Four Top Women Fashion Trends, Tips and News for Winter 2012

Here are my top 4 fashion favourites for this Winter.

But please be aware that Gina is a little cautious of catwalk fashion. First because I can't afford those designer prices and second, because what looks fine in an air conditioned building in Milan, New York or London will not stand up well to driving rain and icy gusts.

Incidentally, some of those catwalk models would literally be blown away by a typical storm where I live! These girls need a few decent meals and wrapping up in some sensible, warm clothes! Anyway here are my hot fashion picks.

Lets start with the military look. From jackets to coats the military trend still has loads of mileage.

But there is a definite trend away from the army surplus or goth look towards something more stylish and tailored. A key element in these coats and jackets is a double breasted style with symmetrical military buttons.

Yes, military remains a trend for 2011 but it has evolved from the earlier Spring look that was more 19^th century Georgian or Victorian.

The new look is more functional and utilitarian and inspired by the military uniforms of the 20th century. As well as the more traditional colours of black, beige or khaki you can also find stylish jackets in navy blue, red, yellow or grey.

You can wear a military jacket with either a skirt or a pair of trousers. Boots look great too and the package should be decidedly feminine; easy on the testosterone.

So when wearing your military jackets, pair them with ruffles, pleated skirts, opaque tights and fitted jeans or leggings. Then add some accessories, for example a great bag, to complete the themed, girly look.

Following on from the military look is the Aviator. This is typically characterised by a leather jacket, usually shearling or sheepskin, with a very high collar that is cosy and snug on cold winter days.

But you can still achieve the overall look with a biker or bomber jacket. You can then add an aviator scarf and a suitable hat or cap.

Finally add some boots, over the knee boots look great, and leather gloves. The look can be presented in lots of different ways from androgynous shirt, thin tie and trousers to a more feminine look with handbag, floaty scarf, long or short skirt and colourful opaque tights.

For more on the Aviator look, check out Take Off With The Woman Aviator Jacket and Fashion Look for 2011

Note: this article is the copyright of Gina Coole and if it appears on any website other than Hubpages.com then it has been stolen.

Film Noir and the Femme Fatale

Last winter there was a subtle echo of the Femme Fatale on the fashionable sidewalks of New York, Chicago and even on the pavements and boulevards of London and Paris. Femme fatale is a look that never really goes out of fashion.

In 2011, the ghosts of the silver screen sirens have returned to haunt the fashion world once more.

Think Rita Hayworth, Barbara Stanwyck or Marlene Dietrich ensnaring their lovers in bonds of irresistible desire.

So what is a Femme Fatale? Originally the femme fatale decorated Film Noir with fabulous coats and slinky dresses and gowns.

She was the gangster’s moll, the bad girl on the bar stool or the sinister sound of high heels on the sidewalk. She was highly seductive, had a great figure and legs to die for.

For more on turning yourself into a movie seducer then read the following: Seductive Femme Fatale Fashion Look. A Style That's Too Hot to Handle?

Capes are all about fantasy, superheroes and dressing up. Little girls adore them. But big, grown up girls love them even more. Capes this Winter are highly visible on the high street and at fashion shows and on catwalks.

You'll find plenty of great capes with a military theme but just as many that are pure 'civilian' with classic style that should stay in fashion for more than one season. Fortunately, this year's capes are highly practical; with relatively short length and often have vents for the arms.

A warning. Don't try a traditional Jane Austin styled full length cape in a modern city. You'll find handing over the plastic, texting on a mobile or mounting a subway train doesn't work well with your arms trapped inside your cape. This is why Jane Austin's heroines didn't own mobiles or travel on the tube.

For more on Fashionable Capes read the following: Fashionable Capes for 2011

Here is a useful tip. Why not combine the more austere Military look on the mean streets with the more feminine Femme look inside? Show the world that there are two contrasting sides to your personality.

So here is what you should do. March briskly along the sidewalk in that stylish but cosy military coat.

But once inside, slip out of the coat, ditch the scarf and gloves and reveal that silky, slinky gown of the true femme fatale.

Like peeling an avocado, the hard outer protective shell falls away revealing the soft, succulant juicy fruit within (sorry I got a bit carried away there with the prose!). Anyway, at this point, any man will be putty in your hands.

So what are you waiting for? Check out what you already have that might be suitable for the new you and then get Online and find those clothes you need on the Web to complete your hot new Winter look!