All Strapped In

Can you believe were warned about this over two years ago? 

As seasons came and went, leather harnesses have come in black or tan, then in nude, then khaki or burgundy, and next, they are going black or white again.

From Marios Schwab through Felder Felder to the high street, Topshop and Asos, you can find it everywhere. 

And BCBG Max Azria's spring/summer 2013 collection is proof enough that this micro trend is not going anywhere anytime soon, so brace yourself - or get yours.

THE CANDIDATES

The Edgy Basics: Leather-Sleeved Jackets

On the high street, it all started with Zara and the little safari parka in stone and black. I wasn't sold. Yet. And then, there was nothing. Later, I found this Zara smart tweed-leather one in the sales, but I couldn't bring myself to get it. 

In the designer department, naturally, there was the classic Burberry trench with leather biker sleeves, and the smarter navy-black longline blazer style ones... But when it came to affordable, nothing turned into more nothing. Great. I picked a fine time to fall in love with the leather-sleeved jacket. 

And then, boom! The jackets and coats with leather or pu sleeves came back in force this late summer, so it was high time to do a quick research and get the very best. New Look's mini-parka emerged as the winner, for both cut, colour and value for money. 

It smoothly complements any relaxed outfit or toughens up your smart and girlie stuff - florals especially. Get the basic choice below, and check out my outfit post: a leather sleeve jacket to wear with everything.

THE CONTRAST PARKAS

  

New Look,  £39.99

  

Topshop,  £65

River Island,  £55

  

Zara a/w 2011, around £85

THE COATS

River Island,  £80                         Topshop,  £125

Zara,  around £100

Bold Florals: Make Like Mary

It was only little over a year ago that Mary Katrantzou showed the collection that - after a few seasons of great promise but relative obscurity - katapulted her to the creme de la creme of London designers. Can you believe that?

Since then, her florals and striking print-on-print visions have blossomed all over the fashion world, from designers to the high street. There can be no doubt it was her direct influence that everyone was suddenly after floral tights, smart trousers and jeans, and more print clashes than had ever been deemed possible, even in the most exuberant baroque paintings.

Topshop took Mary's approach the most literally with one of the strongest designer collaborations of the year: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop - here is a quick peek of the capsule collection, most of which sold out, literally, in seconds.

Check out my outfit post dedicated to these floral leggings, complemented with exquisite tees by Oasis. 

MARY KATRANTZOU FOR TOPSHOP

                                  silk dress: £350                                                 jersey dress: £180

                  silk dress: £150                                 tee £50, leggings £46           blouse £80, trousers £95