The fashion briefing

Look of the week Interesting and chic: two adjectives that rarely sit together when describing an outfit, but Maggie ­Gyllenhaal (right) proves that it is possible. Her black Vionnet dress at the Nanny McPhee 2 premiere is simple, but the single-sleeve and the cream pleated side insert upgrade the look from classic to something more ­exciting. What can us civilians learn from Maggie G’s style? If you have a side-parting, you should part your hair so that the busier half of your outfit – brooch, bangle, whatever – is on the same side as your exposed ear. The ­opposite way around and the balance is all wrong.
Photograph: Michael Bowles/LFI

Buy of the week The unstoppable juggernaut of pared-back minimalism is heading our way fast. There will be no escape come the end of summer. In the meantime, there is some reprieve in the form of this bold print dress. Do it with black opaques, ankle boots and a jacket now; brave it with bare legs and a summer boot in about six weeks’ time. Dress, £45, by Warehouse, ­warehouse.co.uk
Photograph: PR

Join the queue No one we know has a grand to spend on a leather T-shirt from label-of-the-moment Céline. However, owning one proves that you are on top of the fashion pyramid like no other item can right now. Wallis – yes Wallis – will today provide the solution with its oak leather version. Most of the stock is being held online, which means no frustrating trips to the high street only to find that there are about five in a central-London store. You must log on today, though – stocks will run dry fast. Leather T-shirt, £75, by Wallis, wallis.co.uk
Photograph: PR

Splurge If you ever find yourself pondering how you have managed without a posh leather rucksack named Frank all your life, then ponder no more. Ally Capellino celebrates 30 years in the biz with two souped-up spins on her own classic designs – which are to be sold at Liberty from 1 April – and a retrospective of her work at the the Wapping Project in London. £448, liberty.co.uk
Photograph: PR

It book The Briefing has fallen out of love with street-style bloggers. Sartorialist, Garance Doré – you are no longer our most recently viewed. ­Instead, it’s all about updates from The Selby, a blog featuring cool people at home, which better sates our uncontrollable appetite for nosiness. The Selby is in Your Place is the book version and consists of 30 profiles of stylish people in their private spaces. Cannot get enough of Erin Wasson’s place in New York. The Selby is in Your Place, by Todd Selby, £22.50, published by Abrams, is published on 20 April
Photograph: PR

New beginnings Forget DIY and spring cleaning – Easter weekend is the perfect time to reboot your wardrobe. These khaki ­chinos are the ultimate building block; from here you can go ­minimalist, utility or preppy. Head to Banana Republic – it is opening another store in ­London’s Covent ­Garden this week – for some brilliantly chic weekend basics. Khaki weekend chino, £45, by Banana Republic, 020-7758 3550
Photograph: PR