The Advent Calendar

The countdown to Christmas starts here...

Velvet? Tick. Gold? Tick. Tough detail sole? Tick. This shoe hits all the key trends this season, and let's be honest, what girl wouldn't love to find this under her tree come Christmas morning? Extra marks for the patent strap, cloudy blue colour and cut out detail. The tailored structure makes this shoe perfect for Winter's peg trouser; alternatively, team with a short party dress to toughen up a feminine look.
The Linden Shoe, £175, Jaeger

Leopard print... hits the spot

One of my most treasured possessions is a faux-fur leopard print coat from Miss Selfridge. Only purchased last year, this coat is the bearer of numerous compliments, and I cannot wait for the colder climates to breeze in, so I can adorn myself in it once more.

You see, I am a leopard-lover. Currently, my jungle wardrobe includes one silk dress from Warehouse, a floaty Topshop skirt with large pockets and zip detail, a sultry La Senza lingerie set, a somewhat faded T-shirt and a pair of ballet pumps (so old I have no idea of their origin), all in leopard print.

I would go as far as saying that I love leopard more than any other print. Floral is cute and feminine, but it lacks sex appeal. Zebra is quirky and original, but hard to find. Tribal - now this is one that truly rivals leopard, but as striking as it may be it does not carry the charm and daring attitude suggested by a leopard print.

Yet, this print seems to divide the style set quicker than a Team-Monalo vs Team-Choo debate. It is clearly because leopard print can so easily go wrong - there is a very, very fine line between tarty and tasteful. Some fear the print is just too brazen.

That is not something that concerns the felines of the celebrity jungle. Everyone from Sophie Dahl to Lily Allen to Katie Holmes are sporting the trend this winter. And love it or loathe it you will find it difficult to avoid the big cat spots this season. The catwalks for Autumn/Winter 2010 were lavished in the print, and this time is wasn't just the usual suspects taking part. Giorgio Armani made his luxurious and classic tailoring pop with a glimpse of a leopard belt or shoe. Even Dries Van Noten seemed to have a soft spot for leopard ladies, pairing his metallic, slouchy trousers with a leopard printed swing jacket. And my-wardrobe.com has a range of leopard treats including the luscious Kenley Snow Leopard scarf and Kurt Geiger's sexy platform peep toe.


The high street, of course, has also gone leopard mad. ASOS ups the game with 252 items in the exotic print, ranging from Converse Hi-tops to leggings and jumpsuits.

For the faint-hearted among us, my advice is to start small. A simple scarf, a la Sarah Jessica Parker or a cute cross the shoulder bag like Florence. If, like me you don't need to start small, and in fact can't get enough of the print, this winter is the perfect season for you. Make a statement at your Christmas party with a floor length design in the style of Rachel Bilson and Kelly Clarkson. For those who are even more daring, try an original take on the print like Olivia Palermero, who opted for a pink leopard print mini dress and a leopard waist belt.

The Lust List...

A new item has been added to my lust list for the Autumn/Winter 2010 season. These gorgeous boots from River Island tick all the boxes. Not only is the boot in the colour of the season - camel - but it is also made from a luxuriously soft suede material. Hitting just higher than the ankle, the boot is a new and original shape for this year (the perfect excuse for why us girls need yet another pair of boots!) The cute bow detail is an added bonus. I'll be wearing it with dark skinny jeans and an over-sized jumper for casual weekend wear, and then teaming it with a tailored skirt and plain vest for an evening out.

Venice Film Festival 2010: Best Dressed

This year's Venice Film Festival has seen a real mix of daring or relaxed looks contrasted against the usual, old school glamour and sophistication of the red carpet gowns. Here's my pick of the best of both.

There is no doubt that this is the dress of the festival. Jessica Alba looked picture perfect in this romantic ruffled Valentino Haute couture mini. Jessica kept accessories to a minimum, and only wore dove grey suede heels, a silver clutch and diamond earrings. Red berry lips completed this elegant look.


Natalie Portman set the fashion bar high wearing this draped, crimson Rodarte gown at the premiere for her new film. This intricate dress, embellished with Swarovski crystals, is red carpet glamour at its best. Natalie finished off her classic look with a quilted Dior clutch and beautiful, strappy heels.


I don't know which to mention first! - The chunky biker style heels, or the just-below-the-knee floral frock. Both are too perfect for words. Jessica Alba, mixes in a bit of grunge with this floaty Dolce & Gabbana dress. Her sleek locks complete this edgy, rock-glam look.


It's a daring decision to opt for a mini on the red carpet, especially one with a train. Yet, Jessica Alba looked completely at ease in this duel length, black Valentino dress. Paired with tied up cage heels and a cute topknot, Jessica stole the show at the Machete premiere.


Another brave choice was made by Italian starlet, Jasmine Trinca. The actress arrived at the premiere of new flick, Black Swan wearing a casual Parisian style maxi. The stripes were polished up with a black wallet clutch, a navy waist belt and sparkling necklace and earrings. The outcome... super-groomed and understated. Extra style points deserved!


Isabella Rogonese caused a stir in her floor-skimming, Alberta Ferretti gown. This fairytale-esque dress sighed of old-school romance and glamour, but the monochrome colour scheme kept it fresh and modern. The ruffling is undeniably stunning!

The cape deal...

To cape or not to cape, that is the question...

Capes were all over the Autumn/Winter 2010 catwalks, and with Chloe, Phillip Lim and Celine leading the way it's a sure thing they're going to be big news for fashion followers UK over.

The problem is, I'm not quite convinced by the whole cape thing. When capes first entered the fashion sphere five years, I had a brief but unsuccessful love affair with a cropped, cream military cape. It was lust at first site - the high collar was irresistible and the royal gold buttons and the wrap over detail instantly won me over. And at a high street price, there were no obstacles.


But the romance did not run smoothly. That New Year I went away to the country with my then-boyfriend and his friends. I proudly packed my fashion-forward cape, excited for its first real outing. The result - many mocking comments from the boys, and an inability to wear my beautiful cape without a red, flustered face. Men just do not understand the cape thing, and I can understand why.

Let's face it, capes are not practical. They restrict arm movement and make it rather difficult to carry a handbag. There is also a large risk of looking somewhat like a tent. But it has to be said, capes are so much cooler than the standard winter coat! There is something dramatic and bold about wearing one.


Certain rules do apply though. Stick to skinny trousers to ensure a slim silhouette on the bottom half. And if new to the cape world, start with simple and classic styles rather than the wild and adventurous options out there - one in the shape of a simple pea coat shouldn't be too daunting.

As for me... I think I've carried the scars of teasing boys long enough. Maybe this winter is the time to venture back into cape land...

The Oscars Best Dressed 2010

This year's Oscars saw Hollywood stars trying something different. Rather than the usual one-colour simple gown, this was the year for extravagance. There were ruffles, trains, sequins, florals - individuality was key. Here's my pick of the best:

Diane Kuger looked stunning in this black and cream, pleated and ruffled Chanel creation. The intricate detail of the glittering appliquéd flowers around the collar is true red carpet extravagance.

The romantic trend was alive and strong at this year's awards as Zoe Saldana walked the red carpet in an enchanting Givenchy dress. The sparkling bodice and every-shade-of-purple ruffled trail were a sign of true glamour.

The Time Traveller's Wife star Rachel McAdams looked heavenly in this sumptuous, romantic Elie Saab couture number. The voluminous gown featured a latticed bodice and the dusty blue and grey shades added an original rock-chick edge to the gown.

Actress Elizabeth Banks made sure all eyes were on her as she made her way down the red carpet in a pale grey, strapless gown by Versace. The figure hugging design stayed on trend with a ruffled trailing skirt.

One of the best dressed at this year's event had to be Maggie Gyllenhaal. Her Dries Van Noten column dress with its striking blue tropical print made sure she stood out in the crowd.

Sandra Bullock showed off her curves in a shimmering Marchesa gown, with a sheer, floral embroidered bodice and dramatic train. The winner of the Best Actress category kept the focus on her floor length dress by sticking to simple accessories, wearing only pearl drop earrings and a delicate bracelet.

Miley Cyrus edges her way onto the style list in this fairytale Jenny Packham gown. The champagne coloured silk bustier, high-waisted sequined skirt, swooping back and blood red nails create an ever-so-sexy take on a classic showbiz look.

Demi Moore wowed on the red carpet as she worked the romance trend, wearing a nude ruffled gown by Atelier Versace.