My Christmas gift to you

Ahh that time of year again when you need the most over - the - top, luxurious, outfits; Christmas is certainly all about the glamour. Maybe I'm on my own here but I always find it rather stressful to find these fabulous outfits. You go into one sequin laden shop after another glistening diamante fest, until you reach a zone of hysterics. Feelings of panic flood your mind as you begin to fret about not finding that perfect, suitably over - the - top - outfit, a sequin induced sweat is building on your forehead, your head is buzzing from the dizzying embellishments and your eyes are darting nervously towards some pieces from the Girls Aloud House of Tack as you begin to consider outfits that you would previously have only laughed at. Hold the tears, stop the tantrums, there is no need to panic now as I have prepared a delightfully concise list of winter 2007 must have buys to make your Christmas outfit buying as carefree as possible.

(In no particular order)

1. Black patent high heeled Oxfords

- Dignified, demure and a little quirky,

Black Patent High heeled Oxfords £55 Faith

2. 1920's style flapper dress - Fringing, tassles, sparkles, beading, feathers and all that jazz. Playful glamour.

20's Flapper style is one of this seasons major looks and provides a contrast to the dark, sophisticated glamour of the 40s. Sparkle in glittery dresses and be fawned over in feathers and tassles. Complete the look with a playful headband and an eye - catching cocktail ring.

Flapper style comes to the runway

3. Statement Hosiery - Ribbed, coloured, chunky, glittery or 1940's with a seam, whatever the case get those legs out in style

Glittering space - age tights at Threeasfour

4. Sequined beret - Doesn't necessarily have to be sequined... I'm just partial to the sequins.

Beret £15 Topshop, for sparkling festive spirit

5. Black Chiffon - Very chic and great in both shirt or chiffon sleeved dress form. Black chiffon, ruffle tunic, £50 Warehouse

6. Wide legged tailored trousers

- Be a man, make like Katherine Hepburn.

Katherine Hepburn exudes sophistication in wide legged trousers and tailored jacket

7. Red lipstick - Release that inner vixen.

Seductive femme fatale lips at Valentino

8. Pencil skirt - 40's glamour at it's most wearable and perhaps even at it's best

Fishtail Pencil skirt £30 Topshop

9. Statement earrings - well this is more of an everyday thing for me, so you can imagine the kind of earrings I wear when dressing up! Earrings are a must for glamorous dressing up.

Chandelier earrings £8 Miss Selfridge

10. Faux fur stole - This winter it is all about old Hollywood glamour, be a diva and cosy up in furs.

Romatic fur stole at Lanvin


Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich proves that a fur stole is the last word in glamour

11. Gloves - Gloves were seen all over the catwalks. Not only are gloves glamorous but lets face it, they are practical too.

Elbow length gloves at Yves Saint Laurent, for the femme fatale in us all

12. Satin - Whether it's a neat jewel coloured blouse or a show - stopping, floor - sweeping gown, dress up in sinuous satins.

Kate Moss glistens in pale gold satin in the Vogue UK December edition

13. The perfect winter coat - What could be more important?

Sienna in a navy 40's suillhuette coat

Chic, classic and cream at Stella McCartney

Audrey Hepburn in the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany's double breasted Givency coat


Vintage style, full skirted maxi coat £150 Topshop

Apologies for such a long absence.