ONE TO WORSHIP: Cross country
There's a look that is stalking the streets (part country, part biker, hints at handy with a wood chopper) that is best known as urban lumberjack. As seen on Cat Deeley, Kate Moss and Agyness Deyn, it is equal parts tailored tweed and urban fox. Aubin & Wills, the grown-up sister brand to Jack Wills, has just launched on net-a-porter.com and is the place to head for tweedy blazers and tartan capes. Or pick up a lumberjack shirt to wear à la Moss with shorts, knee-high boots and a blazer for a daytime hillbilly vibe. Tartan dresses go well with leather jackets for an easy-strolling Saturday look, or wear a chunky Fair Isle cardigan with a big belt and stompy boots. Keep it clear of country casual by mixing in urban elements: skinny black trousers and biker boots stop you looking like you've dressed entirely from the Toast catalogue. It's the country vibe, not the actual farmhand look, we're trying to rock here.
TREND WATCH: Metallic coats
The trend for shiny metallic fabric is a tricky challenge that sorts the women from the girls. Worn well, it can look exclusive and sumptuous. Worn wrong? You're in New Jersey housewife territory. Here, Gwyneth provides a high-fashion take on the Bacofoil bonanza. The key is to keep it simple and allow the dazzling material to take centre stage. With her cage shoes and Hollywood tousled hair, the belted coat makes a glamour statement. For notes on what to avoid, see that trusty guardian of glitz, Mariah Carey. She may as well have pinched her brassy-gold, leopard-print-lined mac from Dorian off Birds of a Feather. A chic, metallic coat can add megawatt style, but take care not to overdo it with fussy accessories or competing fabrics, lest you find yourself sitting on a white leather three-piece in a cosy cul-de-sac.
BLOG OFF: What cyberspace thinks of Mel B's latest look
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Heinous fashion crime alert! Mel B, Dolly Parton called. She wants her shiny wig back. And while you're at it, you can return that sequined monstrosity masquerading as a dress to Paris Hilton. We don't know what you were thinking, and by the sheepish look on your face, we're sensing you don't, either.
Is it drag-queen week? First we have Alex Reid looking like Jordan, now we have Mel B looking like a guy dressing up as Beyoncé. How trannie fabulous! Jordan won't be pleased, though; Mel totally out-drags Alex. So it's Beyoncé 1, Jordan 0.
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Wow, Mel B, I hate to say it, but that sparkly dress is a big improvement on the plunge-front kaftans, spray-on dresses and sequined bras you've been wearing recently. Not that that's saying much. When a Jordan impersonation is more demure than your usual look, you have to start worrying.
MADE IN AMERICA
Bundlebox.com is a new website that provides you with a personal address stateside, enabling you to shop for those elusive American finds online. Saves the hassle and the trip. A service to make you smile.
SKINTED & MINTED
Oasis A bargain bootie call, £65
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Stella McCartney Earn your fashion stripes, £325; net-a-porter.com
FASHION TIP Go naked under your biker jacket for a seriously sexy look