The Lust List

I've been musing over this necklace for a month or so now, and could never quite make up my mind. I love the mix of gold and silver, the chunky bold statement style and the ring detail just before the silver turns to cord.

However, I wasn't quite sure what I'd wear the necklace with or if the cord was strong enough to hold the wait of such a clumpy necklace. On further inspection it turns out the item is quite light; and following a recent event in Hackney where I saw the necklace styled in two different ways - over the top of a rock-themed tshirt, paired with black skinnies, and also with a simple one colour shift dress and gold watch (both worked beautifully) - this necklace has most definitely made its way onto The Lust List.

Cord and Tube Collar Necklace, £16.50, Topshop

The Lust List

A girl can never have too many bags... and I've found the perfect addition to my ever-growing collection!

The drawstring and duffle bag shape are spot on trend for day wear at the moment, and the neutral shade makes this bag so easy to match with numerous outfits. It's a beautifully soft leather and a great size for make-up, books, etc. Whats more, I'm a sucker for anything gold or studded, so the detailing on the strap of this bag is an added bonus in my eyes.

Merino Stud Duffle Bag, £85, Topshop

The Palazzo Trouser: Yay or Nay?

So far, I've been unable to join in with the fashion set's enthusiasm for the Palazzo trouser. A trouser so wide on first impressions it can be mistaken for a skirt, is an item I wasn't convinced I needed in my wardrobe. Yet, I couldn't help but fall in love with this black pair from River Island.

The essence of the palazzo trouser is grown-up, effortless elegance and comfort - perfect for summer evenings on holiday. Whats more, every time I look at this pair it takes me back to my younger years, watching Charlie's Angels repeats and longing to wear those seventies flares; all I need to do now is add some wedges and gold jewellery and I'm 'Angel-ready'.

When it comes to gold jewellery for evening wear, my first choice is always an oversized, chunky watch. It will toughen up any outfit and adds a air of sophistication. And speaking of gold, this bag is a must for me too. It will look great against the black of the trousers, and looks luxurious enough to be designer.

To finish off the seventies look add a bright, box cut top - a round neck and short sleeves wins extra style points. I love this pink, orange and black striped one from River Island. The unusual colour mix will really make the outfit pop and as it finishes neatly at the top of the trousers it will balance the silhouette perfectly.

Palazzos don't have to be an 'evening-only' trouser. For a classic day time look, team with a chunky tan satchel, flats and a good ol' tee. For those who can't afford the Mulberry Oversized Alexa, this satchel from Topshop hits the spot just as well. And, I love this Blondie print t-shirt from Miss Selfridge. Finish off the look with a pair of vintage inspired sunglasses.

Black Palazzo Trousers, £34.99, River Island; Sunglasses, £4.99, H&M; Blondie Vest, £22, Miss Selfridge; Tan Clip Lock Satchel, £85, Topshop; Embellished Sandals, £39.99, River Island; Gold Wedges, £69.95, Moda in Pelle; Orange stripe t-shirt, £26.99, River Island; Michael Kors Gold Bracelet Watch, £143, ASOS; Gold Square Bag, £34.99, River Island

Stripes that Pop

Stripes never really go out of fashion. Yet, that doesn't mean they have to be boring. Each season designers find new ways to reinvent the trend, making it 'of the moment'.

This summer - with colour blocking being as big as it is - the take on stripes is all about bold new colour ways and plenty of clashing. Think an orange top paired with a green and bright pink skirt and you're on the right lines. This is a trend that really pops.

If you are a bit of a traditionalist at heart, don't panic, there is plenty of selection out there for you too. This skirt from Topshop is also available in the classic navy and cream combo. Whats more, the elastane and cotton fabric mix ensures this midi hugs every figure showing off curves to the maximum.

The other way to modernise stripes this season, is to wear them big. No longer does a small, skinny stripe earn respect. A great example is this loose, lightweight top from Warehouse. I love the range of colours and that the stripes are varied, but mostly big and bold. Team with slim jeans and heels and you're ready for anything.

Stripe Pencil Skirt, £32, Topshop
Soft Stripe T-Shirt, £55, Warehouse

Trend: Aztec Jewellery

I'm falling head over heels for Topshop's new Aztec inspired jewellery collection. It's all about bold colours - burnt orange, turquoise, blood red and emerald green mixed with gold. Think big shapes like statement rings and long rope necklaces with pendant stones hanging near your navel. Stones are roughly cut to create a 'just pulled from the earth of the desert' vibe, and everything is chunky and textured. Wear with maxi dresses come Summer, or a fur Gilet and jeans for Spring style.

Engraved Band Agate Ring, £10; Bead Chain Wrap Drop Earrings, £10; Ethnic Turquoise Bangle, £10, all Topshop

A Rainbow Shower

Longing to hear those three magic words? Well, here goes... a la Gucci. There I said it. This season there is no escaping the trends tumbling off the Gucci catwalk. And, one of the best, is the end of the reign of nude and barely-there colours (fun though they were) and the new rule of bold, super- brights.

There is only one rule: there are no rules. For the fashion forward wear contrasting, deep colours and even flash a panel of black for maximum impact.

For those a little more conservative at heart, the high street is already full of gorgeous bright accessories. Try a pink suede clutch from Topshop, a patent green skinny belt from ASOS or a bright stoned cuff from bagsofparkle.com.

The Advent Calendar

A bit of office glamour is the perfect way to beat the Monday morning blues.

Next season is all about pleats, so get ahead of the crowd with this luxurious pale gold midi.

Expect to be the centre of some office envy as you show off this floaty, lightweight piece. Ending just below the knees, it drapes beautifully.

Swap your office tailoring for a lacy top and big heels and this skirt will carry you right through from the office to the Christmas disco. It doesn't get much better.

Lurex Pleated Midi Skirt, £45, Topshop

The Advent Calendar

What better way to end the weekend than with a new pair of shoes? And fashion doesn't get much prettier than this.

Swap your usual black heels, for this edgier charcoal colour. The peep toe and lace tie bow keep this shoe girly and cute.

Surely this is a last minute addition to the Christmas list!

Studio TMLS Delia Lace Sandals, £155, Topshop

The Advent Calendar

The sweetest thing to find in your stocking this year is undoubtedly this cute sequinned top.

A luscious mix of sequins, light weight fabrics, soft hued colours and a straight, loose fit. Girly without being over-the-top.

Great with cigarette pants or a black leather mini for a party look. Alternatively, team with jeans and cute ballet pumps for a relaxed night with the girls.

Sequin Heart Front Top, £38, Topshop

The Advent Calendar

Sealed with Sienna's approval (she was spotted wearing these out and about with Jude in London recently), these shorts are the perfect alternative to a party frock this season.

The tailored, loose fit adds a masculine edge to an otherwise feminine piece. I love the subdued colour tone - a sure way to achieve grown-up glamour. And the turn up and suede texture ensure the piece is bang on trend.

Just add killer heels and a silk blouse to the equation, and you'll be sure to stand out from the crowd.

Suede Pleat Shorts, £65, Topshop

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!