The name probably won’t mean much to you, and that’s not surprising, because before becoming an independent stylist, Bérengère Claire, from Lorraine, worked in TV and cinema. She decided to embark on a solo adventure during a year spent in New York.

She created her first collection, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and the eclectic New York style. Her concept is to bring together the two different sides of America, the puritanical and good-thinking on one hand, country and a bit rough and ready on the other. A bit of a risk, but it works quite well!

Checkered patterns are at the heart of her designs, and the new 2008 collection is no exception to the rule. Her logo is a nod to American universities and her roots. Personally, I find the results good and consistent with what seems to be quite a British twist.

It’s available from €125 from Aimecube Paris or direct from her site. Also, if you’re looking for a gift for your loved one, have a look at the dresses and tops, they’re pretty sexy…

So, are checks IN or OUT?

And a shirt to top the week off! It’s got a sort of “seventies” style with its diamond print, but also a touch of uniform about it with its buttonned front pockets and the epaulettes. You don’t have to wear it with the sleeves rolled up, but it’s fresh, and it makes it feel like it’s the weekend

£39.99 from Stand-out

During my last few shopping trips I came across this brand that Raider mentioned on the French-language forum: Junk De Luxe. You can see for yourself that all the good things people say about this brand are true by visiting ltheir site. In particular about their unusual multi-pocket shirts, which are relatively inexpensive. There are a few on ASOS. And you lucky Parisians can pop into “Et vous” or Printemps de l’Homme to buy them. See the Paris Shopping Directory for more details

£78 on ASOS

This Dolce & Gabbana shirt is half price at the moment, that’s nearly 150€ (£100)! I love this chocolate colour, the cut and its epaulettes and the buttoned front pockets.

$199.00 from eluxury