Zia Covets - The Aviator

Taken by glory of the 'New Ladylike' the Burberry Aviator jacket all the fashion mags were crooning over barely made me blink. As I sat writing my bi-annual list of purchases to complete my wardrobe - the ones that will fill in all the gaps and create an amazing pulled together collection of clothes (this does not and will never happen because in the end I always buy what I fall in love with) my mind kept straying back to the Aviator. But I had wanted to ditch the Tomboyish tendencies and embrace capes and framed handbags! Maybe even make some effort with my straggly mop of hair for a change... Unfortunately at this point I realised I had spent two evenings on the internet wistfully gazing at flying jackets.

My two favourites on the high street are the Miss Selfridge with the Faux Fur Trim in a rich dark brown, and a cute and surprisingly cheap little number from H&M, who finally have an online UK store. I know now, that it is too late for me, clearly I'm not quite ready to throw away the skinny jeans and cowboy boots just yet.

I'll probably still embrace the cape though.

And yes, I do actually write a list.

Zia Loves - The New Refined

Whilst amid the frosty alps in New Zealand I decided it was time to approach the Autumn/Winter collections. It is a most painful thing in sunny July looking at our future winter selection, not as bad on the other side of the world in the bitter cold.
The New Refined looks fabulous on Karly Kloss, but anything would on that fresh faced 17 year old. She can wear a tweed circle skirt with a belted Aran Knit sweater and kitten heels with socks and look like she's stepped out of the pages of 'A Secret History' whereas I fear the same on me would give me the appearance of a Nun not wearing her habit.
The minimalist look is one that I'm sure will pass me by, the stark, clean business like feel of the clothes seems, dare I say it? Too old for me?! I'm a lot more comfortable with the 50's style calf skimming circle skirts and wasp waisted dresses. I was also very delighted with the new trouser shape, high waisted 70's wide leg in gorgeous autumnal shades. Flattering, warm and comfortable - all too good to be true. Actually, I think that last statement has just made me old enough to be sporting the 'minimal' look. Whoops.
One thing is sure, whatever you choose to wear this Autumn/Winter be sure to cinch with a skinny belt. If you're very clever you'll learn 'The Vogue Knot' use a longer belt, buckle, twist and knot. I'm still practicing...

Zia Hates - Double Denim

Every year I roll my eyes over some ridiculous trend that rears it's ugly head to greet us. A couple of summers ago it was turbans - this was wisely avoided entirely by the general public. None but the bravest attempted winters' Harem or Peg Trousers, because 90% of women worry frequently about the size of their arse, they aren't going to slip it into a garment that makes it look four times bigger.
Following on from the Harem, I've also been reading a bit about Bloomers... these I think are destined to go the way of the Reinvention of the Turban and disappear without a trace. Excruciatingly short (and therefore cellulite revealing) - Check, puffy at the hips - Check, waistband tight over stomach so everything you ate for lunch is visible - Check. Mark my words you crazy designers, Not Going To Happen. (Yes, even you Marc Jacob's, trying to fool us with your delightful 50's prints.)
The main punishment of 2010 appears to be the return of Double Denim, otherwise known as The Texas Tuxedo. A look that brings to mind Mullets and New Kids on the Block. Surely, they must be joking. So far I've only seen Alexa Chung look good in this, which is no fucking assistance because she can look good in anything. I've seen a photoshoot where actual MODELS looked terrible. Models! Beautiful otherworldly creatures with legs like gazelles. Models! Models with photographers, make up artists, lighting directors, and editors to retouch the photos at the end. No one stands a chance! Run while you still can!!!
Ok, let's not panic. I have a game plan.
1. Buy a denim dress. This is the all over denim look without actually pulling off the tricky double.
2. Opt for two completely different shades of denim or differing textures. Think pale grey denim jeans with a black tailored denim blazer jacket.
3. Invite Alexa Chung to a Seance, capture her soul in a Marmite Jar and thieve her body.

Zia Loves - Underwear as Outwear

Oh I how I thrilled when perusing the S/S Catwalk collections for 2010! Fluttering chiffon, flirty lace, fabulous ruffles in sorbet and cupcake colours. Prints were sublime from butterfly inspired at Alexander McQueen and the watercolour splashes at Stella McCartney. Being a huge fan of Miss Love's style I gleefully noted the resemblance to her dress circa Live Thru This (vintage lace and baby doll dresses, Mary Janes and satin slips.) To be entirely Spring/Summer 2010 one should be rocking the underwear as outwear with towering clogs. On paper it sounds nuts, but it looked great at Chanel.
The main challenge for our poor peepers is going to the be the Return of the Bra top. Still riding the crest of the 80's revival this is an incredibly tricky to pull off garment. It SHOULD be worn with an outfit so demure it is verging on prissy. Think a long pencil skirt and cardigan al la Chloe Sevigny. One or two inches of ribcage only should be visible... However I fear the Chavs are going to run away with this one and we'll probably end up trying to decipher half a 'Darren' tattoo etched across a left tit.
With New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks just passed, perhaps I should be peeking at what's to come this winter, but I never approach this with the same enthusiasm. During the dark days of winter it's such a joy to imagine what you'll be wearing down the beach under the soothing sunshine. Considering I'm still swaddled in Faux Fur, it's to depressing to start to plan what I'm going to wear when it's cold again.

Alexander McQueen

So much can be said about the genius of Mr McQueen, as for his untimely death, I believe that we should respect his family's wishes and not pry into this tragedy.

He was one of the designers I most admired, for his revolutionary and dramatic runway shows, for his breathtaking eveningwear, and for his amazing concepts. Fashion will never be the same without him.

Zia Loves and Hates - Leggings

Several months ago, the above heading would simply have read hates, but the 80's bastards have crept up on me and entered my wardrobe, sneakily via the Dressing Up Box. I purchased a pair of wet-look leggings to finish my Catwoman ensemble for Halloween and threw them in the dressing up box, suspecting I may never see them again. But alas, I purchased a Dr Denim skin tight, low back mini dress - hold ups were unsuitable as the lace at the top is visible, tights dig in too much at the waistband, throwing the dress over jeans is a non-option as this would like someone had attacked my jeans with blue cling film. Thus, the leggings sneaked into use.

For some a comfortable and easy-to-wear garment they are remarkable hard to wear well, hence I think, my long standing grudge against them. The problem being owing to their comfort factor they are chosen by the laziest dressers who make them look truly appalling. There are always RULES people, so listen the fuck up.

1. ALWAYS cover your ass and fanny. NO ONE wants to see your camel toe and orange peel. Please for the love of god listen. Leggings are for under dresses, sweater-dresses, shirt dresses, just dresses, whatever. They are NOT trousers.

2. Sequined Leggings - No. I know because I tried them on. I looked like KFC had brought out a new Sparkle-Chicken-Drumstick. Highly unattractive and completely inedible.

3. Mid Calfe Leggings make your legs look like stumps. Unless you are over 5'10 and have killer legs please avoid.

4. Stirrup Leggings - approach with caution. The problem here is that when pulled under the foot, they create a straight line either side of the leg, giving the illusion that your legs are two planks of wood and that you have no knees. We know, deep down, that you do have knees, but dressing is all about shape, and if you haven't figured that out already, you are screwed.

5. If you are a man, don't wear them. Honestly Russell, first Katy Perry, now this?!

Zia Hates - Winter Horrorland

Don't get me wrong I love snow, it's beautiful and nothing brings adults so instantly back to childhood. As soon as the first flake fell the entire office rushed to the window with wide eyed excitement. I wouldn't even mind walking to work for an hour through the six inches of soft white powder. Except that it is no longer the friendly childhood glittering gorgeousness, but has formed a three inch crust of murderous ice. And as well all know, no outfit goes with a cast or crutches. In order to prevent unmatching attire I have been willfully ignoring the police request to Not Walk on The Road. Sorry Police, but I'm afraid I don't give a fuck if a car has to slow down and swerve around me, I'm not risking breaking my neck and jewellery.
So I bring you my suggestions for remaining stylish through this Winter Horrorland.
Wellies
The one time wearing these outside of a festival will not make you look like a prick. Sadly you won't look as cool as Kate Moss in Hunters, but you can pretend.
Oversized Coats and Faux Fur
Outsized ruled the A/W 09/10 runways at Prada, Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs. No one can disagree with fashion royalty in this weather. Faux Fur is brilliant because it allows you to retain a sense of glamour whilst remaining snuggly and warm.
Socks
According to Vogue 'socks have never been chicer' and were worn on the catwalk with open toed heels. I feel this is a bit of test for mere mortals, I've been tucking thigh high socks into skinny jeans for a slightly more wearable look.
Amethyst Lips
Deep purple is the perfect lipstick colour to stand out against the ice white of the world. Best on those will a full gorgeous pout or dark skin. Sadly on me this would my mouth look like a puckered cats bum, but it looks great on those who can wear it.