Are you crazy for fruit prints this season?

Every time London Fashion Week approaches, an army of (even more than usual) gazelle like women, clad head to toe in designer garb and wielding super skinny lattes parade across the city and I inwardly groan. Another chance to dictate what’s hot and what’s not this season – peasants, take note!

I love clothes just as much as the next woman, I have enough of them to wear in rotation to last me for three months without doing any laundry for goodness sake, but so many people take it too far. The whole notion of ‘trends’, in my opinion, is ridiculous. So what, every few months the chosen ones at various designer houses create new collections, proffer these to Anna Wintour and depending on whether she approves, share them with the rest of the world? Well, at least that’s what I could gather from The September Issue, a horrifying and bland, yet strangely compulsive film if ever I’ve seen one.

People are then expected to buy this advice and go and purchase these ‘must have’ items…right, because your life is really going to be so much more fulfilled for buying that super ethnic boho dress – OMG what, that’s totally Sienna Miller right? Um no, like three years ago…

Yet this is merely one part of the cycle, one which is ongoing and relentless, apparently dictating what’s acceptable to wear and what is not. To be seen in last season’s shoes is a heinous crime, apparently, but where is this really applicable apart from in The Devil Wears Prada or perhaps at the London College of Fashion?

There is nothing wrong with taking inspiration from the latest trends, but to be dictated by them is plain sad, and an example of a whole bunch of insecurity and conformity. Not wearing something because it’s not in the latest magazines is ridiculous, but perhaps true of many people lacking the confidence to branch out.

If by this point you’re turning up your nose in disdain and shaking your head in disagreement, let me just assure you (hopefully without sounding like Samantha Brick) that I am not some Croc-sporting, three quarter length combat strutting, neon body warmer wearing fashion disaster. I wear what I want, taking inspiration from the things and styles which interest me, and by using my common sense – for example Uggs are slippers, white trousers are never a good idea and three quarter length leggings are never flattering.

Fashion should be fun and not taken so seriously. Yes, expert craftsmanship and tailoring should always be appreciated, but being able to afford designer clothing does not make you stylish by default; some of the wealthiest people are often the most sartorially-challenged

Sure, flick through the latest clothes catalogues, I mean women’s magazines, if your heart desires; just don’t feel the need to spend your last few pounds on your ‘fashion bible’ as opposed to a good meal. Painfully thin is not cool, despite what we’ve been told, and neither is mindless obedience.

Anna Wintour knows colour blocking. Or does she? Does anyone? Does it matter?!

Liberty & b store: the perfect sundress?

Longer days and the hint of warmth in the air can mean only one thing; summer’s just around the corner. Before you consider those endless hours spent lazing in the park, dancing around the best of Europe’s festivals and chilling out at the beach, there’s one essential seasonal item you need to lock down; the perfect sundress. Yes, all of the glossy magazines are covered with shouty headlines about bikinis, but really your first priority in buying clothes to fill a summer wardrobe should be choosing a relaxed, pretty sundress. Waking up to the sunlight streaming through your windows, there’s not a moment to be lost – picnics are to be organised, garden parties attended and hours spent doing nothing much other than chatting with friends and drinking chilled fizz.

We think we may just have found that elusive frock; taken from the too-cool-for-school collaboration between two London institutions, b store and Liberty, the Kim dress ticks all the boxes. The lightweight cotton is oh-so-easy to wear, while the delicate paisley pattern is what the fashionistas might describe as on-trend. A softly scooped neckline and full pleated skirt make this flattering whether you’re a beanpole or someone celebrating womanly curves.

And did we mention the pockets? Often overlooked in womenswear, the fantastically practical addition of pockets takes this dress from an A- to a definite A+. It’s the killer detail, ladies. Obviously you’ll probably still need a handbag, but if you’re just heading to the park to read the papers and enjoy the sunshine, you can pop keys, phone, lip balm and all of those other essentials in these handy draped pockets. Start planning parties, picnics and lots of doing absolutely nothing at all…

The B Store Loves Liberty Kim Dress is available to buy online on ASOS and b store.

Meet the Michael By Michael Kors Jalita. In a flattering café au lait shade, these sandals will match anything and everything you could ever wish to frolic in from now until September, whether you’re sporting a floral frock at a summer wedding or offsetting the acid-bright neon tones of a body-conscious sports chic look. And with a midi wedge heel, comfort is assured whether you’re wandering around hot, dusty cities on a long weekend away or negotiating public transport in sultry August heat.

Shoe. Concerns. Solved. Let the summer begin.

Get ready to hop, skip and dance into the summer with Michael Kors' Jalita sandals. We're fairly sure they go with everything!

Zalando offers shoes, accessories and fashion from over 1,000 brands including By Marlene Birger, Paul & Joe and Alice By Temperley, with free shipping and returns available.

Lanvin's take on the sports luxe trend...

Imagine, for a brief moment, that sometimes it’s more practical to run in flats rather than heels, and that occasionally it’s not a bad idea to prioritise comfort over glamour. If we were to slip off the vertiginous Manolos and pop on something a little more relaxed, this season we’d definitely be rocking these stylish sneakers designed by the marvellous Mr Alber Elbaz for fabulous French fashion house Lanvin.

The sports luxe trend has reared its confusing head once again, leaving us wondering whether we can really get away with wearing jogging pants any time, anywhere – and whether it doesn’t look just a little silly pairing said sportswear with heels. Lanvin’s fun high-top trainers are perhaps the most glitzy sports shoe you’ll find; printed with a blingy diamond pattern they’ll add a hint of athletic chic to your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Contrast the monochromatic tones with a flash of go-faster neon, and pair with slim fit jeans or well-cut city shorts. Steer clear of those performance fabrics, racer backs and sporty cutaways at all costs – have you ever seen a Parisienne break a sweat? No, didn’t think so…

Lanvin diamond-print canvas and leather high-top sneakers are available to buy online here.

Sportswear: Culture

American designer Claire McCardell was the voice of sportswear in the fifties. She introduced the words  “practical” and “comfortable” into women’s fashion, and may we celebrate her for this. Fan of ballet flats? Thank McCardell. What she also did was pioneer how to pull off sportswear without sacrificing femininity. Her designs included mix and match separates from leotards to hoods, pedal pushers to playsuits. (Short interlude: are pedal pushers going to make a come back? I’m fearful they are.)

McCardell’s “popover” dress, a wraparound design in linen or denim, sold in the thousands. Its USP: “the modern woman could both be chic and do the cooking,” says the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Or take her cotton gingham halter-neck summerdress. This design emulated the move away from tailored couture to fabrics that flowed around around the body.

Another key influence on sportswear was Bonnie Cashin. Her androgynous designs incorporated checked trousers (similar to those worn by Mad Men’s Betty Draper) and ponchos and tunics were her trademark silhouettes.  Women could dress in trousers and a shirt without surrending to menswear designs. Hoods were introduced too, in the form of ultra-long necks on sweaters, designed to be pulled over the head.

Coco Chanel was also a pioneer for making sport chic, way before the Americans got on board. During World War One, Coco began designs based on the idea of women’s sports, offering flannel blazers, sailor tops, long-line jersey sweaters and straight linen skirts.  One hundred years later, Chanel’s designs keep to the brand’s founding concepts of simplicity and casual elegance.

Sportswear from Claire McCardell's classic dress and playsuit to Bonnie Cashin's androgynous shapes and Coco Chanel's sports chic

Sportswear: Catwalk

Via the elusive Chinese whispers in the design world, sports style was big news on the catwalks for the Spring/Summer 2012 shows.

● In Paris, British designer Stella McCartney mixed her love of simple, wearable separates with a stroke of sexiness, with a collection featuring one-shoulder silky mini dresses and asymmetrical sporty mesh tops.

● Victoria Beckham branched out from her signature style of feminine, tailored dresses into “technical sportswear” with a range of hooded jackets with pockets and zipper detailing and even – wait for it – glossy baseball caps.

● As might expected for a sportswear company, Lacoste came out tops with the athetic trend. Classic jersey polo dresses were given a modern update with 1920′s dropped waists, while the entire collection exuded an air of effortless, urban chic.

● If you truly desire a revival of jogging bottoms as daywear, Rag & Bone showed how to do this without looking like you’re actually going jogging, pairing a pair of blue silky drawstring pants with an semi-sheer white shirt and sky-high platforms.

Chic, sleek sportswear-inspired designs on the S/S 2012 catwalks of Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Lacoste and Rag & Bone

Sportswear: Closet

So the history of the sports trend is decades long, fashion’s elite has stamped its approval and we’re sold on it, but if you don’t have a couple of thousand pounds spare to get up to speed with the sports trend, the high street has some purse-friendly knock-offs. Take advice from the catwalk and replace the idea of sporty brights with a monochrome palette to keep this look elegant. Mix and match is the way forward, so wear a zipped track top with tailored trousers, and tuck a fitted shirt into a pair of tracksuit bottoms. Track pants should definitely be worn with heels – tracksuit bottoms with trainers is gym chic and only that. Unless, of course you manage to track down a pair of Isabel Marant’s sold-out-everywhere sneakers…

● Topshop – Cream buckle backpack

● Filippa K – Crepe string pants

● Motel – Veronica shift dress

● Cos – Sheer panel jumper

● Isabel Marant – Wedge trainers

Look to the catwalks and mix and match athletic pieces from the high street: Filippa K, Cos, Topshop, Isabel Marant and Motel

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 Collective will allow customers outside France to sell the contents of their 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 Collective’s 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...