10 Top Fall Trends - Kelly Millar

With London Fashion Week coming up, I think it's only right that we take a look at this seasons top 10

trends for Fall! With other Fashion weeks that have gone by and with the new season collections already in

stores, I have collected what are, in my opinion, the top 10 luxury must have trends for this Fall.

Turtlenecks/Roll Necks

This look here is from  Maison Martin Margiela seen on Paris Fashion Weeks runway a few months ago, the turtleneck trend is one we saw briefly for men last Fall, but the trend has elbowed its way to the top again this year in womenswear. This is a must have for anyone with a taste for luxury items.

The trend can also be seen here in Zara's autumn lookbook for 2012. This is one for the highstreet

 Long Coats

The trend of the long coat has also resurfaced for this Fall. This look is from Bottega Veneta  on March's Paris Fashion Week catwalk. This is certainly one for the lover of the finer things in life, pure luxury and can be worn with absolutely anything!

This look is from H&M's autumn collection, the long coat trend has spread across both catwalk and highstreet! I especially love the detachable imitation leather belt with a metal buckle, it adds dimension and sets off the coat well.

Menswear Inspired

This is from  Giorgio Armani's collection, the menswear inspired trend shows the popular use of items usually associated with, you guessed it...Menswear! Here we can see a typical grey suit with a statement flower to give it that feminine edge. After all the saying goes 'think like a Man, act like a Lady'

This look is taken from Zara's lookbook, we can again see the trend over both highstreet and luxury fashion.

Leather

This look is from Celiné it shows another one of the latest trends, leather. We have seen leather all over the catwalk and highstreet in luxury fashion this season. This look is admittedly probably not what you would wear for everyday wear, however it is a good expression of how hard the trend has hit the catwalk this season. 

This is a more wearable look that equally shows how the leather trend has exploded this season. It shows skinny fit leather trousers paired with a faux leather sleeve coat. Beautiful

Embellished Knits

This trend is a new one for this Fall, embellished knitwear is a new and upcoming must have. This look is from Altuzarra and is a definite must have this wintery season

This look is another view from the Altuzarra sweater seen above

Knee High Leather Boots

Knee High leather boots have been seen all over the catwalk this season, and I predict  them becoming a must have for every fashion loving female out there this Fall. These boots are featured from Alexander Wang

Cobalt

This seasons hottest primary colour trend is Cobalt. However it would be criminal when mentioning this seasons hottest primary colour, to not give reference to the belittlement that Meryl Streep gave Anne Hathaway in Devil Wears Prada. It was a point that opened fashion lovers vocabulary to what would of once been called ''blue''

This look is from DKNY, I must mention that I love the silhouette to this piece, it's unique

Countryside Alliance

This look is from Burberry, this trend sees designers re-visit the popular country classics. ''The familiar country dress codes of plaid, corduroy and traditional tailoring were seen throughout the collections, with dramatic coats best played in utility fabrics and earthy, autumnal colours'' Explained Vogue's Market Editor.

This look is from H&M's collection

Peplum

This is this seasons biggest and best trend! The peplum has been thrown directly into the spotlight in all respects. It has been seen on all the major catwalks and all the highstreet stores. Luxury fashion has also incorporated the peplum as you can see above, an absolute MUST have! This look is from  Alice & Olivia

This is a peplum top from Zara

Military Inspired

Military inspired is another trend that has been done again this season. Last season we saw many military inspired pieces and they are back and kicking this season! This look is from Suno, and the jacket is exquisite with lots of dimension to the piece, paired with the plain skirt, looks fantastic.

This is a military style jacket from Gucci this season

That concludes my collection of this seasons must have top 10 trends, each item luxurious in its own way and  each trend standing firmly in the spotlight for the duration of this Autumn/winter

H&M womenswear AW12, absolute beauty!

So I was out with a friend shopping yesterday and as we browsed through H&M I couldn't help but notice how inspirational their autumn/winter collection was! I couldn't wait to blog about it. So I'm going to get straight into it with showing you the beautiful pieces.

This is stunning, the jacket is a take on a typical biker jacket, H&M have also taken inspiration from the 60's by looks of it with the crop of the jacket and big shoulders. It compliments the high waisted trousers well as both dominant colours are the same. The trousers are beautiful, the material is unusual and totally new, with the slim fit and heels this outfit is a winner!

This is another stunner, H&M have really pulled it out of the bag here, we have never seen a silhouette this unusual, the only down side is this look would only suit one body type. The pattern of the leggings gives the look dimension, the jacket is extremely original, I love the Zebra type pattern in dark blue and black. Gives a great mix up to any autumn/winter outfit.

I must admit, I'm not a fan of the leggings, I feel the floral pattern is a little bit last season, however with that said the roll neck is a MUST for any fashionista this season! The pattern on the polo neck is replicated in the leggings in the look shown above, it isn't all over the jumper and is just enough for a real impact. The pearl and chain collar is a big statement piece to break up the long neck of the jumper. Very well done H&M!

This is a love/hate outfit for me. I love the t-shirt, the shorts, the clutch and the gloves but the middle finger up on the t-shirt just isn't classy at all. The detailing on the sleeves is great, it gives a real shine and glitz to the whole look and the pearl and chain collar is seen again here and compliments the neck of the t-shirt well. the shorts are a gorgeous material and catch the light well to show the subtle detailing, shorts are big this season too, yes even with winter coming. The clutch is practical and original, what more could a girl want eh?

Once again, H&M have pulled off a great collection, I feel the women's aw12 collection is very different to the men's. Both collection have obvious inspiration from the 60's though which I feel connects them well.

H&M men's AW12 collection

H&M has taken a whole new direction with this seasons collection. They have incorporated lots of colour to brighten up this autumn/winter! Also the pairing of bright contrasting colours is another technique H&M have used this season. Also the older trend of browns and gingham blazers has also found its way into H&M's AW12 collection.

When you say autumn/winter to somebody not only do we think of leaves falling from the trees and crisp snow not plum blazers, tan roll necks and green trousers. But H&M make this look work, and it works well! The double breast plum blazer is a new colour for this season, it goes well with the tan roll neck. Roll necks and blazers is a old favourite combination and H&M have revived it in this look.

This look is my favourite of the bunch. It isn't a new trend for this season, this type of blazer paired with gingham has been popular for some time now and it has not lost any of that popularity with H&M's autumn/winter 2012 collection. The gingham scarf sets off yet finishes the look well, which is hard to master. Simple details like the checked shirt you can see a glimpse of at the cuff, and the what looks like leopard print pocket square are small but still just as fundamental to the look as the blazer.

This look is preppy and wonderful! Again H&M have mixed two very vibrant colours, the mustard yellow and the red, and have once again made it work well! The fact that the burgundy roll neck is of the same colour spectrum as the red means that this blazer paired with the jumper looks clean and trendy. The slightly slim fit to the trouser gives it another modern spin on a usually wintery look. Finally the mustard coloured sweater vest will give that extra bit of warmth this season along with a great pop of colour in small  portions

All in all H&M have made a full U-turn in the fashion world and redeemed themselves in my books, remember this is only my opinion! Thanks for reading

Versace Men's A/W12, a winner as always

Versace have created yet another show stopping, over the top, beautiful collection this A/W 2012. I have collected a few of the many looks to give my thoughts and opinions on. The use of patterns with contrasting colours and fabrics seems to be a big trend for Versace this season. They have used many vibrant colours to make a jaw dropping collection. There are many pieces with contrasting patterns and clashing colours but it works so well in the collection and gives true dimension to every single piece

This look is genius. Versace have used to colour blue throughout to ensure each piece fits with the next, and the use of contrasting pattern doesn't clash at all, it simply compliments the other. The satin type material of the suit makes for a classy clean look paired with the new trend of army style pattern t-shirt.

This look I absolutely love, the black throughout the boots, trousers and leather jacket is topped off with a vibrant red to add a pop of colour. Also the use of the pattern in the black trousers ensures not all attention is on the red fur. I would kill for this outfit!

This look is quite classical and not as 'out there' as Versace's other looks, this is another favourite for the use of the same colour in a different shade, I can't recall any other designer ever doing it quite as well as Versace. The red suit looks amazing with the salmon colour roll neck; which is another MUST this A/W. The small detail of the pin on the lapel of the blazer and the pocket square adds a touch of class

Where do I start with this one!? It is genius! I must say I don't think I've ever seen such an unusual yet beautiful colour in a suit. A kind of khaki/green colour paired with the luminous yellow works wonders. On paper it would sound disastrous but in the flesh it is a total fashion triumph.The dog tags, pin and boots give the look a casual edge.

Once again I have saved the very best till last! This suit is gorgeous, and even though you cannot see much of it, let me tell you, that shirt is to die for. The velvety fabric of the suit and the satin type lapels catch the light to give a wonderful look to this outfit. The shirt finishes it off effortlessly, the sparkly gems in all different colours put together to create a pattern we haven't seen before with the plain black collar and middle makes this an absolute gem (pardon the pun)

I wish I could tell Donatella Versace how inspiring her designs are, her last collection even inspired H&M the high-street brand, to have a collection from the fashion guru herself. Versace's designs are always totally unique and refreshing to see. Well done, yet again!

Hermés Birkin, for men?

Now, if you have any interest in fashion you will know exactly what an Hermés Birkin is, if you don't you should be slapping yourself repeatedly right now! I myself do own an Hermés Birkin, the one pictured above and yes I am a guy. Before I am judged by the fashionista's out there I want to just reiterate that fashion is an expression of oneself, it is a tool we can all use to express and project an image upon others, we all; whether conscious or not, make decisions as to what we want to wear on any given day, this process is our brains choosing what we think we will look best in, and that IS fashion. Fashion isn't only about the most recent trends and what's on the catwalk this season, okay I agree it is MOSTLY about that but not all. It is any fashion lovers right to wear whatever they chose.

Anyway, not onto the all famous HERMÉS BIRKIN! *big grin*

The Hermés Birkin is the holy grail of designer bags, it is ridiculously expensive but totally worth it. You can fortunately now buy amazing replica's for more reasonable prices, the replica market is booming at the moment (I will do a full post on replica sites that I have tried, tested and trust). However, the point of this post is to address any guys hold ups when it comes to designer bags, or ''feminine'' clothing/accessories. I want to grab any guy out there with fears when it comes to fashion, shake them into full fashion consciousness by shouting at them ''IT'S OKAY MATE, WEAR WHAT YOU WANT'' but obviously it would be pretty impossible to do so. So my only hope is to blog about it! These guys can pull off the Birkin, so why can't you? Yes...YOU

Giorgio Richie with his black 40cm birkin with silver hardware. B-E-Autiful!!

Gold birkin 40cm silver hardware.

40cm birkin black with Silver hardware

I love this look, classy, casual and BIRKINAFIED

This is another great looks. 40cm birkin Etoupe with silver hardware

One of my favourite birkins. 40cm crocodile skin blue with silver hardware

Now guys all I will say is stick to non in-your-face colours. There is NOTHING wrong with having a colourful birkin if your a guy, just make sure you can make it work. Black, Etoupe and Gold would be your best bet in my opinion. Thanks for reading and go get your birkin!!!

Zara AW12, the one to watch!

Zara, autumn/winter 2012 collection has got to be one of my favourites so far. So many classical pieces paired with fresh off the drawing board trends. I could quite literally purchase every piece and be able to wear it with confidence and joy! Every piece is classy, clean and crisp with not a stitch out of place!

This is just one of the amazing outfits put together by Zara. The contrasting colours yet duplication of material makes for an amazingly fresh, smart but also casual look. The navy blazer paired with the charcoal trousers isn't a new combination, this is a tried, tested and approved colour combination, but when put with a black wide neck sweater, white shirt and blue tie this creates a totally new feeling look. Lets just say if I saw someone walking through High Holborn wearing this, undoubtedly it would turn my head.

This look is one that has incorporated the recent Gothic trend of which so many designers have unleashed onto the catwalk this A/W 2012. It is an outfit with one dominating colour thrown in with different fabrics, textures and pieces of clothing. The black blazer has a genius grosgrain ribbon lapel giving a contrasting texture to the detailing. The trousers are with a side stripe which also looks as though it is grosgrain ribbon which gives a tiny touch of classy, clean detail. Another genius idea was the pairing of a very low necked t-shirt with a black and white printed foulard to give a smidgen of colour to the look also to create dimension within the outfit. Only one way I can describe this...classic meets clever.

This look really needs no description. Its a total favourite of any fashion forward guy who is suited and booted for a living! The dull navy colour gives a slight brightening to the look without being OTT paired with a pocket square to match the colouring of the suit and a classic white shirt...timeless.

This look see's another classical piece (the winter coat) paired with a completely new upcoming trend for menswear...FUR!! I have been long awaiting the day that high-street fashion takes note from the big fashion bloggers such as; Brian Boy or Giorgio Richie, and uses fur in their designs. The way Zara have used the same colour throughout the coat means there is no in-your-face details to the piece, just pure class. The burgundy trousers are the only colour in this look, which in my opinion balances out the attention on each piece, for example not all the attention is on the fur, although I mean come on... Us guys can wear fur too!

I cannot begin to explain to you how head over heels in love I am with this studded portfolio!! It is a totally new piece we have not seen anywhere in high-street menswear before. Being the fashion obsessed guy I am, I can't help but want to call it a clutch bag, but that would be too feminine for us fashion forward guys out there. The studs are HOT this season and can be seen everywhere you look. I also love the outfit Zara has chosen to picture this gorgeous studded portfolio with, the grey trousers and blazer both with contrasting stripes or lapels to again create dimension.

I have certainly saved the best till last, this is my absolute favourite look from Zara's AW2012 menswear collection. They have really upped their game with the combination of total old time classics; such as the biker jacket and moccasin, with completely new touches; such as the skinny jean and foulard. This look is so casual yet has such clean lines. The jeans with a red stripe gives a touch of Gucci to any budgeted guys wardrobe (which is most of us right?). Also the biker jacket is a classic piece but Zara have chosen to use Pekary to give a new feel to this all time favourite jacket. The moccasin has been around for years but has just recently come up with all guns blazing onto the catwalk this season, I think they give a smart but laid back look. The foulard is probably my favourite piece from this outfit, it is another new; also quite feminine trend for men, scarves have always been a must for A/W but Zara have incorporated a sort of Alexander McQueen/Hermés feel to their foulards which I love.

Just to sum up, this Autumn/Winter seasons must have pieces definitely have to include items from Zara's amazing collection. Classics meet must haves...what more could a man want?