IS SILK KIMONO THE NEW SUMMER CARDIGAN?

Say hello to the kimono! Since last Summer the traditional Japanese garment has gained high-street appeal and we are all obsessed by this trend. Lightweight and fluid, the kimono feels like perfection and has evolved from being a traditional Japanese piece to finding mainstream appeal among today's buzziest celebrities.

Translated, the Japanese word "kimono" means "something to wear", and thanks to its versatile robe-like silhouette, it goes with almost everything, since it's the easiest piece to throw on over jeans and a tee to get a super-cool look and warm us up during the slightly chilly summer evenings.

Personally, I love this garment for its vintage and quite decadent look, reminding of the nonchalantly Roaring Twenties' Flapper-style, but still working well beyond the boudoir. 
Anyway, there are several ways to style it this year, both long and short, so that it’s possible to find stunning designs to be paired with workwear and party essentials, according to one’s preferences and personal tastes. 
I know many ladies who are still a bit confused about wearing a kimono as a topper, since they find it too trendy; I think they should give it a try and I'm sure they won't regret.  For all readers who are still uncertain about their choice, I’ve tried to sum up three essential models for easy combinations, which can be varied according to one’s different moods:
- A folk-inspired floral/lace kimono with which can be embellished with fringes, to be matched with black top and shorts, for a hippie-girl gone modern and sophisticated.

- A monochrome kimono for an elegant and relaxed style, over a matching crop-top and printed shorts/skirt.

- A maxi kimono-robe with side slits, which looks perfectly styled with either simple cuffed skinnies  or a long dress and heels, for a "fashion blogger/editor" look.

Finally, my favourite style is a "passepartout" soberly flirty version, perfect for wearing to parties or lounging by the pool and consisting in an oriental-flower pastel and black/white silk short model paired with a simple white tank tucked in a denim mini-skirt and accessorised with necklaces and flat sandals; I like a longer version as well, stylishly matched to skinnies and heels. 

So, if you're thinking of buying a kimono this year, then don't think, just take it: it's a pretty fabulous piece for making your overall outfit look bright and sexy and it will provide you with an excellent source of inspiration for your transitional looks up to fall.

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

OUR HOOPS NEED AN UPDATE, AND THIS SUMMER EARRING TREND IS IT.

Like the precious possessions once worn on bracelets, dainty charms are now back in fashion, but in an unexpected place - dangling on a pretty pair of hoop earrings. Personally, I love hoops, since I find them particularly becoming on me. Though they've truly always been in style, they have stood out as the "it" earrings of the past few seasons. Now, they've got an update to the tune of small stars, hearts and even seashell charms. Consider a shiny pavé version to dress up any summertime outfit, or naturally, pair a nautical style with your next bathing suit or old beachwear. On my recent vacation in France, I bought two pairs of pretty hoops with small coloured beads and Southern-France themed charms, on a stall selling hand-made "bijoux" at St-Tropez's market. I'm really fond of their particular summery-boho inspiration and they will always remind me of my holidays on the French Riviera. Back home, I found also some refined models by some Italian brands, that I'm going to show you in my pictures. Anyway, I'm sure that, with so many options to choose from, it will be easy to pick the piece that feels most special to you too. In that way, they're a bit like the charm bracelets of the past but, this time, with a grown-up twist.

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.