“Make a statement in bold bright colours, pretty florals, ethnic prints, swishy big skirts and and all-in-ones.  When it comes to fashion, be diverse” – Hershey Pascual, OK!

“The spring summer 2008 season is all about fun and femininity. Florals, draping, sheer fabrics, ruffles and frills all add to the romantic theme that dominated the catwalks and is set to become the most wearable trend. The cooler, harder edge of the season can be seen in 1950’s Rockabilly with ra-ra skirts and the all important check shirt and bomber jacket – not forgetting Americana’s stars and stripes.” Stevie Brown, Elle

“Boho is back! But before you go rummaging around for past seasons gypsy skirts and gilets the trend has undergone a hip new revival for the new take on Boho think 70’s silhouettes and trippy hippy prints, psychedelia and mis-matched handcrafted elements for that groupy glamour element”, Nathalie Riddle, Harpers Bazaar

“Summers all about fresh off the runway ice bright denim, global hippy dip-dye, ditzy ruffle minis and not forgetting a tower tall platform wedge, candy ray-bans and a big squishy clutch to finish” Lucy Wood, Look Magazine

“My favourite trend for summer is Nautical. It makes an appearance every year, but this season has a more feminine edge - striped floaty skirts and tops in shades of red, white and blue, classic capri pants and wide-legged trousers, pretty jewellery with anchor pendants, and chic patent heels and pumps. I also love the art-inspired trend - tops and dresses that look like they've been splashed with paint - and the trend for colourful dip-dye, which will brighten up the most miserable British summer day!" – Louise Clarke, Daily Express

“Floral is going to be popular again this summer, ditsy and bold print dresses, tops etc will be bloomin everywhere as well as bold bright colours, acids, primary, block colours. The brighter the better, fuschia and yellow are very poplar. Celebs everywhere have been spotted in prom dresses on the red carpet and just out and about. Very ladylike 50's chic.” - Carly Stevens, Celebs on Sunday

“One of the most influential trends this season is fashion with a conscience. Fashionistas are realising and taking responsibility for the impact our style choices have on the environment and the world around us, whether it be in the form of organic and Fair Trade ranges, or eBaying, swapping and recycling our wardrobes.” - Alison Tay – Now Magazine

What’s Hot to Swap:

• Belts
• Blazers
• Block bright colours
• Brightly coloured wedges
• Caps/hats
• Cork shoes
• Either extremely small or oversized clutch bags
• Floral corsages and childlike appliqué
• Fringed accessories
• High waisted pants or shorts
• High waisted trousers or jeans
• Jewelled bags and tops
• Jumbo jewels and Perspex appliqué
• Jumpsuits
• Mannish jackets
• Metallic anything!
• Mini skirts
• Patch work, puff sleeve and print dresses
• Romantic frills and ribbons
• Slogan T-shirts
• Suits
• Super mini and trapeze dresses
• Sweaters
• Tote bags you could fit a small child in
• Trousers
• Vests
• Vintage sunglasses
• Washed out jeans

Tips for buying second hand or vintage

• A garment’s true value lies not in its label but in its workmanship, a trashy Prada dress is still a trashy dress
• Instead of being a slave to the dictators of trends, especially if you have to watch the pennies, buy classics and update them with customising, cheap accessories and layering
• Save time by working out how to measure clothes against your body to check they will fit; you don’t want someone else snagging the dress of the decade whilst you are squeezing into jeans that will cut off your air supply
• Have a general idea of what you need before walking into the store, it will help you focus on your search and you will be less likely to make a disastrous purchase
• Make friends with the shop assistants, they know where all the good pieces are, but make sure she is a different size to you or she will already have snagged all the good things in your size!
• Consider clothes one size above and one size below your actual one. Given the style and cut, it could fit perfectly
• Read a current fashion magazine before hitting the shops, it will focus you on what to look for
• Never buy an item without thoroughly checking it over for spots and tears
• The quality of the fabric used in a garment is the best indicator of its overall quality. Good fabric usually means a good cut
• Never ignore a piece because you don’t recognise the label
• If you fall in love with something but feel it looks dated, imagine what it would look like if you changed the buttons or dyed it a different colour, use a little imagination and you could have a gem on your hands
• Get there early!
• Leave with the healthy glow of someone who has found herself new outfits whilst also being eco friendly!