Welcome to the dark side...

Prada AW12

Jean Paul Gaultier AW12

Chanel AW12

If you're a fledgling fashion intern, model or blogger these days it seems the unofficial uniform is black, maybe with a little monochrome or grey thrown in to mix it up. Usually, I prefer to dress like I've rubbed myself up against a wet unicorn that's been trotting through rainbows. Far be it from me to hate on black clothing - the LBD is still the staple for any girl's wardrobe (I now couldn't dream of life without my French Connection yoke mini) and black is universally acknowledged as the most flattering and alluring colour in style. Still, I'm always a little disheartened when I step on to the high street in Autumn and the displays are filled with fifty shades of black. This Winter, however, is different - I suddenly find myself hideously attracted to the blacks, oxbloods and graphites that litter the shop windows because everyone has gone embellishment and oddity crazy: studs, sequins, prints, inserts, patterns and sheer fabrics have (somewhat) lured me over to the dark side, and you should definitely join me.

River Island Grey Print Maxi Skirt - £25
This skirt has everything - a little grey, a little black, a little of what I'll constrew as oxblood, plus it looks like a big pile of Autumn leaves and everybody loves those (except gardeners).

In Love With Fashion LOU LOU Black Open Back Dress (back view) - £32
Cold shoulders and an exposed back but with a maxi skirt to make up for all that flesh, this dress is the perfect amount of exhibitionism for the Winter without those catty labels.

New Look Black Lace PU Sleeve Jacket - £34.99
Leather (look) and lace - an unusual but welcome combo for this season for releasing your inner gothika. 

Office Over The Top Wedge - £70
I feel like Oxblood is probably going to be the most difficult colour to work with this season as it's so inbetween, but these killer wedges from Office are right on the money and could be paired with brights or darks from the ankles up.

Pull and Bear Animal Print Jersey - £29.99
Super cute! People will probably want to pet you if you wear this.

ASOS Marketplace Pirate Ship Foldover Clutch - £15.99
Quirky little clutches are a mayjuh weakness of mine, and this one is a friggin steal as well as working the "grey and interesting" look.

ASOS Sheer Bomber Jacket - £35
Own it, love it, wear it everywhere. Bottom line? It's awesome go get one!

Miss Selfridge Project #3 Lace Panel Dress - £52
Yes we're bordering on the pricey here but if you want a truly knockout dress in everybody's favourite shade check out Project #3 at Miss Selfridge - a limited collection of stunning pieces, definite crowd pleasers and this art deco style mesh and lace number is spot on for AW12.

ASOS Sweatshirt with Stud Shoulder - £35
It's got studs and a leather look trim BUT it's also comfy as hell, I think Rita Ora whenever I see pieces like this and who doesn't want to be a little more like Rita?

Black Milk Black Galaxy Leggings - £48.37
Not usually something I would include in a Cheap Like Me post but if we're talking about innovative clothing then I have to mention my true love Black Milk. Yes a pair will set you a budgeting girl back a buttload but the wear you get out of them is worth every penny.