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If, like me, you've always loved the sexy feeling of combining heavy duty denim with the froth of lace then you're in for a real treat this spring. Basically take all things girly; the princess and ballerina dress up clothes of your childhood and offset the saccharine sweetness with a little edge.

It's a coming of age compilation of the trends of the 80s and 90s; romanticism, power dressing and eco-consciousness in almost limitless combos. The fusion of urban techno with the organic runs through colours, fabrics, prints and styles.

Build monochrome outfits of muted nude tones or add solid blocks of colours in layers of greens and blues. Combine hot pinks and yellows with earthier shades. Mix floral moires with small checks.

The look says we can have everything: be anything. Add broderie anglais, bows or ruffles to tailored power suits to inject a feminine touch into your work wardrobe. Wear a petticoat skirt with a simplified short jacket; a seamed pencil skirt topped with a sheer sweater or layered with a flounced tee shirt under a simple tank top.

One of this season's must-haves is the asymmetric look. Skirts mirror the ambivalence by being both long and short; single shoulder dresses and pants with one leg promote the idea that we can be anything we choose to be. Join the "Jetson" set in a jumpsuit in a variety of dressy and casual styles.

Fabrics follow through this urban meets organic feel. Raw denims and linens combine with silky, floaty, pleated tulles. Textured weaves in iridescent and pearly materials teamed with lace and creased powdered fabrics in a variety of prints: Prince of Wales checks, small checks and florals on a moire background. Patterns drawn from wallpaper designs and watercolours abound as do necktie motifs. Add ruffles, bows, ribbons and sequins to complete the effect.

Get a head to get attention this spring; headgear is a must. Wear headscarves, hats or hair accessories; high ponytails with patterned elongated scrunchies are in. Necklaces and earrings are huge, not just popular huge but size huge, as are heels. Killer heels are back but feel free to slip into the newest range of pointed-toe ballet flats when the need arises. Transform feet into a fantasy of translucent pinks and oranges. Choose belts and bags in metallic leathers; gold is optimum for this. Bags can be long strapped worn across the body or minute clutches; if bags are your bag and cash is no object then get yourself one of the latest style hand-held scrunchy bags.

With a few key pieces you can judiciously contemporise your wardrobe. Look out for loose flowing pants with raised waist or, for the brave, zouave pants; add a flounced tee shirt or bolero for an exotic feel. Pick up a strappy sundress for hot days and spaghetti straps for evening wear.

For an instant make over try a printed tee shirt, a single shoulder dress, and flowing shift top. Oh, and yes, something in gold.

Learn more about this author, Stella Mcintyre.
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