This season I’m inspired by Parisian designer Isabel Marant, who, unlike some avant gard designers who create items that one could only wear on occasion, Isabel creates outfits which girls really can wear.
Marant’s autumn 2009 influences are everywhere from thigh high boots for the super skinny legged amongst you, to hard wearing buckle boots.
To minimise the spending spree, choose accessories which can instantly convert your existing wardrobe to give it a “new”, of-the-moment, look. Simply add one or all of these pieces to your wardrobe staples (tights, jeans, t-shirts) and you’ll be on your way to some serious autumn winter style.
Metallics
Lamé and metallic looks were all over the autumn winter 09 catwalks. To make them wearable, take inspiration from Isabel Marant and mix these shimmering materials with more sombre items in matte material. For example, take a metallic silver chain bag or belt (or both!), and wear with a pair of black trousers.
Give me the IT bag of the moment any day, a grey metallic YSL Sixieme stingray bag (€1395, Net-a-porter.com) as sported by Kate Moss at Paris Fashion week. However, without the privilege of celeb freebies, I would be happy rocking the trend in this metallic clutch from Oasis €37.
Faux Fur
Seen here on the same Marant model on the left, I adore the fake fur vests and jackets that are in the shops at the moment. Inspired by the bohemian babes like the Olsen twins, the French call it a gilet and the term has kind of stuck around since the 70s. Wear your gilet over a vintage T-shirt and some ripped jeans or over a dress for a night time look. Available in Benetton, H&M and Penneys from €23 – €75.
Statement Necklace
Olivia Palermo is a big fan of statement necklaces with everything – in fact you could say that it’s her style statement. Palermo wears her chunky chokers with a dainty dress but it can also be worn with a t-shirt and blazer.
I myself love bib necklaces which we wrote about back in March. There is something to suit everyone at every price point from designer (Joanne Hynes €295) to Penneys (€5). I’m loving the selection at Wallis myself, especially this grey one which mixes studs with (faux) jewels.
Buckle Boots
Nearly all Isabel Marant’s models wore buckle booties which conveyed a glam hippie look. These heavy duty hardware boots are everywhere this season and have been seen on everyone from Cheryl Cole (who wore Alexander Wang mock croc ones on X Factor) to Cat Deeley (wearing Chloe buckle boots with her Mulberry coat, pictured).
They are a great footwear choice to upgrade a casual outfit; wear these with your fake fur gilet and jeans. My choice are these ones from Nine West €128, which are more of a boot than a bootie as suggested by Marant.
If you prefer a flatter heeled buckle boot, French Connection do a nice version (£110, €123).
Related article
Accessory Alert: Bib Necklaces
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October 29, 2009 at 3:22 pm
I am loving the bib necklaces this season. Very simple way to take an outfit from day to night!
October 30, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I love these Nine West boots, they look great with skinny jeans or jeggings.
May 12, 2010 at 3:28 am
Whoa, good post. I just now clicked a link to your website and am already a fan. 😉