Covers sell – a fact, universally acknowledged in the world of fashion. I become more aware of it each time I peruse the magazine rack. There is a British magazine that I would never consider buying on a regular basis but the alluring face of a celebrity in an editorial style photograph seems to draw me in. Maybe it’s the possibility of seeing the celeb in a different, more cutting edge light or just my nosey nature…but whatever it is, I hate it! The magazine’s power of persuasion and power of celebrity have achieved their goal! A magazine that I do like and would buy anyway, has lured me in further with their Liv Tyler cover. Wonderland’s cover is graced by her cool beauty, adding extra appeal to the purchase. Celebrity isn’t the only required element – an unknown, styled well, with interesting features and a colourful edgy font is enough for me. However it works both ways – if a cover is graced by a “pseudo-celeb” that I have no respect for, I am far less likely to part with any cash. See what else Wonderland has to offer and decide for yourself what criteria entices you to buy.

I have succumbed to the delights of Twitter and its associated vocabulary! (Follow my ramblings here) I “tweeted” about the lack of allure real fur has for me. I was vintage rummaging last week and the amount of furs startled me; each one felt silky like my cat but obviously cold and very un-alive. It was all a little disconcerting and it made me question my thoughts on all animal bi-products. Why was I so repulsed by fur when the feel of leather has no effect on me? I find myself daydreaming about Lot 78’s leather jackets. Browns is also loving Lot 78 and they’re focusing on the brand this month, with some very effective photography. So now I’m left to muse – leather vs. fur…is there really a difference?

Snow has engulfed the U.K….if you are British and the bombardment of news stories and Facebook statuses has passed you by, you are lucky. I love the snow, as most people infrequently greeted by it do…but today I was faced with my first snow-related style dilemma. Is it possible to look stylish and yet practical, whilst being pelted with heavy snowfall? I am lucky to work close to where I live, so I decided to brave the Russian winds and head to work on foot. Workwear for me is smart/casual but even this vague remit seemed impossible in the snow. My final outfit came close to a skiing yeti but it did its job and was functional in a country that has ground to a halt over the last 2 days. The Victorians seemed able to achieve this feat of style + practicality (or were they always cold but stylish?) I tentatively entered the phrase “Victorian winter muff” into Google Images (take care on Google main-page me thinks!)…but was relieved when winter hand warmers were the only items on show! It showed the sophistication of a bygone age but gave me no inspiration as far as my own wardrobe is concerned. So, I ask for suggestions. How to the nordic peoples and Russians manage it? Iceland is one of the most “it” fashion places of the last few years! Answers on a postcard please (the comment box will do!)

Known for dipping her toes into the world of fashion, Cat Power is delving further as the face of the new Levi’s ad campaign. Regular readers will be familiar with my musical appreciation of Miss. Chan Marshall (a.k.a. Cat Power) and in all honesty, I found this a strange collaborative choice. Cat’s previous dalliances with fashion were with La Maison de Chanel….discovered by M.Largerfeld himself – Levi’s just seems a world away. I admire her choice though and hopefully she can bring a little cool back to the global brand. See Cat Power for Levi’s here and make up your mind.

…then go Buy My Wardrobe. Head to Adam St Members Club, London WC2 – between 12-5pm on Saturday 31st January. Search through the nearly-new garments of the “Wardrobe Mistresses;” which tomorrow include the Gucci Group Executive Mimma Viglezio. I received many emails about my previous Buy My Wardrobe post, asking when the next event will be…so apologies for the last minuteness but tomorrow is the day! Although I am unable to attend, I shall be extremely jealous of all those that do. Rummaging through the wardrobes of others, even the pieces they no longer covet, is an enviable task. Recycling is old news…re-using is so much more friendly, so make me envious and go Buy My Wardrobe.

Yes, she’s officially recognised as “cool.” Yes, her album has received critical and popular acclaim. Yes, she wears a lot of plaid. But what has drawn me in is the quality of her music. Ladyhawke’s self-entitled first album may hark back to a bygone era, where Bananarama ruled the airways which for me is its greatest appeal. There are few albums that I can listen to from start to finish and find enjoyment in each track but Pip Brown has produced an offering that involves no “skippage.” Maybe it is nostalgia for my childhood that keeps me engaged – the thought of big hair and tonnes of lycra mixed with fluffy pop and I think her cat adoration as seen in her illustrative covers helps too! Check out Ladyhawke’s MySpace and website, plus catch her on tour in Europe and in the U.K. with the Ting Tings.

I am not a, “dressy dressy” kind of girl. Looks that are too polished, too refined, are not appealing to me. Matching my shoes with my handbag and my fingernails, has never been a priority for me. Gary Graham offers a deconstructed look that fits me perfectly – a formal dress teamed with oversized builder boots, multi-layered parachute materials…my ideal. His spring lookbook is a delight, each look more endearing – see all Mr. Graham has to offer here.

Hedi Slimane’s fashion crudentials are enviable; from Yves Saint Laurent to Dior, his influence has shaped the look of menswear today. He is called, “friend” by many notorious celebrities and has delved deep into the the world of art. It is his photography that has drawn me in – it is contemporary, relevant and very real. He has that covetable talent of making the ordinary, extraordinary – taking everyday objects and events and making them exceptional. His blog/diary is inspirational and worth a perusal to gain a true insight into the life and influences of the artist.

Random Fashion Coolness has reached the 2 year milestone. Your readership, ideas, kindness and comments are very much appreciated and spur me on…even when the day only offers me 5 minutes to myself. In the world of fashion the visual is all but on this, the second anniversaire, I would like to ask you about smell and the nostalgia it evokes. I began thinking about it only last week, as the importance of scents and smell wafted over me. Jean Paul Gaultier², is my parfum of choice and each time I spray it, I am sent to L’Hôtel du Petit Moulin in Paris. It is one of my favourite hotels, possibly in the world and I believe they use the aforementioned fragrance as a room freshener! It illustrates to me the fundamental importance of smell and the feeling of happiness, comfort and confidence that aromas can induce. So, enlighten me – what do smells mean to you and what land do they transport you to?

The demise of Wedgwood in these troubled financial times has been well publicised in the U.K. Not even an innovative collaboration with illustrator du jour, William Broome, could buoy the sinking brand. It was only after seeing William’s ceramic collection that I realised how ubiquitous Mr. Broome currently is. Where may you have seen his work before? From Topshop to Marc Jacobs, Saville Row window displays to London’s FLASH restaurant. Aside from the cool simplicity of William’s work, the main draw for me are his quirky, off-the-wall quotes; they seem to express the randomness of my thoughts! See William’s repertoire here and buy his Wedgwood collection while you still can!