today i'm channelling... olivia palermo

So you know how I said in my last post that gawping at celebrities' front row outfits was possibly my favourite part of the fashion weeks? And that I was especially looking forward to seeing which shows Olivia Palermo would show her fabulous face at? Well, my fashion prayers have been answered. I've only checked out six or so shows so far but Miss Palermo has rocked up to two of them - Peter Som and Ports 1961, since you ask. (By the way, already noticing a lot of draping, fluid lines, sheer textures and white from the shows I've seen so far).

Anyway, true to form, Olivia gave us a lesson in how to look spectacular on the front row, so I thought it only fitting to dedicate a post to emulating her polished style, given that it so perfectly sums up the New York aesthetic.

Olivia is, like me, someone who seems much more comfortable in winter than in summer attire, and her trademark gold jewellery and flawless blowdry somehow seem to fit much better with smart trousers and jackets than shorts and tees. So I'm sure she shares my joy in being able to slip into a more wintry range of clothes and colours now that it's September. And if this outfit is anything to go by, she certainly shares my love of khaki. What I love about this look (worn to Peter Som's show) is Olivia's expert pairing of a dash of military grunge - by way of the biker skinny trousers, lace-up boots and casual zip-detail jacket - with some seriously high-end touches like her elegant necklace, luxe tote bag and of course her trademark red nails, gold watch and cocktail ring. She thereby achieves an outfit that neither looks too grungey (take note Agyness Deyn) nor too Upper East Side, but sits somewhere fashionably in the middle.

So how to perfect your own brand of Palermo-inspired chic? First up squeeze into Topshop's Biker Skinny Trousers, which are très Houlihan-esque and not at all bad for £38. Team with Topshop's Roll Sleeve Burnout Tee, £16, for an extra dose of grunge, and then sling on Marks and Spencer's Autograph Chain & Piping Jacket with Wool, £69. Now for the polished accessories to elevate your look into seriously covetable territory. First the Palermo must-have, a gold mannish watch; hers is a Rolex and presumably cost thousands of dollars, but fear not, you can grab your own for a mere £16 in Urban Outfitters' Gold Face Stretch Watch. You can also copycat Olivia's delightful chain-link bracelet with Asos' remarkably similar Wide Links Bracelet with Magnetic Clasp, £10. Then you just need a whopping great cocktail ring such as Topshop's Leaves Covered Stone Ring, £12.50, and a statement necklace like Asos' Vintage Style Short Occasion Necklace, £20.

Finally it only remains for you to put all your fashion week essentials - I'm thinking notepad for jotting down your favourite looks, lipstick for emergency top-ups, and smart phone for tweeting and snapping the street style on offer - into a stylish tote like Miss Selfridge's Black Crocodile Padlock Bag, £35 and lace up some fabulous heeled hiking boots; Asos' ACE Leather Brogue Cleat Sole Boots, £100, should do the trick. Et voilà! A sleek New York look to take you to any of the shows. Or just something fabulous to wear while you watch them online, at least...

Picture of Olivia Palermo: Celebrity-gossip.net