Desa AW12 collection - a journey of discovery to Istanbul

Desa AW12 collection is a fusion of two cultures- the English sartorial way of country equestrain sports dressing influenced by the historical and multi cultured Turkish city of Istanbul.
There are three distinct colour stories:

Grey Mists on the Bosphorus
Soft greys tinted with forest green and deep blue reflecting the ever changing colours and moods of these waters

Byzantine Glow
Warm russet, mahogany, cognac bring a sophisticated gleam to finely cut leathers

East Meets West
Combining black, tan, mahogany, white and rich ruby

Desa has two stand alone boutiques in London:
It's flagship store in Covent Garden-

6 Slingsby Place St Martin’s courtyard WC2E 9AB

and the second store in Hampstead -

65 Hampstead High Street NW3 1QP

www.desa.uk.com

The Autumn/Winter Shift Dress- Get the French Chic Look

The shift dress has a simple straight silhouette which suits the more boyish frame or the apple shaped women who carry most of their weight around their waist. 

French women go for a quality capsule wardrobe and so make sure most items will mix and match. The shift dress  is a great staple piece because of its versatility –it can be worn on its own or over a jumper, blouse and tee shirt which can be in a tonal colour or a more contrasting colour for the more fashionable colour blocking trend.  The camel fitted shift dress from Elegance is a blend of 60% new wool and 40% angora. Price £249.00. Here worn with a black polo neck top in 100% silk jersey £119 and black leather bag £249.

All from www.elegance.co.uk 

M&S mini beret headband

Give a nod to the French look with the black M&S wool mini beret headband. Price £18 www.marksandspencer.com

Laura Ashley cape

Instead of a cumbersome coat, team with a cape. A cape is a good alternative to a coat for the transitional months, plus its simple tailoring complements the simple shift dress.  This Laura Ashley camel cape has a stylish black trim. Fabric: 75% wool 25% polyester Price £105 www.lauraashley.com  

Then add long leather gloves plus your bangles and bracelets and rings on the outside to give some drama. 

Most shift dresses have high necks so may make the larger bust look boxy.  One solution is to wear a mid length necklace (but not so long that it is dangling over your bust) or scarf to create a v shape and break up the area.