Sunshine brights by Mulberry S/S 2012

Gloomy old January; despite being perked up by the good intentions of New Year’s resolutions, a resolve to spend time at the gym and a  new health kick, the first month of the year is pretty gloomy, grey and a slight come down after the excitement of December festitivies.

So what better way to inject some positivity into the month than with a few colourful pieces to bring some sunshine to your wardrobe? Here’s our edit of some of the best brights this season, bringing a smile into getting dressed on those cold, dull days.

By Malene Birger Isara pleated silk-chiffon blouse

Vibrant as the greenest grass, By Malene Birger’s blouse is made in the softest silk-chiffon, adding a little ladylike elegance to outfits; pair with contrasting fabrics such as leather or velvet for a directional look.

ASOS plastic spike necklace

A simple white tee is all that’s needed to showcase this translucent fluoro acrylic necklace. It’s a must have for those days when nothing in the wardrobe seems to work – add this and you’ve got fashion-forward style to go.

Acne Shore CTN oversized sweater

This chunky sweater is a great transitional piece as the light cotton knit means that it’s perfect for spring and summer – investment ahoy! For now, layer over a buttoned-up shirt, and come spring, pop on over a flirty printed mini.

Haute Hippie jersey dress

Show-off style without revealing too much skin, this draped scarlet jersey dress from Haute Hippie is modern yet elegant. Keep accessories minimal and let the frock do all the talking.

Opening Ceremony suede boots

A shade of mustard so pungent it’ll make your your eyes smart, these yellow boots from Opening Ceremony are sunshine bright – guaranteed to make you smile.

Carven jacket

In crisp cotton twill, this jacket from Carven is exudes that adorable brand of girly chic that the French do so well. Wear with spring’s eye-catching printed pieces or contrasting pastels for a touch of je ne sais quoi.

H&M earrings

With the upcoming release of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, and designers from Roberto Cavalli to Etro showing pieces inspired by the jazz age, the 1920′s is the decade to channel this season. There’s hint of art deco style to these dangly earrings – and it’s hard to say no to statement jewellery at this price…

Anya Hindmarch Valorie clutch

January probably isn’t the month to throw all caution to the wind and splash out on extravagant accessories, but who can possibly resist Anya Hindmarch’s glitzy clutch? It’s electric blue. And it’s sparkly. You have a whole twelve months to ensure that this is an investment rather than a frivolity…

Miss KG Audrey flats

Cute, girly pumps with petit heel and grosgrain ribbon trim, these are perhaps the perfect shoes for a day running around town in style. And they’re Dorothy red – we love.

The best brights by: By Malene Birger, Opening Ceremony, Anya Hindmarch, ASOS, H&M, Miss KG, Acne, Haute Hippie and Carven

Now, it has been noted that others have cottoned onto the stylish wonder of the witch of late; Marc Jacobs employed the true eccentric, fabulously Gothic, and all time style heroine of this column for his Fall 2011 campaign. My Lady Bonham-Carter. I loved to hate this campaign; the anti-fashion doyenne being lauded as fabulous by those who have claimed her in the past as dishevelled, crazy and mad. It never ceases to amaze me the hypocrisy of the fashion press, it happened with a silk jersey pantsuit many moons ago and I have never forgiven them – I was right; they caught up. Eventually.

Only in this case Jacobs’ love for a grungy Goth was to answer for so I have let him off. Moreover, he paraded Bonham-Carter as if she was in a mental asylum. Oh how I how an anti-fashion statement these days. With Polka Dots. So chic.

Juergen Teller's quirky photographs of the ever eccentric Helena Bonham-Carter for Marc Jacobs' Autumn Winter 2011 ad campaign

My love for witches was apparent at an early age – obsession with the two dimensional Meg and Mog rapidly grew into adoration for the scruffy Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch. The Harry Potter sensation saw a more recent digress back into the be-caped school halls. I must confess the contemporary wardrobes incorporated into the series were of course necessary but it was Jany Temime’s interpretation of the real sorcerer’s clothing that was reminiscent of those childhood imaginings.

Dreams of boarding schools, untied shoelaces, kittens, capes, velvet and striped socks shape my style direction to this day. I won a Tiffany 12″ at a Halloween party (aka ‘Christmas for Goths’) at the age of five dressed as a bat – trust me, I’ve always loved a little devoré and ears on a headband. In the Festive spirit à la Jack Skellington, get a little witch involved for Christmas. Every December Mama Rowe gets a precise location for where to find this year’s perfect Christmas striped sock. This year its these lovelies from Happy Socks.

My favourite show for AW11 at London Fashion Week was presented by my fellow cat obsessives at PPQ . A monochromatic palette of soft silky blouses reminiscent of old YSL, high waisted pencil skirts and bad ass form-fitting LBDs covered in lace were right up my alley, however it was the feline styling that stole the show. A felt cat eared skullcap by the innovative and simply wonderful Flora McLean at House of Flora worn with a Mildred Hubble pigtail? Yes please.

Jack Skellington; PPQ's Autumn/Winter 2011 catwalk show with hats from House of Flora ; Midred Hubble from The Worst Witch

Black cats have long been the traditional go-to familiar for witches. Norse mythology has it that Freya, the goddess of love and fertility, rode in a chariot pulled by two cats which I quite fancy as a challenge to the scrutiny of the Congestion Charge. For now though, due to the restrictions of a fourth floor flat, I am wishing myself a Merry Kittymas in these; a luxurious and completely expensive choice without the responsibility of a pet is surely the divine velvet smoking slipper that goes by the name of the Kitty Flat by Charlotte Olympia? Add Ms Olympia’s stunning gold web earrings and beret for full glamour Witchery.

Top it all off, of course, with a chapeau. If Charlotte’s Web Beret and Flora’s felt Kitty are not quite your bag, there is always a creation to be found by Laetitia Crahay at the luxe Cat and Mouse Ear HQ – Maison Michel. Also as the head of accessories and jewels at Chanel, lets face it, she really does know best when it comes to all things accessoires, chic, Français et mignon.

Now I get to include The Olsens. No column is complete without at least one Olsen, but two, together, in chantilly lace animal ears? Too perfect. Mix it all together with a dash of Jean Seberg in A Bout de Souffle, a Breton stripe, some pearls and a cropped black trouser and there you have it – La Petite Sorciere Francaise.

Kitty-inspired accessories as seen at Charlotte Olympia, Chanel, on the stylish Olsen sisters, and at luxe brand Maison Michel

Sparkle, shine and shimmer with our pick of the festive frocks from Vionnet, River Island, Topshop, Ann Demeulemeester and Reiss

You probably won’t have much cash left over for gifts if you opt for Vionnet’s ineffably elegant sequined silk-chiffon dress, but it is a true fashion investment – with draped light-as-a-feather sheer chiffon and dazzling sapphire shimmer.

Choose a festive flash of colour in a flirty Sixties shape with River Island’s cut out detail jewel neck dress; wear with vertiginous platform heels and accessorise with a retro-inspired eggnog!

The chances of being left solo under the miseltoe? Zero, if you’re sporting this show-stopping sequin dress from Ann Demeulemeester. With a plunging neckline and thigh high hem – it’s a frock to wear with bags of confidence. Wow factor guaranteed.

Can’t wait to hit the dance floor and shimmy around to a festive playlist? Go for Topshop’s flirty rainbow lurex cross back dress; the full skirt and bow detail are too pretty for words.

Bored of black, black and more black? This slinky silk frock from Reiss in a statement sky blue colour is a simple, standout piece – plus the flattering cut ensures that if you overindulge in the mince pies, no one will be any the wiser!

And from early December onwards, Vestiaire de Copines will allow customers outside France (under a new site name, yet to be confirmed) to sell the contents of the wardrobes. Plus, the etailer is currently hosting a Facebook competition offering the opportunity to win a go-shopping-crazy 1000€ voucher – to enter see here. And before you take a good look at the site, here are our tips on how to ensure that your fashion investment is a wise one…

Try Out Texture

Nothing transforms a pair of jeans or a plain black skirt like a little texture. This sequinned top from See By Chloe, and Mongolian fur gilet by uber-cool French brand Maje work beautifully together to create contrast, and ensure you’re bringing the wow factor – ideal for the perfect work-to-party ensemble.

Opt for contrasting textures like sequins and fur to make a simple, elegant everyday outfit work that little bit harder

Invest in Simple Jewellery

While it’s great to go all out during the evening, for daily wear, simple pieces mean that you don’t have to spend precious morning minutes considering your outfit; this eye-catching APC necklace and goes-with-everything bracelet from new brand Alpha Beta are items that will match with your entire wardrobe.

New brand Alpha Beta offers basic accessories with a twist, and APC's striking pendant goes with absolutely everything...

Choose One Amazing Accessory

Mlle. Gabrielle Chanel advised: “when accessorising always take off the last thing you put on.” In general, we couldn’t agree more; but this sophisticated Cartier scarf and dazzling YSL pendant are two pieces that would take any LBD-and-heels outfit from simple to stylish with zero effort. Vestiaire de Copines’ selection of accessories offers endless browsing amusement – and  all items are fully checked to ensure authenticity.

An eye-catching silk scarf is indispensable - wear it looped around a handbag, worn boho style as a headband or as a chic cravate

It’s All About That Incredible Handbag

If there’s one item that we all really hanker after, it’s a show-stopping handbag; be it a cute clutch, roomy tote or buttery soft leather weekend holdall. You could be dressed head-to-toe in high street, but if you’re sporting an iconic handbag it really makes all the difference. This snake print evening bag from Sous Les Pavés is so fabulous that there’s almost no need to pile on the jewellery… Almost.

Designed by Sophie Lagreula and Catherine Tisserant, Paris-based accessories label Sous Les Pavés is all about the killer detail

The Evening Knit

Topshop’s Knitted Sequin Sweater brings a heavy dose of glitz to even the simplest of ensembles; wear with a flirty mini and heels for high octane evening glamour. Or transform a daytime chinos-and-flats combo instantly – whoever said sequins were restricted to after dark?

The Coloured Knit

Indulge in this season’s deep wine tones with By Malene Birger’s Cropped Sweater. The rich claret colour and luxuriously soft angora  make it the perfect knit to perk up dull, wintry mornings. Style with floral prints or contrast with beautifully-cut silk separates and channel a grown-up vintage vibe.

The Girly Knit

It looks like the Peter Pan collar is here to stay, so this cutesy knit from Maje is a must-have knit for now. Ensure you steer clear of going too prim and polished, and sex things up with dominatrix-style leather pieces.

Knitwear whatever your style and budget: sparkly, cosy and girly knits from Topshop, By Malene Birger and Maje

The Folksy Knit

A.P.C are well-known for their classics with a twist, and this intarsia wool sweater is typical of the brand’s signature style. Wear with a flourish of faux fur and a voluminous maxi skirt for a wistfully folksy look.

The In-the-Know Knit

This supercool sweater (stocked at Browns) is the result of a collaboration between British heritage label Pringle, and the place to study fashion, Central Saint Martins – meaning that it’s a future classic and very fashionable investment. Plus it’s made with a blend of superfine merino wool and cashmere, so it’s a wise investment too!

The Weekend Knit

If you’re looking for the perfect snuggly weekend sweater, this is it. Reiss’ chunky lambswool knit from is the foundation to any effortlessly stylish yet cosy dressed-down look; simply pull on your favourite jeans, add some leather boots and you’re ready for long country walks and afternoons spent ice-skating.

Patterns, prints and cosy lambswool: cosy, stylish knitwear staples from A.P.C., Pringle/Central Saint Martins and Reiss...

Marni's simple structured leather tote

Think of a ‘killer detail’ on any fashion item, and what comes to mind is probably an intricate embellishment, unusual heel or perhaps an eye-catching print.

Marni’s simple, ultra-chic leather tote is a truly desirable item; chic , yet reassuringly sturdy – an example of a classic item, updated to fit with a modern wardrobe and executed to the exacting standards of Italian craftsmanship. It’s a simple, timeless handbag; a stylish shape that was en vogue over fifty years ago, and will doubtless remain thus in decades to come. Made in calf leather with a very slight sheen, it’s resilient enought for everyday use, and the gold hardware adds a luxurious finish, without being too showy. All in all, an outstanding handbag.

And the killer detail? There isn’t one. This season the killer detail is all about how you wear it. Forget slinging your handbag over your shoulder à la Yummy Mummy, or carrying your tote show-off style in the crook of your arm; right now the way to wear your bag is to pretend it’s a clutch. Sounds silly? Perhaps. But there’s method in the fashion madness – the slight impracticality of a tiny clutch bag means that it’s not an item intended to transport all of your worldly goods. No, clutch-carrying ladies take taxis and probably have an assistant to take care of those extraneous bulky essentials. However, by carrying your usual handbag – be it Marni or otherwise – with the handheld grasp generally employed for an evening bag, is to take on an air of ladylike elegance. On Autumn/Winter 2011 catwalks, designers including Valentino, Dries Van Noten, Miu Miu and 3.1 Phillip Lim instructed their models to wear their bags in this fashion, adding a killer detail to even the simplest satchels.

Our styling tips for Marni’s investment tote? It is perhaps the bag to pair with this season’s 1940′s trends – think pencil skirts, feminine blouses and boxy jackets. Or team with a basic jeans and shirt combination at the weekend, carrying the handbag – of course – clutch style. Imaginary personal assistant optional… For once, it really isn’t about what you wear, so much as how  you wear it.

The new way to carry it, as seen on the Autumn/Winter catwalks at Valentino, Dries Van Noten, Miu Miu and 3.1 Phillip Lim

Boyish Good Looks

There’s a masculine twist on sleek tailoring  for Autumn/Winter 2011; believe it or not, right now you should be looking to your boyfriend for style inspiration. Designers including Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana and Ralph Lauren showed sharp suiting staples; think mannish trouser shapes, oversized blazers and crisp white shirts. Accessories-wise, go for trilbies, braces and – of course – boyish brogues. Marc by Marc Jacobs adds a chunky heel to the his traditional calf leather lace-up, making for a feminine brogue to wear everywhere – and with everything!

Embrace the masculine aesthetic with these neatly heeled brogues from Marc by Marc Jacobs; perfect with tailored trousers

Vintage Glamour

Autumn/Winter 2011 catwalks saw designers looking to the ladylike 1940′s for style inspiration, with demure hemlines, silk blouses, slim belts and pretty prints; models seduced the fashion posse with elegant Forties attire at Jean Paul Gaultier, Miu Miu and Donna Karan. Chic pencil skirts, pearls and gloves are the basics of the look, along with classic court shoes – these python and patent leather pumps by Chloé have a sensible heel, making them ideal for all-day wear.

Exude Forties chic with Chloé's two-tone pumps; a stylish twist on the classic court. Best worn with a figure-hugging pencil skirt...

Sex and Fashion

Dominatrix style commanded the catwalk this season, with designers including Giles, Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen showing collections with a sexy, domineering edge. If you’re not entirely sure how fetish fabrics, peekaboo sheer inserts and restrictive corsets will fit into your everyday wardrobe, add a hint of naughty but nice with your footwear; from the pencil-slim heel to the ankle strap fastening, we’re totally seduced by Kurt Geiger’s C’est platform heels.

Fetishise your feet this season with Kurt Geiger's sexy stomps. Pair with jeans and a basic tee for a dominatrix-lite look

Mesmerising Tones

We’ve loved wearing bold, bright tones over the summer, and this season the palette deepens and intensifies with luxurious jewel colours from sapphire and citrine to amethyst and emerald. Whatever shade you choose, there’s certainly an alternative to fashion’s favourite, black. Red was particularly favoured by designers for Autumn/Winter 2011, with ruby and garnet tones seen at Gucci, Rodarte and Sonia Rykiel; choose Topshop’s ultraluxe velvet platform sandals to ensure your shoes make an impact.

Topshop's velvet, ribbon-adorned sandals will add the wow factor to anything you wear - team with ankle socks for a quirky look

Shimmering Style

Catwalks received a generous sprinkling of sparkle and shine for Autumn/Winter 2011, with sequins, paillettes, embellishments and shimmery fabrics. From all-over beading at Prabal Gurung and Oscar de la Renta to oversized jackets with a gloss finish at Stella McCartney, it’s easy to wear metallics whatever the occasion this season. Pair Miu Miu’s glitter and calf hair pumps with jeans during the day or a simple LBD in the evening to channel glitz and ensure your style shines through.

Go for glitz with Miu Miu's fabulous glitter and calf hair pumps - no style advice needed for these, they go with EVERYTHING!

Fashion is a serious business, so Lanvin’s fantastic Autumn/Winter 2011 ad campaign is a real joy to watch. Forget stiff-limbed poses and clichéd settings, Alber Elbaz’ clip injects a sense of fun into Lanvin’s traditionally chic style, as models Karen Elson, Raquel Zimmermann, Lowell Tautchin and Milo Spijkers get their groove on and bust some serious moves to rapper Pitbull’s track “I Know You Want Me”. Yes, they’re all wearing items with four-figure price tags and hanging out in a five-star hotel, but that doesn’t mean that these models are adverse to a little pre-night out dancing – and even Elbaz himself joins in the action too! We’re practising our moves already…

Raquel, Karen and the boys show they’re not adverse to a little fun…

Epitomising the phrase 'wardrobe staple'

The LBD needs no introduction; (allegedly) since Audrey Hepburn’s star turn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, it has become every woman’s sartorial best friend – ready to be accessorised in myriad glamorous/sexy/edgy ways at a moment’s notice. And yet, we hear less about the LBJ; an equally important and diverse item we depend on to take our outfits from everyday to elegant. Perhaps this could be because the LBD provides the foundation around which we build an ensemble, whereas the LBJ adds the final flourish and ties things together. No matter, the LBJ is here to stay.

The image shown here is a serious clue but, of course, I’m referring to the Little Black Jacket. Thrown on over a simple jeans and shirt combo? Smart-casual workwear, rather than dressed down for the weekend. Worn over a silky slip of a party dress? Chic for cocktails, rather than tearing up the dancefloor. And it’s the most multi-functional of garments, ensuring that you a. stay warm, b. flash less flesh and c. look just that little bit smarter.

Our LBJ recommendation for an on-trend fashion fix right now has to be Topshop Boutique’s Black Silk Pyjama Jacket; a new, and very now way to wear the wardrobe staple. It exudes a glamour reminiscent of the forties with its draped, boudoir style in sensual, slinky silk – as seen at Jean Paul Gaultier, Prada, Gucci and Donna Karan.

How to wear it?

● Play with texture by pairing with Love Moschino’s lace pencil skirt – the perfect shape to create a tailored look which screams 1940′s style. Two-tone pointed leather pumps from McQ add a contemporary finish to the look.

● Create a slim, longline silhouette with the pleat-detailed Cherine wide leg trousers from Reiss; simply add a pair of heels and a blouse et voila. Go for semi-sheer fabrics if you dare (try this pleated stripe blouse from Jaeger Black), or stay sensible with a basic white shirt.

● Try out this season’s metallics trend and slip on Topshop’s gloriously gold foil skinny jeans plus your favourite rock tee. For a dominatrix-esque look without having to commit to uncomfortable latex or impratical leather, choose these tassel-adorned, multi-strap platform sandals from Kurt Geiger – it’s guaranteed that they’ll make you feel distinctly naughty!

Top of my wear-it-with wishlist has to be this oversized clutch bag from Miu Miu – roomy enough for everyday essentials and made in buttery-soft nappa leather, I may just have to trade in my tote for this beauty…

Our buy-it-now selection of items to wear with our Fashion Fix piece: Topshop Unique's glamorous Black Silk Pyjama Jacket

Chanel (2007) and Zac Posen (2012)

What exactly are pre-collections? You’d be forgiven for asking, since this most nebulous of seasons goes by numerous monikers – resort, cruise, pre-spring, or just ‘pre’. In the past pre-collections functioned as the holiday wardrobes of the wealthy: people who lived in cold climates and jetted off after Christmas to sun themselves on a cruise or at a tropical resort. But resort is diversifying away from swimwear and sundresses. As a precursor to spring, cruise lines hint at what a designer have up their sleeve for the main collection but will feature similar elements to the preceding season’s pieces. Pre-collections are usually more wearable than main line, aiming for commercial appeal rather than maximum editorial exposure.

When?

There isn’t a Resort Fashion Week as such but the CFDA (the US equivalent of the British Fashion Council) requests that the pre-collections be shown in New York in the first two weeks of June. Resort shows are much lower key than the main summer and winter catwalk spectacles; often salon style or a static presentation, with the audience comprised of retail buyers instead of editors or bloggers. The scale of the presentation fortnight is on the rise, however, in line with the prominence of resort in general.

Where?

The pre-collection seed was sown in the United States, where European designers who had gained commercial traction began to produce cruise collections to fill the racks in department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales in between seasons. 2006 – when Chanel and Christian Dior held full-on pre-spring catwalk shows in New York for the first time – is seen as being the watershed for cruise. Six years on and Style.com has more than 100 designers in its Resort 2012 category including the likes of Alexander McQueen and Zac Posen.

Why?

Having evolved from a niche market catering only to the ultra-rich, today resort racks up more sales than the main collections. ‘Cruise has become really big business and currently represents the largest part of the Selfridges S/S womenswear buy,’ explains Laura Larbalestier, Selfridges buying manager. Why? It’s partly due to the skewed logic that dictates the fashion industry calendar. The spring and winter designer collections arrive on the shop floor before their respective seasons – at least in weather terms – have really got into full swing. ‘Cruise is especially key for customers living in the UK as it fills that transitional period from January onwards where people are looking to update their wardrobes but aren’t ready to wear spring collections yet,’ adds Larbalestier.

What’s Next?

That kind of instant accessibility is highly prized in a world where ‘fast fashion’ rules and women don’t want to wait to get their hands on the clothes they see in photos on their Twitter feed. Resort, simply put, serves to narrow the gap between ‘see’ and ‘buy.’ Not only are pre-collections more accessible to customers, they’re a lucrative prospect for designers too. Staying on the racks – and, crucially, stay at full price – for much longer than the swift six week stint of the main collections, pre-collections make sound financial sense in the incredibly competitive high-end fashion marketplace. Thriving sales and satisfied customers? That adds up to a winning retail equation: it looks like resort – or pre-spring, or cruise, or whatever you want to call it – is here to stay.

Diane Von Furstenberg’s 2012 pre-collection fashion show