Midi Madness

I blame Mad Men. I never thought I would say this, but having spent the last 26 years of my life capering about town in mini skirts, shorts and dresses; I think I am finally ready to embrace mid-length this autumn in all its full-skirted glory. Notoriously difficult to wear, I think that this can however look extremely sexy in a super-elegant sort of way. Now that winter is approaching it is best to play with different fabrics as well as proportions. Pair a heavy wool or tweed midi skirt with a sheer, beautifully cut silk blouse tucked in and of course finished with high heels (boots or shoes) for a chic daytime silhouette. As usual I have done some homework so you don't have to. Zara and Mango are doing the best skirts on the high street and elegant shirts are in abundance but it is worth making an investment on this as it is easy to tell from the material and drape if you have scrimped on your silk, and this is an investment that will last a life time. I think it is time to grow up.

Over Rated

You simply can not open a fashion magazine this season without being told that you can not live without this season's must-have.....the aviator jacket. Topshop have picked up where Burberry began and no doubt Primark will jump on the band wagon too. I am not usually one to diss a fashion trend or especially Christopher Bailey (I have avoided negativity completely up until this post). However in my humble opinion, sheepskin belongs on a sheep. And I will not be a fashion sheep to this trend.

Saying that, now that it is September (where did summer go??), I can not shake off that back to school feeling and to me this means a shiny new pair of shoes. There is nothing like buying shoes to put a spring in your step and having worn out last seasons boots to the extent that I am now traipsing around London with holes in my shoes like Oliver Twist I can hardly wait. At the moment I am loving wedge ankle boots especially these ones from Surface to Air at Urban Outfitters (pictured). Having done some work for those of us on more of a budget, Zara is doing a similar pair for about one quarter of the price. Happy shopping.....you can thank me later!

Trompe-l'oeil Joy

Fast fashion fixes this autumn come in the form of trompe-l'oeil tights. I love the subtle flash of a tattoo on a girl's ankle; but would never go so far as to have my legs adorned top to bottom with body art. However you can have people playing 'has she, hasn't she' in these 'Saylor' tattoo tights by Bebaroque. Infinitely cheaper (and far less painful to remove) than the real thing.

Another alternative is the 'suspender look' tights by House of Holland (for Pretty Polly). This is the natural extension to the 'underwear as outwear' trend that emerged in the Spring and which is still hot this autumn. Pair with a slip dress and of course the ubiquitous black eyeliner for a night out, without having to worry about your hold-ups falling down on the dancefloor.

Not for Children

I just can not make up my mind regarding this autumn's trend for camel coloured coats. This is a proper GROWN UP trend. There is something super-decadent about buying a pale coloured coat too, and to keep it absolutely pristine an accompanying luxurious, (and taxi) lifestyle is therefore essential. If you do choose to make this investment, remember this: you are buying so much more than just a coat; it could change your life. Elegance may be an attitude, but it is also a coat.

Fashion Forecast: Are you a Lady or a Tramp?

This Winter, there is a distinct grunge front coming in from the west, as trusty favourites Alexander Wang and new players like U (Universal Clothing) continue to deliver their unique take on utilitarian sportswear: perfect for that laid-back, just got out of bed and threw this on, but still look super hot vibe.

At the same time, however, a more haughty, ladylike mist is also descending upon fashion's consciousness: think Mad Men, full skirts and a celebration of the female form all around, complete with immaculate grooming, naturally.

So which fashion category will you fall into? Can you straddle both camps at once or is that like asking if you really can be a whore in the bedroom and a lady in the parlour?

(Images, from top: Prada AW 2010, U Clothing AW 2010, Alexander Wang AW 2010)

Wolf and Badger Launch Party

Henry David Thoreau once said: 'How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.' I have to admit he probably wasn't talking about fashion blogs but it is my new aim to get out there and write more about what I see as well as my own opinions on styles I like. Last Wednesday I followed my itchy feet to the launch party of Wolf and Badger, a new concept store which has just opened on Ledbury Road, a mere stone's throw away from Beach Blanket Babylon and a 5 minute amble from the ever busy Portobello Road. The party was literally heaving when I arrived so alas, I did not get the chance to examine the collection in as much detail as I had hoped as I had just about 20 minutes before going to see a friend of mine playing live for the first time at the Troubadour! The crowd was colourful and eclectic, and from what I did see of the collection I adored!!! Running down the centre of the ground floor was a glass cabinet containing beautiful and interesting jewellery including-my favourite of course-cocktail rings a-plenty. The store plays host to a huge range of independent designers-a caged corset caught my eye at once: this is fashion-meets-art at it's best! One guest asked me if I was there to shop.....alas no! Perhaps one day when my wallet is kinder. In true Notting Hill community tradition, the store also gave a promotional helping hand to local gelateria DriDri which is situated on the Portabello Road. Having lived in Florence I can be fussy when it comes to gelato but this was truly delicious. As well as this the party continued on to neighbourhood watering-hole the Lonsdale for an after-party, but sadly I missed it. Maybe next time!

LIKE her style

Tennessee Thomas, the drummer of girl band The Like and girl about town is my personal new style crush. She reminds me very much of a young Jane Birkin, who also had this same ability to wear clothes with an air of total nonchalance. I like that she is quirky, but not to the extent that it looks as though she is trying too hard: take note for example of the simple all black ensemble paired with monochrome brogues; or the almost cartoonish black and white heart tights worn with a simple shirt and jumper. The ultimate accessory: an equally stylish super-producer boyfriend!