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!