Get out the baby oil..

Shiny, molten metallics are here to stay as designers sent a stream of oil lacquered items down their catwalks for AW09. Yep, I'm afraid those wet-look leggings are set to stick around as Brit designers Stella McCartney, Julien Macdonald, and (ahem) Victoria Beckham featured frocks that looked as though they'd been dipped in an oil slick during New York Fashion Week. Grimy metallic blues and petrol greys gave the catwalks a dirty, sexy edge that is sure to be a hit with the high street.

Get the look for less (and avoid looking like you've just swam through an oil spill) with these slick updates to your wardrobe.

Air Jordan's pewter sneaks are too cool for school.

Those lacquered leggings just won't go away.

Tarnish your talons with Chanel's 'kaleidoscope' polish.

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

Whether in San Francisco or not, arranging blossoms in your barnet is always a delightful way to start your day.

Gold Saturn's cute headbands come with ready made flowers attached. Just add some feathers for their 'if pocahontas lived in haight ashbury' look. Or, embrace your DIY self and get back to nature with some daisy chains.

Channel your inner mother nature and clash different floral prints with your floral garland for a thoroughly modern look. Or, be kind and rewind to the 70s like Nicole Richie and co. with a white top and relaxed jeans. Best of all, become a rock star and wear your headdress a la Bat for Lashes lady Natasha Khan. Here she is choosing some lovely poppies for hers. Maybe.

Ebay your heart out: Bunnyhut Vintage

One of my pet hates when vintage shopping on ebay is sellers who use the term 'avant garde' to excess. Bunnyhut vintage is one such culprit. Luckily, they're also one of the best out there for delightful dresses.

If you're willing to sift through their 80s cardigans and other 'avant garde' items from the same era you may just spot a gem.

Glistening brightly at me from my computer screen is this amazing sequin dress with sheer leopard spots. I want it now.

Competing for my affection is this cute and compelling quilted 'scooter dress.' I can't even ride a bike but I'm willing to try if it means I get to wear this dress.

Race you!

In Appreciation of Aprons

I often wonder why the apron has never made it out of the kitchen and into the closet of its female owners.

A few years ago, on a rummage through the stock of a vintage emporium, I found myself drawn to their collection of half aprons (you know, the ones that start from the waist and haven't been worn since the 1950s). Rather than the usual gingham check and floral embroidery you might expect, these beauties were made from chiffon, lace and silk and were more sexy than homely.

I found my friends trying on fur coats and riding boots and asked them how they would feel if I began to pair my mini dresses with an apron. "What do you mean?" asked the friend who has known me forever and should have known better. "What is that?" asked the foreign one.

"An apron" I said, "isn't it brilliant?!" They looked at me fleetingly before returning to the racks. My head hung in shame, I returned the sheer black frilly apron with gold sparkles to its home. Four years later, I wish I'd bought it.

Aprons - pretty and practical. What's not to like?

Furniture for your wrist

Ever fancied wearing your sofa on your wrist? No? Me neither. At least not the entire sofa. That was until I stumbled accross this creative genius. Tomasz Donocik likes Chesterfields. As it so happens, I like them too.

Inspired by architecture and interiors, Donocik's 'chesterfield hunters' cuffs are made from hand-sewn leather, gold and precious stones. Luxury with a history, the 'hunters are statement jewellery at its best. Siting them as his trademark piece, Donocik is certainly not a one hit wonder. Check out his brilliant blend of gothic and aristocratic themes at his website.

Pictures: flickr