Drizzle kicks

Vogue Netherlands November 2012 source

In the past few days it has suddenly felt a lot like winter. I wish I could identify with the winter-wonderland images that keep cropping up all over the place in the run-up to Christmas, but, living in the North West, the leaves are not crisp, the trees do not sparkle with frost nor has there been so much as a fleck of snow. Instead, winter brings dark evenings and biting cold, accompanied by an icy Irish Sea wind. And lashings of rain, how could I forget the rain? Vogue Netherlands, however, shows a more realistic depiction of the Great British Weather. It also provides the perfect backdrop for showing the cosiest clothes of the season; I'd like to think that a good cosy road-test is the survival of a Northern winter. Quilting, cable knits and maybe my favourite Celine outfit ever: I wish I could look this good walking my dog up and down Southport beach.

Nymph hair

Balenciaga s/s '13, via Vogue Italia

Don't expect the abundance of Balenciaga posts to stop any time soon, since the more I look at the most recent Balenciaga collection the more I fall in love, particularly with the details. The chunky, knuckleduster-like rings and delicate necklaces, all in gold, block-heeled lace-ups, hand-held vanity case bags and the whimsical nymph-like hair bands. The models' effortless yet elegant hair is providing some much needed hairspiration.

Teenage goth

Topshop Boutique open back dress / Topshop spike leather choker / Obligatory chunky 90s-style boots, Tumblr / Meadham Kirchhoff Monster bag

I have suddenly been overcome by an overwhelming urge to wear a spike choker. Naturally with it's teenage goth partner-in-crime, the chunky, buckled boot, perfect for angsty teenage stomping around.

Au revoir Nicolas!

Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga, s/s '98, Tumblr

Mmmm, all monochrome and roll necks and nonchalant jacket throwing and simple sandals. From Nicolas Ghesquiere's first collection to mark his final collection last month.