Wardrobe Additions.

Now that the season has officially changed (I'm sure it's dropped at least 5 degrees since I left my apartment this morning!) it's the time of year when I have to think about the logistics of swapping my S/S wardrobe with my A/W wardrobe that I keep stored at my Mum's house. Yes, I have too many clothes. No, I don't have enough space in my home to keep them so yes, I take advantage of my Mum.

The logistics become a little more complicated when you consider I haven't a car of my own and the door to door trip is about an hour long. That and the fact I have about 3 suitcases full of knitted goodness that, as the temperature continues to slump, I am finding I increasingly need. So I've decided to do a mental tot up of the things I actually need and cull those I don't.

But once again, just as I do every year, I've found myself in a frenzy of lust after this seasons new designs that have left me seriously considering trading in my winter-sun holiday for a couple of them.

Then again I'm in desperate need for some vitamin E so maybe I won't cancel those plane tickets just yet...

But if I did here's what I'd be lining up.

I know we're talking fantasies here but after this years catwalks were over I did notice a few glaring holes in my AW things so here's a more realistic few bits I need to purchase in the next few weeks.

 Topshop Knitted Shimmer Shoulder Sweat available here.

Oasis Sequin Animal Sleeve Sweater available at ASOS here.

ASOS Supersoft High Waist Ultra Skinny in Washed Grey #11 available here.

H&M Knitted Hat available here.

As you can tell the main colour I'll be sporting this season is grey. I've been a fan of the shade for many moons now so the fact the high street has latched onto it this year has me a little overjoyed.

Continuing the grey theme how about these for some amazing party season shoes from Nelly.com? Available here. I definitely need to make these a buying priority. By far the coolest heel I've seen in some time.

And just before you worry I'll be a total wash out colour wise this season look at this beauty to add a pop of colour to any outfit throughout the colder months. Available here.

Whichever way you look at it I better get saving. Post-holiday of course!

I Heart Little Mistress. I.D.S.T.

You'll have noticed that recently I've mentioned the launch of several new brands at my agency in Manchester but I've never really bothered to name them.

I'm not usually one to love pics of myself but this weekend at Pure (fashion trade exhibition) in London one of the girls at one of my newest labels took a shot I actually like so I thought it only fair I give them credit.

The brand is Little Mistress who, incidentally, will be in Drapers tomorrow short listed as Young Fashion Brand Of The Year 2012. Couldn't be happier for them - they're an amazing label who are going from strength to strength.

And here's the shot...

The trousers are my absolute favourite printed pair - they've featured on the blog before; and so have the shoes.

But what you've not seen on here before is the gorgeous top from Little Mistress.

Black chiffon with beautiful gold beading round the neck and cuffs. I wasn't so sure of it on the hanger but as soon as I slipped it on I felt a million bucks. Teamed with my solid gold glitter nails and YSL ring this may be my new favourite outfit.

The top itself will be in stock later this month/early September - I'll try to remember to post a link when it's up. As their agent I have the lovely perk of having the sample to wear. Lucky me!

Special thanks to KK for the great shot.

Luxurious Legs

Let's face it. This summer has been overwhelmingly underwhelming weather-wise for us all. I think it's the first summer I can ever remember where it's actually been this bad - I know we complain every year (what do we expect, sudden Mediterranean climate behaviour?) but this year has really taken the (soggy, rain drenched) biscuit.

I've mourned my inability to bring some of my favourite summer dresses out from storage and dealt with it the way any sane fashion obsessed girl would. By wrapping myself in a fur throw, stropping onto my (cold) balcony and drinking red wine with The September Issue in hand. Don't judge me - you know you've done a variation!

Now my mourning period is over I've decided to look to the future and just on the horizon I can see my shiny new Autumn/Winter wardrobe glistening; tempting me with it's chunky knits and metallic skirts (thank you for the inspiration Mulberry!)

I always feel, however, that with a good A/W outfit there's a key area of the body not being viewed in quite the same sartorially important way. The legs. Brilliantly my idol, Mary Portas, has come up with a fashion appropriate solution.

Introducing Mary and Charnos:

With a huge range to chose from available in House of Fraser and online through the Charnos site here (site links to online retailers) there's really no excuse why we can't all have perfect pins all the way through the darker months.

I'm particularly loving the indigo sheer spot pair teamed with a nice collar detail dress and heels for a trusty work- to -bar look.

Can't wait to get mine!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Just now as I logged into my blogspot backdoor it suddenly hit me just how long it's been since I last wrote.

Too long. This is mainly because my beloved little netbook (named Lovely) finally gave up the ghost about 2 weeks ago and until I replace her my access to the internet is somewhat limited. Happily I have a friend who works for Toshiba and is hooking me up with a shiny new girl so soon all blogging capacity will be restored.

About 3 weeks ago I was very kindly invited to Matalan's A/W preview day in a very slick hotel in Covent Garden in London. It was a strange feeling - looking at Christmas samples in mid July; and it turned out to be an absolutely sweltering day in The City which only added to the slightly surreal feeling of it all!

That said I had an absolutely fantastic time and I think it's safe to say most of my wages from here until the party season is over are spoken for. I want everything from the metal toe capped brogues to the slightly ethereal looking digital print tshirts and jackets.

And the price point is incredible. Shoes for £16 - PU Leather jackets with stud detailing for £35. I almost had to rub my eyes and check I didn't need to make a Specsavers appointment.

Matalan have really pushed the boat out this season and seem to have most of the major A/W trends stitched up for us. (Pun sort of intended...) The colour palette is rich and luxurious while the fabrics used echo those we saw on the catwalks all those months ago - plush brocades, expensive looking sequin detailing, grunge-chic tassles. I cannot say enough positive things about this collection.

Even the homeware was stunning - I've already briefed my housemate on the gold rimmed wine glasses. they will be mine.

I think my favourite bits have to be the following though. The fabric of the crop top is completely beautiful in person ad will look fantastic with a black high waisted maxi skirt I scooped up in the Mango sales recently. Not to mention the special space I've already made in my wardrobe for those cobalt blue animal print Chelsea boots. In faux pony hair they really look so expensive so when I found out they were £16 I nearly fell over.

The whole preview was set out beautifully so I'll leave you with a few shots and simply say...bring on the eggnog!

H&Mmmm

As yet I am unsure as to whether I am capable of more excitement than is already inside me about the mighty H&Ms latest collaboration.

Maison Martin Margiela are known for their avant-garde garments and cutting-edge-cool designs; and anyone who knows me would vouch for the fact I am rarely intimidated by a dramatic shape on a hanger so I fully intend to enjoy this latest meeting of fashion minds.



MMM A/W '12 catwalk

 I have never before been a 'queue-er' for a collection launch but quite frankly the sooner I can get my hands on a timed wrist band and get in a cordoned off waiting area for this the better. It is sure to be a website crashing success.

MMM A/W '12 catwalk

With no promo shots yet available we can but speculate. Personally I'm hoping for some tailored skirts and dynamic sweatshirts. And don't even get me started on the accessories I intend to leap upon the moment I get within store.

Not launching until November 2012 I have some wait but believe me..I will be there.

Mary Mary, Quite Contrary

Earlier this year you saw me salivate over this woman's S/S '12 collection and I think I speak for the whole fash pack when I say I waited with bated breath for this morning's LFW showing from her.

And she hasn't disappointed. Ladies and gents: Mary Katrantzou A/W '12

The designer is clearly not letting the trends from S/S be totally forgotten and opened her show with some amazing voluminous pastel dresses. All baring her trademark prints, naturally.

Happily she has also refused to let go of the summer brights so while most fashion houses tend to mute their colours for the autumnal period Katrantzou has bucked the trend and kept some incredibly vibrant pieces which I, for one, am thrilled about.

The collection developed into a rainbow range of colours after the initial neons which pleases me greatly as there's nothing worse than the lack of vibrancy clothing stores usually have to offer in the darker months.

That said Katrantzou did show some more season-led pieces in neutral tones so I'd say really, colour wise, there's something for everyone from Mary this coming A/W.

Enjoy, I know I will!

A Stella Performance

I think it's safe to say that come A/W 12 I'll be having a 'blue moment'.

No, I won't be depressed. Au contraire - I'll be elated!

I intend to don head-to-toe Stella McCartney and not remove it until Spring arrives (and, if this year's anything to go by, that's a real commitment.)

Unless you've been under a rock I'd imagine her show - which really can only be described as a production - has reached your eyes by now but here are my favourites from the catwalk for you to savour just that little bit longer.

Not to mention that party...

Cannot Take A Step Backwards: EMU

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of being invited to the press evening to preview Emu's A/W 12 clothing and shoe collection.

Now, as thrilled as I was, I have to admit prior to the event I knew relatively little about the brand as I'd always been smothered by popular culture into believing Ugg were the thing. In actual fact I only own one pair and those are for the truly frosty days Manchester can sometimes deal out. And when it's a 20 minute walk to work they are, at times, essential to ensuring I have feet at the end of the day.

Having now been to the press evening and viewed the array of product available from Emu I can happily say I am converted and don't ever want to look back.

Firstly I adore the brand name: Emu. The reasons behind it are all based around the characteristics of the bird but perhaps my favourite is that an Emu cannot take a step backwards so always remain moving forward. I think such a strong foundation line to a brand is essential and really reminds everyone what they're about: progression.

(A selection of the children's range of shoes. I don't know about you but I can certainly see Kingston Stefani rocking a pair of these!)

Obviously I had to ask the obligatory question: What makes your boots better than Ugg? And I was quickly answered. Anatomically correct insoles, rubber soles (very hard wearing - anyone who owns some Uggs will be familiar with the irritance associated with realising your soles no longer possess a crisp edge but a lazy worn away curve where the pressure's been on them), a moulded heel cup to stop that awful sideways slant you sometimes see people sporting, and brilliantly they are water resistant. I can vouch for this as the agent showing me the boots went on to pour a glass of water on the particular pair he had in hand and the moisture merely trickled off leaving not a mark. I was impressed.

I have to be honest...the typical ugg shape is not my favourite look for my feet so I was excited to see the huge variation Emu had to offer in terms of sheepskin lined lovelies. Biker boots, lace ups, moccasins and perhaps my favourite - the first fully sheepskin lined wellington boots on the market! Goodbye current Ugg boots, you are being replaced with these beauties as soon as I see the first leaves fall from the trees.

(If anyone's feeling generous I'm a size 6...in love with these!)

And in case the above wasn't enough to make you click onto Emu's site just wait until you hear the uber celebs who treasure theirs: Kate Hudson, Gwen Stefani, Courtney Cox, Alexa Chung, Louise Roe...I could go on.

I haven't even mentioned the accessories and clothing!

Fur gilets, leather jackets and knitted capes galore. I am in love. And I am counting down the days until I can get my paws on the beautiful ear muffs. I want them NOW!

It is safe to say I am already excited for this to hit stores and until it does I'll be clearing space in my wardrobe. Expect to see me in head to toe Emu come September. Delicious!