TREND OF THE WEEK: PRADA SWEETIE

Candy floss colours, carefree charm and an oh-so-retro appeal made Prada the hit of the s/s 12 catwalks.

It's vintage sweetie, but not as we know it.

Inspiration

Miucci Prada's celebration of `50s Cadillac culture and its attendant dames made seismic style tremors this season.

From her adulation of Marilyn in The Seven Year Itch to those pin-up sweater girls and roadhouse gals made us long for an age of devil-may-care whimsy; not to mention its fun-loving fashion. Pastel crochet and lace coats, stiletto shoes, tear drop earrings, accordion pleats, pencil silhouettes and booming bustiers - what more does a girl need?

A fast car and a handsome beau - ah, the good old days.

Style Notes

* Short legs? Heels may add height but a pointed toe create the illusion of length. Combine together for perfect pins.

* Boy-shaped? Sunray pleats add definition to the lower half. Pears proceed with caution; apples best avoid!

* Slim and define with clever colour-blocking that scoops inches off the curves like this Prada tribute dress from Penneys.

* The dame is in the detail. Step back in time with decade-specific details like cat's eye glasses, sling back shoes and hard case clutches. Add a slick of poppy lippie for added style snaps.