sizing up summer trends

“if you have a lot out front like i do,” said beth, who is known for using hers to stash her cash and credit cards (no joke), “then you need something quite short otherwise necklaces end up hanging round one boob and not between them. it’s a real problem.”

i had no idea,” i said, genuinely amazed (unlike beth, i have to keep fivers tucked away in my handbag). she’s not alone, though. the other day at a party someone else confessed to me: “i always think of myself as a big person; long necklaces just make me feel even bigger.”

well my friends, this season fashion is finally going your way, because the catwalk has not only offered up gorgeous hip-length necklaces, but some chest-length treasures as well (see the spring/summer collections at marni and moschino. we’re lovin’ moschino's website – the goose is inspired!).

we’re also jumping on the bandwagon and will be featuring a number of shorter designs in our new collection, which is due out at the beginning of april.

like the latest trend of piling up huge chunky bracelets on each arm – the more the merrier in fact – necklaces are also gaining a few layers. you can do this by either looping long strands several times around the neck or going for a multi-stranded bead necklace that makes a great statement piece.

so we’re all destined to look blingin’ fabulous this summer, if not a tad weighed down by all the trinkets we’re wearing.

and what of men's fashion? well, there's also some strange goings on down in saville row. the times reports that a tailor is weaving lapis lazuli – a semiprecious stone known for its aphrodisiac qualities – into fabric that's destined for men's suits.

now, if i were a bloke, i would be just a little bit worried about leaving the house in one of these things.