At the strike of midnight

There is something very seductive and mysterious about the colour dark blue. Clothing in this colour doesn't have the same sexy appeal as black however it's also not as flirty as a cornflour blue either. What is amazing about royal blue is that it draws you in and tempts you with its dark secrets.

Whilst the shops in Australia are exploding with a multitude of rainbow colours I am going to take a moment, as the very talented Giorgio Armani did, and pay my respects to the bewitching colour of dark blue.

Giorgio Armani's S/S2011 collection was inspired by the night sky over the Sahara. The collection harked back to a vintage era for the label as it featured a strong stream of striking dark blue and black pieces which occasionally included sparkles of sequins that transformed the clothing into beautiful constellations as they paraded down the runway.

Other designers to flirt with this trend include Mulberry, Tommy Hilfiger and Salvatore Ferragamo (the new womenswear designer Massimiliano Giornetti showed an amazing collection of minimalistic bohemianism, a total departure of classic styles presented in previous collections by then designer Cristina Ortiz).

Turning to my favourite online website ASOS did not produce the same fantastic results as browsing through the current Topshop collection.

For a lovely blouse you can go no further than these three picks:

Broderie sleeveless top- £25- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2603110&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- this piece also taps into the hippy vibe featured in many S/S 2011 collections

Sequin collar shirt- £36- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2599097&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- this piece replicates the night sky projection that was presented at the Armani collection

Pocket Jersey T-Shirt- £18- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2610183&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- a classic basic that could be matched with numerous outfits and trends

However if you would like to indulge in a skirt/pant option, these three tick my box:

Wrap maxi skirt-£40- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2643299&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20 I love the way this skirt falls like a waterfall, it makes its beautiful and sensual, a divine purchase

Jersey Tapered trouser- £26- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2625533&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- whilst this style is not flattering for every woman out there on the right body this would stop traffic

Lace pencil skirt- £40- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2643276&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20- lace is a huge feature in many S/S 2011 collections and this beauty is feminine and perfect for the office through to after work drinks

If a dress is more your preference then you could try Paul by Paul Smith's Frill Bustier dress- $106.38- http://www.asos.com/Paul-By-Paul-Smith/Paul-By-Paul-Smith-Fitted-Frill-Bustier-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1372178&SearchQuery=dark%20blue&Rf-700=1000&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Darkblue or maybe a more classic 1/2 Sleeve dress at a steal price of £20- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2610281&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20

Lastly if you would prefer an accessory options than these velvet pumps would perfectly compliment most of the S/S trends featured so far, £18- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2630261&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=20

or maybe this cute Velvet bow bag- £25- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2648623&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[204484|root]

or lastly maybe just a splash of colour with these feather chandelier earrings- £16.50- http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2642879&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=dark%20blue&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[204484|root]

Which trend do you prefer, pop colours or midnight blue?

Happy shopping

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