A Nautical Capsule

A clean and easy way to introduce the nautical trend to your wardrobe without looking like a sailor!

Scarf, Accessorize, 15.00

Dress, Chloe, 1,o33

T-shirt, Whistles, 35.00

Skirt, Topshop, 25.00

Jeans, Uniqlo, 19.99

Blazer, Urban Outfitters, 65.00

Wedge, Schuh, 69.99

Flats, Geox, 50.00

All available online. (All prices quoted are in GBP)

Summer @ Topshop

Topshop is doing summer the best they know how and it is definately showing a hip indie cool sort of vibe (think Chrissy Hynde @ Coachella Festival). Expect to find graphic and lucid floral.

A friend of mine recently e-mailed me with a fashion crisis- She is 5"6, a size 10, small bust narrow hips and waist with a summer christening to attend, what to wear?

Firstly, girls with this kind of figure should become acquainted with the flapper silhouette, drop waists are best friend to the tomboy figure.

A second option would be to define the silhouette, highlight where your waist is and hips will magically appear, add volume to a small bust by perhaps having a ruffle detail here...think Cameron Diaz

Stars in Topshop

I think Mary-Kate Olsen Is the one who truly understands Topshop and will wear it like a Brit. You have my approval Mary-Kate.

Message to USA Topshop was ours first

One thing that was common amongst American starlets and average joes alike was that when they visited Britain Topshop was a delight to them. And when Brits left for the US they missed Topshop. Now we have been so kind to offer the US a flagship Topshop store in New York (as previously they only had small concessions). The opening was crammed with celebs and big names. Recently, the stars are stepping out in Topshop, not just a couple but a lot. Not that I don't mind seeing more people dig Brit Rules kind of fashion but remember, it was ours first...

Recessionista Paradise

Okay, so maybe checking receipts and balances is a bit of a drag but isn't it wonderful to rediscover ones nose for a bargain. New dinner party ettiquette is to out-bargain each other but you can't say that you don't enjoy buying a dress at ten pounds and having change to fund the night out.

My high street gems of this season are stores that churn out wonderful, on-trend garments which are budget compatible. One of the victories of the British high street is the VARIETY

Let me break it down...

H&M

Mood? Young, high-energy and eclectic.

What can I find?

Wearable fashion-led pieces which come in this seasons statement colours; pastels, 80s brights. They are also champion of the zebra and leopard print garment which they use on anything from scarves, leggings, skirts, to dresses, bodices and cute printed tees. Also, harem trousers and some very wearable all in ones which scream Halston on a budget.

The champions of H&M this season are Matthew Williamsons designs, denim waistcoats and it's cheap and uplifting resort wear.

Do pick up one of the H&M 'Fashion against AIDS' campaign tees fronted by the likes of Rhianna, Estelle, Katy Perry, Roisin Murphy, Santogold and Dita Von Teese to name a few.

Summer is here, kind of.

After scouring the high street, I can see we are truly spolied for choice this summer. So I am going to break down some of the best finds and stores of the high street. After queue exhaustion and pram tripping, I swear I noticed a smirk from the British high street when I began to question how it was affected by the economic downturn...hmm in denial perhaps?

Welcome!

Welcome to Mademoiselle Modes' style website, where I will share gems of my style knowledge. I will post things that I find are beautiful, interesting, disturbing and wacky; I am an equal opportunities blogger.

Fashion and style is fun, therefore the tone of the blog is fun. I personally am engrossed in fashion 24/7 so keep your eyes peeled for sales info, style Q & A tip and info on where the hottest place on the high street is.

Hope you enjoy the ride.

M.M