Fashion Trends

New season AW 2011

"Quite right too," said Dulcie.

This season sees another nod towards one of our favourite looks: that of the 1940s. Say hello to lovely Rita (left).

And quite as you would expect, here we are again pointing out that you only need tweak your existing Mouse to Minx wardrobe to get this look.

Before we get down to the facts of this look, we will remind you of the three points of the Mouse to Minx look which will set you apart whatever look you are going for - or vintage era.

1. Polish.
Whilst this does (of course) mean your shoes,  it also refers to the standard of finish you apply to the entire ensemble. Sloppy is not in our lexicon. Therefore your hair will be shiny, your stockings will not have runs and your accessories will not be scuffed.

2. Deportment.
Remember the golden rule: it is not what you wear but how you wear it. So stand up straight and walk with your eyes on the horizon. Do try not to slouch, and take your time. No woman ever looked elegant who was seen rushing about insanely.

3. Belief.
Regardless of your wealth, status, clothing or location it is YOU who make the difference. Believe in your self no matter what the harshness of life has served up. Believing you are worth better is a large part of feeling confident, not caring what other people thinks is also quite helpful. You can be a Mouse or a Minx, or both, or swing between the two several times a week, day or hour. Go ahead, we encourage you.

Now to the fashion bit but first . . . a confession.

Our selections come from a handful of designers but mostly Marc Jacobs. (Daphne still has marital intentions toward the poor fellow, we cannot persuade her of the unlikelyhood).

So therefore, may we encourage you to look at the Ready to Wear collections for Louis Vuitton (designer – Marc Jacobs), Marc Jacobs (ditto), and Marc by Marc (ditto)? Are you detecting a theme yet?

But we also suggest you look at that nice Mr Henry’s collection for House of Holland, and the delightful coats at Burberry Prorsum. “Simply, yummy,” Dulcie was heard to sigh, longingly. And it has to be added that Mr Galliano’s last collection for Dior really does have a fine number of easily adopted and colourful looks.

Putting Mr Jacobs to one side for a brief moment, here are the objects of our collective desire which we advise you to absorb carefully and then go out and aspire to.

Coloured lace trim slips as seen at House of Holland (we still have a few in stock), also his darling pink suit and crochet squares that Doris would be proud of. She’s currently working on a little bag for Daphne.

Any delicious coat similar to those trotted out at Burberry Prorsum would be a fine addition to your collection. We also loved the dulled electric blue details sparking their way through the Dior runway, especially when teamed with a lovely plummy floppy hat: you are sure to see this repeated in the high street and if you are really clever, you may well pick up a good Bonnie and Clyde vintage version. Elbow-length and full length capes and fur details (faux of course) add a cute and tactile twist to flippy-skirted outfits.

The ever-hatted Dulcie is delighted to see millinery in a leading role this season, and none come cuter than the smartie-like black pill boxes at Marc Jacobs. His naughty collection included waspie-corseted waists (we approve), and foxy leather gloves. It’s not difficult to see why we love him so much. Peplum jackets sit over prim pencil skirts, and mini cape-like sleeves, lace illusion décolletages complete a highly attractive fusion of Edwardiana with mid-20^th century silhouettes.

You can view our selection at Style.com . . . make youself a cup of tea and pay a visit to our lookbook.

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