It's sad to see summer slip away as the first days of September beckon us closer. Nonetheless, early autumn is one of my favourite times. The weather is still warm, the autumn colours have a sweet melancholy and conkers, bonfires and dried "helicopter" leaves are reminiscent of a happy "outdoorsy" childhood. Talking of children, this is also the time to Go Back to School for a brand new school year, with your new satchel, pencils and geometry set. So there is also the feeling of a new beginning, refreshed from a holiday, even if it's not the six weeks we used to get as children!
I hope we have an Indian summer, but I also welcome autumn. This year as the new fashion catalogues do the rounds it's pleasing to see how many good quality designers have drawn from vintage patterns and feminine styles to produce some very pretty but modern dresses that we can go back to school in!
A 1940s print combined with a more modern style for Boden's ruched waist shift dress.
Cheery berry colours in a cosy "fedosia" tunic dress by Toast.
Ladylike paisley print on this jersey dress by Monsoon.
Laura Ashley's vintage inspired rose print prom dress.








