Owner of Clyde boutique Lily & Esther Anna McRitchie highlights colour, florals and natural fabrics as making a big impact for summer.

“Florals and pretty prints feature across our selection from leading designer brands Twenty-seven names, Juliette Hogan, Kate Sylvester and Kowtow. There are wonderful soft tones and neutrals in the collections from Company of Strangers, Lela Jacobs and Newlands.”

“I have focused on lovely natural fabrics in silks, organic cottons and viscose because the clothes feel so much better on the skin. Green tones are having a moment as are splashes of cream, pink, blue and mocha.”

Effortless summer dressing comes in a range of dresses and skirts that Anna says appeal to her local clientele and visitors.

“I love a good frock that you can just throw on with a pair of heels and be out the door for all occasions,” says Anna. “So there are some lovely floaty lightweight voile dresses instore for that very reason.”

The Pulley dress by New Zealand designer Lela Jacobs is a standout piece.

“Lela always creates something extraordinary with her designs and the Pulley dress, which is also available as a skirt is a fine example made from beautiful buttery light mocha toned silk. It comes with a double ring attached so you adjust the height of the hemline and it’s like having a little bit of art hanging in your wardrobe.”

Anna recently introduced accessories from Dark Hampton – a new fashion start-up by three Christchurch playcentre mothers.

“I have their beautiful colourful silk scarves, leather belts and cardholders instore and just added their Twillies made from 100 per cent Mulberry silk. These are a fun accessory that can be worn as a slimline scarf, belt or to accentuate a bag or belt.”