Living in London is not easy. Complaining to a Melbourne friend the other day about everything - the people, the tube, the weather, the food, etcetera- she promptly silenced me with the retort "at least you have Topshop." She was right. I do have Topshop. Barely a weekend goes by where I don’t cross the threshold of the flagship Oxford Street store, and even though more times than not I walk out empty handed, I always feel a little bit flushed, and just a smidgeon more satisfied than I was before I went in.
 
Now, thanks to the wonders of online shopping, Australians can share in the simple pleasure that is Topshop. In the last week or so Topshop have been gradually stocking their shelves and stuffing their racks with spring/summer 2009 ranges. Given that London is covered in a blanket of white, and Australia has become more like the surface of the sun, shopping in Topshop is probably far more practical for my antipodean friends still at home.

I’ve picked out some of my favourite bits and pieces from the new ranges to send some inspiration down under, and everything I’ve chosen in available now on the website. Credit cards ready?
 
The eponymous Topshop Unique collection is at the top of my must have list for summer, only I can’t decide between the jumpsuit and the leotard! The Unique range is definitely a case of more is more, and this season takes on an ‘ugly beautiful’ aesthetic that reminds me of the rock’n’roll glamour of fashion houses like Givenchy and Balmain.
 
TheTopshop Boutique collection, beautifully made as always, is about slouchy cuts and layering. With boyfriend T-shirts and cropped jumpers abounding, I’m quite partial to the easy, week-end vibe of the collection. The versatility here is also great, as pieces like the harness pants pictured can be dressed up with heels and a blazer (maybe the bejeweled Unique one?)
 
As soon as I hear ‘Memphis’ I think of white trash with cash to splash. White jeans, a must this year for both seasons, with decadent sequins, loads of bling and garishly high heels are the way to go. So horribly wrong it’s disgustingly right.
 
Designed for the inner flower child, Glory Days is the ultimate summer day. Imagine romantic picnics in girlie florals and evening beach strolls in a soft rose coloured dress. Throw in a festival or two and some DIY friendship bracelets and you have yourself a complete summer season.
 
And who said nu-rave was dead? Well, to be honest it was probably me. Turns out nu-rave isn’t dead at all, its just grown up and become more refined. Fluro colours are still not my personal preference, but I quite like the patterned grey jumpsuits and the way the colours are used more modestly than they have been in the past.