200 Kurt Geiger Grid Wedges		14 Matalan Tan Cork Wedges

When it comes to shoes this summer, topping the trend chart are wedges, the ultimate shoe to lengthen your legs without the pain of the high heel. Perfect for this season’s maxi-dress obsession, wedges are also great with shorts and skirts to elongate your pins. Go for black to make a statement, floral to keep it feminine, but for the most flexible and wearable option, there is nothing better than a pair of tan wedges.

From the king of the shoe Kurt Geiger, are these spectacular Grid Wedges. Huge in height but low in discomfort, these shoes are a great way to add spice up your summer wardrobe. The colour combination goes with most styles, particularly denim for daytime or black for the evening, and the leather material means these will last you way beyond your last glass of Pimms this year. At £200 they are a special treat, but in terms of practicality and style you can do no better.

For a cheaper option, try out Matalan’s take on the trend with these Cork Wedges. A less daring version of the tan wedge, these are the more modest option, but still provide the height and prominence of the style. They are a perfect summer staple to brighten any outfit, and their feminine shape works wonders with summer dresses. At only £14, these are a bargain buy, especially considering how many opportunities there will be to wear them. Touch wood.

By Kate Vine

109 Carrera Matal Aviators		12 ASOS Metal Nude Aviators

The hot weather, the longer days and the get-aways – there are many reasons we look forward to summer, but a main one is admittedly the excuse to whip out the sunglasses again. This year aviators remain the easiest way to look cool in the heat, and with this season’s new nude adaption of the trend they are officially the chicest summer accessory. Whether you want to splash out or tighten the purse strings, there is a pair perfect for you.

To top the trend, these Carrera Metal Aviators are the best your bucks can buy. Simultaneously suave and daring, this pair will rocket you onto the fashion radar, for they encompass the aviator trend while bringing something original to the table. The neutral shade works great with minimalist and bright trends of the summer, but for £109 make sure it’s love not lust.

If you’re after something a little gentler on the budget, try out the ASOS take on the trend. For only £12 you can grab these ASOS Metal Nude Aviators which offer the nude trend with a simpler style. Perfect for effortless chic, these are the essential accessory for the summer city and the festival season – and with the lower price it is less of a blow if they fly off into the crowd. Everyone gets caught up in the heat of the moment sometimes.

By Kate Vine

1,195 Matthew Williamson Printed Jaquard Dress		36 Topshop Cream Rose Wrap Fifties Sundress

Bored of the typical sundress? So are we. While perfect for beach most sundresses aren’t worthy to walk the city streets. The best way to make a statement and stay comfortable at the same time is to go for a printed dress. Prints are huge this season and you can find yours in an easy to wear, lightweight dress which is versatile for every occasion. High street options are great for a fast fix, but if you want to invest there are plenty of higher end options guaranteed to turn heads.

If you want something special to take you through the summer season look no further than this Matthew Williamson Printed Jacquard Dress. Beautifully beaded, intricately made and exuding an exotic appeal this dress is the ultimate high end summer dress. Wear with wedges for daytime, or metallic heels for an electric night out look. At £1,195 it does blow the budget, but hey rent isn’t that important.

Alternatively, Topshop this season offer a multitude of printed treasures including this . This dress is a classic fifties shape, adding femininity to any figure, with a pretty, vintage inspired print to give you that Mad Men-esque glamour. At only £36 it is a steal for the amount of occasions it fits, for it as easy to pair with flats as it is heels for any summer events.

By Kate Vine

Michael Kors Blue chronograph ladies watch		42.50 Swatch Cobalt Rebel watch

Here at chiconomise we’ve been huge fans and followers of the SS11 block colour trend. Not only have we been clashing our clothing, but we’ve also been on the hunt for bold accessories, that is until we found the ultimate statement accessory for this SS11… The bold watch. With intense blue being one of the hottest colours to be seen wearing this spring/summer we’ve found two fab watches in this shade.

If you’ve got cash to flash then this Blue chronograph ladies’ watch by Michael Kors at £179 is sure to grab attention. This bold timepiece can be worn to compliment a bold clashing outfit, or if you don’t want to fully embrace the daring trend it can be partnered with black for a subtle look with just a splash of colour.

If you want to save, this this Cobalt Rebel watch by Swatch is a great statement piece to add to any summer wardrobe, and it’s just £42.50 (bargain for an instant style update). The simple plastic strap makes the watch extremely durable and easy to wear.

If you love these watches but would rather them in another colour you’re in luck as both styles come in a wide range of colours for you to choose from (see websites).

By Joanne Mason

30 Bare Escentuals Smoky Eyes		7.99 Max Factor Smoky Eyes

The smoky eye is a make-up trend that will never go out of style. Though colours and variations may evolve, the basic look has remained the favourite for decades because of its sultry appeal and uncanny knack of suiting everyone. While the eyes on the pages of Vogue may require specialists, many brands have brought products to ease the journey to smoky allure. Here are two of the best buys.

If you want to treat your eyes to a luxurious treat, Bare Escentuals offers a great box-set which not only offers the shadows, but also the guidance needed to achieve the look. The kit also contains a double ended smoky eye brush for the perfect application, making this option the ideal choice for a beginner. It offers all the help of a make-up artist and all the colours needed, making it a relative bargain at £30.

However, for even simpler application at a cheaper price, try out Max Factor’s Smoky Eye-Shadow. In the form of a double-ended pen, one end covers the lid in a lighter shade, and the other adds darker definition to the outer lid. It is the quickest route to the smoky eye effect, with minimal hassle and minimal technique required. At only £7.99 you can achieve this classically sensuous look for under £10.

By Kate Vine

766 Mulberry Oak Alexa		20 Tan 'Lola' Large Cut Out Satchel Bag

If we visualize our dream bag it has got to be a Mulberry.. but unfortunatly for us it’s probably going to stay in our heads! Currently making chiconomise HQ swoon is the Oak Alexa, inspired by Mulberry muse Alexa Chung. This gorgeous piece of luxury design can be yours for £766 at Mylabel.co.uk.

Not in your budget? Not to worry ladies, we’re always on the lookout for chic alternatives that won’t break the bank – and we’ve just found one! This already reasonably priced ‘Lola’ cut out satchel from Debenhams is ideal for everyday use, with a comfortable across body carry it is a bargain in the sale at only £20.

99 GHD IV Styler		19.99 Tony&Guy Slim Define Styler

With all the waves, curls, flicks and straight locks flying around, it can be difficult to decide which is right for you, and even then we often change our minds. Therefore, the best option is to buy an electrical multi-styler rather than straighteners or tongs, to give you the option to do whatever you want with your hair, whenever you want to. There are plenty of cheaper options as well as the ultimate GHD stylers, so you can style your hair on any budget.

If money is no concern, the best of the best is the classic GHD IV Styler. The most versatile option by the iconic brand, this is the styler used by most professional stylists, to get the most professional results. It can create tousled waves and defined curls in addition to the poker straight locks that GHDs are so well known for.  Coming in at £99, they will set you back, but they are long lasting and produce undeniable results. Order at the official site for free next day delivery.

The best alternative at the lower end of the spectrum is the Tony & Guy Slim Define Styler. Also a professional brand at a fifth of the GHD price, this styler is also flexible with its options, for it straightens, curls and waves all with ease and a high heat. The slim design is particularly effective on short hair and also works on longer locks. At only £19.99 you can try out the latest trends for hair without breaking the bank.   

By Kate Vine

90 Tommy Hilfiger Otila Blouse		14.99 H&M Denim Shirt

The easiest way to tackle the boyfriend style this summer is the classic denim shirt. Effortless and understated, these shirts flatter all body shapes and can be paired with anything. Go wild with double denim or achieve cool summer chic with neutral shorts. Denim shirts are available in all price ranges – go cheaper if you simply fancy a summer fling, but this wardrobe staple may also be worth an investment.

The king of denim cool, Tommy Hilfiger is the way to go if you want to top the fashion charts. This Otila blouse is the best out there for the boy-meets-girl trend, carries a vintage edge, and brings with it all the bonuses of the brand; great fit, good quality and timeless appeal. The Otila blouse is perfect for tucking into high-waisted shorts or layering over summer separates. It may be £90 a shirt but offers a multitude of outfits to go for.

However, high street favourite H&M once again offers a great bargain for the tighter budget. Priced at only £14.99, this Denim Shirt is a great find. With a more tailored fit, if offers an alternative take on the trend, and is perfect for adding edge to your summer tailoring or adding shape to your sundresses. This option is a bolder interpretation for much less cash and is a great stand out piece.

By Kate Vine

35 Tom Ford Private Blend Lipstick in True Coral		4.79 Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Queen

Nothing is hotter than coral this season, and the trend has transferred from fashion to faces. Make-up is a world of colour at the moment, and coral is a great way to go, especially if you want to elaborate your lips. The key is to go for the pinker shades over the more orange, to maintain a chic rather than circus look. Available for all budgets, everyone can try out this trend however many pennies they wish to spend.

For a little bit of beauty luxury, the best of the best has to be Tom Ford Private Blend Lipstick in True Coral, priced at £35. Ever since the range was released it has been the epitome of beauty products, encapsulating all the aspects of the Tom Ford brand: luxurious chic with fashion forward sophistication. This lipstick is the perfect shade, and as the man himself says: “There is no more dramatic accessory than a perfect lip.”

However, if you want to test the waters before diving straight in, Rimmel London’s Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Queen is the perfect trial. It provides a great, shiny and moisturising finish, while the shade is a pleasant coral pink that is flattering on almost any skin tone. Priced at only £4.79, this is a great budget buy if you’re trying out this bright new trend.

By Kate Vine

19.50 MAC Select SPF 15 foundation		13 Body Shop Moisture Foundation SPF15

Pimples, dark circles, or uneven skin tone- whatever your problem a good foundation hides a whole host of skin sins. Yet we know only too well that finding the perfect colour to match skin tone is easier said than done and often ends up either a shade too ghostly or slightly too orange… So we have had a search around and found two possible contenders for your makeup bag to help you look more natural and make blemishes disappear.

MAC, makeup originally designed for the stars, have been helping us normal folk look presentable for years. This brand has a great range of products designed to help bring a healthy glow to your skin in the most comfortable way possible. MAC Select SPF 15 foundation is great as an all-day cover up; it lasts 15 hours, is oil free, gives light protection against the sun and comes in 21 colours meaning you are more likely to get the perfect match for your skin. Get this 30ml makeup bag staple for 19.50 from Debenhams.

For a cheaper, ethical alternative head down to The Body Shop, which boasts an impressive makeup range to rival big brands like MAC. We think Moisture Foundation SPF15 (available in 8 shades) could be the perfect alternative to the MAC Selct SPF15. The lightweight, moisturising, long-lasting liquid foundation also has added sun protection and provides light to medium coverage with a flawless finish easily applied with a pump to avoid excess usage. Buying your makeup with The Body Shop means you can have faith that ‘Dermatologically Tested’ means no animals were harmed making the product. In fact this foundation contains good things like Community Trade marula oil which is not only great for your skin but also supports women in northern Namibia . For just £13 you could get movie star perfect skin with a conscience – that is a saving of £6.50 on the MAC version for the same amount of makeup!

By Reena Sewraz

155 Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Straw Rosa tote		34.90 Mango straw shopper

So summer is on its way (we hope), and that can only mean two things, time to start booking those summer holidays and getting our summer wardrobe sorted. We Chiconomistas never need an excuse to buy a new bag or a ‘beach essential’ as we like to call it, but if ever we did, this is as good an excuse as any. No beach outfit can be complete without the beach bag, and here at Chiconomise we’ve found you beach bags that are not just practical, but also ultra stylish so you can remain looking glam even with red shoulders and sand drenched hair this summer.

With so may gorgeous straw bags hitting the shops at the moment we had quite a challenge picking our favourites, but we decided that this Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Straw Rosa tote had to be one of them. Adapting the SS11 neon trend (choose from fluoro red, blue and yellow) into a subtle wearable accessory, this bag is a must have for budding fashionistas. At £155 it’s not cheap, but it is extremely versatile and even comes with a detachable purse, amazing.

If this is a little out of your price range why not opt for this Mango straw shopper at £34.90. This large shopper is big enough to fit all your beach essentials, as well as being smart enough to be used away from the beach to compliment a casual summer day look.

By Joanne Mason

305 Danni Jo Kamani Brass Crystal Necklace		15 Topshop Chain Waterfall on Suede Necklace

This season a prominent trend on and off the catwalk is minimalism; head-to-toe blacks, creams and particularly whites for Spring. Simple they are but boring they are not, because with the minimalist outfit comes the statement necklaces. Big, bold and bound to get you noticed, they are the essential accessory for your minimalist looks, a pop of elaboration aboard the effortless chic of timeless colours.

The key is to go for gold. This Danni Jo Kamani Brass Crystal Necklace takes the statement necklace to new heights, sitting just under the throat it jumps out from the black outfit, taking a dark T-shirt from simple to sensation. Enhanced with Swarovski crystals this necklace takes centre stage and is a quick and easy trick to up the ante of your outfit. Priced at £305, it is a budget buster but has the credentials to back up the price tag. 

If you would prefer to dip a toe rather than dive straight in then this Topshop Chain Waterfall on Suede Necklace is a more economic choice. Equally effective with the minimalist look, this cheaper option is flying off the shelves for those who want to experiment with the new extravagance of jewellery. A bolder choice but with a cheaper price at £15, this is a great opportunity to wake up your wardrobe.  

By Kate Vine