter the time of year. A simple leather jacket, for instance, is as essential now as ever. An elegant blazer style can be worn to the office to help elevate a plain shift dress, while a classic moto is perfect when you’re wearing a light camisole or slip dress on a cool night and want that just-enough extra layer. Beyond these seasonless staples, look for leather in summer-friendly forms. In other words, less coverage and lighter colours. The latest collections feature sleeveless and short-sleeved tops and dresses, as well as leg-baring mini-skirts and trouser shorts that help keep things airy and comfortable. Sunny brights and soft pastel hues also work since they won't absorb heat like classic black. Ahead, shop some of the coolest leather pieces for your warm-weather wardrobe, and discover chic ways to wear them in the  months ahead.
1) A modern blazer: for the minimalist, a boxy leather blazer is the perfect extra-layer to wear with a simple fitted white dress and barely heeled sandals. 

2) Short sleeves: pair a short-sleeve leather top with summery pieces like a printed skirt, shorts or pants. 

3) A lightly-coloured leather shirt: wearing a shirt that incorporates elements of bright white is certainly the seasonable way to wear leather, but also the evergreen boho-chic version is in.

4) A cool mini-dress: a puff-sleeve leather mini-dress or a more sporty shirtdress strike the perfect balance of feminine and edgy.

5) Tailored shorts: tailored leather shorts can be a power player in your Summer work wardrobe. Add a refined silk shirt and a statement belt for a fully polished look. 

6) Bright pants: a bold-coloured pair of leather pants fells suited to Summer's bright, splashy mood, while a sheer blouse helps keep things cool in the heat. 

7) A leather skirt: boho-chic has been a summer obsession for several years, so we will certainly be able to dig out a leather plain, laser-cut, or lace-up skirt from our closets and try cute combinations for the new season.

8) A moto jacket: no leather list would be complete without a classic moto jacket. Choose either a sleeveless or lightly-coloured version to throw it on over a slinky slipdress or chiffon pleated skirt, this Summer, for the perfect outer layer. 

SPRING/SUMMER TRENDS TO TRY: SHELL JEWELRY.

When the shell jewelry trend reached its peak momentum last Summer, I was uncertain about following it, since it was already late July 2018, and purchasing something that I thought would surely run its course by September seemed impractical to me. However, by the time the Fashion Month rolled around in September, it was clear that there was a new take on the shell jewelry trend — it definitely wasn’t going anywhere just yet. 
During Spring/Summer 2019 runway shows, the trend got an upgrade thanks to golden re-iterations, as well as crystal and pearl embellishments. What at first seemed like a touristy beach trend, could now be easily incorporated into anyone's everyday wardrobe in an elevated way. The fashion crowd undoubtedly took notice of this trend, too. While scrolling through Instagram in the cold weeks of December, I can recall seeing shell anklets paired with sparkly holiday heels. Seemingly season-averse, it was clear the trend would only take further hold in 2019. Instead of proclaiming that the shell jewelry trend is back and better than ever, more accurately, I'd say that it’s now opened up to offer something to everyone, since shell  jewelry are the accessories that undoubtedly scream Summertime. So, gold and pearl iterations are perfectly suited for someone with more of a classic style, while playful, neon hues are great for younger ones who are looking to explore Spring’s eclectic colour trends. For those who lean more minimal, a simple cowrie bracelet will do the trick. Personally, I love them all, since they channel my inner "California Girl". Now that I'm getting more and more nostalgia of sunny beaches and azure sea waves, the shells on my wrist serve as a gentle reminder of the urgency of organising my next seaside holidays. 
Meanhile, keep scrolling to see some of my saved pieces that I keep coming back to.

1) Earrings are an easy way to dip your hand into the trend. You can swap your everyday studs for a pair of simple shell hoops, or dress up a casual look with a pair of crystal-clad statement earrings. 

2) Cowrie chokers feel like an evolved version of the Puka shell necklace you longed for as a kid, retaining just the right amount of 90's nostalgia. the short length is also perfect for layering, since it hangs just above the other necklaces you wear on a daily basis.


3) Long necklaces are the chicest version of the trend, and suitable to mix-and-match with other pieces.

4) Bracelets are certainly the most obvious choice, but how not to mention them, since no fashion-girl can resist to the temptation of stacking them on her sun-tanned arms with either other colourful summery pieces or golden bangles.

5) Anklets are what the youngest readers will be most excited about, among all the Summer trends. If you can't resist to wear them right now, you can pair yours with either sneakers or loafers for a Boho touch, but once the weather warms up, you can add some pair of sandals to the series.

STRAW BAGS FOR SUMMER: 

THE BEST WAY TO CHANNEL YOUR INNER FRENCH GIRL.

No bag is a quintessentially summery classic as one made of straw. From baskets "à la Jane Birkin" to artisanal raffia to neatly woven wicker, this hot-weather accessory is a fashion-girl favourite, not to mention a French-girl signature - and let's admit it, we're all prone to channel our inner Parisian, whenever possible! Last year, the style was set on every straw shape and size with a remarkable tendency towards more fashionable reiterations. This  year too, the season has confirmed an addiction to the lovely handbag trend, so I've selected an edit of eight styles for every sensibility and budget, for those who, unlike me, haven't already one in the closet, as a souvenir from holidays on the French Riviera. 

Let one of these options accompany you as your go-to piece, not only to the beach...

     

1) St-Tropez style

2) Clutch

3) Round

  

4) Vintage Ladylike

5) Nautical style

 

6) Monogram/motto-customised

7) Oriental inspiration                                                             

8) High-street style

SUMMER MUST-HAVES: OFF-SHOULDER TOPS

We’re looking forward to Summer, because this season it’s all about baring your shoulders, so off-shoulder tops are the key-items! Several designers have been showing already different off-shoulder pieces on the catwalks for several S/S collections and also in the current street scene we see this trend more and more. The reason is that it manages to show a subtle amount of skin without creating an over-the-top feel. Whether you go for a chic party look or a fashionable everyday look, with an off-shoulder top you’ll create a statement appeal over and over again. Read more about this trend and see how I added it into my wardrobe with the following models.  1. Feminine-laidback silhouette An off-shoulder piece in a comfortable cotton quality can be perfect for an elegant yet casual everyday look. This off-shoulder button-down, light blue striped top is a favourite of mine, with two straps on the shoulders and a wide fold-over ruffle at the neck for a nonchalant feel. Team it with a pair of slim-fit blue jeans and white gommino driver shoes for a breezy, summery outfit, as well as a classic-meets-urban style.  2. Romantic style With this piece in a unique San Gallo lace, you’ll follow the off-shoulder trend, still showing your personal style.  The top is made from a lightweight, cotton quality, has a smoked neckline, separated sleeves, and a loose fit, thanks to its flared line. I like to wear this versatile top off-shoulder with a pair of jeans, a luxury handbag, and block-heeled sandals for a romantic ensemble with a subtle sexy feel - and finish the outfit with summery earrings and bracelets.  3. Flirty style:  This silk tank is a favourite of mine for its unusual cyclamen colour which I find very elegant and flirty with the detail of the decorative edging frill around the shoulders. I like to pair it  with black jeans and black accessories such as high-heeled sandals and a luxury chain bag.  4. High-fashion styling Easy to like and a real eye-catching piece, this black off-shoulder top with lace at the neck is in a high pure silk quality. The top has chiffon sleeves with a subtle puffed silhouette for an extra feminine touch. Be certain that with this garment you’ll leave a lasting impression! I like to wear the top high-fashion with black jeans and pointed heels or over-the-knee-boots, and accessorise the look with loop earrings and multiple bracelets to create an edgy, boho-chic style.  After this selection of trendy tops, my advice is definitely to invest in an off-shoulder piece this year, and you'll feel immediately summer-ready, even in this unpredictable May weather. The only necessary tip for getting a glamorous effect and avoid looking messy: wear a comfortable strapless bra underneath your tops for an elegant bare shoulder effect.