We know now from London Fashion Week (and for quite some time before that) that the fashion world has a recyclable nature. It has always baffled me that I saw my mother in skinny jeans, high waist trousers, bee-eye sunglasses and the occasional quiff in her hair. And all those times I saw her, I repeatedly thought to myself that she needed some fashion guidance.

But I was wrong and mum – I’m sorry!!

Although she may not have been wearing them at the peak of their fashionable days, they were pieces that, in her eyes, were timeless – pieces that have been and will be resurrected for years to come. The question of course lies in 1) Who decides when these items come back, and 2) Why do I all of a sudden long for a heavily shouldered blazer when I didn’t about a month ago?

My investigation led me to the Wikipedia article for one James Laver. James laver was a museum curator at the Victoria & Albert as well as a pioneering fashion historian. Although he was not directly involved with the museum’s fashion exhibitions, he had an interest in dating images accurately through the clothing depicted within. He believed patterns of economic and social factors where what developed fashion tastes. So “Laver’s Law” was born, which sought to explain the fashion cycle and the general taste to a timeline. It was first published in 1937 and went as follows –

Indecent – 10 years before its time
Shameless – 5 years before its time
Daring – 1 year before its time
Smart – ‘Current Fashion’
Dowdy – 1 year after its time
Hideous – 10 years after its time
Ridiculous – 20 years after its time
Amusing – 30 years after its time
Quaint – 50 years after its time
Charming – 70 years after its time
Romantic – 100 years after its time
Beautiful – 150 years after its time

Does it work? Seems to – 70 years since the shoulder pads first appeared in Dior’s clothing, they are once again “charming”.

Vogue’s Online Trend Watch was the inspiration for today’s post. In this video, stylist Elizabeth Sulcer has given advice on fall must have items along with 3 trends for fall.

Instead of listing specific products, Elizabeth said must have items need to be personalised to suit your taste. You need to think about timeless pieces you’ll love for years while keeping with the modern themes below. I’ve picked out an item of clothing for each trend that I’d choose as my timeless piece for Fall 2009:

Trend #1: Power Dressing

Inspired by the 80s
Main features include strong shoulders, narrow leggings and folk rock accessories
Inspiring designers include Balmer and Alexander Wang

Must have item: This Definitions Check jacket with just a hint of detailing at the shoulders. It may not be as strong as the season calls for, but I love the feminine cut.

Trend #2: Cool Androgyny

Inspired by the late 70s
Main features include natural and new tones and a play on masculine and feminine
Inspiring designers include Yves St. Laurent and Catherine deNeuve
Must have item: This Dune Mollette clutch bag will add the colour and femininity needed to bring neutral tones to life.

Trend #3: Architectural & Cultural

Inspired by Modernist art and includes volume, texture and cut out prints.
Must have item: This Teatro leopard print pencil skirt combines silk texture and  a modern print to a simple pencil skirt.