NEW YEAR'S EVE HAIR-SPIRATION

Earlier this month, when I attended The British Fashion Awards, Headmasters came to my rescue (I'm incompetent when it comes to styling my own locks) and created an incredibly chic  'do for the event. The look - retro Hollywood waves - was surprisingly quick and easy to master and would be perfect for New Year's Eve, so I wanted to share it on here and talk you through how it can be recreated at home. 

AW14 SALE BUYS TO SEE YOU THROUGH 'TIL SPRING

I'm a big fan of sales shopping online because it allows me to approach carnage with clarity; seductive store environs invariably lead to me impulse buying a heap of cr*p that never see the light of sartorial day. The LFF sale edit has been chosen with wearability and longevity in mind; the below pieces might not be heavily discounted, but you will wear them through Spring and beyond, trust me! But which sites should you be logging on to, credit card in hand? Check out the Net-a-porter sale for luxury goodies - Sophie Hulme, my all-time favourite accessories designer has a selection of pieces in sale - her box clutch is a modern classic. Cashmere lovers should head over to Jigsaw - there's a dedicated sale section to the seductive soft stuff (you can't go wrong with a classic grey crew neck, below). Finally, I hate to agree with Kanye - but leather trousers, in all guises, really are a savvy style buy. They look set to be the piece of SS15 and Mango have a straight cut pair for a criminally cheap £79.99 (below). Snap them up now or you are 'Bound 2' regret it (ouch - sorry!) 

Top row L-R: Hoshi blanket coat, Whistles, was £450 now £250. Sequin side stripe shirt, J.Crew, was £89.50 now £45 - £62. Freda slub jersey white tee, Matchesfashion, was £65 now £45. 

Middle row L-R: Sophie Hulme brass box clutch, Net-a-porter, was £320 now £224. Miss KG Eleanor snakeskin heels, Kurt Geiger, was £85 now £39. 

Bottom row L-R: Midnight star shower pendant, Astley Clarke, was £120 now £95. Grey cashmere jumper, Jigsaw, was £139 now £83. Straight fit leather trousers, Mango, was £109.99 now £79.99. 

HORST: PHOTOGRAPHER OF STYLE - V&A MUSEUM EXHIBITION REVIEW

If you're seeking some post-Christmas culture, I'd like to point you in the direction of the Horst: Photographer of Style exhibition at the V&A. When American Airlines invited me to visit the retrospective of Horst P. Horst's work I have to admit I was unfamiliar with the German-American fashion photographer. A trip to the V&A opened my eyes to his influence in the industry; Horst references are everywhere. Throughout his incredible 60 year career, the photographer created iconic images that transcend fashion time; mastering light, composition and atmosphere illusion to illustrate his predominantly female muses as goddess-like figures. Following the advancement to colour photography in 1930's, Horst's work took a dazzling, colourful direction, with a playful feel that no doubt evolved photography towards the pop art movement. 

With a closing date of January 5th, there isn't long left to visit the exhibition. Book your tickets sharpish here. 

THE BEST AW14 SEQUIN BUYS

I'm sure you don't need me to sell sequins to you. A smattering of the sparkly stuff is good for the sartorial soul. Sequins unfailingly return to favour each autumn/winter, and 2015 is no different. For your styling cues look to J.Crew founder Jenna Lyons and wear something ordinary with something fabulous; think sequins + a crisp white shirt or the so-classic-it's-pratically-neutral Breton tee and you're on the right track. If you're in need of some inspo, check out the LFF edit below - go forth and sparkle! 



Top row L-R: Saint James navy breton tee, Atterley Road, £55. Gold sequin wide leg pants, J.Crew, £550. Lips in Trigger, Topshop, £8. KG Kurt Geiger star detail courts, ASOS, £69.

Middle row L-R: White Wooster shirt, The Fold London, £115. Marni green ribbed wool sweater, Net-a-porter.com, £450. French Connection green sequin pants, John Lewis, £70. Carvela Gordon lace-up courts, Kurt Geiger, £120. Nails in Aurelian, Topshop, £3. 

Bottom row L-R: Iris and Ink cashmere sweater, The Outnet, £140. Lips in Partition, Topshop, £8. Aster silver kitten heel pump, Whistles, £160. Ombre sequin midi skirt, Miss Selfridge, £17. 

READY FOR THE WEEKEND

What to wear when you clock off for the week? Dressing for downtime isn't easy - anything tailored looks too corporate and unless you're heading to the gym, a tracksuit looks too Kanye West.  My weekend wardrobe has been in need of some serious love of late; so last month I splashed out (oops) and invested in some casual essentials - my first pair of Vans, a pair of felt Converse high-tops and a new Saint James breton tee from Atterley Road. 

CHRISTMAS GIFT 2014 EDIT - PERSONALISED GIFTS

Personalised presents require that extra effort, but in return they offer a genius gifting solution. A monogrammed tote or an engraved necklace will make a thoughtful statement without breaking the bank or a fraught trip to Oxford Street. For affordable bespoke jewellery, my go-to is Anna Lou of London - I wear my monogram S necklace daily. Buying for a committed coffee consumer? [aka me - my chap and I have matching Keepcups!]  Then check out KeepCup – the first company to offer barista standard reusable cups. The best part? You can customise your KeepCup in colours of your choice, or gift a voucher to allow the recipient to choose their own – genius! Similarly, The Bathory offer the opportunity to invent your own bespoke bath soaks; I trialled the website earlier this year and it’s such a smart concept, plus the monochrome packaging is incredibly chic. A bespoke print makes the ideal choice for a new homeowner – my fellow blogger Victoria designs chic prints on request, available at her I Heart The Home Etsy store. Get your orders in this weekend to meet her Christmas delivery deadline!

Top row L- R: Reusable coffee cup, KeepCup, from £7. Monogram disc necklace, Anna Lou of London, from £54. Bespoke slipper service, Penelope Chilvers, POA. Middle row L-R: Maria Black gold plated + diamond engravable ring, Net-a-porter.com, £230. Willow monogrammed bag, Aurora Living, from £55. Wanderlust print, I Heart The Home etsy shop, £15. Bottom row L-R: Letter B tote, Alphabet Bags, £13. Customisable Nike Free Runs, Nike ID, £115. Bespoke bath soak, The Bathory, £18. 

GET YOUR COAT

Coats are one of my favourite purchases to make; thrown over the most unremarkable outfit in your wardrobe, a great coat holds transformative power. I like to have at least two coats in rotation at any point, although if budget was no object I'd be a collector. Before you make your seasonal purchase(s), here are my tips on what to look for [and what to avoid] in your winter wonder:

Trims and fastenings: 
If you're buying from the high street, try to avoid coats that draw attention to buttons. Retailers can scrimp on fastenings and as a result budget buttons cheapen the overall look. 

Fabric-mix: 
Wool and cashmere mixes will keep you warmer than polyester. And when the temperature drops even further, a quilted down-filled coat is the smartest choice. 

Cut + fit: 
Pick a coat with roomy sizing to layer knits underneath. Oversized coats generally look chicer, too. 

To get you started, here's my edit of some of the great styles available online now: 

Top row from L-R: Claremont camel coat, The Fold, £425. Herringbone overcoat, Whistles, £375. Paul Smith Black Label classic tailored coat, Farfetch.com, £529. Middle row from L-R: Blue handmade double breasted coat, Zara, £159. Straight pink coat, John Lewis, £190. Wool blend purple coat with cashmere, M&S, £120. Bottom row from L-R: Chloe wool blend cape, The Outnet, £1,765. Grey hooded cape, Warehouse, £66.50. Black wool mix cape, New Look, £39.99.