Pamela is inside a traditional red London telephone booth, with the famous Big Ben looming in the background.
Fashionable Eye Global
Ex-patriot Pamela Mileski highlights London's fashion haunts and winter fashion must haves, as Fashionable Eye's Global London fashion correspondent.
London is exciting for a number of reasons. From the latest smash hit in the West End theatre, to the buzzing new restaurant or nightclub opening in Mayfair, to the throngs of people frequenting London’s beautiful sights and attractions. However, more so that anything else, London is exciting because it promotes personal expression. Nowhere is this more evident than in fashion.
Having lived in London for a year now, I am amazed at the vast array of styles that co-exist in this city – quite happily. The Londoner’s fearlessness of fashion is amazing and in my view doesn’t exist quite so strongly anywhere else (and I’ve travelled some distance around this amazing globe of ours). Indeed, read any fashion magazine and it will become evident that there is one common opinion out there – the city is famous for its uniqueness and creativity.
Every season brings out vibrant new trends which then reverberate throughout the world. Moving into winter, I was stunned at the quality and quantity of the selection available on the high street (the term for the main retail area in a particular district). Having lived in Sydney all my life, I realized our winter selections back home are definitely tailored to suit our milder winters. So it was with great enthusiasm that I devoured the fabulous boots and coats and scarves and hats that adorned the shops. A winter fashion wonderland!!!
However, with this new wave of trends hitting the stores there comes another series of antagonising decisions about what to buy! It’s all so deeply desirable (isn’t it always?). Short of winning the lottery and being able to go in and buy everything you want, I find the secret with any new season is to update your look by investing in a few key pieces that can be worn together and with your existing wardrobe. But how to select those key pieces and a few pieces which may not move into the new season but are a MUST for now??
Mix up your shopping – go to Primark where you can bag yourself a bargain for that seasonal trend you may not be so keen on in 3 months time such as a cowboy shirt or that cropped tuxedo style jacket (the more tuxedo-style, the better). The flagship Primark store is a shopping phenomenon so make sure you take plenty of patient and good elbow action to make your way through the throngs of women looking to bag a bargain. No exaggeration, Primark is not for the weak. Considering no self respecting female shopper is weak, there is no excuse. In fact, anywhere on Oxford Street at any time of the year should be met with strength and a fighting spirit.
Top Shop, H&M, River Island – all have it going on in the fashion stakes. River Island gets the thumbs up for being affordable and right up there in terms of taking fashion trends right off the catwalk and making them available to everyone. For some fun, Miss Selfridge can’t be beaten – at Selfridges all the high quality brands are available and let’s not forget the stunning shoe collection, the amazing selection of accessories and the make up!! The bold colours to go with that crazy, eclectic outfit you’ve just bought.
My favourite trend this winter is knitwear taking on a fantastic chunky feel with vibrant colours and weaves. Teamed with sexy leggings (yes, they are still here!) or textured/patterned tights and some killer heals this season sees women looking stylish and yet feeling very comfortable. And let’s not forget that oversized, brightly coloured bag draped over your arm. Pure bliss! They are chic yet spacious enough to hold everything you need during the day.
Colour is a fantastic way to spice up your wardrobe and get away from the gloomy greyness of good ol’ London-town. I am currently obsessed with anything of the crimson shade, as is most of London’s fashionistas. Terracotta to crimson are the hottest shades of the season. Forget classic black (but only for a moment!) and hit the town in a little purple dress, or a red dress. However, I am a sucker for black as well as any shade on the rainbow. Particularly a fantastically cut black coat. And boy do the shortening days and frosty nights mean only one thing – a new coat (or 5 perhaps?). Alongside that hot black coat, the must have for this winter is a bold coloured coat that will work with either denim or a cocktail dress. My latest lust-have is an aqua military styled coat from River Island. And for only 70 pounds, it’s a steal! For another option, try a leather jacket – cropped and black. You simply cannot go wrong this winter.
My other favourite purchase this winter has been patent ankle boots. Teaming two trends in one – patent is everywhere – in bags, shoes, belts. The ankle boot has cropped up with a vengeance. Best with a mini dress and opaque tights, this fantastic phenomenon allows you to keep your feet nice and cosy in the colder months, while keeping sexiness in winter footwear.
So, if in London – forget about that credit crunch; don’t be shy GO OUT AND BUY BUY BUY!
Pamela Mileski.
** In addition, here is Pamela's top 5 timeless fashion must have's:
- Must have handbags -oversized handbags
These will never go out of style and they are here for the winter. Pick a bright colour you love and wear it to death! - Must have shoes - ankle boots
These work great with trousers, mini dresses, knit dresses and leggings! For a warm alternative to heels, these are a winner. - Must have tights - patterned & textured tights
The only way to deal with the banishment of those sexy bare legs for the winter is to stock up on the range of patterned and textured tights out there. Spice up any dress or skirt with these. - Must have colour - purple
From deep plums to light lavenders; this is simply the hottest colour to have this season. - Must have knitwear - dresses, cardigans
Winter time without knitwear is like summertime without a good swimming costume - impossible. Find your perfect piece whether it be corporate, pretty feminine or chic.