Proud to be British - London Fashion Week 2012

It is that time of year where all eyes are focused on the runways of the Capital. I somehow feel that because British style, just like our language, cuisine and architecture, is such a fusion of influences from all that surrounds our tiny little island, the pressure is on even more for our designers to bring innovative and daring designs to wow the fashion elite and consumers alike.

Well it looks like they've done it again with some claiming it to be the best London Fashion Week ever. British favourite Burberry attracted a constellation of A-list stars to its front row and showcased a combination of masculine outerwear with feminine skirts and simple accessories. There is a nod towards hunting attire with flatcaps, nipped-in tweed jackets and ribbed tights all in traditional hues of brown, camel and olive. The accessories inject a splash of colour with plum and mustard leading the way. As we have been hearing the peplum is in favour and Burberry have cleverly created them using pockets to emphasise this curvy silhouette. For a taste of this trend have a look at the Peplum skirt in Lace by ASOS for just £28 which can be taken all the way in to next season. For now team with a cropped leather jacket for a rock n roll edge.

With so much going on it is difficult to review every single collection but others that are worth a mention are Topshop and Christopher Kane. With Vogue's former Fashion Director, Kate Phelan, now at the helm this is her first collection for high street favourite Topshop. It simply oozes that raw and daring style us Brits are renowned for, lining up military coats next to sexy hotpants and flirty, feminine dresses.

Christopher Kane has got the fashionistas talking with a bold contrast to his ethereal Summer collection. This collection shows promise of an edgier and harder look for Autumn, still following on from the Gothic trend we saw so much of in 2011 but without the drama - just simple, easy to wear pieces that do the talking for themselves.

Here comes the sun??

As much as I love the winter weather even I have to admit that this time of year starts taking its toll. Only now will I start thinking about getting back to healthy eating because I comfort eat my way through January!

Since last Autumn we have been teased with images from the SS12 collections promising pastels and prints galore and now they are withing reaching distance so close and yet so far. Already our high street is blossoming in to bouquets of sheer fabrics and candy hues planted alongside the continuing Gatsby glamour, jungle fever prints and vintage americana styles. Whilst it is easy to be defeatest in the face of our Great British weather, there are ways you can begin introducing these trends whilst keeping warm for the tail end of Winter -

- Buy a simple item such as a brightly coloured Tee which can be layered with your Winter knits and skinny jeans for turn-of -the-season chic. John Lewis Collection have got a much needed sunshine yellow tee in for £35.

- Approach pastels with caution. These shades don't suit everyone (myself included) but an easy way to wear them is in the form of skirts, jeans and chinos. Topshop are currently doing their 'Kristen' jean in Blush and Sky Blue and chinos in pistachio and coral hues. Team with your shade of white (yellow-based for warm undertones, brilliant whites and oyster shades for cool undertones) for an effortless daytime look.

- Twenties trends are gracing our high street thanks to the influence of the big screen bringing us The Artist and very soon, The Great Gatsby. It is the perfect trend to inject some glamour, opulence and fun in to these uncertain and difficult times.  Indulge in statement jewellery and Deco prints to take part in this notoriously wreckless decade, but beware of the drop waistline - those of us with curvy hips will find this one trickier to pull off.