As much as we love the internet it's definitely worth popping into your high street shops, on a recent expedition to Dorothy Perkins we were blown away by the skirts on offer. Aztec, ditsy, peplum & lantern we want them all! Check out our gallery, it's got all the skirts you'll need this summer.
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Okay, so most of you weren't too keen on Madonna's feathered Louis Vuitton look last year (was it the colour? The feathers? Or the lady herself?) but we're sorry to tell you, you're probably going to find yourself coveting one next season. The texture and unlimited potential for pairing with other fun textures is just one of the best things about ostrich feathers and the totally glam image they give off isn't something to be laughed at either. This nude-coloured skirt by Topshop (£65) keeps the look fairly toned down (as opposed to the attention-seeking green of Madge's outfit) and its ability to be paired with anything from a white slouchy vest to leather to sequins means it will be an exciting addition to your wardrobe, we promise!

LEFT: Dress from Topshop's Spring/Summer '09 press day preview;
RIGHT: Skirt, now in at Topshop.com.
Get in now to beat everyone else to the punch! There will be plenty more florals where that skirt came from... and also lace, fringing, bloomers and blazers. I tell ya, makes me look forward to the end of winter that much more.

Click image to enlarge, full product details after the jump.
My money is on the statement skirt for this season, it's far more nonchalant than a party dress and if you're sticking to seperates you can choose something that packs a little more punch.
Margiela's leather skirt is simple enough for everyday wear but with a bit of jewellery will look great for a party. The swan skirt by ex-All Saints designers Bolongaro Trevor is a dream, and the white paint detail makes it shimmer. Finally, Malene Birger's mustard skirt will get you noticed but the fluid silk fabric adds a casual drape.
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When we went to Whistles HQ to look through the latest collection from the re-branded store (now under the watchful eye of ex-Topshop guru Jane Shepherdson) it was difficult to pick our favourite pieces as the whole collection was of a really high standard.
However, now the items are hitting the shelves, it's easy to see what's selling. Three dresses were subject to a waiting list after a feature in Grazia, one of which featured the eyecatching 'Watergarden' floral print. The print's also available as a skirt, which I think is much nicer than the dresses, and looks like it could have been found in a vintage shop. At £125 it's quite an investment, but being a definite love / hate piece it's a really talking point, and doesn't need much accessorising because it's so bold.

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Summer is pretty much over, save for a surprise September heatwave but that's no reason to pack away the shorts. Chuck on a pair of tights or boots and you can carry on wearing shorts well into the winter. For a change from the ubiquitous bib-style short try out Ashish's sequinned shorts, they are a subtle nod to Miu Miu's harlequin collection and will look great teamed with some brogues. Morphine Generation's shorts have a bit of billow to them, giving a retro french knickers style appearance. Finally, for Acne's skinny jodphur style shorts are for the brave, but add a slouchy cardie and some ankle boots for an outfit with a difference. Full product links after the jump.
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Image: Catwalking.com
It was bound to happen sooner or later, and if you have been reading your favourite fashion blogs lately then you'll know that Topshop has jumped on board the Balenciaga bandwagon. The High Street retailer has taken inspiration from Balenciaga's spring/summer '08 collection, by incorporating strong elements of floral, structured sleeves, high necklines and mini skirts.
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