Getting ready for winter

Only 17 degrees this morning which is amazing for late autumn.  I was absolutely warm this morning in three layers of clothing.  This frill wool cardigan is just perfect for days like this.  Soft, warm and stylish are just some of the words which come to mind when I look at this cardigan by CASA.  In the back of my mind though I'm wondering if temperatures like this morning is simply the calm before the storm as based on last year, I'm not looking forward to this winter season.

There are some positives from last winter. I enjoyed the school closures. Not having to take the kids out meant I didn’t have to drive in the slippery snow.  But my head is still spinning from the whooping heating bill that came come January. On those snow filled days I could warm my hands around a hot cup of tea and stare out of my bedroom window simply mesmerized by the snow that fell and fell and fell.

I have never shovelled so much snow in my life and living on a sloping driveway is no picnic when trying to get in and out.  I literally had to be digging myself in and out of the driveway.   Just yesterday my son reminded me of that very ungracious fall I took while gingerly walking down the driveway.

My North American friends are always bemused as to what's the big deal with snowfall in England.  We are simply not prepared for it I tell them.  So this year it is not only about outfitting myself for warmth in winter but I also have to outfit my car. Short of putting on snow tires and converting to a 4x4, I must stock my boot with water, snacks, easily opened can food, torch, shovel, warm blankets, and I will be keeping an extra coat or alpaca wool wrap in there as well as hat, scarves and gloves.  I'm already all stocked up on grit salt.

coats and jackets for winter

Can we ever just have one winter coat that goes with everything?  There is so much to consider when buying a coat - occasion, pattern, texture, warmth, colour, style and cut. By all means work and play usually require different coats and jackets.

Black, brown and grey are always the safe choices colourwise and deciding on the cut and shape of your winter coat really depends on your body shape.  For instance double breasted coats are not the best styles for big busted women unless you plan to wear it unbuttoned at all times.  Not suitable for the colder days when you want to wrap up warm and button up your coat.    Coats and jackets with plunging V neckline are far more flattering for big boobed women like this belted wool coat by Mathew Williamson while coats with slanted pockets and a flared skirt really does wonders for the hour glass body shape.  Belted coats are ideal for giving the illusion of a waist

I certainly won't go out and buy multiple winter coats each year but do commit to buying myself one good quality coat every winter that I could wear winter after winter.  With this strategy you could end up with quite an ensemble of coats to choose from in five years.

The most versatile coat I have though is my alpaca wool wrap or shawl.  It keeps me warm and can be worn over anything.

Unusual christmas gifts for her

Gift giving occasions can always be a challenge so here are some unusual christmas gift ideas with her in mind. Have a think about the fashion personality of the ladies for whom you are buying. Ask yourself does she like to stand out from a crowd? Is she a romantic at heart or is she a practical no nonsense person? What are her favourite colours? This you can tell by the colour clothes she likes to wear.



To look as if you have put some thought to gift buying, go for handmade original handbags and handmade jewellery, two popular gift ideas for her. Jewellery gifts are always a safe option as a girl just can’t have enough jewellery. Should you get the latest fashion trend in jewellery – chunky jewellery? When it comes to chunky jewellery you can go for a chunky necklace or a chunky bracelet. If unsure about what colour to get then go for neutrals like this chunky bracelet above.


Clothes and handbags are another popular gift for her. Unique clothing like alpaca clothing makes an ideal christmas gift as it is practical for the season in terms of warmth and you cannot go wrong when you choose a unique christmas gift like this alpaca wool wrap . If your budget can afford it, team with the matching suede handbag and your lady would certainly think that she is special. This alpaca wool wrap she will wear for years to come and will always remember who gave her this special and unusual christmas gift.

Winter Coats that will get you noticed

The mornings are now cold, though it still brightens up in the afternoons these days. But we know that it is officially Autumn and I am already layering up and looking to choose a new winter coat to add to my capsule wardrobe. I want something to keep me warm as well as look fashionable.

Practically I must be able to layer up my coat depending on the temperature and style wise my coat must be able to pull a look together.

Here are some favorites I have my eye on. Vivid reds and vibrant purples have been popular this season on the catwalks and so I have my eye on this Hooded Cape Coat. I like the architectural design and the exaggerated structural shape of this coat and know that I will be able to wear it for years to come.

Another vibrant purple coat is this Long Line Coat below by MARIANNE JAMES. It has a lovely shape with its fitted waist and flare bottom. I especially like the big hooded collar to snuggle up in style.



Now this Rainbow Coat is very Michelle Obama looking and sure to get you noticed when you are out and about even if you are not the first lady. This single breasted, statement wool coat has a full satin lining, and bright contrast binding.


Last on my list so far is this Jazzy Trench Coat. The animal print which is always fashionable certainly appeals to me. May not be the most practical coat when it comes to warmth but I can certainly layer it up with some wool and cashmere sweaters and jumpers.


Did I say last on my last? Well I meant second to last because for me the most versatile coat is a wrap and I know that this alapca wool wrap will go with everything and will certainly keep me warm. What do you think?

Ladies Knitwear Autumn/ Winter 09/10

Summer is almost over - not that we had much of a summer anyway - and autumn is fast approaching. Fashionista or not we are going to need knitwear for layering up. But who am I kidding, I am layering up as we speak as today has been pretty cold and rainy.

Although you are not going to be bearing as much skin as on the good summer days, you can still layer up and look trendy and sexy. Stylish basic knitwear is a must if you don't want to look like you have simply thrown on clothes to keep warm. So the look we are going for is stylishly warm.

It is hard not to look stylish in this pure linen kimono jacket. Layer up with this AMERICAN VINTAGE Roll-Neck Sweater made from cotton and cashmere for extra warmth.

Other stylish knitwear looks for you autumn/winter wardrobe.

Alpaca wool wrap handcrafted in Peru from a luxurious alpaca wool blend, unparalleled in softness and warmth.

Long, loose-fit Cowl Neck Sweater with short square sleeves.

Soft and Silky Cardigan with matching lace at the V-neckline and pretty faceted buttons.


Long cape-style cardigan with high collar in ribbed knit. Worn over a sweater, a T-shirt, or denim jacket, the cape is making its big comeback.


This cowl neck tunic sweater is made from organic cotton cultivated in total harmony with nature, without pesticides or chemical products, to protect the environment. Good for you and for the planet...


Soft and warm bouclé Knit Cardigan fastened with a chunky button and set off by a large shawl collar.


Tie Front Pointelle Shrug in a Nectarine colour by East. Perfect to throw over sleeveless dresses.

Layer up with muted colours this Autumn

When it comes to Autumn colours I tend to go for the muted tones which are absolute essential wardrobe basics that can mix and match with most other colours. If you already have several knitwear, sweater, jumpers, tights etc in these tones then add some rust, warm olive green, deep reds, purples and burnt sienna to your mix of autumn colors. Marjolica blue, honey yellow and rapture rose are also key Autumn colors. If you are after the luxury bohemian look this autumn then go for rich dark base colours highlighted with reds, purples, yellows and pinks.

This layered look in muted colours with Kimono-style Cardigan by SOMEWHERE is easy to reproduce.


This Long Scarf with plain fringed edging will keep your neck warm. Scarf is made from 68% baby alpaca, 22% polyamide and 10% Merino wool.


This dropped waist cropped trousers worn like harem trousers are great with boots. Go for fringed boots if you want the luxury bohemian trend. Dropped waist. This deep, round neckline sweater from SOMEWHERE is great for layering.

Finish off with this Double Belt and wooden bangles to complete the look.

For that extra layer of warmth go for this exquisite handcratfed alpaca wool wrap. This soft and luxurious cloak will certainly provide that extra warmth when needed in the winter months. This elegant and versatile wrap is available in black and tan is a must-have for your winter wardrobe.

Handcrafted and Designer Fashion

We put this look together using handcrafted fashions from Munique fashions as well as designer fashion from my-wardrobe and forzieri. Handmade fashion from Munique includes recycled jewellery from Mana Bernandes who in this necklace entitled "Fan" transforms toothpicks into a stunningly eye catching necklace by embellishing the ends of the toothpicks with pearls.

In these exquisite handmade and contemporary designed earrings entitled "Toy" , Bernandes again transforms toothpicks into a stick man motif embellished with a silver magnetic ball at the earlobe and pearls at the end.



Handcrafted and Designer Fashion - by Munique on Polyvore.com

When you can't find a coat to do justice to your Green Ball Neck Dress by Day Birger et Mikkelsen go for a stunning handmade peruvian alpaca wool wrap which keeps you warm and looking stylish. The handcrafted leather orchid brooch carefully cut and handpainted in the vibrant colours of this actual species of orchid adds a lovely touch and can be worn on your wrap.

Other choice of accessories include polkadot ring handcrafted from polymer clay and mounted on creatively woven copper wire as well as this fabulous bespoke sterling silver Swarovski Cluster ring showcasing 50 sparkling Swarovski crystals arbitrarily connected so no two rings are the same and the Turquoise Swarovski Crystal Serpent Ring By Kenneth Jay Lane

Complete the look with Tan Kung Fu Shoes by Betty Jackson and Rosario Pazel's exquisite handcrafted Leather handbag, 'Golden Tan' which captures the infinite elegance of suede in the design of this versatile handbag.

The Perfect Coat is a versatile Wrap

You can have so many coats in your wardrobe and still find that there are occasions when you simply can't find the right coat to compliment an outfit. On days like this I reach for my alpaca wool wrap which is sure to go with everything. Not only is it versatile but it is also stylish and warm. This is a must have for any wardrobe.



Handcratfed in Peru, this exquisite cloak is woven from a luxurious alpaca wool blend, unparalleled in softness and warmth. Click here to see this exquisite wrap in black

With Mother's Day upon us, what better way to say I love and appreciate you. A perfect mother's day gift that will be appreciated and worn time and time again.

The Best of New York Fashion Week

Donna Karen wins the prize for stylishly simple and elegant clothes for fall 09. Her collection featured the perfect investment buys for a recession with flattering slim line skirts and tapered trousers, triangular jackets and flatteringly draped jersey.
























Marc Jacobs one of the most popular and sought after designers on the New York fashion circuit continued with a theme that has been around for a few seasons now - eighties. Bright yellows with blacks and greys, big shoulders and big hair made up a collections that was utterly desirable and wearable.

























Rodarte is back for autumn winter 09 with their distinct signature style of romantic/ rock chick with a twist. This show included some beautiful textures, crocheting and knits and a slashed effect as if someone had been let loose in the design room with a pair of very sharp scissors.

Whilst many designers revert to blacks and dark colours for autumn and winter, Matthew Williamson was having none of it. His collection feature a rainbow of colours cleverly worked into just the right styles and shapes to keep a feeling of toasty warmth for the colder weather. I especially liked the combination of turquoise trousers and zebra print boots

pictures from style.com

This Alpaca wool wrap is the perfect stylish and cosy cover up to go with almost any fashion or trend for autumn or winter.

9 Top Winter Wardrobe Must Haves

Winter is nearly upon us and while it may be getting darker and colder outside we can still brighten up our winter wardrobe with a few well chosen accessories. Take your cue from this season's number one colour - RUST - and add your own unique glamour to it. This season's colours are made up of russet hues incorporating brown, saffron, ochre, bronze, caramel and chestnut tones. Magenta and plum are also popular. These are colours that can accentuate any wardrobe and are almost timeless.

In my article on "The Credit Crunch and Your Wardrobe" I talked about building a timeless wardrobe over time and buying quality as opposed to quantity when it came to fashion and accessories. The same principle applies for your winter wardrobe basics which include coats, hats, handbags, scarves, jumpers, crisp white shirt, tights, gloves, and boots. Quality basic clothing lasts a lifetime and usually remains fashionable.

Coat

Commit to buying one good winter coat every year or every two years depending on your budget. A well made high wool blend quality coat will keep you warm winter after winter after winter. Denim and tweed are also timeless combinations. Use this season's colours in your accessories to accentuate and create an essential look for this autumn/winter.

If you already have a few coats in your wardrobe then wrap up warm in a luxurious alpaca wool wrap in brown or black - versatile choices for most outfits. Handmade alpaca wool wraps from Peru are very popular and of good quality. For the fashionista in you, choose one that fits in with this years russet hues and match up with a soft suede handbag.

When it comes to the fit of your coat to suit your body shape, check out Gok Wan's guide to coat at Dorothy Perkins or any other reliable shape guide you can find.

Hats

Decisions on what style hat to wear are made based on face shape which is the content of article on its own. For winter your ideal requirement is warmth, colour, texture and how well it pairs up with your other winter accessories. Also invest in some waterproof hats for those rainy days.

Handbags

This season's accessories speak to creativity and making fashion statements with big, bold, look-at-me-colours. Go for oval leather handbags in vibrant colours. Fashionistas who like the folk trend will appreciate a leather and goat skin handbag.

Scarves

Use your scarf around your head, neck or even tie it around your handbag straps as an accessory. Again a scarf is the ideal fashion accessory for introducing this season's trendy colours into your wardrobe. To brighten up a basic black or grey coat go for a royal blue woollen scarf. Have a look for some unique handcrafted scarves that will add both texture and colour and have people asking you "where did you get that?"

Jumpers

Go for a selection of jumpers that reflect this season's colours as well as those that offer unique designs. Select sweaters, vest, and pullovers ranging from the classic argyle pattern to solid coloured V necks with double layered cuffs. Alternate between waisted fit to comfortable fit. My preference of quality fabrics includes 100% cotton, 100% wool, fine cotton/cashmere mix; or a cotton, polyamide, cashmere and elastane mix. Remember to include a long knitted cardigan if you don't already have one.

Crisp white shirt

The crisp white shirt is every winter must have. This timeless piece fits well under most jumpers. Try wearing light summer blouses over long sleeve fitted sweaters for added texture and colour or wear long sleeved shirts and blouses under short sleeve sweaters.

Tightsplease

Let your tights and leggings do the walking and talking this winter. Stand out from the crowd with a few fun leggings to pair with dresses, skirts, and even shorts. Tartan is very popular this season. Accentuate your legs and outfits with trendy, colourful and chic looking tights. There is plenty to choose from. Just say tightsplease.

Gloves

You can't go wrong with the classic leather hand glove - again a useful winter accessory for accentuating this season's colours in your winter wardrobe.

Boots

For the sexy and sensational look, go for the over the knee or knee high boots. The slough ankle boot looks great with jeans and cowboy boots have made a comeback. Whichever is your hot pick, a good quality leather or suede boot will go a long way to building a timeless wardrobe.