What I Have Learned From... The Moomin Family.

It's been a while since I've issued a teaching of the covert "School of Style".

My last grain of inspiration was about the Mayans- since then my school and I have been hiding out in a hidden fortress of the Alps, training for the greatest fashion show-down of all time. Of course, I can say no more about that at this time.

All I can do is impart another inspiration- I have, by a long and intricate process, managed to extract a means of wireless internet connection that will last maybe eight minutes. I have to be quick.

You may be wondering- who exactly is this Moomin family that I have learned so much from? The sad thing is, you should already know. Because the Moomins were and are and amazing fictional species in an amazing fictional land in a series of amazing fictional stories. For a fuller background click here.

The Moomin stories are very dream-like, albeit really cohesive and awesome. At first the stories may seem confusing, even weird, but before long you're hooked.

The fashion idea that these Moomins have instilled in me is the idea of minimalism.

The characters, in appearance, are so simplistic, yet so powerful. Look at Moomintroll up there, with only a top-hat and a cane. He bespeaks an elegant minimalism that is just entrancing. He doesn't need polka-dots or stripes to be a children's icon all over the world- he's just... a white, round-ish figure.

Bland, however, he is not. He is interesting because he is so simple. It gives him a foreign, exotic quality. A little something we just can't put our finger on. That "it" quality.

And that's what the minimalist pieces of this fall are all about. They all have a twist. And that twist really only stands out because it is set against a startling simplicity. In a way, these subtle items will be the most interesting clothes you ever wear.

So, in a hurried fashion, I will put the items I have found that fit this mold below, before my pirated internet connection fails and my school is once again thrown into hidden obscurity. Goodbye, my students, goodbye.

Brian Atwood Patent Pumps

Chanel Rope Necklace

Chloe Polka-Dot Taffeta Skirt

Elizabeth and James Blazer

Fossil Worn Leather Backpack

Jil Sander Cashmere-Blend Pants

Miu Miu Gloves

Miu Miu Wool-Twill Dress

Proenza Schouler Leather Messenger

Ray Ban Aviators

Stella McCartney Trousers

Theory Blouse

Yves St. Laurent Calf-Hair Sandals

Yves St. Laurent Wool Dress

Chanel Pearl Drop Earrings

What I Have Learned From... The Mayans

Colour, mystery, pageantry, ritual and amazing dress sense. The Mayans sure did have it all.

I like to sidestep the whole...'sacrificing' aspect of their culture in favour of a more superficial, and friendly, look at our ancient friends. And boy, were these guys superficial in the ultimate sense of the word.

They did anything to get the look. Sure, in the current day people still stretch their lobes (ear lobes, that is), but does anyone go so far as to bind their head? No. Therefore I bestow respect upon them.

I've been fascinated by Mayans and the Mayan culture since borrowing a library book on the subject when I was... twelve? Something like that. And ever since I've yearned passionately to see the great and mighty ruins, but never have. Ah well, at least this interest gives me lots by way of fashion inspiration.

In set: Mayan Calendar Leggings from nastygal.com, Beaded Balmain sandals (by Giuseppe Zanotti), Mayan Belt Dress from Elegantly Waisted at shopbop.com, Tulun feather earrings by Monsoon, Mayan gold earrings and necklace by Wendy Culpepper, Bloodwood Mayan earlets from Onetribe Organics and a Mayan Womens Huipil from, well, Mexico.

What I Have Learned From...The Mighty Boosh

I know, I know. You ALL know I love The Mighty Boosh. (Some might say wait- what is this Boosh that you speak of? You say it's mighty? I don't know, I just got here. And to that I say check this shit out- it's tasty.)

But here's just a little homage to what I've learned from that beautiful fashion freak Vince Noir, and yes, Howard Moon and Naboo too. There really is little to be learned from Bollo unless you're a nudist, and I think it's best if no one emulate Bob Fossil, but nonetheless they add to the complete package. Enjoy, Floyd.

The wonder-dress is 2cute2trendy, the white cropped leather jacket is Doma, Current/Elliott supplied the drainpipes, Modcloth the poncho (which certainly has the power to inspire joy), the turban is Forever 21, the ring Alexander McQueen (god bless), and the tribal bracelet is Forever 21.

What I Have Learned From... Pippi Longstockings

Pippi Longstockings was always an idol of mine growing up. Strong, brave and independent... what's not to love?

So it's no wonder that some of her fashion tastes also seeped into my mind during those long hours spent watching "Pippi on the Run" and "Pippi in the South Seas". Her influence has led to the bright eclecticism in my style today.

Therefore I think it's time to pay homage to Pippi and her influence on me with this set, showing

all her fashion staples: odd knee-high stockings (the green striped ones can be found at

jackwills.com and the red at jigsaw-online.com), shapelessly cute t-shirts (T by Alexander Wang), Swedish-style rompers (Modcloth), big, old oxfords (best when too large and very shabby- these are Purplow) and one big, woolly scarf for when it gets cold (found on Amazon).

Of course, I emit one of her most constant accessories: Mr. Nilsson, the monkey. However, this is obviously not a feasible fashion venture and, I have to admit, I'm a wee bit afraid of monkeys.

Also, I have found, I do not Pippi's excessive amounts of strength- I cannot lift a horse. It's harder than you think. The horse gets pretty testy after one or two tries.

Ah well. I may never be able to fully emulate my idol, but I can still wear my odd socks, put my hair in braids, and happily reminisce about those sunny hours spent in Sweden with Pippi, Tommy and Anika.

*Click here to see a School of Style post on another Scandinavian children's lit icon: Moomintroll!