It's always a little bit worrying when you start wishing that next winter would hurry up and start, when this year's is still drizzling on, but that's what London Fashion Week will do to you! Even though you have only just started to decide what items you’re planning to buy for your spring/summer wardrobe and when to start crash-dieting to fit into last year’s bikini, suddenly BOOM! There is an explosion of the next season’s clothes on the catwalks and before you know it, you’re coveting big winter coats and knits!

My mate Tamara is some super-trendy stylist (luckily I‘ve known her since school otherwise I don’t think I’d register on her cool barometer) and has been letting me gate-crash her styling schedule and witness London Fashion Week first hand. I’ve hung out with the beautiful people at all the best LFW shows, got completely star-struck when spotting celebrities and in amongst standing around in shock at how amazing it all is, I’ve also managed to pinpoint the next big trends. Here is what will be dictating your autumn/winter 2011 wardrobe:

Fur

Despite its controversy, fur (both real and fake) was all over the London catwalks; from fur tuft adorned mitts at Aquascutum, to brightly coloured stoles at Roksanda, and luxurious coats at Todd Lynn. My favourite use of fur was as sleeves on wool or leather coats but it goes without saying - I won’t be investing in real fur - it’s all about the fake stuff for me – faux yes!

Feathers

Adding a touch of exotic flamboyance to our winter wardrobes, feathers were spotted at a number of the shows including Matthew Williamson and Holly Fulton. I’m predicting they’ll be a big festive party-wear trend and I’m sure a few will be ruffled at the Christmas office parties too…

Blue

From soft blue-grey to deep dark navy and bright cobalt, there will be a blue shade to suit every complexion next season. In fact, it was such a prevalent colour that models at both the Felder Felder and Ashley Isham shows hit the catwalk with blue lips. I’m calling this look hypothermia chic…

Orange

It seems the future really is orange – this hue was featured in nearly every collection. Top tangerine points go to Amanda Wakeley, who not only featured orange as the statement colour in her collection but also on her invites and show! I’m going to embrace this trend and wear it with, erm… zest…

Statement backs

Cleavage and décolletage are a thing of the past, as AW11 is all about the statement back. From deep, draping, almost naked backs at Roksanda to S&M leather caged backs at Giles. It’s a flesh-flashing, daring trend and you could certainly say you need backbone to pull it off!

Asymmetric half/ half skirts

Short at the front, long at the back, asymmetric half/half skirts graced many a catwalk.  Richard Nicoll gave us harsh blunt cut half/half skirts – super short mini’s with long flowing tails, whilst the trend was more abstract and deconstructed at Michael van der Ham. Either way, the days of the straight hemline are definitely numbered!

Leather

There was no escaping leather this season.  From Betty Jackson to Belle Sauvage leather was a favourite of many of the London designers. It appeared in many shapes and forms, from goats hair adorned biker jackets at Felder Felder, and skin-tight skirts and dresses at David Koma. It looks like it's time to release you inner biker chick!

Roll on winter...