Wardrobe Tips and Fashion Looks for Spring & Summer 2008

FIRSTLY - Get a modern clutch or box clutch handbag. The clutch comes in many sizes and is a great way to work toward downsizing your bags. The small clutch (much like a money purse wallet) could easily be removed from a larger tote bag and is great way to ease yourself into using smaller handbags.

SECONDLY - Add more skirt volume - Choose a dress or skirt which has some swing kick fullness. This is likely to be either a short gathered dirndl style skirt. Or, it may have soft easy pleats and could even be of circular style.

BLACK teamed with WHITE is a very strong look this spring. It is a statement contrast to all the brighter colours.

TRIBAL PRINTS are a must-have this Spring 2008 and have a sun scorched hue which reminds of Souk and Mediterranean sun soaked days. This global chic look trawls the world for inspiration and finds it in the murky earth tones of a Renaissance artist's palette. Browns, ochre, burnt umber, sienna, indigo blue all have that natural look also found in Indonesian block batiks, African, Mayan or Aztec graphics.

Safari elements can be full-on with military precision or softly diluted. The fabric can be utilitarian, or rich lush, and silky crisp. The simple ecru or golden camel colour scheme is well suited to safari styling and almost always looks expensive. Look for pockets and shirt waist elements highlighted by belts. The look can also be softened up with a sash bow tie, like this oyster dress centre left from Wallis.Ecru, gold and metallic footwear teamed with safari style gives an outfit a fresh modern touch. Select from golden gladiator sandals, wooden wedges shoes to bow trimmed shoe boots.

Key for this season are oversized patent shoppers, small structured clutch bags, chunky stack-heeled shoes, Gladiator sandals and statement necklaces matched with chunky bangles.
For true summer days, add a pair of Gladiator sandals or elasticated flats to the clutch bag. Choose natural tan, brown or metallic tones for ease of matching.