In keeping with the present climate, fashion designers this season are preaching ‘Back to Basics’, with muted colours and simple, understated styling.

Handbags are still the vital piece of equipment for most girls.  The good news is that means the classic bag is back, so if you happen to have a really good quality vintage classic at the back of your wardrobe, bring it out, give it a good clean and put it back into service.

If you’re too young to have accumulated vintage fashion items, Anouk, who have been quietly making quality leather handbags in the UK for several years, have come up with some real gems – in particular a leather shopper just like our mums had in the 60s; great for a bit of shopping, and chic with it .
 
The grunge/glamour look is even easier to attain, as we nearly all have a battered but much loved bag somewhere in a cupboard.  This is the time to resurrect it.  Anouk have also had the answer if you haven’t got one.  They have a great clutch bag bound with leather strings which is really something different – small, soft and very stylish.

So dive into your wardrobe before you hit the stores.  You might find an old, forgotten treasure.

Chunky Sweaters

Wear them with designer jeans, military boots and a belt around the waist for a totally trend-setting look.

Classic Handbags

Classic handbags with a structured look are a must-have. Splurge and get a solid colour and one with bold shapes and designs to match almost anything.

Feathers

Feathers are still a hot accessory and work well on a headband, necklace or purse.

Fur

Whether real or faux, fur is the hottest ticket in town.  The furriest must-haves are boots, coats, purses, shawls and vests.    

Layers 

Layers continue to trend because the look is versatile and comfortable.  The plus side is you can incorporated last year’s clothing as under layers topping them off with this year’s new colours and prints.

Leggings

Leggings and their cousin, the jeggings, are as contemporary this year as they were last year and you can pair them with boots, flats or heels as a casual look or evening attire.

Pearls

Pearls have never gone out of style and they are as relevant today as ever.  However, this year’s pearls are big and chunky, bringing urban edge to the classic look.

Ponchos/Vests

Ponchos and vests are a terrific way to marry an outfit together without a lot of cost or fuss.  Layer a vest with a blouse or pair your poncho with leggings and a scarf.

LWD (Little White Dress)

Wearing white is like wearing a blank canvas and makes any statement pieces your wearing stand out so it’s great for showcasing beautiful jewellery, intricate hair pieces and pretty shoes. White also goes well with some of this seasons key looks, perfectly wearable with the nautical theme as well as a good base for pastels.

Mixing trends

Embroidered or crochet white dresses are very feminine and can be worn simply for day or glamed up for evening as worn by Cheryl Cole. You can also glam up white linen trousers and a plain vest with some striking eye catching accessories to take a simple casual day look to evening.

Glam up for evening

Now, copied by practically every high-street store, you too can walk the Posh walk with copies of her exclusive creations (A-listers: you can keep your designer clothing!) It’s all in the detail; look for a subtly puffed sleeve or ultra-flattering pleating to experience the glamour and women’s fashion genius of our very own Vicky Adams. Move over Katie Holmes and Eva Longoria-Parker and make room for us glamorous high-street honeys!

Look for fitted dresses with beautiful bell-shaped skirts and asymmetrical necklines with longer length knuckle-skimming cuffs. Full-length zips are another key detail, particularly at the back. Or choose a cute cap-sleeve with a full, flared 1950’s style skirt. Jewelled embellishments, particularly around the neck, are a striking feature bringing a chic, vintage feel.

Of course, black is the classic colour but ecru, beige, taupe and eggshell are gorgeous nude tones that flatter the body-con silhouette of these delicious frocks. Try a vibrant teal or petrol blue for a complete colour change, which looks fabulous with olive skin.

When shopping for the essential dress, look for soft draping, pin-tuck pleats and unusually shaped necklines. For daywear, choose soft neutral colours; for evening, select sparkle or metallic for a touch of sophistication. The perfect gown is out there with your name on it – now it’s just up to you to find it!

If your other half is more fashion conscious there are plenty of accessories he will just love like a trilby hat or a leather belt. If he his technology minded he won’t say no to a pair of funky headphones.

Men's gifts