Some people struggle with super skinny jeans, others can’t handle high heels. We all have our own sartorial issues and mine has always been dressing for my age. Try as I might, I always seem to end up looking either twelve years old or positively middle aged. Maybe it’s the blouses, who knows. Anyway, I’ve always been a sucker for all things ladylike so I was overjoyed by the fabulous 40′s revival that cropped up on the catwalks for AW11. From purple fur stoles at Gucci to elbow length gloves at Donna Karan, at first glance it seemed that this season we’d all be channeling Desperates Housewives’ Brie Van De Kamp – albeit a rather more glamourous version. I was ready and raring to indulge in silk shirts, pussy-bow blouses and cashmere cardigans galore but after a more thorough inspection of the runway edits it’s clear that this seasons’ muse has a rather more subversive side. Whilst Jonathan Saunders and Miu Miu were all about modest hemlines, elsewhere something racier was going on and surprised though I am to admit it, it rather appeals to me. For the first time in, well ever, PVC is back on the fashion menu with Louis Vuitton, Giles, and Givenchy all encouraging us to unleash the vixen within. Mid skirts may be a “must-have” for AW11 but so are peek-a-boo necklines, seductive sheer panelling, black lace and lashings of leather. Obviously adorable little sweaters and chicly tailored jackets went straight to the top of my new season wish list but during a pre-Fashion Week Topshop trip (one of many) the other week I found myself leaving with a skin-tight leather pencil skirt. Not my usual style, but isn’t the point of fashion to take risks and mix things up once in a while?

From left: Donna Karan, Miu Miu, Prada, Jonathan Saunders

From left: Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Mark Fast, Giles

Who will YOU be this season, a lady or a vamp?

Love Ella. X