Big girls blouse

Every time the temperature drops and the rain clouds blow in, I feel the persistent need to inject some long sleeves into my wardrobe and purchase shirts. Taking me through from autumn days to Christmas parties, it is the humble silk blouse that truly marks the turning of the seasons.

Today, I took the bull by its metaphorical horns, and bought two silk shirts which will perform nicely from office to bar... just switch up the cashmere cardi for a tailored tux. Take a look, and tell me what you think.

DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN, NIGHT DUSKY PAISLEY SHIRT

FILIPPA K, SILK POCKET BLOUSE

Both shirts have a gorgeous collarless finish, a look I tend to gravitate towards as it has a failsafe minimalist neatness to it, yet remains feminine with the soft folds and pleats. The Filippa K blouse is a colour called 'silver mint', and is a beautiful tone against pale, sun-starved skin.

It seems I can't wait to get back to work, just to have an excuse to wear them.

Photo credits: Polyvore.com

Clear thinking

I can see clearly now the rain has gone...

Well the rain may still be lingering in the true British summer fashion, but my penchant for perspex and see-through accessories is sticking. 

Take, for instance, the crystal-heeled Chanel boots from AW12/13, or the Marc by Marc Jacobs PVC cross-body bag. At first glance, you see nothing untoward or particularly striking. But then, after a double take or two, you can see just how clever the craftsmanship has led the eye to see how the finer details have been finished perfectly- whether it's the stitching, hardware or the sculpting of a heel.

Although a perspex heel has never been seen as particularly chic or possessing any kind of positive connotations (think Red Light District), Chanel managed to prove them wrong and  re-imagine the potential of see-through materials. Totally modern, totally cool. 

Charlotte Olympia's perspex clutch sold out in mere minutes at one store in Dallas, and the Hermes Birkin has been toted by the elite few in the fashion world. If that doesn't whet your taste buds, I don't know what will. 

All that can be said is that now, as designers and fashion houses are beginning to experiment with innovative and sustainable materials, it's time to rethink the possibilities of your sartorial recipe. It's not that cashmere doesn't still hold true as a staple piece... you just have to pair it with some faux leather, rubber, and maybe even some PVC.

So let's forget how quickly the rain came along and banished the heat wave, and try to see clearly now even though it's pouring. 

Photo credits: Michele Silvestro; La mode oui c'est moi

Pass on punk

Madonna at the Met Ball, May 2013

As far as my involvement in the punk trend goes, it only stretches as far as my checked bathrobe. I have never been one for punk trends, so I was not overjoyed at the prospect of an autumn-winter season filled with studs, mohawks, rips and fishnets. Again.

Although it was a big part of the new urban scene in London, and therefore plays a role in our heritage, as far as I am concerned it should be left in the history books along with bonnets and long johns.

Having said that, I do think that the August cover of British Vogue is very appealing, and I have already mentioned the lovely checkered outerwear of the Celine AW13 collection here. So although I will personally be passing on the punk and gearing more towards pink (as a personal preference), I think it can be done tastefully and in a way which emulates one's own personal style, and not that of a past generation.

Photo credit: Vogue.co.uk

La Vie en Rose

It seems as though pink is a steadfast option for injecting a touch of colour to your usual repertoire, as it has resurfaced on the runway (yet again) for AW13/14.

MOSCHINO C&C AW13/14

Last spotted for the Spring 2012 collections, pink is a feminine statement which justifies a season of indulging in your ladylike side, sending you into girly overdrive. Although there was more of an emphasis on neon brights before, this autumn is more about a softer, rosier hue which echoes the oversized silhouettes and rounded cocoon shoulders of today's modern glamour.

J.JS LEE AW13/14

My favourite picks are found in the likes of Nina Ricci, Dior, Topshop Unique and the fabulousness that is Roksanda Ilincic. If there is one look I will be buying into, it will be blush; a flatters-all-skintones-can't-live-without trend which not only has staying power in the fashion stakes, but is also a clear winner in the quest for a timeless wardrobe.

Photo/Video credits: London Fashion Week; Roksanda Ilincic

Spots versus stripes

There is an old saying that you are either a Gucci girl or a Prada fan- never both. This grew out of the rivalry between the two fashion giants, but whether this still holds true today is debatable. Although I would consider myself (without a shadow of doubt) to be firmly in the Prada camp, I have always been more challenged by making a decision between the other dispute- spots or stripes?

CELINE AW13/14

FENDI AW13/14

ROLAND MOURET AW13/14

MOSCHINO PRE FALL 2013

As it turns out, I may just make like Miu Miu in their AW13/14 collection and wear both at once. You're a long time dead, after all.

Photo Credits: dazed digital; Vogue; MSN; The Life of Raina; furinsider.com 

Sneaker peek

The round up of the Autumn/Winter 2013 collections is now taking place and, with many pick 'n' mix trends on the go, it seems that this winter we will be wrapping up in everything from peach to punk.

It was evident this season that trainers will be a big thing come autumn, with 12 shows opting for sneakers over stilettos. Excellent news for us mere mortals, but not so much for the Victoria Beckham's of this world.

I myself only own two pairs: one for the gym, and one pair of Ash plum-coloured wedge trainers. Needless to say, I will be stocking up on more pairs to work the trend the Max Mara way: cool, collected, and camel.

All this news comes at a very good time, with Harvey Nichols hosting a one day pop-up sneaker event in their London store in association with Fresh Laces, where you have the chance to snap up some rare and limited edition kicks. Find out more here.

Photo credits: http://glitter-x-couture.blogspot.co.uk;