It's still not Spring yet

Gossip Girl is back on our TV screens after a few week's break to liven up Wednesday evenings with an impossibly beautiful cast and completely unbelievable storylines. It’s not only about the ‘scandalous lives of Manhattan’s elite’ though – fashion is just as important and each episode is essentially a dramatised catwalk. The wardrobe is sent straight from couture heaven and this series is showcasing the most important contemporary high fashion trends (it’s not just the Womenswear that is sublime – see Chuck Bass). What really stood out for me before Christmas were Serena’s cerulean blue cropped trousers. Of course, Blake Lively could wear anything and make it look fabulous, but this colour still seems set to be huge. Everyone who is anyone has been injecting this electric blue into their collection and it’s a great evening alternative to black. I spotted a jumpsuit in the same colour in the upstairs window of Resurrection (Bold Street) – reminiscent of Studio 54 glamour in the most up-to-date colour, it’s definitely what’s missing from my Autumn/Winter/Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Don't let the bit of sun we've seen over that past few days or the gorgeous S/S collections hitting the shops fool you, it's still not Spring yet. Unfortunately. As ever in Liverpool, the main advice is WRAP UP WARM! The Mersey wind never fails to shock with its biting chill. Obviously, never betray fashion for practicality when it’s so easy to have both. The rural look is still massive and looks set to continue. The catwalks are full of luxurious Lady of the Manor looks and every ‘indie’ kid across the country seems to own a wax or quilted jacket. I’ve had Barbours since I was about three, initially for the practical reason of birth location. Water-proof, thorn-proof, hail-proof, EVERYTHING proof, it’s the all-in-one protection that every country dweller needs. But things are changing so get your accessories at the ready. There are so many wax jackets cropping up now that it is easy to buy one without paying the price tag that comes with a real Barbour, but there is a reason behind their phenomenal reputation. Luckily, the brand has recognised its resurgence in popularity and bought in designer Anya Hindmarch to design some signature pieces in a collection that will have you looking much more Kim Tate than Adge Cutler.

Vintage still, predictably, remains massive and with Lily Allen and her half sister Sarah Owen launching a vintage store in Covent Garden last year, it’s getting even more press. I won’t deny that I’m not itching to go down there. With designers from Ossie Clark to Lanvin, just window shopping would suffice. There’s a renting service for just 20% of the retail price so maybe, just maybe I could live out my YSL dream for a night...To quote the scathing ‘realism’ of Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf ‘It doesn’t matter if the dress is couture if the girl is off the rack.’ Best stick to Primark for now then, eh? 

XOXO