Countryside style influences collections every Winter and this season is no different. However, 2012 shows a more glamorous side to tailoring and tweed, with fur and animal print featuring in most. Warm aubergine, burgundy tones run alongside lilac and emerald. Ralph Lauren kept the feel masculine and relaxed with shirts and ties peeping from underneath jumpers and jackets, whereas Tommy Hilfiger's designs were much more crisp and polished.  I picked up the blazer below from work; the lilac turn-ups give it the feminine quality needed with such a masculine material and fit. The warm brown tweed is complimented by the beige trousers which bear resemblance to jodhpurs, therefore relating to the country theme. The warmth of the shirt compliments that of the blazer and the lace again adds to the glamorous femininity hidden beneath layers of tradition. The snood brings in an element of print and texture, lifting the composition, and I just couldn't help myself with the shoes. I tried to find something else but once I'd seen them it was inevitable. They bring a sense of knowing wit - the rich stately home folk are often eccentrics, don't you know?

The trouser suit dominated Autumn/Winter 2012 catwalks, taking the prints from the summer collections to a more sophisticated level. Although we're in the middle of London fashion week at the moment, the high street will not yet be influenced by next years Spring/Summer collections. However, the top featured here gives just enough lace and drama to subtly hint at this weeks collection. I have chosen a trouser and shirt combination here but suggest the shirt is worn open to give a relaxed alternative to a blazer. The print hints at baroque but is slightly more up beat; the printed suits seen at Prada and Rag&Bone feature more jeweled colours and tapestry graphics, but I felt this Topshop example is quite refreshing in its take on the trend. I have kept to nude accessories to as not to offset the colours of the print, but both feature gold detailing for more of a classy look - there's something about this outfit that cultivates the Eastern princess image, therefore I feel the bag and shoes work for the composition. Nude brogues would also work as we approach the winter months.

An intelligent woman is both intimidating and admirable. The same could be said for an intelligent dresser. The quirky naivety and geek-esque dress sense of celebrities such as Alexa Chung, Zooey Deschanel and Carey Mulligan has shown that cute and confident is sometimes the best kind of sexy. The deep, rich colours are staples for the coming autumn season, and the mix of subtle patterns and textures keeps the palette fresh rather than grungy. The shirt is to be worn underneath the jumper; the pearls create a sharp contrast to the fluff of the jumper, and the white freshens the colour scheme. The trousers are tailored and masculine, with a subtle check that stands against the leopard print of the shoe laces, and the satchel style bag rounds off the 'intellectual creative' look.

Autumn 2012 catwalks saw the backlash to the summers bright florals and afrocentric prints, with nouveau gothic taking the forefront. Some argue this was the effect of Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, others suggest it is fashion's subtle nod to the popularity of fetish novel 50 Shades of Grey. Featured at Proenza Schouler, Givenchy, Versace and Alexander Wang, last seasons chiffon and studding overkill has been replaced by tough layered leather and black on black embroidery. The top featured here encompasses both, and also has the popular peplum structuring, adding some femininity to an otherwise quite harsh look. For me this outfit began with the leather jacket, as it has the drape that was featured heavily on Autumn's catwalks, both in leather and with faux fur sections, which was another popular trend. The trousers soften the leather theme that runs through this outfit yet the distressed bleached bottoms still appeal to the gothic nature of the trend. I couldn't resist featuring these shoes as they're so appropriate to the 'catwoman' look it would be a shame not to. The rest of the outfit is toned down on studding which undoubtedly compliments these. The bag is simple and versatile, but of course, black.

Autumn/ Winter 2012 will see the oriental trend filtrate from catwalk to high street, with a burst of kimono cuts, belted waists and rich embroidery. Designers such as Dries Van Noten, Osman and Proenza Schouler embraced all over chinoiserie print in their collections whereas Zac Posen and Antonio Marras referenced the orient through subtle motifs and sleek cuts. The cape I have chosen for this outfit is one of my favourite pieces as the cut is undoubtedly oriental, and the more westernised chinoiserie print is not garish enough to be unwearable. I have featured a jersey maxi dress to emphasise that pieces like this can be worn all year round, not just in the summer. Teamed with brown chelsea boots the dress gives a casual, wearable base on which to build around with jackets and accessories. The thin belt is a must for the kimono trend as you don't want to be swamped by the rich material, and the bag and necklace are subtle yet round off the outfit. I don't usually talk about hair but I've featured a couple of images on the post of a style that fits this trend perfectly, references oriental Geishas, but still holding that scruffy, English girl feel.

The camo trend is steadily creeping up on the high street, and it is my guilty pleasure. Cast off the memories of the cargo pants you had when you were ten, this look is vintage instead of childhood nostalgia. Have a look at the Ragged Priest brand; I've been doing a lot of styling work to do with them recently and they're becoming a favourite. They re-work old vintage items with denim and studs to create garments that are distinctly eighties skinhead and instantly recognisable. I have picked out this cropped jumper from the collection sold in Topshop because of its subtlety and versatility, yet unique nature. The camo jacket defines this trend and is a key piece for the season; Topshop and H&M are also selling similar versions at the moment. The PU band on the shorts gives a strong line to an otherwise quite organic outfit, complimenting the wash of the denim. The satchel is actually from the men's section but was too good to pass by as it fits with the trend perfectly. The patent boots are an eighties must. I have featured River Island boots in this post, but for the real deal invest in a pair of Dr. Martens - another childhood classic reworked. The spiked necklace rounds the outfit off perfectly and compliments the army nature of the trend but gives a strong contrast to the organic colours and lines.

Androgony is a trend that features every season in one way or another. It's a woman's way of hinting at power, status and independence - "I can pull off a suit better than any man." I've got a friend that embodies this trend and does so faultlessly, but I cannot lie it helps too have a slender, quite petite frame. The blazer and trousers featured here are not of a set which makes the look a little less formal, with the casual wrap of the trousers complimenting the strong tailoring of the blazer. The nail and lip trend of the moment is ombre, so why not translate this to your outfit? This shirt is one of my favourites around is a refreshing take on the suit shirt combination. I prefer a bow tie to a normal tie for this look, but either could be used to round of the androgony trend. The frilly socks add a naive, feminine element that contrasts the strong lines of the other garments, and brogues after all are essential for this look. Androgony can be sexually endearing in a contrary way, just take a look at the images on the left. 

All my posts recently have been holiday and summer orientated. However, today half the country is flooded and it is positively chilly so I've decided to deviate slightly - we'll put a hold on the English optimism for tonight. I've always been a fan of chunky knits as long as the look is 'finished' rather than scruffy. This Zara jumper is perfect as it has the casual look of a classic knit but the open back adds drama to an otherwise simple garment. I'm currently reading 'Luella's Guide to English Style' which mentions the perfect mid wash jeans from introduction to finish, and I do believe I have found them. The denim is not so light it's borderline bleached, but not so dark that it kills the outfit. The loose fit of the top needs a skinny jean for balance. The shoes that feature in this post are the most unique brogues I've come across for a while and have a Spring/Summer edge whilst maintaining the classic look. The tan holdall bag is a statement piece that will fit with the majority of outfits and completes the casual yet thought-out look of the knit trend. I've included Vivienne Westwood earrings in this outfit because they never leave my ears, and the logo itself is enough to lift an outfit from normal to above and beyond. They're a bit of a splurge but well worth the money if you are a fan of the brand. If not, find something that suits you but keep it simple and classy; they'll become timeless.

The past year has seen the emergence of armour rings, knuckle dusters and ear cuffs in our jewellery boxes. Accessories are getting much more experimental, bringing interchangeable looks to wardrobes and allowing expression to be more individual than ever. The newest member of my jewellery collection is the turquoise collar tips that feature below. The current trend for shirts on the high street is to have embellishment or studding on the collar, taking it from just a shirt to something a bit different. There are some beautiful examples in Zara, Topshop and Urban Outfitters, but it is a fairly expensive trend to buy into, especially when we all own last season's unembellished garments.
That's why collar tips are currently a must. They pin onto the edges of the collars like broaches making them usable for all the shirts you already own, creating the trend for a fraction of the price. The can be found with stones, patterns and chains on and are well worth purchasing if, like me, you already have too many chiffon shirts, not enough wardrobe space and a while until your next pay cheque.

The holiday season is upon us and I officially need to win the lottery in order to fund my Ibiza shopping. The Spring/Summer 2012 catwalks were full of both tropical and Arabian influences that have disappeared in the Autumn/Winter 2013 collections, so it is time to make the most of colour and over-embellishment in these summer months. I tried on the orange maxi skirt that features in this post earlier today and instantly fell in love with it; the drape is flattering, the material is not too thin and the colour screams sun. The top is simple yet features the jewelling that the Arabian trend heavily incorporates, and is versatile enough that it will remain a wardrobe staple for seasons to come. Both the sandals and bag are of complimenting colours to the statement orange but create impact in themselves which is important for the look. I am very fond of the headpieces that are emerging on the high street for the holiday season so take full advantage of what is on offer and don't be worried about trying something different. The cuff rounds off the over-embellished theme and will be a popular piece for seasons to come.

So I'm off to Ibiza on the 12th for 10 sun filled days, so the holiday shopping has begun. I've found my perfect outfit, and surprise surprise it consists of Topshop Topshop Topshop, but I thought I'd share it with you anyway. The shorts and shoes have been at the top of my wish list for a long time now; the shoes are a refreshing change to my otherwise sports-free shoe collection (minus my Converse) and the shorts are too adorable to pass by. Have you ever seen anything like them? And then came the crop - too good to be true? I figure Ibiza is not a place to be too serious with your outfit, and if it is then people will just have to look because this little ensemble is one of my favourites to date. Get shopping for your ice cream fix girls!

The neon and nineties trends are still in full force, especially in the 'sports luxe' department. Combine the three for a laid back outfit that looks effortless but turns heads. This outfit came about after I bought the hoodie after work today - the picture doesn't quite do it justce, as in real life it looks just like an American Apparel job, but is a third of a price. Teaming the hoodie with the tailored trousers gives it less of a grunge look, but the white knit and hi top Converse secure the nineties theme perfectly. Converse are my wardrobe staple, but Topshop currently are channelling some very desirable and a bit less generic hi tops that my next pay cheque will be going towards. 

Everywhere you look on the high street there are pastel hues to rival an ice cream parlour. Be the ultimate candy girl with this ensemble and prove that cute can be sexy, no flesh flashing required. My ultimate accessory for this look is a collar as it adds that individual style that every girl needs - you could have the same blouse on as the girl across the train carriage, but the way you wear it defines you. Pastel blue teamed with baby pink is my colour crush this season. There is something about the combination that screams unexpected but still works so well. The mint green ice cream shade is mirrored in the bag and shoes, giving that continuity to an outfit that could otherwise seem slightly over the top. The silhouette this season centres around trousers that are belted in high at the waist, as they are ultimately feminine and a nod to the 50s.

For this trend we're channelling the bright blue skies of St. Tropez - happiness in an outfit. The past few and the current seasons have all had a blue obsession, and it's the ultimate summer shade for the sunny days (cross your fingers).  Palazzos were all about the print last year but this year they have a much cleaner, more sophisticated look. It is often tempting to pair plain with print but the simplicity of this outfit gives it a crisp finish that immediately says class. I fell in love with this shirt when I saw a course-mate in it; the gold features on the collar take it from being just a shirt to THE shirt you NEED in your wardrobe. If you're going to wear the chiffon shirt with just a bra underneath, make sure it is pretty and matches the overall look otherwise it kills the entire trend. Clash slightly with the shoes to throw the match off, and team with a tan bag as this gives a contemporary feel.

It's a committed woman who doesn't look forward to getting into her scruffs the minute she gets home -yes, we all do it. Even the keenest fashion follower needs a bit of comfort in their life, and for this we turn to the sports luxe trend. This trend translates to evening wear in the garments incorporating net, mesh and highlights of fluro, but I've decided to focus on getting the day look right. I've fallen in love with Topshop's knitted vest and know exactly where my next pay cheque will be going. The joggers are tailored to give them a more classic look - don't take the 'sports luxe' trend too literally, we're not mirroring the wardrobe of the 14 year old 'chav' next door. The vest can be word with a nice bra underneath, or take the trend further with the crops that are throughout the high street at the moment, or a cut out body like the one I've featured. Finish the outfit off with a pair of pumps whatever your taste. These Vans are my favourite, although my white converse are essential in my wardrobe. Enjoy looking like your own 'Dazed and Confised' feature in comfort.

Peplums were here to stay on the SS12 catwalks and now they've hit the high street in force. I've picked out my favourites, from Miami beach turquoise to neutral and sophisticated, to show that these dresses are not confined to the office. And if you're not keen on the dresses, grab yourself the skirt version.

In the late 70s Tina Chow put her early minimalist stamp on the fashion world and showed that with impeccable style a woman is feminine through attitude and not dress. This summer make the masculine striped shirt work for you. When executed with good taste this style can look effortlessly sexy and unforced - think of the woman who has thrown on her boyfriends shirt to go out. Team it with skinny jeans so as not to appear too swamped, and keep the belt, bag and shoes warm tones of tan and oxblood to continue the classic feel within the outfit; these are statement pieces that you might want to invest in, as they go with the majority of things and can really finish off an outfit.

Channel the casual elegance of 1960s icon Gloria Guinness with a safari twist - a white vest is a wardrobe essential, it can make even the bravest trousers work. The racer front style is extremely popular on the high street this season as it encompasses the 'sports luxe' trend that was circulating a few months ago. This outfit really centres on the trousers as they are one of my favourites pieces I have found for this summer - they harness a bold print which is a key trend but have the classic nature of tailoring which sets them apart. The accessories are important. The earrings are a subtle nod to the safari theme, while the bag and sandals are quite statement pieces. Keeping the accessories of a tan colour means they don't clash with any of the colours in the print and are a contempoary match. Be bold and have fun, fashion needs a sense of humour as well as style.

Try a little candy girl on this year's summer nights - sexy doesn't have to be skin tight or flash the flesh. Using pastel colours will bring new life to the ongoing colour blocking trend and compliment the majority of skin tones. Within an outfit embrace stark contrasts such as the pink and blue of the skirt and top seen here, and subtle palette changes such as the blue of the accessories and light green of the shoes - the variety is what makes the outfit work, too subtle and everything will merge, too stark and you risk looking like a pack of crayola. Experiment and have fun, this may be your new favourite look.

This summers garish print on print trend is a difficult one to pull off; be daring with your choices. If it is too overly bold for your taste see the more subtle version on the post below. It helps to choose top and bottom garments that incorporate fairly similar designs - many of the high street retailers are selling both of the same design, but sometimes this can be a little too much and you may end up resembling a 70s throw-back. Keep the accessories neutral so that the prints speak for themselves. This look is ideal for the summer - think 1950s Miami beach meets the strength and originality of Baroque design. Remember, wear with confidence.

Prints this season are either girly or garish. Embrace pastel colours, pleats and delicate shirts for a feminine Miu Miu look. The Victoria Beckham diffusion line this season is full of subdued, classic prints that recycles Miu Miu's signature 2010 style, and the classic pastel palette can be seen everywhere. Molly King shows how elegant a simple pastel shorts suit can be - incorporate prints and you'll be on trend in a more subtle, contemporary way to the current 'club tropicana' high-street style.

This outfit has been inspired by Chanel's 'Metiers D'art' collection. It is a high street version of a style shrouded in Indian fantasy  that also captures the strong-cut silhouettes of Parisian design. The pastel colours are given strength through laser cut patterns, gold foil, graphic patterning and embellishment. The headband finishes off any exotic, Bombay-inspired outfit; jewellery this summer is all about extravagance so take advantage.

Just a little message from yours truly...

Today people have a warped sense of beauty - people are valuing boob jobs, collagen lips and perma-tans over truly attractive qualities such as intellegence, sense of style and strength of character. Be confident enough to have your own style and know that what you are wearing feels good to you - the worst anyone can say is that they don't like what you're wearing,  and the chances are you won't like what they're wearing either. Don't be afraid to experiment - making mistakes is the only way to find yourself. The most attractive women are those who are sure of themselves and their own sense of style; those with strength of character and aspirations. We live once, why spend it being anyone else but you?

This outfit is 1950s 'Miami Beach' made modern. The skirt is of the millet cut, making it both on trend and practical. Don't be afraid to go all out on colour and print - mix floral prints with baroque patterns for a confident composition. Keeping a common colour throughout, which here is the yellow in both the bralet and skirt, is what really makes the outfit work. Pick colours out of your key pieces for the accessories and the whole thing will come together beautifully. This trend is quite garish and may not be for everyone but it is definitely one of my favourites. Its bright, flirty nature can never fail to impress.

This outfit embraces the season's love of native and tribal prints with the 'sports luxe' silhouette. By keeping the garment prints of a neutral colour it allows you to play about with your accessories, injecting brightness in a more sublte way and keeping you from looking like a pack of crayola. Go all out and embrace the rucksack - give it a week or two and everyone will be following your lead. 

This summer's festival look is more girly than grunge. Cute dresses and peter pan collars are a wardrobe must for the festival season - take hints from celebrities such as Alexa Chung and Carey Mulligan to get the look just right. The hat gives a maculine edge to an otherwise ultra-feminine look, and it almost goes without saying that wellies are a must for all you festival junkies.

Start channeling your inner Blondie because this season it is all about 70's punk revival. Go overboard with the studs and soften with fringing, and don't be afraid of a grungy colour clash - wear with attitude! No one will know you're not with the band.

This summer's wardrobe essential is the loose white t-shirt. This look is about being effortlessly cool - you're going to be the woman that looks like she's just grabbed a t-shirt and jeans from the wardrobe but still looks immaculate, think Mila Kunis in 'Friends with Benefits'.  The jeans in this outfit bring in a slight nautical edge which we can see running through every spring/summer collection right now, and the tan wicker bag and shoes give the perfect edge to an otherwise pastel outfit. The necklace is the considered touch that finishes off the simplicity of the outfit.  Have the confidence to wear such an uncomplicated ensemble, because sometimes less is more.

Every girl once wanted to be the little mermaid, and this season's underwater trend allows you to turn the fantasy into a reality. Don't be afraid to mix textures - team pleats with crinkles, foil with pearlescent, weave with studs. Wear this vest and skirt with delicate accessories for a feminine daytime look or add a bit of bite with leather and studs for the evening. Don't be afraid to experiment, this trend is one to have fun with. 

Nothing says glamorous like an hourglass silhouette. This look is all about seduction without having to flash the flesh, taking inspiration from sirens of the past like Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow and Dovima. With this outfit, you're guaranteed to turn heads.