11:45pm Wednesday 27th January 2010
By SEE - Real fashion (from Journalist Works)
by Emma Laurence
Ahoy SEE-sters! We know it’s been a while but, fear not, the three of us have been busy getting to grips with the biggest and best new trends for Spring/Summer 2010.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be giving you our top tips to see you through the next season in style. First up, it’s lovely lace…
Ever since I first visited Nottingham’s infamous Lace Market as a pre-teen, I have been a fan of lace. When I was growing up, it seemed so sophisticated and elegant — everything I dreamed of as an ungainly, spotty teen.
It’s had its place in high street fashion in one form or another for as long as I can remember… Warehouse has always done a great line in elegant lace-trimmed blouses while Topshop was, I think, the first to reinvent chintzy lace tights for us children of the eighties. But I sometimes feel it gets a bad rap, written off by many as too fussy or frumpy.
This year (hooray!), lace is making a breakthrough in a big way, stealing centre stage at Chanel, Givenchy and Dior no less during the Haute Couture shows in Paris last week.
I love lace because it can soften or sharpen an outfit depending on how you wear it — go all-out with a pair of Lady Gaga-esque bunny ears or play it cool by layering creamy pinks and beiges.
I’m not convinced by the recent resurrection of underwear as outerwear however. I tried this in my slightly less ungainly and spotty late teens with fairly horrendous results so won’t be stocking up on sheer ‘can you see my bra?’ sweaters just yet.
This black lace blazer (£39.99 from River Island), however, is a must-have as far as I’m concerned. It’s smart enough to spice up your work-to-weekend wardrobe and just girly enough to ease you out of your winter woolies in time for Spring.
Sarah: “Lace is with us for the long run. Lacy leotards were the first to hit the shelves back in the summer and then came dresses, tops and, by the arrival of winter, leggings. I love this blue dress as it’s so versatile — add a skirt and it becomes a top, add a top and it’s a skirt! Three outfits in one for just £5.99 from Oxfam (originally H&M). Keep accessories simple and eye make-up strong to pull off the lacy look.”
Ellie: “I've been a bit adventurous this week and bought a leotard. Yes, that's right, a leotard. No, I have not lost my mind. Paired with a simple cream skirt, it avoids all the top tucking-in that normally accompanies the high-waisted trend. It was a bargain find at £15 from New Look and goes with everything as well as ticking the box for one of this season's top trends.”
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