Wendy at Glossed Over has made it an annual tradition to take her readers through the notoriously thick September issue of American Vogue. She reads each and every page, and blogs about it live. This year it took her over nine hours! You may not agree with her opinions, but you have to admire her stamina.

German women’s magazine Brigitte has decided to start using professional cover models again after complaints from readers. One of the reasons given is that working with women who aren’t professional models is more time-consuming, and therefore more expensive. 

CR Fashion Book, the much talked about magazine of Carine Roitfield will hit the newsstand on September, 13. In the meantime the ex editor-in-chief of French vogue has announced that “Birth and Rebirth” is the theme for the debut issue. Will you be standing in line to get a copy?

Fab Links from Our Members

Are you looking for inspiration to get a little more mileage from your Summer workhorses? Carole recommends this blog post about transitioning your wardrobe from Summer to Fall.

Angie says this dapper couple at NYFW deserves a round of applause. She loves seeing a man in a suit, and a lady wearing flats with a dressy frock is so refreshing.

Pantone announced their top colours for Spring 2013, MaryK digs them all and is especially smitten with the Monaco Blue.

AK’s Guide to Suits was intended as a visual reference for artists. Laurinda is fascinated with the details, such as the difference between English, Italian and American cuts. Being a fan of fashion illustrations myself, I too thought this was brilliant.

Continuing this theme, Vildy liked the piece “What Womenswear Bloggers Can Learn from Menswear Bloggers” for thinking about what kind of approach encourages each of us to buy certain items.

SHEfinds blogged about their five fashion commandments to live by. The fifth commandment, “Shop often, buy sparingly”, resonated with Kristin because she likes to walk around stores but usually goes home empty-handed.

JulieJohn found Sally’s blog post on how different boot shaft heights affect the way your legs look very informative, especially the fact that different contrast levels between the colour of your boots and pants are also part of the equation.

“Skin is in… and it’s sophisticated”, reports The Wall Street Journal (subscription only). Makrame enjoyed reading their take on this Fall’s new refined and tailored leather trend.

Fashion meets technology in so many places, like the ever advancing science of fabrics, or the IT that powers fashion week these days, and even the blog post you are reading right now. But nowhere is the collision as literal as it is with the bags and cases we use to carry our gadgets around with us. After all, if we care about the design of our handbag, why wouldn’t we be just as discerning about the design of our phone case or our laptop bag? 

Of course, the additional baggage does also amplify the practical issues. Not only do we want our bags to be stylish, but we need them to carry all the items we were already before the technology came along, and we need them to do so in a way that is comfortable. The age old challenge of form versus function. 

Many of my clients are professionals who carry their laptop when they commute to and from work. And I find that they generally gravitate to one of two solutions:

1. They carry a large, robust and fashionably oversized tote that can accommodate their laptop and all of the other things they would have carried in their bag. So no extra laptop case required.
2. They carry their handbag and a briefcase or dedicated case for their laptop. They usually clutch onto the laptop case with one hand while carrying a “normal” handbag on their shoulder. Some even prefer a wristlet as their small handbag. 

A few of my clients carry their laptops in backpacks because they commute by bicycle. Sometimes they will carry a small cross-body bag in addition to the backpack as their handbag.

Which brings me to HP, who are running a contest to design a bag for their new Envy 4 Ultrabook. The contest is hosted on HP.com and will be judged by three industry experts, including Mondo, a winner of Project Runway Season. You can help HP to choose the winner — just go to their site and vote for one of the 40 semi-finalists. While you are there you can also take a look at the hundreds of entries from which these 40 were chosen. 

Once you have voted, do let us know in the comments which design you chose and why. Also, help me to understand what makes a good laptop bag. I don’t need one myself because I seldom need my laptop with me when I’m out and about, and when we are traveling hubby Greg carries it along with his own laptop and camera equipment. So I’d love to hear what you look for in a laptop bag.

The bags above were designed by Mondo for HP’s new Envy 4 Ultrabook.

You are on Team Fitted Knitwear if you prefer to wear pullovers and cardigans that are tailored. They fit the contour of your body thereby defining your waistline and showcasing your shape. You are on Team Boxy knitwear if you prefer to wear pullovers and cardigans that surrender the waistline, do not showcase your shape, and are roomy all over. Boxy knitwear silhouettes are particularly on trend at the moment. Empire cut knitwear falls into the boxy category.

Classic fitted black turtlenecks are part of my signature style and an indispensable wardrobe essential. Almost all my bottoms work with a fitted black turtleneck. There are few items that I like more than a simple, sleek black turtleneck! I wear fitted turtlenecks in colours and patterns, and I wear fitted crew neck pullovers. That said, I’ve also acquired an assortment of trendy boxy pullovers, some with high-low hemlines, some with banded hems, and some A-line. As modern as those styles feel right now, they also make me think fondly of the retro ’80s when we wore oversized knitwear until the cows came home. I love it! 

I’m back on the bench this week with hot cocoa and shortbread because the rules do not allow us to bat for both teams. Over to you. Are you on Team Fitted or Team Boxy Knitwear? 

This style of jacket is referred to by many different names in retail. Some call it a safari or military jacket. Others call it a cropped parka or anorak. I know it as a utility jacket. 

We see utility jackets every year, so the style is not new. They are usually in a shade of olive, khaki, grey, navy, black or brown, and sometimes in a non-neutral colour. Utility jackets are generally made of a thick, distressed cotton twill and have quite a bit of pocket and topstitch detailing. Every so often you’ll see them in a washed silk or waxed cotton. They often have a drawstring at the waist or even a tie belt. 

Utility jackets are ideal for casual outfits, and a fab lightweight jacket option for mild Autumn and Winter climates. A little tomboy, a little tough, and quite maximal because of all the design detailing. They are a no-brainer with jeans, denim shorts or ponte pants, biker or cowboy boots, and a tee, simple pullover or plaid shirt. Add a scarf and some arm candy. This is how my clients like to wear their utility jackets in child friendly or very casual settings. 

Pairing a casual utility jacket with dressy pieces is a vibe I like even more. It’s fashion forward and makes for an interesting juxtaposition. So think outside the box by wearing it with fancy heels, sequins, silky blouses, pencil skirts, sheath dresses and bling — much like you would pair a denim jacket with a dressy outfit to dress it down.

As much as I like the look of utility jackets on others, and their cool juxtaposition with dressy pieces, I would still rather wear an iconic faded denim jacket or a moto jacket. Or a streamlined casual blazer sans all the pocket and zipper detailing. This type of safari, military and tomboy styling is not my thing. That said, I would wear the navy cotton belted jacket from Banana Republic from the items below probably because it’s more classic, less casual, and in navy. I look dreadful in khaki and most shades of olive. 

Would you wear a utility jacket? If so, how would you style it? Do you like the idea of wearing a safari jacket with dressier pieces, sequins and bling? Or will you stick to other styles of casual jackets.