IT’S Sunday morning and I am sipping a ‘chai latte’ — which looks more like a
cappuccino — in ‘Fresh and Wild’, one of the hippest organic supermarket-cafés in the heart of Westbourne Grove, with my friend Mark. We are putting the world to rights, and I am telling him all about London Fashion Week, the parties, the Moet Champagne bar and the madness and chaos, which season after season has become very much a part of the event.
While talking, I notice that — despite wearing my gorgeous cashmere pashmina — I am freezing do death, not because the venue doesn’t have adequate heating, but quite simply because I can’t bear the thought of wearing tights: I feel as if by doing so I am giving into the autumn season.
However, I know it’s time to face the music and what’s left of the summer wardrobe, and reinvent ourselves once again ready to combat the winter months. Time to stock up on vests, tights and, dare I confess, thermal underwear.
As I walk home through Portobello Market, the chill in the air wakes me up. I buy some chestnuts — hadn’t seen them yet this autumn — which I look forward to eating roasted, as they are possibly one of the most delicious foods in the world. I also notice that the first of the Cox apples are out. I pick up the Sunday papers at the newsagents and, armed with magazines and style supplements, I tell myself that it’s not all bad news and that I am, after all, going to have to get a new coat and a few jumpers, and – clearly — all accessories required…
So, which trends are going to make the high street? I decide to take a stroll down to High Street Kensington, to check it all out. I walk through Hyde Park and watch the big oak trees shed their leaves that are already changing colour. Smart looking mums are pushing three-wheel trendy ‘designer buggies’ with babies rapped up in blankets and hats, and dogs seem to be running around enjoying their ‘fetch-it’ routines. Once on the High Street I make my way down through the shops just to see what is out there.
It looks like the cardigan (in bright pink, turquoise, greens and oranges) is at the top of the list, worn as a wraparound or buttoned up in the classic style. It is also worn over a camisole and possibly accessorised with a brooch to evoqué an air of ‘vintage chic’. The poncho, worn with knee-high boots and a shoulder bag creating that Gaucho feel, follows this look very closely. Another winner this autumn is the suit, but not necessarily worn as you would imagine the stereotype secretary would. No,
this time around mismatching is the way forward. So jackets are teamed up with skirts and denim trousers or different patterned bottoms. And, for your ‘pièce de resistance’, finish the look using a belt to give the outfit an air of individuality.
But what about coats, you might ask? Well, very much in vogue is the coat worn as jacket. Using belts, ribbons and brooches to introduce different textures and colours: quite literally very over the top.
All this running around has left me pretty exhausted, so I decide to pop into Café Revive in Marks and Spencer for a pot of tea (Earl Grey) and some cake. Just what the doctor ordered! Before I do, however I must go into their supermarket to stock up on their divine ready meals and then, on my way up I’ll go to their underwear section. After all food and underwear is what M&S is known and loved for… I buy a selection of thermal vests, and — I almost forgot — lots and lots of tights to get me by.
