SHEARLING BOY

Boys look good in shearling coats, it's the hardy English thing. I like this battered brown-grey version with leather buttons. Loads of character worn with traditional plaid shirt, bookish glasses, satchel and muso headphones. On the subject of leather buttons...I bought some similar ones from John Lewis a while ago to update an old blazer - try it yourself for an uber cheap way to customise a chunky cardi or last years winter coat.

BLOWN AWAY BY 80's C&A

Remember Sarah from my 'Venus in Faux Furs' post back in Autumn 09? well, she's a bit af a gal pal of mine and she has the most amazing selection of vintage and vintage-style frocks. She acquired this beautiful specimen from Quiggins in Liverpool a few years back - made by department store C&A, which was big back in the 80's. I have vague recollections of my mum buying my school shirts from there. I love the longer length of the jersey ra-ra frilled skirt and (not too crazy/scary/sculptural) shoulder pads. What a great find.

GESTAPO TRENCH WITH LEATHER GLOVES

When I saw this long black 'Gestapo' trench and skinny jeans ensemble I couldn't help but think of Carlos D from Interpol, whose slightly severe 1940's/Gothic-chic phase I always thought was pretty cool. There's something 'secret agent-esque' about this immaculate vintage coat, buttoned all the way up with slick hair and leather gloves.

90'S BASEMENT BAND BEAU

I was on my way home the other night when I saw this girl mooching outside Liverpool Barfly (now Masque). Obviously in Winter you see a massive array of all coats in all shapes and sizes so it was interesting to see something a bit different to what's predominantly on the high street right now (blazers, girlie frock coats, F-F and biker jackets). This brown leathery flight jacket was a random item she borrowed from the back of her gal pal's closet and it complemented her blond Courtney Love locks and kinda-ill-fitting-but-in-a-good-way '90's basement band' garb...

I like how she has worked in current pieces like the loose velvet slip (very now - look in Urban Outfitters they have loads of velvety bodycons and night-dresses in right now), tartan blokes shirt (which you can just see peeking out), DM's and the novelty tights. Although I am a loyal black opaque tights wearer I have been leaning towards something a bit different recently...I don't know if I could pull off these bold leopard print bad boys but I am rather a fan of black fishnets for a bit of 90's grunge...these are due for a comeback I think...and I don't know why but they are mega flattering (if a bit cold...)

TRASHY LAS VEGAS LOOK

It's cool to see someone opting out of the polished, Liverpool glamazon look at this time of year and going for something different.

When I met this uber-confident girl I thought her glitter bodysuit, chunky stud belt, bondage PVC boots and star print 'Las Vegas' blazer were a terrific combo in the inevitable sea of office party dresses. I don't even have to mention the massive scarlet rockabilly quiff, immaculate lippy and dramatic 80's blusher. In fact I have now been inspired to try channeling my own Las Vegas trash in the run up to xmas with glittery fabrics and clashing print. Wish me luck with that one!

JUMPSUIT FOR JOY

Jumpsuits are cool but can be tricky to pull off. My theory with fad garments is that you can either go for the 'look at me I'm outrageous' camp (crazy prints/textures or sugary sweet and kidlike) or the 'minimal and expensive looking' camp. I met Sophie (below) at the Whistles launch party a while back and took this picture on the night around the back of the store.

This black jersey jumpsuit is firmly in the classic camp and is utterly gorgeous with formal lapels, casual half mast turn-ups, massive pockets and short sleeves. I like how she opts for minimal makeup (sweep of eyeliner & black nail polish) and shiny black tresses to prevent over styling a wonderfully designed piece which really doesn't need much else. Making this outfit xmas party worthy requires nothing more than a pop of orange-red or plum lipstick.

PLEASE DON'T STEAL MY PORKPIE

Hats rule. No-one ever looks boring with a hat...I think the secret is keeping the rest of your outfit simple and not too try-hard. oh and it has to suit your face shape of course. But then with hattage there's always the age old problem of drunk students trying to half-inch it in the club - as illustrated.

MIXED BAG OF SEEL STREET DWELLERS

The girl on the right here looks ace. Gorgeous pale skin, rosy cheeks and a plaid wool wiggle skirt – very Bettie Page.  Liked her tats too, adds to her moody rockabilly thing. As for the boys... stripy tees always get a thumbs up. I can't explain it but stripes always work on fellas, maybe it's the the timeless gallic thing or connotations with Post Punk/New Wave - think The Police in the music video for "Walking on the Moon". These three should pick up some instruments and start a band or something they look pretty good together.

THE THURSDAY NITE INDIE CHIC

Caught this pretty lady on a Thursday night in Liverpool and loved her casual evening getup. For Liverpool this can be quite rare at times. Mademoiselle has got it right, with a sexy rose print bodycon, slightly battered denim jacket and my favourite mini touches - vintage looking brown leather belt and delicate victoriana necklace.

TRIPPY TANK WITH LAYDEE JEWELLERY

Saturday night means that girls and boys can be wonderfully silly, O.T.T or experimental with clothes. This pint-sized specimen stood out for the above reasons. FOLLY loves the massively oversized tie-dye tank (from Sebastien Tellier @ American Apparel i think). The experimental licence of Saturday night will allow the random addition of Topshop jewellery to the outfit - who knows, drunk on cider he may have found it disregarded on the dancefloor and decided to give it a go. But hey... it's a Saturday night afterall.