Prints charming

Hello Sass & Bide LFW SS11! Combining the minimalism trend for AW10 seen at the likes of Chloe, Celine and Stella McCartney, with SS11's splash of prints shown on the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, Christopher Kane and Rodarte. It's also a slight nod (with an Australian flavour) to the lady-like prim ensembles we've seen at Prada and Miu Miu. But enough name dropping...just look at this collection. At first I thought hmmm, it's a bit 'this' season, not very fashion forward or inventive (which I love S&B for) but looking at the detail, they've chosen a great colour palette, the prints are unique, shapes fluid and everything is just so wearable but with a twist. I NEED the jacket with a scarf like insert (I could see a collaboration with Dion Lee would suit here) and love the styling of the bushy neck pieces. Shame London's about to get cold, but Australian's in Spring can be inspired instantly...and put your name on the waiting list for next year! Bravo Sass & Bide!

London's Vogue Fashion Night Out

Wednesday 8th September brought out the cream of the London crop to the high streets. Whether it was Gwyneth at Stella McCartney or Manolo Blahnik at Liberty (lining up for, above)... designers, brands and stores got on board to impress. You couldn't help but feel part of the buzz, helped especially by the cocktails that were endless in every store (this would never happen in tight budgeted, Brisbane, Australia). Sponsored by Vogue, their spokesperson credits the worldwide initiative as bringing the customer and designer out for a night of celebration of fashion where they can party and mingle together. I say it's just another marketing plot to make consumers spend while value adding to the experience for the feel good factor. But hey, I'm all for it if it means an added bonus like free Tarot reading at Liberty. Hope you made the most of it in your city!

It's time to layer up

Falling in love with Acne each season is easy.

The Fall 2010 collection sticks to winters trend of neutral /camel /beige /fur /shearling but with it's own gorgeous twist. It's about the draping, layers, those printed leggings, throw in this seasons obligatory long pencil skirt and braclets on the ankle! The stylist has put just the right quirky touch on each outfit. I can't wait to visit the new stand alone store that's opened up near Dover Street Market, London.

Watch out!

Chanel came out with the chunky J12 white ceramic diamond chronograph watch that was swoon worthy and oh so lux. Now with the men's tailoring trend becoming stronger, it was only a matter of time that mainstream brands provided something affordable. And Michael Kors, at £199, has provided the goods...and what a better than good job he's done! This season's offering from him in purple or champagne and gold as pictured are on my wish list!

Pretty little thing

Aminaka Wilmont at Selfridges £455.

This Scandinavian duo have created a gorgeous busy pattern that perfectly suits the shape of this simple design with a twist. Cute sleeves, slight asymetric neckline, form fitting...everything that I love in a dress but with a hefty price tag. Shame.

Alexander McQueen's Final Collection RIP

Beautiful, just beautiful. Pieces of art but utterly wearable. A genius that will be missed after his suicide this year.

Yeti fever

Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel likes his men wild and women fury. The menswear catwalk costumes have even been used in his advertising campaign. Attention grabbing, yes. I'll leave it up to you if you think they're purely a media stunt or actually wearable. The womens collection has all the characteristics of a Chanel show, bulked up and taken to the extremes. My mother used to own a similar pair of these boot, but the short version. You can imagine how much I laughed when I was 14 years old, discovering them. The charity shop will have the last laugh.

My choice, however, is Lanvin Fall 2010. Thanks to Alber Elbaz, the proportions, structure and embellishment made me want to share this collection. The dress I've chosen isn't even the best (so many great pieces to choose from!) but has all the elements that made this show great. The fury shoes are more refined than at Chanel. Just imagine them with skinny jeans also. The dress shows off a svelt figure, contrasted by the large shoulders, topped off with feather detail. Winter gets sexy. View the whole collection at http://www.style.com/