Adidas by Stella McCartney Wintersport Recco Jacket and Stylish Ski Wear

adidas by Stella McCartney Wintersport Recco Jacket

The ski season has arrived. I couldn't wait to see what lovely ski wear is available for this winter. I love the adidas Stella McCartney range and it is now available. My favourite ski jacket is the adidas by Stella McCartney Wintersport Recco Jacket It is cool (and warm) the ultimate in understated chic for the slopes and very functional.

Fur Ear Snug

Direct Descent Ski Suit


Avalanche Ski Cape

For those who want to really get noticed on the slopes there is a plently of other options. The key trend for ski wear this year being Dr Zhivago meets retro seventies style down hill racers. I love the big furry hats, all in in one suits and this very stylish cape (not sure how practical but great for apres ski)

Military Style Coats

Temperely London - AW 08

Mocshino - Autumn Winter 08

Alexander McQueen - AW08

This winter military style coats are going to be a big trend. They were all over the catwalk and I have already spotted many high street options. I love this style of coat as it is so smart. The fitted shape is usually really flattering and the gold or red trim adds interest. Many of the military style coats also have epaulettes and are double breasted. The double breasted look is not great for petites so I will be looking for a single breasted variety.

Another trend I noticed at both Alexander McQueen and Temperly was the wearing of sparkling leggings with the military coats. This stopped them looking too serious and added a bit of fun. It also matched the metallic trim of the coats really well. I also loved the way at Alexander McQueen the structure and strong colours of the top contrasted with the softer draped skirt. I think this idea would translate well for a party with a short military style jacket worn with a chiffon dress. Here are some of my favourites so far.

French Connection - Military Coat

Blue Limited Collection Military Coat

Pamela Mann Lurex Highball Tights

Pretty Polly Shimmer Ski Pant Tights

Jonathan Aston Metallic Footless Tights

Cabots Circus, Bristol

After many months of waiting Cabots Circus in Bristol is now open. I have waited patiently for the crowds to die down so that I can have a chance to really shop till I drop and find out what it's like (purely for research of course). On Friday I got the chance to spend the whole day there and had to stop myself running down the street to get there. This may sound a bit OTT to those who live in London or are used to having access to a wide variety of shops and brands at a large shopping centre but in the West Country, this is the fist time I have had a chance to shop at many of the shops. The biggest excitement of the whole day was visiting Hary Nichols, which was only small but a great opportunity to see some designer clothes up close and soak up the whole luxurious atmosphere. I couldn't really afford anything there but have planned another trip back when I make my first million.

I bought most of my shopping from the huge House of Fraser there which had just about every brand I could think of from Diesel to Day Birger et Mikkelson. There was a massive accessories department which I didn't really get the time to look at. There was also a really big Zara which was great as I have never really had the chance to shop in a Zara before. Unfortunately, I don't think the clothes are made for short people and non of the stuff I tried on fitted me.

All in all, it was a good shopping experience but will be even better in a few months when everything is completly finished and pedestrianised areas are clear for me to rush from shop to shop.

Patricia Field at M & S

The much awaited Patricia Field collection has now arrived at M & S. For anyone who doesn't know, Patricia Field is the stylist behind Sex and the City and she has designed a collection for Marks and Spencers which is now available online and in selected shops. The collection is as expected typical Sex and the City with a big dose of New York style. It includes the corsage dress from the film ( certainly not one of my favourites). It was all really eye catching stuff definitely for girls who like to be noticed and the prices were quite reasonable.

The Trailing Teal Silk Dress - Designed by Patricia Field

I love the colour and the sleeves on this dress which will look amazing on those with blonde hair

The Silk Stripe Biker Jacket - Designed by Patricia Field

Stripes are a big trend for this winter and this is one of the most amazing biker style jackets I have seen

The Glitzy Gold Dress - Designed by Patricia Field

This will be a great dress for a christmas party with a flattering draped design.

The Sequin Trend Tux - Designed by Patricia Field

A tux is always a great jacket for a night out. This one will be great for adding a bit of sparkle to christmas.

Lovely Glovely

I love gloves especially in winter. Partly of course because they keep my hands toastie warm but also because they are a great accessory to make an outfit feel a little bit special. I am especially liking this seasons long gloves worn with a short sleeved top/ dress / coat. There are so many looks that I am looking forward to create for winter and actually suffer from cold hands so could easily start wearing them now.

For a party, these long gloves by Didier and Angelo are great to wear with a little black dress for christmas parties or a special occassion. The hands are leather with frills at the wrists and boiled wool look arms.

For work - These Laura Clement Leather gloves look great with a business like coat to keep you warm on your journey to work.

For keeping cosy on weekend walks in the country- these long cashmere gloves are cosy and soft perfect for cold frosty mornings and chilly winter evenings.

For casual wear - These fingerless mittens are perfect for a jeans and T shirt day when you don't want to pay toom much attention to what you are wearing.

Leather Hibiscus Jewellery

I have found an amazing website, Munique Fashions, full of handcrafted fashion accessories from artisans around the world. They have some gorgeous leather flower jewellery, perfect for indulging my love of flowers without having to remember to water them. My favourite is this Red Hibiscus necklace which will look great with a little black dress for the evening or a plain V neck top for the day. There is also a gold version which would also look great with black.

British Style Genius

I have just finished watched the first part of the BB2 5 part series British Style Genius. A really interesting programme looking at how British highs street fashion has evolved and the influence of all sorts of things such as historical brands like Biba and Ossie Clark, vintage fashion and celebrity collaborations namely Topshop and Kate Moss. Perhaps it is just my patriotism but I definitely think the Brits have got a more innovative approach to fashion than many other countries - Just read Susie Bubbles experiences at Paris fashion week for evidence of this.

I was really interested to see how much involvement Kate Moss had in the collection as I kind of imagined it was very little perhaps a few quick telephone calls. Of course it may have been faked for the cameras but I am fairly satisfied that she had a significant input to the collection. As they said on the programme she is no fashion designer but she never claims to be. She is more of a trendsetter, stylist, someone with a talent for picking out and combining clothes. Hmm the clothes don't really suit me though as I'm no Kate Moss.

Well the BBC have really hyped this programme up, but I actually found it very interesting and can't wait to watch the next one.

Designer Collaborations

Pictures from http://www.acnestudios.com/

There are so many designer collaborations happening this season, I am struggling to keep up with them all. Some are better than others and they obviously aren't as good as the real thing as the designers creativity is often diluted but, they are much cheaper than the main designer collections. Here are just a few to look out for:

Comme Des Garcons at H & M- Probably one of the most eagerley awaited designer collaborations, the Comme Des Garcons collection by Rwei Kawakubo. The website says 'All the pieces demonstrate the artistic and independent spirit of Comme des Garçons'. I am wondering how far that artistic and independant spirit will go. Even if the creativity is not as evident as we are used to from Rwei Kawakubo, the collection will include some of the key elements from Comme De Garcons including boiled wool and gabardine. A sneek preview the other day indicates that it will be a great collection that I will definitely be wanted a bit of.

Simone Shailes, graduate of Central St Martins and winner of the Top Shop New Generation award will be selling her loopy knitwear at the Topshop Oxford Circus flagshop store. A great way to get your hands on some interesting and cosy knitwear from this up and coming designer. Top shop is leading the way with designer collaborations, at the moment guest designers include Preen, Louise Goldin, Emma Cook and Peter Jensen. Well worth a look and the prices aren't too bad.

Patricia Field the stylist who styled the girls of SATC is creating a range for Marks and Spencers. I love Marks and Spencers and I love SATC but i am thinking this may not be the most groundbreaking of collections. I will still be having a look though in case I am wrong. It will be available in selected stores from 16th October.

Lanvin and Acne- I so can't wait for this collaboration. It will combine Albers amazing design talent with denim and hard wearing fabrics. Perfect for a mum like me that needs practical clothes - ha.

I know there are many more but don't have time to post about them all today - please feel free to add your comments on them