In September I attended London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House with a friend. It was the second year I had been and is a great opportunity for anyone to experience the excitement of the exclusive fashion week that proceeds it, attended by over 5000 press and buyers. There are trend and designer catwalk shows. We attended the trend show which was presented by Angela Scanlon, the presenter, fashion writer and stylist. The trend show was styled by the outnet.com, founded in 2009 by the NET-A-PORTER group and selling over 250 designers at up to 75% off. We arrived early to join the queue and managed to get second row seats for the catwalk show. The first trend was ‘One and Only’ and this trend explores wearing colour head to toe and mixing textures such as velvet and leather.

Then it was ‘Candy Crush’ – no longer do pastel shades have to be exclusive to summer – this trend shows how to work it into your autumn/winter wardrobe.

Next up was ‘Jungle Fever’ embracing all sorts of animal prints, some more subtle than others and earthy tones.

The final trend was probably my favourite ‘Fairytale’. Designers have taken inspiration from their favourite fairytales and experimented with chiffon, lace and embellishment. The cape seems to be the coat to go for again this winter.  The show closed with a stunning red dress by Oscar de la Renta.

Oscar de la Renta

Hair for the show was styled by Toni&Guy and Make up was by Maybelline. The hair trend was the slick backed ponytail.

Lulu Guinness who was presented an OBE in 2006; celebrates 25 years of design this year so it seemed fitting that the free tote bag this year was designed by her.  Lips have long been her trade mark with a special edition silver lips clutch being released for her anniversary but this year it’s all about hands.  The bag was full of some great goodies including an Essie nail varnish and a Maybelline mascara.

Speaking of the fairytale theme – I couldn’t resist these cinderella pyjamas – they were simply made for me.

Some of my first autumn purchases took inspiration from both one and only and fairytale – a burgundy lace dress from New Look and some burgundy suede shoes also  from New Look.

Now the weather is getting cooler it will soon be time to invest in some cosy knitwear and possibly a new coat.  Don’t you just love a new season?  Happy shopping!