A twice-queenly statement: tartan and carrot-tops

Today at lunch, I had a model-scout-like revelation: my ravenous attention was distracted by a carrot-top.

No, nothing to do with vegetables, I found myself staring at a tall thin ginger girl: not particularly beautiful but striking.

And since everyone seems to be going to the hairdresser at the moment, why not try copper?

Red-heads being the ugly-ducklings is ancient history, not since Elisabeth I has translucide skin, invisible eyebrows and tangerine hair been celebrated.

Orange haired models and celebrities have been everywhere over the last years, from the breathtaking Tilda Swinton to Lily Cole who's trademark is her fiery-fall of hair.

British Vogue interviewed red queen, Karen Elson, in their Glorious September 2008 issue about the red phenomenon; and model agencies are reported to be encouraging carrot-tops to come forward.

The strangely pale creatures are up for fashion domination.

I cannot pinpoint it but there is something arresting about red-heads - something about their almost erased, complexions. Maybe it is the bone structure or the fact the definition of their features gets lost in a milky skin.

When I found myself staring, I realised I was so dumstrucked by this carrot-girl because she reminds me of Queen Elisabeth (or at least the stately idea I have forged of her, as I cannot claim to have met the woman).

So it all revolves around the queen as style icon after all: I might have to go out and buy a tartan suit to match the hair - and the royal airs of the season...

Leg it up for Winter: Hoisiery trends

After a rainy summer and a even rainier autumn, leg is finally on show.

Mini skirts were the trend for June, July and August but they only had a feeble chance at being seen.

However, Antarctic temperature are not such a bad things for our legs anymore.

Hosiery is set to play a big part in getting the key look for autumn winter.

Leggings and tights are overtaking the high-street: from orange to tartan, with spiderweb prints, retro designs or textures that range from PVC to sequin and leather.

They come in all colours and looks and the Olsen twins are already fan. And they are far from being the only ones.

The trend started on the catwalks with designers trying to give the sock and the tight a new twist.

In terms of accessorising the black, white and grey mini-dresses of the winter, everything goes: bright-coloured knee high socks will brighten up a classic dress, and patterned black tights will add some definition to an otherwise dull outfit.

More about leggings before taking the plunge:

Who ever said the older generation doesn't have a sense of style?

We must admit that it's rare to hear someone this new cool trend "inspired by Nan." Unless curtains are your style trademark. And to be honest, unless you are Vivienne Westwood it's hard to make table cloths look good...

Let's face it, grand-parents (and sometimes parents) are not often cited as the most trendy people.

Could we be wrong?

On Wednesday I was at City Hall listening to Boris Johnson answer questions from the London Assembly, and I saw the most amazing swanky outfit: a delicately tailored bright red tartan double piece suit, with slightly padded shoulders.

And it was worn by a woman well past eighty!

A well tailored traditional design with a modish twist always does the trick, no matter how old you are. This little aged lady can easily rival with a Burberry clad Kate Moss any day in terms of style!

Maybe it's worth looking a little more towards the past to get inspiration going.