Needed: Help with Harems...

Well, reader, I did it. 

Ignoring my cautious conscience (and the snide comments of Mr Bossa, might I add) I daringly purchased a pair of harem trousers. In grey velvet. I drooled over these in an ASOS Revive post back in September, and, riding high on my recent tax refund, decided to bite the bullet. Only now they are hanging in my wardrobe, unworn and as yet unloved. 

I love them, they're my thing, let it go.

This weekend I tried them with a figure-skimming black Uniqlo jacket, but it was too long, and played havoc with my proportions. Not one to fall at the first hurdle, I turned optimistically to the 'Your Look' section of January's InStyle. "This being a season of velvet," I thought, "there's bound to be advice on styling up my harems." To no avail. Eight different ways to wear lace, yes, but not a sniff of velvet. 

So at the risk of turning myself into a giant paper dress-up doll, I turn to you, my favourite fashionistas, and ask - how would YOU style these trousers?! 

Hit me with colour, shoe and silhouette suggestions...please.

Which items in your wardrobe have you struggled to style? 

Did you give up, or get help?!

Asos 'Revive': a glimpse of stocking.

Yes, I'm excited about Zara.com, yes, I'm dying to get my freshly-bought items...but no, that hasn't quashed my naturally materialistic nature. Revive, Asos's new line of vintage-inspired clothing, launched on Friday, and is a small and slightly odd collection for the ladylike among us.

The dresses are really rather lovely; I am a little taken by this green number, which I think has beautiful vintage-style details. They style it with a chunky cardigan with elbow patches, and there ain't nothing wrong with that:

The 'underwear' is definitely a highlight for me; impractical as they are, I may not be able to resist these delicate little shorts:

 Never fear, however, footwear and outerwear is catered for, with this country-chic cape, and yummy moss-green jodphurs:

Here is one of the obligatory aviator jackets, but honestly? I'm more interested in the cute pom-pom headband:

I'm really not a hat person (it's the unruly hair) but that or the faux-fur hat below might tempt me:

 And finally, just because I like em....the velvet peg trousers. They're in a tasteful colour, and they appear to drape beautifully. Velvet dresses always feel a bit 'first birthday party' for me, but these may well have pushed me into the velvet-fan camp. 

My grandma will hate them, but then, she wouldn't approve of going out in a slip and cardigan, either.


Will you be wearing velvet this winter? And which items have beckoned to you, from amongst the vast array of A/W fashions?