What with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, almost but not quite dwarfing the triumphant ascent of Kate Middleton into the royal spotlight, making headlines daily with her fashion choices and cryptic actions, gearing the world up into a frenzy for the looming Olympics, it is safe to say that there has never been a more glittering time for London. Although much is made of the summer to come, the most fashionable amongst us know that the excitement has already begun - with London Fashion Week, of course. And if an action is worth a thousand words, like they say, then the decision for local girl Stella McCartney to showcase her homegrown talent on English soil for the first time is the ultimate gesture in cinching London's newly acquired caliber, broadly proclaiming that London is, at long last, a worthy contender; a force to be reckoned with among its New York, Milan and Paris counterparts. Most aptly, the designs displayed in London have been among the strongest so far. As butter-wouldn't-melt-in-her-mouth Anna Wintour declared, 'there has never been a more culturally exciting time in London'. We take a look at the biggest fashion highlights of the season.

Although not enough images of the designs have been leaked from the aforementioned Stella McCartney's exclusive previewing presentation, if her stellar celebrity audience and flash-mob table-dancing supermodels and magic show performances are anything to go by, her Paris show will be as usual, one to watch. What can be seen so far from her hotly-anticipated collection is a tantalizing taster that promises that the best is yet to come; in classic Stella style, her designs featured streamline, feminine silhouettes with that irrepressible, inimitable McCartney edge that must only come from being the daughter of one of the greatest rock'n'roll musicians of all time. 

                                                             
                                                               (image courtesy of www.independent.co.uk)

Another fresh face to carry the British torch is English brand Issa, whose royal favour from the Duchess of Cambridge has propelled it seemingly overnight into commercial success. Its catwalk show did not disappoint, securing its place in the ones-to-watch list. Continuing the omnipresent trend of layering and mixing up different textures, the Issa collection features a dizzy array of bold prints strongly reminiscent of the far east. Geometric patterns imprinted on gorgeous flowing silk tunics; colour-block peacock motifs emblazoned upon kimono-inspired pieces; skintight oriental trousers tucked into knee-high riding boots and a russian fur hat worn at a jaunty angle - the main ingredient in the Issa Autumn/Winter  2012-13 is the element of surprise. It is an altogether refreshing take on high fashion, made very wearable by the injection of other cultural enterprises that neutralised but did not detract from its central premise. It certainly makes a (political) fashion statement. If nothing else, it is a feast for sore eyes.

           
                                                                 (images courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)
 
Among the most dizzying array of unexpected and inspired designs of the season, Mulberry certainly had its cake, and ate it too. Paying homage to the all-American children's classic Where The Wild Things Are, the collection is anything but all-american. Put it this way, the gods of fashion seemed to have conspired and unanimously agreed that the It-animal of the season is the yeti (PETA is going to have a field day with this one). Volume is definitely  'in' for next season, with the layering of all kinds of fur (Mongolian, rabbit, sheepskin, etc.) upon contrasting textures (silk, lace, leather, knit, etc.) building up serious bulk on the models' willowy frames (all cinched in, of course, as any fashionista worth her weight in Chanel bags will know, with belts). The colour palette is kept warm, in the creme caramel, nougat and brown family, with the occasional shot of surprise tangerine (shades varied - the monochrome trend from last fall is coming back into play). Not only are the pieces textured, but they are strategically so. Furry shoulders on gillets and yeti coats, with a peak of varicose fabric peeking beneath quilts and fringe - it is an eclectic jumble of the mythical and bohemian. The bags in themselves were the highlight of the show, ranging from the classic Del Ray (the new Chanel perhaps?) to more exotic designs featuring studs, tassels and tribal designs in clashing colours.

  
                                                
                                                         (images courtesy of dailymail.co.uk)

A surprising but welcome change on the catwalk this year was PPQ. Traditionally known for their party-happy frocks and clubbing-friendly attire, they made the difficult transition from rebellious teenage girl to young woman in her first flush of love - she is romantic and whimsical, with the irrepressible rebellious streak ever-present and threatening to stir up trouble. From their heart-shaped beauty marks to fire-engine red lips to gently weaved or crimped sideswept hair to the vintage bicycles, the PPQ Autumn/Winter 2012-13 collection oozed old-school Hollywood glamour. Burlesque inspired corset silk tops to latex leotard bottoms layered upon embellished tights and pussy bows, there was a thread of ballerina appeal weaving through the collection. Next came the full-length velvet coats, fur hoods, tweed jackets and visors that strongly resounded of vintage Chanel. Then came fencing-like outfits with billowing sleeves and gold buttons; and mohair scarves and draping fabrics. The collection is unrestrained and unapologetic, and the only theme it is sticking to is the the theme of the unexpected. The PPQ girl is all grown up.

                                        (images courtesy of glam.co.uk, vogue.co.uk and stylenoir.co.uk)

All in all, a triumphant year for the London Fashion Week line-up, a prelude to the better things to come in the year ahead. Viva London!

TREND SPOTTING 

In the sinister chill that has suddenly descended upon us, it is hard to envision the light at the end of the tunnel. Indeed, between the frost, mist, and 2 pm sunsets, it is a wonder we can see anything at all. But fear not, for as is the circle of life, winter too shall come to pass. Spring, with its promise of early rosebuds and fleeting butterflies, beckons, and with it, a mini-revival within the fashion world. Like a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon a fully-fledged butterfly, the progression of fashion throughout the year is gradual, peeling off each layer until it reaches its core - the very hub of activity where the height of fashion is at its peak and ceases to adhere to circumstantial practicalities. For many, this metamorphosis begins with spring - and looking back on the endless trench coats in uninspired shades of navy and astronaut jackets, it is not difficult to understand why. It is almost as though the fashion world is, slowly but surely, awakening. 

Long months of winter dressing do things to a person. Trust me, I should know. First, you let your diet and exercise regime slip on the wayside (because really, who can see your figure under all those layers anyway)? Then, you find yourself coming up with reasons that justify wearing leggings with every one of your outfits. Slowly, the admirable effort you used to put into accessorizing dwindles until all you are left with is the same thin necklace (only because you can't be bothered taking it off). You become dull, lifeless, limp, stagnant. But rejoyce, for spring is almost upon us, and along with it, fresh hope.

Minimalism

Simplicity is a perpetual theme each spring, and this season it is more apparent than ever, not merely in the most obvious sense (t-shirt and jeans) but as an underlying current interweaving the sub-trends in the fashion arena. It is the foundation upon which most looks are based, the glue that holds the bricks together. Think strong, structured pieces, and let your outfit do all the talking for you. This is a particularly hard concept for me, as I normally prefer the messy boho-chic appeal. Here I share with you my favourite trends of Spring 2012 and how I will be 'decluttering' my fashion sense (at least for the next three months - this is the best I can do).

                                                        
                                                                      (image courtesy of elle.com)

Featuring the eclectic combination of brights with pastels, a tailored peplum skirt that is simultaneously alienesque and wearable, minimal jewellery, a hasty topknot and gladiator heels, this outfit by Jason Wu summarises the essence of Spring 2012 and is ready to be worn freshoff the runway. I am not usually one for ladylike elegance, but this is definitely a look I will be rocking. If only I had the resources to afford that exact piece...

                                                         
                                                                      (image courtesy of elle.com)

Again with the peplum detailing and neon-and-nude pairings... was I wrong? Not only does Yves Saint Laurent pay homage to the hottest trend of the season, but we are also given a dose of monochrome revision (a budding trend that made its mark in Autumn 2011), a technique that consists of varying different shades of the same colour in a single outfit. Something tells me that this is indicative of bigger things to come this Summer...

                                                           
                                                                     (image courtesy of www.elle.com)

Being not overburdened with height myself, this trend, aptly named the 'drop waist', as exhibited by Giambattista Valli is not one that I shall be sporting. I might find a way around it, maybe by shortening the length of my dress and playing with the position of the belt (trial and error right?) but until I come up with the magical solution (or until Rachel Zoe does), I may just have to resign myself to being a silent admirer of this trend.

                                                            
                                                                   (image courtesy of www.elle.com)

In the parallel world of fashion, the word of Karl Lagerfeld is law. And if the king himself has decreed it to be so, then his will be done. The Chanel runway in Paris this year was transformed into a magical underwater world, with gorgeous waif-like models strutting down the runway looking like mystical creatures from the great unknown. Seashell clutches, coral-coloured fabric shimmering with pearly iridescence and ladylike collar frills designed to immitate the delicateness of foam... this trend is a wave I will be riding (pun intended). In my humble opinion, much of 2010/2011 have been slowly leading up to this trend - chiffon maxi dresses and mullet skirts (differing lengths), for instance, have always had a distinct mermaid-like quality. This is but the icing on top of the cake that is high fashion.

And in case you're not convinced, here is another outfit by Versace to seal the deal. 

                                                              
                                                                     (image courtesy of www.elle.com)

So those are a few of the trends I am most looking forward to this spring. What are yours?

It is a beautiful summer afternoon by a deserted beach, and an impossibly lovely girl reclines nonchalantly on a threadbaren lounge chair. Her blue eyes, enhanced by lashings of mascara and false eyelashes, glitter with a ferocity to outdo the backdrop of turqoise sea waters behind her; and her legs; a deep golden tan, are endless in a pair of gold-fringed high waisted shorts. Her toned but miraculously curvaceous midriff is exposed in a gold seashell top, and her feet are encased in towering stilettos. She pouts seductively at the camera - the ideal woman, an All-American girl, embodying the American Dream - as luxurious and expensive as cream, wholesome, inspirational and yet, paradoxically, totally and utterly unattainable. For this is where the fantasy ends; for most of us do not possess 24-inch waists at a 5'10 frame. Most of us would not be able to don a 500-dollar pair of booty shorts while looking as though we were without a care for the world (I'd personally be more worried about the baliffs showing up to arrest me for credit card fraud, or worse still, my cellulite showing). And most importantly, most of us (or the more sensible of us anyway) would not dream of wearing sky-high Jimmy Choos while trudging through sand. For that is the reality of it - much of high fashion is, try as they might, unrealistic, unaffordable, and unflattering on the common folk. More often that not, what appears to be devastatingly gorgeous on a runway model would look flat-out ludicrous in real life.

The key to embodying high fashion in your day-to-day life can be split into two elements: the first is by practising subtlety, and the second is by doing so in moderation. For example, underwater mermaid-inspired fashion is a huge trend for Spring/Summer 2012, with the Chanel show being the place-to-be at Paris fashion week. The stage was transformed into a landscape of impossible chicness, with oversized corals and stones as well as clamshells opening to reveal brooding models. It was a dazzling array of whiteness, featuring models in all-white assembles, some looking iridescent and ethereal in long flowing garments, and the others looking quintessentially Chanel-chic in structured pieces, with tell-tale details such as shirring and ruffles to pay homage to the underwater theme. Case in point:

                                                            
                                                          (image courtesy of fashiontelegraph.co.uk)

While the model no doubt cuts a striking figure, the combination of the booty shorts and midriff exposing top would attract the wrong kind of attention on the street. To remedy this, swap the shorts for a pair of crisp white trousers (stay within the white colour palette as the outfit would otherwise be made too complicated by the gauzy sheer silver jacket). It may seem like a minimal change, but you'd be surprised at what a difference this would make. Play up the underwater theme by letting the jacket and adorable pastel clamshell clutch be the focal points of your outfit (as Karl Lagerfeld intended). Instead of the harsh updo that the model sports, let your hair tumble around your shoulders in loose waves for a subtle mermaid-reference, and apply a dash of coral pink lipstick to feminize the outfit, making it a more conventional mermaid-in-lagoon look rather than the futuristic mermaid-in-spacecraft of Lagerfeld's creation. You may choose to don a pair of gold stilettos or even flats for a vintage Chanel vibe à la Audrey Hepburn, but to add a playful twist to the outfit, don a pair of crisp white tennis shoes. While the latter fashion tip might make you more of a high-street Guess girl than high-fashion Chanel, it is one of the many ways to incorporate high fashion trends and items into real life without looking like a walking fashion accident. It is a look that many self-respecting fashionistas have perfected, with icons such as Kate Middleton and Oliviaà laPalermo leading the wolf pack. Who was it that said high fashion couldn't be wearable? 

Nothing makes a statement quite like the colour red, it is bold, fierce and completely adaptable to any occasion. Perfect for vamping up an evening out by injecting an instant venom of sex appeal to your appearance, it can also be worn casually for an effortless look that is not lacking in attitude. In my culture, it is the colour of prosperity, wealth and luck. While the validity of that remains to be proven, there is no denying that red brightens up even the gloomiest of days, and whilst we are sandwiched between seasons that celebrate this colour: Christmas, Chinese New Year (January 23rd) and Valentine's Day, I figure there is no better time than now to rock this colour.

This holiday season, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a fire-engine red knit sweater from Zara. 

                                                       
                                                                  "Image Credit: (hypeed.com)"

Although it may not look like much from the onset, I will show you a multitude of ways to wear this chic little number.

(1) To point out the obvious, this piece works great as a single statement piece (as evidenced by the model above). Wear this casually on one shoulder with desert boots or booties for an effortless, boyfriend-inspired look. Accessorise with a voluminous, Alexander Wang curly side braid and set off the warm shade of the outfit with a deep golden tan, and voilà - Twiggy (after an island getaway) reincarnated. Keep your lips nude - let the outfit do the talking for you. Finish off your outfit with a pair of dark sunglasses and you could easily pass off as Rachel Bilson, running errands around town and looking around wearily for photographers - or so I like to tell myself. 

(If you choose to sport this look, do check that the piece is at least one size above your usual. Although its design is oversized by nature, it is not meant to be worn as a dress, so do your necessary checks before going out sans bottoms to avoid a faux pas. To really stay on the safe side, wear a pair of denim shorts underneath.

(2) For the ultimate fashion statement, pair loose-fitting boyfriend jeans, folded up at the ankle. Check out the pioneering celebrities who popularised the look.

                                               
                                                      "Image Credit: (celebrityclothes.net)"

Because I'm not the tallest person in the world, this length looks a little awkward on me - I prefer to cuff the bottoms up slightly higher, so that it falls just below my knees, making it an almost three-quarter length. You may choose to finish this look off with flats, once again chanelling the Mod era. I would personally accessorise with a pair of chunky brown gladiator wedged heels, and a small brown cross the body bag. Something about the colours red and brown together seem so homegrown, earthy and organic to me. 

If you aren't the type to take daring fashion risks, don't fret. This piece would work just as well over a pair of leggings or your favorite pair of jeans, complemented by anything from your trusty Converse shoes to cowboy boots to beach sandals. .

(3) The third and undoubtedly my favorite way to wear this piece - and definitely among my outfit choices for Valentine's Day (yes, I am one of those sad creatures who plan out their entire hair, makeup and outfit months in advance) is by pairing it with a pair of wet-look leggings. 

                                                      
                                                           "Image Credit: (lipglossandblack.com)"

These leggings are reflective and body hugging, which will ensure that they cling onto your every curve, balancing out the potentially dowdy appearance of your upper half. Pair it with heels, my choice is a pair of army green gladiator heels (another two colours that I think go extraordinarily well with each other) and tousled Victoria's Secret glamour-puss hair. Channel your inner sex siren with a bright red lipstick to complement your top, and a statement necklace. I would personally pair it with a long bronze chain to stay within the low-key, girl-next-door theme.

Isn't it remarkable how many ways you can wear a piece and transform it into completely different looks? So get creative - chances are there are plenty of clothing at the back of your wardrobe just waiting to be transformed into the belle(s) of the ball. 

I have something to get off my chest (pardon the pun).

                                                         
                                                                (image courtesy of coolspotters.com) 

Women (and men) have long since been aware of the mirarculous benefits of the push-up bra. Its effects are instantaneous: women sporting them are immediately more confident, becoming more sexually aware, which in turn makes them more desirable to men. It's a dominoes effect. Call it science, call it the laws of physics if you will - but you can't deny the obvious: it is the perfect outfit-enhancing accessory. Who needs chandeliar necklaces when you're filling out the top of your dress that would ordinarily flap limply and pitifully in the wind? You don't even need to save your hard-earned bonus for that ridiculously expensive Tiffany's tennis bracelet because let's be honest - no one's going to be looking at your wrist anyway. In a world where its residents clamour for people to subscribe to the notion that they need no external enhancements, claiming to be 'just born this way', Britain's very own supermodel, Rosie Huntington-Whiteleys, is refreshingly fresh about her love for 'chicken fillets' - the essential ingredient in push-up bras. 

'You do need a lift with a sexy dress, so do what you've got to do, girls', she says, adding that she has been known to wear up to three at a time for a photoshoot. 

Although there is no need to resort to such extreme measures (as the results can often look unconvincing), making you a cross between Katie Price and Towie's Amy Childs, a little does go a long way, not just for your overall appearance, but doing wonders for your womanly confidence as well. 

I have long stayed away from this topic like the plague - it is controversial, unorthodox, and despite its glaring face in media these days, a surpringly less-talked about domain, especially in real life. Women have settled into a form of contented respite, accepting that some are more 'blessed' than the others - the buxom ones are admired from afar, with a sprinkling of spiteful whispers ('cosmetic surgery'), while the flat-chested laughingly lament their fate in public in shapeless tops while obsessively searching for miracle cures in the anonymity of the internet. I admit to having giggled in embarrassment when a more straightforward friend of mine, dismissing it as something only the cheap and fake would succumb to. It was not until fashion's darling Andrej Pejic made headlines by becoming the first man to model push-up bras that I decided to end my self-inflicted taboo.

First of all, I strongly believe that every woman, whether tall and slender, petite, curvy or athletic is beautiful in her most natural state. There is no right or wrong body shape, and the beauty of fashion lies in accepting our body types and learning to flatter the high points and conceal the less favourable areas. With that being said, however, if one should so choose to enhance her womanly curves on special occasions, there is no shame in it. From personal research, here are some guidelines to adhere to when choosing a push-up bra to keep you on the right side of sexy.

(1) Subtlety is key. Depending on your bust size it is best to cap it within the range of one to two cup sizes bigger - anything above that and the end result is more 'glamour' than 'glamorous'.

(2) Do draw attention to the area with clever details such as, a ruffled hem (giving further illusion of curves) or a bold statement necklace.

(3) Do downplay other areas of your body. If choosing to enhance your chest, avoid displaying cheapness by showing too much skin. In this case, keep leggage to a minimum by taking a leaf out of Kate-Middleton's royal-protocol-mandated book. Skirts should be kept demure (full-skirted at best) at mid-length or floor-skimming for the perfect Grecian-goddess inspired gown. Opaque stockings are also a good bet as they add a polished finish to your outfit.

If you are familiar with a my previous posts, you will by now be well-versed with the term 'balance'. I am a strong believer that sexiness is not about flashing as much skin as humanely possible, but rather in the little details. When wearing a push-up bra, the drama is already firmly in the top half of your body - and here it should end. Don't let your other body parts compete for the limelight. Because this is a considerably daring and bold fashion move, caution should be exercised and measures should be taken to avoid looking cheap - so keep your lips a little less pouty as usual and your ankles firmly crossed.

It takes a brave woman to pull off leather. Sure, a lithe, athletic body with killer curves and mile-long legs are not exactly road-blocks in this particular road to sex appeal, but without its integral component, the look is as likely to disintegrate as a Hollywood marriage. Take a look at the sexiest women in leather; Charlie's Angels in their skintight jumpsuits, and Megan Fox in leather trousers that cling to her curves like a leech - the one thing they all have in common (besides the obvious: come-hither eyes, perfect bodies, pouty lips, etc.) is confidence in abundance. They strut down a common dirt-road like it's a diamond-encrusted catwalk in Paris, they smile as if they know that all eyes are on them; their chins are lifted and there is an irristible gleam in their eyes that come from knowing that they are... for lack of a better term, hot as hell. 

Leather, particularly black leather, has earned itself a bad reputation over the last few decades; through the overt sexualization of it in film industries of a certain kind as well as glamour modelling, it is commonly associated with negative connotations of sorts. This, to me, is a damn shame, because worn correctly it can be extremely flattering, womanly, sexy and not at all inappropriate. Thankfully, the fashion industry agrees with me and has not quite written it off just yet, as evidenced by its multitude of appearances on the runway this year. Here I entail a few staple leather items and a few ideas on how to wear them.

(1) Leather trousers:
                                   
                                                         
                                 
                                                                      (image courtesy of stylebrity.co.uk)

Perhaps the sexiest leather component a fashionista can have in her wardrobe, these babies will hug you in all the right places. Pair them up with a graphic sci-fi t-shirt, desert boots, and a loose fishtail braid for an effortless dirtbike-chick look. Finish off your look with a strong red lip to give some balance to the otherwise grungy look. On a night out with your girls, dress up your leather trousers in an all-black ensemble; from a cropped blazer to a tank top (you can also wear white if you prefer) and gladiator inspired heels. Accessorise with metallic accessories, smokey eyes, and a nude lip. It is best to wear your hair as naturally and tousled as possible to downplay the look, giving it a contradicting vibe that is oh-so-sexy (because there is nothing more sexy than a feminine woman in a masculine-esque ensemble). Because these trousers are so tight-fitting, they would also serve well as wet-look leggings - in this instance, a sequined tunic top with your hair in a topknot and a waist-clinching belt would add the perfect touch of 'glamourpuss' to your look.

(2) Leather jacket:
                                                        
                                                               (image courtesy of belstaffjacketsofficial.org)

Fuss-free. Versatile. Comfortable. Sexy. What's not to love? Don't knock the brown either, it is not exclusive to the midwestern community. Pair it with a checked shirt, jeans and boots for the ultimate Southern Belle look - it is sweet, fresh, approachable and very girl-next-door. Alternatively, if you are feeling ballsy, wear a black skintight leather jacket with the aforementioned leather trousers and be prepared to raise hell wherever you go. Just remember to leave your matching whip and Catwoman mask at the door.

(3) Leather shorts:

                                                         
                                                                    (image courtesy of thisnext.com)

A favourite on the Summer and Autumn 2011 runway, the saving grace of this item lie in its cut and fit - short, but not inappropriately so, body-hugging, but not obscenely so; it is the perfect transitional piece as we move into the cold months (although in England, some might argue that this ship has long sailed). Wear it casually with a t-shirt and ankle boots for a day of trudging in mud and gravel for a music festival, or pair it with a frilly tank top, tights and black pumps for a retro-modern girly-glam look. The possibilities with this item are endless. 

(4) Leather skirt 
 
                                                                        

                                                                    (image courtesy of myfashionlife.com)

Again, the trend for leather skirts has deviated from the norm; instead of being tight-fitting and overly sexual, begging comparisons to unorthodox images, the skirt is flared, high-waisted and altogether takes on the form and structure of a pencil skirt. Wear it with a white lace long-sleeved top, opaque tights and low ankle booties to add an interesting but still appropriate take to your 9 to 5 outfit.

(5) Leather Accessories

                                                       (images courtesy of lushlee.com and qrbiz.com) 
 
                           
                                                 (images courtesy of beltme.co.uk and missmalaprop.com)

Ideal for the curious girl who wants to dip her toe into the water without taking the full plunge, these accessories will add the perfect touch to any outfit. Versatile and edgy, they are the ultimate statement pieces. For example, wear a few of the leather string bracelets up one wrist to inject a surfer-chick vibe to your plain tank top and shorts. Highlight your most womanly feature with a waist-nipping belt, giving you an illusion of an hourglass figure - not to mention that the textured material of this item will break up an otherwise monotonous outfit. Break fashion rules by pairing a brown leather cuff with an all-black ensemble - not only is it an interesting contrast, but the grainy quality of your accessory will lend a touch of grunge glamour to your look. As for the bags... well, no woman's handbag collection would be complete without at least one leather item... be it in the form of a satchel, a slingback bag, a purse, or a clutch. Not only is the quality enduring and bound to last longer than your seasonal fad bags, but it is the perfect accessory to add an instant touch of luxury to your appearance. It says, 'I'm expensive and classy, but I don't take myself too seriously'. And isn't attitude and spunk what leather is all about?

When it comes to wearing leather, balance is key. Because it is essentially a masculine piece, it is important to even it out with a strongly feminine item - it can be as simple as glamorous curls, red lips, or even an especially exuberant nailpolish. In the spirit of erring on the side of appropriate and respecting the invisible line (yes, there are boundaries even in fashion), it is important not to pair like with like. For example, if you are wearing a tight-fitting leather piece on the bottom, keep the upper part flowy if possible. If your entire piece is body-hugging, avoid looking like Batman's female counterpart by wearing low boots instead of stilettos. Remember that sexy is never by any means akin to slutty. Now that you know the rules, there's nothing left but for you to wear it... and own it. 

As any self-respecting fashionita will tell you, there is a distinction between the terms 'trendy' and 'stylish'. A stylish woman is one that always manages to be 'on point' despite not necessarily adhering to the latest guidelines of fashion. For example, she can have a classic, personal sense of style without falling victim to the ever-changing face of fashion. She pays no mind to colour-blocking and military trends, but instead, remains unapologetically chic in her little black dress and headscarf. Think Audrey Hepburn, and more recently, Kate Middleton. If you belong to this category - play your cards right and you could be well on your way to being elevated to 'trend-setter' status. To be trendy, on the other hand, is to always pay homage to the season's latest craze. For example, being decked out head-to-toe in animal print because it is a hot trend. The danger of being too 'trendy' is that those erring on the extreme can quite easily lose their individuality, and become a 'clothes horse', and 'fashion victim' rather than 'fashion fan' (and yes Towie girls we're talking about you). Lately however, a new division is emerging and threatening to taking over: this is a healthy mix of the two categories, producing a self-thinking specimen who is both fashion-forward and unique. Google bloggers such as DulceCandy and Kayture and you'll see what I mean. 

I like to think that I belong in the latter category. While I adore fashion and pride myself in being 'in-the-know', I see no problem in wearing something from 'last season'. Nor do I feel the need to revolutinize my wardrobe every season (much to the relief of my parents, I might add). To me, being fashionable is about making a statement, and my favourite way of doing so is by accessorizing. Yes, my name is Catherine and I am an accessory-o-holic. I confess to piling it on, and worse still, I see no shame in doing it. Layering, to me, is not exclusive to your clothing pieces. Layering your accessories gives an outfit an eclectic, playful, and bohemian vibe. Not to mention, of course, that accessories can completely take an outfit from Indian princess, to rocker chick, to Breakfast-At-Tiffany's chic. And after all, isn't fashion really about versatility? 

For the longest time, I have been obsessed with layering bracelets and rings. Stacking 'em on adds such an inexplicable charm and character to your outfit. Your accessories can take your outfit through the paces: from Greco-Egyptian, to Navaho-earthy, to wild, depending of course on how you style it. Check it out: 

On a cool, breezy summer day, add an edge to a simple crochet dress by mixing the unexpected: gold and silver, and a variety of different stones. Finish your look with a fun streak of turqoise eyeshadow on your lower lash-line and a chain head-band to complete your bourgeois beauty look. You know, posh princess playing bohemian for the day.

                       
                                                                       
                                                                     (image courtesy of stuff.co.nz)

To add a devil-may-care, yet simultaneously ancient-ethnic vibe to your look, mix up crucific pieces, with turqoise stones and string jewellery in earth shades of brown and moss-green. What can i say? So wrong, yet so right. 

                                                          
                                                        (image courtesy of prettyfuckingreckless.tumblr.com)

Thought your multi-coloured friendship string bracelets were better left in the playground? Think again. Pile them up (and I do mean pile - think different colours, different textures: string, beads, leather etc.) with bronze rings and feather necklaces for an effortlessly ethnic, Native American, bohemian look. 

This is my go-to formula. When in doubt, accessorise. I'll even let you in on a secret: Sometimes, I style my entire outfit around my accessories. Go on, admit it, you do it too.

                   
                                                    (image courtesy of itsmejayce.blogspot.com)

I never wanted to fit in, and this season I found something that will ensure that I do anything but that. Say hello to the Spirit Hoods - the necessary accessory to reflect your inner grrr. I have always been a fan of ethnic-inspired fashion choices, and this puts the T in 'tribalicious'. Now, I know this is a highly acquired taste, but while the haters are turning up their snobbish little noses I will be focusing on channeling my inner animal, and looking damn fine while doing so!

On a more profound note, the spirit hoods are obviously inspired by the Native American, a race which holds everything earthly in reverence - from the cascading waterfalls to the still rocks and not least of all to the animals that prowl the land. They believe that (in the words of Pocahontas) "all the rocks and trees and creatures, have a life, have a spirit, have a name". Navajo beliefs identiify that each individual is bound to nine different animals in his entire (physical and spiritual) life; these animals come in and out of our lives as a guardian angel helping us along the path we are on. This is a 'totem' - i.e. spirit animal.

This tradition is the inspiration behind the 'spirit hood' trend, which encompass a large variety of animals, from leopards to tigers to owls; the idea is that you choose the animal you are most drawn towards and (on a lighter note) the hood that looks best against your skintone. 

                                                         
                                                        (image courtesy of singer22.com)

                                                         
                                                                 (image courtesy of fashioninmyeyes.com)

Coming in an inimaginable breadth of designs, lengths, colours and choices, there is virtually a spirit hood for everyone - guys and girls alike (although it is understandably easier for a girl to explain why she is decked out head-to-toe in leopard). It is extremely versatile; wear it over jeans and boots on a lazy rainy Sunday, or channel your inner kitten on a Friday night in a little black dress, heels, and red lipstick. Personally, I can't think of anything sexier and edgier. Comfortable and trendy fashion - well, you really can't get better than that. So what do you think, will you be joining the tribe anytime soon?

There are very few things that I will openly admit to making my pulse quicken. Glittering cupcakes arranged daintily on a gleaming silver tray at Selfridges is one, spotting a Robert Pattinson lookalike walking past on the street is another; but when I heard about the emerging Versace and H&M collaboration, my heart began to beat at such an alarming rate that for one terrifying moment I actually considered hyperventilating. 

Donatella Versace is no stranger to the limelight. Famed for her extravagant clothing pieces, her designs are not for the faint-hearted, and, as many of my fellow designer-obsessed soul sisters will no doubt testify, they are not for the mean-pocketed either. So a joint cooperation with a high-street brand (and if you are still unclear, let me spell it out for you: designer pieces at affordable prices!) is surely a match made in retail heaven. 

Here's a tantalizing taste of what you can expect. Feast your eyes, ladies:

(Image courtesy of fabsugar.com) 

(image courtesy of fashionista.com)

(Image courtesy of lavishexposure.com))

So there you have it. Rock'n'roll inspired pieces infused with a girly touch of princess-glam, on a palette of classic designs and structures. Clothes drenched in sequins; loudly-clashing bold colours, leather dresses and leopard prints - it is biker-chick edginess meets boho-princess earthiness meets ballerina sweetness. The roots of its inspiration can be traced from all around the globe, including Oriental, Roman, and even Indian Navaho touches infused with a very abrupt tang of modernity. Ironically, it has been hailed as 'rock and robe' fashion, appropriately chanelling icons such as Madonna and even Nicki Minaj (don't worry, there are ways around the kookiness). Seriously, I am salivating just typing this. November 17 could not get here fast enough!

For the longest time in my conscious life, I have avoided glitter like the plague, for good reason. Even when Taylor Swift burst onto the scene decked out in glittery mini dresses and fringe boots, bringing country chic to a whole new level, I remained unmoved. To me, glitter was many things (attention seeking, cheap, an unnecessary nostalgia for the past) but not classy. Hollywood is largely responsible for making the term 'glitter' a byword for 'tacky', appropriated by Las Vegas showgirls and strippers. But slowly, and surely (as my irrepressible girly side must have known it would) my resolve began to weaken. Don't get me wrong, I still have as weary an approach towards glitter as a beekeeper nearing a beehive - I take all necessary precautions but I am ever mindful of the fact that one wrong move is all it takes to look like a glimmering disco ball.

As understated as this may seem, my favourite way of wearing glitter is on my skin. For the last couple of years, the runway has been awash with models with luminous, glowing skin. Applied carefully (and sparingly), glitter creates an angellic, ineffably fresh girlish appeal perfect for the festivities coming up in the winter months ahead. 

(image courtesy of makeupforlife.net)

Here the model looks effortless, healthy, resplendent. To achieve this effect mix a small amount of liquid shimmer highlighter or even concrete glitter into your foundation and blend well all over skin. Alternatively, you may choose to apply your makeup as usual before applying pearly-silver glitter on the key points of your face: your browbone, the high points of your cheekbones, the inner corner of your tearducts and your cupid's bow. This will bring out the femininity of your features. Finish off with a red lip for the ultimate Hollywood screen-siren recreation - blast from the past, anyone? Do not underestimate the appeal of this look; it is extremely high impact. As Paris Hilton famously said, 'You can never take a bad picture if you have good skin'.  

(image courtesy of mehfashion.blogspot.com)

Nothing beckons in the new year as well as golden iridescent eyes - it is fresh, flirty, seductive, and promising. To achieve this look, a lot of self-restraint is needed. Let your eyes be the sole focal point of the look. Keep your skin as matte, your eyebrows as natural and your lips as nude as possible. A dusting of blusher on your cheeks is tolerable, but the effect of the glitter is best appreciated on a neutral face, just like a wash of bright colour would appear all the more appealing on a blank canvas.

(image courtesy of shopstyle.com)

What can I say about this - J'adore, J'adore, J'adore! Gold glitter flecks dusted all over a pair of classic, red-soled Christian Louboutin shoes - 'nuff said. It is enough to make any girl feel like a dancing queen - until the pain kicks in at least. But every self-respecting fashionista knows that with the price of beauty comes pain. No pain, no gain!

Glittery blazers have been spotted in abundance on the runway and often emancipated forms of celebrites (but after all, aren't we all but slaves to fashion?) this season. It maintains the slouchy appeal favoured by blazer lovers everywhere while simultaneously upping the glam ante. It can be dressed down on a casual day out if worn with a graphic print t-shirt, jeans and sneakers or ballet flats. On a night out, wear it over a dress or skintight leggings to add some va-va-voom to your outfit. 

(image courtesy of coolspotters.com)

(image courtesy of coolspotters.com)

Glitter is everywhere this season, and worn sparingly it can inject the perfect amount of femininity into an outfit; However, when adopting this look, remember this ever important mantra - less is more! Unless you are Rachel Zoe and have the rare knack of combining horribly clashing items in a single outfit and still make it work, keep your glittery items to a minimum - one at a time is usually the rule of thumb. Unless of course, it is New Year's Eve, then it's time to go all out. After all, alll mistakes are forgiven and wrong-doings undone when the clock strikes twelve - even fashion sins.