Back To School

It's that time again and there was nothing I loved more as a child than going shopping for new school supplies. I may have grown up but that excitement hasn't and I still take delight in opening that just-out-of-the-plastic-never-before-been-touched-by-human-hands notepad or purchasing this year's winter coat.

I would say this is more of a grown up fantasy list and I haven't worn scrunchies since I left primary school but it just didn't feel like "back to school" without them.

Top Row: Smythson diary, Gucci coat

Middle Row: American Apparel lace topped socks, Tiffany & Co. pen, Paperchase craft book

Bottom Row: Chloé tote bag, American Apparel scrunchies

Autumn Wishlist

Ok! Ok! I surrender! I can't resist any longer. Smelling Autumn round the corner I can't help but tempt myself with next seasons snugly knits, cuddly sheepskin and decadent leather. I tried to hold off as long as possible, because I simply don't want to wish the summer away, but it's pretty hard not to when the weather already feels like October.

I have already made one small purchase in the form of a khaki, Merino wool Banana Republic jumper (or sweater if you're reading this from over the pond). The colour makes it versatile yet the subtle sequin inserts in the shoulder prevent it from being "just another jumper".

Here are a few more things on my (mental) shopping list:

Platform tassel loafer - £255 Stuart Weitzman for Russell and Bromley (gorgeous with wooley tights and a mini dress)

Scarf - £295 Gucci (Although I'll probably just get a job lot of different coloured ones from the market)

Leopard print brogues - £32 Topshop (a staple with jeans or adds detail to all black)

J Brand Martini Mid Rise Skinny Flare Jean in Mayflower - £189 ASOS (I love this season's variety of denim shapes and this is my favourite. Another for the collection)

Brown leather boots - £500 Alexander Wang (Incredible quality and classic style)

Berry shift dress - £49.99 Zara (Transitions all the way from Autumn to next Spring, adding and removing layers as you go)

Patent black wedges - £39.99 Zara (smarten up any casual outfit without getting foot ache from a stilleto)

Tan leather clutch - £35 ASOS (neutral colour, soft leather - a great basic to have for your weekend wardrobe)

Tweed jacket - £79.99 Zara (another basic which will see you from season to season. Perfect with jeans and a T)

SALE

Since I've started working in retail, the only thing I hear at the moment is SALE SALE SALE. I started at Hugo Boss, Bond Street today (Burberry on Sunday and Zenia Bond St. Saturday) and people really do go crazy for a bargain. Shopping hint: if you're in the market to buy a suit, HEAD TO HUGO BOSS. Most suits are reduced to about £300 which is a huge reduction from £800+! I know a lot of fashion insiders are skeptical of sales since some stores sell last seasons "tat" but I have to say, I've been particularly impressed with Hugo Boss. There are hundreds of suits on sale and all classic styles which will last season after season. The womenswear isn't too shabby either.

So with that in mind, I had a little trawl through net-a-porter.com and mrporter.com and have come up with my 5 designer sale picks for men and women.

Net-a-porter.com

Vanessa Bruno - was £280 now £140. I love this pretty skirt. Would be perfect teamed with a cream blouse or camisole for warm evenings.

Michael Kors - was £200 now £120. A great addition to your work wardrobe and the fringing adds extra detail.

Gucci - was £425 now £212.50. A classic skirt for work or smart occasion. Would look great with a navy blue crisp shirt or a loose white T.

Chloe - was £860 now £516. Perfect for work with simple wedges or with flat sandals to keep you cool on holiday.

Christian Louboutin - was £445 now £267. Christian. Louboutin. Sale. Enough said.

Mrporter.com

Burberry Brit - was £150 now £75. A great pair of basic jeans for casual with a simple T or a slightly smarter occasion worn with a shirt.

Rag & Bone - was £170 now £85. I love the colour. Would look sharp under a dark suit during winter.

Polo Ralph Lauren - was £405 now £202.50. With all these down pours we keep having, a rain jacket is a must.

Hartford - was £130 now £65. Simple colour, uncomplicated style. Throw on over a white T when it gets a little chilly.

Aubin & Wills - was £49 now £24.50. Not for everyone but I love the candy stripe pattern.

But be quick! They won't be there for long!!

Trend #9 - Back to the Future/Colour Pop

Back to the Future/Colour Pop

Bags and shoes carry a sense of futuristic style with odd and unlikely shapes used in heels and handles and metallic and bright colours being a main colour trend. Revolutionary new fabrics are being used to create a modern feel and mix-and-match geometric shapes are the key feature of designs.


Jantaminau


Versace


Armani Prive


Baltuzarra


Gareth Pugh


You can't go through the season without mentioning colour popping. Bright, vibrant colours and block patterns - unmissable this season.


DVF


Emilio Morena


Loewe


Jill Sander


Gucci





Maria

Trend #6 - Back to the 90s/70s

Well we are half way through already, only five more to go! Remember, if you want to read the original post, click here.

Back to the 90s/70s

Much to the dismay of many 90s and 70s victims, the looks of the decades are back. Bright colour pops, mix ‘n’ match denim, florals and graffiti t-shirt prints from the 90s have all been updated to become an important trend for this season. Battered, stone-washed, ripped, torn and scraped denim are the most evident style of jeans and wearing it with a denim jacket will be a popular look.


Gucci


DKNY


Betsy Johnson


The 70s vibe brings high waisted wide-legged trousers, billowing tops, power dressing and platform wedges. If you are influenced by one trend this season, it'll be this one.


Marc Jacobs


Marc Jacobs


Anna Sui





Maria

Trend #3 - Tribal

Tribal

A variety of tribal prints, leather, patterned crochet, feathers, deep coloured dyes, patchwork and tassel details are widely seen in the garment world. Cashmere, extra-fine Merino wools and organic cottons are all important fabrics in the Tribal trend. Body painting and tattoos are back in fashion. Inspired by Indian and Aborigine culture, even celebrities are adorning their bodies with tattoos, henna tattoos and body paint. High-end designers like Chanel are designing there own and there is no doubt that everyone will be doing it by Spring/Summer 2011.


Missoni


Sass & Bide


Holly Fulton


Gucci


Dior



Maria