I get an email informing me that Sherlock Holmes's coat is now available to buy. It's the one Benedict Cumberbatch modelled to excellent effect in the BBC series Sherlock; it's by Belstaff, it's called Milford and it costs £1,350, which is a hell of a lot of money. But then, it's a hell of a coat. Sharp, yet swishy. Dramatic. Dandy/manly. I really love that coat. I'd buy one for all my lovers, if I could afford to.

Admittedly, I could be somewhat influenced by the fact that I fancy the – well, the coat – off of Benedict Cumberbatch. My crush on him is vast, unlikely, and completely undeniable. It's also shamefully common; half the female population of the UK is similarly afflicted. Cumberbatch is fast becoming the thirtysomething bird's Robert Pattinson. "They should call us Deer Stalkers," texted my friend V. "Shut up, I've got ep three on iPlayer again," I responded. "I really like his nose, don't you?" It's getting a little out of hand.

I would have thought of nothing other than Cumberbatch, if I hadn't suddenly been overwhelmed by a desire to own a leather skater skirt. I mean, consumed by it. It came from nowhere. Well, OK – no fashion impulse comes from nowhere. They start on the catwalk, meander into the mags and shopping sites, and filter into the sub-section of my brain dedicated to coveting stuff passionately via osmosis. The designer Rebecca Minkoff showed a leather pleated skater skirt called Clueless (in homage to the 90s movie classic) as part of her summer 2010 collection. I saw it months back, was vaguely intrigued by it, but only started truly wanting it, on that visceral level, at about 1.40 this afternoon. I Googled it to discover it had sold out in my size, everywhere on the planet. Thwarted!

Skirts are a tricky proposition. They can tend towards one of two extremes: office frumpy or office slutty. But throw skater into the equation – which this season totally has – and you've got the basis for a really lovely bit of skirt. Skater is flirty and charming and of an entirely wearable length. It isn't too tarty-tight; nor is it too Juliet Bravo square. Skater can pass with flats (charming and girly!) or heels (grown-up lady chic, totally Céline autumn/winter 2010!). It can be leather. It can be printed. It can be stretchy jersey. It can be wool. It's better with bare legs than tights, but skirts always are. I am especially enjoying…

Skater dress £195, Whistles (whistles.co.uk)

Clueless skirt £448, Rebecca Minkoff, from asos.com

Rose print £168, Antipodium, from Liberty (liberty.co.uk)

Leopard print £32, Topshop (topshop.com)

Leather £175, Whistles (whistles.co.uk)

Polly Vernon