Young American Store

New York, London, Paris and Milan have showed us what we’ll be wearing next season, so let’s see what’s in store in the shorter term. There are two reasons why the autumn/winter season is so important. Firstly, it encompasses the change in fuctionality in clothing from bohemian, laid back image-centred summer styles to a more practical winter-warmer. And second, it covers the most anticipated date on any woman’s calendar - the Christmas party season.The following style statements will help you to keep heads turning at the end of 2009.

It is not surprising that the old propaganda slogan from World War II of ‘make do and mend’ is now a part of everyday vocabulary. The fact that most of us are becoming a lot more conservative about our spending habits has meant that vintage has become not only a style statement, but a necessity.

Eighties inspired looks are being re-made in the form of quilting and chain handles. These  can be found in most charity shops as well as in the dark corners of most of our mothers’ closets. If you fell in love with the Chanel 2.55esque chain handle in spring/summer there is a key way to instantly transform it into a bang on-trend look. Last season, we were all about hanging the chain handle effortlessly over our shoulders. Now, we need to wrap the chain around our hands to create the shape of clutch handbags. Just as effortless, but now bang on trend.

If you want to buy new, but keep it vintage inspired, I would recommend investing in tweed accessories. Designers are really loving the English Heritage inspired look at the moment. Woolly and warm tweed purses and handbags will have you head-over-heels and are perfect for teaming with this season’s must-have cosy, knitted styles.