Midi-length or “tea length” skirts and dresses finish somewhere between the bottom of the kneecap and the bottom of the calf. Form fitting midi skirts and dresses were very prevalent in the 1940’s. They were popular in flared silhouettes in the 1950’s. And they were popular in just about every silhouette in the 80’s – anyone remember the flared midi skirt that hitched up on one side?

I mentioned in my Spring 2011 Fashion Week coverage that hemlines were getting longer, and we’re starting to see hints of that happening this season. The midi skirt and dress trend is still very fringe, but judging by what I’ve seen at the Fall 2011 shows, midis are going to be mainstream in 6 months. And I’m very happy about it.

Give me the right midi skirt or frock a million times over a maxi skirt or dress. Somehow, the leg revealing length is much more flattering to my eye. I suspect that many will find the midi frumpy. Granted, petite women often look better in shorter skirts because they balance out proportions. The midi looks best when worn with at least a low heel, once again, to balance out proportions. But please don’t say no to this trend if it doesn’t light your fire immediately. Midis come in a range of lengths and silhouettes, and you might end up loving the look once you’ve found the version that’s right for you.

For those who prefer shorter skirts, don’t worry because they are absolutely sticking around. Hopefully we’ll see a great assortment of midis and minis over the next five years so that there is something for everyone. There will also be maxis for those who prefer that length of skirt and dress.

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Of all the over the top runway collections at the New York Fashion Week for Fall 2011 so far, Rag & Bone comes up tops. I have a few Rag & Bone pieces that I purchased at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but they aren’t over the top at all! Rag & Bone makes an impeccably tailored jacket which is why the brand holds my interest. I bet that the pieces in this show are beautifully made.

I don’t quite know how to describe this collection other than that it was exciting and fabulously vibrant to see it come down the runway. The palette started off with cream and taupe, then moved through to brown and tomato red, and finished off with cobalt blue and black. It was a creative hybrid of mod frocks, ski gear, motor cross detailing, Scottish kilts and tartan, boarding school striped blazers and collegiate sweaters. That’s a crazy mixture, which I believe was actually well executed. The pictures speak for themselves.

Remember that these outfits might look unwearable because of the unexpected combinations. Things look blindingly bold and overly mismatched. Once you dissect the outfits and style each item in a less eccentric way, it’s like magic – they suddenly become more wearable.

View the full collection on Style.com.

We met good friends in Seattle’s Belltown district for a casual brunch on Saturday. It was probably one of the windiest days I have ever experienced here in Seattle. My hair spiked up in all directions, my dress stuck to me like papier-mâché, and my trench coat kept blowing open – all of which made picture taking quite interesting.

I like to wear a comfy frock with flat or low heeled boots on casual days because it’s a fast and easy fall back option. On goes the frock with hose, throw on a necklace, add a pair of boots, choose a pair of specs, grab a coat and bag and Bob’s your Uncle. I’m out the door in two secs.

I’m wearing one of the long sleeved dresses I recommended recently. It’s a Karen Kane cowl neck dress made of rayon jersey knit that drapes like a dream. It’s a super length and as soft as my sweats. I like to scrunch up the sleeves for an even more relaxed look. The cowl neck works best with a short necklace which is why I chose a short strand of chunky pearls. With the blustery wind I struggled to keep the dress from looking obscenely glued to my body sans the trench so I’m afraid that this is the best picture Greg could take.

My black double breasted military trench coat, a wardrobe work horse, is cozier than it looks because it’s quilted on the inside. It’s also water resistant, fairly crease-proof, and repels dirt, dust and hair – perfectly practical for walking around Seattle.

I wore my embroidered brown boots to break up the black from head to toe thing. I bought the boots at a boutique in Amsterdam while visiting my Dad five years ago. They aren’t on trend, but to me they are still in style because of their arty, somewhat bohemian edge. Plus they are unique, well made, really comfy and fun to wear. I don’t see myself ever giving them up, but do wear them with different items each season. I’m going to give them a go with my harem pants and long tweed shorts as soon as it warms up.

I layered my hose, nude underneath and zig zag pattern on top, and went with a matchy-matchy red handbag. Lunch was delicious and the company divine. When we came back home, the trench, bag, specs and boots came off and the slippers went back on. I made a cup a tea, snuggled with my pups and continued watching live coverage of New York Fashion Week online.

It’s amazing how your favourites jump out at you when you start watching several fashion shows one after the other across a short timeframe. On the runway I love happy colours and strong colour contrasts (I guess I’m drawn to that in real life too). I also enjoy a show so much more when the models march to a strong, fast beat. The show and the clothes aren’t nearly as impactful to me when the models strut to slow melodic music.

This is the first time I’ve watched a Prabal Gurung show and I was impressed, so much so that it’s my second favourite show so far. His designs are edgier than my current favourite, Jason Wu, and just as fab.

Prabal Gurung had me with his colour palette: black, cream, tomato red, dove grey, metallic and fuschia. The ensemble with the patterned lace cream trousers and red hip stripe is the best outfit I’ve seen at this Fashion Week – crop top and all.  Look at those perfect pant lengths! Gurung’s midi skirt and dress lengths are totally up my alley too. It certainly looks like longer hemlines are in the pipeline.

I adore rich tomato red and bright fuschia, so I’m over the moon when a designer uses them in the same outfit as shown below. I like Gurung’s use of soft fabrications like chiffon, lace and georgette with heavy faux fur and brocade. Shoulders on jackets and coats are still sharp and silhouettes are both form fitting and voluminous. Gurung scores bonus points for putting long sleeves onto dresses. At last!

This designer has caught my attention. His designs are romantic and retro but with a strong urban integrity.

View the full collection at Style.com.