Taking some of the latest fashion trends for a spin

THE LUMBERJACK

So there I was, looking suspiciously like a lumberjack in waiting. Looking in the mirror, I think that all I really need now is an axe, and maybe some gumboots.

For this is the biggest issue when trying to engage with the still-slightly-underground trend toward checks, plaids and tartans. There's a clear and present danger of looking like you have just emerged from the woods - or maybe that you're seriously considering donning fake facial hair and undergoing sex reassignment surgery.

For the past few seasons, these traditionally more masculine fabrics have been showing up on fashion runways in the unexpected form of tailored jackets, girlie shirts and pretty dresses. And as these looks continue to turn up, you can't help but think there's a quiet retro-revival of grunge plaids and messy punk checkers going on in the back of someone's mind somewhere.

So the time has come to put this trend to the test. I have a sort of 50s-inspired Swanndri-look jacket complete with fake shearling trim - it's cold outside, the jacket is warm and, rather pathetically, I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Pearl Jam.

So I wear it. But as I walk down Ponsonby Rd I do feel a teeny-weeny bit too macho.

Still, Brokeback Mountain fashions are where it's at. So there.

Nonetheless, I realise that passers-by are confused as to why such a macho female lumberjack is taking a teabreak so far from Woodhill Forest. And the opposite sex is obviously intimidated by my husky exterior, although I suspect I could have got lucky with a similarly tough-looking girl who caught my eye and smiled charmingly.

Or maybe she just wanted her lawn mowed?

THE VICTORIAN

There's something undeniably romantic about the Victoriana that's made it into the shops this winter. It almost makes you feel like running dramatically across the nearest moor, pale skin glowing in the midwinter twilight, long black hair flowing and probably clutching a tattered book of love poems.

The wind will definitely be blowing and there would certainly be some hot guy on a handsome steed waiting for me.

Okay, so there's a park over the road from my place and the wind is blowing. But I'm pretty sure the boufhead rugby players that practise there don't have any horses. So, I'm going to make this easy on everyone. I'm simply going to wear a Victorian-styled blouse with my usual jeans and boots down to the mall.

Yes, you're right, this look is an absolute doddle. This breed of shirt is something of a hangover from last season's bohemian madness. It has a pretty vintage feel, it's flatteringly cut and, like many of its stylistic siblings, it uses light cotton and sweet laces. And unlike my big plaid jacket, it's sexy in that secretly naughty librarian way.

The only thing I need beware of here is the curse of the pirate's daughter. A ruffle too far, some boots and a cutlass, and I'll be offered a part in the next production of Pirates of the Caribbean.

But as I roam around the St Lukes mall, I become aware of the only other issue with Victoriana. It's too damn easy. In fact it's so easy that every single shopgirl worth her fake Paris Hilton handbag is wearing the same sort of thing I am.

Every single shop is stocking my exact outfit. And the mannequins wearing it look better than I do. It's some sort of mall-bound Victorian shirt virus that I am clearly allergic to because, basically, I'm a horrible snob.

So, even though I love this shirt, I go home and change.

THE MOD

Possibly the clearest cut example of this look to be found down at your friendly, neighbourhood chainstore is the double-breasted, shortened pea-coat. It's a bit like those the Beatles used to wear back when they were cute and dating nice vegetarians. Worn with skinny pants, on both boys and girls, it has a sort of buttoned-down yet slightly garage rock feel.

This has arrived in the shops in all sorts of fabrics and cuts. So considering that, just for a change, it's raining in Auckland, I decide that a nice coat - my test drive tonight will be a tailored, double-breasted off-white number by Tanya Carlson - seems to be a good choice for a night on the town.

And wow, this is great. As soon as I put this on I feel transformed. My personal style is best described by one delightful word, scruffbag. And tonight isn't any different jeans, old T-shirt, and flat shoes.

But, crikey, put this beautifully tailored coat - with its slick, stylish, slightly preppy, slightly 60s lines - over everything else and I feel like a grown-up at last. Gasp. In fact, this unusual feeling even makes me contemplate changing into high heels.

It also makes me contemplate the essence of mod style. Neat, clean, simple, perfect, lean and androgynous are some of the descriptions you'll read about if you look it up (the opposite, in fact, to the boho look of last summer).

That's probably why adding a little of this trend to your winter wardrobe will be helpful and particularly easy for anyone who takes a little too much pleasure from a faded T-shirt and jeans.