Last week saw the star-studded Harvey Nichols Spring/Summer fashion show, and whilst we reported back on the latest trends, we still thought you’d like to hear from the woman behind the styling of the show. Here, Dawn Williams, Personal Shopping Manager at Harvey Nichols, discusses the key trends for this season.

This season will see a real emphasis on prints; more technical and digital in style than past seasons. Eye catching colour for the summer season combined with striking prints appeals to a new generation of designers more used to working with computer graphics. Upcoming designers such as Peter Pilotto and Mary Katrantzou have produced some of the most attention grabbing pieces, while McQueen has featured prints inspired by engineering and technology also introducing these prints to his MCQ diffusion line. Diane Von Furstenberg who always produces beautiful print-work has introduced strong vibrant colours to her collection this season with hot pinks being the main focal point. Cavalli is the main proponent for printing we featured his gorgeous chiffon maxi dress in a myriad of colours on our SS10 runway. This is one trend not for shrinking violets.

Denim will be a real feature of most collections, especially clashing denim on tops and bottoms. D&G has really gone for this trend and it forms the basis for their current Ad campaign. This is not a subtle look; denim this season should be head to toe, lighter washes were the most popular on the catwalks with mixed textures of patchwork, ripped and frayed jeans and matching shirts. Designers such as Ralph Lauren, See by Chloe and Jeremy Scott all featured head to toe denim looks. On our SS10 catwalk we had whitewashed Juicy denim in a head to toe look as well showcasing silver denims from Sass and Bide and denim dresses by Paul Smith and Armani Jeans.

Lingerie as outerwear will also feature heavily with lace being a strong feature. Stella McCartney is one of the main users of this delicate fabric featuring it throughout her collection. Underwear as outerwear has inspired some of the prettiest and most delicate designs this season; luxurious fabrics and a body-con influence feature on bustiers, suspender belts, pants, sheer layers and bra tops. This trend features even in the smallest detail – e.g. lace edges on knitwear and dresses or layers of chiffon or tulle. Designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Christopher Kane, Antonio Berardi and Marc Jacobs have all embraced this trend. This trend can be as dramatic or as subtle as you like; we showed lace bows on LBD’s and emerald green babydolls from D&G and nude chiffons and silk at Hoss Intropia.

Tribal is the new twist on Safari this season with a distinctively urban feel, divided into two camps – utilitarian pieces and khakis as seen on the catwalks at Gucci, Sportmax and Sass and Bide, and more striking tribal and animal prints seen at Dolce & Gabanna, Alice (Temperley) and Cavalli. Both lend themselves to the summer season, the fabrics being tough and durable yet tailored and feminine.

Candy Girl colors dominated most of the spring summer catwalk shows, a return to femininity and girly-ness, candy ice cream colours and pastels – baby blues and pinks, lemon sherbet, spearmint and lilac, sugary shades on the softest fabrics, wispy and sheer on chiffon, feathers and delicate embellishment. These pretty palettes are made high fashion by strong cuts and lines, thigh high skirts and splits but still very much a return to innocence – Lolita style. Sonia Rykiel, Alice and See by Chloe showcased some of the strongest looks. Our SS10 fashion show demonstrated how wearable this trend can be, pairing D&G floral chiffon blouses with candy colored boucle jackets.

My final strong trend for this season has to be draping. Fluid jersey continues to be the fabric du jour with the standout brand this season being Halston Heritage; featured in the upcoming Sex and the City sequel, this line from the famous Halston fashion house takes inspiration from its archives in the 70s and showcases gorgeous jersey silks in simple designs. New to Harvey Nichols this season, these will be some of the most sought after pieces for spring/summer with Sarah Jessica Parker pioneering the brand. Elizabeth and James, Donna Karan and Black Halo were all seen on the Harvey Nichols catwalk thoroughly embracing this luxe trend.

That’s my round-up of some of this season’s key trends. There are plenty more out there so get browsing and give yourself the ultimate Spring Summer wardrobe.

Cheer up the woeful winter with the latest and greatest accessories.  At The Mailbox, we’ve picked the best bags, jewellery, shoes and boots to inject some glamour into your party wardrobe.

1. They may be the last thing you put on, but they’re the first thing to get noticed so make sure you accessorise in style. A statement necklace or a classic cuff is a perfect way to finish off your party ensemble. Aiko and Jaeger have a fantastic jewellery range to bring sparkle and shine to your outfit.

2. A pair of gorgeous earrings adds elegance and sophistication. Whether it’s simple studs or vintage glam, the perfect pair will complete your look and Emporio Armani is the place to find them.

3. Move over the ‘It’ bag and cue more discreet, less offensive sizes and designs. Stylish satchels and trendy totes are the bags of the season in varying colours, styles and sizes. Jesire and Emporio Armani have a fantastic selection of both while Jaeger has cute clutches that can be worn all through the Christmas period.

4. From funky flats to bejeweled heels, thigh-high boots to ankle boots, the emphasis is on footwear for the party season. Daniel Footwear and Belle Scarpe have a fantastic range of shapes and styles to keep your feet looking fabulous.  D&G diamante embellished sandals are ideal for the party season. Teamed with… well anything really they’re sure to glamorise your outfit.

High end designer style needn’t cost a fortune – as Harvey Nichols proves you can have the very latest fashion must-haves from the likes of Moschino, Paul Smith and Chloe without breaking the bank

1: Juicy Couture is a much-loved label of the laid-back stylista, and its striking range of T-shirts start from £85.

2: Chloe’s diffusion line – See by Chloe – is a bang on-trend range offering great value pieces that stand out from the crowd. We love this canvas “cross doggy” tote for £60.

3: Classic Brit designer Paul Smith has launched a selection of beautifully graphic tops for the new season. This one features Parisian scenes for £95.

4: Love Moschino’s long-sleeved tees have been flying off the shelves – and no wonder. This heart design one is £70.

5: If you are looking for the perfect Christmas present for the women in your life, Elle Macpherson’s Intimate lingerie is the ideal choice. This red negligee is £50.

Form and function collide in all of autumn’s key coats, ensuring you keep fashionably weather-proofed all season long.  From strict military tailoring to loose trapeze shapes, traditional heritage fabrics to sumptuous suedes and leathers; and dramatic black to hot punchy colours, these covetable cover ups toy with the concept of shape and texture to produce some of the most elegant designs we’ve seen in years.

This season, coats are effectively the new bags and one simply may not be enough!  Whether you want mannish and oversized or neat and prim, no one style dominates so find a silhouette that suits you and let the shape do the talking. 

Slouchy shapes vie for attention with girlie princess lines, classic pea coats measure up to broad shouldered wrap coats with full width lapels, high buttoned ‘Little Drummer Boy’ military greatcoats tussle with bold trapeze styles and the classic trench, tightly belted to give added shape, continues to make the grade and take any outfit from fine to fabulous in seconds. 

Short jackets are also back with a vengeance with the ‘aviator’ look enjoying a huge resurgence this season.  Top styles to look out for are zip up leather bomber, biker or boxy double breasted jackets, but for something a little different opt for one of this season’s capes and team with slim lines down below.  Top Gun eat your heart out!

For an altogether softer look, textured knits have emerged as the alternative cover up option, with the chunky bold knit taking centre stage and becoming an important status symbol for those seeking instant style kudos.

 Gorgeously feminine luxe knits are worked into enveloping volume shapes for a soft and relaxed feel, either worn with leggings or wide trousers or doubling as slouchy dresses, cable and hand knit textures are layered to create a sexy rugged weekend look, ribbed belted cardi’s have a charming retro appeal and shaggy finishes and boucle textures are simply made for touching. 

TOP TIPS FOR GREAT WINTER DRESSING

1: The look this season is all about layers so mix different tones, patterns and weights of knitwear.   Keep warm by layering generously sized snoods and floor sweeping jumbo scarves then add gloves (preferably elbow length) for the final finishing touch.

2: Choose a coat style that’s best suited to your body shape: longer lengths for taller figures, short and cropped for petites.

3: If you are playing with big volumes on the top half of your silhouette, keep the bottom half lean

4: Belts are this season’s secret weapon in the battle to avoid the possibility of creating a bulky silhouette.  Simply nip in at the waist to instantly give shape to voluminous, puffed up coats and jackets, or alternatively belt an oversized knit for a sexy stance.

5: Money per wear, a camel coat is the best investment you can make this season.  When you make your pick, think classic, classic, classic.

6: To add an edge to your look invest in a chunky boot and go for a heel if you’re feeling brave.

7: For a tough chic statement, choose patent fabrics and zipper details

8: Keep make-up natural and carefully apply luminous cream, beige and soft pink tones to softly sculpt the face then finish with a wash of lip gloss that’s close to your natural lip colour.

Pictured – From French Connection, this coat is £230

A coat is an investment buy and with the unpredictable British weather, you may well need it to carry you the through next nine months. So, bearing this in mind, it’s time to pick one that’s highly stylish, highly versatile and highly desirable.

At The Mailbox, we have a whole host of fantastically fashionable outerwear to keep you warm, dry but most importantly, super stylish. There’s an unprecedented amount of choice so be a savvy shopper and make an informed decision about what to wear this Winter.

The Style and the City catwalk shows at The Mailbox showcased the latest and greatest to come, with a selection of coats in every style and design. From cocoon to military, collarless to sleeveless the face of the conventional coat has changed forever. This season, it’s all about shape.

Designers are playing with fabrics to give sculpted contours, novel styles and diverse collections. An Autumnal palette of emerald greens, burnt oranges, regal reds and grape as well as creamy camel all feature. This Autumn is the ‘season of the coat’ so choose one that’s right for you.

Jesire has introduced a collection that’s right on trend. Prints are big news so Jesire’s choice of leopard (pictured) and florals make that statement.
  
It may not be a new trend, but military is still huge. Team with fine knit polo necks and chunky accessories and you’re good to go. Jaeger and Emporio Armani are both advocates of military style in different colours, lengths and varying detailing.

Catwalks were brimming with fur in every form. But, if you find a full fur creation daunting, try it on collars, cuffs and belts. Olivier Strelli and Jaeger have a good mix of fur and fur trimming depending on your preference.
  
The classic camel coat is back.  A smart investment buy, it will remain a wardrobe staple for years to come. Having undergone a makeover for Autumn 2009, it’s guaranteed to spice up your coat collection. Versatile, chic and luxurious, a camel coat is in vogue for any season.

The latest trends come and go but classic styles never date. At The Mailbox, we think it’s worth investing in a timeless capsule collection of fashion fundamentals that will last the test of time.

Here’s our guide to investment buying:

1. Pieces that ooze exclusivity are always a desirable buy. A good leather bag will last years and adds appeal to any outfit. Olivier Strelli has some classic styles and shapes that are guaranteed to stay on trend. Perfectly structured with studded detailing, this leather bag makes the ultimate style statement.

2. Know the brands that specialise in the area you are looking to buy. Emporio Armani and Gieves & Hawkes excel in tailoring while Jaeger leads the way in Autumn/Winter outerwear. For shoes, look to Daniel Footwear for the best brands and the latest styles for the season.

3. Don’t be influenced by passing colour trends. Monochrome, tan and muted palettes are perennial favourites. Bold brights are more likely to date and lose their fashionability. Jesire has some fantastic monochrome styles at the moment to add some sophisticated style to your collection.

4. Less is more. Simple shapes and classic styles will always be in vogue. A pair of simple black heels is a staple in any girl’s wardrobe. Belle Scarpe has every style with varying heel sizes to suit your look. Another style essential worth investing in is the LBD. Perfect for any and every occasion, spend money on one that suits your size and shape.
Jesire has a plethora of black dresses, from sleeveless to sleeves, long or short. Whatever your preference, an LBD is an integral part of your capsule collection.

5. The best things come to those who wait. Save for that classic piece and take inspiration from trends and styles that have lasted down through the years. There’s an eclectic mix of fun styles and recurring trends for Autumn / Winter 09, so chose wisely and buy something that will sit happily in your wardrobe for years.

6. Sharp and edgy, a quality crisp white shirt is worth investing in. Spend a little extra for good tailoring and high end fabric. Thomas Pink and Hugo Boss are shirt heaven. Cool cottons and gorgeous detailing give an updated twist to the reliable fundamental. Perfect for work and equally ideal for after, it’s a fashion necessity.
This Autumn it’s all about investment dressing, so hold out for that key piece. It won’t revamp your style over night, but it will start building on a wardrobe that will last long after the latest trends have come and gone.

For many of us, our holiday wardrobe is no where near as stylish as the one we turn to during the rest of the year. It’s when you spot the biggest fashion disasters – badly fitting shorts, skimpy vest tops on those who should know better and, dare I say it, sandals and socks (gasp!).

But there really is no excuse to leave you fashion sense back in Ol’ Blighty as you head off to warmer climes – in fact, a perfect capsule wardrobe is simple to achieve.

One of the key items has to be swimwear – be smart and opt for something that won’t just see the light of day on the beach. Clever kaftans combined with bikini tops work wonders for keeping the midday sun off your sensitive parts, but equally they can be easily dressed up with some smart city shorts or linen trousers for a night out in a local taverna. Ones from Donna Karan and Missoni really caught my eye this summer.

You can always count on Juicy Couture – the celebrity label de jour – for great leisurewear, and the summer collection this year is no exception. Easy to wear with cheeky detailing, this range always proves an absolute hit with It Girls everywhere.

If you’re looking for simple but sexy summer dresses, check out Diesel Black Gold – the tie-dye T-shirt dress is great on its own, teamed with denims or black rats – while Bruuns Bazaar has a great selection of sassy ones that can be teamed with cropped cardies and gladiators for a stylish look.

Finally, our absolute must-have is the wonderfully adaptable DKNY Cozy (£150). Known as a “sweater with multiple personalities” this essential offers a complete wardrobe, because each clever Cozy has 12 different ways to wear it. In 85 per cent silk and 15 per cent cashmere, you can dress it up or dress it down; knot it or tie it. By day, it’s a soft option to a jacket; at night, it keeps you warm. Best of all, it’s great for the flight – especially as a blanket-wrap to keep you comfy.

This season, we have invited Gok Wan to Bullring to show you how to dress up and show off with this season’s plethora of exciting new trends to inspire and accessories to covet from Selfridges new luxury accessories department which launches at Bullring this September.

Whatever the occasion, give your look the ultimate lift with one of AWs essential finishing touches designed to inject new life into your look in an instant. From the most desirable knee high boots to the hottest leather clutch bags, it’s time to embrace the new season style and succumb to sensual fabrics, intricate embellishment and red hot colour.

For lasting impact in the style stakes, remember texture, pattern and a sense of luxury informs this season’s nostalgic fashions, and accessories follow suit.  Whether you choose the ‘grown up’, demure and sophisticated 1940s ladylike route from Wallis, or opt for the more youthful ‘don’t-mess-with-me’ super cool eighties route from Topshop, bold and beautiful neckpieces, irresistible bags, polished shoes and boots, eel thin belts, decadent brooches, jumbo scarves and frivolous headgear will all be on your wish list this Autumn to ensure you nod to the trends of your choice with aplomb a plenty!

Sumptuous silk, sheer chiffon, butter soft leather, opulent velvet, whimsical lacework, sturdy tweed, wet look plastic, rich suede and luxe knits all score big visual points across all accessory categories, while stud embellishment, intricate crystal beadwork, scattered sequins, romantic ruffles, tapestry, homespun appliqué work, flirty feathers, antique pearls and tough in-your-face zips and chains vie for attention in the dressing up department.

In addition, there’s an exciting array of animal, floral, paisley, ikat, houndstooth, icon photo and geometric prints and patterns to impress with, and a kaleidoscope of delicious colours from bold brights right through to soft nude hues, rustic tones and shimmering metallics, that are brilliant for jumpstarting the dramatic black and urban grey that will dominate the modern fashionista’s wardrobe through the winter months.

This season, there’s something for everyone and experimentation is key.  So let the dressing up begin and have some fun finding a look that works for you!

Key pieces:

1) The Neckpiece – go for big, bold and beautiful preferably with a heavy dose of sparkle.
2) The Headpiece – whether it be a cap, a bow, a trilby or simply a leather hair band, your head needs decorating this season.  Its time to get creative.
3) The Chain Handle Handbag – use as a clutch.  Choose leather for day and gem encrusted for evening.
4) The Over The Knee Boots – opt for flat, cone or chunky stack heels to avoid them looking trashy.
5) The Boyish Lace Up Brogues – the perfect finishing touch to this seasons drop waisted dresses and droopy coats inspired by the 1920s Bloomsbury group intellectuals.
6) The Skinny Belt – accentuate your waist with this seasons 1940s inspired ladylike tailoring.
7) The Elbow Length Gloves – wear for an instant injection of quintessential Parisienne chic.
8) The Animal Print Court Shoes – add grunt to any look at any time.
9) The Knitted Scarf – layer up with jumbo scarves and generous snoods.  Its time to get cosy…
10) The Patent Caged Sandal – an instant jolt of sex appeal for evening attire.

Top Styling Tips:

Don’t follow each trend slavishly – use accessories to balance things out.  Try wearing this season’s boyish lace up shoes with a sheer evening dress and sexy knee high boots with a flirty feminine print dress.

Pair bright splashy prints with black opaque tights to ground the look.

Don’t over accessorise when wearing dramatic shapes.  Let them speak for themselves and keep shoes and bags simple and elegant.

Go bold with accessories to keep a grown up tailored look contemporary and fun.

Don’t forget the power of make-up as an accessory this season.  For the ultimate in grown up sex appeal, master the art of beautifully precise, intensely vibrant scarlet red lips.  Keep eyes nude, brows groomed, and skin pale, then add lashings of mascara for a flutter to be proud of and carefully sweep on your perfect pout – voila!  Alternatively, go eighties-tastic with powerful glam rock smoky metallic eyes for a dramatic style with tons of attitude. 

Keep hair off the face with a slick and sexy low, tight bun or sweep up into an elegant, loose chignon or, alternatively, opt for loose tumbling waves aka Veronica Lake.  For added drama, decorate hair with Kirby grips, flowers and embellished slides.

Gok Wan will be hosting 3 live shows a day at Bullring from 24th-26th September. For tickets visit www.styleinthecityevent.co.uk and for information check out www.centreofstyle.co.uk

Summer has landed and corporate attire often leaves workers feeling hot under the collar. Clearly struggling with the morning commute, it seems our working wardrobe is dominated by stuffy suits and choking necklines.

However, business fashions are an integral part of daily life and dressing appropriately for a day in the city heat is no easy task. So at The Mailbox, we’ve come up with some summer-friendly office attire that won’t upset the boss.

1: Say goodbye to your jaded trench coat, a casual mac is key to covering up this Summer. Jésire and Emporio Armani have an impressive range of blazers and jackets that will keep you looking smart yet cool. 
 
2: Free your feet with cool  sandals or flat pumps. Daniel Footwear has great Summer footwear that’s ideal for sunny days, without exposing too much flesh.

3: Ladies, leave the sun dresses for the beach. Shift dresses are far more elegant and appropriate for the workplace. Jaeger and Olivier Strelli have some great dresses, ideal for the office or for after-work drinks.
 
4: Breathe new life into your Winter staples with a splash of colour. Black trousers teamed with bold brights will instantly enliven your look. Thomas Pink’s Summer collection is brimming with chic shirts and blouses.

5: As temperatures rise, don’t let necklines drop. A cute cardigan is the perfect way to keep covered yet remain super cool. Fat Face and Jaeger have everything from stripy shrugs to fine knits.

From its early days as hardy work wear to today’s designer offerings, denim has long been a firm favourite with cowboys and It Girls, and everyone in between.

Dating back to 1872 when Levi Strauss first took a popular European fabric and added a couple of metal rivets, jeans have become an undisputed icon of fashion. So much so that even John Galliano has described denim as the “most influential garment ever”.

Pair them with Jimmy Choos’ finest for a night on the town or with comfy trainers for a day slouching around the house, they are the take-anywhere clothes to dress up or dress down. From their right-hand twill to their ring-spun yarns, they are the one item in our wardrobes that transcend age, economic and style barriers.

Yet despite their popularity, how many of us know how to pick a pair that not only fits but more importantly flatters? To help you chose a pair of to-die-for jeans, follow this simply guide and you’ll be looking drop dread gorgeous in no time.

1 – The skinny: If you’re blessed with a model figure then there is just one look for you – skinny. Pin thin jeans remain a firm favourite again this season, but look out for added detailing like zips. If you’re not a perfect size 8 opt for a dark blue or black wash which will be the most flattering. You can also disguise a big bum and thighs with a belted tunic and wear heels to add height.

2 – The Boot-cut: The saviour for those of us who don’t possess the figure of an A-list celebrity. Despite all the fashion forecasts of the last few seasons, they remain very much de rigeur. As one of the most flattering shapes, the flared bottoms help balance out wide hips and thighs, and elongate the legs.

3 – The straight leg: Making a welcome return for the new season, a straight leg is universally flattering because regardless of your size it will make you appear taller. A number of the leading designers opt for this style because it is the most classic and long-lasting.

4 – The boyfriend: The newest addition to denim fashion is the boyfriend jeans – sexy, comfy and so wearable. Perfect for all shapes and size, they literally look like you borrowed them from your fella’s wardrobe and discovered they look better on you than him.

Pictured: The gorgeous boyfriend jeans from Sass & Bide, £190

If you need expert help with your wardrobe, why not visit the Harvey Nichols Personal Shopping department at The Mailbox store. The complimentary service is designed to take the legwork out of shopping. In a state-of-the-art, self-contained suite customers can relax while a dedicated team use their knowledge of fashion and style to edit a selection of clothes and accessories to your specifications. For appointments call on 0121 616 6008.

The weather may be unreliable and temperamental at present; however the great offers and special events at The Pavilions this summer are most certainly not.

We offer a sophisticated and relaxed shopping experience and this month we have a host of fantastic offers, ideal for your summer holidays. There are ongoing sales in La Senza, LK Bennett, Hobbs, Bratz and Evans, where you will find tempting deas for the whole family.

Exclusive to The Pavilions, Moss is currently offering high summer Ventuno 21 city short suits, while Evans has more than  100 new styles added to its summer range every week. And with further reductions, many sale items are now under £10, well worth a visit to pick up those last minute bargains.

To complete the package why not check out contemporary jewellers Azendi. With a range of jewellery suitable for any occasion, and with many in the sale, you can compliment your outfit with some guilt-free killer accessories.

However, it’s not all about shopping and we believe in giving our visitors an unparalleled retail experience that is a treat for all the senses. With this in mind, we are bringing Birmingham’s arts and cultural community into the heart of the city centre when we host this year’s Gallery 37, an acclaimed youth arts training programme.

Now in its 11thyear, Gallery 37 will from August 3-21 and offer shoppers the opportunity to see the artistic work in progress of 40 young aspiring artists. As part of the project, we are also commissioning a piece of work, offering winners £100 shopping vouchers and giving them the chance to have their art work on public display in the centre.

The words Peaches Geldof and style icon don’t  often appear in the same sentence. But, the pop princess was snapped looking chic and, dare we say, stylish at the Cannes Film Festival recently. Dressed all in white with a simple black belt, she was the epitome of summer style. Another celeb fan of working the mighty monochrome is the ubiquitous Cheryl Cole. From black and white jumpsuits to body-con mini dresses, the X-Factor star has been wearing this season’s latest style at every opportunity.

Monochrome has long been a firm favourite with celebs and mere mortals alike for its easy wear-ability and crisp, fresh appeal. Like any classic trend, it never goes away. With such a high dosage of celebs donning black and white, it must be a sign of things to come. But, that doesn’t mean celebrity style needs to come at celebrity prices?

At The Mailbox sale, we’ve got the hottest monochrome looks at very affordable prices.

Jaeger is currently offering up to 50% off selected items in store.  A simple shift dress in plain white teamed with a black belt and over-sized accessories create monochrome magic.

Jesire’s latest looks are so now for the season. With key items in crisp white on black and vice versa, you can re-create your favourite celeb style instantly.

Fashion forward feet are an essential yet easy way to get the look. Daniel Footwear is offering delicious discounts on its shoes. Stocking all sorts from flat pumps to sky-high heels, summer sandals to designer favourites, finding the footwear to match your look is a breeze.

So if you want to stay black and white and super stylish all over, pick up your monochrome staples at The Mailbox sale.