Feathers on animals are functional – they aid in flight, thermal insulation and waterproofing. As a human being, the most appealing attribute of feathers is their colouration. In the animal kingdom, the hue helps in communication and protection. In my world, the varied palette offers unlimited hair possibilities. Feathers are everywhere at the moment; on clothing and capes but particularly in the hair. Etsy have some fantastic pieces but I have been particularly taken by ban.do. Each piece is handmade and one of a kind, described as, “Not perfect but fantastic and sometimes fantastic is better than perfect.” I LOVE this ethic – imperfections make everything so much more interesting. See the huge variety of slight imperfect perfection here. P.S. My only concern, can feathers really be called cruelty-free? I feel I need to educate myself a little more.

It’s a well known fact that American Apparel do good basics. What tends to wow me the most about the U.S. uber-brand is their Ways to Wear It feature. So many of their items are multi-purpose/unisex and the way in which they’re displayed and showcased makes them seem more of an essential buy than they probably actually are! Two that have hit my purchase radar of late are the Le Sac dress and the Unisex Circular Scarf. Their multipurpose usage is so well explained, however I’m sure I’ll struggle with some of the possible incarnations! As far as marketing tools go, American Apparel have plenty at their disposal; see their website for their full arsenal.

Not literally mine but that of others. In an age of recycling, crunching credit and retail therapy, Buy My Wardrobe offers an exclusive look into the closets of some true fashionistas and an opportunity to buy their wares. The list of Wardrobe Mistresses for the next sale, scheduled for Jan/Feb of next year, is quite glittering. Contributors include magazine editors, presenters, bloggers and fashion executives; they’re sure to have some little gems to reveal at 50-75% off the original price. To be added to the mailing list or to prove your fashion credentials are uber-cool enough to allow you to sell, go to the website.

Gwyneth Paltrow may not be adored by some “celebrity” bloggers. The reasons for which seem to involve her unwillingness to discuss her private life (something I personally understand.) Miss Paltrow has never grated on me, so when she made her first foray into the e-world, I was intruiged. GOOP is a website with newsletters collating Gwyneth’s musings on life, fashion and indulgences. The advice given is balanced and objective on topics ranging from how to help a pessimistic friend to where to eat out in London. My personal favourite and unfortunately, possibly the most vacuous was newsletter 3 Miss. Paltrow’s suggestions on how to dress well and easily. My proposition, is give GOOP a try; you may like it.

Hand-drawn textile prints make Katherine Pont’s London-based label, Mine, so appealing and so different. The individual touch that each piece has, makes them objects of desire. Romantic fiction and a modern edge combine to make oversized yet delicate collars and beautiful jersey neckwear. Katherine’s designs also include an extensive range of apparel, indicative of her fun yet sophisticated, Australian roots. Mine is a juxtaposition of styles and life that works so well. For more information go to the main site, Mine’s MySpace and buy from Beyond the Valley.

I am odd, in many ways; the most shocking to many in that I dislike biscuits. They can be beautiful to behold – elegant, neat, fanciful and pretty BUT I only like to look, not eat. It’s not an issue of calorie content just treat preference. My treat of choice is pure, unadulterated chocolate not in the dried biscuit form. Robert Archard gives me the opportunity to indulge my visual fondness for biscuits, in the form of twee ceramic biscuit boxes. Custard Creams, Bourbons, Pink Wafers and Jam Sandwiches need not pass my lips, just sit on my dressing table (if I had one!) See Robert’s website for more of his creations and to purchase online.

Middle range brands are ruling the U.K. high street at the moment. Reiss, Jaeger and Whistles are all receiving lots of publicity in the fashion press and rightly so. Their lines are elegant, fashion forward and refined. The problem for me starts with the prices. Yes, in designer terms, they are affordable but in terms of high street, mass produced clothing, they are not. £185 for a party dress at Reiss, £600 for a Jaeger coat…all a little too much for me. I did buy a fabulous dress from Reiss in the summer, paying £165 but so did a lot of other people! I think Topshop has marred my view of what affordable fashion is. Their stock is updated several times a week, it is still fashion forward, maybe not sooo refined, maybe worn by hundreds of other people…but at Topshop’s prices, most definitely affordable and disposable. That brings me to the Whistles dress above, aptly named “Watergarden.” A very Balenciaga inspired design yet at the very un-Balenciaga price of £130. For me that’s still a little too much for an on-trend look, although I sense florals will transend the seasons, as they always have. To see it “in action” on Vogue.com’s Street Chic, does make it seem more appealing. The only question I have to ask myself is, should I buy it and if I do, am I buying into the escalating prices of these middle of the range “brands?”

Costumière Christian Joy is best know for her collaborations with Karen-O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, creating visually stunning stage pieces for the fashion forward singer. Now, her delights can be passed on to us mere mortals but in a slightly less flamboyant style. Take a look at Christian Joy’s website, where her clothes are showcased through outstanding photography in suitably cool locations, with the inclusion of a token accordion!

The concept of The Kooples has intrigued me since seeing posters sprawled across the Marais in Paris this summer. Each poster placed an effortlessly cool couple together with a small slogan stating “depuis…ans” denoting their time together. Now The Kooples have revealed their true selves, in the form of a unisex brand of clothing. The “boyfriend” jean or blazer are always very now but why do they have to be defined by gender? The Kooples offer a much desired style of dressing, one of sharing (partner optional.) See their website here; e-shopping and blog to come soon. I must now offer up a small warning – you may feel decidedly uncool after reading the profiles of “Les Kooples!”

Damn those computer crows, they’ve eaten part of my laptop! While my poor Macbook gets some much needed TLC, the blog has been and shall continue to be postless. HOPEFULLY, the laptop will return soon and posting can begin. Just wanted to keep you informed. R x