Outfit of the week 31/08/07

Purple's always a key colour for autumn. I want to rock an outfit with different shades of purple with maybe just a touch of black, so that I don't end up looking like a giant aubergine!





Purple silk dress, £65, Monsoon
Purple spotty tights, £7.95, Pamela Mann at UKtights.com
Double t-bar shoes, £54.99, Schuh
Purple stitch bag, £25, Monsoon
Purple cape, Warehouse, £75

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Most wanted shoes - September

I'm going a little shoe crazy at the moment. This always happens when the new season's offerings hit the stores.

There is so much to choose from: platform courts and peeptoes, shboots and ankle boots, colours and brights and metallics. They're all so tempting and new, I want them all. If I'm not careful, my wallet is is going to get a lot lighter over the coming months.

For now, here's what's on my most wanted shoe list for September:

Platforms
I'm not a short person, relatively speaking but I do love the heels. And I really love the platform heels. They look great with flared out skirts or skinny jeans and really funk up boring formal wear. These two platform styles from Bertie are all I need to raise my spirits.

Bertie nude courts, £65 and patent peeptoes, £75

Shboots
Tis the season for all things not quite shoes and not really boots. It's the return of the shboot and this time heels are chunkier and vamps more solid. I absolutely adore the super-chunky green lace-ups from Carvela.

Carvela chunky heel lace-ups, £85 and purple shboots with buckle detail, £80

Bright and colourful
Colour-blocking is a big trend for A/W, so I'm stocking up on as many coloured shoes as I can find. Colour can give a twist to simple classic court or add interest to low heels.

KG blue embellished shoes, £70; Aldo apple green court shoes, £49.95

Ankle boots
I like the way that ankle boots look with simple jeans and a tee but I also like the way they can add an unexpected twist to a party outfit. I am totally wearing a pair like these turquise studded ones with a ball gown.

Schuh stud boots and tan boots, both £59.99

Metallics
Love 'em or loathe 'em metallics are all over everything for the foreseeable future. Getting bored with gold and silver? Go for metallic colour instead.

Office purple metallic lace-ups, £55; Solea pewter t-bars, £110

Gil's back and better than ever

Shoes glorious shoes - Gil Carvalho for Faith

In the these times of the over-hyped designer/high street collab, it's sort of refreshing that Gil Carvalho has returned to Faith with a new collection with nary a whimper in the press.

It's also quite sad because if ever anyone actually deserved some hype, this shoe designer is one of them. I love this guy's shoes. They are so cool, so pretty, so tall. What's not to like?

With a starting price of £115, these shoes are at the top end of the high street shoes price scale but they are so desireable, all it takes is a little shopping maths: this one pair of shoes is equal to two pairs of Schuh shoes, so I won't buy two pairs of Schuh shoes, I'll buy this pair instead.

It makes sense in shop-logic, trust me.

"It" bags - cue the backlash

Anti-It bags - Clockwise from top: Laura, $895 and Jenny, $1595 by Gryson; Stormy tote, $550 and Hailey clutch, $395 by Kage; black patent tote by Lockheart

After the travesty of the world's most expensive bag, and the weekly introduction of yet another "It" bag, it comes as no suprise that the "anti-It" bag is now the new, er, "It" bag.

The anti-It bag is typified by its durability and timelessness and lack of hardware or frou-frou. It's less about what the celebrity du jour is wearing than what you want to wear. Forever.

This new trend seemingly started way back last winter. According to Fashion Wired Daily, its forerunners are US-based, indie design companies Gryson and Lockheart.

Joy Gryson, head of Gryson and based in New York declared, "we proudly describe ourselves as the anti-it bag." Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Trang Huynh and Jennifer Tash of Lockheart said, "Instead of being focused on the 'It' bag craze, we wanted to create handbags that our customers will feel deeply connected to and call their 'It' bag."

More recently, designer Kristin Holstein has jumped on the bandwagon with her Kage collection of bags, which according to style.com are "a pleasure to carry." Who knows who'll be next.

On the face of it, this idea is very cool but let's face it, these bags may be anti-It but they're still as expensive as their predecessors. I couldn't afford an It bag and I can't afford an anti-It bag either, so where does that leave me?

Back to where I always go: small boutiques, vintage, high street gems. These are the real anti-It bags and guess what? They've always been there.

Wear with... Giles Deacon Gold metallic tee, £18 at New Look

It's another day, another designer collab with Giles Deacon's second collection for New Look. Thankfully, there are no mad scuffles or media frenzies - maybe some people have learned their lessons.

Anyhoo... At first look, it's basic rock chick- stick on a pair of spiky heels and some skinnies and there you have it. But think again. With it's basic black background and the bold metallic print this tee can prove more versatile than you first expect.

Cool chick
Stand out from the rocker crowd, do rock chic with twist. Add a funky metallic mini, two-toned platform heels, opaque tights and top it of with hat. Way cool.

Josh Goot sparkle skirt, £120; Office two-tone platforms, £65; French Connection hat, £30;
Miss Selfridge opaque tights, £5

Grown up
Be grown up and still funky. Tuck the tee into a zip-front pencil skirt, add round-toe platforms, patterned tights and a long length cardigan. Elegant and sexy.

Dorothy Perkins zip-front pencil skirt, £20; Jaeger cardigan, £175, Gil Carvalho platform slingbacks, £115 at Faith; Miss Selfridge heart fishnets, £8

Designalike - Luella Bartley Vs Oasis

My what a busy month it's been. The fashion world is agog with the new Autumn/Winter trends and which means that I'm spending a lot of time getting acquainted with the designer collections. So when I see something that I could've sworn I've seen before, you know I've got to tell.

Observe...

Exhibit A: Luella Bartley prom dress


Exhibit B: Oasis prom dress

Now spot the difference. Is it the opaque tights? The white sunnies? No, I couldn't see a difference either, except that one's a lighter shade and possibly a few hundred pounds more expensive than the other.

Guess which one.

I want it now - Dorothy Perkins PVC coat, £50

By now, y'all know my favourite colour is red, right? But if I ever had to choose the form in which my favourite colour could come in it would be shiny PVC or patent. So I could not believe my beady, red-lovin' eyes when I saw this beauty from Dorothy Perkins.

I know everyone's going on about the resurrection of leather for this season but I'm pretty sure that PVC is going to be the clear winner in what people will end up buying. This is simply gorgeous. Also, as an added bonus, it'll keep out the constant rain from this washout of a summer. I've already placed my order online. It's also available in blue - should you not share my colour obsession.

Five of of the best... clutch bags

Is it just me or has there been a distinct increase in clutch bags on the high street this season? Doesn't really matter. What does is that you really need a clutch. And if you already have one, you need more.

Why? Because, they're a cute, girly, antidote to all those mega totes, you can take them to parties and they go great with those bouffy-skirted prom dresses and dress up your jeans. In other words, why not?

Clockwise from top right: Topshop blue metallic, £18; Dorothy Perkins snake skin, £12; Oasis purple metallic, £16; Warehouse envelope, £16; Dorothy Perkins silver clutch, £8

So fugly - the world's most expensive handbag

At $260,150 the Chanel Diamond Forever tote is the most expensive bag in the world. Is it just me, or is it also the fugliest thing ever. Talk about more money than class. This is a vulgar bag. This is a rapper's bag. Just look at the diamonds and platinum and the crocodile skin. Rappers would lurve this bag. It's a pimp bag. This is the kind of bag that Lil Kim would buy. And that makes it just plain wrong.

See other ridiculously vulgar bags on the Forbes website

A/W 2007 key looks - love it or loathe it

I've just been looking at Vogue's key looks for Autumn/Winter 2007. As usual, I have a take it or leave it attitude to most of it but some looks I could definitely get into.

Love it

The Silhouette

Cinched waists, feminine skirts and forties glamour. This my favourite look. Could this mean the end for tunics and smocks? Hurrah!

Giambattista Valli A/W, Oasis skirt, Matalan belt

Why? This is a look for real women. Emphasise those dangerous curves and show off that figure
The essentials: wide, waist cinching belts, pencil skirts, heels

The event dress

Floor length, show-stoppers. Glamorous, red carpet dresses. Think Dame Shirley Bassey. You'll probably only get to wear it once a year but it'll still be totally worth it.

Valentino A/W, Debenhams Debut dress, Monsoon clutch

Why? Who doesn't want to look like a million dollars?
The essentials: minimal accessories, heels, red lipstick

The skirt suit

It's a bit of jumble here. On the one hand, there are fitted jackets and pencil skirts to the knee, on the other, double- breasted jackets and drindle skirts (gah!)

1. Chanel skirt suit, 2. Next skirt suit, 3. Dorothy Perkins top,
4. Warehouse blouse, 5. Accessorize scarf

Why? Pick what works for you and pan the rest
The essentials: chiffon blouses, scarves, slimline tops

Loose knits

Big jumpers, baggy cardies, chunky knits and Dr Who scarves. Comfy and warm, yes but fashionable?

1. Betty Jackson A/W, 2. Topshop cardigan, 3. Morgan belt, 4. H&M tights,

5. Dorothy Perkins leggings, 6. Morgan cardigan, 7. Dorothy Perkins skinnies

Why? It's a tricky one and it'll be hard not to get swamped but it can be pulled off if worn cleverly. A big long jumper worn off the shoulder over a tank top with tights and boots looks good
The essentials: belts, tights, skinnies, leggings

Metallics

More metal magic is coming our way. The look is high gloss and sheen. Choose between gold, silver and bronze and look out for metallic colours.

Marni A/W, River Island top, ASOS mini-dress

Why? We love the shiny goodness and we're not done yet
The essentials: break it up with black, white or chocolate

Lavish luxe

Sequins and crystals and glitz... Oh my! Don't wear them all at once.

Alberta Ferretti A/W, Dorothy Perkins beret, River Island top and sweater

Why? It's the glitter ball effect. We all just wanna sparkle and have fun
The essentials: sequinned berets and scarves

Primary colours

Bright block colours, head to toe mono-colour in different shades.

Sonia Rykiel A/W, Aldo clutch, Wallis green bangle, Urban Outfitters beret, Topshop blue cuff,

Miss Selfridge floral pendant, River Island tights

Why? I love juicy, zingy, brights and a colour clash gives a stand out edge. I'm loving the idea of wearing one colour head to toe in different shades... so cute.
The essentials:bags, tights and berets. Plastic fantastic necklaces and bangles.

Leather

Leather goes soft and easy. This year you will be mostly wearing... leather dresses and skirts.

Christopher Kane A/W, COS leather dress, Hannah Marshal dress, Fendi skirt

Why? Because the new leather is ultra soft, ultra shapely and full of colour
The essentails: talcum powder (only joking!)

Purple

Back by popular demand from last Autumn, or so it seems.

Emilio Pucci A/W, River Island bag and t-bar shoes, Primark patent shoes

Why? Purple seems to be the filler colour for that phase from summer to autumn. Don't let that put you off though, it's still a nice colour.
The essentials: purple patent accessories

Shoes

Platforms, wedges, stilletoes, lace-ups, anything goes as long as it's high, high, high.

Stella McCartney A/W, Shoe Studio patent, metallic and coloured shoes

Why? I love heels, they make you look taller, put a wiggle in your walk, and make your legs look fantastic. I am ruing the day when I get too old to wear them. Winch me up, Scotty!
The essentials: get patents, metallics and colours


Loathe it

The new length

The midi. Below the knee, on the calf. Some say it's a flattering alternative to the mini, I beg to disagree.

Topshop Unique A/W

Why? If you have short legs: this look is dreadful as it cuts across the fattest part of your calf - not a good look. If you have long legs: you don't want to hide them. Conclusion: this is essentially a look for people with no legs.

Black on black

Head to toe black, mix it up with different textures.

Karl Lagerfeld A/W

Why? It may flatter the figure but black is boring enough without having to wear it head to toe. Think I'll leave this one for the fashionistas.

Military

It's back - brass buttons, epaulettes and Seargent Pepper.

Aquascutum A/W

Why? It's just so boring and ugly and war-like. I just bloody hate it, alright?

Coats

Classic trenches, cocoons, capes... stop me if you've heard it all before.

Stella McCartney A/W

Why? Chances are you already own far too many of these coats. Why buy more?

Tight fit

Body con, short, tight fitting, tube dresses. Think Robert Palmer's 80s-model-drones in the 'addicted to love' video.

Allesandro Dell'Acqua A/W

Why? I can see that it has it's charms but it's not exactly an easy look to pull off, even with a double layer of spanx.

Quilted/padded jackets

These are sort of the direct polar opposite of the body con look. Let's call them fat suits.

Emanuel Ungaro A/W

Why? Ridiculously fat jackets that look like you got eaten by your duvet? While sky diving? No thanks.

Designalike - Chanel Vs Urban Outfitters

Chanel make many a covetable trinket and few more covetable than their gold rope bracelet (above). However, with a price tag of £450, covet is just about the only thing that most people can do.

So it' s just well then that Urban Outfitters has this knot bangle for £18 (below). It probably won't last as long as the Chanel version - seeing as it's only made of cheap metal - but it'll look the part until it falls apart.

Just hope the muggers don't mistake it for the real thing.

Five of the best... waist cinchers

Here's the thing: there no such thing as too many belts. They have got to be the most versatile and essential of all accessories. They tie together a look and make it something special.

For those of us with tiny waists, any belt will do but for gals with a more boyish/athletic figure wide belts and corset belts are a godsend.

There's a strong emphasis on the waist for Autumn/Winter and luckily, corset belts and wide sashes are all over the high street right now, so grab them while you can. These waist cinchers will pull you right in and give you a waist where you never thought you had one.

Clockwise from bottom: Warehouse oval buckle, £20; Matalan elasticated, £4; Topshop patent, £25; Miss Selfridges sash, £18; Dorothy Perkins twist waist, £15

Some tips:

• if your going for the cinch, avoid wide belts made of hard leather they don't have enough give to pull you in properly

• wide elasticated belts are the best for giving you a waist because they act the same way as those big pants do (you know what I'm talking about!) but they look nicer

Tee up

Okay, we're not having the greatest of summers but it would be a shame to miss out on all the gorgeous t-shirts that are out there at the moment.

There's something for everyone from basic to rocker and everything in between. Like yours quirky? Check out the tees at tchirt.com and Forever 21. Like a bit of sparkle? The sequined wonder at Topshop will have you swooning with joy. You can even do your bit for 'charidee' with the gorgeous diamante Fashion Targets Breast Cancer tee.

Wear them with denim or leggings for a laid back look or wear under dresses and with dressy skirts for some edge.


Bright and bold
Get your shades on, these colours pack a punch.

From top: Dorothy Perkins scoop neck, £8; Topshop graphic, £10

Quirky
I adore this suspender tee from Forever 21. It'll look awesome with jeans or skirts

From top: Tchirts.com I love nerds, $18.99; Forever 21 suspender, $13.80

Rockin'
Up your rock chick credentials with one of these tees tight skinnies and spiky heels

From top: River Island tee, £19.99; Warehouse tee, £25

Show your stripes
A black and white striped tee is a wardrobe must have. Wear with pencil skirt, heels, scarf and beret for a chic Parisian vibe

From top: Kew black and white, £18; ASOS multi-coloured, £25

Sparkle
Bling 101: sequins and diamanté add a touch of sparkle to your daytime denim

From left: Topshop sequin, £55; Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, £14;
Matalan diamanté, £6 each

For girls who know what they love

On a recent night out with the girlies, the chat came to clothes: what we wear, what we don't, etc. And, apparently, there are women out there who buy a favourite item and wear it lovingly till it falls off. Who'd a thunk it?!

Having the attention span of a gnat with ADD, I couldn't fathom ever having a favourite item beyond a week. My style is more chameleon than faithful turtle but I do admire a girl who can pull on the same outfit again and again and still look stunning and individual.

One of the girlies that I met was the talented Maiko Dawson and - for those of us who'll pay a little extra for a whole lot more wear and comfort - she makes exceedingly good shoes and bags. We spent quite some marvelling at the handmade leather slippers with stone detail she was wearing.

Check out her wares at maikodawson.com. My favourites are the M bag, £185 and the pretty metallic Molly shoes, £320. They're not cheap but they're gorgeous, individual and I guarantee you will wear them to death.

What is up with... designers taking the piss

There are many, many ways in which we justify designer purchases to ourselves: it's beautifully made, it's an investment purchase, it'll last for years, it'll be a family heirloom one day, etc. And maybe some designer items are worth the the big prices, an Armani suit or a pair of Jimmy Choos for instance.

But can someone explain to me WTF is going on with this Vuitton item?



Yes, ladies, this is the LV laundry bag, a snip at £800. Remind you of anything? Yes, that's right, a cheap nylon shopping bag. The kind my mum uses to bring the groceries home from the market. That? Is taking the piss.

If there is anyone out there who would like to justify the ridiculous price tag on this item, may I first suggest that you buy one down the market for a fiver or less, paint your own interpretation of a Louis Vuitton Logo on it and presto, you've just saved yourself all of £795. Now take that money and buy yourself a clue.

This, folks, is how madness starts. Please stop it.

Aldo 15% discount offer

How would you like to own a pair of these yummy, patent studded wedges from Aldo at 15% of the normal £69.99 asking price and free delivery?

Well you can buy these and any other items from Aldo using the promo code: ALDOVIP15. Just follow the link, buy something and use the code at checkout. It's that easy and the offer's open till August 31. Get shopping!

Designalike - marc by marc jacobs Vs Wallis

marc by marc jacobs: it's cute but I just can't afford it

I know these articles have turned into what could only be termed as occassional items, but here's one for you. marc by mac jacobs' red dress from his A/W collection is undoubtedly slamming but also - being designer and all - far too expensive.

Wallis: What, cheap? Moi?

Get the look for less by bagging yourself this dress/longline top from Wallis, £23, add this cute quilted bag from Topshop, £30 and a pair of black opaque tights. Dust off your black beret from last year (you must have one, everyone else does!) and your best black platform shoes... et voila A/W 07 sorted.

Top tip: Add a scarf (black and white polka dot/leopard print/zebra print will work best) for instant Parisian chic.

Five of the best... shiny shoes

I have to tell you, I am really loving this trend for coloured metallics and high shine patents. Wear with neutral outfits or jeans and a tee and watch you outfit transform from meh to marvellous.

Clockwise from top: Topshop metallic blue, £50; Matalan patent wedge, £16; Bertie metallic pink at Shoe studio, £33; Solea pewter brogues at Kurt Geiger, £120; Faith patent mule, £30

Purple reign

I have seen the future. The future is purple and it's looking mighty fine. But you don't really need to be clairevoyant to know that. Every A/W season, like clockwork, the purple will come and it will ease you gently out of your summer brights with it's regal ways.

This season it'll be high shine PVC and satin or subtle aubergine. Wear with black patent/pvc for moody goth chic look, tart it up with bright yellow/orange, or tone it down for work with cool greys and browns.

Clockwork from top: Topshop sandals, £65; Star by Julien Macdonald pvc jacket,at Debenhams; Wallis pleat front blouse, £35; Yoda t-bar shoes at Schuh, £49.99; Dorothy Perkins Purple bag, £25; Monsoon Storm Isolde Dress, £75; Oasis shift dress, £60

Things ain't what they used to be

You may have noticed a few changes round here... Big thing is that I've changed my logo. I've been wanting to do it for ages and I've finally got round to it. I think it's pretty darn cool m'self.

I've also gone all monochrome, so for the foreseeable future it's black on white with touches of red and blue... daaarlings.

I've added a section (up top) for viral fashion trend vids that catch my fancy and the fantasy outfits section - you'll be able to some outfits I've put together here - has moved to the bottom.

You may also have noticed that I've started putting up offers. Do make use of them and let me know if you've spotted any I've missed.

No doubt there'll be more changes coming. Subscribe so you don't miss out.

Shop and save money!

It's not every day you get to idly shop online and save money while you're doing it. However, if you shop at Boohoo.com, then this is your lucky day. Get 15% off. Use the promo code on the voucher below.

Also, if you live in the UK, Peacocks - that fine purveyor of fast fashion - has a 20% off promotion just follow the link. Valid from August 5 - 11, 2007.

Five of the best... prim and proper LBDs

I absolutely love the dresses coming out this month on the high street. All these bows and high-necks have made me go all prim and proper. Black's not usually a colour I go for but these little black dresses are so pretty and ladylike I dare you not to fall in love with them.

Clockwise from top: Warehouse tie-neck, £35 and peter pan, £40; Topshop bow, £50; Miss Selfridge ruffle-neck, £40; H&M high-neck, £24,99

Wear with...

A shot of colour: bright accessories will add the neccessary va va voom for daytime

Metallics: gold or silver will add a touch of luxe for evening

White: rock the monochrome look with a bold white belt and some wedges

Purple: enrich the darkness with a touch of purple