Fashion compromises don't usually work. Take the kitten heel for example. It doesn't have the transformative superpowers of a killer heel, nor does it have the chic quality of the ballet pump. The midi-skirt, on the other hand, is one compromise that works.

After half a decade of thigh skimming dresses and a general obsession with showing skin, we're all over the mini. Even Balmain has moved on and considering that the brand has always been amongst the big supporters of all things mini, that's a big deal. The maxi has also served it's time, especially after the whole boho trend that never really went away, so the midi is the perfect balance.

It's been around for a while. Marc Jacobs was amongst the first to resurrect it back in 2010 with the Louis Vuitton fall show and ever since, everyone from Victoria Beckham to Dries Van Noten have championed the length. At Burberry this season it was all about showing the style on mixed fabrics like plaids and tweeds and Sarah Burton opted for tartan and leather on skirts and also tapped into the length on coats with strong cinched waists at McQ.

What these brands showed is that the midi length doesn't need to be stuffy. Granted, it's one of those trends that will catch on in the mainstream amongst the more mature woman, aka the women that still have money to splurge during this recession, but there are enough reworked pieces to keep everyone happy.

It was this image of Caroline Issa that convinced me ad fellow editors like Giovanna Battaglia, Taylor Tomasi Hill and Shala Monroque show just how versatile it is. So how to style it? Well if you're going for a polished look I'd do like Ashley Olsen and tuck your top in. As well as emphasising the waist, it also helps elongate the body, which, I'm sure, is music to the ears of anyone that doesn't have model length legs. For a more casual day look this season, team it with thick wool tights, hard wearing ankle boots, knitwear and a biker jacket to give it a tough edge.

If you're still undecided, just give it go. While it has very much been the maxi's underrated sister, the midi has slowly been gaining traction over the past few years so you can be rest assured that it'll have staying power.

See my picks after the jump

There's no disputing that the British high street is among the best in the world but when it comes to options for the plus-size woman, it still has a lot of work to do. It's this reason that makes Evans and their designer collaborations so special. The high street retailer is one of the few stores that offer fashion-conscious collections specifically for the curvier woman and their latest collaboration with Clements Ribeiro is really good.

The collection features all of the pieces you would expect from the design duo like bright statement prints and colour, all features that you would normally want to avoid if you are on the curvy side but the designers have managed to pull it off. One sheer green and blue printed dress is particularly flattering showing that this season's penchant for sheer fabrics and prints are not exclusively for a size 8. The rest of the collection works equally well and moves away from the frumpy, tent-like shapes that we've unfortunately become accustomed to when brands foray into bigger sizes.

'For our first range we addressed the different body shapes, with styles which are accessible but modern, with an emphasis on prints and femininity,' the pair told Telegraph Fashion. 'It was our starting point, understanding different proportions and different needs behind a desire for fashion that is not different from the high fashion consumer. Far from being apologetic or patronising, we celebrated curves and voluptuousness.'

See more images of the collection after the ump

Last season was all about paisley prints at Clements Ribeiro and this season they came in traditional folklore styles on autumnal shades of green, brown, orange and mustard. These were combined with leather leggings or skirts and stamped wide leather belts and brightly coloured gloves, in what the pair called folklore meets punk. Unfortunately, the two references didn't sit very well together and instead, the more subdued looks that appeared towards the end - like a white wide leg trouser and long sleeve matching lightweight knit combo or a pair of black and white checked trousers with a leather top and white cropped blazer - worked better.

See the collection after the jump

Alexander Wang, Antonio Berardi, Louis Vuitton, Preen, Altuzarra

See more after the jump

The Arcadia Group haven't been able to keep out of the headlines recently. After Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted having dinner with Sir Phillip Green many speculated that she's bagged herself a line for Wallis and recently Topshop have been linked to both John Galliano and Florence Welch. None of these collaborations have been confirmed but yesterday, the retail giant announced that at least one collaboration is true - Clements Ribeiro have partnered with Evans.

Couple duo Suzanne Clements and Inacio Ribeiro have signed on to produce their much celebrated designs for the high street retailer at a fraction of the price. "Style is not about size, it's about shape and creating beautiful clothes that girls and women will feel great in. It's what we've always done,"  Suzanne said. And this sentiment is exactly what the plus size store is pushing with their new initiative. Named 'What's Your Shape?', the new approach has seen Evans group their new fall offerings into pear, busty, apple and hourglass categories to assist customers to buy pieces that flatter their best bits.

The Clements Ribeiro collection will be available in March.

Having been blown away by the Clements Ribeiro presentation, we just had to find out a little more about what inspired the pieces. Enjoy!

The Fash Pack: What was the inspiration behind this collection?

Inacio Ribeiro: 'Haute Bohemian'. The bohemia of the '70s and YSL's gypsy years. Except we wanted to update the look and create our vision of bohemia, using embroidery to add opulence to the collection.

Read more after the jump

Next season, expect to be channeling bohemian-chic, judging by Clements Ribeiro's latest collection. The husband-and-wife design duo (Suzanne Clements and Inacio Riberio) showcased their AW10 collection earlier today and without a doubt, instantly won over a room full of buyers and press. Maintaining their signature style of luxe light fabrics and abstract prints juxtaposed with slick tailoring, the strength of the 'Haute Bohemian' collection could be found in the finer details. The 24-look collection featured embellished dresses, bejewelled boots and cardigans adorned with sparkly floral and heart motifs, alongside panelled trousers, brocade skirts and the most elegant cashmere, mink fur-trimmed belted coats.

Green, taupe, black, midnight blue, gold, plum and grey made up the colour palette and definitely added a dash of opulence to the collection. The label's ubiquitous paisley and marble prints also made a comeback, but were updated and revamped to suit the mood of the current collection. We loved all 24 pieces so much, we're contemplating taking out a loan to own the entire collection.

See more images after the jump

Are you ready for Lady Gaga, the cartoon? [E! Online]

Liya Kebede knows a good time [Beauty Counter]

Get 66 percent off Clements Ribeiro at Cocosa [Grazia]

American Apparel goes (mostly) modest [Refinery29]