Stripes have been a constant in fashion for the last couple of seasons but this season, they take on an edgier persona in cool shapes and fabrics. Too much stripe can equal a banded migraine of Beetlejuice proportions ( a little bit goes a loooong way ) but equally, stripes can add an edge to an otherwise bland outfit. That whole horizontal vs vertical stripe thing doesn't ring true to me either - I think if an outfit is unflattering, well then it's unflattering - it really doesn't matter which way the stripe runs.

In this shoot I tried to put a little rockabilly in the stripe (another major trend this season) by evoking the spirit of  Elvis circa Jailhouse rock and Olivia Newton - John gone bad in Grease. Stripalicious stripes ahead!

Stripes get a makeover in soft leather for a top to toe leather look that is more chic than biker ( Theory leather top from Net-A-Porter, Country Road leather skirt , Louis Vuitton Chain Louise bag, Proenza Schouler sandals, bracelet by Man )

The cropped top is trending harder than ever this season ( not a good time to cancel the pilates membership ). The trick to the crop is to wear it with something more covered up to avoid looking like you are on your way to Spring Break or as Ron Burgundy would say - Stay classy. ( Zimmermann top , Metalicus by Yeojin Bae, Glomesh Renee bag, Man necklace )