PENNYBLACK (Italy) Pencil Skirt

From the “good value” Italian brand Pennyblack comes this modern jersey pencil skirt encapsulated in bold stripes and a cut that emphasises sleek fit.

Team yours with a tucked-in tonal top and heels.

PENNYBLACK

Founded in 1978 by the Max Mara Group, Pennyblack was named after the first postal stamp in the world. With a DNA defined by that unique combination of sportive style and classical elements, the label has evolved into one of the most popular apparel brands in Italy and is distributed in more than 50 countries from Europe to Far East, and from South America to Australia. Pennyblack designs are known to be feminine, contemporary, and versatile—clothes that allow today’s on-the-go women to move effortlessly from office meetings to glamorous parties.

GAP (San Francisco, USA) Striped Maxi Dress

An extended weekend getaway—happy replacement holiday for FT Day and a slightly early happy Thaipusam!—calls for cozy, throw-on-and-go pieces that can take you from morning lazing-arounds to afternoon excursions and even out to dinner, like this effortless, drapey maxi dress from Gap!

Some people say horizontal stripes are never flattering on a woman's body, but these celebs have proved the fashion critics wrong.

Sandals, oversized bag, cardigan/cropped jacket, a beautiful scarf, a belt, Starbucks coffee, baby—a striped maxi works with literally anything :-)

SEE BY CHLOE (Paris) Printed Dress with Optional Straps

See by Chloé offers a slightly playful take on classic leopard print with this simple yet chic little dress. A striped bodice gives the piece eclectic charm, while a tasseled drawstring defines the waist.

The optional spaghetti straps provide you with two delightful looks in one—perfect for gals who enjoy fashion!

Offset the print with white or black accessories.

(RRP US$515)

ANTONY MORATO (Italy) Double-Layer T-Shirt

Founded in 2007 by 3 Italian brothers Tania, Lello and Giovanni Caldarelli, Antony Morato is a trend-sensitive yet quality-conscious premium menswear line from Naples, southern Italy.

Achieve a layered look effortlessly with this Antony Morato tee. Its double V-neck gives the illusion you're wearing two tops, while the raw-cut detail adds visual interest.

Natural colours (sand, mud, dust azure, chalk white) and fabrics are at the heart of the heart of Antony Morato's relaxed and informal SS13 collection 'The Boy from Ipanema'.

KATE SPADE (New York) Colourblock Silk Top

This auspicious little top features Kate Spade’s signature vibrant colours —in two-tone blocking— and a sumptuous silk fabrication. It’s also finished with a delightful Peter Pan collar — a design detail we can’t help but be charmed by, and a hot trend for 2013.

Simply throw on over jeans or a pencil skirt for a vibrant look that's worthy of applause. :-)

(RRP US$248)

Peter Pan collar craze at the Spring/Summer 2013 fashion week across the globe.

MILLY (New York) Stripe Cardigan

’Tis the season for cardigans!
Especially cardis in chic, sweet stripes - like this ‘boat house’ design from New York city label Milly. Made from super-luxe cashmere, this piece is a terrific cold-office as well as airplane travel option, or just a great way to lift a look and bring it sailing into the new season.
(RRP €330)


MILLY by Michelle Smith
Milly founder Michelle Smith has nurtured a passion for fashion since childhood. With an FIT and ESMOD education and training at Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Torrente and Christian Dior Haute Couture, Smith learnt her basics and honed her skills before returning home to New York to start Milly with her then boyfriend (now her husband).
Known for interpreting classic looks with a youthful exuberance and vintage vibe, Smith’s exquisite designs are just as likely to be found in the closet of a 20-something who would wear the garments for work and beyond, as it is on a stylish soccer mum who covets the Holly Golightly-inspired LBD.
Marking its 10th anniversary this year, Milly is now launching handbags, jewellery, and even ‘Milly Minis’, a children's line.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Striped Drape Dress

Chic style was never so easy. Soft and swingy, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s cotton-silk mini dress gathers beautifully and flatteringly around the body in a draped silhoutte. Whether at work (under a blazer) or at play (with metallic heels), this low-key starlet will steal the show!
(RRP US$495 / £399)

TWENTY8TWELVE BY S.MILLER Boating Stripe Faux-Wrap Top

There's nothing that says “Summer!” more than French sailor stripes worn by the water.
High-profile sisters Sienna and Savannah Miller of Twenty8Twelve have thought outside of the box and taken the stripe pattern to a new form. With intricately sculpted faux-wrap, this modal top features interesting draping across the front and a nice weight.
The simplicity of the boating stripes makes this a handy backdrop for pairing with classic pieces like solid blazers and trousers.
And, yes, if you are adverse to florals, this would make a lovely alternative :-)
(RRP £85.00)