For a long time I wasn’t inspired by anything at J. Crew. I hadn’t been shopping there with clients for ages. That changed a few months ago when I discovered how super their women’s range was looking. Their colourful, preppy, modern-classic look is not for everyone, but certainly worth a look this season if that’s your style. Their cashmere special ($99 for a plain cru), wool coat assortment, dressy knitted tunics, trapeze cardigans, fine wale corduroy, checked wide-legged pants and cozy lounge knits really caught my eye. It’s a pity that their on-line shopping site does not do their clothing justice. You don’t seem to get the same impact when you browse on-line as you do when you browse in store. So reserve your judgment until you get to a store! J. Crew remains a price point above Banana Republic and they seldom go on sale, but their clothing is beautifully made and I’m happy to have them back on my shopping list.

Images from the J. Crew Autumn 2007 look book.

Patent is everywhere and it’s the third season in a row. From handbags to shoes, wallets to belts and jackets to jewelry, there’s no getting away from major gloss and shine this season. I like patent best when it’s cracked, distressed and textured. It’s the newer and edgier version of high shine at the moment and I love it’s urban appeal.

The trend is taken to new heights this Autumn with entire garments made of patent. Less extreme, but equally eye catching, are skirts, pants and coats that glisten graphically with patent trim. It seems that high shine has gone from fashion statement to fashion basic in less than 18 months. It’s quite the look in men’s and children’s shoes as well.

Patent remains one of the biggest trends around and I’d be surprised to see it diminish next year. How do you feel about the shine?

Fashion forward patent and cracked patent men’s shoes.

It’s half-time for the 2007 Autumn and Winter collections. Most retail stores are on sale and there are bargains to be had. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, October is one of the best times to shop for cold weather clothing because:

• Transitional Autumn merchandise is marked down
• Dressy holiday ensembles begin to hit stores
• The best woolen items make their debut (outerwear, coats, cashmere and merino wool knitwear)

Lightweight knits, trenches and cotton-rich items get pushed off store floors to make room for fancy occasion wear, resort wear (in case you’re off to a sunny spot to thaw), and heavy weight winter garments. You’ll see additional inputs of fresh winter merchandise hit stores in November.

Retailers generally resist further delivery of sales stock from the first week of December till Christmas because they don’t like to bulk up stocks just before Christmas. Business tends to fall flat straight after Christmas and unsold goods leads to reduced profit. January is markdown month and Spring lines start making their cheerful entry in February. So what you see in stores between now and the end of November is everything that this season still has to offer.

If you are a lucky sale shopper, then now is your time. If you haven’t updated adequately for the upcoming season – get cracking! The good stuff, whether it’s in terms of design or value, flies out of stores. Continue to make savvy decisions when you shop . Do not buy something if you do not know how to wear it, or how to build it into an ensemble from the other items in your wardrobe. The item will remain unworn and that’s a waste of money.

I make a beeline for Banana Republic Menswear at this time of year. Half the store is on sale and the best of their Autumn and Winter collections makes its debut. It remains one of my favourite places to buy hip, affordable and good quality basics for gentlemen clients.

Knee-high boots tucked into skinnies or slipped on underneath a skirt is a fab look for Autumn. It’s a versatile dressing formula that can be adapted to any fashion persona or lifestyle. While classic long boot styles are always in vogue, you might get the urge to splurge on an alternative funky pair if your budget allows it.

• Cuffed boots are striking, but they can look bulky if they aren’t shaped correctly for your legs. A streamlined cuff and a style that tapers at the ankle is a safe option.
• Biker boots add an edge to any ensemble by providing glorious contrast when matched with ultra feminine pieces.
• Casual flat boots are all the rage on the streets of London. Riding boots and slouchy styles make for a superbly unfussy urban look.
• Sliver wedge boots are a modern and retro combination. Their low wedge heels oozes comfort, but beware of their overall silhouette. They could make you feel dumpy since the style doesn’t always taper at the ankle.

One of the reasons I love Autumn is because boot season really gets my fashion juices going. Long boots in particular are a powerful statement piece that always adds drama to your ensemble. And thanks to heavenly cushioning insoles, their comfort factor is easily increased.