A Touch of Gothica.

With the weather resembling that of October and my beautiful Portugal tan fading fast, the only thing keeping me sane this "SUMMER" is the blissful knowledge that in the fashion world, Winter is already on the cards. This week I have happily been nosing through previews of the Autumn/Winter 2012 collections for all of my designer favourites, in a hope to try and rid me of my holiday blues; and ALAS there appears to be a silver lining (or perhaps a rainbow would be more apt, what with all this rain).


For my nearest and dearsest, it will come as no surprise that I have been drawn to this Gothic fairy tale trend, with black proving to be a recurring colour scheme within my wardrobe...what can I say, it goes with everything! This season we are once again being drawn to the dark side, the focus being on delicacy and looking "pretty"; which for many will come as a great sigh of relief, when compared to last winters dominatrix, whips and chains trend.


The fashion gods much to my dismay, seemed to have forgotten all about the powers that lie beneath the simplicity of the colour black, in favour of a crisp white palette; but I knew it wouldn't be long before they came to their senses and reincarnated a true classic. This trend really is wearable for all.


Valentino was one of many designers who opted to bring a little bit of magic to the Little Black Dress. Long sheer sleeves added sex appeal to the long lengths of fabric that skimmed the floors of the catwalk in an enchanting, yet mysterious manner. High necklines and puff ball sleeves gave the collection an almost Victorian vibe, which gave a new dimension to the concept of darkness.

Valentino Fall/Winter 2012

Valentino Fall/Winter 2012

Nina Ricci have created a really strong Fall collection, priding themselves on the "moody feeling" that surrounds each garment. The dresses are playful and whimsical but again, sheer fabrics are used by the bucket load, revealing a more grown up side to the fairy tale stereotype. When combined with deep plum lipstick, it doesn't take much to lure us in to the darkness.

Nina Ricci Fall/Winter 2012

Nina Ricci Fall/Winter 2012

Black is going to be everywhere this Winter, so the highstreet will be full of great bargains to transform you in to a dark romantic. I have already been eyeing up a few items for the wish list and have spotted this Coco's Fortune number, capturing the smouldering feel of the winter in an elegant manner that mirrors those on the catwalk. If you prefer a maxi dress, check out this simple floor-sweeping classic from Religion, that will effortlessly take your wardrobe from Summer to Winter.

Religion Maxi Dress  £100 (available at ASOS) 

Coco's Fortune £55 (available from Topshop)

Sheer fabrics, delicate patterns and an heir of elegance. Dark Romance provides us ladies with a chance to smoulder. Forget fifty shades of grey...the blacker the better.