British guest blogger Jo-ann Fortune talks us through the biggest fall trends on her side of the pond – if you love London style, listen up…

Sixties’ Mod

London seemed to have stepped back into the swinging Sixties when the top designers showcased their fall collections at London Fashion Week (LFW) earlier this year. Inspired by the preppy mod look embraced by the liberated youth of the decade, colours were bright, hems were short and cuts were tightly tailored.  Some of Britain’s biggest fashion houses, including Burberry, Mulberry and Paul Costello, put the fun into fashion with this vibrant trend. Get the look with swing coats, flared dresses and cute collars.

Marigold Moments

The ‘it’ colour on the LFW fall catwalks, vivid orange – or ‘marigold’ as it’s been coined by the British fashion press – is already brightening up window displays in some of the UK’s biggest high street stores.  Aquascutum, Maria Grachvogel and Burberry were among the top names to champion the hue, transforming classic pieces such as the pea coat, chunky knit jumper and maxi dress with one statement colour. Inject the colour into everyday outfits with accessories such as handbags, scarves and women’s shoes.

Victoriana Vintage

The British are a theatrical bunch, particularly when it comes to fashion, and Victoriana and gothic themes brought the drama to this year’s fall shows. Long flowing gowns, opulent brocade and lace details and ethereal beauty were championed on the runways of Charles Anastase, Julien Macdonald and Meadham Kirchoff to name but a few. Invest in luxury vintage-style lingerie and wear with layered lace shirts and dresses and chunky boots for a grunge-inspired look. When it comes to make up, keep your base fair and finish with a slick of blood red lipstick.

English Eccentric

Playing on the image of English eccentricity and love of second-hand clothes, British designers Henry Holland, Vivienne Westwood and Betty Jackson have revived crafts and materials such as crochet and tweed for the fall. The quirky patchwork blanket effect we saw on shorts over the summer returns on cardigans, dresses and tops, and heritage fabrics are layered for an eclectic look. For a toned-down take on the trend, tweed looks timeless on women’s coats and blazers, and a simple black crochet dress makes the perfect new season LBD.

For your own slice of London style, enter our competition to win this super-cute Portobello pocket bag by Radley London. For your chance to win, simply follow the rules below.

• Be Facebook Fan of Stained Couture via that little box to the right.
• Like THIS POST!
• Leave a comment below or tweet me @stainedcouture on why you would love to win this bag.
• You can enter as many times as you like.

The contest ends on September 3rd and will pick a random winner.

Stay Stylish!

*All catwalk images courtesy of MPDClick.com

by