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If last winter's trend was wearing tights in a bright contrasting colour, this year is more about creating a sophistcated look through wearing tights in the same colour as the rest of your outfit (if you dare, break it off with a pair of colourful shoes). There are no trend rules in fashion but if you like contrasting tights and still want to feel up to date, avoid bright colours and choose softer shades, for example tights in dark blue or dark purple (see far left and far right on picture). I really like the black and white trend as seen at J Mendel and Yigal Azrouel.

For coloured and black tights, my favourite brand for tights is danish Sneaky Fox. Really comfortable and long lasting tights available in several nice colours.

One of the biggest trends this season are the black laced tights. They are a bit trickier to wear since there is a fine line between sofisticated and trashy. But just keep the rest of the outfit simple and wear a black dress, or a black skirt with a white shirt as seen on Marni's A/W 09/10 show.

A piece of art

Ok, this is my last contribution about bags in a while, I promise. But I just have to show you this limited edition Balenciaga bag, available only through their web shop. It is like art, and it is actually cheaper than most art work, a mere £1000...

Hope you will all have a nice weekend, I will be working most of the time. I am off to New York in 1.5 weeks and plan to only wear my own design while there. Right now there are just fabrics all over the place so to avoid going on vacation naked, I better get up to speed!

Picture from www.balenciaga.com

Work bags

I find it difficult to come up with the perfect work bag solution, especially when you need to carry a laptop around. I thought I had solved the problem when I invested in a Mabel Holdall which could work as a regular handbag and still fit a 14.5" lap top. It turned out not to be that great. The bag was too heavy when carrying a laptop inside and too big for being a handbag (things tend to disappear in the bag). Therefore, at least until the perfect bag has been invented, I think the best solution is a small handbag and a computer bag. Right now there are some really nice computer bags/briefcases around. My two favourites are the ones from Coccinelle, feminine and stylish. Top row: Coccinelle Croc Print Leather Work Bag in Anthracite 38x29x8,5 and Coccinelle Saffiano Print Leather Work Bag in Iris 37x27x13 (for resellers check www.coccinelle.com). Second row: Mulberry Heathcliffe briefcase in black 8also available in Oak and Chocolate) 40x31x8,5 (www.mulberry.com) and Louis Vuitton Igor briefcase in gray 36x30x8 (www.louisvuitton.com)

The perfect pant

Besides jeans, I almost never wear pants. There is almost always something wrong with them; they are either too tight over the thighs, too wide in the waist, but in most cases they simply does not look good on me.

My first collection will not include pants. The reason for this is partly that pants are really hard to make. In tailoring, it is the most difficult garment you cut, hence the reason why most pants does not fit. Partly I also want to create a really feminine line, just including dresses and skirts. But in the end, whether we like it or not, we need pants. I am planning to spend a year researching on the perfect pant. I am just thinking it must be possible to make pants that are comfortable, yet stylish. If people can fly to the moon then how hard can it be?

The wardrobe saviour - DvF's wrap dress

In the MTV reality show The City, the stars of the show, Whitney Port and Olivia Palermo, both "work" at the Diane von Furstenberg office in New York's Meatpacking district. DvF's participation in a show with viewers mainly being girls in their teens and early twenties is most likely part of a strategy focusing on rejuvenating the brand, focusing on younger customers. Looking at the latest collection, the classic silk wrap dress is to my disappointment only available in a few versions (and not even that nice, see picture). In general the collection is younger and trendier, most of the pieces are still nice, but different. For those of you who like myself still belive the classic wrap is a wardrobe saviour that works both in the office and during an evening out should have a look at eBay or similar sites. There are a lot of vintage dresses being sold so grab the opportunity and make a bargain!

Love at first sight...

Yes it must be love. Not just a fling.

A Pair Pink boots from http://www.saraclausin.com/

Forest fashion

On a sunny autumn day, packing a lunch and going hiking in the forest is one of my favourite ways of spending the day. A couple of years ago, functional clothing seem to be developed for men only, mostly available in ill-fitting models and boring colours. Luckily, these days there is a great assortment from brands like Peak Performance and North Face. If I would update my "forest look", I would go for this outfit.

Tierra Prime Female jacket from www.naturkompaniet.se, North Face Women Trekking convertible pant from from http://www.snowandrock.com/ and Scarpa Women Trekking boot WZG10 from http://www.snockandrock.com/

Cut the crap

The Swedish fashion company Acne has been very successful over the last years in expanding its business and is now probably the most hyped brand among the Swedish fashion crowd. My personal wardrobe also consist of quite a few Acne pieces and while getting nostalgic about the grunge period, I had to go for a checked flanell shirt/dress from their Pop Classic range the other day.

When I got home, I accidentially looked on the inside of the shirt and saw that some of the seams where not overedged and were beginning to tear up. This piece was around €100 which is probably four times the price of a similar garment at H&M or Zara. As a consumer it is sad to realize that sometimes you seem to pay for the brand and not quality. Word of advise - be critical when you buy clothes. Always do the "wrinkle test"; squeeze a piece of the garment in your hand to check if it will wrinkle. Try to check the seems of the garment and take a look on the inside as well. These days, low cost production of clothes often means low quality as well so there is a need to stay attentive as a consumer. There is unfortunately way too often no correlation between price and quality. I certainly learnt my lesson this time...

All good things come in three

On my wish list...

Anya Hindmarch's three pocket leather bag €791 from http://www.net-a-porter.com/, Mulberry's Ava with chain in gold cracked metallic leather €350 from http://www.mulberry.com/ and Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Riz leather shoulder bag €350 from http://www.net-a-porter.com/

When did the fashion industry become fashion?

They have just kept coming over the last year; The September Issue, Coco avant Chanel, Valentino: The Last Emperor, Lagerfeld Confidential and Coco Chanel. Not that I complain but just curious how fashion all of a sudden became fashion? It is no longer just reflected as vain over-consumption in TV shows and romantic comedies like Sex and the City or Confessions of a Shopaholic. Finally quality movies and documentaries are being produced focusing on the talented and hard working people behind the scenes. So far I have only seen The September Issue which is a great documentary that I would easily recommend anyone to see, no matter if you are into fashion or not.

Yes she can!

I just have to join the rest of the fashionistas in celebrating Michelle Obama's style. Hmm, you probably think, the woman is the first lady so obviously a personal stylist would be one of the fringes that comes with the job, so how hard can it be? Well that is my suspicion as well since few people in her position would neither have the time, nor prioritize, planning the different outfits like hers. But as Mrs Obama's spokeswoman, Katie McCormick, stated; "to the best of my knowledge, she does not use a stylist". Which of course could be interpreted as you like.

Anyhow, the woman looks smashing and when she eventually gets kicked out of the White House and might be interested in changing career track, I would hire her straight away. The amazing thing is not the clothes alone but how she puts it all together with different (but often the same) accessories.

Enjoy and get inspired!

Your basic wardrobe - Shoes

When investing in basic shoes, try to go for quality if your budget allows it. Shoes that you frequently use needs maintenance and cheaper shoes often needs even more visits to the shoemaker. Which basic shoes you need obviously depends a lot on your lifestyle and style in general, still I have put together some suggestions that I belive are essential for most working women.

One of my personal favourites is the riding boot. These boots are great over jeans and tights, but can also be used with a wool dress or skirt. Another boot you should invest in is a very nice pair of heeled ones as they can be used both in the office and for a dinner out. Try to go for a comfortable pair and eventhough higher ones often look nicer, do not EVER make a trade off in comfort. Remember that boots are made for walking, not sitting in a bar. The LK Bennet boot on the picture looks slim and feminine eventhough the heel is mid-height.

Another classic shoe is the basic court. Again, go for a height and model that feels comfortable and reflects your style in general. The Mary Jane model is nice since pumps tend to stretch after a while and the strap will keep the shoe from fitting loosely. Ballerinas, or flats, are a nice complement in your wardrobe since they can be used with almost any piece of clothes. I personally prefer pointed models, as the Jil Sander flats pictured, since they are more flattering for the legs.

Last but not least you need something for special occassions, such as cocktail parties and weddings. This is probably the most tricky part since comfortable ones are hard to find. If possible, go for a covered toe since they can be used both barefooted and with a pantyhose. I suggest you colourwise go for a silver or gold sandal as they are neutral and goes with all outfits. Eventhough you choose a gold sandal, do not be afraid of wearing silver jewelry, or the other way around.

Clockwise from left: Church's leather riding boots, Jimmy Choo knee-high boots, LK Bennett Celtic boot in black, Christian Louboutin new decoltissimo 70 distressed pumps, LK Bennett Selina, Christian Louboutin Corto 85 pumps, Jimmy Choo patent flats, Jil Sander pointed spazzalato leather flats, Jimmy Choo brandy mirrored leather slingbacks and LK Bennett Feria.

Italians do it better (at least in some areas)

There is something special about shopping at outlets in Italy. I seldom like sales and outlets since the clothes often look used (they often have been tried, bought and returned for a season), it is difficult to actual see the niece pieces since things tend to be in piles or hang really tightly, or most important, it is often not even that cheap. But italians just know how to do it.

If you ever decide to go on vacation in the Como area, be sure not to miss The Silk Concept Store, located near the center of Como. At the store you can find overstocks from brands like Diane Von Furstenberg, Christian Lacroix, Kenzo, Victor & Rolf, Calvin Klein, etc. For example, classical DvF scarves are sold at a 60% discount. The store also sells some amazing silk fabrics very much in season for only €25 per meter.

Another outlet worth visiting in the outskirts of Como is Diffusione Seta Outlet. The store sells silk and pashmina scarves at a bargain price (around €15 for a pashmina scarf and €18 for a 90x90 silk scarf). They also sell designer scarves from Missoni, Emporio Armani, Fendi and Versace. The prices might sometime still be high but the styles are great and not outdated.

Greetings from Lake Como

This is where I will spend the next couple of days, scanning the market for silk fabrics. Lucky me!

Spice up your wardrobe

If you feel like a bit of therapeutic handicraft work and have a black skirt hanging in your wardrobe that you never use, then buy some studs (can be found online), bring out a hammer and get yourself a trendy skirt for Autumn 2009. Wear it with a basic black top and you will have a stylish but funky outfit.

Some inspiration from Oscar de la Renta and Markus Lupfer