Stella McCartney unveiled a lovely Spring 11 collection in New York last week with a host of fashionable types and celebrity pals in attendance, including Gwyneth Paltrow who was looking positively radiant. Her jacket is by now a recognisable signature McCartney piece, sharply tailored with a mannish feel in a muted neutral shade. Gwynnie has given the sleeves a little fold back for that off-duty, hey-I’m-easy-’n’-breezy look. The khaki chino-trousers continue this effortless theme – this is just the kind of trouser Gap excels at. Admittedly, the shoes look a little like they’ve had a run in with some masking tape but other than that this outfit is a winner. Plus the casual hair is a triumph of the highest order
Photograph: Stella McCartney
Some women buy cheap bikinis, then let sea salt and suntan lotion run riot. But the wise woman buys a pricy, sexy yet sturdy swimsuit and rinses after every wear. Not only does the leopard print on this DVF cossie rock, but the ruching happily disguises a tummy full of fried calamari and ice-cream.
£278, by Diane Von Furstenberg, from matchesfashion.com Photograph: PR
So you have no interest in watching Wimbledon next week? Doesn’t stop you being impressed by this yellow tennis-inspired dress, now does it? One member of the fashion desk owns one already and reports that it makes her feel like “a walking summer’s day”.
£95, by Lacoste, lacoste.co.uk Photograph: PR
Posh bags are indeed a pleasure, but nothing comes close to the smugness you get from purchasing a quietly fabulous bag from an unexpected place. This suede and leather shoulder bag is shopping gold dust. It tricks you into thinking it’s from some under-the-radar Parisian label, but it is in fact from Marks & Spencer. Plus it’s a useful size if practicality is your thing.
£79, marksandspencer.com Photograph: Graeme Robertson
You’re right – there is a lot of Breton in the world right now, but there are many excellent reasons for that. One being that stripes are a brilliant compromise print for women who don’t do print. This dress is a little more body-con than it looks, yet the stripes take the sexiness down a notch which means it is pitch-perfect for a slightly special summer evening. £118, by Paul & Joe Sister, from mywardrobe.com Photograph: PR
