My must have coat this winter

The weather is really changing now. It was absolutely cold this weekend, starting on Friday night when we took the kids to bonfire night at their school. Next morning I took them to their tennis lessons which is on outdoor tennis courts and I was freezing.

You know it’s cold when children start complaining about the temperatures outside as they are usually happy to get outside and have a play.

When I think of the must have coats for winter a ski jacket is usually not at the top of my mind as I am not into skiing at the moment. But the thermoregulating plus the windproof and waterproof finish of ski clothing is the best coat to keep me warm at Saturday morning tennis.

It is said that it is never matter of being too cold, but that people are not dressed warm enough. So true!!!!! So next Saturday I will be dressed warm enough in my ski suit including ski jacket, some ski gloves and a ski hat. Hope there are no more gaps in my winter closet.

If your must have coat this winter is a ski jacket then check out this O'Neil jacket ski/snowboard and this Hally Hansen jacket ski/snowboard.

Women's tights and leggings

Tights and leggings are one of those super five fashion accessories that is a must have when it comes to getting the most of your summer wardrobe year round. You can wear them with shorts, skirts and tunic dresses. If you are not keen on themal leggings, then you can use tights and leggings as a second layer under your jeans and trousers when it gets colder like it is today. My goosh ….it is absolutely freezing this morning.

Pamela Mann Printed Tartan Tights

My problem is that I go for the unique and unusual when it comes to fashion accessories and so the classic coloured grey, black and blue tights do not appeal to me. Lucky for me there is an amazing range of women’s tights to choose from that can glam up any outfit whether it is casual, evening or party wear.

Le Bourget Gipsy Tights

Of course the colder it gets the higher the dernier I wear. If it is cold like this morning I opt for 40+ dernier tights. For formal occasions and when it is warm and sunny I go for tights of 10 or less dernier which is really sheer.

Pamela Mann Triple Twickers stripey tights

According to the rules of fashion if you’re wearing a colourful oufit then keep the tights and leggings to a simple and classic neutral tone that includes the usual grey, browns and blues and viceversa. But there was a time when it was a no no to wear two different prints or patterns in the same outfit. Now mixed patterns are considered edgy and chic when matched to colour tones. So your selection of tights and leggings should really depend on your fashion personality and your mood for that day. But do try to vary your selection to give yoursself choice when selecting one for an outfit.

Jonathan Aston Gloss Opaque Tights

Sequin Party Wear

If it is one trend that is always fashionable at Christmas time, it is the sequin trend. The sequin trend is usually very popular around the Christmas season which just adds to the whole glitz and glamour of the holiday season with its glittering lights, shiny gift paper and shimmering red accents. And it is not the magpies who will be making a beeline for you in your shimmering and sparkling sequin outfits.

Multi-coloured all over sequin dress by Mathew Williamson from the Butterfly collection

Sequin party wear is dressy; it creates impact and allows you to stand out from the crowd while looking effortlessly fabulous and chic. It is a look, not only for celebrities but perfect if you want a dressier look for your Christmas party.

This soft sequin camisole tunic can just about fit in your bag ready for your night out after work.
You can choose from sequin dresses, sequin tops, sequin tunics, sequin vests and even sequin cardigans. The choice is endless and the sequin tops are great for dressing up a pair of jeans or trousers and just the right size to tuck in your handbag to change after work for that much awaited Christmas party. Hear comes the girls!!!!!

If you feel you are too conservative for a full sequin outfit then go for dresses like this Purple sequin embellished evening dress which is only partly sequenced. This sleeveless sequin party dress embellished jewels at the neckline is another classic option.

Alternatively you can opt to wear an embellished cardigan which practically offers warm and stylistically still creates impact. Choose from this round neck embellished cardigan or this fitted glam evening cardigan.

To see other glamourous sequin christmas party wear click here.

Must have winter fashion accessories

I’m always saddened by the end of summer especially when the clocks are turned back and darkness falls so early in the evening. But yesterday I was driving along and the wind was blowing the brown golden leaves everywhere. For miles I could see stretches of grass covered with these golden leaves and I thought what a heavenly picture. I suddenly thought, “I do like autumn”. I guess I do not look forward to the raking up of the leaves but yesterday was such a refreshing day with the sun shining, mild temperatures and a swaying wind that it almost felt like late spring / early summer.
While the trees are baring all by shedding their leaves, it is a time for us ladies to cover up and create layers of fashion to keep warm and look stylish. By now most people are doing their wardrobe cleanout and relinquishing summer wardrobe must haves to dark crevices of the wardrobe or suitcases. I on the other hand, am mixing and matching my summer blouses with my summer dresses and tunics to create a unique but ultimately warmer look.

I always look forward to the challenge of layering up my summer dresses with must have winter fashion accessories which include long sleeve jerseys, roll neck polos, leggings, tights, large woollen scarves, skinny jeans and boots.

The black shift dress

The shift dress is one of your classic must have wardrobe that can be worn year round. So there is no need to relinquish this dress to the back of the wardrobe come Autumn. Here are some stylish ways to layer the shift dress for extra warm. You can wear the shift dress with merino lightweight polo neck. This flared sleeveless dress also looks very sophisticated with red polo neck which is very festive for the christmas season. Alternatively you may choose to layer your shift dress with this
Pure Cashmere Scoop Neck Cardigan or this long wool cardigan

Christmas partywear

I am looking forward to all my christmas dinner parties this year and am busy going through my christmas partywear wardrobe. For sure I am reusing some of last year's party dresses. My little black dress is always a handy favorite. I am simply going to give it a new lease of life with this african recycled glass cylinder necklace. Lucky for me I can remember to which event I wore each outfit. So this year it is about simple ensuring that I wear them to different christmas parties.

But I do find that I mostly have party dresses and since each year I try to add at least one new piece to my party wardrobe, then I will be going for this Chain Neck Belted Jumpsuit. It is certainly chic and sophisticated not to mention classic. I do like the feminine silhouettes and most importantly it is a timeless garment to be worn to many dinner parties to come.

Christmas wine gifts

I am not much of wine drinker but when I do indulge it is not about dulling the senses but about truly enjoying wine that delights the palette with its rich blends of fruit and spices. So I do like to keep my wine rack stocked for those special occasions. That way I always have a special bottle of wine handy to give to my host when invited to someone's house for dinner.



Christmas wine gifts
With Christmas not far off, a gift of a bottle of wine can come in handy for those you neglected to include on your Christmas gift list but who surprises you with a gift. Investing in a case of wine can save you face and money for Christmas as Marks and Spencer is currently offering 25% of all wines and free UK standard delivery on all orders.


xmas dinner wine
For those of you planning an elaborate Christmas dinner party, this is the perfect time to stock up on your christmas dinner wine or your festive party mix case with something for everyone including wines, roses and reds.