Autumnal Angst

When the shops are full of their alluring autumn and winter stock, it’s hard to stop yourself from wishing away the remainder of the summer sun so we can already restock our wardrobes without feeling guilty. The question on everyone’s mind is; should we resist the gorgeous new season’s stock and stick to the exhausted looking summer sales, or should we snap them up now and gaze longingly at them in our wardrobes, praying for the right kind of autumnal weather so we can showcase our new outfits? It’s somewhat of a fashionista’s dilemma, that’s for sure. However, my motto has always been, “If it makes you happy, GET IT”, and as my dear shopaholic mama taught me, if you see something you like and you ponder over whether to buy it for too long, the next time you look it’ll be gone.

Needless to say, this week I’ll be telling you which and what items to buy that will see you through in style, until the sun comes back and we complain to each other “how time flies” when we realize its Spring 2010 already.

First things first, you’re going to need a coat. Beijing’s winters are bitter and cruel, and it’s a strain to stop yourself from just layering everything you have and then still wrapping a duvet around you to keep warm. However, keeping it stylish doesn’t have to mean that you’ll freeze.

Ala Louis Vuitton, you need to keep your jackets long, ladies. AW catwalks saw huge emphasis on shoulders. Therefore, any choice of jacket or coat should be structured with sharp shoulders. However, avoid looking too broad and manly by choosing a belted jacket or coat, or one which you can accessorize by adding your own belt that will define your waist. Also, ensure that your jacket or coat is fitted in the arm to avoid looking too boxy.

If you feel like splashing some cash, then go to Stella McCartney at Beijing World Shopping Mall . The Stella McCartney jacket has become as infamous as the Vivienne Westwood coat. So, if you’re willing to pay mega yuan on the Stella McCartney, make it worth your money and opt for the Black Wool Tailoring Corni Jacket. Black is timeless, and this piece will see you through the next few years at least. Team it with shiny black leggings or (if you prefer style over frostbite) denim super-short shorts and heeled ankle boots.

If you prefer a more edgy and everyday kind of look, go for the Paul Smith inspired AW military look. New arrivals to China, Pull and Bear have really outdone themselves in terms of stylish and durable coats this season. I’m seriously loving the khaki military coat for men, its tweed and double-breasted, adding to warmth and mixing two of the seasons hottest trends; tweed and military.
Go on, hit the shops. Before you know it, we’ll be in the depths of Winter and you'll be wearing a duvet.
**Nikki Aaron**