Everybody's wearing... White Shirts

If someone told me at the start of this season that the one item I'd need was a white shirt, I would have hibernated in my polar bear PJ's with the new box set of Gossip Girl, and no-one would have heard from me till there was blossom on the trees.

In case you hadn't already guessed, I find a white shirt somewhat unremarkable. Yet, styled right, this item will be the most coveted item in this Winter's wardrobe.

Celebs are lining up left, right and centre for a piece of the shirt action. Gwyneth Paltrow tucked her silk shirt into black tailored shorts and teamed it with a metallic clutch, understated black courts and a long pendent necklace. This outfit is effortless sophistication at its best.

Leighton Meester gets double fashion points - pairing her shirt with the season's cargo trousers. Like Leighton, leave a few buttons undone and go for short or rolled up sleeves for day time wear. Add a big bag and statement heels in a muted tone to sex up the look.

A new trend doesn't really exist until Sienna's worn it. Miss Miller modernises the classic shirt and trouser office ensemble, with a military shirt. Gold buttons galore and sharp shoulders glam up the dark trousers. Not one to shy away from attention, Sienna spices things up with a 60s inspired, stack heeled platform. What a beaut!

Topshop have some gorgeous takes and cater for all price bands. Follow in Sienna's footsteps with the Gold Button Military Shirt, £38 or try the Side Tuck Short Sleeve Blouse, £38 to re-create casual chic a la Leighton.

If, like me, you're not quite sure about the white shirt, opt for a patterned or coloured blouse - but remember this look is about quiet sophistication, the cut and fabric is eye-catching enough, a loud print is not needed.

Warehouse have a beautiful navy Swallow Print Blouse, £55. Alternatively, Reiss has some exquisite lace blouses and military shirts ranging from a dove grey to a fuscia pink, starting at £79.

It's time to get hot under the collar!

Book Club - The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld

Credit must be given to Mr Rubenfeld, this novel suggests that he will not be a one-off sensation. Fuelled with research and attention to detail, it is a historical thriller with Shakespearean and Freudian focuses, as compelling and engaging as the Da Vinci Code from the off.

In 1909, Sigmund Freud arrived in New York, his first visit to America. The finer details of his Manhattan stay are clouded with mystery, but one can be sure they left a psychological scar. Freud expressed a great dislike of America thereafter, and blamed various neuroses on his sojourn in the great city.

Rubenfeld uses this mystery as the starting point for his first novel, intertwining fiction and reality. On the morning Freud arrives, the body of a young, beautiful debutante is discovered in her penthouse. Soon after, Nora Acton, another member of the social elite is found tied to a chandelier, with no memory of the assault, and unable to speak or identify her attacker.

With the assistance of Freud, Dr Younger, a student psycho-analysist, attempts to recover Nora's memory and discover her attacker.

The novel is packed with ravished damsels, power-hungry psycho-analysists, sinister aristocrats, complicated family relationships and corrupt police officers. There can be no doubt that Rubenfeld throws himself fully into his topic of choice, and has researched the setting (New York city in the early 1900s) with painstaking care. In fact, one of the novel's greatest feats is the detailed descriptions and information shared. The tour of the city is expansive and the detail about machinery, such as how a caisson works, and cultural systems in place at the time, is authoritative and a great asset. This detail could easily have made the book slow-moving and heavy, but combined with the never ending action, suspense and mystery there was no such problem.

I particularly enjoyed the combination of the detective genre, Freudian theories and literary references, as well as the spilt narration.

Although, Rubenfeld lacks some of the balance and skill of a more experienced writer, he makes up for it in his own confidence and conviction in his writing. A stylish novel full of twists and turns - but perhaps, too rushed and confusing an ending.

Style de la semaine

I am loving Victoria Beckham's recent switch to a more relaxed wardrobe. This forest green, sixties-style shift shows Victoria at her best - elegant, sophisticated and looking particularly youthful. The perfect outfit for a meeting in New York city.

It is always a surprise to see Victoria in anything other than sky-high heels, but these monochrome ballet pumps are a cute alternative and the bow ensures they are bang on trend.

As always, the addition of over sized sunnies, gives Victoria that star edge, but her tousled hair keeps the look modern, simple and effective. Wool Crepe Shift Dress, £395, Goat.

Anne Hathaway has upped her game in the fashion stakes, sporting two Winter trends at a recent charity event. Teaming a pleated, 3/4 length leather skirt with a silky white blouse, Anne abandoned her fashion comfort zone.

A flash of nude heels with ankle straps sexed up the look, as did the daring red lippy. Jewellery was kept simple, with a delicate gold pendent necklace and small black watch. Impressive work!

In my eyes, Blake Lively never gets it wrong, and this week's attendance at the Lorraine Schwartz 2BHappy collection launch surely cements her place in 2010's best dressed lists.


Nude has been 'the colour' for so long, that I'm surprised any celebrity would opt to wear it, let alone be able to make it look fresh and new. Yet, Blake did just that in this blush Versace corset dress. The separate silk and shimmering panels emphasised Blake's curves, ensuring all eyes were on her.

Paired with towering chocolate brown strappy Christian Louboutin heels and Lorraine Schwartz droplet earrings, Blake was the essence of glamour. A sleek up-do and bronze toned make-up finished off this sassy but opulent look.

Two are better than one

Started on the Chanel A/W 2010 catwalks, a penchant for doubling up on jewellery has spread like quick-fire. No matter what trend you're sporting, accessories speak volumes, and in the season of all things glittering and sparkling now is the time to add a pinch of maximalism to your look. Double up the dose of bracelets - one on each wrist (but always matching). The one rule: bracelets have to be big. Opt for sophisticated and gem like, a la Emily Blunt, to create the perfect glamorous look for a Christmas party. Alternatively, make like the Missoni catwalk and mix chrome cuffs with blanket knits, ribbed leggings and capes to create the perfect daytime layered look.

Everybody's wearing... Knee high socks

Over dinner last week a friend gushed about her latest purchase - I was expecting something extravagant, a fierce pair of peep toe boots or a luscious cable-knit jumper, instead I was presented with a pair of knee high socks.

Usually a humble and hidden accessory, socks are coming into their own this season. Dare to bare your legs, teaming yours with a jumper dress, leather bomber and shoeboots; for those a little less brave, wear socks over tights or leggings and a loose fitting floaty mini.