the fantasy we all have of being able not to work

This look was all inspired by the sea. As the weather seems to be getting warmer, I have been daydreaming about holidaying on the beach. This look is an aspirational one, a take on Hussein Chalayan's SS10 collection. I loved the sculptural and textural details from the collection. His aim was to evoke a leisured, civilized lifestyle—or, as he put it, "The fantasy we all have of being able not to work."

The collection, with its dainty cantilever-heeled ballet pumps (love that) and cartwheel straw hats with integral flipped-down sun visors projected the aura of a long sojourn somewhere warm and expensive.

Conservative classicism this look is not, but this mix and contrast of prints and texture is to suggest ocean waves. This is simple-chic without being "lady"— a fine line?

(Top from Zara, Skirt from Matthew Williamson for H&M, Cuff & ring from Miss Selfridge, Shoes from Topshop)