orientation.

So the Seventies is dominating fashion this Summer, but another big trend of the Seventies was the allure of the Orient, which is also bang on trend for the season. In particular, household name Louis Vuitton injected their SS11 collection with a vibrant Oriental flavour and clashing colours.

Louis Vuitton SS11

Now I wish I could bring you some gloriously inexpensive imitations of these Oriental jewels, but unfortunately my scouring in this case has not been THAT successful.

What I do have for you is a couple of pieces from a great website which should always be your first visit when looking for 'that dress' or 'that blouse': the brand is LOVE and having already been featured on the rails of Topshop it now has its own online platform to sell its simple, staple designs. The great thing about LOVE is that they don't mass produce their collections, so it is much less likely that you will see someone else running about town wearing the same thing as you! 

LOVE clothing will set you back on average about £30, but considering they make limited numbers for their collection and their wardrobe essential styles, there is definitely a greater value to them than you might find on the high street.

LOVE Jasmine Print Shirt - £28!

This little piece took my eye because of its adorable tie front and lace insert shoulder detail, but also because of the vintage/oriental looking jasmine print, perfect to wear with a chiffon maxi skirt, floppy, wide-brimmed hat and chunky mid-heel wedges for a smart casual day look.

LOVE Rust V Neck Playsuit - £30!

This rust coloured playsuit almost has a mini-kimono look to it, making it perfect for those who don't want to be 'going Japanese' the whole nine yards! If you do want to dress this little beauty up however, a great and inexpensive idea would be a long, bright coloured sash/ribbon in a colour like purple or cyan blue, plenty of gold jewellery (definitely some hoop earrings and bangles!) and colour clashing platform heels (of course!).

And if you're feeling really brave, take a leaf out of Louis's book and get yourself a lovely lace fan to complete your fabulous ensemble!

a two-trend bargain!

This Summer's style era: the Seventies.
This Summer's most adorable pattern: polka dots.

Sometimes the most simple pairings can produce the best results: I have just become the excited owner of a pair of these amazing navy with white polka-dot palazzo pants by Florence & Fred at Tesco for £16!

F&F Spot Print Palazzo Trousers only £16 from Tesco!

Please believe me when I say that palazzo pants work for almost everyone:

• they lengthen the leg
• they can create volume and shape for straight up and down figures
• or they can slim down a larger leg (yay for me!!)
• plus the high-waisted, flat-front is great for people who aren't big on tummy-showing!

These super adorable palazzo pants combine the Seventies sensation, the palazzo pant with the cute polka-dot which is a favourite for Spring/Summer with fashion houses like MaxMara and Moschino. I'll be wearing them with a simple silk blouse, blocky suede platforms and lots of costume jewellery for an updated, eccentric look.

MaxMara RTW SS11

Moschino RTW SS11

As well as looking great and being cheap, the F&F Palazzo Pants will also earn you valuable Clubcard points!! So go grab yourself a super-flattering, bang-on-trend bargain right....... now!