Last year Marks and Spencer added a new designer (Belinda Earle, formerly at Jaeger) to their team with the hope that she would turn their fashion fortunes around. So far, so good, as this year the Limited collection is one of their strongest yet. 

If you're thinking of Marks & Spencer in times gone by when it was guilty of going a zip or a frill too far, then stop. More along the lines of Cos with it's simplicity, interesting tailoring and on trend styling, there are pieces that everyone aged 20 to 70 will be wanting to wear.   With pastels, yellow and monochrome sitting alongside floral and aztec patterns on skirts, dresses, trousers and coats - there really is something to suit all styles, ages and personalities. 

One of my favourite looks is the collarless coat in black and white aztec print (top right) paired with the white crop top, yellow ankle grazers and leopard print shoes for a print clash.   If you want to make a statement without having to put too much effort into it - this is the way to go.

Here are a few of the pieces I snapped earlier. What do you think? Do you think any of them will be making their way into your wardrobe and your life?

I'm so excited to now have a regular monthly column in the the fab local mag Bishopstonvoice.  I'll be writing about all things fashion, insider tips, local finds and any other stuff that crosses my mind!  If you would like me to feature or discuss something in particular, get in touch: karen@karenl.co.uk and let me know.  

I talked yesterday about red being the colour of the season, well now it's the turn of the print.  Taking centre stage this Autumn/Winter is the mighty tartan in all its highland glory.  Not just appearing in traditional reds, there are lots of alternatives in muted colours if you prefer a more subtle take on this print. 

If you normally shy away from pattern and colour, step outside your comfort zone a little: there's a tartan out there
for everyone. 

Magazines, websites and designer lookbooks are a brilliant source of inspiration for influencing your own personal style.  Whilst you might not have a designer budget, the high street is usually hot on the heels of what's on the runways and so you can usually find something more affordable but still with an edge.

Quilted jackets are really popular this season and are cropping (excuse the pun) up everywhere.  I will admit that they might be a bit like marmite, you either love them or hate them but with less structure than a traditionally tailored jacket, they're great to wear with jeans and are a good transitional piece for now if you wanted to move away from wearing a cardigan.

Whilst doing some research this morning, I saw this jacket from IRO and it reminded me of one I'd seen on Zara's website (they are brilliant at turning designer looks into high street prices) so I thought I'd share it with you to demonstrate what I was saying earlier.  Whilst not exactly the same, you can see a similar theme.  One costs £465, the other £59.99.  Which one would you choose or do you hate both of them??  I'd love to know.

I spent a happy few hours on Saturday researching the new trends that are slowly slowly making their way into the shops.  The sales have stuck around for longer than usual this year so it's a welcome sight to see the new collections.  There's lots of gorgeous hot colours and patterns around with orange being particularly strong again, so if you bought items in this tone last Summer, brilliant, get them out and start wearing them now.

If you're unsure of wearing such a bright colour here are a few facts about the pyschology of orange that might pursuade you to give it a try:

“The color psychology of orange is optimistic and uplifting, rejuvenating our spirit. In fact orange is so optimistic and uplifting that we should all find ways to use it in our everyday life, even if it is just an orange colored pen that we use (or a gorgeous handbag!). It radiates warmth and happiness, combining the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow.  Orange brings spontaneity and a positive outlook on life and is a great color to use during tough economic times, keeping us motivated and helping us to look on the bright side of life”.
- Empwer Yourself with Colour Pyschology

 Back to fashion with flat blocked heel sandals (hurrah for comfort AND style) cropping up everywhere. Clark's had a few fab pairs that will look great with everything from skirts, to ankle grazers to rolled up jeans and a blazer.  Florals are stronger than ever and split skirts of all lengths were popular too.  Being a bit of a rock chic at heart, I'm always partial to a biker jacket and so was particularly drawn to H&M's hot pink style which means I can still have an edge, but a feminine one!  It didn't make it home with me, but it has been playing on my mind ever since........

I couldn't photograph everything I saw and liked but here are a few items that will give your wardrobe a colourful boost without costing the earth.

a – Clark's 
b – Oasis
c – BHS
d – Nine West
e - Clark's
f - Clark's
g – Oasis
h – H&M
j – H&M
k - H&M
l – Top Shop