She wore blue velvet...

at Richard Nicoll this A/W show and it was fabulous! However velvet is one of those fabrics I'm unsure about. On one hand it's super soft and warm, perfect for winter, but, it can look dated and can be uber unflattering. Considering its re-emergence onto the fashion scene this year, I decieded to flick through my two foot pile of magazines and rack the internet in the quest for a more definate opinion on the crushed fabric. During my frivolous flicking between the computer and the magazines, I remembed one of my first "Christmas frocks" as my mother called them. A heavy black velvet dress, with an intricate, peter pan, lace collar, a black satin bow around the neck and crocheted detailing at the hem and sleeves. It was darling and I loved it! This memory spirilled into a mash of velvet thoughts and a new appreciation for the material. From trendy blokes in black velvet tuxedo jackets, to Alexa Chung's new collaboration with Madewell which features some funky velvet shorts, to the decedence of tudor kings in velvet pantalons. I thought, velvet while a historic fabric, it is by no means old fashionned as I had previously assumed. On the contrary, opulence is a prominent trend this season and probably it's most prevalent fabric is velvet. Fur, brocade and lace all feature in abundant variety too but I have only included my velvet favourites below. Whether just a hint or a whole ensemble, I think everyone should invest in some cosy velvet staples this winter.

Yes, I know the LBD can get anyone out of a sticky situation and I continually rely on mine. Nonetheless, today I'm offering an alternative, the LVD, that's right, little velvet dress! Of course, you could get a LBVD but let's not over complicate things. I have three choices depending on your age, occassion, style and mood. The first and my favourite is from Nicole Richie's label, Winter Kate. I found it on Asos and they have styled it perfectly with a floppy 70's fedora, over the knee boots and a long key chain. Actually looking at Ms. Richie's entire collection I was impressed, her line is so true to her personal style but in a way that's commercially viable. There are some great pieces, so koodos to her!

Next, the Azzaro dress, the front is pretty standard with a nice bat wing sleeve. But, the back is fantastic with the plunging V-line! While styled elegantly below courteousy of net-a-porter.com I would have toughened up the look. A suede shoe boot, embellished pouch bag and a long chain reversed down the back might have appealed to a younger look.

Our final LVD is a more mature piece from Diane Von Furstenburg. I love the lightening silver colour and the wrap-style is very forgiving.  The black sash around the waist creates an hourglass shape and finishes the dress with simple elegance.

 LVD's require commitment so if you wish to toy with smaller elements of velvet here are some pieces that require less work. The first is a classic tuexdo jacket from D&G. It must be said it is a classic but the price is steep. While foraging in some vintage shops around town I noticed quite an array of velvet jackets (for a fraction of the price). Remember that with any blazer, the fit is key, make sure the waist nips at your narrowest point and that the fabric isnt too tight in the sleeve or across the back. It's a smart but relaxed style... team with dark skinny jeans, a cotton tshirt and brogues for an androgynous day time look.

A Velvet corset... you think a seedy bursleque show in Vegas perhaps? But no, I found this little beaut on Topshop.com and it is devine when dressed with appropriate attire. Mini skirts are out of the question unless the theme that night is "Back to Wezz" and even then really?! Skinny jeans are a bit  typical so I suggest a full, A-line, mid length skirt, think Mirnada Kerr at Prada or Natalia Vodianova in Louis Vuitton A/W campaign. It's sexy in that understated way that leaves you feeling empowered. Complete the look with sky high peep-toes pumps and Bardot hair for a youthful take on the MadMen inspired 1950's trend.

Last but not least, accessories. While I love my battered leather satchel for college, final year has started to take it's toll and at the end of the day I'm almost horizontal trying to compensate for the weight of my bag. So, I've been self prescribing some retail therapy to find a backpack to evenly distribute the academic weight (physically and mentally) I'm lugging around all day. The Topshop Unique sheepskin one is gorgeous but seeing as we are talking about velvet I will gush about Alexander Wang's Sydney Backpack instead. It's just perfect, light but large, with a drawstring fastening and flap covering. Definately an investment item, rarely is fashion that looks this good so functional. I love it!

I will leave you salivating over Fendi's contrast leather and velvet clogs. Although summer is fast becoming a distant memory, surprisingly the clog has managed to hold on for another session. These Fendis are perfect for fellow clog lovers who aren't ready to let go of the shoe (and summer memories associated with them) just yet... enjoy x