Pretty Pickings

I have always thought of Miss Selfridge as Topshop's little sister; tugging at the too short hemline of her too tight skirt, trying to be noticed yet forever in the shadow of her quirky, confident and blow-dried older sister. Her wardrobe seemed to be a monotonous collection of minidresses, hotpants and too-tight t-shirts. However, recent years have seen a shift in style, and subsequently in my perceptions. Whilst Topshop has chased the high fashion dream with designer collaborations and more exclusive ranges (and price points) the little sister has grown up. Walking into a Miss Selfridge store in 2010 you are met by fashion conscious clothes with pretty twists, and the desire is in their relieving wearability.

So here is a pick of the prettiest (and, naturally, pinkest) pickings from the dark horse of the high street...

The dungarees above (£35) seem to be the pure embodiment of summer. Team with a white vest, headscarf or straw hat, espadrilles and a love-worn shirt for summer evenings.

The sailor girl / Chanel connotations of this pale pink bow front dress (£39) make for a very cute LPD (Little Pink Dress).

Covered in a glorious summer boquet print, this playsuit (£22) is listed as beachwear - so is perfect for throwing over a bikini. But teamed with the right accessories (wedges, 'done' hair and popping pink lipstick) it could make a splash away from the shore too.

These fab earrings (£7) remind me of a collection of rings Dior made a few years ago, rings that I pined over and whose advertising campaign still adorns my bedroom wall. Unfortunately the Dior versions were (just a little! ha) out of my price range. In step Miss Selfridge, therefore, to soothe my tears with their cheeringly affordable interpretation.

Espadrilles are a comfy and left-field summer shoe that somehow seem completely right. These floral versions (£12) are right on the mark.

These heels (£39) are utterly fabulous. With their retro look, chunky heel and big bow I want to wear them whilst dancing the night away to sixties hits.

On a more demure tone, these blush pink peep toes (£35) have a more manageable heel and are laced with a silk ribbon that is beyond devine.

Libby