The Trend on Everyones Lips, Plaid!

So the trend of the moment for both men and ladies has got to be plaid! It's everywhere, from the traditional lumberjack shirt to a more innovative colour way and style placement.

You can go full on check and wear it in it's entirety or just a little splash here and there in an accessory handbag, scarf even tights.

You really can't wear this trend the wrong way. Have a look at some of these best buys and ways to rock the check look this winter!

Get the look

Symbolife

ASOS

Urban Outfitters

Top Shop and Accessorize available on the high street.

Little Black Dress. Do's and Don'ts

Right girls, it's that time of year again where the LBD gets dusted off and brought out from the back of the wardrobe for its annual airing at the office do. STOP! It's time to re-think that little black number.

There are so many choices on the high street and online nowadays that it is so easy to get completely lost in all the shapes, styles, what's hot, what's not and so on.

Well here are a few quick tips on how to rock that little black dress and this year turn some serious heads! Dress to impress and less this year is definitely more!

Celebrities Kate Moss and Liv Tyler work the LBD in day looks with a clutch purse and a shoulder bag, or for the evening look Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron and Angelina Jolie work this simplistic look in three lengths, mini, knee and mid calf. Liv and Kate make this look their own and both in very different ways, Kate is casual but chic with her light weight short sleeved dress, she has used a slouchy casual handbag to give the look a kick, Liv has cleverly dressed her beautiful 50's inspired outfit with a pair of killer heels and a sweet little belt. The evening looks are just classic. Accessorise this with a simple little clutch or some very simple jewellery, or even nothing at all let the dress do the talking. Any heels go, anything will work so be as daring as you like with the footwear, just remember to keep the footwear in keeping with the style of the dress.

The trick this year is to keep it clean and simple, less is more, have a more casual LBD for day and a stunning, simple, night look, keep the lines sharp and crisp, no frills no fuss. You could use your day dress for the evening by accessorising cleverly to turn it from day to night. (Don't forget a jacket though BRRRR)!

Have a look below for some affordable, LBD options to give you that extra something this year*

Here are a few tips on how not to work the LBD this year.>

1. So Anne, really? This is not how to rock the day look. Way to cas and not enough pzazz!

2. Olga not sure why you would want to wear a dress that needs it's own postcode. Wide hems are a definite no no! Make a statement with les not more!

3. When I said less is more, I meant fuss not skin. Gwyneth's look here is so off! It almost looks tacky!

4. Natalie's look is chic but not LBD, not enough black and a little lop sided, the look is left jumbled.

5. Diane. HMMMM? What can I say*

Keep to the simple rules and you will be the Belle of the ball this year!

Get the look:

Symbolife

Asos

Top Shop, Accesorize at Monsoon and New Look. All available in store.

Hats, Hats, Hats!!

Winter is upon us and it's cold! We are now looking to keep warm with practical, yet stylish head wear.
There are many styles of hat available at the moment, from the classic beret to knitted beanies.
Goorin Bros have to be one of the all time best hat makers around.
Their hats are clean, classic, affordable and so, so stylish.
The softer looks are key for this winter, gentle lines and an unstructured feel is all important.
Beanies to be dressed up with a killer coat or dressed down in skinny jeans and an over sized jumper.
Peaked ribbed beanies, again are at the height of fashion, with their deconstructed appearance and peak for style.

Get the look.
Symbolife
Accessorize/Monsoon and Top Shop. All available in store.

Belted Coat V's Non Belted! You Decide...

It is getting chilly out there now. The question on every girls lips is: To belt thy coat or not to belt? HHMMMMM?

So the belted look has been so strong for S/S 08 with belted dresses, high waisted belted skirts, belts worn over loose shirts the trend has been a worker! But do we carry this look over into the winter coat? The answer depends on your shape and wearability.

Belted coats can be long and fitted for the tall and slender, short and funky for the more casual of us, fitted and structured for the fuller fugure or lose and baggy for all.

Have a look at these options I found for the belted look.

So onwards to the non belted options.

There are many looks to suit all I think in this area. More options and wearability than the belted look. You have unstructured, long and tailored, short and edgy. All work with a casual outfit or dressed up for a great night out, (tis the season to be at a party)!

So you decide, belted or not belted. Both work for me*

See below for the editers top picks, outfits to rock either look.






Get the look:
Asos
Symbolife
Faith
Office
Oasis, Debenhams, Top Shop. All available in stores across the UK

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