Websites are usually the best way to find designer labels at a knock down price.  There are several internet auction sites which offer designer labels, although it is very easy to be fooled by a fake item.  Auction sites are ideal if you are prepared to buy a second hand item. There are several authorised online retailers that sell genuine designer items and if you shop carefully and buy when the sales are on then it is possible to save hundreds of pounds.  

Those interested in vintage fashion should make the internet one of their first ports of call.  Auction sites have many vintage items and if you are prepared to spend a little time searching you can unearth a few real treasures.  Specialist online retail stores will have items dating from the early 1900s and stock accessories as well as clothes. 

High street stores which have an online presence will often be able to save you a few pounds as well as a trip out.  Their sites will offer the same clothing that can be found in their shops and if you search the sites thoroughly, you may find that there are some items which can be bought for very little.

Leather clothing is renowned for its appeal and versatility. Designers create many different looks with leather and it is available in a wide variety of colours. Leather clothing is glamorous, sexy and suggestive of wealth. Leather clothes have long been associated with celebrities from Marlon Brando in the 1950’s film The Wild One, to Madonna.

Leather is a unique material and despite many attempts, no substitute has been created. Its unique fibrous weave allows it to absorb perspiration, which it transmits to the outer surface; the air spaces between the fibres provide excellent insulation.

Leather clothing is a major market in the United States where the versatility of the leather jacket is much appreciated. Leather jackets are perfect for matching or mixing with other clothes and they can be worn with elegant evening dresses, jeans or even office clothing. Leather jackets provide good protection against the elements, but for many people it is their timeless style that truly appeals. Leather jackets are not cheap as special equipment is required to make them, but when you buy one you know that you are buying something that is well made and will last for years.

In autumn 2010, leather bomber jackets will be popular. Burberry showed them combined with sheer dresses, while DKNY had simple fitted black jackets that could be worn by anyone.

Leather dresses are also becoming popular and they are easy to care for and comfortable to wear in summer or winter. They come in many different styles, from sexy minis to elegant evening dresses. Leather dresses are unique and are perfect for making a statement.

The Knightsbridge store’s recently revamped fourth floor is host to the concept space which has just been launched and will be a celebration of all things Lula, featuring lust labels Rodarte, Miu Miu, Lover, Charles Anastase, Sonia Rykiel and Erdem who have created exclusive designs for the project. Also getting in on the act is Chanel who is offering shoppers a special treat when they make a purchase from the store.

With it been Lula magazine it isn’t just about the clothes you can also snap up books and music by Karen Elson, Daisy de Villeneuve and Derek Blasberg, to name a few, and do not worry if you won’t be in London to enjoy the Harvey Nichols/Lula action, you can also enjoy the fun by logging on to the Harvey Nichols website.

The look is hassle-free, effortless style that was seen on this year’s catwalk shows from the likes of Chloe, Just Cavalli and Prada. Although it is more of a dishevelled look your hair needs to be healthy, so make sure you nourish your hair with a conditioning treatment, you also need to make sure you protect it from the heat of styling to stop the frizz so make sure you apply ghd thermal protector spray before blow drying.

Some colours we are also going to be seeing will be very rich with deeper tones, compared to the vibrant summer shades, so if you have currently got lighter hair you may one to slowly start adding some darker shades to it ready for next season.

Most women who work in an office will opt for smart trousers or skirt with a jacket and blouse. The jacket can be part of a suit or in a contrasting colour, although most women will go for matching items. A simple colour scheme presents a professional and unfussy image and is ideal for those who have to meet regularly with clients. The most popular colours are black, grey or navy to keep the look business-like, although more modern styles allow for suits in softer shades. If choosing a skirt-suit you should ensure that it is not too short. Knee-length is ideal and can help to keep the image professional. 

Shoes should be smart and comfortable. A heel that is too high can be uncomfortable when worn all day, though flat shoes are not always a good choice for work. Choose a simple style with a small heel for the best effect and avoid sandals, as these are best kept for casual wear. 

Accessories are important to finish off the look and should also be kept simple. A small pair of earrings and a necklace makes it look as though an effort has been made and won’t distract from the work at hand. Big handbags can look a little too casual, so clothing for work should always be teamed with a smart bag that complements the suit.

As with many designer clothing styles most high street brands have also picked up on them and have their own interpretations and these are the hottest dress styles this summer, whether for a holiday or for a wedding.  They are great no matter what figure you have as the dresses keep you in where you need to be and accentuate any curves you do have whether large or small.

Body con dresses

These dress styles can also pick up on this season’s ‘in’ colours and patterns like girly pastels, bright and bold block colours, animal prints and even tribal prints so you can be easily on trend and you don’t need to go overboard with accessories, chunky platform shoes or wedges with a simple clutch bag and minimal jewelry is all that is needed.

Figure hugging dresses

Vodafone UK’s CEO, Guy Laurence, said: “We’re giving all our customers the chance to be at some of Britain’s best events in fashion, festivals and Formula One, Our sponsorship of London Fashion Weekend and London Fashion Week gives all our customers the opportunity to be at the centre of Britain’s fashion world, mixing with top designers, catwalk models and witnessing the creation of the latest high street trends.”

Canon retains its title as headline sponsor of London Fashion Week, and Vodafone’s sponsorship won’t affect London’s catwalk season in terms of designers, location or events but it will offer its customers priority tickets for London Fashion Weekend 48 hours before they go on general release, as part of Vodafone VIP.

Model Lily Cole who features on Vodafone’s advertising campaign said: “The Vodafone London Fashion Weekend is an incredible shopping experience. It’s great that Vodafone VIP will enable more fashion lovers the chance to have access to the excitement of London Fashion Week and the opportunity to see and buy the best of British fashion talent at affordable prices.”

The show schedule for next season, spring/summer 2011, will be announced by the British Fashion Council next month.

True vintage clothing will have been manufactured from the 1920’s up to around the 1970’s. It is also very rarely that you will find a true vintage item in a charity shop. Most people who have vintage clothes will recognise its value and will sell to a specialist store or through an auction site online. The popularity of vintage clothing also means that you should be prepared to pay out for it. Some vintage items will cost more than a similar item brand new.

Popular vintage items today include designer handbags, 1950’s dresses, evening dresses from the 1920’s, as well as jeans and dresses from the 1960’s.

It is also a good idea to double-check sizes when purchasing vintage items. Sizes were calculated slightly differently in the past and it may be that if you buy an item in what you think is your size, it will not fit. Some items will give measurements rather than a dress size, so it pays to be aware of your individual measurements.

Those who do not have the money to invest in genuine vintage pieces may be tempted to purchase a reproduction vintage item, and there are many shops where these are available.

Conran is known for creating classic designs that are essentially English. He was the chosen designer in 1994 for Lady Sarah Chatto’s wedding dress. He later launched an haute couture bridal collection. His designs have also been worn by several other celebrities.

He was one of the first of the top designers to make his designs available on the high street. In collaboration with the Debenhams department store, the ‘J’ women’s wear range was launched in 1996. The collection now includes menswear, accessories, lingerie and home furnishings.

The designer’s website displays images and videos of the latest fashion collections, which he says are inspired by ‘shape, structure and texture’. The latest catwalk show for London Fashion Week can also be viewed online.

The designer has also worked on designs for Waterford Crystal and Wedgwood China. He is among a growing number of fashion designers who are branching out into other areas. He has also been the designer of costumes for several stage shows including ballets and operas.

Jasper Conran has been awarded the OBE for his contribution to the fashion industry, and his designs have won many awards over the years.

When purchasing online it is essential that you check you are buying from an authorised retailer. Designer menswear labels are frequently targeted by counterfeiters, so there is always a danger that you may end up with a poor copy of the coveted item. Sticking with an authorised retailer may pay-off during the sales, when some items may be reduced by as much as 75%.

Thousands of designer items are purchased every week from online auction sites. When buying from an auction site it is essential to obtain as much information as possible from the seller. Ensure you know if the item is used or new, and if the seller has a website. Always look at the feedback the seller has received from other purchasers. This will tell you if that seller has a record of selling good quality products.

If you are in a situation where a brand new designer item is beyond your financial reach, then buying second-hand items is a good idea. Classic designer items like shirts, jeans and t-shirts can remain in style for several years. Many will use internet auction sites to buy used items and with careful bidding you may be able to pick up a bargain.