Pre-ordering designer clothes before they hit the shops used to be the preserve of fashion insiders. Now Net-a-Porter and Topshop are offering us all the chance

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Clifford Richards' limited-edition print, A Mad Tea-Party, unites some of Britain's best-loved cultural characters - from Grayson Perry to Heston Blumenthal. £175, vandashop.com
We love: Do tell the bride - Charlotte Olympia’s exclusive romance inspired collection is just the thing for
fashion forward brides-to-be looking for something special for their big day - there’s nary an ivory sateen pump to be seen. £990, net-a-porter.com

The Fashion Audit: Charlotte Olympia, Sport Daily Tan, Carmex, Stephen Jones and Tommy Guns

What we love, we're not sure about, we're buying and can't wait for...

1. Yves Saint Laurent: £225, net-a-porter.com - Round frames aren't for everyone, thanks in part to the hippy connotations. This acetate pair is futuristic in styling though, so perfect for forward-thinkers.

The 10 Best Designer sunglasses

At these prices they are an investment, but a new pair of shades is an easy way to buy into the latest catwalk trends

1. ASOS: £32, asos.com - Get the global-traveller look that is sweeping the catwalks just now, with these flat, red leather sandals embellished with a chunky orange top-stitch detail.

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The sun has started to make a regular appearance, so it's time to get your summer footwear options sorted

The 10 Best Spring knits

From sweet and sour grunge to elegant design staples, to high-end collector’s pieces, this selection whets the appetite

Free as a bird: Blazer, £34.99, mango.com; shirt, £50,Design By, missselfridge.com; shorts, £17.99, mango.com; Racy sunglasses £277, by Oliver Peoples, from Adam Simmonds, 020 7813 1234; mini plastic backpack, £25, topshop.com; court shoes, £39.99, zara.com

Cool of the wild: Flora and fauna prints are flourishing

From subtle florals to a touch of the tropics, the best way to spring into life this season is to welcome the natural world into your wardrobe.

Posh babies are next for Net-a-Porter mulls baby move

Luxury online retailer Net-a-Porter is hoping to tap into the demand for expensive childrenswear, home furnishings and cosmetics with early-stage plans for three new websites, The Independent has learned.

We Love: Pringle patchwork - Abstract blocks of contrasting colours and fabrics are woven together in this new capsule collection of designs by the Turner Prize-nominated artist Liam Gillick. From £145, pringlescotland.com

The Fashion Audit: Pringle patchwork, corsets, pyjamas and leap years

What we love, we're not sure about, we're buying and can't wait for...

We love: The net-a-porter sale - The Audit is a devoted fan of online luxury boutique net-a-porter.com, and never more so than when the word sale is thrown into the mix. With new reductions and added items there's a treasure trove of bargains to snap up. net-a-porter.com

The Fashion Audit: Net-a-porter, dung bags, the new Aesop and David Beckham

What we love, we're not sure about, we're buying and can't wait for...

Jacket, £299, by Jaeger, jaeger.co.uk; crepe blouse, £612, by Sophia Kokosalaki, sophiakokosalaki.com; shorts, £280, by Hussein Chalayan, from net-a-porter.com

Using customer insight to turn a great idea into a successful business

We have never met an entrepreneur who does not think their idea will change the world. The question is: does the world agree?

Poetry is a raw drama about sexism, oppression and the need to open our eyes to what is going on around us

The Christmas gift guide: Women

For ladies with a passion for beauty and fashion

J Crew hires agent to search for UK stores

J Crew, the US fashion retailer popular with first lady Michelle Obama has hired property agent Harper Dennis Hobbs to search for stores in the UK.

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