With the weather been so, well unseasonal lately, it seems that summer has really come very early indeed, and together with the daffodils, tulips and even the poor little birds being ever so confused with the time of year, so too has Summer Fashion. And apart from those parts of the country that may be suffering from a hose pipe ban perhaps, we fashionistas think the warm weather is just great! we’ll forego watering the garden just as long as we can wear our Dresses for summer that much longer this year!

So perhaps ordinarily you may have been putting off your purchase of a summer dress for a little later, but this spring with the weather being so nice… well, why not treat your self to a lovely some lovely summer floral dresses which are so trendy this year, and every year? So to offer a little help, Rare has chipped in with a very helpful PAYDAY treat to tempt you into celebrating the warm whether with one of their fabulous new season super flirty summer floral dresses.

So what’s with the PAYDAY deal then I hear you ask? Well to help you celebrate the great time of the month that is your pay day, and get your spring wardrobe off to a spectacular start as you will to start wearing them as soon as you get them delivered. Rare are offering all their lovely customers a massive 20% off their orders using the voucher code FXMET20T! Plus, you can even bag yourself FREE delivery on all orders over £50 and when you see Rare’s newest summer vintage and Neon collection, it’ll be hard to resist so get shopping! (20% off valid until 9am 02/04/12).

CHECK OUT RARE’S HOTTEST NEW SEASON DRESSES FOR SUMMER…

Not only are rare giving you a fabulous money off, plus free delivery, they have some wonderful new collections you’ll just have to have. Rare’s summer vintage collection is a cute and colourful dresses for summer, loaded with flirty summer floral prints and light fabrics with flattering silhouettes with inspiration taken for SS12 catwalk shows of designers like YSL and Sonia RyKeil that are perfect for all those days in the sun not only at the moment, but all summer long!

Rare’s Neon collection is bursting with vibrant colours and unique style and inspired from the drawing the classic styling of Michael Kors, Herve Lerger and Christopher Kane. So no matter wher you wear your dresses for summer this season, you can be sure that you’ll make a colourful impression! Undoubtedly one of the season’s top trends…

Don’t forget, you can claim 20% off your order (until 9am 02/04/12) plus free delivery on ALL orders over £50.

Top 5 celebrity Dresses For Summer

Stuck for something to wear and needing a little inspiration? We love checking out celebrity dresses both on the red carpet and for everyday wear. Each celebrity has their own unique style, all you need to do is find a celebrity that you love and then check out what they are wearing. Here are some our favourites celebrity dresses for summer 2011.

If you were a fan of the Spice Girls then you will be pleased to know that they are all happily settled down with families but still managing to look amazingly stylish. It is great when our favourite stars choose their celebrity dresses from our favourite high street or online retailers as it gives us the chance to get their style without breaking the bank. We were really pleased to see that Geri Halliwell (AKA ginger spice) loves Motel dresses as mush as we do and was pictured wearing this beautiful Motel Gina dress in mauve and cream. The dress is the perfect match for Geri’s bright blue eyes and looks fabulous with blond hair.

 Another girl band with enviable style is Girls Aloud, Cheryl Cole’s style is probably the most influential of all the girls. Cheryl loves bodycon dresses and show cases some of the most fabulous cocktail dress in the UK for her role as an X factor judge. Cheryl also likes to show off her slim figure with dresses with cut out panels. This Ashlee backless bandage dress by Missguided is almost identical to one of the bodycon dresses worn by Cheryl herself.

Why Celebrity Dresses? Try Out A Playsuit Instead

We love playsuits just as much as we love celebrity dresses and the shocking pink choice by Ashley Tisdale, worn for the premier of Fame. The addition of black strappy heels and sleek blond hair keep this look fresh and stop it from roaming into Barbie territory. Boohoo do an almost identical version of this bright pink playsuit at a great price.

Halle contrast Trim Playsuit- Boohoo

Celebrity Dresses All the Way From Essex…Init!

Celebrity dresses are often bold and bright and designed to make them the centre of attention. This bright orange skater dress from Miss Selfridge was worn by The Only Way is Essex’s Lydia on a night out with the cast of Hollyoaks. Both the colour orange and the fit and flare skater or fifties style of dress are a popular choice of summer fashion this year.

Celebrity collections and collaborations are a great hunting ground for some of the most fabulous celebrity dresses. They allow you to wear something that has actually been designed (or they have at least has a say in the design). Diana Vickers is known for her quirky style and cool vinatge picks. This sequin dress  from the Dee V collection by Diana Vickers at Very is ideal for those how look great in bodycon dresses and also fits well with the summer fashion for retro styles. It is perfect for adding a bit of glitz and glamour to your life.

Filed Under – Celebrity Dresses

Summer Fashion Trends

Summer is almost upon us and this year there are plenty of colourful summer fashion trends to lift your spirits whether we have rain or shine. Bright colour combinations and bold prints are a massive fashion trend this year but if you prefer a more subtle look don’t worry there is also some fresh and delicate white summer clothes and neutrals as well.

Summer Fashion Trends – Floral Dresses

Pansy Print Bandeau Dress – Oasis

Floral dresses are always a classic look for summer but this year they are also one of the biggest fashion trends. You can take your pick from dark ditsy prints, romantic blooms and bright tropical florals. Look out for lady like fifties silhouettes which can be brought right up to date with a  neon clutch bag or bright patent heels. Pattern mixing is also one of the summers big fashion trends, you can mix it up by wearing your florals with some striped summer clothes for a really eye catching  look.

Big Summer fashion Trends – Palazzo Pants

Lola Floral Print Palazzo Pants – Boohoo

If you want loose fitting and comfortable summer clothes for then palazzo pants are for you. This summers floral styles are perfect for that laid back boho look. The voluminous shape of these trousers can be a tricky style to master but most people can look good in them if they wear with heels and stick to a fitted tops. Waist coats also look great with this style when worn over a bandeau style top.

Classic Summer Fashion Trends – White Lace Dresses

Cream Sleeveless Lace Dress – Dorothy Perkins

Another lady like choice for the summer is the white lace dress, perhaps inspired in part by the royal wedding. Lace is such a classic fabric and is perfect for summer parties and special occasions. Try wearing a cream or white lace dress with nude coloured heels and a lady like handbag.

Cool Trends for Summer – Coloured Jeans

Love Label Blue Jeans- Very

Colour blocking is one of the easiest summer trends to wear this year and you can create an easy everyday colour block outfit with coloured jeans. Loose fitting shirts, brightly coloured vest tops and simple white t shirts are all great choices for wearing with coloured jeans. Bright primary coloured jeans with a skinny cut are the best way to work this summer fashion trend.

CutsyTrends For lazy Summer Days – Denim Playsuit

Winnie Denim Playsuit – Motel Rocks

With the summers fashion trends for seventies styles, denim was sure to be putting in an appearance this year. The denim playsuit is a flattering and modern way to wear your denim whilst giving a nod to the seventies. The simplicity of a denim playsuit acts as a great black canvas for all sorts of fun summer accessories from a bright red pair of statement sunglasses to a vintage style floral headscarf.

If you are looking to update your summer wardrobe this year, all of the pieces would add some fun, colour and glamour to your summer clothes. Don’t forget accessories as these are a great way to finish off your look to perfection.

Filed Under – Summer Fashion Trends

Pixie Designed Celebrity Dresses

She has done it again. Pixie Lott has designed another amazing collection of celebrity dresses for her collection at Lipsy. The singer has already designed a number of collections of celebrity dresses which closely follow her own well recognised style as well as the latest fashion trends. Her collections have proved incredibly popular proving that the girl is not just a fabulous singer and song writer but she can multi task too!

The new Pixie Lott summer fashion collection features some very pretty summer dresses that would be suitable for all sorts of summer occasions from festivals to parties. There is almost definitely some inspiration taken from the Coachella festival in the US with some cute ditsy floral prints, fun playsuits and cropped tops. The collection follows the latest fashion trends with a hint of the retro influences that are proving so popular this summer and can be observed in many different celebrity dresses. There is also a strong feel for Pixie Lott’s own individual style. When Pixie Lotts chooses which celebrity dresses to wear, she needs to find clothes that are both eye catching and fresh. She tends to opt for dresses with short skirts and cute feminine details plus lots of interesting details including embellishments like sequins, chiffon layers and romantic ruffles. For those that don’t like the summer fashion for florals the collection also contains plenty of the seasons other fashion trends including tie dye and colour block.

Celebrity Dresses from Pixie Lott

This Halterneck crochet dress is ultra feminine and a great way to work the summer seventies fashion trends. It is a flattering knee length and has intricate embroidery around the neckline. 

Playsuits are going to be a major summer fashion. They are perfect for holidays and for baking hot weather (the met office predict it’s going to be a hot one this year). They also make a great alternative to a dress for parties. This pretty keyhole back playsuit will look great with wedge heels and a denim jacket for everyday wear.

Maxi dresses are also a great summer fashion for festivals, holiday or really hot weather. This romantic frill top maxi dress has a flattering halterneck and a comfortable elasticated waist. 

Peterpan collars are right on trend for summer but Pixie has made hers extra special by adding intricate beading. This jewel collar shift dress also has a real flattering loose fit style.

Glamorous Celebrity Dresses

This one shoulder drape dress is another way to work that glamorous seventies style. It is perfect for partying and you can accessorise it with a simple flower in your hair just like Pixie has.

For those who want to really stand out from the crowd this Pixie asymmetric bandeau dress is perfect with its bright colours and dramatic style.

If you have a real interest in celebrity dresses and collections, you can find out more about how the collection was designed with a series of Pixie Lott for Lipsy webinars in you can follow behind the scenes and see exactly how the collection is created right through from the initial sketches to the organising of the fashion show and finally the all important launch.

Filed under – celebrity dresses

Summer fashion Fix

Need a summer fashion fix? On the hunt for the perfect celebrity dress and bored with the usual celebrity style icons? Then look no further than the new celebrity dresses collection Dee-V by Diane Vickers at Very. Since her dramatic launch into the celebrity world, may have loved and admired Diane Vicker’s style and now they can get it themselves with a fun collection designed by the X Factor finalist herself.

Diane Vickers Summer Fashion Tips

Diane Vickers shot to fame as a semi finalist in the fifth series of hit TV show the X factor in 2008. She is a singer songwriter and was quickly snapped up by record company RCA following a tour with her fellow X Factor finalists. Right from the first time she appeared in television fans of Diana Vicker’s have loved her kooky boho style which is completely unique and individual to her. Diane Vickers style has a hippy influence and her trademark is her messy backcombed hair. Her style icons include Bridget Bardot, Kate Moss, Carey Mulligan and Marilyn Monroe. She loves the fashion trends of the sixties including the shift dress and a line shapes. Back in the early days her outfits were often bought on Brick Lane or Camden. These days we guess she invest in the odd designer piece too. The Guardian have previously nominated her as Fashionista of the week and she was also nominated for “Best Dressed Woman of The Year” at The Clothes Show Style Awards in 2010.

It seems that we just can’t get enough of Diane Vicker’s summer fashion style. From a cute floral dress to a retro sixties shift dress, she rocks. For those that want some Diane Vickers summer fashion, the new Dee-V Collection at Very is perfect. It is fun and different with a hint of the latest summer fashion trends. Diane describes the collection as being “fun with a sophisticated twist. It’s full of quirky prints and bold, fun colours.” In an interview with Very, She picks out the cherry blosson print floral dress as her favourite because it is “cute and summery and makes a statement without being over the top”.

Some Summer Fashion Fav’s

This sequin mini dress is fun, colourful and sparkly, what’s not to love? It works perfectly as a party dress or even a day dress for those that love to sparkle all day long.

This bird embroidered skirt has a definite vintage feel about it. Wear it with a corset or close fitting knitted top and some court shoes or Mary Janes to get that ladylike chic look.

These wide legged jeans are a great version of the summer staple for 2011. Flared jeans are the easiest way to work the seventies trend this summer.

This mesh overlay floral dress is ideal if you want to create that retro romantic look. It work for any special occasion from wedding to Christening.

To Round off your summer fashion ensemble, this Corset Top is great to wear with jeans or skirt for both casual and parties. The bright colour works particularly well with the seasons colour block trend.

Summer Clothes Fruit Salad

Fruity summer clothes were  all over the catwalks for spring summer 2011 which is great as fun and colourful prints are one of my favourite fashion trends for summer. These tropical and juicy designs also work well with so many other summer fashion pieces. Just grab yourself a fruit print fashion top and team with your seventies flared jeans and you’ll be good to go. Whether you choose a print featuring just one fruit or a whole fruit salad there will be something fruit inspired out there to suit any taste.

On the catwalk at Prada, bananas were the fruit of the day. The abstract prints were worn with other bold prints including swirly baroques, wide stripes and even cute monkeys for an incredibly eye catching look. For a slightly more subtle look Stella McCartney featured trousers and fashion tops in white covered in orange and yellow citrus fruits. At Moschino Cheap and chic there was a beautiful floaty asymmetrical dress covered in large scale lemons and at Betsey Johnson a dramatic dress with candy pink stripes featuring strawberries, pineapples and grapes.

Fruity Summer Clothes Just Perfect For Summer

Fruity summer clothes are perfect for summer and can work on anything from a ladies day dress to occasion wear. The floral dress is usually on of the most popular fashion trends in the spring and summer but this year fruit prints offer a refreshing alternative. They also work really well with some of the key retro fashion trends for the season including the fifties style sun dress.

If you love this summer fashion but can’t afford designer prices, don’t despair, we have rounded up the best fruity summer clothes and cherry picked the best of the summer fashion trends for you.

Our Fruity Summer Clothes Picks

First up, Dorothy Perkins have a great selection of cute ladies day dresses with cute fruit prints.

If you love a pretty floral dress, you will love this White lemon print dress with its short sleeves and ruched waist. I would look amazing with tan leather accessories and either a denim jacket or lime green cardigan.

This summer dress by Red Herring at Debenhams has a fabulous fifties shape with it high neck and ruched skirt. Another fun lemon print for for those that want to add a little zing to their summer clothes. This dress could work well for daytime or occasion wear.

If cherries are your thing, then you should definitely check out the H! by Henry Holland collection at Debenhams. It features some great cherry prints on a ladies day dress, a fifties style skirt and fashion tops.

This cherry print fifties skirt is one of the best skirts that I have seen around this summer. With a nod to the fifties, soft fabric and comfortable waistband, what’s not to love?

This black cherry print summer dress by Henry Holland at Debenhams is the perfect ladies day dress. It has neat pleats in the skirt and a subtle cherry print.

This navy cherry print blouse, again by Henry Holland can be worn with a variety of summer clothes from the seasons must have red jeans to a classic navy dress.

If you are looking for wedding guest outfits for this summer then the royal wedding is a fabulous place to look for inspiration. The guest list was made up of members of the royal family, celebrities and politicians some looking more stylish than others. There was definitely plenty of beautiful celebrity dresses to take inspiration from and  lessons to be learnt from some of the choices of wedding guest outfits too. Some of the most stylish of celebrity dresses worn to   the royal wedding are likely to become trends for the summer especially for wedding outfits for women. Here are just some ideas on inspiration that you can take from the royal wedding.

Wedding Guest Dresses

Glamour One Shoulder Dress – Oasis

Many people choose to wear wedding guest dresses instead of suits. This allows for a simple and minimalist look like Victoria Beckham in her dress from her own collection.Samantha Cameron opted for a simple look in a turquoise Burberry shift dress accessorised with a bright orange stole.  You could also choose something a little more elaborate like Tara Palmer Tomkinson in a regal off the shoulder gown with statement flowing sleeves.

Colours

Lipsy Ruffle Dress

There was plenty of blue at the royal wedding from bright royal blues to navy blues, turquoise and light blues. The great thing about blue is that there is a shade for everyone. For those that don’t look great in any other shades of blue, navy is always a good alternative to black for wedding guest dresses.  Nude tones were also a popular choice with daughters of Earl Spencer, Lady Eliza, Lady Kitty and Lady Katya all wearing nude coloured wedding guests outfits or hats. If nude or blue don’t take your fancy, you could always follow the queens lead in a bright yellow.

Hats

Black quill and swirl fascinator by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

To wear or not to wear? hat is the question! Traditionally hats are worn with wedding outfits for women, but those traditions are changing, it is now perfectly acceptable not to wear a hat or to wear a fascinator. At the royal wedding there was a wealth of hat inspiration with elliptical shapes and large discs being the most most popular. There were also a few hats at the royal wedding that really made a statement. The debate rumbles on over whether Princess Beatrice ruined her Valentino outfit by wearing such a sculptural Phillip Treacy hat. Many guests also choose traditional  or classic styles of wedding hat which will never go out of fashion.

Accessories

Feather and Jewel Salon Clip – Very

Whilst Samantha Cameron made the the headlines for her choice not to wear a  hat. Her alternative choice of accessorising with a fabulous jewelled hair clip by Erdem provides some great inspiration for those who choose not to wear hats with their wedding guest outfits. She also proved that you can buy some great shoes on the high street with her choice of a pair of wedges by Aldo. You could also get some inspiration for accessories from Tara Palmer Tomkinson with her bright blue gloves and bag that matched her dress.

Cream and white dresses are one of the hottest pieces of clothing for the summer. If this trend sounds a little boring to you, fear not, these dresses may not be colourful but what they lack in colour, they will definitely make up for in interesting detail with delicate lace effects and elaborate embellishments there are cream and white dresses for just about every occasion. Wearing all white or layers of whites and creams is  a key summer fashion and ideal for those those hot summer days but you can also dress your white dresses up or down to fit in with some of the other fashion trends of the season.

Cream Lace Maxi Dress – Dorothy Perkins

Pin Tuck Embroidered Dress – Oasis

Anna Crinkle and Lace Bodycon Dress – Boohoo

If you are not quite sure how to wear a white dress, check our our five top summer fashion ideas or ways to wear white dresses this summer.

Pure and simple

The easiest way to wear white dresses is just on their own. This will work especially well for dresses with lots of lace detail or a more voluminous shape. It also looks great when you have a suntan. On your feet nude shoes are the obvious way to make your legs look longer, a key fashion trend and also do not draw attention away from a beautiful dress.

With Boho Layers

Limited Collection – Pure Cotton Waistcoat – Marks and Spencers

Indigo Green Organic Cotton Fairtrade Waistcoat

Adding a waistcoat to your white dresses will make the look romantic or boho depending on the waistcoat that you choose. A denim waistcoat is the perfect way to make white dresses look more casual for the daytime. You could also try wearing an open blouse, cropped fashion tops or crocheted cardigans over your dress for an interesting layered look.

With Red

Principles by Ben De Lisi – Red Tote bag – Debenhams

Red accessories are really on trend this summer and a splash of red is a great way to lift a very simple cream or white dress and really make it look fresh. This is a good way to convert your white dress into a work outfit.

With Fringed Accessories

Tan Leather Fringe Bag – Dorothy Perkins

Fringed accessories will add a touch of boho to white dresses and look great in tan, turquoise or even red. wear across the body for maximum boho appeal or carry a fringed clutch for the evening. A pair of fringed sandals can turn almost any white dress into a beach dress and a fringed belt adds an extra dimension to your outfit for a bit of festival summer fashion.  

With Black Accessories

Black Braided Floppy Hat – Dorothy Perkins

Turn a simple black dress into a really striking summer outfit with the addition of a few black accessories. Hats, belts and even gloves are perfect for making a white dress look really special perhaps for a wedding or another special occasion. For the evening or if the weather is a little cooler some black dresses will look great with a pair of black tights or a black fashion top, blouse or cardigan.

Cheap maxi dresses are a great idea for summer festivals or just about any summer party. They are glamorous, cool and right on trend.

With the first of the music festivals only a month or two away, now is a great time to think about how you can incorporate some of the key fashion trends of the season into your festival look. Summer fashion for festivals is all about working the summers fashion trends into a wearable and practical outfit but also adding a unique and fun twist of your own.

Summer fashion for the festivals usually revolves around the boho and global traveller look. This summer with the seventies being one of the biggest fashion trends there is also likely to be plenty of seventies styles around as these fit perfectly with the laid back but glamorous vibe at festivals. The beauty of wearing cheap maxi dresses is that you won’t worry so much about them getting ruined so can relax and enjoy the music and atmosphere. Don’t ever wear your best clothes for a festival as there is a chance that they could get muddy or ruined.

Here are some of our favourite cheap maxi dresses, all from Boohoo and costing £15 or under.

Dee Ethnic Print Maxi Dress

Millie Floral Maxi Dresses

Animal Print Chiffon Maxi Dress

Miley Paint Print Maxi Dress

Anything with tribal or tie dye prints, beading or fringing will usually work well for a festival and cutoff denim shorts are really practical for the hot weather. As a general rule festival wear is quite colourful and fun but also comfortable. If the weather is likely to be really hot beach dresses are a great choice as they are loose fitting. Denim dresses are also a good choice as they are hardwearing and fit well with the summer’s seventies fashion trend. To make your outfit fun and unique look for unusual headwear or a flower headband.

There are some great beac dresses at Warehouse

Knitted Beach Dresses – Warehouse

Tribal Print Beach Dress – Warehouse

Blue Wash Denim Shorts – Miss Selfridge

Carolina Fringe Side Shorts – Missguided

70′s Button Through Denim Dress – Oasis

For summer fashion inspiration for the festivals you can look to celebrities like Kate Moss and Alexa Cheung who seem to have perfected this look. The manage to strike just the right balance between glamour and praticality. We are guessing they don’t stay in a tent like the rest of us though.

You will also need to consider is the practicalities of a summer music festival. Depending on the weather you may need to keep warm, keep cool or keep dry. You should also be prepared for the ground to fairly muddy underfoot. You can enure that you are ready for any eventuality with a few festival essentials including a pack away raincoat, some very stylish welly boots, an across the body bag for keeping money, mobile phone etc safe and a sunhat and pair of sunglasses.

Blue Suede Plait Cross Body Bag – Miss Selfridge

Cow print Wellies – Boohoo – For a fun look try wearing these wellies with a floral print dress.

Without  a doubt colour block summer clothes are going to be one of the biggest fashion trends of the season. This look is ideal for summer. It is so easy to put together in a way that suits you and you can mix and match the pieces for a different look each day. For those that find it difficult to make up their mind what to wear in the mornings, there are also plenty of ready made colour block summer clothes in the shops already. Colour block is such a fabulous and striking fashion trend and the best thing is that you get to to choose which colours to combine.

Colour Combinations

Planet Colour Block Shift Dress

Colour Block Shift Dress – Miss Selfridge

Colour Block Bengaline Dress – Miss Selfridge

This summer there are all sorts of colours to choose from including the really bright colours like red, orange, yellow and blue, the neon’s like green and yellow, the muted and pastel shades including baby blue, mint green and palest pink and the neutrals which include white, cream, pastel and beige. Of course black and white are always a great choice for colour blocking. Black will tend to make your colours look bolder and punchier where as white will tend to make them look fresher. For a more subtle look you can combine similar shades of the same colour or you can just choose just one colour perhaps a red dress and accessorise it with accessories in another colour. Other popular looks for colour block summer clothes this summer include clashing brights and neutrals with neon.

Combining Separates

Jersey Kaftan – Warehouse

Red Capri Pants- Warehouse

The most creative way to wear this trend is by combining separate pieces in different colours. This is also a great way to invest in basic coloured pieces. You could opt for a bright red shift dress with purple cardigan or a pair of the seasons must have coloured jeans with a different coloured top. If you really want to work this trend to the maximum pick three different pieces in  three different colours and wear them all at once. There are plenty of brightly coloured fashion tops around or you could go for the smarter option of a blouse with a tailored jacket as seen at the Jil Sander catwalk show.

Ready Colour Blocked Pieces

Beige Colour Block Linen Dress By Debenhams

Cowl Neck Dress – Oasis

If you want to choose a ready colour blocked piece, look out for a simple style of shift dress or maxi dress. You should use colour block to your advantage and choose the colour blocks to flatter your body shape. Vertical and diagonal panels of colour block are great for slimming the torso. If you want to add curves and shape, horizontal blocks of colour will work best for you. You can also look for pieces  with darker colours on the parts of your body that you would like to slim. For example a shift dress with a brightly coloured panel on the top and black at the bottom will help to slim and balance the hips.

Keep It Simple

Colour blocked summer clothes make a huge statement on their own so don’t need too much additional detail like texture, volume and accessories. Generally the rule with colour block summer clothes is the simpler the better.