One of my favourite daydreams this time of the year is about the English countryside. Imagine getting your Afternoon High Tea served in the drawing room each day at five o'clock. Or taking a walk with the dogs or go horse-riding in the morning. I've probably read to much English literature as a child, but I find this sort of countrylife a very good subject for daydreams.

Of course I dream about the outfits, too. Many years ago, I saw a programme on women of the English aristocracy. One of them went about her messy kitchen with dirty wellingtons and a quilted ridingjacket on. She didn't have any make-up on, her hair was messy (and the kitchen not very clean), but yet she had an air of pure elegance. I dream of possessing such charisma!

I'm very fond of my rural dream. The best thing about this particular dream, unlike those of stilettoed Manolos, is that the outfits are practical. Usually I detest the word practical, but not in the case of country elegance!

The fashion icon above all when it comes to English nobility is, of course, The Queen Herself. Watch the film with the same title (Helen Mirren plays the Queen), and you will understand what I mean.

The rural wardrobe are made of both wearable and practical items, which are perfect for the chilly autumn season. The clothing is simple, but of extremely high quality (and dito price-tag). This is not a style for the spontaneous: except for maybe one or two Hermès-scarfs in red or light pink, the colors are discreet. They range between brown, forest green, beige, navy and grey. Tweed is a  must! Other materials are pure cotton, corduroy, silk and wool. A cashmeresweater or cardigan is of course compulsory! Wellingtons or ridingboots are practical in the stabels or garden.

If I ever win the lottery, the English countryside is where you'll find me. Probably I'll be sitting in the drawing room with a cup of Earl Grey in one hand and a scone in the other. After a long day of gardening or horse-riding I'm definitely worth my Afternoon Tea!