Talk to any aspiring blogonista about their hopes and dreams and I can guarantee the response will be the same: to take their blog international. For me, there is no time of year more exciting than London Fashion Week and I am beyond thrilled (and a little surprised) to have been given the opportunity to attend and cover the shows for what is about to be my third season. But much as I adore LFW, there has always been a not-so-little part of me that goes green at the thought of Liberty London Girl and Susie Bubble jetting off to the New York Fashion Week the week before whilst I miss out on the fun. This season my prayers were answered when the lovely people at GANT (who I now consider my fashion fairy Godmothers) invited me out to the Big Apple to check out the brands’ latest collection and enjoy the last few days of NYFW.

After the most comfortable flight I’ve ever experienced (going back to Easyjet ain’t gonna be easy after this) we arrived in NYC and headed to our home for the next three days, The Standard Hotel. In case you didn’t know, The Standard is THE place to see and be seen during NYFW and the people watching possibilities there are too good to be believed. Enjoyable though it would’ve been to spend the next few hours lounging in my room taking in the panoramic views of the Hudson River and possibly pillaging the mini bar, I just about managed to fit in an outfit change before hot footing it up to Lincoln Centre for the Tibi show.

I wore… Whistles top, Topshop shorts & shoes, Zara jacket, Marc Jacobs bag & necklace by Anne Bowes Jewellery

The Tibi show is always a hot ticket during NYFW so I’ll admit I was fairly excited to see what famous and fabulous faces would be gracing the FROW. I certainly wasn’t disappointed as Olivia Palermo, Emma Roberts, Louise Roe and Sophie Bush all turned up, dressed in the brand’s new season finest and ready to pose for the hoards of paps who had descended on the venue.

VERY full house at Tibi

I have always adored Tibi and this season, Amy Smilovic truly outdid herself. Tibi is known and loved throughout the fashion world for it’s deliciously girly aesthetic but whilst this femininity was still tangible in the brand’s SS12 offerings, it was clear to see that something had changed dramatically. After a few minutes in dawned on me. The clean lines, simple shapes and total lack of embellishment! The Tibi girl is all grown up this season and my, doesn’t she look beautiful?

Tibi SS12

For SS12 Tibi is all about simplicity. Think chic summer tailoring, flowing (but refreshingly non-boho) maxi dresses and soft collared shirts teamed with dewy skin, low pony tails and not a statement necklace in sight. The collection oozed low-key luxe featuring shimmering silks, sheer chiffon and only the crispest of cotton. And yes, it may not be as eye-popping as others but before running off in the direction of the nearest power print take a closer look and you’ll see that Tibi’s take on minimalism is anything but boring. Amy mixed things up by combining neutral looks with summer-perfect pastels and electrifying bursts of brighter hues. Prints may be few and far between but those that do crop up, are as vibrant and striking as any that have gone before. All wide-leg trouser lovers out there, rejoice for this most forgiving  of styles wont be disappearing anytime soon. Similarly jumpsuits look to be BIG news next season so if you invested in a one-piece or two this Summer you’re in luck.

Tibi SS12

Overall the collection was the epitome of effortless elegance providing sleek sophisticated looks with a youthful twist. For the ultimate city-chic wardrobe look no further than Tibi but maybe pre-order if you can because I’d bet my life that this lovely lot will sell out in seconds.

Personally I’ve got my eye on that adorable coral tailored shorts-suit. Which look will be topping YOUR wish list come Spring?

Love Ella. X