It has been two years since the Italian designer Valentino enchanted us with his last scent Rock N’Dreams. So I was more than happy to hear that this year Valentino will launch his new floral scent for women: Valentina.

Unfortunately there is not much to reveal about the new perfume yet except that it is said to be a floral scent with a fruity note but the composing elements are still kept top secret.

Valentino Valentina will definitely be launched within the year and until then we will have to make do with having a sneak peek at the beautiful perfume flacon adorned with little flowers.

I certainly am a fan of the hyped up colorblocking trend but I find myself drawn towards the softer combinations of powdery pastels and nudes rather that the strikingly loud colours.

This cute little summer dress number in delicate light blue and cream tones is really pulling on my heartstrings. It’s the perfect holiday companion. Instead of a hair grip with flower detail I would combine it with a feathery accessory and the braided leather bracelet with metal detail in pastel blue.

The clutch is from Asos and the lovely high heeled Plateau Sandals by Buffalo – only problem is, they are available in crème, black and cobalt blue – oooh decisions, decisions…

Blake Lively is highly discussed in the media lately, mainly due to her fling/relationship/whatever with Leonardo DiCaprio – besides her possible casting for the role of the young Carrie Bradshaw.

In all this hype I think the focus on her styling has taken a back seat. Blake Lively almost always appears at an event wearing some fabulous gown or accessory (Chanel being her preferred label of late) but this time I think her hair styling is rather remarkable.

In the course f the year we have seen a number of romantic hairstyles – the trend of lacy dresses, pale natural colours and soft cuts simply scream for this type of hair styling.

At the premiere of Green Lantern Blake appeared with a strawberry blond, shaggy yet intricate side-braid. But Blake would not be the style icon we know if she simply left it as that. The accessories – hair grip and matching jewellery – set her apart from the usual romantic look. Gold and glitter aplenty pimp up the entire style.

I for one like this look on her but doubt many others could pull it off so well.

Picture: Getty Images

Dear Pierre Hardy, we revere you most of the time, as you can tell by all the blogs about you and your collections throughout the internet. Time after time you have delighted us with your beautiful and trend setting designs which always worked as an antithesis to mainstream high heels by other luxury labels. But this time I believe your trend radar overloaded: espandrille style; check, patent leather; check, bicolored; check. Ok, so there’s everything that’s trendy right now combined in one pair of heels, but how about making a decision? Less is more in this case.

We shall remain your loyal subjects though; skipping this spring/summer aberration for once, and looking forward to your next designs.

Never heard of Bona Drag before? It used to be an expression for “nice outfit” in the London of the 60’s. Heather Wojna adapted this expression in 2006 and made it the name of her online shop: Bona Drag reflects passion for the secret language of fashion and a unique sense of style. The Californian shop is definitely unique and extraordinary; as are the newly arrived bikinis in authentic 50’ and 60’ style.

Vintage inspired Bikinis and Tankinis: the pieces are designed by the Australian label Lover, taking inspiration from the 50’s and 60’s. The panties of the bikinis are therefore high in cut and the patterns and lace adorning the bikinis are also keep in the trendy vintage style. My favorite is the “Samantha Pleet Sun Suite”: a real eye-catcher, be it on the beach or at the pool.

Summer Handbags simply have to burst with color, high spirits and joie de vivre. The summer must have for this year is definitively flower print as seen on the current collection by Longchamp.

The coloring of the large bags are reminiscent of oriental her markets. The Darshan models are made from 100% cotton and the design and manufacture are kept in accordance with the hindu way of life. Necklaces made from blossoms are seen as a sacrificial offering to the gods.

Buying a Longchamp handbag on the other hand will not be much of a sacrifice to us – costing around 130 and 160 USD.

Since one Gossip Girl actresses (Tayor Momsen aka Jenny Humphrey) has had the honour of gracing the campaign for a perfume (John Galliano Parlez-Moi D’Amour) just last year, it is no big surprise to find another Gossip Girl becoming the face of another perfume campaign.

Leighton Meester; in the Theaters with “The Roommate”, has signed a contract with Vera Wang, making her the new face of Vera Wang Lovestruck, which is to be launched this summer.

The composition of Lovestruck is still kept a secret, but in an interview Vera revealed so much as that we can expect an impulsive and young eau de toilette with a floral note.
The takes are in the can, having been shot beginning of November by Carter Smith – who is also shooting the current summer collection by Vera Wang.

On the photos for the new Lovestruck campaign we will be presented with a gorgeous Leighton Meester wearing a beautiful dark red robe by (who else but) Vera Wang.

Photo: Getty Images

The arty ring by Yves Saint Laurent has climbed the ranks amongst the all time classics and evergreens. Over the past few years the concept idea of the arty ring is reinvented and redesigned over and over again, gaining new fans and exciting loyal aficionados.

I have eyed a few of the arty rings myself and have finally given up on resisting; declaring myself officially in love with this new model in soft vernal colours.

Even though the arty ring comes in so many shapes, sizes and colours, its distinct design is recognized all over the world.

The only problem I see is having to decide which colour to go for; fresh mint green, delicate pink or bold orange, before the arty ring sells out again.

Dior comes along with summer cheer in shape of an amazing shoe: espadrilles high heels in brightly colored ethno style. Why hasn’t anybody thought of this before I wonder!? Nearly every designer has tried themselves on the Mediterranean classic footwear: usually coming up with a wedge or ballerina version of the espadrille. John Galliano on the other hand designed this absolutely enchanting and fun-loving high heel. These pair of heels are like a Caribbean summer holiday for winter tired feet!

Color Blocking is THE trend word combination to be found on; oh so many, covers of fashion magazines. Bold colours straight out of the crayola pencil box. Now that fashion designers like Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and Monschino have crated stunning dresses, skirts and pants kept in bold colors; labels such as TopShop and Asos bring to us the corresponding accessories.

Belts, handbags and jewellery in striking colours covering all time favourites: reds, greens, yellows, blues and purples reminiscent of  sunshine filled summers days long gone.

I’m particularly happy about this trend because it works in a stark contrast against the pale trend of powdery, bland tones. While I do love certain outfits kept in those delicate colours, I can’t imagine a summer filled with only subdued, “careful” nuances. So bring on crayon colors that will really set off in the sunshine.