Prada always shows one of the most talked about collections of the fashion weeks and this year is no exception. But this time it was a simple collection, nothing ground breaking, no thigh high waders, but actually very desireable. The jackets and the shorts were a fresh take on business wear, the raw edges giving it a modern twist. Come next summer these suits crossed with beach wear are bound to be flying off the rails.

I especially love the monochromatic florals, another very wearable look that is sure to sell well. For those that like skimpy clothes for the summer, there was plenty to keep them happy with sheer fabrics and short shorts. Overall a very refreshing collection that will make most fashion loving girls smile.  

If you love Prada you will love this short sleeved Prada shirt.  

It seems that Phillip Lim can do no wrong lately, with collections that are snapped by celebritiess and fashionistas alike. His sophisticated but laid back brand of tailoring has won him multiple brownie points with each and every collection he shows. He keeps his feet firmly on the ground designing clothes that real women love to wear. The SS10 collection that he has just shown at New York Fashion Week is no different with his latest version of the suit which includes an unlined jacket that is thin enough to be tucked into the trousers for a new twist on the classic look. His dresses were feminine, flattering and with great and unusual detail, just what ever girl wants from a dress.

pictures from www.style.com

Get some 3.1 Phillip Lim Style with these 3/4 length trousers.

Last year I loved the dip dye or ombre trend so I was delighted to see that it was back again this autumn and winter. Dip dye and ombre is used to describe the gradually lightening effect of an item of clothing or the effect when it has been dipped into a dye giving a graduated colour. This seasons ombre and dip dyes pieces are updated with the addition of details like patterns or stripes of other colours.

Wool rich dip dye skirt - I love the way that this skirt combines the subtle effect of dip dye with the much more obvious contrast of red and black.

Petite knee length ombre skirt - This skirt is so versatile. I love the way that it combines the ombre effect with a swirly textured effect.

Jesire Ombre Rose Print Skirt - this beautiful skirt is really unusual with the combination of dip dye and print.

3/4 length sleeve ombre print top - I love the way that the ombre effect has cleverly been worked into the pattern of this top.

It may be the middle of August but today feels more like the autumn with the wind, rain and dark gloomy sky. Perhaps it is time to start putting some serious thought to the winter wardrobe and warm chunky knits for snuggling up in this autumn and winter. This year you can get prepared for the coldest or mildest of winters, unpredictable as the weather is, by layering up with thin and chunky textured knits for a bohemian and eclectic look.

At Missoni - lots of layers and textures with washed out shades of beige and blue.

At Alexander McQueen - knits were all one colour - black but with plenty of texture and interest created by lengths of knitted tubes.

pictures from style.com

Try layering different colours lengths and textures for a cosy and interesting look.

Chunky Cable Knit Cardigan

Missoni Scarf

Missoni Scarf

I am loving the autumn winter collection from Guess jeans which is shown on this video clip. The collection has both bohemian and rock and roll influences with lots of different ways of wearing denim and the trusty old pair of jeans. There are some great vintage style pieces and a huge number of techniques used to create interesting effects on the denim including studding, distressing, spraying, ripping, screen printing and tinting. They have teamed jeans and denim skirts with leather jackets, grandpa cardigans, flowing tops, checked shirts and waistcoats for a variety of looks which include almost somethign for everyone.

Guess is well known for it’s fashion forward clothes as well as its watches and bags. It is also a brand that is defintely associated with quality making this winters collection not only very desirable and trendy but also a great investment buy.

Guess Jeans Casual Trousers

pictures from www.style.com 

Every where I turn it is there. Every magazine, every website, every fashion blog. Each season there is always one collection that is the most talked about, the most coveted and the most copied. This season I have a feeling it is going to be Balmain. This collection has it all, the new exagerrated shoulder in the form of pointy angular shapes, understated sparkle and glitter, biker and tuxedo jackets, drapey and slimline trousers and the most body con dresses. Each item in the collection has the same sort of glitzy rock chic feel with an air of sophistication and a slim and angular sihouette.

Christophe Decarnin has slowly been gathering pace with his collections for Balmain and this one he is sure to become one of if not the most sought after collections of the autumn and winter.

Get yourself some Balmain like sparkle with this sequin embroidered top.

DIY projects and designing your own clothes is becoming quite a trend. I have spotted numerous companies that offer artists or would be designers the opportunity to have their drawings or designs featured on a t shirt or some other piece of clothing. Designing your own t shirt is a great way to get really unique piece of clothing that no one else has. You can use it to reflect your own style, make a statement or just create something that goes with a particular oufit that you have. It is really easy.

Step one - draw a design on paper and decide on colours

Step two - decide which garment to put the design on

Step three - copy the design across  using pencil, or trace if the fabric is thin enough

Step four - paint your design- there are plenty of different fabric paints to choose from.

Step five - wear it and enjoy.

Tulip fabric paint slick starter set

At Elie Saab Ready to Wear show for fall 2009, the make up was retro and the lips red. I love this glamourous look, bright red lips will never really go out of fashion. There were also some variations on the very bright red including a darker shade of red at Hussein Chalayan and a red with slight orange tones combined with bright purple and orange eye makeup at Sonia Rykiel. But my favourite is definitely the 1950’s style crimson pout.

For these lips to work perfectly, the make up base needs to be pale and pared down. Think perfect porcelain complexions and subtle eye make up to ensure that the lips are centre of attention. To get a really vivid and solid colour layer the lipstick after lining the lips with a pencil and blending inwards. To finish blot the lips to help it all stay in place. 

This Christian Dior B & G red lipstick in no. 999 will help you to create the perfect red pout.

picture from www.style.com

I noticed on my birthday this year that almost every single birthday card that I recieved had a picture of dresses, shoes or hand bags. When you have an obsession like mine (fashion and  clothes) it is difficult not to let it have an impact on so many areas of your life. I have also noticed lately so many items with fashion and clothing related designs which would make such great presents for shopaholics and fashion lovers.

High button boot paperblanks address book

Little Black Dress Expresso Cups

Vintage Art Deco Fashion Advert poster

50s style dress birthday card

During this dark recession driven times, we are constantly urged by fashion editors to invest in key classic pieces that are timeless and versatile to ensure maximum value for money. One piece of clothing that is probably the ultimate classic and versatile item is the little black dress. you can be sure that it will never go out of style, goes with almost anything and is suitable for so many different occasions. Here is our pick of some of the best little black dresses for 2009.

This La Redoute Creation Sleeveless Black Dress is so flattering. It is both elegant and business like, perfect for wearing to the office.

This Great Plains festival of light dress is a stylish variation on the classic shift dress with layers, a bow and gathers at the front.

This black sleeveless dress by Promod has a retro feel about it but also has very modern cut and detailing.