So at long, long last Spring has arrived in London and what better way to celebrate than spending a morning shooting the LK Bennett SS13 collection on the sunny streets of Marylebone? I have to admit, I haven’t shopped at LK Bennett for a while. Then Caroline Issa’s designs for the brand enticed me back and the second I clapped eyes on the ice cream shades and feminine shapes on offer I was hooked all over again. Having previewed next season’s designs at an event they held last month I can assure you that what they’ve got in store for autumn is BEYOND belief but for now, here’s how I styled the current collection…

English Rose

Livia Broderie Anglaise Dress, was £225 now £168.75, click here to buy
Livia Broderie Anglaise Jacket, £275, click here to buy
Fleur Vintage Floral Print Point Toe Court Shoe, £170, click here to buy
Daisy Vintage Floral Print Clutch, £195, click here to buy

Nothing screams “Summer” quite like broderie anglaise and this super chic structured sundress instantly appealed. If, like me, you’re a little on the pasty side then wearing in head to toe white runs the risk of making you look slightly corpse like so navy can be a more flattering and somewhat less obvious option. That’s not to say that us English roses (perhaps a less offensive description than “pasty”) should steer clear of white altogether and I love the contrast combining broderie anglaise in different hues. I then added rich floral print court shoes and clutch from LK Bennett’s vintage collection… Garden party perfection.

City Slicker

Clio Silk Blazer, £325, click here to buy
Clio Silk Trousers, £225, click here to buy
Charlie Silk Tank Top, £195, click here to buy
Tacca Embroidered Leather Gladiator Sandals, £295, click here to buy
Tuk Tuk Embroidered Leather Clutch Bag, £295, click here to buy

I hardly ever wear trouser suits but whenever I do, I always wonder why the hell not! There’s something about their unique brand of slick, modern androgyny that makes you feel sexy, stylish and dare I say it, cool in a way that even the hottest of frocks doesn’t quite manage. Heeding my own advice about about the pitfalls of pasty gals wearing too much white, I combined the ice bright suit with an even brighter pink silk tank and colour-popping accessories from Caroline’s LK Bennett collection. This is the kind of ensemble that would be perfect for day-to-night occasions, just be careful what you eat while wearing it.

Lady of Leisure

Bay Silk Cardigan, £110, click here to buy
Porter Tailored Shirt, £110, click here to buy
Dama Printed Skirt, £125, click here to buy
Estela Patent Leather Peep Toe Wedge, £180, click here to buy
Chloe Patent Leather Tote Bag, £225, click here to buy

Now and again I consider swapping my usual preppy style for something a little edgier. Then I wear an outfit like this and those thoughts go straight out the window. Of late, I’ve been experimenting with longer hemlines so when I spied this sweet chiffon number I just knew I had to include it. The same goes for the cardigan which, with it’s contrast colour trim and shiny gold buttons ticks the Park Avenue Princess box perfectly. You know I’m a sucker for matchy matchy accessories so I combined this blue-heavy look with lemon yellow patent wedges and co-ordinating handbag to add a prep-friendly blast of colour. I’d probably wear this outfit to do exactly what I was pretending to do in the picture; strolling, shopping and generally being leisurely on my beloved Marylebone High Street.

Urban Jungle

Marva Trench Dress, £195, click here to buy
Crocus Printed Leather Tote Bag, £345, click here to buy
Capri Snake Print Leather Gladiator Sandal, £235, click here to buy

By the time we got to look number four, I felt like mixing things up a bit. Given that it doesn’t involve pastel colours, floral prints or a collar LK Bennett’s trench dress didn’t immediately catch my attention. When it finally did (with, I admit, a bit of prompting from the sales team) I slipped it on and suddenly found I never wanted to take it of again. Teamed with snakeskin accessories the look felt sleek, grown up and ever-so-slightly like a 21st century version Sex And The City’s Samantha. I want to suggest an occasion this would be particularly suitable for but to be honest, you could totally wear it anywhere.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of LPA Styles It!

Love Ella. X

Photography by Gregory Fonne