Need to know what shoes, bags and accessories to buy for winter? Take inspiration from the Fall Winter 09 collections (On Style.com) and hit the shops…
What: The Bag
Which: This season your bag should be a shoulder bag. If you are made of money you can buy every colour. On a budget? Stick to classic versatile black, brown or grey. It should have one shoulder strap, probably a chain strap. Which could be in gold, silver or resin. Think 70’s. Think classic Chanel. It should be in a casual square shape, or it can be slouchy and unstructured. Not too oversized or too small so you can’t carry your vodka bottle. It can be in an interesting texture like snakeskin. Steer away from patent unless it’s YSL. It can have hardware like, jewels, zips, studs or quilting. But my advice: keep it simple for day and go for jewels at night.
Why: Because we love to toss a bag on our shoulder with our hands free (carrying a tote in the crook of your arm is so Paris Hilton). Because a shoulder strap loves your new power shoulders and it will never slide off. Because an unstructured, slouchy, casual shape is much more versatile than a lady like shape that looks oh-so-formal. Because in this economy, it’s time to shop in your own closet and a fabulous bag will detract attention away from your bland, non de la non wardrobe.
Wear: If you are spending money, any money, you want a bag to go places. More bag for your buck. It has to be versatile. A casual shoulder bag will work with everything: wear it with baggy boyfriend jeans and your leather jacket on weekends. Toss it on with your Lanvin architectural little black dress at night. Wear it with your sharp shouldered blazer and harem pants. Take it to work and give it its own desk.(it can be your new PA).
Where:
First Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, YSL, Bally, Chanel
Business: Mimco, Wittner, Eclettica, Cue, Oroton
Economy: Witchery, Sportsgirl, Equip, Target, Portmans
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What: The Shoe
Which: Shoes have gone crazy this season. So mad they need therapy and Prozac. That’s the good news. You want platforms, tassles, studs, patent, patchwork, bright colours, metallic, T-bar and heels so high you need a stepladder to climb into them. If you had to invest in one pair what do you want? Go for a major platform with a thin heel. Keep away from wedges unless you spend more on your physio than your shoes. You want a round toe. Pointy is OK if they are Balenciaga. Pointy cheap shoes = cheap. Go for black for versatility but with shine or texture like pony skin or snakeskin. You want shoes that are over the top. Shoes that shout and make a statement. You want shoes that talk more than you do. Don’t do heels? Stay at home or go for ballets flats or lace up brogues. (And flat boots see below.)
Why: Because hot, sexy gorgeous shoes will instantly transform last season’s wardrobe into right now fabulousness. Because as you get older (Sorry to swear at you), you can rock outrageous shoes even if you can’t rock short skirts. Because next winter’s runways were littered with high heels (and models falling off them). Meaning? These heels are just peaking on the groove Richter scale so you won’t waste your money investing in them now. Because shoes always fit even after eating fried mars bars. Because when it rains your high platforms keep your feet dry.
Wear: Don’t buy fabulous shoes to hide them. Wear with short, crop, peg leg pants. Wear with a flirty skirt or a dress. Wear with baggy boyfriend jeans rolled up at the ankle. Wear with chinos, with skinny jeans, with a pencil skirt. And may I remind you that you can wear open toe strappy heels with black opaque hosiery. That means wearing heels from summer to winter. How clever. Wear with a pedicure. Wear with a car and driver. You won’t be walking anywhere.
Where:
First: Balenciaga, Lanvin, Bally, Marni, Belinda, Cosmo Shoes
Business: Mimco, Country Road, Gary Castles, Midas
Economy: Betts, Mollini, Zu shoes, Novo
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What: The Ankle boot
Which: We have seen it looming on the fashion radar now the ankle boot is hot, hot, hot! It should have a round toe but it could be pointy if it has a serious platform. Go for classic colours like black, brown and grey. You are not going to wear hot pink or red boots. Ever. You want a platform with strong heel. It could be a cone heel, a chunky heel or a stiletto heel. You might like a few studs or zips. They could have lacing up the leg. Go for suede, patent or snakeskin. Keep it strong and simple.
Why: Because when trousers, dresses and skirts get shorter the shoes turn into short boots. Because they are perfect for an Australian winter. Because they will add a sexy fashion edge to everything you wear. Because we don’t care if they cut your leg off and make them look shorter. It’s fashion. And we love it.
Wear: With flirty skirts. And short sexy dresses. Toughen up soft pretty haute hippy dresses with a shot boot. Wear with a pencil skirt and a leather jacket. Wear with cropped peg leg pants or rolled up jeans. You will never wear these under your jeans. Oh please. This is the law. (You should know better than that.) It’s not about hiding the boots. It’s about flashing your new fabulous purchase. Wear with black opaques. (Check out the Models at the Metropolitan Gala here and you will see short ball gowns and tough boots galore.)
Where:
First: Lanvin, Calvin Klein, Kors at Myer, Brian Atwood, Balmain,
Business: Gary Castles, Aldo, Wittner, Urban Soul at Myer, Peeptoesshoes
Economy: Wanted, Tony Bianco, Scooter shoes, Mollini
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What: The Long Boot
Which: You want long boots this winter. They could have a chunky heel or - here’s the good news - they could be flat riding boots. They should be in classic colours like black or brown. They should have around toe. If you are feeling daring, go for over the knee boots. They were all over the runways for next winter and will be hot, hot, hot! (They will also be Hot if you live in Sydney). You want boots that are simple and understated. You might like a buckle here or there but keep away from too many zips, tassles or studs.
Why: Because there is something very laid back about long boots with a pretty dress. Because sometimes you have to walk places. Because when skirts and dresses start to shrink then boots get longer. Because sometimes you might want to keep warm. And Dry.
Wear: You want to wear flat or high boots with short mini skirts and pretty dresses. With knee length, flirty skirts. Flat boots and pencil skirts don’t work. Don’t worry about matching boots to bags. Mix it up! Don’t wear long boots under jeans. This is punishable by law. You may tuck your jeans into your boots if you have to. Tip: Be careful wearing military jackets and boots. You might look like you are Adam Ant. This is not a good thing.
Where:
First: Belinda, Hermes, Donna Karan, Dior
Business: Gary Castles, Wittner, Country Road, Edward Meller
Economy: Mollini, Novo, Diana Ferrari in Myer
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What: Big Jewellery
Which: This is not a season for so-small-I-need-glasses to see jewellery. You need big, bold and over the top. Just like your shoes. You want chunky embellished cuffs in strong architectural shapes. You want big knuckle buster rings. You want amazing, oversized jewelled necklaces or piles of long strands of necklaces. You want bangles to stack up your arm. You want silver or gold. You want anything that is going to make an impact.
Why: Because strong, sharp shouldered clothes can handle strong accessories. Because one amazing piece will instantly update everything. Because there is something defiant (and joyful!) about wearing over the top jewels in a down turn. Because jewellery with personality will do all the talking (So you can do the drinking).
Wear: With all your favourite wardrobe basics. Wear an amazing jewelled necklace with a pretty feminine dress a la Burberry, wear a stack of leather cuffs peeking out from under your blazer. Wear piles of long gold necklaces over a poets blouse a la Givenchy. You can rock big jeweled earrings a la Prada. Wear lots of big rings if you have nice hands (and wear long gloves if you don’t). Tip: Keep the focus on one area: Love a big necklace? Ditch the cuffs, and the earrings. Keep it simple. Keep it clean. The over top, extravagant pile-it-all-on-look was fabulous in the Louis Vuitton show. But that was on the runway. And you are not a model. Sorry.
Where:
First: Marni, Tom Binns, Lanvin, Nina Ricci, David Jones, Belinda
Business: Mimco, Dinosaur Designs, Peter Lang, Oroton
Economy: Sportsgirl, Diva, Equip, Portmans
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