Pleasing Pleats

A continuation of the preppy look of this Autumn/Winter, there were pleats a plenty on the Spring Summer '11 catwalks. Always a step ahead of the game, uber-cool Swedish label Acne have produced this gorgeous khaki pleated maxi for their Autumn/Winter collection. To be worn with boots and knits for grungy glamour at its best.

The Cinderella Complex

Every girl needs a pair of hopelessly impractical shoes to treasure. I call this the Cinderella complex. In today's cynical and fast-paced world, handsome princes, fairy godmothers and mice that turn into footmen may be hard to come by. However there are and shall always be beautiful, unwearable shoes to covet and collect. My obsession began with a purple silk Prada pair with super-delicate purple silk rosebuds on the heels. I was at university and guilelessly spent my entire savings on them; and despite the fact I have worn them only once, my heart still skips a beat when I take them out of their box and slip them on my feet. Next came the black, suede ankle boots that I could not walk in but had to have. I wore them out on a first date and after several gin slings and a foray onto a cobbled courtyard, my legs went from under me, taking my date down too (luckily he saw the funny side and suggested another cocktail to ease the pain from the bump!) This season, I have my eye on these YSL pumps with a fringed heel (pictured). Divinely unnecessary-that is why I want them so much!

Colour Blocking

This winter, it is all about neutrals; however this does not mean that you have to stick with one colour scheme. Be bold and mix up your neutrals in unexpected ways. 2 of my favourites for autumn:

1. BLACK AND NAVY

This colour combination DOES work and looks quite fresh as not many people wear these colours together. Try, for example, a simple black structured mini dress with navy merino wool tights and black suede wedge boots.


2. CAMEL AND GREY

Again I really like these colours together as the warmth of camel offsets the coolness of grey to perfection. Opt for deeper shades of oatmeal with cobalt and charcoal.


Pictured: camel and grey as seen at Marni

The trend that just won't quit

Once again, for Autumn Winter 2010, designers have taken inspiration from the wild as leopard, ocelot, and cheetah prints stalk their way onto our fashion consciousness. When worn correctly of course, animal print can be extremely high-octane glamour. It cries out for perfection: immaculate makeup and killer accessories to offset its impact. It demands a certain amount of dramatic flair and attitude. It is the attention seeker of the sartorial world, the fashion equivalent of a high maintenance friend or lover. That is what makes it just so irresistible to wear and to experiment with, and why it has become one of the most enduring trends of our time. Let your animal instinct take over and dare to wear.

You Can Leave Your Hat On

My favourite all time accessory is without question the hat. The options are unlimited and with this trend, literally anything goes. You can go grungy in a slouchy knitted beanie (the bigger and chunkier the better); edgy in a trilby; top off a preppy look with a felt cloche; or channel Charlie's Angels glamour in a floppy wide brimmed 1970s hat.

A hat has the ability to turn an outfit into an unforgettable look. I like to think that if an outfit is the image, then the hat provides the frame. A woman in a hat is instantly rendered more mysterious purely because the hat provides a buffer between her and the outside world. It is a talking point, certainly, but it does not invite questions and conversation from strangers. A hat stands alone, to be admired from afar.

Daytime Dressing: Prep School

The preppy look was one of my most unexpected trends this autumn. At the same time however, it is a very simple trend that anyone can carry off.

Style references: Clueless, Empire Records, Miu Miu, Ivy League colleges

Styling tips: be a back-to-school rebel with ankle socks in bright pops of colour worn with wedge heeled ankle boots; add classic touches like leather gloves or a prim handbag; accessorise with fierce cuffs or bangles piled high, Gap Year style; wear shirts under pullovers and roll up the sleeves and undo the buttons on your cuffs and collars.

Best of the high street: Cos, Zara, Tabio, H and M

French Fancy Number 4

Good Morning, Upper East Siders, and welcome to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite. Only, this season (for two episodes only), Manhattan's elite are in Paris, and it has me seriously yearning for some bourgeois boheme Left Bank chic.

So here is my pick from my favourite oh-so-secret and not-so-secret labels from St Germain.

Wear with insouciance.

Bises!


1. Claudie Pierlot

Channel your inner Amelie with Claudie Pierlot's designs for Autumn/Winter 10. Her star is set to rise, thanks to the recent investment by luxury conglomerate LVMH. Check out the divine new collection showcased by French top model Audrey Marnay.

2. Maje

Maje and sister label Sandro have been whipping up something of a sartorial storm since the recession opened a gap in the mid-luxury market (where one door closes, another opens, n'est ce pas?) Maje is my go-to label for sexy-but-slouchy, I just threw this on but still look super chic.

3. Sandro

Sandro is Maje's slightly edgier sister. Think Clemence Poesy or Lou Doillon's intimidating brand of Parisienne cool, made accessible to mere mortals.


4. Ba&sh

If there was a label that made the perfect clothes for first dates, when you want to look as though you have made an effort in the subtlest way, head to Ba&sh. The label specialises in understated luxury; but do not under estimate the impact it will have.


(Pictures, from top: Claudie Pierlot scarf and beret; Maje dress; Sandro jumpsuit)