What to pack - and what to buy - in Thailand

So, it's been a little while since I returned from Thailand, but I've been dealing with a delightful inner ear infection, which meant that it's taken me a while to get back to normal. This means I've been a little late in filling you in on bright and bold Thai style, but I figured it would be better to wait until the room stopped spinning... call me old fashioned and all.

 Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, at midday.

 The eco-friendly and fabulous Charm Churee Resort, Koh Tao.

Meeting a tiger for the first time.

Without further ado, this is what I'd advise for you to pack and to buy in order to make the most of a Thailand holiday, whether you're at the beach or in the temples.

 Looking out over Koh Nangyuan Island during a snorkelling stop-off.

Swimwear by Tu, sunglasses by Bromptons Opticians, Brighton.

With three members of my Contiki tour group, after tackling a cookery class.

Primark maxi dress to combat the heat.

Hitting up Green Mango, one of the best clubs in Koh Samui.

Skull print skirt and sheer vest, both by H&M.

Fill the suitcase with...

• Sleeveless blouses from H&M. In an array of colours and prints, and typically at just £7.99 to £12.99 a pop, they're a real bargain, and you won't find anything quite as versatile here. I teamed mine with a skull print skirt, candy striped shorts and tile print silk trousers.
• Patterned dresses from Primark, Topshop, H&M or New Look, in lightweight fabrics. I found that many of the dresses on sale in the Eastern Islands were either designed for lithe size 8 figures, a bit mumsy and plain, or very synthetic, which seemed odd for a hot country, as the last thing I wanted was a ton of viscose to help me work up a sweat. The most useful dress I took was a very thin strapless paisley number from Primark.
• A couple of scarves or pashminas that can be used to cover up in a temple, wrap around your swimwear, protect your body from the hot sand on the beach or to tie around your hair. The ones you can buy in resorts tend to be heavily tie-dyed, which isn't everyone's cup of tea.
• One or two pairs of shorts, especially if you're going to be in very touristy areas, as everyone will be wearing them and you'd be mad to get stuck in trousers the entire time. Hotpants were pretty ubiquitous in the resorts I visited, especially Koh Pha Ngan, so there's no need to play it safe with city shorts unless you want to.
• Sun cream. Whilst it is obviously available in Thailand, you'll be paying over the odds for anything beyond Factor 15, so save your money and pack a decent supply of cream in your case.
• Supportive swimwear from La Senza and Bravissimo, if you're blessed with curves. Thai bikinis tend to flatter smaller chested girls, often lacking underwiring and only using minimal padding, but going to town on the embellishments and patterns instead.
• Lipstains, tinted lipbalms or liquid lipstick. You do not want to be carrying normal waxy bullet lipsticks in a hot country, unless you enjoy dealing with a hot mess in your handbag. I took Rimmel's Apocalips and also a dark berry stain and found that they were really useful.
• Blotting paper and mineral powder foundation for mopping up your face. Even the smallest movement can work up a sweat in the Thai heat!
• Canvas trainers, simple sandals and the odd pair of flip flops. Heels aren't necessary, not even wedges, unless you're going somewhere really up-market. Most people wear flip flops in bars and clubs, though you can buy some more when you're out here if you want to stock up on particular colours or designs.

Pop culture is alive and well in the markets of Koh Samui.

 Take your pick, from 'Prada' purses to 'Chanel' handbags.

Elephant print harem pants being put through their paces on a waterfall.

Hit the shops for...

• Harem pants in vibrant colours and patterns. They're ten a penny here and they honestly do fit all sizes, so you can just pick your favourites and get haggling. I got mine for 250 baht, which is about £5; the stallholder wanted 400 baht originally, so this was a pretty good deal. If I'd bought them beforehand on Ebay, they would have cost about £15.
• Kaftans. Yes, I could have gone to Florence & Fred at Tesco before I left, but the Thai designs are livelier and the fabrics are more lightweight, which is what you really need on the beach.
• Crochet string bikinis, if they're your thing - personally I'm not a fan, but they seemed to be in plentiful supply and were reasonably priced.
• Edgy vest tops with pop culture logos and slogans, from Heineken Beer and Jack Daniel's to Run DMC and Rihanna, many of which can be seen in markets back home for about £10 each. I opted for those advertising Chang and Singha, two local beers, plus a Damien Hirst skull print, and paid about 150-180 baht per top.
• Not quite legitimate designer bags and purses. Whilst I wouldn't normally advocate buying fakes, there are some really good imitations here, as well as some hilariously bad ones. When my H&M day bag broke in Koh Samui, I rushed out to buy something - anything - that was small, waterproof and stylish. I ended up with a tomato red 'Mulberry' bag, negotiated down from 1,800 baht to 1,100, which subsequently lasted a few days before the stitching started to unravel on one side of the strap. It's at the cobbler's as I type, so make of that what you will, but I hope to get some use out of it once it's fixed.
• Last minute duty free bargains that you can make use of during the flight and on the trip; my choice was Lancome's Hydra Zen Neurocalm moisturiser (£32.50), which calms stressed skin, and the special edition Alber Elbaz for Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara (£19.50).
• Something neon for the Half Moon or Full Moon Party, if you happen to be in Koh Pha Ngan at the right time. Whatever you wear will get wrecked, so don't rock up in your best clothes.

If you're lucky enough to go to Thailand, I hope these tips will help you to pack economically and save some space for the things that matter in your suitcase - both the staples from home and the souvenirs you bring back.

PFW S/S13: In Paris It's Hip To Be Square (Ask Chanel)

And so Paris Fashion Week is over for another year. Arguably the most decadent of the Big Four, you can guarantee that the Parisians don't do things by halves (as my whirlwind experience of working at a PFW trade show just round the corner from the Pompidou Centre proved). Here are a few trend highlights that I've spotted so far, just from Chanel, because where this brand leads then others follow.

 You Can't Mistake My Geometry, To Paraphrase Girls Aloud

[All images via Style.com]

 I'd like to think that Karl Lagerfeld was inspired by retro gaming when he created these dresses - something between Battleships, Tetris, Simon Says (the electronic hand-held version with coloured panels you had to watch in sequence) and Scrabble - but he was probably thinking of something much more high-brow. The strapless dress on the right also reminds me of crazy paving and mosaic bathroom tiles, both of which were a major 90s trend pioneered by shows like Changing Rooms and Ground Force, but I don't think these were at the forefront of Karl's thoughts either. 

Rainbow Threads

If anyone had told me that Kaiser Karl would be waving the flag for wind turbines then I'd have laughed. They might be thin but they're probably far too commonplace for his tastes, right? Well, the new Chanel woman loves a bit of renewable energy print on her top, mixed with a buzzing colour palette that could be fresh out of an art student's mood board. When you pick out individual hues, as in the centre image with the gorgeous skinny-cut trouser suit, things really start to come alive.

 Cutting Cloth in Clashing Colours

It's a bit embarrassing how much I want a PVC raincoat in a stupidly bright colour, however naff they seem. Now that Chanel's got in on the act with this deliciously wipe-clean number in cerise then I think it's fair to say I won't be the only one wanting to splash around in puddles in something shiny, practical and yet incredibly garish. 

Meanwhile the jacket/dress (whatever it appears to be) in the middle is definitely crying out to be adopted on the high street. That shape is pure Whistles/Zara/COS and it would work brilliantly for smarter occasions when you're dying to inject a bit of personality into formal-wear.

As for the last option, it's got a very flattering drop waist that appeals to my muffin top whilst not looking dowdy. The contrasting piping detail lifts this dress and makes it a bit quirky, whilst the (obviously geometric) tweed works well. It resembles a blueprint, in a good way.

 The Bold and the Shoulderful

In the two outfits either side of that unfortunately pouting model it's clear that the shoulder is definitely a new erogenous zone for Chanel; it has to be inflated, supported and dominating. Meanwhile in the centre image you can see how the un-padded shoulder still manages to upstage the ensemble, with a blank expanse of collarbone.

 Snipping Time

Definitely harking back to school with this collection (not only due to the catwalk resembling graph paper), it would be rude to ignore the pieces with more than a dash of academia about them. Firstly the shirt that looks like it's had a run-in with someone making paper snowflakes, followed by the swimsuit that adheres to the principals of a Venn diagram as well as making brilliant use of the interlocking Cs of the Chanel logo. 

Last on the register is the carefully cut-out three pocket jacket and trousers, both of which could have been crafted from Fuzzy Felt. I love the school influences and I think they make it so easily memorable, adding a personal touch because they get everyone thinking back to their time in the playground.

Just no.

However, with such a large collection to show there were always going to be duff moments ahead, even for Chanel. These three looks jarred with me because they literally had me cringing and squirming in my seat, and here were my immediate thoughts.

Left: I'm back in Tammy, circa 1999. Everything's hot and smells of Charlie and pick & mix sweets. Some twat has brought out hilarious patchwork denim pieces and for some reason everyone is going wild for them, even the ones with cowboy influences. Oh, and now there's a fad for making everything look like it's made out of denim too. Brilliant. I feel a bit sick. 

Centre: I am even younger - we're talking early 90s now. My older sister has been banned from using the scissors at her primary school as she was getting a bit violent (true story). She has had to make her collage by ripping up little squares of paper. It didn't look quite like this, but it could have done if she worked for Chanel at the time. 

Right: Ok, so now I'm about seven or eight. I haven't been banned from scissors - far from it - but I've just discovered the joys of tissue paper in contrasting colours, made into flowers. I think I will make everyone's birthday presents using bits of tissue paper or something. They will surely love it and appreciate all my hard work and not think it looks a bit scrunchy and weird. 

Now it's back to reality with a bang... so that's what I thought of Chanel. I loved the geometry and the playfulness with the playground elements and the graph paper runway. I enjoyed the puffed up shoulders and the rainbow colours; it felt like enough of an adventure without compromising on basic Chanel style. If the design team could only stop being scissor-happy right at the end or being allowed to pick up that little bit of denim then this would have been an utter triumph. As it stands, it's an almost-triumph in my book.

LFW: Topshop Unique S/S13 Gets Graphic

 Topshop Unique goes for angles and monochrome.

[All images taken from the live streaming on Topshop.com].

S/S 2012 was defined for this label by that Cleopatra print, but the forthcoming collection from Topshop Unique suggests that there's now a more grown-up directive heading our way for next summer. There was still playfulness in the Matisse-like mesh dress seen here in black (and later in white), but it was about stripping back colour and experimenting with texture and print in a more reserved style than the counterparts of the previous year.

 The live-stream was accompanied by a social sharing experiment

I enjoyed the use of intersecting lines, cut-outs and oversize shapes to form the bulk of the collection, and the odd flash of colour such as that yellow jacket and also a yellow and black abstract print which added interest to an off-white silk dress. It all felt fairly ageless and just as likely to suit a fifty-something woman as it would her daughter.

Throughout the show you could take static photos of the live stream thanks to Topshop's collaboration with Facebook, allowing the subsequent shots to be shared on your newsfeed, however I decided not to bombard my old school friends with news from the catwalk, based on their predilection for Lolcats and Farmville rather than Fashion Week (sorry, Facebook). 

I can't be the only one who felt that this would have worked better if it was a partnership with Twitter or Twitpic, which is naturally suited to brief updates about what people and brands are up to and can cope with something more aspirational (personally, my Twitter feed is about 80% fashion and nobody has an ultrasound scan as a profile picture or announces that their relationship status is 'complicated'). However, gripes aside, it was nice to see the brand reaching out to its huge social following and seeking to promote the show in new ways.

That great cut-and-paste feel comes to the catwalk.

That Matisse dress came back in white (I can't decide which version I prefer) and was joined by an excellent puff-sleeve batwing jumper with chopped sections - almost like a mullet at the back - and an elegant chiffon evening shirt dress with a fairly hypnotic pattern in what appears to be velvet. I also enjoyed the odd sprinkle of silver, especially the silver trousers which I never thought I'd find myself coveting but can't get out of my head. 

I doubt I'll be able to stretch my budget to any of these pieces but they're definitely worth considering if you can afford a bit of luxury. When pared down and brought back to design basics, the team have created a desirable collection that will have twenty to sixty-somethings dancing in the aisles.

Cardigan O'Clock

 [All photos my own]. 

 Sometimes you just need a big chunky knit - the thicker the better.

Playing with proportions - massive knit, flat hair. 

£10 cardigan, Princes Vintage.

It's so big, I can't wear it without feeling like I've got a blanket on, but I love my new cardigan even for smarter occasions. I'm currently using a bright orange skinny COS belt (£6 in their January sale) to keep it all together, usually over leggings or mannish black trousers with boots. The pattern is pure 1980s and I love how dated it looks now - part granny chic, part cool. The cyclical nature of fashion means that you could stick this in Topshop and it would sell today.

Three other types of knitwear to look out for when you buy vintage:

1. Batwing jumpers are incredibly comfy and they are the secret weapon for ladies with bingo wings. Plain black batwing styles are timeless and look great over shorts, maxi skirts or cigarette pants.
2. Ballet-style wrap cardigans - although it's a little late to be riding the ballet wave following Black Swan, this shape is flattering for most women and it's easy to wear. Yes, the threading of ties through holes is a bit of a pain, but it smooths over your stomach and avoids the shelf effect that bigger-busted girls dread. 
3. Christmas jumpers are great all year round. Watch someone's expression when you wait for the bus in June, wearing a reindeer knit.

 It may be March, but it's not too late to stay cosy.

S/S12 Aqua and Mint: Dreams of Minty Fresh Grins, Lions and Vintage

[Original image via Lavish Alice, manipulated by me].

Mint Green Sheer Lace Dress, Lavish Alice, £26.00.

This is the perfect combination of an innocent shape and more daring lace. The green is subtle and smokey - it would look great with bold eye make-up, clashing tights and killer heels.

[Original image via Own the Runway, manipulated by me].

Blue Colour Block Curve Dress, Own the Runway, £16.99. 

Another dress I've got my eye on is this stunning aqua number, almost the colour of toothpaste, which is inspired by the  structure of Kate Winslet's bold Stella McCartney body-con choice, called the Octavia, that the actress wore to two industry events. It's been updated for S/S2012 at Own the Runway with the crisp colour blocking of aqua, black and white. I think some grey accessories would really set it off.

[Image my own].

I found this rusting metal last spring and it reminded me of the Lavish Alice dress - vintage, delicate and almost sea green in colour.

[Image my own]. 

Meanwhile this oxidised copper door decoration of a Boston townhouse reminded me of the colour from the Own the Runway dress. I also like how the ornate design of the lions is completely different to the minimalism of the dress, but both images use curves to great effect. The difference is that the door looks as if it might bite you.

Aussie Rules: Black Milk Clothing

[All images taken from Black Milk Clothing's official website].
What started as a brief foray into sewing a shirt became a full creative passion for James Lillis, the designer of Black Milk Clothing, based in Australia. Focusing on leggings, swimwear and dresses, with a smattering of tops and one very sexy lace catsuit, the brand knows exactly where it's going. The aim is to provide brilliantly patterned clothes that are sold exclusively online, and it works. The Galaxy Purple Leggings, above, are a great statement piece for wearing with basic tops or a shirt.

Some of you may know that I'm a massive fan of anatomical art, and that's actually how I came across Black Milk (via the brilliant site Street Anatomy). This skeletal swimsuit would make an excellent body over tights or a sheer skirt. It's beautiful and pays homage to some of the great anatomical illustrators like Andreas Vesalius.

The fantastically named Bone Machine leggings are another potential purchase - they're intricate but could easily pass for an abstract or tribal pattern. This is such a cool way to get into print, and you'd be hard-pushed to find another girl in the same outfit if you were wearing these.

Black Milk dresses are influenced a little differently, with the galaxy and skeleton prints still strong but a few visual links to more traditional art and design. I chose the Mucha dress to show you because it references Alphonse Mucha, a talented Art Deco painter and illustrator. It's a close-fitting number so it's not for the faint-hearted, but you'd get loads of compliments.

I am really impressed by Black Milk Clothing and I think it deserves to be seen. The designs are fresh and fashion-led but without compromising on quality. I'm considering placing an order once I can save up for overseas postage...

Versace for H&M: Menswear Looking Fierce

[All images courtesy of H&M].
What with Versace being incredibly luxurious and unobtainable for us plebs, and with H&M being a powerhouse of global high street fashion, it seems only right that the two companies should have a meeting of design minds and develop a one-off collection. Previous collaborators with H&M have included Viktor & Rolf (intelligent style), Madonna (quite chavvy, most ended up in the sale) and Lanvin (flirtatious and fun), so Versace is joining an illustrious list. As you can see from the image above, the menswear drop is looking particularly exciting - it's edgy and moody, without alienating the more mature man. You could wear that leather jacket aged 20 or 50 if you styled it right, i.e. no accompanying mid-life crisis motorbike and bimbo. I also love the cut-off shorts, but there is definitely an age limit on those.

I'm strangely attracted to this all-pink ensemble, even though it's quite attention-seeking. There's just something cool/vaguely OCD about being this freakishly co-ordinated, and the suit just looks expensive. It's a great cut.

There's something distinctly fun about this shirt and I like it, despite (or maybe because of?) its potential to make people's eyes hurt. The pattern is sharp and it would look brilliant with a dark jacket and some tailored trousers. Although not everyone would find this print wearable, it's a lot easier on the eye than much of the ladieswear, which was sequin-heavy and full of lurid colours that were a little hard to stomach.

Out of the female choice, there were two dark looks that I loved (the rest I would struggle to justify buying in Primark, let alone at the price of this collection, which tends to be £50+ per piece). The black dress seen here has a gorgeous bodice top with ribbon edges, and its flared skirt will be flattering for big stomachs or boyish frames.

A less forgiving number, this studded leather dress is highly dramatic and perhaps worth splashing the cash. With the studs arranged to highlight the body frame, it's going to make you feel special. Sadly the rest of the ladieswear was just too gaudy for me to enjoy, but if you want to invest in some Versace on a budget then head to H&M from 17th November for palm print leggings and bright orange.

Giles' Hosiery Hits for New Look

[Images via New Look's official Facebook page].
In between his own successful forays into the fashion world (as seen by my recent post on his Lady Jane Grey dress that's taken celebs by storm), Giles Deacon has been creating regular collections for New Look. Gold by Giles Deacon clothing has always been cutting edge, but now he's decided to take a tip from Henry Holland and move into tights as well. This first pair have got retro all over them, from the back seam detail (women in wartime used to draw a line with eyeliner to make it look like they could still afford hold-ups - that's how cool back seams are) to the glittery bows.

With a decidedly more 1980s feel, this elliptical-edged leopard print pair is pretty edgy. I'm not sure the plain upper section would do my thighs any favours, but I am a sucker for the old big cat pattern so I'm still leaning towards this design.

Tie me up, tie me down... this last pair has got the bandage-meets-bondage look wrapped up nicely. You may recall that Cheryl Cole wore similar tights about a year ago and suddenly the high street was awash with copycats. What's different about Giles' design is that the black bandage-style sections are more angular, ending in an almost pyramid type pattern at the ankles.

Knowing how well-loved the Gold by Giles range is, I'm sure these tights will bring his work to a whole new crop of New Look shoppers, and it's nice to see diffusion lines expanding during the recession; just because we're on a budget, doesn't mean we don't appreciate the work of British designers.

The tights will be available soon, in selected stores and online via:

www.newlook.co.uk

LFW: House of Holland's Sherbet Cocktail of Strong Females

[All images: ElleUK.com]. With a smart shirtdress, flashy patent black heels and a cinched belt, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a workwear dream if you saw it drained of colour. In reality, Henry Holland's take on the smart woman involves giving her pink and purple panels that are more akin to schooltime sweet sharing rather than watercooler moments. The House of Holland woman is not afraid to be feminine, but she will stand out from the twinset and pearls look too - bridging a gap between the pre- and post-feminist takes on fashion.

This navy leather is particularly gorgeous as shorts, with gold zips helping to trace the form of the body. Again, our pastel palette has been corrupted, but the end result is exciting and fun.

Double plaid with clashing colours? Why the hell not? I can definitely see this look being reproduced in a magazine editorial shoot. It's a streamlined silhouette, keeping the pattern neat and seeming quite vintage in its layering of dress over trousers.

Here we have the British fashion take on matching: slightly off, but even more loveable because of it. American style tends to be more strict and conservative, but Henry Holland is never one to shy away from the leftfield (remember his cheeky slogan t-shirts which included 'Let's Play Naked Twister, Linda Evangelista'?). There's a semi-bomber jacket feel to the outer layer and it just misses the tones of the skirt, whilst the shoes introduce another print altogether.

Continuing to be animalistic (check out the python-print boots again - snakes are a key trend for AW/11-12 and look set to follow through to SS/12 by Holland's estimations), we're greeted by a new use of this focal lilac shade with the enlarged leopard spots. Again, sleek lines mean that there's a minimalism to the shape but a maximised approach to the fabric's visual impact. It's an almost dizzying affair, but sure to be popular with his customers.

An even more sure-fire win is this beautiful dress, which is incredibly flattering with its wide skirt and simple ombre dyed backdrop to the leopard design. I'm sure we'll see copycat pieces on the high street, utilising either the print or the basic outline, especially as AW/11-12's pinafores for everyday shoppers are already using a similar cut.

A bit of a Woman Warrior moment with the combination of the snake and single shoulder. It's the kind of thing Boudicca might've gone for if she'd been battling in 2012 - arms free to move, fierce aesthetics and concealing the decolletage (you don't need to flash the flesh to beat the opposition) to bring the strong collarbone and neck into prominence.

The pencil skirt gets a taste of that lilac shade again, and it's taken way out of the office with this crop top. Perhaps not the easiest look to translate to everyday life, it's probably going to be seen on a celebrity and will make you wish you had such abs.

Lastly, the one disappointing look for me was this: a lazy 90s tie-dye piece with ripped fishnets. I much prefer the short socks from Image 1 (prim yet quirky) and I found the aqua and lilac leopard print dress to be much more of an investment. I don't think you'd be wearing this to many formal occasions, or for a trip to Tesco, and you could make yourself something similar for a couple of quid with a packet of dye and some elastic bands if you really felt the need.

As you can see, this was a largely successful show in my opinion. It seemed slightly more mature than Holland's previous offerings, but without losing any of the fun-loving nature that forms the backbone of each garment. The main message from this collection would be: go out and be the best woman you can be, and don't be a wallflower.

More New York Newness

[All images from Style.com]. Jenny Packham is a firm favourite with celebrities and she's gone stellar since Kate Middleton was spotted in her creations, so it's refreshing to see that she hasn't lost any of her charm. This gown is beautiful in buttery yellow and its low neckline is balanced out by the good draped coverage on the lower body. The ribbon belt adds to the innocence of the whole look.

Here's the naughty little sister of the previous dress: this fiery tomato red shade is incredibly popular at the moment (it was a hit with the cross-season 2011 trend of lurid stripes and clashing pink and red hues). The light ruffling adds interest without being too fussy. I would pair this with blue nail varnish and some burnished gold rings.

Like confetti or falling petals, this design is going to be a winner for women who have the budget to really go to town on an evening dress. It's feminine but not clingy, so if you don't have the curves of Christina Hendricks then you won't feel panic-striken. The pattern emerges from a central point on the waist and it nicely skims the hips. Expect lots of high street adaptations soon.

An excellent red carpet shape (again in tomato red), this is only a good look on the flat-chested or you end up seeming a bit too keen with the cleavage and the split leg detail. I would want a dress with this shape even more if it was dip-dyed at the base a little (I'm thinking of Gwen Stefani's wedding frock as inspiration).

An innovative shape (perhaps not one for Kate Middleton), it would work better in a jewel colour than white, but that single pin-tuck really sets things off.

Cranking up the trend factor a notch, the white lace with the Edwardian top detailing is clashing modern and traditional very nicely. I think the 3/4 sleeves are a great addition, too, because the obvious Edwardian thing is to go for a full sleeve, so this feels more imaginative. And if you need a Jenny Packham factoid, trivia fans, take this: Jenny's brother is the wildlife expert and presenter, Chris Packham. Yes, really.

Onto another ladylike show, this time at Creatures of the Wind. The red and turquoise clash is brilliant (I often mix it up myself) although I have a feeling that non-models would add a waist belt to this ensemble, otherwise you end up looking a bit square.

The freshness of this green print is gorgeous - yes, green and floral is obvious for Spring/Summer, but the bib addition and the darker green socks keep this quirky rather than stuffy. The mid-calf length is a continuation of AW/11's midi skirt trend. This dress would look brilliant underneath a leather jacket, to mess it up a bit.

The very geometric shape is clever and gives a nod to origami. The fabric seems a little heavy for summer, but the tailoring means that this is your smart outfit sorted in one item. You could pair it with loads of different shoes (wedge boots, flat ankle boots, stilettos, kitten heels, brogues) and it would always work.

There's a much younger feel to this image than the previous ones - that drop waist completely hides the hips and gives a nod to the sort of dresses that we all wore as girls. The deconstructed hem is a great addition, whilst the ankle socks and strappy sandals continue the youthful vibe. As soon as I saw this dress it reminded me of so many pieces by COS (H&M's more up-market brand), which always sell quickly, so I know this is going to be a well-copied and well-received style.