Thigh high boots trend 2010

For women that 'stand out' look is just about to get a whole lot easier thanks to the hottest trend for shoes in 2010: thigh high boots.

Over-the-knee boots by Loewe, Hermes, Hussein Chalayan, and Louis Vuitton

It didn't seem all that long ago that boots on women fell strictly into two domains: equestrian pursuits and 'come fuck me' boots. Thankfully society's hang ups about women in knee-high boots have long since vanished, as has a penchant for overly conservative boots. And women's boots in 2010 will be anything but conservative.

Yes, over-the-knee boots are back with a vengeance but this 2009/2010 shoe trend won't stop there. In fact, the top of your boots will be going much higher: thigh-high boots are going mainstream.

Over-the-knee and thigh-high are undoubtedly the hottest shoe trend for women in the Autumn (Fall)/Winter season, but while they scream 'sex' make sure they don't do it in the wrong way. Let's not forget, that both styles of boots are also the domain of those lovely women one sees quite frequently at night ensuring that cars don't linger for too long near street corners. So to avoid the "I wonder how much she charges" glances I recommend you also avoid two main things with any pair of over-the-knee or thigh-high boots you decide to invest in: chunky heels and a high-sheen patent finish.

Materials

If patent is to be avoided (and PVC never to be considered), then what materials do I recommend? Genuine leather, of which you're safest investment choice is classic matt black or brown. If you want a more unique colour leather, your other big choices for 2009/2010 are olive greens, greys (see Rodarte and Topshop Unique) or cream/neutral tones. Suede, the other big choice for this trend, is very much the go be it in black, brown, grey, maroon, or pretty much any other colour variation. One other material you might look at incorporating into your 2010 over-the-knee boot collection is shearling or wool lining, which makes for cosy aviation-inspired looks akin to those seen at Antonio Berardi.

Suede thigh-high boots by Antonio Berardi, Marc Jacobs, Hermes, & Isabel Marant

Styles

Classic: for a classic or elegant take on the over-the-knee boot, your best bet is to go for a slim-fitting suede pair with a round or tapered toe. Look no further than Hermes or Isabel Marant for some perfect examples of styles that will stand the test of time.

Rock: the right pair of tight black leather over-the-knee boots screams rock-chic; tough, but sexy. Check out Ohne Titel, Yigal Azrouel, Barbara Bui and Jean Paul Gaultier for some key examples.

Futurism/Cyberpunk: building upon the cyberpunk influences of recent years, some designers have thrown an element of dark futurism into the thigh-high boot mix. Particularly evident in the wound-and-bound effects of boots by Rodarte and Topshop Unique, this is a trend I expect we'll see more of in coming seasons.

Leather thigh-high boots by Topshop Unique, Chloe, Ohne Titel, & Rodarte

Quirky: if none of the above is quite bold enough for you, and you really want to stand out this winter, there have been many other less subtle takes on this trend to hit the runway. Louis Vuitton introduced metallics and top-to-toe laces, while Hussein Chalayan's garter-topped thigh-highs are nothing short of brazen. Do be warned though; if long-term wearability is what you're after then this is probably not the road to go down.

One other thing that you should avoid: wearing thigh-high boots in place of pants, leggings or other form of leg covers as we saw on the Prada 2009/2010 catwalk.

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Handbag Fashion Trends Fall and Winter 2010

The phenomenon of the 'it' bag has dissolved, leaving behind a duo of more practical and long-lived options: the utterly classic, and the unique trend piece. To that end the right statement handbag will serve you for autumn / fall 2010 and well into 2011.

Fur handbags

Fur handbag at Michael Kors, A/W 2010

Fur. There's an aura of comforting warmth that emanates from any fur piece (be it real or faux) that adds to its eternal appeal. Taking shape over the past few years as fur clothing and more recently reaching our feet by way of fur boots, we can only accept that it's time the trend reached our bags as well. In 2010 and 2011 a handbag can be furry all over like a piliferous companion that hangs by your side; elegantly trimmed in velutinous fur luxury; or primitively bushling in bohemian nonchalance. Whatever your preferred take, one thing is certain: a fur bag makes a statement.

The frame bag

Frame bag at Dolce & Gabbana, A/W 2010

With all things studded, spiked, dark and tough fading from view like a distant train, the focus has turned to an antithetical trend piece: the ladylike, feminine frame bag. It's structured. It's clean. It's the manicured, click-heeled, apple pie perfection that we associate with the elegance of the 1950s and early 1960s. At it's most thematic it can be paired with a full skirt and some kitten heels, but that doesn't mean you can't carry it with a modern twist. Work it as a faithful vintage look, or as a surprise twist on an edgy outfit.

Satchels and buckle-front bags

Satchel bag at Proenza Schouler, A/W 2010

We'll use the term 'satchel' quite broadly here to describe any bag with a flap-top that fastens with a buckle or clasp. In 2010 and 2011 they can be everything from traditional schoolboy satchel styles, to '70s folk inspired, to modern clasp-fronted bags. The primary material here is most definitely leather - with a new found emphasis on styles that can be clutched as well as carried.

Cross-body bags

Cross-body bag at Gucci, A/W 2010

By no means new but certainly a continually evolving handbag trend, the cross-body bag has a youthful appeal. While a long chain strap is common and a consistently chic take, you can also look variations like Roberto Cavalli's plaited leather or Dior's cross-body strings of pearls. There's always a delicacy to the small cross-body bag that stems from the lack of clutter it can withstand. Perfect for nights out and days around and about - where not much more than a credit card and lipstick are the required cargo.

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Flare Dress Has Techie Flair

When a breeze hits the dress, the dandelions come to life, glowing in all their gentle LED glory. That"s right the Flair dress is a wind-activated number that lights up in a pattern of lights when the wind or a human blows on it. A whimsical affair, I can"t wait to see what other innovative designs will come from this talented designer.

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