suede's corner

Suede is still very much regarded as a luxury material, even though it is now widely and fairly cheaply available. Although it's never really been out, it is particularly in this year, most probably because of the Seventies inspiration that colours most of the looks at the moment. Really cheap suede is never a bargain, and ends up looking more like suedette - all stiff and horrid. A short suede A-line skirt is infinitely wearable, but if you do plan to wear it a lot, buy it in a dark colour otherwise your dry-cleaning bill will be huge. The stone pea-coat featured here is beautiful, and attractively priced. I don't know if I'd dare buy something in such a light colour (I'm a messy pup), but if you can bear making Sketchley's your second home this is a buy and a half, and will be much remarked on.

Above: Camel suede shirt, pounds 175, Kookai, branches nationwide, tel: 0171 937 4411. Chocolate brown suede long split skirt, pounds 180, Joseph, 26 Sloane St, London SW1, tel: 0171 629 4774. Fawn lace tights, pounds 9.99, Jonathan Aston from Fenwicks and major department stores nationwide, tel: 0116 286 2388. Gold t-bar shoes, pounds 192, Patrick Cox, 8 Symons St, London SW1, tel: 0171 730 6504.

Above left: Suede jacket, pounds 59.99, The Absolute Leather Company, from selected branches of Miss Selfridge, tel: 0181 910 1100. Tan suede short skirt, pounds 210, APC, 124 Draycott Avenue, London SW3, tel: 0171 225 0364. Brown pattern tights, pounds 22, Wolford, from major department stores, tel: 0171 935 9292. Antique tan knee-high boots, pounds 175, Russell & Bromley, 24- 25 New Bond St, London W1 and branches, tel: 0171 629 6903.

Left: Stone suede pea-coat, pounds 350, Jigsaw, 126/127 New Bond St, London W1, tel: 0171 491 4484. Camel polo neck, from a selection starting at pounds 29.99, Morgan, branches nationwide, tel: 0171 436 5255. Chocolate brown suede trousers, pounds 99, Kookai, as before.

Right: Purple suede biker jacket, pounds 250, French Connection, 249 Regent Street, London W1, tel: 0171 580 2507. Sand suede trousers, pounds 80, Miss Selfridge, branches nationwide, tel: 0181 910 1100.