Last season was all about releasing our inner magpies, with attention grabbing diamantes, sequins and any sort of sparkle. The key to this opulent trend was to sparkle in the light, however for Summer 2012 the look is more wearable for everyone with the shimmery sheen being the new glitter. Make up artists worldwide tell us that a healthy sheen is the best look for our skin, and now the Spring/Summer 2012 catwalks have taken on this mantra with catwalks full of shimmery fabrics.

This trend is all about glitz and glam for the grown-ups. The designers have shown that less is more when it comes to our sparkle. Christopher Kane took a minimalist approach, sending his models down the catwalks in classic shapes such stiff A line skirts and dresses with extra sparkly details added on top of the shimmery fabric, whereas Giles took a more indulgent approach to the trend, as his models paraded down the catwalk in luxurious iridescent fabrics in shimmery shades of gold and silver. A futuristic feel could be seen at Sportmax, who used peplum shapes, glittery pencil skirts and drawstring details to show how to nail the sports luxe trend at the same time as the shimmery style. Chanel created a shimmery, girly feel with their sparkly catwalk and soft white fabrics, completed with softly sparkling pastel details and the much coveted Chanel shell handbag, which has the perfect amount of sheen and style to be on any girly-girl’s ‘must have’ listed for Summer 2012.

Whereas winter is the perfect time for over the top sparkle, with office Christmas parties and glitzy New Years Eve celebrations for summer a soft sheen is a lighter, more wearable look that you can make work for any occasion. ‘Friends With Benefits’ star Mila Kunis was spotted rocking a pair of shimmery neutral shorts for drinks with a friend, paired with a matte neutral top, high heel shoes and a black blazer to let her shorts take centre stage. Danni Minogue and Rihanna showed that a subtle sheen on a dark dress can make a great look for a night out on the town, wearing a silky green Stella McCartney number, whereas Danni worked a short navy dress with an oily sheen and lace detailing from her own project D collection. These ladies definitely know their style stripes, both making it into Glamour’s 50 best dressed women, so steal their style now!

If you’re heading abroad this summer, think Grecian goddess by dressing head to toe in a fabulous shimmery chiffon number, combined with gold jewellery such as our Chunky Bold Striped  Over-Sized Bangle - Sale was £5.99 now £2.99! Or our Tribal Style Wooden Wrist Cuff/Bracelet - Sale was £5.99 now available for the small price of £3.99, and a pair of detailed gladiator sandals such as our Brown Snakeskin Leather Effect Ankle Strap Gladiator Sandals - Sale was £19.99 for only £15.99. Wear this look with a slick of shimmery lip gloss and that perfect holiday tan for poolside perfection, great for sipping martinis in the hotel bar at sunset. Steal Mila Kunis’s cute style to bag yourself a boyfriend on a night out with a pair of high waisted stiff silver shorts with beaded lace detail over the top to add interest. Combine with loose black blouse, black killer heels like our Black Peeptoe Block Heels With Bow Design, a real bargain for £10, and a matching metallic clutch bag like our gorgeous Metallic Silver Hard-Back Heart Shaped Clutch Bag (£11.00) to be the envy of all the girls when you’re hitting the dance floor. And for boardroom brilliance, look to MaxMara for inspiration with a stiff blazer in a jewel colour such as red, yellow or blue.

Summer is the time to be light, bright and radiant, so go for subtle sophistication with soft shimmers and sheens. It’s your time to shine, you glow girl!

By Meg Dixon - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

I could talk about Beyoncé all day. Luckily, her exceptional post-baby body and Met Ball outfit choice have given me the perfect excuse.  On May 7, the annual Costume Institute Ball was held in order to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s fashion exhibit. Running since 1948, the Vogue hosted event has housed a range of outstanding red carpet celebrity ensembles. Now at $25,000 a ticket, this occasion never fails to showcase some high class designer fashion. Last year, Diana Kruger, Ashley Greene and Gisele Bundchen ranked as a few of my favourites (definitely worth the Google).

This year, Beyoncé’s outfit has been classed controversially as a huge hit and miss. I can’t hide the fact that on anyone else, I would almost definitely be slating the Givenchy gown she wore but as it’s her, it looks pretty great. No one looks this good after having a baby just over 4months ago, no one. Rumours are even flying that B looks skinnier than before giving birth to baby Blue Ivy Carter.

The fantastically detailed sequin, part-transparent, feather-train dress was a risky red carpet choice but it emphasised her fabulous, curvaceous, bootylicious body flawlessly. In perfect distinction, with no accessories necessary, her sleek, uncomplicated hairstyle allowed, as always, for her beauty to shine through, whilst the gown spoke for itself.

As if we needed more reasons to envy her.

By Nicole Benson-Feathers - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

We've all seen different celebs pull off the bohemian, baggy look pretty well. There might have been some misses but there were definitely many hits. Mary-Kate Olsen is one celeb that nails the boho mania! The Full House star has had a uniquely different style, but isn't that what we all like? The bohemian look can be pulled off as both casual wear as well as formal.

Maxi dresses have been the in thing this summer, but what about maxi skirts? I know they do not scream spring-summer wear but they definitely have a glow of their own. These skirts come in various shapes, styles, materials, colours and lengths. The asymmetrical maxis are light weighted skirts where the front is shorter than the back. These skirts look quite formal when paired with a wide back lace blouse and an elegant pair of mid-heel ankle boots.

A long pleated maxi in a brighter colour matched with a tee shirt and a blazer would result in you portraying the chic look. If you want the semi-casual look you can pair the outfit up with flat sandals or if you want the complete casual look then just go the Converse way.

You know you can never go wrong with the boho look as the uniqueness of it reflects the wearer. You can pair anything with the outfit and it will still look good. Other apparel that could make your boho-attire glow, are waistcoats, denim jackets, simple tankinis or even a tunic! Just remember to give this look a touch of your own! Oh and don't forget the chunky vintage jewellery that can accessorise your look hand-in-glove.

By Tatiana Dias -  Fashion writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

You may be thinking what on earth is a Dirndl skirt?! Well, I am here to tell you. Think below the knee, fun and flirty! The 50s inspired trend is a summer must-have and the playful, retro skirt has been swishing down all the catwalks.

It seems you no longer have to get the legs out to complete an outfit as this prim and proper trend has been a hit with designers from Balenciaga to Jonathan Saunders, who paired print and a Dirndl, adventurous.

It can be worn with flat shoes, wedges and even booties for the festival chic look (and lets be honest, with this weather it will probably be the latter!) So, lets leave the mini-skirt in the 60s and embrace the longer and retro-modern Dirndl.

By Emily Hughes - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

"Bippity Boppity Boo, put them together and what have you got", a magical pair of shoes designed by Louboutin, inspired by the all times favourite Walt Disney’s Cinderella.

Who doesn’t dream about living in a fairy tale just for one day? Well, this dream is soon to become reality as the French Shoe designer, Christian Louboutin has been commissioned by The Walt Disney studios to create his own interpretation of the Cinderella famous ‘slipper glass’ to celebrate the re-release of the classic edition of Cinderella on DVD and Blue-ray, expected in September.

The Princess ‘slipper glass’ were first designed by Charles Perrault towards the end of the 18th century, Today, we expect Louboutin to surprise us one more time and reinvent this classical ferric piece with a modern touch, yet stylish and magical! Nothing less from one of the iconic designers in the fashion world especially as this will be the first collaboration between the Walt Disney studios and a fashion designer.

“Disney gave me a wonderful opportunity to live this magical moment. I have been so lucky to have crossed paths with Cinderella, an icon who is so emblematic to the shoe world as well as the dream world.” Reveals Louboutin to Fashion United.

The reinterpretation will be shown for the first time in July 2012 during the Paris Haute Couture week to the eyes of every dreamer!

By Nathalie Akkaoui - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

It’s time to reveal the luxury traveller in you by incorporating the Aztec trend to your summer wardrobe.

The amazing garment prints come in plenty of colours, in black and white – and now even in handbags, shoes and nail varnish. The perfect way to start the summer, I’d say.

The ‘boho luxury’, as described by Elle.co.uk, will without a doubt be one of the hits on the beach this year as well as at festivals and summer parties. This style will definitely get you all the way through the fanciest parties to the chilled-out festivals and lazy days by the beach.

Look for bold elements in striking colours, or a dress in with the prints in black and white, or even sow your own garments onto the pockets of your favourite jeans shorts. There’s no end to what you can do with the Aztec prints of 2012.

By Therese Doksheim - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

Every year, millions of animals are being killed for fashion industry. Fur used from animals are either caught in the wild known as wild fur or produced in fur farm called farmed fur. Most of the world’s farmed fur is produced within EU where 6,000 fur farms are still running. The EU accounts for 63% of global mink production and 70% of fox production in which Denmark China, the Netherlands and the U.S are major producers while Finland is the largest United States supplier of fox pelts. Approximately 27,790,000 of animals in average are used by fur farm while 8,559,303 of animals are being trapped in wild yearly, the amount is dreadful.

One of a noticing point is the brutal ways of catching animal. In wild, animals are being caught by either traps or snares whereas Leghold and conibear trap are widely used. Preys trapped in those equipment are likely to end up with severe injured in anxiety and fear, yet, most of them stay alive after struggling until the trap being torn off, they will then flee with only three legs to a slowly and painful death due to infection. Moreover, others species which excluded of the target list are often victimized by unintended catches for instance cat, dog, sheep or bird etc. Unexpected preys in which a jargon in the industry known as”trash” are usually be thrown away. As for those desired catches that could not get out of the traps would face execution whether by nature or by human after being exposed under broad daylight for days. Predator kills them at the end by choking, beating, cudgeling or breaking their neck.

Responding to soaring fur against forces, United Kingdom and Austria are thus passed a prohibition to the breeding of animals for fur production. Following all Swedish fox farms have been shut down in 2000, in 2008, a policy of eradicating all fox and chinchilla farms in Netherlands was implemented alongside with a prohibition for trading cat and dog fur among EU. However, the world should stay vigilant as most of the species are still being abused for the name of fashion.

Numbers of high-end fashion designer have committed themselves against fur including Calvin Klein, Stella Mccartney, Herve Leger, Charlotte Ronson etc, as well as many models have join the rank. A recent promotion trailer against fur with focusing on fashion industry which produced by PETA visualized an idea when models switching position with the animals that provide the fur. What if humans had to face a threat of being captured or skinned everyday in order to be put on animal models under spotlight just for minutes of triumphs and satisfaction? If it sounds ridiculous and inhuman to you then you should take off your fur, and put on your humanity before the situation is irretrievable.

By Jennifer Chan - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

Over the past few weeks, whilst hitting the town with a group of friends, I couldn’t help but notice the numerous fashion faux pas committed around me. As such, I have decided to dedicate this blog to those girls out there, who may need help when creating their ‘going out’ look. Now, I don’t claim to hold all the answers. I myself cannot say that I have not made a few wardrobe and cosmetic slip-ups in the past. For this reason, I would like to pass on a few words of wisdom, taken from my own experiences and observations.

1) Your face is not a canvas and your make-up is not acrylic paint! Be careful not to overdose on cosmetics. Too often have I seen girls in clubs or even during the day, looking like they spent way too much time under the UV rays. Resembling an orange is neither natural, nor appealing.

2) If you can’t walk in them, don’t wear them - especially when your balance may already be off with the alcohol! At a certain point in the night, the street seems to fill up with girls stumbling around, twisting their ankles or just giving up and walking barefoot from their high heel shoes. This is neither hygienic, nor attractive!

3) If it doesn’t cover your bottom, you will definitely not be attracting a decent man, let alone portraying yourself in a classy way. A few nights ago, I spotted a girl, wearing a tight bodycon dress that was way too short for her. Take it from me, the more you hide, the more you leave to be discovered.

4) Cellulite is every woman’s nightmare - don’t make it public. If you are battling this problem, cover it with a longer skirt or some nice (tight) jeans.

5) If you have a bit of a stomach (another female nightmare), don’t wear a crop top. I realise that these are in style now, but let’s face it, they are sadly not for everyone.

6) If you have love handles, don’t wear tight, low-rise trousers. Instead, try a medium-rise. It will give you a seemingly slimmer silhouette.

7) Keep jewellery to a minimum. Remember, you’re going to be dancing like crazy, so don’t wear massive, dangling earrings - accidents can happen.

8) No socks with heels, please! Believe it or not, I have actually spotted this major mistake.

9) Match, match, match! Contrasting colours may work on occasion, but it’s risky. You’re clubbing at night, so I would advise you to avoid the flashy (let alone neon) colours.

In short, DRESS FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE! That is fashion rule Number One! If you’re unsure, whether an outfit fits you properly, ask a friend or family member. One of the best parts of going out is getting ready. Have fun with it! Shopping with others makes the experience so much better, and if you’re in the mood, you can even do a pre-outing fashion show for your friends to help you in your outfit choice. In the end, we all make mistakes, even celebrities are routinely scrutinized for their appearance. Vulgarity is to be avoided at all times! You want people to admire your fashion taste, not criticise it (well, except in the case of those envious of your fabulous choices). So, the next time you go out, take my tips into consideration, and just have a blast!

By Aurelia Clavien - Fashion writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

There was a time when print was kept to a minimal; only one half of the body would display a statement piece whilst the rest would remain simple. The catwalk this season has changed this if D&G and Mary Katrantzou’s Spring/Summer offerings were anything to go by.

Gone are the days where clashing prints were met with a frown and a raised eyebrow; patterns are to be celebrated and the more in an outfit, the better! D&G can only be described as presenting a fruit salad and a delicious one at that. It doesn’t end there. A rainbow palette was painted onto dresses with a belted waist; layers upon layers of pattern were splashed onto tunics, tops and trousers. There is also a hard edge to the outfits with chain prints blazoned over the fruits and flowers. It’s fierce and certainly takes courage to wear out. However, it is a visual feast for your eyes. It is a parade of colour.

Mary Katrantzou saw the fusion of colour and nature. Colour blocking is not to be shied away from as blossoms in vivid pigments of colour were paraded in thick, bright panels. Fishes were seen swimming on chiffon tops and flowing capes met with a blossom background. It is a marriage between the marines and the meadow. It takes the most delicate of prints and transforms it into the boldest of patterns.

Get the look with our Genuine Leather Vivid Orange Multi-Compartment Satchel available for just £129.99. Available in over 10 other colours, stand out this season!

By Shu-Shi Lin - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

The sun has finally returned after its long vacation, and it’s now time to drive off into the sunset with the man of your dreams. Adorned, of course, either in Prada’s cartoon Cadillacs or Ardis’s arty car prints. The designers at Prada and Akris are ready to drive away for the summer, and their cute collections are the perfect addition to your wardrobe for this season, for a print that’s new and current for Spring. Rather than working those familiar florals or this season’s aquatic trend, opt for a bit of metal with a colourful car print.

Prada’s catwalk reflected everyone’s desire to drive away somewhere sunny with pastel midi-skirts covered in colourful Cadillacs that are perfect for lazy days with your boyfriend in the sun. Car covered bandeau tops clashed with 3D florals made an impact, and Prada went Grease with A line leather skirts with car and flame motifs that catch the eye. So, to be the one that Danny Zuko wants, embrace Prada’s recurrent motifs and vivid patterns. For a look that’s more abstract and arty than cartoon cute, look to modern designer Ardis. Ardis’s spring/summer 2012 collection made use of distorted photographs of cars and roads to add abstract detail to otherwise simple dress. It’s a cool look that’ll make you look as though you belong in an art gallery, but it’s guaranteed to catch that cute guy’s eye (so make sure you know your Cadillacs from your Bentleys!). If you want to keep your look girly, but with an edge, girly goddess Mary Katrantzou and her floral prints have taken a dark turn this season, as she mixes florals with crushed metal patterns – perfect for wearing with smoky eyes and metallic accessories!

This is certainly a print with a difference for summer 2012, so think Herbie, Cadillac and colour when shopping for your summer wardrobe rather than pink, petals and pastels. For a festival look that’ll distinguish you from a sea of shorts and vest tops, try a silk car-printed crop top with a high waisted skater skirt and a pair of biker ankle boots and a small handbag just big enough to hold your phone and a few coins in a colour matching your crop top – our Small Deep Red Genuine Leather Bag With Shoulder Strap (£45.00) is perfect for festivals! To impress with your knowledge of cars on a first date, try a Prada-esque midi skirt in a pale colour that gives your car prints space to make a statement, paired with a simple white collared shirt. Accessory wise, team with a fabulous pair of wedges such as our Silver Wedge Sandals with Low Heel for only £14.99 to be able to look that guy in the eye, then pair with a great new bag to give you that extra va-va-voom, our Balenciaga Style Maroon Patent Croc Effect Handbag With Long Shoulder Strap is a perfect choice in its vibrant shade of red for only £23.99!

We all want to drive away into the sunset with Prince Charming, with our hair blowing in the wind… This summer take inspiration from Prada, and impress in cute car prints to steal that guy’s heart and drive away in his (hopefully nice) car!

By Meg Dixon - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.