Can we really blame Hansel and Gretel for being lured in by a house made of sweets? Definitely not. With a slew of fairytale remakes currently being released (an action-packed Hansel and Gretel has just hit the cinemas while a version of Cinderella starring Cate Blanchett is penciled in for 2014), dipping in to fond, childhood memories has never been so relevant. We take a trip down memory lane and look at how nostalgia has influenced SS13’s lifestyle trends.

Once upon a time

Ideal for those bedtime story requests, fairy tales and traditional tales never seem to get old. Puffin Books have seen the limitless potential in this genre and are re-releasing timeless classics ready for spring. 2013 signifies 25 years of Roald Dahl’s The Witches and to celebrate Puffin are re-jacketing the writer’s entire back catalogue. Who can forget Miss Potter’s cheeky Peter Rabbit? Well he’s also back thanks to actress Emma Thompson’s book The Further Tales of Peter Rabbit. Reading to your little ones just got a lot more exciting.

Bedtime reading

Back to the future

For those of you who grew up either riding or wanting a Raleigh Chopper bike, you’ll be pleased to know that 70s interiors are back in fashion. We don’t mean garish carpets and oversized flowers, instead we’re talking boxy sofas, printed wallpapers and retro accessories. Invest in one or two key pieces to stay on the right side of hippie.

Alma light floor lamp Was £145 Now £79

The colour-wheel of fortune

We may have first associated pastel colours with strawberry bonbons and sickly-sweet ice-cream, but these seasonal shades are back in time for spring. Inspired by the 1950s and seen at Moschino Cheap and Chic, Erdem and Dior, sugary shades are the ideal buy as they suit almost every complexion. The brilliant news is that candy hues are hard to get wrong- clash them however you like and wear with a statement bold lip.

Christian Dior SS13 Haute-Couture show

With Easter around the corner, sweets and chocolate are on our agenda. Break with tradition and try Sweet Trees’ delicious confectionery. Their edible centrepieces may look too good to eat, but we challenge you to try and resist one.

Shop Sweet Trees now

Head for the great outdoors this Easter for a long weekend of exploring with the family. Whether you live in the north or south, we’ve picked two of the UK’s best spots for walking, hiking and grabbing that much-needed breath of fresh air.

Scafell Pike, Cumbria

Located in the Lake District National Park, Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain standing at a staggering 978 metres tall. With mapped walking routes, breathtaking views and rolling hills, this is an adventure for families who enjoy spending time out and about.

Be Prepared

There’s nothing worse than getting peckish during a walk or caught in a downpour – which is more than likely to happen in the Lake District. Think ahead and pack a picnic (not forgetting a bar of ultra-sweet Kendal Mintcake) and kit the whole family out in suitable clothing. Regatta’s range of outwerwear is both practical and stylish. Waterproof and lightweight, they’ll roll up neatly for when the sun decides to shine.

Women’s Lizette Jacket Was £50 Now £25
Men’s Warmfront Jacket Was £65 Now £32

 Hartland Point, Devon

If it’s coastlines you’re after then head south in the direction of Devon. With two to choose from, Devon has enough variation to keep a whole family entertained. Whether you want to walk around one of the counties national parks or grab a surfboard and brave the sea, opt for a trip to Devon for a unforgettable family getaway. Just remember to watch out for the wild ponies on Dartmoor.

Be Prepared

Although the weather may be more on your side than more northern destinations, Devon’s coastlines can still cause a chill. Layering is the key to keeping both warm and cool so pack bodywarmers and cotton tees to adapt to changing temperatures.

Men’s hoodie Was £14 Now £14
Women’s gilet Was £18 Now £7

Shop the Regatta sale until Sunday 10th March

Although a monochromatic palette reigned supreme on the SS13 catwalks, a rainbow-wave of bright colours were added to lift core looks this spring. We explore the three key shades that will refresh your basics for vibrant spring-savvy style.

Emerald

Hailed as Pantone’s Colour of the Year, emerald was seen sashaying its way down the catwalks of Roland Mouret and Swedish cult-brand, Acne. This opulent tone is statement-making with an elegantly regal edge.

Tip –

Pull out a pair of tan sandals and your trusty denim jacket for an understated yet effortless look. The emerald dress is ideal for the upcoming BBQ season.

Orange

Refreshing and energizing, orange is the colour to liven up your spring ensembles. From Stella McCartney to Victoria Beckham, designers embraced this vibrant colour through oversized sports-influenced dresses and sleek skirt suits.

Tip –

Take things down a notch by wearing just a small injection of the colour. This Almost Famous tee will add a touch of that vibrancy without overpowering your look. It will also look great on the beach.

Rose

Ladylike looks were kept pristine and proper through varying shades of pink this season. At his eponymous brand Christopher Kane opted for blush-like hues and whilst helming Versace’s sister brand Versus, played with more powerful popping pinks.

Tip –

A mixed palette of pinks can be flattering for neutral skin tones as it draws out your natural pigments. Almost Famous’ tunic-style dress will be a comfortable alternative for those cool spring evenings spent dining with your man.

White

Stripped back, crisp and clean, white is the epitome of fresh spring style. With a plethora of designers combining it with black for a stark contrast, many others kept ensembles all-white for dramatic effect. Both DKNY and Jasper Conran sent head-to-toe white suits down the catwalks whilst Missoni opted for printed shifts, keeping silhouettes sleek and simple.

Tip –

Freshen up your everyday style with a basic white tee. The whiter the better. Choose one with a little texture like Almost Famous’ version for added femininity.

Shop the Almost Famous sale until Saturday 9th March.

He championed those slogan T-shirts six years ago, but since then, Henry Holland has gone on to become one of London’s most talked about talents. Make sure you’re up-to-date with the freshest British designer to emerge in recent years.

One to watch: Henry Holland

Who: A trained fashion journalist, Henry Holland, started out as Smash Hits’ fashion editor before turning his hand to designing. It was his colour-bright T-shirts which first catapulted him to success in 2006 during London Fashion Week. Emblazoned with tongue-in-cheek prints, his irreverent tees were worn by fellow designers Giles Deacon and Gareth Pugh as they paid homage to each other during their own catwalk shows.

Career defining moment: Holland’s debut collection still holds top place for us. His bold use of colour and Eighties influences continue to trickle into his newer seasons. One of the busiest men in fashion, Holland has leant his name to a number of side projects including collaborations with Debenhams, presenting Sky Living’s Styled to Rock, and a shoe collection with Superga.

High-profile fans: The Manchester lad has such an endless roll call of contacts, we can’t even keep up. The list includes model Agyness Deyn and singer Nicola Roberts who are both known as two of his best friends, as well as his muses. Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof are also regulars on the front row of his shows.

Henry Holland pictured with Pixie Geldof

The awards cabinet: Holland has made his mark in the industry by winning the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Forward sponsorship for two years in a row. Just over a fortnight ago he showed his AW13 collection during London Fashion Week with plenty of psychedelic prints and retro cuts. We’re expecting big things for the young designer in the seasons ahead.

See the House of Holland for Superga collection here

Thanks to his collection of exotic fine jewellery, designer Fei Liu has quickly become to go-to name for those in-the-know. The winner of an armful of awards, his art-like creations have already won him fans including presenter Christine Bleakley and actress Zhang Ziyi. We catch up with Fei Liu himself to talk icons, inspiration and Kate Middleton’s impact on accessorising.

Fei Liu – Image courtesy of Professional Jeweller magazine/ITP

Get inspired
“I often find inspiration from natural forms and the elaborate, twisting shapes of the Dawn collection take influence from the striking, exotic beauty of coral reefs. The sculptural feel and the drama of the collection are very much typical of my work, with a strong use of colour and form to capture the almost surreal nature of the underwater environment.”

A selection of jewellery from Fei Liu’s Dawn Collection

Award winner
He may have only launched his label in 2006, but that hasn’t stopped Fei Liu from winning a slew of awards, including Harper’s Bazaar China Jewellery Designer of the Year 2011.

“I was absolutely thrilled, [to win Harper’s Bazaar China Jewellery Designer of the Year 2011], especially as the company’s operations in China had only opened two years previously in 2009. To be highlighted by such a prestigious authority on fashion and design as such an important designer was a great honour, but, most of all, I was very proud of the recognition I have been given by my homeland for my work in both China and the UK.”

Christine Bleakley in Fei Liu’s jewellery

The original icon
“My style icon would have to be Calvin Klein; a designer who invented sexiness and who has transformed subculture into the mainstream and created a phenomenon.” Also, Calvin’s simplicity and excellence when it comes to design – I admire him very much.

Calvin Klein: Fei Liu’s style icon

Trend tips for spring
“I think we have gone through quite a wild and overly contemporary period. Now, because of Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham and similar role models, the new style of design is “modern classic” – a very classic look with a modern twist. This style allows women to show their femininity while at the same time express their understanding of modernism.

So what does this mean for SS13?

“Jewellery should now be creative, very expressive, but at the same time has to be wearable and has to be comfortable.”

Fei Liu is a fan of Kate Middleton’s “modern classic” approach to accessorising

Shop Dawn Collection by Fei Liu now

The wedge heel is a catwalk favourite every season and SS13 is no exception. We take a look into the archives and find out why Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo first created the iconic shape.

The product: The wedge heel

D&G wedges, on sale now

Key characteristics: A solid block heel that is an extension of the sole.

Why wear it: The wedge offers more support than the stiletto and the chunky heel makes it easier to keep your balance.

The history bit: Designer Salvatore Ferragamo created the first wedge heel in 1936 from cork and wood. Leather and rubber supplies were down during World War Two and the wedge was a practical and cheap alternative. Reborn in the 70s and adopted by girl bands in the 90s, the style has since been re-worked with cut-out designs and curved heels.

Little known fact: Appearing tall was an important trend for women in the 1930s. The fashionable mid-length dresses that were worn demanded a heel. Ferragamo’s designs were instantly popular as it meant women could comfortably tower on a five inch wedge.

Who wears it best: French designer Isabel Marant hit the jackpot with her wedge-trainer for SS12. Copied the world-over and still a sell-out today, this style has become a fashion-favourite.

Buy it now: Keep the look classic for spring with D&G’s timeless, raffia wedges. On sale now

Incorporate stripped-back Scandinavian style into your home with rugged leather furniture from Ox Design. We pick out the three key pieces from this Danish brand-to-know.

Who is Ox Design?

Adding a grittier edge to the popular Scandi trend, Ox Design creates furniture reminiscent of 1960s and 70s designs. Favouring fuss-free simplistic shapes, similar to those seen on the hit TV show The Killing, the brand focuses each piece on the use of luxury leather. Sourced in rural Spain and Argentina, the leather has a vegetable-tanned finish to create its butter-soft feel. These are investment-worthy pieces that will grow more distinguished with age.

The minimalistic chair

September lounge chair – Was £883.30, Now £550

Vegetable tanned in a cognac hue, the September chair will add intellectual appeal to your study or office. The black frame and the simplistic square shape give it retro charm.

The lounge seat

KS lounge chair – Was £979.20, Now £575

The KS lounge chair is the ideal piece to add drama to an otherwise empty space. Oversized and easy to relax in with your favourite book in hand, the dense black tone will add a standout contrast to your all-white space.

The simplistic stool

Trifolium stool – Was £220.80, Now £149

Opt for a more versatile piece to accessorise your room.  The Trifolium’s stool is perfect for placing a leafy green plant on top to bring a touch of the outside in.

Shop the Ox Design sale until Sunday 3^rd March. 

Refresh your home and wardrobe in time for spring by echoing this season’s hottest colour trends. Straight from the catwalk to your wardrobe and home, we show you which three trends you need-to-know for spring.

Whether you’re dressing for the office or sprucing up your home, colour clashing can create a bold look.  But don’t let that put you off, make this trend accessible by introducing it in small doses. When it comes to your wardrobe stick to bright accessories and pair them with crisp white basics for a daytime look you’ll feel comfortable in. Channel the same rules in your home and position clashing printed furniture against white walls for a look that won’t overpower the room.

Get the look with the Pieff Monroe chair – Was £1095 Now £575

Designers went back-to-basics with flattering tones of ivory and beige this season with Christopher Kane and Sonia Rykiel leading the way. These colours can create an attention-grabbing wardrobe ensemble if teamed with failsafe black, but when brought into the home this colour combination has a more subdued effect. Muted pinks and creams will automatically introduce a calming effect on your home, creating that zen-like ambience. Just add a scattering of mismatched cushions in soothing creams and nudes to achieve a peaceful atmosphere.

Get the look with the Pieff Hepburn chair – Was £1095 Now £575

As seen at French fashion house Chanel, fuchsia garments hit the catwalk with an unforgettable pop. Hailed as one of the season’s hottest shades, Karl Lagerfeld ensured it packed a powerful punch by pairing it with black and white. Strip it back for your wardrobe by opting for single fuchsia accessories. From handbags to shoes, pick one piece to inject instant vibrancy into your look. Earn those same fashion-savvy credentials at home by creating a striking fuchsia feature wall. Or for a more subdued approach carry the colour around your room via cushions, a printed throw and ornamental candles.

Get the look at home with the Pieff Hepburn sofa – Was £ 1595 Now £799

Shop the Pieff furniture sale until Friday 1st March.

Good news for all of you fans of homegrown British fashion: Ted Baker footwear has arrived at secretsales. As always, it’s the detail that makes these pieces different to your average shoes. From sculptured heels to standout prints, find out what makes these shoes so covetable.

The new bow
Forget prim and pretty, Ted Baker’s interpretation of this classic detailing is less young than previous designs. Inspired by “the dream of baroque cathedrals,” the new bow has a curved yet structured shape.

Get the look: Team the Morick peep toe heels with an LBD, plain clutch and pearl jewellery for a special meal at your favourite restaurant.

Morick satin heels, Were £120, Now £49

The claw heel
Add a sense of drama to your wardrobe with a distinctive claw-like heel. Easier to walk in than the stiletto, this bold shape creates an exaggerated profile with an element of dark fantasy.

Get the look: Wear Ted Baker’s Sawp heels with a knee-length pencil skirt for maximum impact.

Claw heel Sawp shoes, Were £160, Now £69

Exotic snake prints
Snake prints are at the centre of this collection and this time they’re on everything from court shoes to ballet flats. Ideal for adding an exotic edge, they are an easy way of tapping in to spring’s pattern trend.

Get the look: Try wearing the Sagsa snake print heels with skinny jeans and a plain tee for a relaxed drink with the girls.

Sagsa snake print shoes, Were £160, Now £69

Shop Ted Baker footwear now

No other brand does Italian luxury quite like Gucci. Their bespoke printed handbags are instantly recognisable thanks to their signature ‘GG’ initials. Forever classic, their timeless logo print ensures this handbag won’t date. Meticulously crafted, it’s the fine details on this shoulder bag like the sharp leather trims and golden hardware which make it one to treasure. Generously sized, Gucci’s arm candy will fit all of your life-essentials inside safely.

Our Accessories buyer Francine already has it on the top of her wishlist. “I’d carry this bag day or night; it would be perfect for a special dinner. The light colour and print is on trend and just right for SS13.”

Gucci’s logo shoulder bag in crystal
Was £598, now £399

Shop Gucci’s handbag collection here