News - 5/2011

Colour is back with a vengeance this month, with celebrities of all ages, sizes and characters boasting a range of bold and beautiful shades.

The Brit Awards saw Kylie stand out in an electric blue maxi gown and Jessie J in a floor-length luscious red lace piece, both of which sparked positive reviews from fashion commentators.

However, it's not just musicians trying their hand at sharp new shades, as Dame Helen Mirren firmly held on to the spotlight this week at the Hollywood premier of a new Disney film.

The debut of John Carter saw 66-year-old Ms Mirren mix up her usual style with a bold colour-block outfit, consisting of a scarlet red dress paired with a fuschia pink cardigan.

Her flattering 50s-style dress was matched with a dark red handbag and complementary suede heels, while her hair was plaited in a Grecian style around her face.

Standing among the crowds Helen easily stood out from the other ladies at the event, who largely opted for failsafe little black dresses or simple shifts.

To recreate the British actress's twist on the colour-blocking trend you can stick to one stand out shade such as red and then throw in a contrasting item such as a jacket, bag or shoes.

You could start from the bottom with the chunky red Roxbury Sandals, in a cross between a wedge and platform, before adding your own red dress and subtle accessories.

When colour-blocking you can't really get it wrong, as a matching or clashing shade will work equally well.

Why not then add in our Bella Cardigan, in regalia purple or cerulean blue to complete the look?