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At the Elie Saab show at Paris Fashion Week, there was yet more very wearable day wear. Wearable day wear has definitely been a key theme for this fashion week with lots of classic shapes in luxury materials. These are key pieces that could be described as an investment. They are timeless and will take any wardrobe seamlessly from season to season.

At Elie Saab, there were numerous variations on a shape that has increased in popularity of late (you could call it the Victoria Beckham effect), the sheath dress. The sheath dress is a highly adaptable and lady like piece that can be worn for numerous occasions. It is lady like and suits almost all body shapes giving feminine curves to even the most athletic figure. The show definitely had a hint of forties nostalgia about it, as did many of the other shows this time.

There were some variations on the classic sheath dress. Cigarette trousers with high waists and feathered tops and jackets added a bit of opulence to the proceedings. There was also a full range of evening wear and whilst very nice, this didn’t attract me as much as the sheath dresses.

This light weight wool dress is the perfect example of the classic shift dress a definite investment buy.

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Roland Mouret has become known for his elegant party dresses that have become popular with so many celebrities. But for autumn winter 09 his collection seemed to have changed focus. This is not really surprising with the recession really hitting and many of the designers opting for understated and modest collections that really show quality as opposed to the in your face opulence that has been in the past.

For his autumn winter 09 collection in Paris Mouret showed a collection of elegant daytime wear for the sophisticated girl about town. The collection was perfect for wearing to the office, out to lunch or a variety of other occasion making it versatile to really give its value for money. The clothes were fresh and trendy but still had much of the charm that Roland Mouret has become known for in his evening wear. Knee length dresses with slashed necks, asymmetrical cropped jackets and tunic style tops worn with textured leggings were both very wearable and also very feminine. The jackets and skirts were cleverly cut to give just the right amount of sex appeal without overdoing it.

Get a sophisticated daytime look like that at Roland Mouret by wearing this Ted Baker pencil skirt.

I have always loved Chanel for its elegant but classic designs. I love the way that the clothes keep a sense of tradition but are always presented in a new and fresh way. Chanel for me is the ultimate in beautiful ladylike style. The autumn winter collection was defined by its high ruffled necklines, something that Karl Lagerfeld also used in his recent couture collection. the collection ws made up almost entirely of black, coats, jackets and skirts with white collars and cuffs. Again some great historical references that also felt very now.

There were some sightings of the Chanel tweed which this time was a sort of mint green, again teamed with  the high ruffled collars. These clothes are perfect for just about ever woman young or old and all sorts of body shapes. Beautiful cuts that flatter and compliment the wearers natural shape.

Unfortunately, I can’t afford to buy Chanel clothes (as much as I would love to) but I do allow myself a little luxury in life. This Chanel foundation is amazing at making skin radiant and refreshes a complexion no matter how little sleep you have had. Perfect for getting a bit of that timeless and very elegant Chanel style.

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Stella McCartney has gomne back to her roots with her autumn winter 09 collection, as have so many designers of late, many have put it down to the recession. Never mind the reasons why, Stella latest collection was filled with all those things that we love about her. The tailoring, the slip dresses, the cool laid back elegant look that she has made her own.

There was yet another appearance of the legging boots, which I love, this time vegan as Stella does not use leather. The colour schemes were fairly simple, black and white, some grey and redbut with such lovely taiored jackets and delicate floaty dresses lots of colour and pattern was just not needed. The slip dresses had sheer panels and see through bits, a very feminine style. Overall the collection was all about gorgeous and wearable clothes. Just the sort of thing that most people would  love to be able to wear every day.

I love this delicate and very feminine top by Stella McCartney, perfect for almost any occasion.

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If you though that some of the fashion shows this year have been a little toned down and bland, this is definitely not the case for the Alexander McQueen show in Paris. Full of theatrics and drama, this was one of the shows that I was really sorry to have missed. The collection combined couture like craftmanship with extraordinary tailoring and a costume theme creating a very strong and bold show that could not fail to get noticed by press and buyers alike.

The collection referenced Dior and his own past collections perhaps in what could be described as cherry picking some of the best of recent fashion history. The make up was almost clown like in places with models faces painted white and huge red lips and one model had her face entirely covered in chain mail in for a very sinister effect. These clothes were certainly not designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The shoes were incredibly high, the skirts incredibly tight and the head dresses huge and no doubt quite heavy. There were also more than a few fetish references.

I am sure that many would comment that this collection was trying to say something about consumerism or the state of the economy. But I prefer to look at fashion as it is and not try and read too much into it. It is a great collection full of Alexander McQueen talent and creativity, I would have loved it with or without the theatricals.

Get a bit of Alexander McQueens bold style and geometrical prints with this Alexander McQueen ruffled silk blouse.

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When it comes to leather jacket, Rick Owens has clearly defined himself as the master. He has taken the classic biker jacket to new levels and for autumn winter 09, he promised more beautifully cut takes on the traditional leather jacket with a twist.

His collection started off with black jackets teamed with black mini dresses and tights and boots but this didn’t last for long before he progressed into a much lighter and more refreshing part of the show which used similar shapes with a light bluey grey colour. The clothes were again uniform in colour giving a dramatic effect. It was the jackets that I was really looking our for though. They were in usual Rick Owens style a variety of shapes that flattered and created interest. A style with a cropped effect at the front running into a longer bum covering back hem . The assymetrical lines created by the front openings and layering effects of different materials and textures all added interest. I love this look and will definitely be usig it for inspiration for my autumn winter wardrobe.

To  create your own version of this look, try combining this long Rick Owens Lilies Top with a cropped leather jacket.

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I always look forward to the Dior couture shows for their amazing unbridled creativity. John Galliano did his usual with fantasy creations and historical references. Again as with the other couture designers he paid little attention to economic outlook commenting that  ”there’s a credit crunch, not a creative crunch”. It was definitely true that the recession had not in any way stifled his creativity.

The collection was full of Dioresque full skirts, lavish feather hats and shaped clothes of sculptural proportions. His inspiration was Flemish painters and Dior himself. This explained the New Look shape which was liberally applied throughout the collection but he took this classic shape on to the next level with the twisted and shaped skirts. It was a beautiful collection, definitely the stuff day dreams are made of. Not particularly suitable for an evening at the pub, but then isn’t that what couture is all about?

If you love Dior and want something stylish but a bit more practical, try these very chic Dior sunglasses.

Alber Elbaz has a unique and amazing talent for creating the most delectable and desirable dresses. The colours, the textures, the draping and the shape and detail are all elements of the design that Elbaz masters with seeming ease. His collection for Spring Summer 09 was no different with jewel coloured satins draped, twisted and ruffled into interesting and feminine sillhouettes.

Just when I thought the collection couldn’t get any better, out came the models in the ultimate luxury, crystal studded dresses in duchess satin in shades of midnight blue and greens. The accessories were almost too good to be true. Right enough of my gushing.

This golden satin has a fluid like quality to it.

The unfinished hem on this dress gives it a very sharpe edge, in contrast to the soft shapes of some of the other dresses.

For girls who want a sparkle in their step, these shoes are perfect. The ankle ribbon ties add an extra dimension.

Shocking pink and a balloon top with a great textured pattern.

The loose ruffles bow adds an interesting shape and texture giving it a relaxed look.

Yet another interesting shoulder shape for spring summer 09. This time time an angular corner sits just below the shoulder.

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If you loved the satins folds and details at Lanvin, you will love this Almost Famous Satin Dress with a V neck and satin bow, the dress contrasts a satin skirt with a cotton top.

I always love the luxury of Louis Vuitton. Unfortunately, I will probably never get to wear anything from Louis Vuitton but it is nice to day dream and get some inspiration for my next seasons wardrobe of course. The colours of the collection by Marc Jacobs were probably more Autumnal than Spring Summer. The look was slick, glam and glossy with gorgeous wide, crimson or black, satin polka dot pyjama style trousers. The jackets were beautifully cut as would be expected from such a talented designer working at such an established.

Feather trims and accessories and wooden tribal style jewellery gave the whole collection a tribal feel. The sandals were great and I am sure there will be plenty of similar versions on the high street next summer.

This is my favourite of the whole collection. I love the trousers combined with the tailored jacket.

This jacket has the big shoulders that look to be  abig trend for next summer.

This outfit looks great, I love the bronze details like the belt and the sandals with feather details. 

I love the shape, colours and texture of this dress, again the big shoulders are a key feature of this outfit. 

This jacket is  a great colour, set off beautifully by the gold trim around the cuffs.

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This Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton DVD is a great present for someone who loves Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.

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I have been expecting something very good from Chloé at Paris Fashion week this time. The British designer Hannah MacGibbon is now at the helm and she has had plenty of experience, working for the successful brand since 1997. The label has had a few fairly dissappointing seasons and now Hannah has her chance to shine, I can’t wait to see what she has come up with.

The collection definitely showed some promise. Made up of some lovely wardrobe staples including trousers and coats, the collection was simplistic and cleaner than many previous Chloé collections. I really loved the jumpsuit and dresses which exhibited that classic French style and quality that the  Chloé label is reknown for.

The colours were muted shades of  apricot, yellow and cream and the collection was packed with luxurious wearability. For me this collection certainly did not dissappoint, I will be hoping that some of the style is transferred into the more affordable See by Chloé diffusion range.

 For those that love the Chloé brand, this Chloé perfume is the ultimate treat.