Dressy Inspiration for Autumn

I thought I'd take a step back from London Fashion Week and the forays into the Spring/Summer trends, and share some catwalk inspiration as to what to wear NOW. Out, at parties, in the office...below are some of my favourite dressed up ensembles from this season's shows:

The Optical Illusion 

Stella McCartney's famous silhouette.

And her cut-out polka dot creation in white.

The Stunning Shift

Classic understated elegance by Calvin Klein

Sixties Cool

This one by Giambattista Valli

A Night at the Theatre

By Marni. A lustful black faux fur jacket and peach knee-skimming skirt.

The Print

One of Mary Katrantzou's more wearable creations (though I love all of them).

And lastly, my two favourite dresses by Emilio Pucci:

Baroque

Black velvet Pucci and a stately neckline.

The Fur-ball

This actually reminds me strongly of the blue faux fur jacket I bought two days ago (which I am in love with and will be wearing every chance I get)...

Hopefully that has given you some inspiration as to what to wear out this Autumn! Which look will you be wearing?

Sexy

Everything sexy is having a moment. And we're talking more than usual.

Chanel A/W 11 make-up:

It's all in the eyes. Check out Chanel's new range of evening eye-shadows that have a perfectly pearly texture and iridescent sparkle:

My favourites? The green and purple.

Cut-out dresses:

Emphasise your curves in a peek-a-boo dress. I'm pretty sure that everyone's favourite is Stella McCartney's polka dot example, as paraded above by Natalia Vodianova.

Heels = essential:

They elongate your legs, raise your bum and just exude sexiness. They make any outfit so so much better on your body.

Tiny waist:

It's what boys love. Eat dark chocolate, plenty of protein and wholegrains, wild salmon, apples and almonds and walk alot to make other girls hate you for yours.

Lace:

This season's sexiest trend. The above is by La Perla. And this baby-doll:

Perfect your underpinnings:

Good lingerie is not just for the night. It makes your clothes look different, good different, in the daytime too.

Are you onto the sexy trend?



Beauty A/W 2011-12 - Chanel

I had to post about two exciting new looks from Chanel this season:

1. The new nail varnish shades

Okay, I say new, but the middle turquoise, I was wearing a similar shade this summer. The denim collection is available now from Selfridges London and Chanel Bond Street, and from all Chanel boutiques from tomorrow, the 10th. Wear with burgundy chords or jeans and a leather jacket, or with any 40s style dress or outfit this autumn.

2. Couture beauty

The eyes really do have it. 60s lined eyes are huge this season, and I love the smokiness with the lace veil, again by Chanel. Sexy is so in fashion right now...

Fur Obsession

It's official: this season, the designers have become obsessed with fur.

It's everywhere. I was going to post this later, but how did it become so cold already?!

Fur was present in several different guises, from the mainstream to the extreme.

Hunting

At AF Vandevorst it looked as if the animal had been killed and then placed directly around this model's neck:

And at Amanda Wakeley, the trend was also eerily realistic:

Hermes took the theme to new levels with this beautiful bird of prey perched on the model's arm (I believe it is a Gyrfalcon), the hunting cap and snakeskin print top:

Sophisticated

On the sleeves of this winter-white coat by Andrew Gn:

Russian ballet by Anna Sui:



40s glamour by Gucci:



Unusual

A fur skirt and hood by Oscar de la Renta:

And bohemian fur shoulders by Balmain:

Sensual

And saving the best for last, the sexy fur stilettos by Altuxarra:

Head Gear

Some of the catwalk shows were more about what was on the models' heads than what was on their bodies. Hairbands, sunglasses and hats were everywhere, and the pony-tail as seen at Louis Vuitton and Prada is the only hairstyle of the season in my opinion.

The cutest beanies at Missoni in lilac hues:

Military appeal at Louis Vuitton...

...and Prada:

The wide-brim fedora at Gucci:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory style sunglasses at Versace:

And play-time ones at Missoni:

Goggles and a bathing cap at Prada? This look has been growing on me.

Taking things to the next level with these fur-trimmed glasses at Alexander Wang:

My new obsession, hair bands. Something Valentino and I have in common:

Hint: head over to Henri Bendel's on 5th in NYC for bands in every colour.

And lastly the pony-tail. Taking the trend literally at AF Vandevorst:

Multi-stranded at Prada:

And the sleek, classic look at Louis Vuitton:

Hopefully this compilation has given you inspiration on how to wear your most important accessory this Autumn!

The Top Ten Autumn Pieces

Every August, an assault of outfits, accessories and new trends are launched from the catwalks to the womens' fashion magazines and style pages. However, it seems to me that within the mess that can ensue, there are often a few key pieces that can update your entire wardrobe, and that become season staples. For me, the following ten pieces are the ones I'll be investing in.

1. The evening jacket

This silk, ivory evening piece is from the Topshop Boutique collection. I'll wear it over dark jeans and heels, or a 40s dress, as per the next item on the list.

2. The 40s dress

I had to mention this Miu Miu dress again, it really is the most beautiful thing I've seen on the runway this year.

3. The fur stole



Of course I had to show a pink one, courtesy of Sonia Rykiel. However, I think that these will be everywhere this year, in every possible colour. Wear over any coat or jacket.

4. The tiny clutch

Bags this season are divided between the large, bowling or tote style bags, and the smaller and unusual clutches like this one by Prada, which I find particularly stylish and almost endearing.

5. The crazy stiletto

Trust Balenciaga to come up with a shoe like this. At first, I wasn't sure. Now I am in love and need to find a something similar to wear with Everything this Autumn. But take it from me, the stiletto is back, and chunky block heels are a thing of the past.

6. The midi-skirt

This is Turquoise Pink, so out of all the mid-length skirts seen on the catwalk, I had to choose this bright turquoise and tangerine one from Jonathan Saunders. Wear with a simple and slim fitting alpine jumper as next in the list.

7. The alpine sweater

The clean-lined, minamilistic jumper will be one of the most useful buys this Autumn. I like the cool and fresh colour-pairing of this one by Chloe.

8. The face-framing sunglasses.

You may think I'm mad putting sunglasses on this list, but have you ever noticed how when the sun is lower in the sky in winter, it is actually more annoying than in the summer? Choose rounded square shapes like those above by Miu Miu, with thick frames in tortoishell or black.

9. The shaggy coat

Antonio Berardi is new on my fashion radar, but I love this coat and much of his Autumn/Winter collection this year. A textured warm coat like this will see you through all the coldest months through to Spring, and will go over anything from cocktail dresses to your favourite jeans and boots.

10. The lace dress

I am often reluctant about fashion items that I just know are going to be overdone. But this list is about pieces that will be of the upmost importance this Autumn, and the black lace dress like the Lanvin one above will be the answer for last-minute parties and evening events. Expect to see variations of these in every single high-street shop this September.

What will be on your shopping list in a few weeks time? Please comment!