Winter Wonderland Wish List for Men!

It’s that time of year again folks! The sleigh bells are ringing and the snow is set to fall on the mountains again, as we wrap ourselves up warm and cosy in our festive jumpers and feast on Christmas day delights in our Icelandic log cabins, while the Northern Lights dazzle above us like the glistening baubles on our awe-inspiring Christmas tree! Well, in our ‘White Christmas’ dreams at least, or the legendary “Last Christmas” music video by Wham! Whichever you prefer…;-)

We know that this fairytale Christmas world is not achievable for everyone at this time of year (snow and mountains are not always at hand..), but nevertheless, we’ve been inspired to re-create the magical vision as best we can with some fantastic festive products from our favourite shopping sites, this time with a menswear focus!

Our perfect Christmas wish list has everything that you could ever want to get the festive season started in style for you or the men in your life. You can find our favourite festive items of clothing to hit the ski-slopes in with our hand-picked selection of super warm knitwear, or you can browse our party shirt picks for a wild and wonderful New Year celebration. Check it out and get your menswear Christmas plans sorted right here using our fantasy festive favourites…

1.       One: Tweed Blazer - £90 – This textured tweed jacket is ideal for the dapper gentleman who likes to take a traditional approach to Christmas, with a rustic preppy feel that is perfect for Christmas Dinner in a countryside setting. The English manor house maybe?

2.       Two: Floral Shirt – £103 - Couple the country heritage tweed jacket with this rose print MSGM shirt for a spritely look that will brighten up grey winter days with a welcome splash of colour. The conventional English rose design will add to the rural British feel.  

3.       Three: Biker Jacket - £2,404.89 – Christmas is the perfect excuse to party hard and fast, so do this in style with this Saint Laurent biker jacket during your New Year shenanigans for a strikingly bold and daringly dashing look.

4.       Four: Eau de Parfum - £215 – Don’t forget to smell just as good as you look when you go out for your party with the uplifting floral notes and amber undertones of Tom Ford Neroli Portofino.

5.       Five: Patterned Shirt - £87.50 – Be the fresh prince of the New Year party with this purple and blue eye-popping shirt from Kenzo featuring metallic timber mill cog prints that reference an autumn lumberjack look.

6.       Six: Straight-leg trousers - £440 – These staple black tailored trousers are perfect to complete the smart and sophisticated Christmas Dinner look as you dine by candlelight with family and friends by the roaring log fire.

7.       Seven: Brogues - £209.95 – These elegant and timeless brogues in burgundy red add to the rustic, traditional touch and come in sumptuous leathers that are pristinely polished.

8.       Eight: Patterned Jumper - £395 – Fairisle print jumpers are the quintessential classic for any man’s winter wardrobe. But go for a modern new take on this timeless style now by opting for a Sibling jumper in loud leopard prints and Aztec fairisles instead.

9.       Nine: Card Wallet - £126 – This snakeprint design Raf Simons card wallet is perfect as a stocking filler gift for your loved one. The sturdy leather will keep your cash and cards safe when you dance and party, while the colour contrasting makes a striking style statement.

10.   Ten: Casual Trouser - £158 – Accompany your Kenzo party shirt with some matching sapphire blue trousers for a sensational sense of colour play that is bold and masculine at the same time.

11.   Eleven: Christmas print cardigan - £298 – Make a direct reference to the seasonal festivities with a reindeer print sweater from Kolor. Relive your Rudolf fairytale fantasies with this fun design which will get the conversation flowing.

12.   Twelve: Leather Notebook - £45 – Notebooks are the ideal stocking-filler for a man, and this leather bound one offers a luxurious alternative to standard styles for a sense of sophistication.

13.   Thirteen: Leather Gloves - £24.99 – The winter cold snap and the freezing snowball fights require the best hand protection around, so grab yourself a stylish pair of brown leather gloves from H&M now to keep your hands cosy and comfortable.

14.   Fourteen: Corduroy trousers - £109.05 - Corduroys are always a winner at winter time with their thick weaves which are warm and rugged-looking. Pair with your fairisle jumper and chunky hiker boots for a stylish winter walk in the snow.

15.   Fifteen: Scarf - £96.95 – The winter scarf is an absolutely must-have for the icy temperatures, so shop this Vivienne Westwood one now and give it as a perfect gift that will be eternally useful for seasons to come.

16.   Sixteen: Hiker boots – $495 - These Paul Smith hiker boots have a fantastic blue heel for a statement twist on classic winter boot design.

17.   Seventeen: Belt - £55 – Round off your amazing winter wardrobe with the finer details, like this Ralph Lauren leather belt to hold your festive ensemble together in style. The gold buckle adds a sparklingly appropriate Christmas edge. 

Statement Jewellery Perfect for Partying!

Just like a star is the finishing touch to a Christmas tree, jewellery is the sparkling finishing touch to the ultimate party look.

Style yourself fabulous this season with jewellery pieces that will give your look that fierce fashion edge. Whether you’re looking for statement bejewelled numbers to sleek dainty pieces, I’ve made life a little easier in the midst of the last minute xmas panic, with my edit of affordable jewellery pieces for you to sizzle in this party season, day through to night.

1.       Lolas love-£63.39-Youheshe.com- Add understated sparkle to your party look with this gold cuff encrusted with diamante jewels, which rests over the ear and down to the ear lobe. This ear piece would give your look maximum impact with your hair up in a high pony or with your hair in down with slick side part.

2.       Moxoham otto cuff-£55-Whistles.com- This gold edgy bracelet will give your look that in depth fashion forward appeal. Rock this piece with your most beloved party dress and a freshly painted french manicure for a chic yet directional look.

3.       Marni oval ring-£120- Farfetch.com-This gold and black statement oval ring is the perfect way to work designer into your jewellery box. The black and gold tones will work effortlessly with all your wardrobe favourites in which you could wear this piece on its own or with a similar style necklace for more of a statement look.

4.       Cosima stacking rings-£5.99-Missguided.co.uk-This five piece stacked ring set is a contemporary geometric design. These rings would look awesome styled with midi rings as part of a funky stacked ring composition.

5.       Deco fan collar necklace-£7.40-Forever21.com-This black and gold cascading necklace would make a beautiful addition to any look you team it with. This would look great with dress or shirts for a deliciously decadent on trend look.

6.       Vanessa-mooney asstrid tassel earrings-£28.75- Nastygal.com-These tassel earrings are in a mustard colour knot design. Pair these with your classic LBD with the hair pinned back for an elegant party look.

7.       Skinny torgue-£5.00-Warehouse.co.uk- This necklace in a thin bronze collar design, though the piece is simple it will add that hint elegant sparkle to your any look you pair it with.

8.       Kenneth jay lane-£60-Theoutnet.com- This plum pear crystal earrings would add that touch of eloquent sophistication to any evening look, which will give you a style aesthetic that oozes Hollywood glam at its finest!

9.       Rhinestone necklace-£29.99-Zara.com- This beautiful multi coloured crystal necklace would elevate any look. This piece can give your look a fierce fashion edge taking your party look into a new blinging dimensions, that will for sure have heads turning at such a cool style.

10.   Enamel cuff-£10-Riverisland.com- Give your look that luxe chic edge with this gold cuff. This piece would work with almost all party looks, where you can even wear this piece with everyday looks for an in depth stylish look.

Image source: www.pinterest.com

Luxury Gifts (for less than £25)

We’ve got less than 10 days to go, and Christmas panic is setting in. It can be really difficult to find the perfect gift, even more so when you don’t have £150 to drop on every gift – not unless you want to start the new year in a pile of debt. So we’ve tried to take the stress out of gift giving, by handpicking the best gifts under £25 that still have a very luxurious feel to them.

1. Let them eat cake for breakfast (figuratively) with Kate Spade’s tongue-in-cheek notebook. Penmanship doesn’t get any more stylish, or girlier, than this hot pink cover and multi-coloured ribbons. Ideal for jotting down all her bright ideas.

2. Cocktail connoisseurs and house-proud friends alike will appreciate this Mason jar cocktail shaker. The inbuilt strainer makes it easy to serve up professional-level cocktails, and it could double up as a vase if you remove the lid. Available from Harvey Nichols.

3. Give the gift of great hair with a voucher for Hershesons blow dry bar. Lucky recipients of a £25 voucher can choose one of the twelve fashion-forward looks on the menu (which is updated every season to keep up to date with the latest trends) before a big night out. Perfect for social butterflies with a busy schedule, as each appointment is only a speedy 30 minutes.

4. Who doesn’t like sea salt caramel truffles? No-one. This box from Prestat is a luxury option for those times when only chocolate will do, and it comes in a very gift-worthy box. The dark chocolate cuts through the decadence and sweetness of full-cream caramel and crystallised sea sale, for a treat that’s rich without being over the top. Available from Liberty for £11.50.

5. If they’ve got a wandering eye when it comes to fashion, tap into the fluffy bauble trend (started by Fendi and seen on Cara Delevingne, Kendal Jenner etc) before it goes. Whistles have tossed up this marbled black and grey version, which will look great bobbling along on backpacks and clutches alike.

6. Ciate are the Crème de la Mer of nail varnishes. So buy two £19 pots, wrap them up nicely and no-one will be complaining. My favourites would be ‘Spinning Teacup,’ a sweet lilac shade, and the silver-flecked ‘Tweed.’ They also have plenty of manicure kits still under £25 (think velvet finishes, feathers, and 3D florals).

7. Philip Kingsley is pretty much the kind of high-end hair care, and this Christmas gift set is perfect for treating someone to a touch of his magic. And it comes in a cracker, which definitely helps.

8. A failsafe gift for pretty much anyone would be this mini candle from Diptyque. Their Baies scent is a classic combination of rose and blackcurrant that very few people manage not to love. But you could opt for Ambre, Jasmin or Patchouli if you want something more distinctive – they’re each £20.

9. A great gift for serial tea drinkers – or distant aunts that you maybe don’t know very well – these Chinese damask rose buds unfurl in hot water, for the prettiest cup of tea you’ll ever drink. They’re meant to relieve anxiety and stress, probably something to do with the beautiful floral scent they release. Find them at Harvey Nichols for £19.95. 

Party Dresses to be seen in this Holiday Season!

Christmas is officially less than two weeks away which it makes it about that time to get that party dress ready for the onslaught of Christmas parties and lunches. Whether you need a dress for Christmas day itself, or a piece you want to pull out for New Year’s eve celebrations, this season is all about pulling all the stops and looking your absolute best while parading in your most lavish pieces.

With plenty of Christmas shopping to do the last thing you have time for is looking for that ultimate party dress for yourself. To make life a little easier, I’ve put together an edit of the best designer and high street styles which features everything from your classic LBD's, to embellish and fabric manipulated styles which even includes boudoir sultry pieces.

LBD

The little black dress is one of the most trusted wardrobe basics you can ever invest in. The LBD is that classic piece you can wear and never feel too under or overdressed in.  The dress colour is of course black, which is the LBD's greatest style assest, black is colour that is always on trend, it always looks chic and versatile which makes dressing effortless no matter the occasion.

Look stunningly sophisticated in a black dress this party season, dazzling in a dress that you can re-invent season after season.

1.       Cross back plunge midi dress by Rare- £29-Topshop.com-This black dress is the style pick to go for if you want make a sensual statement with all eyes on you at the office party. Wear this eloquent number with a pair of fluffy heels and box clutch for a party look that’s super stylish and on trend.

2.       V neck faux leather shift dress-£38.62-Chicwish.com-  Make an understated statement with this leather dress which is in a chic design, featuring black lace detailing in a V neck line and on hem of the skirt. Complete a fashion forward party look by teaming the piece with knee high boots, statement earrings with your hair tied up in slick high ponytail.

3.       Turtle neck A line midi dress-£27.90-Yesstyle.co.uk- Roll necks, turtle necks, polo necks have been the most coveted style of the season and this black dress is the perfect way to subtly tap into the trend. The dress is in a long sleeve design with a white hem detailing. Rock this dress with pointed flats, oversized clutch with a duster coat perched over the shoulders the Celine way.

4.       Black bandeau overlay dress-£60-Riverisland-If you’re looking for an eye popping look to wear this party season, then this strapless black dress with sheer side panels will not disappoint. This dress would look hot paired with gladiator inspired heels and gold cuff jewellery!

5.       Fringed jacquard dress-£184-Theounet-Work texture in to your party look with this gun mental and black jacquard dress in an avant-garde design. Keep the rest of the look simple and team this dress with a leather jacket, double strap heels and miniature bag for ravishing in depth directional party look.

Embellished

If there is one time of year to wear a bit of embellishment it’s got to be Christmas. Working these kinds of intricate fabrics like embellishment into a look will always instantly give your overall look that  luxe aesthetic, taking your look into a new blinged out stratosphere without a bit of jewellery in site!

Look and feel special this Christmas in a dress that will instantly give your look that in depth and texture, where you can style these pieces that a dripping with sparkly and dynamic fabrics with luxe accessories, elevating your look to a style aesthetic  to mesmerising spectacle. 

1.       Alexander McQueen Funnel -£13,550-Alexandermcqueen.com- Your Christmas would have well and truly come early if you’re able to rock this white mink and silk dress. This piece embodies the all things Christmas and should be rocked in a white look for maximum impact.

2.       Peter Pilotto lexi dress-£ 1,962-Farfetch- This virgin wool pink dress is embellished with beautiful stones and beads in an edgy yet feminine design. Wear this piece with royal blue accessories to emphasise the embellished in the front of the dress.

3.       Mary Katrantzou Tiki man dress-£6,995-Marykatrantzou.com- This stunningly bead encrusted forest green dress is tribal inspired masterpiece fit for Christmas or any special occasion. This fashion forward design would look great with anything from mules and clutch to ankle boots and a backpack.

4.       Atec sequin oversized open back dress by Rare-£59-Topshop.com-This high street number is a great way to tap into some of the most extravagantly embellished couture and ready to wear embellished designs at a fraction of the price. This dress is in stylish design and cut which features an open back for that sultry touch.

5.       Alessandra Rich lace insert dress-£2,217-Selfridges.com- This purchase oozes with luxe appeal embracing a sartorial inspired design that you can dress up or down for almost any kind of occasion. Rock this piece with heels or flat androgynous shoes for a on trend eloquent look.

Luxe Boudoir

Boudoir inspired fashion is a trend that has been evolved from the last couple of seasons. This trend sees pieces in luxe fabrics like lots of lace and silk. The night dress which featured in Chanel’s show a few seasons back has even see the trend develop into pyjama fashion.

These style picks will add that dash of feminine touch to any wardrobe where you can wear even wear these pieces in outfits for the weekend or in full knit lounge wear looks.

1.       Adam lippes wrap gown-£1,821-Farfetch.com-If you want to make a statement at the Christmas party, this dress will ensure all eyes are on you in its mink pink wrap silk design which embraces a design that oozes fierce attitude.

2.       Patricia embellished  lace dress-£240-Theoutnet.com- A black dress with a lace roll neck design and feature details is a piece that can work for most stylish women, opt for metallic or nude and tan accessories for a divine party look.

3.       Galliano knee length dress-£160-Yoox.com- In deep purple this stylish silk dress features lace details with off- beat hem line. This dress is super sexy and would look amazing with a brightly coloured wireless bra underneath.

4.       Bluegirl Bluemarine-£588-Thecorner.com- This beautiful smock inspired design dress is in the most beautiful pink velvet featuring embossed silver in a striped like design. Team this with your favourite style of silver shoes and look like an angel perfect for the top of the Christmas tree!

Which dress would you most love to wear this Christmas?

Will you be getting your Kids Designer Shoes for Christmas?

The title of this article may seem like just a little bit of an oxymoron, but today we see more and more designer brands designing collections to meet the demand of little tootsies.

I wanted to buy my baby cousin something special for Christmas, something which her mother would not necessarily buy her and with baby North (Kimye’s daughter) the modelling debut of the miniature Chanel handbag, I thought, well you can never be too young for a pair of designer shoes either!

These adult-baby shoes I talk of are essentially designer shoes, but made for babies. They range in sizes from nought to toddlers. All the big designer name brands you can imagine are involved in the mini shoes designs where the likes of Prada to Gucci to Giuespe Zontii even sending a pair of custom loafers to baby North are all designing exquisite designer footwear for kids.

Astonishingly to say the least, these designer baby shoes are not at the fraction of the price that you might expect them to be to that of its parent size. But, I guess gone are the days of grabbing a ticket for the queue to get your feet measured in Clarks. Designer fashion has officially entered the realms in which we now tots that can’t even say ‘fashion’ wearing shoes and clothes that cost more than our monthly rent! This fashion epidemic for youngsters has been fuelled by celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Nicole Richie and Victoria Beckham in which these celebrity children possessing a wardrobe and shoe collection’s that costs thousands.

Times are changing and who wouldn’t want the best of the best for their little darling’s, be it girl or boy?
Let’s face it parents are prepared to splash the cash not just on shoes and clothes for themselves but even more when it comes to their most prized possessions. With Christmas around the corner I’ve listed the most stylish designers footwear for kids, which can be kept for memorable keepsake once there all grown!

One: Versace Velvet Shoes- www.childrensalon.com -£203

Two: Dior Loafers-www.vestiairecollective.com -£153

Three: Paul Smith-www.childrensalon.com -£78

Four: Stella McCartney-www.luisaviaroma.com- £92

Five: Chloe-www.childsplayclothing.co.uk- £139

Six: Armani- www.armani.com -£130

Seven: Moncler- www.childsplayclothing.co.uk -£200

Eight: Moschino- www.villagekids.co.uk-£129

Nine: Dolce and Gabbana- www.luisaviaroma.com -£255

Ten: Roberto Cavalli-www.luisaviaroma.com-£139

 There you have it, will you be spoiling the little one in your family this Christmas?

The Golden Christmas Wish list that will make any girl Happy!

It’s about that time we start talking, Christmas wish lists! Men are hard to buy for but us ladies, it’s even harder. Well that depends if you want a ‘ah thank you’ or an exasperated ‘Shut up! Thank you!’ as we saw in Mulberry’s latest Christmas advert.

With three weeks away, there is plenty of time to get all of those tokens of love for our most beloved. I’ve put together a list that will for sure delight any the lady in the family, which includes stylish picks that are useful and timeless in design.

These picks don’t come with a Black Friday or Cyber Monday price tag, so it looks as though if you weren’t part of the pandemonium, we’ll all be bankrupt by January 2015, especially after you get a load of these picks...well it's all in the name of Christmas after all!

One: Metallic Clutch-£20- This crackled metallic blue clutch is perfect for the stylish lady that wants to add subtle colour to her everyday look. This piece is totally affordable and versatile enough to rock day or night.

Two: Gold Cuffs-£19.39-If you can’t buy her diamonds, buy her gold! These edgy gold cuffs would make the perfect addition to any jewellery box. The design has been kept plain and simple making it timeless piece that can be worn season after season.

Three: Perfume-£52.00-Smelling good is just as essential as looking good and this velvet orchid perfume sings saccharine Christmas notes which will for sure get you that kiss beneath the missile toe!

Four: Mug-£14.09-This super stylish checked mug is unique present that would actually get used, whether it’s for lemon and ginger tea at home to coffees and chai latte’s in the office, this affordable pick will make drinking from a mug simply cool!

Five: Bra-£79.91-This designer bra is sultry yet in sophisticated design, it's a piece that  can be worn on show or as a bottom layer for an in depth aesthetic paired with a delicate sheer number.

Six: Lipstick-£24-This Mars lipstick would make great present as well as great little stocking filler. The rich colour purple is uber fashion forward which is a lip colour trend that has evolved from the blue lippy trend.

Seven: Fur-£200-It would be great if come Boxing Day, we were instantly back in summer! But let's face it, that that's just never going to happen, let your loved one wrap up stylish in this faux fur number which can effortlessly enhance any look in preparation for the frost biting weather!

Eight: Mules-£82.48-Mules are set to be the most coveted style picks of S/S 15, it’s a style almost as good as flats as they are super comfy and can be paired with almost anything! These white and gold stunners are in a feminine design that ooze fierce fashion forward attitude.

Nine: Sunglasses-£180-The weather will be everything but scorching around Christmas but that does not mean to say that glimmers of sun ray’s won’t be pouring down through the earth even on a grey day. These sunnies a useful and practical gift especially for us drives in which these sunglasses just happen to be in a uber cool design.

Ten: Ear phones-£12.78-These gold earphones are the ear candy to be rocking with your brand spanking new iPhone 6! Metallic’s work effortlessly with all kinds of ensembles, always giving a look that stylish sparkly depth.

Eleven: GHD’s-£130-In rose gold, these GHD hair straighteners continue to hold the monopoly in the hair tools market as they pride themselves on a good quality that's stylish. No one wants a bad hair day, especially not on Christmas or New Year’s even more so. These trusted GHD’s will do exactly what it says on the tin, ensuring your lady always has a ‘Good Hair day’ for years to come.

Twelve: Tote: £255-Go wild with your present for that specail women in your life with this Croc print tote which is of a chic classic design. Why not make someone feel special with a bag that looks like it cost the earth!

Thirteen: Clip-£18.90-You can never go wrong with a trusted hair accessory, it's a  piece that will add the finishing touch for either a everyday or evening look.

There you have it, a ladies Christmas wish list that will make any girl happy with the present you got right!

The New Year's Eve Edit

December is finally here. And amongst the trips to Christmas markets, and a frantic search for last-minute gifts, it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s Eve. And, more specifically, what you’re going to wear. Sparkle and sequins aren’t for everyone, but if you’re going to indulge in it then there’s no better night to go glittery. And no-one seems to have mastered that idea better than Topshop, who’ve spoiled us with a mix of ultra-modern and flapper-inspired options for seeing out 2014 in style. So in aid of the ultimate party-hopping outfit, we’ve pulled together an edit of the very best bits. And there’s still time to put them on your Christmas wishlist.

Embellished shell top, £85, embellished fringe mini, £100 - bit.ly/1tyQlNf

Channel your inner ice queen (fairytales were all over the Autumn/Winter  2014 catwalks) with this co-ord set. The fringing is a little bit 20s, so you can nod to the Great Gatsby without looking like you’re in costume. And the icy combination of silver and white feels cool and different. Wear the top with high-waisted black jeans for nights that don’t require quite so much razzle dazzle.

Sequin tee, £38, and joggers, £65 - bit.ly/1CB5G9w

Want to sparkle, but in the most effortlessly cool way? Look to Topshop’s sequinned joggers and matching tee, which are insouciantly slouchy – there’s something very Ashish Spring/Summer 2014 about them. The silhouette keeps is flattering without being fitted: the tee is short and boxy, while the trousers have a relaxed, tapered shape. It’s sport luxe at its absolute best, just add your highest heels and a flick of liquid eyeliner.

Sequin pencil skirt, £110 - bit.ly/1zLaC5W

We’ve got a lot of love for this rose-tinted sequinned pencil skirt. The all-over embellishment is two-tone, with silver on the reverse, so as you move the colour will have a subtle change. The high waist and fitted shape are suitably ladylike, so you can amp it up with a black crop top, skinny strap sandals and a leather jacket slung over your shoulders. 

Gold jacquard blazer, £100, and trousers, £60 - bit.ly/1yaVzAl

Louche androgyny just doesn’t come better than this gold jacquard tux jacket and matching trousers. Team them with creepers and a simple black crop top to give this vintage-inspired look a more modern edge, and keep your hair and make-up fuss-free.

Embellished dress, £250 - bit.ly/1ydEpWu

We all know that Beyoncéloves to rock a Topshop dress, and we can totally see her wearing this limited edition number. It will require some of her confidence to carry it off, but you’ll double up as your very own mirror ball come midnight.

Premium cube collar, £100 - bit.ly/1tyI7EA

If you’re not sure about being embellished all over, this necklace is a more accessible way to channel the Queen Bey look. Already in the sale, this statement collar is a very hefty string of glassy, oversized rhinestones that will dress up any little black dress without fail. If you want to look like you made an effort, without actually trying at all, drape it over a monochrome outfit for a cheat’s route to decadence.

Scallop lace feater tee, £85, and feather lace pelmet skirt, £85 - bit.ly/1FKCwmp

This outfit’s a real showstopper, making up for its lack of sequins with generous feather trims at the skirt and waist. Sheer sleeves and lace panels on the t-shirt mean that both the skirt and the top are statement pieces in their own right, but it’s when you wear them together that this look really stands out. Keep accessories to a minimum – this already has plenty going on.

The Go-to Style Picks for a Rainy Day!

The rain is unfortunately inevitable, but like my Nan say’s “the trees need it!” I’m a person that can stomach the cold but when it’s wet, its weather that I just can’t stand. I have to say that my ultimate pet hate has got to be using public transport all muggy with wet people. Whether the rain catches you out or you’re fully prepared with your brolly, the rain somehow how seems to seep in and get you and there is nothing worse than getting to where ever you’re going and having to survive the day feeling soggy and damp, and let’s not even go there with the effects of this kind of whether on the hair do!

It’s all very tempting on days that dreary and miserable pouring with rain to slip on into the most unattractive but comfortable attire that is glum and gloomy as the grey clouds. Just because it rains there is no excuse to look as bleak as the weather, because this season more so any has ultra stylish rain pieces so that you can look your very best rain or shine.

Be fully prepared for the rain here on out with super stylish style picks that will make you look good. I’m not talking about bringing out your green filed jackets or Timberland boots, but regular clothing that is rain repellent with a stylish aesthetic.

Discover an edit of rainy day essentials that will leave you dry even through the wettest of April showers without ever compromising on your stylish repertoire…

The Rain Coat

The raincoat is one of the most ultimate rain proof coats that you can ever invest in this season. They were huge for A/W 14 and this season has seen styles develop into more interesting designers such as the yellow Balenciaga rain coat we saw for S/S 15 which had texturised detailing and a fur collar.

The greatness of a rain coat as a outwear garment comes in the way that you can style them, you can either go for transparent styles and layer up with a light weight number or introduce a raincoat to a look in garish colours for that colour pop drowsy day. 

1. Farfetch

2. Liberty

3. Zara

4. Simply Be

Boots

If there is one type of boot to keep your foot dry all season, it has got to be the Wellington boot. It was once a style only acceptable for wearing at festivals but the Wellington boot has seen a chic re-design this season where it’s now normal to buy wedged and stiletto wellies!

Wellies have entered a new generation where you find styles of all kinds and colours that you can actually style and look good in, wear these styles with pattern tights and long socks for a look that is fashion forward and cool!

1. Spartoo

2. Simply Be

3. M and M

4. My Thereasa

5. Miu Miu

The Shoulder Bag

One of the most practical styles of bags for a rainy day has got to be a cross body bag of some form, it's bag style pick that every fashionista should own. On a miserable wet day a side bag can just make life all that easier, where you have great accessibility with a piece like this, as after all you will need a hand free to potentially carry an umbrella and all.

This season is all about mini-bag styles, circle shapes, duffel bags and the python print. Bags are one of the most effortless ways to tap into this season’s trend while still being able to be true to personal style.

1. River Island

2. Very

3. Nelly

4. Monnierr

5. Matches

6. House of Fraser

Umbrellas

A strong sturdy umbrella has got to be one of man’s greatest inventions when it comes to being shielded from the rain!

Unlike other clothing accessories you don’t physically have to wear it, which means for those us that want to go all out with bold wacky designs, you won’t be judged!

It’s often wise to go for styles that are practical for your lifestyle and wardrobe opting for styles that are classic and timeless, but more often than not you just end up losing or breaking an umbrella which for me is a great justification to go for styles that are cheaper in statement stylish designs.

1. Forever New

2. Mango

3. Asos

4. One Kings Lane

There you have it, rain defence style picks for those showery days which almost make me like the rain!

Image source: www.pinterest.com

The Cape Edit

Capes have gradually been working their way back into mainstream fashion over the last few years, and Autumn/Winter 2014 has been an especially strong season for them. No longer the territory of superheroes and fairytale villains, they’re popping up all over the high street after making a statement on the runways back in February. Burberry led the way with monogrammed ponchos slung over the shoulders of Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse and an entire finale of nomad-styled models – and trendsetter Olivia Palermo was spotted in one soon after. Luckily for us there are more affordable alternatives out there, so we’ve done the hard work for you and pulled together a quick list of the very best.

There’s a Navajo vibe to this fringed cape from Miss Selfridge. The wraparound print, and the fringed trim, tap into Autumn/Winter’s handicraft trend perfectly but the neckline has been left uncluttered and fuss-free to keep it feeling modern. Rather than arm slits you wear it like a blanket – just look to Burberry’s monogrammed ponchos for inspiration. I’d pair it with delicate, watercolour prints for a traveller vibe, but it will look great with skinny denim too. And it’s already in the sale, so you can nab the look for a little less.

Zara’s checked wool cape looks like it could have been borrowed from a Grimm fairytale. The heritage plaid pattern is on trend, but it’s the furry green lining in the hood that really stands out for us. The sweeping shape means you can easily layer it over heavy sweatshirts – just add ankle boots and thick gloves and it will see you through the coldest winter days while you channel your inner Red Riding Hood.

This double-breasted cape from Topshop has a tiny heritage check pattern, in a classic palette of brown and beige. If you usually prefer a traditional mac but want to try something more on-trend, this is a great option. Use it to dress up denim with its vintage feel and tailored shape – there’s something slightly Sherlock Holmes about it, but in a good way.

This cape is for streamlined types, who look for functional minimalism in their wardrobes and are happy to spend slightly more on quality pieces that will last. This collared cape from Reiss comes in a beautiful, pearly shade of grey with dramatic flared sleeves and contrasting silver trims. The lines are sharply tailored but softly feminine at the same time, making it a great option to wear to work. It’s quite lightweight, so perfect for between-season transitions.

This Mango cape is more of a cardigan alternative than an outerwear option. But the waterfall shape looks brilliant against sharper separates: try it with long culottes and a simple, long-sleeved tee in neutral colours. Come summer it will be perfect with shredded denim shorts, but right now you’ll need pointed ankle boots and a proper winter coat to go with it.

We couldn’t write about capes without including a quick nod to its cousin, the poncho. This cosy Zara version is perfect for throwing on over denim and a lightweight knit at the weekends, for an effortless downtime look that’s still on-trend. The deep pockets and relaxed hood make it practical, but it’s the contrast stripes at the hem that we love. Pair it with wide leg trousers or leather leggings if you want to go a bit more directional; it’s all about playing with proportion and shape.

The Best Beauty Advent Calendars

Before we start talking gift guides and wishlists, it’s time to look at some of the OTT advent calendars to hit the beauty industry this year. Apparently a Christmas-shaped square of chocolate is no longer an adequate treat, and everyone from Benefit to Jo Malone has found a way to package up their products as an advent calendar. 

But if your inner cynic is rallying against this obvious marketing ploy, just look at how much you could save over buying each product individually. Yes, they’re gimmicky, but when else are you going to get £420 worth of treats for £149 (Liberty) or 24 gifts from Jo Malone? And why not spoil yourself – it’ll give you something indulgent to enjoy when you’re starting to stress about all the gifts you need to buy for other people. 

If you’re a really good friend, you could even buy these for someone else – perfect if you know someone with a birthday at the end of November or start of December.

Liberty

It might be the most ridiculous, overblown thing you’ll ever buy, but Liberty’s £149 calendar is actually crammed full with £420 worth of beauty. That includes treatment vouchers as well as full-sized goodies/deluxe-sized samples from Nars, Diptyque and Laura Mercier. And the illustration of Liberty’s iconic Tudor building on the front marks this out as a special way to start the holidays.

Ciate

It was Ciate who kick-started the trend for luxe advent calendars a few years ago, and they haven’t let up for 2014. This year they’ve hidden 24 treats within what looks like a festive mansion –perfect for nail art addicts everywhere. As well as their luxurious polishes it includes Christmassy transfers, and a few pots with textured finishes, to keep your manicure cutting edge in the new year.

Jo Malone

Who wouldn’t love to start every day in December with a surprise from Jo Malone? It will set you back £250, unfortunately, but this townhouse-style calendar contains the type of luxurious fragrances and body soufflés that might actually make you sorry when Christmas comes around and the surprises have to stop.

Benefit

Benefit’s beauty-stuffed advent calendar sold out online as soon as it still hit the digital shelves, but our sources tell us that there are still a few left in the Carnaby Street store  - so make sure that you get down there ASAP. Every day reveals a different mini-sized treat, including cult favourites and some of Benefit’s all-time best sellers. That includes Bad Gal Lash and They’re Real! mascaras, Total Moisture moisturiser and a few of the brand’s famous cheek and lip tints, so what’s not to love?

The Body Shop

Every purchase of The Body Shop’s ‘24 Days of Joy’ advent calendar includes a donation to War Child, a charity that funds educational resources for children in areas affected by war. You also save £33 compared to buying the products individually, so this is a great choice. As well as a limited edition Glazed Apple body lotion, there are Vitamin E, Argan Oil and White Musk classics.