The "IT" items AW2012/13: Clothes

The garments

Peplums have been going on strong for three seasons now. They are are not, however, the easiest trend to wear, but undoubtedly flattering if they hit just at the right spots.
To see if this is a trend you would like to try, you may want to have a look at DOs and DONTs for peplums and, for specific styling tips:

• How to wear peplums: Styling tips for Body type A.
• How to wear peplums: Styling tips for Body type B. 
• How to wear peplums: Styling tips for Body type C. 

Trends 2013: Peplums by Caroline Grant. [Background image: Red Pelargonium by Anna Knights].

Hugo Striped Trousers / Eickhoff Seaside Blazer / Closet Sleeveless Top / Cambridge Satchel Company Handbag  / Via Spiga Debbie Flat Shoes / Dior Carré Runway Silk Scarf / Kenneth Jay Lane Tasseled Necklace / Lea Stein Maltese Brooch (vintage) at eBay.com / Estée Lauder Lipstick in Orange Poppy / Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in Corail Divin.

The "IT" items AW2012/13: Cover-ups

We have barely had time to digest AW2012/2013 trends when SS2013 ones are upon us. Admittedly, springwear is looking now fun, colourful, and glamorous, but it is still cold outside for a lot of us and the sales are out there. Ladies, now is the time to show some discipline (to ourselves) and make those investments that will make our hard-earned money go the extra mile. Coats are one of the most expensive items in a woman's wardrobe, and define your look completely.
Also, I don't know you, but for me it's -3°C outside and I'm thinking more down coats and less summer dresses.

The items

Capes. These have been in fashion for several winters now. I appreciate as much as anyone the beauty and retro feel of a well-made cape, but the truth is that they are better suited for average to tall women: if you are petite, they will literally swallow you up. Also, I think you need to be slim to wear them, because they do add bulk, not to mention your waist disappears in them. The one below is cute but pricey, so you can also try knitting one or asking someone to do it for you (I have been trying unsuccessfully to get my sister to knit me one for several seasons now...).

Trends AW 2012/13: Capes by Caroline Grant. 

M Missoni Tiger-print Cape / Reiss Ambrose Curved Dress / Gucci Lady Stirrup Handbag / Nine West Just Right Boots / Tory Burch Opera Gloves / Massimo Alba Wrinkled Scarf / Hervé van der Straeten Necklace / Hervé van der Straeten Bracelet / Tom Ford Lipstick in Wild Ginger / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Ginger Fire.

The Big Trends: AW 2012/13

The mystery of trends

Have you ever wondered how there can be so many trends going on at the same time? Well, they can really be summed up in four or five big trends, materialized in a series of "statement pieces", which will most probably continue during AW2013/14, very much in the same way as some remain from AW2011/12.
Here is my take on AW2012/13, use it to your advantage when you go to the sales! Remember to invest in pieces that you love and that see yourself wearing for years to come.

1. Baroque

This one is all about excess and going overboard... and looking to the past, the present not being, unfortunately, so bright for a lot of people.
Instead of streamlining, carefully editing accessories and prints, you pile them on: rich fabrics like brocade and velvet are paired with rococo prints and faux fur, and accessorized with bold, oversized costume jewellery. Night seems to be the best moment to indulge this trend, although some carefully chosen items can be worn for everyday too if you edit carefully.
What is new about the way the jewellery is worn is that the parure (a matching set of earrings, necklace, and bracelet) is back, which is something we had not seen for decades. You can of course opt for a single statement piece. Costume jewellery by a good brand can constitute a good investment and make for "heirloom pieces", as you know. Anyone possessing today a Chanel charm bracelet from the 1960s, for instace, in good condition, will know what I'm talking about.

Trends 2013: Baroque by Caroline Grant. 

Donald J. Pliner Black Satin Boots / Alice + Olivia Reese Dress / Hobbs Aquarius Silk Coat / Whiting and Davis Handbag (vintage) at etsy.com / Biba Feather Cape / Dolce & Gabbana Necklace / Dolce & Gabbana Earrings / Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid / Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid.