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

When Isabel Marant does something, it catches on and her wedges sneakers are a case in point. Since appearing on the runway the style has become a firm favourite amongst celebrities off-duty like Beyonce and Miranda Kerr. Even more interesting is the fact that many editors have swapped their Louboutin's and incredibly high heels for comfortable variations on the style to attend the shows too and it's clear why.

I have never been a big trainers girl - despite being inspired by Taylor Tomasi Hill to buy a pair - but this is something that I have decided to invest in. Like the pyjama trend that I wrote about recently, the Marant style wedged trainer signals a move even further towards the current concern for functionality and comfort in fashion, which many brands are tapping into at the moment.

While they do have a heel there is no denying that the subtle wedge straddles the perfect balance between an informal trainer and easy to wear wedge and besides, they're perfect for those busy days pounding the pavement. What more could you need?

Are you convinced?

Left to right: Beige leather and suede trainers, £262, See by Chloe at My-Wardrobe; White Athlete wedge heel trainers, £75, Topshop

When Julie Gilhart was let go from Barney's the speculation and rumours about who would replace her and everyone from Taylor Tomasi Hill to Virginia Smith's name was thrown in the hat. As we all know now, the fashion director role went to Amanda Brooks but now it looks like the speculation is set to return as Brooks has just handed in her resignation after working for the company for just over a year.

UPDATE:

"To be the fashion director of a store with such a unique and inspiring vision has always been a dream job," Brooks told WWD. "I have had the pleasure of working with an incredibly talented team but have resigned to temporarily relocate to England with my husband [English artist Christopher Brooks] and children in the interest of further pursuing other opportunities. It is a personal decision and I will miss working with the Barneys team."

Read more after the jump

Now we have Moda Operandi, it's hard to imagine not having it. Just in case you're still unaware of it, the site allows shoppers to the collections straight after the shows and have them delivered way before everyone else. Saying that, I must admit, I wasn't particularly aware about how it worked before Taylor Tomasi Hill arrived at the company from Marie Claire last year. Just like everyone else, her style has always beena a favourite of mine and now Moda Operandi are tapping into that with their editorial content.

Aside from their trend reports featuring street style images of the former editor, they've just released these great videos from behind-the-scenes at the shows. And as you'll see, Emmanuelle Alt isn't the only fashion figure that can get down and have fun. In the videos the team show all of the fun things that they got up to inbetween shows and yes, that means riding around on a carousel in Paris and several imporomptu dance routines.

Enjoy!

See more videos after the jump

Although Mark Fast was the only runway show that Kanye West attended at London Fashion Week, he did make a point to attend the debut presentation of Australian designer Dion Lee. This wasn't a surprise, as West is known to attend the presentations of new and exciting young designers but his attendance this time was first a different reason.

Last week Lee's team confirmed that the designer called on West to design the shoes for the collection and we're actually really impressed. The black heels are sexy but timeless and wouldn't look out of place on the feet of Carine Roitfeld or Taylor Tomasi Hill and hopefully hints at what we have to look forward to for his Fall show this week. Clearly his monthly visits to Giuseppe Zanotti's factory has paid off.

See the shoes after the jump

Image via Elle.com

Yesterday Taylor Tomasi Hill was applauded for the successful launch of her design collaboration with Lane Crawford in Hong Kong but in the space of a day, things have already turned sour.

Elle.com quickly noticed the uncanny similarity between the Moda Operandi artistic director's collection with two designer pieces. First up is the navy LBD which appears to be identical to a dress that Marc Jacobs showed back in 2008 and that's not all. The button down blue top with cut out shoulders that we all fell in love with is indistinguishable from a Comme des Garcon top that an editor was snapped wearing on a street style blog back in 2009.

Read more after the jump