Cocktail Hour Has Arrived

The one-shouldered batwing dress has made a huge comeback. To perfect this look, add a waist-belt for shape.

Go all out with a sequined dress this season. Finish with a slick of bright lippy and opaque tights to balance out the look.

   

The dropped waist is a simple yet effective update to any cocktail dress. Wear it with a statement necklace for maximum impact.

                                                                                                         

                             

 Bow ties and below-the-knee skirts create flow and length to any outfit. Remember to keep the torso of the outfit really simple.

Tight and bright, the catchphrase du jour!

Or maybe you prefer the fit & flare scene. In any case, you'll find what you're after at Herve Leger.

 Looking for a modern take on cocktail? Try a printed shift dress, studded boots and feathered accessories.

 The fur stole is the easiest way to add luxury and character to an outfit. Try matching it to your dress for a fresh take on the old classic.

My pick of the bunch, a simple corset-like structure and oriental embroidery. Tres chic!

From top to bottom: Alice + Olivia, Christian Dior, Donna Karan, Herve Leger, Just Cavalli, Monique Lhuillier, Zac Posen.

It's time to cover up with a coat!

Coats. Those warm, sometimes fuzzy garments that you simply can't live without. They can be fur, tailored, double-breasted or collarless, but most of all they must serve their purpose - to keep the wearer from feeling anything other than wonderful. Here is some coat-spiration:

Andrew Gn                                                                              Burberry Prorsum

Marni

Saint Laurent                                                                           Valentino

Versace

Lovely Lace

Lace. In all its forms, renditions, colours, etc. I love it because it adds instant class. You may love it because it adds glamour, sex appeal or frivolity. In any case, you will love these new season ways to wear lace and stay on top of the trends.

Alice + Olivia                                                                          Andrew Gn

Elie Saab

Erin Fetherston                                                                        Monique Lhuillier

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Funny Face

This season the beanie has been 'cute-ified'. Think animal faces and pom pom ears. Pictured below are a selection of styles that wont break the bank account, but will put a smile on your dial.

Luxurious Leather

 Who can resist soft, smooth, decadent leather in their wardrobe??? Here's a dose of current leather trends from some of the worlds best designers...

The Calvin Klein Collection new leather look                               The Just Cavalli leather T-shirt dress

                                                       The Nanette Lepore camel leather pinafore

 

The Milly leather mini skirt                                                                  The Saint Laurent leather suit

The Sportmax leather tank top

    

Printed Princess

Printed maxi dresses are fast becoming a wardrobe staple, whether they be long sleeved and body conscious, sleeveless and draped, cinched in at the waist or with a thigh-high slit, you're sure to find your perfect match.

Emilio Pucci                                                                                         Derek Lam

Giambattista Valli                                                                                 Matthew Williamson


 

Just Because...

A bit of Alexander McQueen to enjoy at your leisure.

Fancy Pants

A pair of printed pants can take you from day to night in a flash!

Feeling brave? Try a matching printed top and pants like the ones above.

Accessorise your pants with a cute clutch and sky high heels.

Seeing Red

All over red is a real hit this winter.

Take inspiration from these three looks from the Pre-Fall collections.

 Valentino                                                                                              M. Patmos

Alice + Olivia

 

Awards, awards and more awards!

Award show trends and how to wear them:

The key to wearing all over glitter is to have equal amounts fabric and skin, so for example, have a split leg or cutout shoulder.

Embellishment is about balance...little bits here and there in contrasting colours for maximum impact.

 Navy is the colour du jour and works well with silver accessories. It also suits blondes perfectly!

The easiest way to create an hourglass figure is to have something going on around the waist. A matching ribbon tied as a waist belt or strands of contrasting fabric creating lines around the ribs are some of your options.