New York, London, Paris and Milan have showed us what we'll be wearing next season, so let's see what's in store in the shorter term. There are two reasons why the autumn/winter season is so important. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. And secondly, it contains the Christmas party season - the most eagerly anticipated date in any fashion calendar.If you're planning on turning heads at the end of 2009, you'll need to look out for these key trends.
Considering the financial meltdown of the past year, it is not surprising that the old saying "Make Do and Mend" has made a comeback. Most of us have become a lot more conservative about our spending habits, and this has meant that vintage has become not only a style statement, but a necessity.
Eighties inspired looks are being re-made in the form of quilting and chain handles. Chains & quilting can be found on the shelves of most charity shops, not mentioning the many redundant pieces littering the backs of our mothers'/aunts/grandmothers closets. If you were smitten by the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer there is a key way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. Last season, we were all about hanging the chain handle effortlessly over our shoulders. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. Just as effortless, but now bang on trend.
If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. Designers are really loving the English Heritage inspired look at the moment. Woolly and warm tweed purses and handbags will have you head-over-heels and are perfect for teaming with this season's must-have cosy, knitted styles.
All of us need an item to take us from cold days into party nights. Undeniably, there's one look that can spice up eveningwear better than any other... That is safari-inspired prints. Whether that is mock-croc patent leather handbags, shaggy faux fur or wild zebra and leopard prints. Set free the animal inside with a handbag that embraces this key look. But please, make sure it's faux.
Any girly-girls out there who are more sex-kitten than lioness, don't let your whiskers get in a twist. Pretty embellishments and hand-sewn detailing were all over the catwalks in last season's collections of designer handbags. Not only seen on the catwalk, you'll find them on the High Street too - great news. You will be transformed into an arts and crafts leader with the help of buttons and beading. However, harsher stud and zip detailing has inspired a more gothic feel. And in perfect time for Halloween!
