HIGH STREET LOOKS

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Mar 20, 2005 | by Fashion Eva Arrighi

Blush pink sequin trim cardigan, pounds-69, Hobbs; coral chiffon ruched bodice, pounds-65, Coast; gold leather jewelled belt, pounds- 14.50, Gap; white, coral and black woodland print linen circle skirt, pounds-89, Hobbs; LK Bennett salmon pink lattice leather wooden slides, pounds-25, Oasis Taupe cardigan with beaded collar, pounds-129, Ronit Zilkha at House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols; wine T-shirt, pounds-8, Marks & Spencer; gold sequinned scarf, pounds- 22, Oasis; fuchsia sequinned silk layered skirt, pounds-100, Monsoon; leopard print peep-toe shoes, pounds-54.99, Office Pale pink pearl, bead and sequin trim cashmere cardigan, pounds-175, Jaeger; dusky pink sequin and beaded velvet trim belt, pounds-49, Jigsaw; gold bauble necklace, pounds-8, Diva at Miss Selfridge; pink strapless satin ribbon trim dress, pounds-60, Debut at Debenhams; brown beaded strappy sandals, pounds-49.99, River Island Red short- sleeved cardigan, pounds-32, Monsoon; purple vest, pounds-10, Warehouse; turquoise cluster beaded collar, pounds-65, Jaeger; coral silk-panelled full skirt, pounds-120, Fenn Wright and Manson; hot pink bow-trim canvas shoe, pounds-139

OH YOU PRETTY THINGS

Last season, pretty was in pink. This time around pale to mid blues - anything from duckegg to powder, azure or cobalt - are the new pinks, from prom queens to earthy ethnics

NEVER has there been a season with such a preoccupation with sheer prettiness - whatever the trend - and, in our book, that's to be welcomed. This whole new appreciation and demonstration of assurance with prints coupled with the current awareness of femaleflattering shapes and the wonderful use of colour have come together in a succession of looks that are all terribly pretty and as easy to wear as they are on the eye.

Summer blues are the colours de jour and, as you can see from above, there are so many ways to wear the new shade that you'd be mad to ignore the wealth of options available on the high street this season.

Be it duck-egg, powder, azure or cobalt, pale to mid blues are the new pinks, and these shades which have been lingering on for a few seasons are perhaps ready to be put in storage. Fashion, ladies, is in a blue mood that runs the gamut of styles from pretty-as-a- picture prom princess through to the ethno-centric style that you just can't avoid, with a few more work-friendly options in between. So it may be time to finally trade in your allegiance to one sorbet shade in favour of another, because this is the one time that a case of the blues is no bad thing.

Mediterranean blue embroidery silk crepe kaftan with bells and white flowers, pounds-30, TopShop; brown plaited leather belt, pounds-16, Oasis; cream linen red and blue flower print cotton circle skirt, pounds-39.50, Due by Per Una at Marks & Spencer; blue suede sequin flip flops, pounds-15, Jeff Banks at Debenhams Blue jersey wrapover dress, pounds-35, Red Herring at Debenhams; grey jersey top, pounds-24.99, River Island; blue print silk scarf, pounds-9, Accessorize; cream full draped skirt, pounds-60, Jeff Banks at Debenhams; tan leather moccasin pumps, pounds-49.99, River Island Crochet cream broderie anglaise cotton blouse, pounds-60, French Connection; grey snakeskin belt, pounds-12, Marks & Spencer; blue cotton flower print skirt, pounds-50, Phase Eight; white and brown polka dot canvas sneakers, pounds-24.99, Office Blue sparkle silk strapless dress, pounds-80, Debut at Debenhams; white woven leather cork heel wedges, pounds-39.99, Schuh