Resort 18 Moodboard - Serene Tropical

It was two years ago, for Resort 16, that we saw palm prints emerge as the biggest trend of the season. Now two years on, designers love for all things tropical is once again back at the forefront of fashion. However this time around, tropicals are serene. Coming in a cool wave of calm earthy shades of green and grey, the colour palette sets the tone for this beautiful print trend.  Nature is never too far from fashion, but now more than ever it seems all too relevant.  Was Stella McCartney taking note from the current environmental crisis with her Resort 18 offering?  Did Trump's embarrassing climate change denial provoke a reaction from other designers perhaps? Origins of the trend aside, there is also something rather romantic about the soft palms and photographic rainforest scenes. This is how to wear tropical prints the sophisticated way, without the vibrant colours and bold motifs. I approve!

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

Seasonal Designer Wishlist

When it comes to fashion, we can all dream can't we? I love looking online at the beginning of the week, seeing which new pieces have dropped from my favourite designer brands. Having said that I've been stuck in a little bit of a style rut as of late, wanting to switch up my style but not feeling confident when I try new trends. But I've come to accept that sometimes you can't fight fashion, embrace what works for you and just roll with it. I've been shopping in the sales these past few weeks, and whilst I love seeing all the printed maxi dresses and cute floral skirts, there's no point in me trying them on...as they very rarely suit me. I just have to face up the fact that i'm a black, red and green kinda girl - my wardrobe is full of these colours! I'm all about a high-waisted a-line mini skirt (somewhat inspired by Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin), cinching me in at the waist and being super flattering for my figure. I'm also a huge advocate of a classic polo neck, black preferably. A combination of these 2 pieces together elongates my body and leaves me feeling ultra confident. I have no need to worry about those 'problem areas' as I know I've picked clothes that work for me. Recently I've also been loving low cut v-neck shirts. Having purchased a skinny scarf from Rockins earlier in the year (literally obsessed with this brand!) I've been embracing that Kate Moss vibe of dressing and such a shirt with a skinny scarf looks effortlessly rock'n'roll. I've also fully jumped on the slogan tee bandwagon, adding a little bit of quirk to my outfits. Ankle boots are still my main jam, I mean if I could purchase every designer pair of flat ankle boots on Net-a-Porter I 100% would. So with all that being said, I've put together my seasonal designer wishlist...

1. Dress - Off-White £620

2. Dress - Realisation Par $195

3. Shirt - Rixo £175

4. Bag - Mulberry £1195

5. Scarf - Rockins £45

6. Boots - Valentino £1265

7. T-Shirt - Ganni £45

8. Skirt - IRO £580

9. Skirt - Self-Portrait £220

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

SS17: On Trend Now - Polka Dot

Polka dots are timeless print trend, one in which you were probably dressed head to toe in as a child. For SS17 designers updated this trend, taking the classic twee print and modernising it with new silhouettes. Such silhouettes, as seen at Louis Vuitton and Jacquemus, had major 80's references. I mean, just look at the emphasis on the shoulders! Elevating this trend further, some designers opted to add ruffles and contrasting graphic lines into the mix. It is typically a playful print, but with the right fabric and styling can have serious edge. The key to nailing this look is to keep things monochromatic. You can't go far wrong with a palette of: black, white, red and blue - the perfect transitional colours, which are flattering on all skin tones.

As this is a fairly understated and fail safe print trend, any pieces you invest in will work well for both work and social occasions. You could easily team a polka dot shirt with classic trousers for the office, or dress up with an a-line mini for a night out. With the right styling, you can still make a bold sartorial statement, should you wish to!

1. Monse £2995 / 2. Realisation Par $195 / 3. Marc Jacobs £625
4. No.21 £490 / 5. Dolce and Gabbana £1500 / 6. Topshop £29
7. Caroline Constas £460 / 8. BooHoo £18 / 9. McQ £320

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

Resort 18 Moodboard - Rainbow Stripes

Who doesn't love a good stripe? Well it seems many designers do, as the Resort 18 presentations featured more stripes than you could shake a stick at! Step aside the humble Breton stripe, because this season stripes come in a plethora of rainbow inspired colours. Nehera opted for hand painted, Au Jour Le Jour for ruffles and DVF for simple silk versions. Philosophy and Missoni even went one step further and combined stripes with asymmetric hemlines - a double whammy on the trend front! This print trend is somewhat music to my ears, favouring the clean cut lines of a graphic print and loving the work of artists such as Jim Lambie, Gary Petersen and Franco Grignani. It's time to stripe it lucky for resort 18...

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

July Playlist

Here's my latest summer playlist...

Lovers by Anna of The North

Hugs of Thunder by Broken Social Scene

Minimum by Charlie Cunningham

Cranes in The Sky by Solange

Music Is The Answer by Joe Goddard
True Disaster by Tove Lo

Oh Woman Oh Man by London Grammar

Perfect Places by Lorde

Bad Liar by Selena Gomez
Real Name by lostboycrow

Ultralife by Oh Wonder
Hold It Down by Noah Kahan
No Reason by Bonobo ft Nick Murphy
Doubt by Shallou
Song For Our Grandfathers by Future Islands

High and Low by Oliver Moldan ft Jasmine Ash

Now or Never by Halsey
Thinking of A Place by The War On Drugs
Wanderer by Mogli
Told Me by Dusky Grey
Closer by Majik
Jungle by Tash Sultana
OI' Sweet Day by AHI
In The Wild by ROMES
Mourning Sound by Grizzly Bear
Loud Places (Jamie xx cover) by HONNE
High Hopes by Kodaline
Time Lapse by Soul to Speak
Liar by Frans
Electric Touch by ARIZONA
iT by Christine and the Queens
00000 Million by Ella Vos
Given The Chance by The Kite String Tangle
Beautiful Ones by Hurts
Minds by CHINAH
Damage Done by Kita Alexander
I Know A Place - MUNA
Jailbird by Shells
New Song by Warpaint
With You by Waxahatchee
Good Girls by LANY
Unforgettable by French Montana ft Swae Lee
Our Own House by MisterWives
I Need A Dollar by Aloe Blacc (Ben E & Falki remix)

Please let me know your music recommendations!

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

Brand To Know - Realisation Par

Every so often a brand comes along and you just instantly fall in love, with every piece looking like it was directly designed with you in mind. That is how I feel about Realisation Par. Founded in 2015 by Aussie model Alexandra Spencer and designer Teale Talbot, the brand couldn't be more 'me' if it tried. Realisation seeks to design individual pieces, as opposed to collections, thus enabling the wearing to inject their wardrobe with key items rather than seasonal trend-driven garments which will be deemed 'out dated' in 6 months. Realisation Par translates to 'Made By, Styled By' in French, hence the understated and effortless appeal of the brands clothes. If you didn't already know, I'm a major lover of an a-line mini dress - so through some star prints and cute polka dots into the mix and I'm one happy girl! With 90's references throughout and ultra flattering silhouettes, including loosely tied tops and wrap dresses, Realisation is fast becoming one of the hottest brands of 2017. Price Range: $69 - $225 | Available online at realisationpar.com

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa222

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

Resort 18 Colour Moodboard - Fuchsia

No you are not having a serious case of deja vu, fuchsia which was the biggest colour trend of SS17 has once again made a play on the seasonal trend front. Seen widely across several of the Resort 18 presentations, this rich and oh so feminine colour is once again at the frontline of fashion. Street wear brand Off-White opted for deep fuchsia with strong purple undertones, whilst Givenchy went for a more reddish toned shade. But for me, it was Altuzarra and Versace who stole the show with a classic upbeat fuchsia - selecting a shade so bright you could no doubt see it from space! The great thing is, if you invested in this colour trend for SS17 then you are already one step ahead of the game and can work these pieces into your wardrobe for next year...

Phillippa x

Twitter - @phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

Summer Accessories Trend - Basket Bags

The basket bag is one of the biggest accessories trend of the year so far. This style of bag has serious vintage throwback vibes, being loved by the likes of Jane Birkin back in the 1970's, and more recently spotted on the likes of Alexa Chung and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. These fun bags also come in varying different styles. Gone are the days of the wicker bag being reserved for use at the beach only, these days such bags have gone upmarket and are designed as modern totes. If you are looking for a casual daytime option, then look no further than: Muun, Kayu and Sunuva. If its a classic style you are after then Prada and Balenciaga are your best bet. Alternatively, add a pop of colour to your outfit by selecting a style with added pom-poms or trim detail...

1. Prada £1020

2. Balenciaga £595

3. Loeffler Randall £320

4. Stella McCartney £825

5. Kayu £99

6. Mark Cross £1545

7. Topshop £28

8. Saint Laurent £850

9. Miu Miu £1100

10. Sunuva x Rae Feather £60

11. Muun £110

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

How To Style - Denim Mini Skirt

It's the wardrobe staple that will see you right all year round, but it's during the summer that the humble denim mini really shines. Opting for mid to light-washed denim sets the perfect tone for any summer outfit, and there are so many potential styling options. I thought I'd show you 3 simple ways to make this trend work for multiple summer occasions...

Outfit 1 - Santorini Chic

The perfect outfit for any holiday, Greek or other. Whilst holidays are about relaxing, you still always want to look chic. If you, like me, like to explore towns/cities whilst you are on holiday then you need a practical pair of shoes. Opting for a chunky heel ensures comfort whilst still looking ultra stylish. A classic, loose fitting, cotton shirt is also a wardrobe must have. Muted leather accessories and feminine jewellery complete the look making it the perfect day-to-night outfit.

Outfit 2 - Street Style

There's a huge trend at the moment for 90's inspired fashion...cue the FILA zip-up jacket. Models such as Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner have been fully embracing this trend, so for this outfit I wanted to create a sporty street style look. Black and red works well with denim so I ensured the outfit was in keeping with this theme. Classic mules and an edgy bag complete the ensemble.

Outfit 3 - Feminine Androgyny

Sticking with the red/black theme, but a little less intense, I opted for a knotted shirt from one of my current favourite fashion brands 'Realisation Par'. This cute shirt, with lip motif print, adds an element of fun to the outfit whilst having subtle rock 'n' roll vibes. The biker boots, from Balenciaga, are one of the most instantly recognisable pairs of shoes from the past decade and add some serious kudos to the outfit. Small framed peaked cateye sunglasses and a faux croc tote bag complete the look.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

A/W 17 Colourboard - Pastel Neon

Whilst we may be talking A/W 17 trends, where colours are typically dark, there were also some fresh colour palettes coming through on the runway. Both Valentino and Sies Marjan opted for beautiful soft palettes of pastel shades with a neon undertone. Liquid silk provided the perfect ground for such shades to really shine on the runway. The ensembles were total head-to-toe looks in these calm colours and resulted in ultra-feminine outfits.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

On Trend Now: Cheongsam Inspired

Oriental prints are a key trend that has been apparent for the past few seasons, but for SS17 the trend has gone one step further and now focuses on traditional Cheongsam silhouettes. Traditionally cut from satin or jacquard fabric, this style of dress has been increasing in popularity on the UK highstreet and amongst many designer brands. If a one-piece is too much for your own personal style, then instead opt for jacket with Cheongsam inspired fastenings to bring a little hint of this trend into your wardrobe. Whilst this trend may already be big for summer, the heavy fabric ensures this trend will also translate well for Fall, meaning if you invest now you won't be going far wrong in the style stakes. Classic shades of rich mustard and blue add a further nod to the trend and work well on a dark ground, such as black, with a little hint of red. Step away from statement accessories and instead opt for classic separates to style the look.

1. New Look £24.99

2. AlexaChung £450

3. Attico £1530

4. Ermanno Scervino £1380

5. Topshop £69.99

6. Mango £59.99

7. Zara £119

8. Staud £140

9. & Other Stories £79

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - Phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

SS17 Trend - Bold Summer Stripes

A knockout bold stripe will bring your summer wardrobe to life in a pretty MAJOR way. Ribbed, figure skimming, knits were seen at: Opening Ceremony, Ports, Altuzarra and Proenza Schouler, whilst Adam Selman opted for banded mesh inserts. Primary colours reigned supreme on the catwalk for the ultimate 'look at me' moment. This key SS17 trend is certainly not one for a shrinking violet, instead being about having an attitude of 'the bolder the better'. For styling, take note from Zendaya (pictured below at the Spider-Man:Homecoming premiere) for the ultimate fun striped ensemble or look to Selena Gomez for a chic off-duty denim outfit.

If you are looking to shop this trend, the luxury market has a huge selection on offer. Ranging from floor-length knitted cardigans (Etro) to crocheted bustier tops (SJYP), statement boxy blazers (AlexaChung) to high-cut swimsuits (Solid and Striped) - this edit has you covered!

1. Opening Ceremony £370
2. Tory Sport £150
3. Etro £395
4. J.W.Anderson £495
5. SJYP £260
6. Marc Jacobs £315
7. Paul Smith £530
8. Solid and Striped £150
9. Etoile Isabel Marant £200
10. Proenza Schouler £560
11. MGSM £435
12. Mara Hoffman - £230
13. AlexaChung £600
14. Balmain £1550

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

A/W 17 Trend Report - Denim Days

Who doesn't love denim? It's the one fabric that we all have in our wardrobe in someway shape or form. Whether it be classic jeans or a trusted denim jacket, its the ultimate fashion failsafe. Flattering for all given the vast array of different washes and styles available, for Fall 17 denim is maxed out with countless designers creating a full head-to-toe denim look. Jonathan Simkhai played with 90's vibes with a light-washed denim bustier jumpsuit (pretty sure I had something similar to this from Miss Sixty back in the day). The designer even threw a little embroidery into the mix to elevate the look. Calvin Klein and Adam Selman both went for dark denim 2-pieces...yes that right folks, double denim is back! The flared denim jeans reminding me very much of iconic images of Farrah Fawcett in the 70's. Opting for a dark wash denim makes the trend more wearable, and such pieces will carry you forward into future seasons.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @phillippa22

Instagram - Phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign

Outfit of The Month - July

Summer is officially here! Slip dresses and ruffles are two huge trends for SS17, so this chic black dress from Paul and Joe is the perfect day-to-night LBD. For a colourful cover-up I have opted for a beautiful printed kimono from Mes Demoiselles. A kimono is a wardrobe essential for summer, a lightweight piece that can easily be thrown over any minimalist outfit to instantly brighten up the look and protect the tops of your arms from the dreaded sunburn. In keeping with the somewhat Moroccan feel of this outfit, I have teamed the look with a pair of printed fabric sandals from Sam Edelman. The necklace comes courtesy of Etro (who always have the best selection of statement jewellery). A suede bag from Chloe completes the look. This is the 'Hudson' bag and comes with whipstitch detailing - a perfect finishing boho touch.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

Instagram - phillippa22

Pinterest - phillippadesign