This fall or autumn, there are so many different styles, with so many different designers and collections. Clothes are in many different colours, including lots of rich deep autumnal tones and the staple for this season, black is just about every where. There are also, all sorts of historical references. But what are the key trends for autumn and how can you adapt these trends to suit your wardrobe?

Grunge

Grunge was a trend originally started in the nineties by Marc Jacobs and this autumn, it is back. A really easy trend to wear taking inspiration from catwalk shows of Burberry Prorsum and Alexander Wang amongst others. To get this look layer fine knits in dark colours add fingerless gloves, slouchy boots or beanie hats. This season grunge is more glossy and glam than first time around so look for luxurious fabrics and slouchy relaxed cut clothes for a comfortable and laidback feel.

Gothic / dark romance

At the autumn shows, it was hard to get away from the Gothic and dark romance references. With Alexander Mcqueen high necked black lace inspired by Elizabethan costume, Luella's witch like outfits, black lace dresses and long crimped hair, Yves St Laurent's identical black haired, black polo neck clad models and Derek Lams black lace veil. Black lace is probably the most popular version of this trend, try wearing it with dark eye make up and red lips or dark red or black nail polish.

Folk

The folk trend was seen at Dolce and Gabbana, Hermes, Gucci and DKNY. It definitely had a feel of seventies bohemian about it. This is a great trend for autumn as it combines rich autumnal colours with black in paisley, ethnic or tartan prints. Short dresses are teamed with black or coloured opaque tights and flared trousers teamed with tunic tops, the look was completed with scarves, fringed accessories and faux fur trims.

Structured

Tailoring for this season is all about structure with collars and shoulders making a big statement. The structure on the top half was balanced with simple and streamlined bottom halves. Trousers were slim legged and cropped and skirts straight and knee length. Structured tailoring was particularly seen at Jil Sander, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs with angular shoulders and upstanding collars that looked as if they may have been constructed by a structural engineer but feminine with it. Look out for exaggerated and rounded shoulders on suits and dresses and big shawl style collars.

Punk

Rodarte led this way at the autumn shows with punk styling including cobweb tights and ripped dresses. Marc Jacobs autumn winter had a strong punk theme but this time with a much prettier edge. The main features of this trend are ripped and slashed clothes, fishnets, checks, plaids and mini skirts.

Military Style

Military style is big news this season with double breasted and closely tailored suits and coats, epaulettes, gold and brass details and buttons and military badges. Alexander McQueen contrasted Navy blue military tailoring with cold trim with a chiffon skirt and gold sparkling leggings. At Temperley, there were white, fitted military style jackets and at Ralph Lauren, red military style blazers and berets. This trend has emerged on the high street as differing styles of military coats and jackets.

Couture details

The autumn 08 catwalk shoes have seen a trend for all sorts of lavish couture like details adorning clothes including beading, embroidery, pleating, folding, bows and ruffles. This trend translates very well to the high street for Christmas evening wear. There will be all sorts of elaborate dresses and minimalism will certainly not be something associated with evening dresses this winter.

This article was written by Ceri Heathcote for Designerhighstreet.com. For all the latest fashions including military style winter coats and tall sheepskin boots.

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Boots are one of my favorite things about winter - once the novelty of snow and sweaters has worn off, anyway.

Boots can be practical or sexy, although rarely both in the salt-laden streets of harsh winter climates. Speaking of which...

While it may often seem like store clerks are just trying to boost their commissions by ringing up protective sprays and gels, their sales gimmick is not totally bogus.

It is essential to understand that not all boots are created equal. The word 'boot' is not synonymous with water-proof or snow-friendly. Respect your fashion investment by weather-protecting and cleaning all of your winter footwear regularly.

Realize that protective and restorative shoe applications cannot perform miracles. Have the common sense to know when to air on the side of practicality and not to wear your suede stiletto calf-cut boots. Salt and water produce damaging, lasting stains which - in addition to ruining boots' finish - actually corrode the integrity of genuine suede, leather and fabric. Purchase a swank boot bag in which to tote your trendy footwear to work in nasty winter conditions while opting for damage-proof snow or rain boots while en route.

Boot Tip: If you remember nothing else: Be seasonally consistent when putting an outfit together. Do not wear boots and a skirt with bare legs; tights, nylons, or even flesh colored fishnet stockings help bridge the (thermal & fashion) gap between your knees and your hemline.

Ankle Boots

Very funky footwear when worn with tights and a skirt. Avoid wearing ankle boots with long skirts past the knee - this tends to look frumpy and matronly.

Mid-Calf Boots

A unique cut that looks great with skirts of all lengths. This style accentuates your calf muscle and stands out from the crowd of knee-high boots. Very sexy, indeed.

Tall Boots

The classic knee-high boot. Ensure that the boot fits snugly around your leg; if the boot gapes open you may need to have it altered for a more chic look—a standard procedure at most cobblers.

Fur-Lined Boots & UGGs

Narrow, fur-lined lace-up tall boots are a sweet accompaniment to a flirty short skirt. For a funky casual style, try wearing knee socks over your tights and letting them peek (ever so slightly) over the top of your boot. This look works best if your socks and tights are contrasting colors.

UGGs have become all the rage as the surfer-type's (and urban wanna-be surfer type's) winter foot-wear of choice. These robust, wooly sheepskin boots have been fashioned for years by Australian craftsmen, and were first mass introduced to North America in 1978 by Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer seeking to spread the UGG-love across the United States.

Twenty-five years later, and while UGGs aren't exactly the height of chic sophistication or glamorous sexiness, they are hailed by wearers as the ultimate in comfort and warmth at 30 below.

Johneen Manning is Editor-In-Chief of http://www.GKFA.com, a hip, savvy & fresh online magazine for the 'Sex and the City' generation of women.

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Your two week European adventure is less than a month away. Now is the time to plan ahead. While you're preparing to leave your house, find a pet-sitter and pack for a two week journey, take into consideration the one thing you'll be toting with you everywhere on your shoulder while gallivanting on European soil, your handbag.

As usual, the status of your handbag is in shambles. At first glance, an exterior peek reveals a handbag in order, yet, the innards are quite chaotic. Opening your bag, it's clearly a disaster, as the contents are almost too diverse, accumulated as a bulky mass and strewn about randomly inside; it appears a tornado has taken claim to your handbag's territory.

Now it's time to start fresh and clean the clutter. First thing's first, you'll need to organize and reclaim your handbag. This might seem impossible, but it's truly easy:

1. Handbags and Garbage Bags, There Is A Difference:By yourself, take the contents of your purse and lay them out on a bare table. Sort through everything, grouping as you go. Any trash, useless or unnecessary items, get rid of them.
2. Shake It and Dump It Out:Now that your handbag is empty, shake all those crumbs, bottle caps, lint and extra microscopic rubbish into a garbage bag. Now, you've got a clean and empty handbag to work with.
3. Prioritize and Optimize:Take a look at the pile you laid out and categorize it. Prioritize what is needed and what isn't, especially in consideration for and during your stay in Europe. If you doubt any specific item's inclusion, push it a side. Only take what you'll actually utilize on your trip.
4. Handbag Makeover:Now, fill your purse in an organized fashion with all the items you've sorted through. Use all inner and exterior pockets, zips and hidden compartments to save space and maintain the organized status you just instituted. Lastly, pick up your new purse, and feel the light-weighted goodness; mission accomplished.

O.K., so the handbag is cleaned and ready for travel, but maybe you're having second thoughts about this particular handbag you've been using for a while. You think to yourself "it's pretty beaten up, kinda lousy for carrying a fair amount and might not be stylish, or secure enough for a European escapade." Well, you have a point, but you also have options. Either keep it and go, or leave it at home and purchase a new, more efficient handbag.

If you're interested in a handbag upgrade to better satisfy your carrying, safety and traveling needs, take into account and be mindful of a few factors. When selecting a new handbag, choose one based on style and security; there's nothing worse than being stylishly inept and prone to pick-pockets while on vacation in Europe; this is a bad combo.

First and foremost, choose a bag that will travel well:

1. Safety First:Keeping your traveling essentials close to you and safeguarded should be your first priority. Choose a bag that will keep your belongings safe and secure, right by your side, slung over your shoulder. Buy a handbag with a strong shoulder strap, zippers and buttons so that your passport, money, traveler's checks and other essentials are locked up tight and not easily accessible to unwanted hands.
2. Style Comes Second:You've got to look chic, of course. So, choose a handbag that's neutral in tone ceasing any clashing to occur with your packed up, colorful wardrobe. You'll be in Europe, just dress to impress -with slung handbag in toe- and have a blast while doing it.
3. Optimal Toting and Storage:Opt for lightweight, yet reasonably sized handbags for carrying purposes. Expandable and even flexible handbags are an option as well, to get the most packing space out of a semi-little area. And remember, an all-in-one handbag you can take anywhere is ideal. Watch for numerous inner and outer compartments, pockets and pouches too, as they will benefit you and your handbag storage purposes.

It's important to be prepared in advance and during your vacation. Planning to tote an optimal handbag around is one way of assuring a stress-free and enjoyable holiday in Europe. Just remember to organize, clean and prep your already existing handbag or, if you're inclined to spend some well-invested money, purchase a new handbag that will suit all your traveling and personal needs. Be safe and good travels!

For quality over the shoulder bags that can keep your belongings organized and secure visit Buxton Bags. Consider Buxton Bag to be your answer for all your travel needs.

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