Is it just me or is fashion getting weirder and more wacky as time goes by. I have spotted a fair amount of wacky stuff on the catwalk during 2008 and I’m sure their is more to come for the coming seasons. Here are some of the strangest trends of 2008.

Ugg Boots - there is nothing new about the Ugg boot. But I am suprised this trend has lasted so long. I know they are comfy but for me they are the style equivalent of going out in your slippers.

Wetlook leggings - who would have thought that these would have become so main stream in 2008. If you dare to wear them, they are perfect for teaming with a prim and proper white blouse for the ultimate contrast.

Dangerously high heeled shoes - Louboutin 6 and 7 inch hees are so popular that next year he plans to introduce 8 inch heels. I find it quite strange that anyone would want a pair of shoes with such high heels that even if they could walk in them, they risk serious injury - whatever next?

Miu Miu shoes - picture from style.com

Novelty Shoes  this years novelty shoes were like something from a Christmas cracker. I bet the designers had a right laugh when they came up with these.

Giles AW08 - picture from www.style.com

Puffball clothes - Innovative, yes, flattering, I think not. You can’t deny his creativity but would anyone actually wear them.

picture from www.elleuk.com

Halloween Chic - dark and scary, this years Halloween chic even included pointy hats at Luella.

Not wanting to harp on to much about the current economic situation, but as many will be feeling the pinch, including myself and especially in the run up to Christmas, here are my ideas on how to update your look without buying a whole new wardrobe of clothes.

Cinch in with a belt - All sorts of outfits can be updated by cinching in with a belt this winter. Try it with coats, dresses and tops. Skinny belts will look really up to the minute. I love this Costume National Belt with a dimante detail.

Glam it up with costume jewellery - Big, bright and sparkly is the way to go with costume jewellery. Try cocktail rings, statement necklaces and long dangly earrings for a bit of added bling.

Evening wear in the day - You can get away with almost anything for daytime wear this winter. Try wearing last years evening wear including ruffled, chiffon, sparkly and lace tops. Try layering over a polo neck jumper or under a chunky knit for added warmth and to dress down the look a bit.

Coloured tights - coloured tights are every where this winter. Buy a variety in bright pinks, purples and blues. Wear with  last years sweater dresses or any other dresses for a easy on trend look.

I once swore that I would never wear a pair of leggings again. This was back in my teens when leggings first became fashionable but then they became so popular, that the whole look of a pair of leggings worn with shapeless T shirts completely put me off. I was completely wrong though. Leggings are now back in fashion and I just can’t resist wearing them. This time around though I shall be very selective what I wear my leggings with and once they start to go baggy and out of shape in the wash they will be going straight in the bin.

The best thing about leggings this time around is wearing them with skirts and dresses. They can be worn with a dress for added warmth and I can now be brave enough to wear a dress even on a cold winter day. On those occassions when you have a lovely dress but feel it is slightly to much for the day time, I don’t know why but leggings seem to dress it down some how and make it slightly more wearable for the day time. Leggings are even good for getting that little bit of extra wear out of a little worn summer dress. Leggings are possibly the most comfortable leg wear there is, more comfortable than jeans, tights or tailored trousers. Finally, leggings are a great accessory for adding some colour or interest to an outfit. They are availale in so many different varieties including patterned, glittery and wetlook.

I think the key to looking good in leggings is always wear a long top, dress or skirt with them that goes to at least mid thigh length. Short tops and leggings are a definite no no.

A pair of long black leggings are an essential for my winter wardrobe this year.

As I am so short (petite) I love wearing heels as they give me an extra bit of height. There are always those occasions when I want to get a bit dressed up but know, that I will be on my feet for a while and high heels are going to be agony or impractical, because I have to walk a long way. On these occasions the flat or ballerina pump really comes into its own. This season there are even more choices of pumps around with all sorts of embellishments and details, perfect for making an evening outfit look really special and extra comfy too.

Embellished flats at Alexander McQueen

Embellished flats were seen at Alexander McQueen this season, with models wearing crystal encrusted slipper like shoes. This is a great look for the evening.

Flats with bows at Valentino

For  a cute girly look and flat pumps that look great with tailored outfits and little black dresses, look for pumps with bows. Bows are  a huge trend this season so these shoes are great for updating last years outfit.

Patent flats at Giorgio Armani

Patent is also a great way to wear pumps with style. Another key trend that has been rumbling on for some seasons now is the patent accessories. It is sure to be around for a few seasons to come so these will be a great investment buy.

pictures from style.com

 Metallic pumps are also a really good way to add a bit of sparkle and glitz to an outfit, I doesn’t really matter whether you go for bronze silver or gold. Anything goes with metallics this season. I love these silver ballet pumps.

This season there are so many different accessories to choose from. During these credit crunch times, accessories are a great way to update your look with the latest trends without forking out for a whole new wardrobe. Here are my favourite accessories for autumn winter 08.

Micro Clutch - This year my favourite clutch has got even smaller. OK this trend is not the most practical, I can barely fit a lipstick in this bag never mind mobile, purse, perfume, powder and keys, but I love it anyway. This tartan micro clutch is great for everyday use and tartan is also a major trend for autumn winter 08.

Statement necklace - this season necklaces are big, bold and all about getting noticed. Take inspiration frm the catwalk at Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton. Try wearing  a really gorgeous necklace with a plain polo neck to really show it off. This Black Onyx and Crystal Pendant will look great with a monochrome outfit.

Patterned tights - This seasons patterned tights are definitely classed as an accessory. Not only will they keep you warm but they will also brighten up a plain outfit. These Celeste Stein Marilyn Monroe tights will add a bit of fun to any outfit.

Gloves - I love the long gloves, fingerless gloves and leather gloves for this season. They look great with a short sleeved top or coat or ruched down with a long sleeved coat. These long fingerless gloves are great for wearing with a casual jacket.

As I am less than 5ft 2 tall, I have to think quite carefully about what I wear. I like to wear the latest trends but have to pick and choose carefully to make sure that they suit and flatter me. I also have a problem finding clothes to fit with trousers always being too long and the waist on dresses often falling in the wrong place.

I have thought carefully about the many fashions and trends for autumn and winter 08 and here are some of the items and styles that are great for petites as well as those things to watch out for that will not look so great.

Tartan - This one can be a difficult one for petites to carry off without appearing swamped. A shortish skirt with a plain top may work well. Tartan accessories are also a great way to wear this trend without overdoing it.

Gothic - this is a great trend for petites. Head to toe black will lengthen your body and those delicate details like lace and Victorian style jewellery will definitely be in proportion to your size. Add interest to an all black outfit by varying the textures.

Grunge - Again trend can work really well for petites. Try layering thin tops in similar neutral colours like grey. A beanie hat will give you some extra height. Slouchy trousers are lovely but don’t wear them too wide fitted as they will make you appear too short and wide.

Folk - this trend is great, just don’t go too overboard with smock tops and dresses. Look for fairly fitted dresses in rich autumnal colours with small prints. Team with black opaque tights and black shoes with a chunky heel to engthen the legs. A long scarf will also help to lengthen the body.

Structural - the key to wearing this trend if you are a petite is to keep it in proportion. Massive collars will look silly on you, however shoulders with a little height will make you look slightly taller. If you do have a bit of volume on the top half, remember to balance with close fitting trousers.

 Military - The military style is great for petites as the fitted cut does not swamp them. Avoid double breasted coats and jackets as these will make you appear wider and not taller.

This D&G lace shirt is the perfect style for petites, neat and delicate.

With the weather being so cold and miserable, it is about time I started to think about my wardrobe for autumn and winter. I have had a sort through my wardrobe and a bit of an edit. There are a few things from last year that will be great for this season and even a few summer outfits that I didn’t get nearly enough wear out of. I will be adapting some of my summer clothes for winter use by wearing over  a long sleeved or polo neck top with tights of leggings. But even with some lovely stuff already I will be needing a few updates for this autumn / winter and this is my wish list.

• Some new lovely fitting trousers for occassions when I want to look a bit smarter and don’t want to wear jeans.
• A tunic top for wearing with my lovely new trousers when I want a really flattering outfit.
• A black polo neck for when the weather is freezing, this is such a versatile item of clothing and can be dressed up with lots of lovely accessories.
• A mini dress for times when I want to get a bit dressed up but need something easy to wear so that I can ready quick.
• Some flat ballerina pumps - My summer pair have worn out as I have worn them non stop. They are the ultimate in chic praticality, great for walking in.
• Some anle boots with bit of a heel for those days when I need some extra height and for wearing with skirts and dresses.
• A variety of tights/ leggings - with a  selection of tights I can have great fun choosing what to wear. I will perhaps get some bright coloured and tartan tights plus some sparkly metallic leggings.
• A few interesting accessories for wearing with the above - but choosing these would probably fill a whole blog post in itself- I’ll keep you posted.

These Emilio Cavallini Metallic Cable Knit Tights are a great way to add a bit of sparkle to an outfit from last winter.

I have been a bit chilly of hand lately. Probably something to do with the amount of time that I spend tapping away on  a key board. My warm woolley socks keep my feet nice and warm but what about my poor hands. Well I am definitely going to be investing in a new pair of gloves or two for this winter. Not just to keep my hands warm but because I love them. They are a great way to make a fairly bring outfit something special. When it comes to accessorising this season gloves are one of the key items to look out for. From long gloves at Christian Lacroix to shorter more casual gloves at Burberry Prorsum.

At Dior the gloves were shiny, short and purple (slightly reminiscent of surgical gloves)

At Dries Van Noten, the gloves were long leather and a rich mustard colour.

At Sonia Rykiel gloves were lovely long warm and woolley.

At Jean Paul Gautier long red gloves really made a statement with a matching red dress.

pictures of www.style.com

Try taking a look at the range of fashion forward gloves available on Pricegrabber.

Being petite, anything with the word voluminous in it will make me run a mile.  A little trick that I learnt from my mother, keep your clothes fitted and you don’t look so short. I have learnt to live with the fact that, I will never really look great in anything that makes me look as wide as I am tall.

For those that are a bit taller than me (and my mum), you can probably wear the voluminous coat and look great in it. You will however still need to apply the rules of balance. A voluminous coat should be teamed with a non voluminous lower half, I’m talking skinny or fitted trousers or jeans or tights (obviously with some sort of dress or skirt that can almost be hidden or completely hidden by your voluminous coat).

I not sure I like this Marc Jacobs coat much and I don’t think I know many who could pull this off without looking like a sack of potatoes. 

This gorgous purple coat at Burberry Prorsum is easily the most wearable of the voluminous coats that I have seen.

At Louis Vuitton, it is clear that voluminous does not have to mean shapeless.

I don’t really know if this would be classed as a coat or a jacket but Marios Schwab has created a perfect example of how a voluminous top half should be balanced with a fitted lower half.

pictures from www.style.com

This Faux Shearling Coat is a great way to wear this winters trend for voluminous coats.

I am pleased to see back in fashion one of my favourite items of clothing. It is in fact the clothing equivalent of a Sunday Roast or Cottage Pie for dinner, comforting, warm and familiar. I am talking about the polo neck jumper- great for the freezing cold winter weather and a neutral stylish addition to anyones wardrobe that goes with almost anything and can easily be dressed up with a variety of different accessories.

At Yves St Laurent, black polo neck jumpers were worn with almost everything from skirts to dresses to suits for a gothic minimalist look.

The Polo Neck was just made for Jil Sanders signature minimalist look, definitely something I will be trying out for this Autumn Winter.

pictures from www.style.com

This Prada Polo Neck is a great basic for wearing with almost anything.