Make sure you have one handy for that all important social event.  There are some great deals to be had like this little number…

http://www.movefashion.com/shop/onlyuk/only-zippy-party-87010p.html

Uniqlo have just launched a new machine washable knitwear collection, in a luxuriously soft wool blend, and as expected, available in a fabulous range of vibrant colours and modern styles.

The Washable Knit Cardigan, at £19.99 is perfectly priced for a wear-everyday piece, and now with new washable super powers, will take the hits like a trouper.

As for colours, we’re talking everything from yellow, green and orange, with your basics like black and grey thrown in there too.

The Knit Hooded Tunic will also feature on high rotation in your wardrobe as a super versatile, and effortlessly stylish dress/top. It’s just £19.99. Bargain.

Special mention has to go to my fave; the Knit Stole Cardigan, also £19.99, because its all drapey and gathery and lovely. This is one for jeans and a tank top; it looks dressy, but never like you’re trying too hard. Perfect!

Of course, the best part about all these pieces (apart from the price!) is the fact that they’re made for your machine, so you’ll never have to worry about what they’ll turn out like after the spin cycle.

Any girl with a Thinpurse knows, the harder wearing the item, the longer it’ll last…giving you a better return on your cash!

And boy, we’re they girly.

Chloe Sevigny smouldered in a ruffled lilac Valentino dress, and well and truly brought pretty back. Loads of high street stores are picking up on the floaty and feminine vibe that’ll have you swooning come spring time, but you can integrate these pieces (with major layers), right now!

I’ve got a soft spot for this Stripe Frill Front Vest, £30. It’s super artsy with a French feel, and would lighten up a cardi/leggings combo no end. The frill echoes Chloe’s look, but the funky stripe means its accessible for both day and evening.

Diane Kruger took a big gamble on her outfit; going bright pink in Christian Lacroix. As a whole, she is a gorgeous package, but it seems the frou frou around the neckline could have been balanced out by a slightly more form-fitting skirt.

Don’t make the same mistake if you want to try out this fashion-forward trend. The key is balance!

Add a bit of unexpected volume with a slim-fitting edge with this Elizabeth and James Jersey Ruffle Dress, currently marked down on Net-a-Porter.com from £245 to £171.50. It’s a lovely shade of plum, and is brilliant for layering until the sun comes out.

Speaking of shades of purple….Sandra Bullock rocked quite a dashing hue to pick up her trophy. Lavender anyone?

Certainly one way to bring some colour into your grey winter days; and one of my favourite purple items on the market right now, the Steve Madden Tayla Suede Multi Strap Platform are utterly lust-worthy, and currently have 50% their normal price at my-wardrobe.com. They’re only available in size 39.

Drew Barrymore complimented her fair complexion with a nude Atelier Versace gown, and if there’s any colour that screams girly it’s the blush pink shade.

I’ve spotted this adorable Nude Pink Rosalind Prom Dress at Oasis, £35, from their Trompe L’Oeil range. This is a great example of a double-take piece that will add a bit of interest to your outfit, and the detail is so pretty you’ll feel like running through a field of daisies.

Fabulous Frenchie Marion Cotillard gave her modern dress a pop of femininity with a flash of lace at the thigh, and I think this TFNC Lace Insert Cowl Dress from ASOS captures the mood perfectly! It’s resonably priced at £40, and perfect for illuminating womanly curves!

I was on a shopping spree of mammoth proportions.

My sister and I, were well into the flow of things, spending up large at the mall, when I spotted a branch of Schuh – recalling the store gift card tucked into my wallet.

I hate to let a good gift card go to waste; so I ventured inside to take a look around.

And then I saw them – displayed in all their animalistic glory – a pair of wicked leopard print stilettos.

In a moment of frivolity, I asked for my size, and proceeded to try them on. Spurred on by my sister, who was, at that moment, living vicariously through my wild shoe choice, I immediately fell in love.

There was no question of with what or when I would wear them; these shoes were a must-have, no two ways about it.

Had I not been in the possession of the gift card, there is a chance I may not have thrown caution into the wind in such a way – but the fact remains; the shoes are now mine, and I have become a fierce advocate of the ‘power of leopard print’.

Whenever I wear those bad boys – I am woman. I am animal. Hear me roar.

And so; I reckon that every woman across the land should have a pair of leopard print kicks in their shoe collection – here are my favourites – a style to suit everyone!

Red or Dead is known for its quirky styles and these amazing Zee Zee Leopard Print Boots are out of control! They have a soft, fur-like upper, with zig zag inserts to take them from middle of the road to traffic-stopping! At £99.99, they’re on the more expensive end of the scale; but they’re a Schuh exclusive you won’t see anywhere else!

To bring things back down to earth; Barratts has these Patent  Leopard Print Ballerina Pumps for just £12, with a stylish jewel feature. Leopard print pumps are an easy option when trying out the trend, and they look fabulous dressing up a pair of jeans.

And, managing to make a wild animal print look cute – are these Killah Mara Heels from Cloggs.co.uk. With a detatchable patent flower badge and scalloped edging, they have a vintage vibe, and are super practical with a modest 3 and a half inch heel. They’re £44.99.

Finally – if you want to pay homage to the man that started it all – Christian Louboutin – opt for these suedette ankle boots from Dorothy Perkins – they’re as close as you’ll get to the real thing, and just £40!

While they’re right on trend now, they’re modelled after an iconic style that won’t go out of fashion.

Go on – get a little leopard print in your life. Grrr.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted this case of dress-cloning with the fabulous Oli.co.uk seemingly stocking the exact same dress as Tesco; they’re similar enough to be literally cut from the same cloth!

In stunning coral, Oli’s offering – the polyester Vila Pleat Dress weighs in at £48, with a lovely satin-feel trim around the collar, and a sweet smattering of fabric flowers at the neckline.

It’s finished with a cute button closure detail at the back, and it’s all-in-all a very darling design.

Over at Tesco.com, they’ve served up a bold red option, also in polyester, but marked down from £30 to £15; there’s only size 10 left. With the exact same cut, Tesco’s style is secured with a stylish ribbon bow, echoing the neckline feature of the Vila piece.

So – should you splurge or skimp when it comes to the a-line pleated style?

I think the coral number would be perfect for summer parties; but you can’t beat bright red for Christmas festivities! Both dresses are made from the same fabric, so you’ll only see a difference in quality in the finish.

My pick is the F&F Collection Pleated Dress, hands down! It’s  a bargain at £15 – and you can’t justify the extra spend for the Vila style.

Christmas Day dress: sorted!

There is a minefield of fashion faux pas to avoid in your local supermarket aisles; good people can end up in some seriously bad clothes.

The ultimate aim when shopping on a budget is to create the illusion of having spent more money than you really have.

Supermarket clothing; because it’s so cheap, will likely be of lesser quality than you’re used to. If you want your new wardrobe to last a week, it’s all about garment care. Treat your clothes nicely, otherwise they’ll show their true colours within one wash.

This Stud Detail Jumper by George at Asda is a great example. Currently marked down from £16 to £10, it scores big time in the inexpensive stakes. The style is in-keeping with what you’ll find on the High Street right now, and the cut is flattering with a cool stud feature around the neckline. It’s 100% cotton, which is much better than acrylic; but the ribbed band across the hips could lose shape quickly in a machine wash. Be careful!

I’ve also got a bit of a thing for the G21 Bow Trim Coat – it’s too cute to resist! With a flattering, fitted style, it’s a youthful, feminine coat that’s great for adding colour to a dreary winter wardrobe. It’s just £30, but take note – it’s only available in sizes 14 and up.

These super longline F&F jumpers are so timelessly simple and stylish, and with such a huge range of colours, you could cut your winter dressing time in half every day of the week! Made with viscose and nylon, they’re not going to be amazing quality, but at £12, they’re a helpful, and cost-effective addition to your wardrobe. They’re long enough to wear over leggings or stockings, and they’re great for layering.

This next pick is has made us come over all fun and festive. Eighties knitwear has been a hit on the High Street, and at Tesco, it’s no different. At just £12.80, the F&F Sequin Jumper is the perfect holiday outfit choice. The key to keep this baby looking its best is making sure you only ever handwash it to avoid the risk of stretching and colour fade – it’s the most fabulous shade of snow white – don’t let it go!

Let’s face it – it’s probably not going to be in style next year, but at that price – it’s not a lot of pay to have fun with a funky, current trend, that’s totally family-friendly.

It encapsulates perfectly the look of ‘effortless chic’, that’s a little bit rugged, but beautifully cut, and endlessly stylish.

Is it that obvious that I have a major shop-crush on them?

Well, I do, and I was super excited to see that they have just launched a limited 30% off sale exclusively online – the best stuff is disappearing like turkey at Sainsburys on Christmas Eve, so if you want a slice of the styling action, you better be quick – I was about to buy a top last night, but after I broke away for quick phone call, it had sold out!

All Saints is pretty expensive on a good day – so I reckon when they’re having a sale, it’s best to take advantage of those investment buys that are slightly less of an investment than usual!

Their amazing knitwear selection is a must-see; from dresses to cardigans and tops, the draping is out-of-this-world-kinda-beautiful. The Roksana Wrap (pictured) was £110, now within the realm of the resonable at £77, and made from an Alpaca mix, it’s edgy, and so easy for winter; either dressed up or down.

Sale items are dotted throughout the site, so you’ll have to hunt a little – but trust me – it’s worth your while!

Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue have battled it out week after week for the most avant-garde outfits, and the high street stores are clambering over themselves trying to recreate their striking looks.

While Dannii manages to keep an element of style to most of her looks – she knows her body and she knows how to show it off – Cheryl has been somewhat swept away along her fashion-forward footpath.

And if we follow her – we’ll all end up with empty purses!

It’s great to experiment and have fun with outfit choices, but Cheryl has been swamping her tiny frame with overly fussy picks that you could only ever wear once – and there won’t be a guy in the room that will *get* it.

If you want to get a little Cheryl style in your life – you need to tone down the trends big time to keep your purse intact.

Over the past final weekend, Cheryl opted for two very different strapless full-length dresses – but the fitted bodice and monochrome theme are two things you can take away! A strapless dress is a timeless classic, and by choosing a shorter length, you can wear it on any occasion, any time of year. Black and white are as versatile as you can get, and I love this combination piece from BCBGMAXAZRIA at my-wardrobe.com. At £170, it’s an investment, but this really is the kind of beautifully elegant dress you’ll wear again and again.

Cheryl also rocked out some seriously cutting edge one-shoulder looks that can be translated and reined in for for regular wear.

Strappy one-shoulder dresses are always stylish, but long-sleeved one shoulder dresses have a shorter shelf life. They have a real 80’s vibe, and the fashion flashback we’re in the middle of won’t last forever.

But if you’re set on the look and would like to get in on the ground level, Topshop is offering a simple option in dark purple for just £18.

Use accessories to really make this dress current – try and stay away from exaggerated shoulders and puffiness, it’ll date like nobody’s business!

Cheryl opted for big, statement earrings – these ball chain blingers, £5,  from Dorothy Perkins are very Cheryl.

Mrs Cole also sported some very bright shades during the show this year, including hot pink. Now, I’m a big fan of this hue – but there’s a place, a time and a way to wear it.

This Ted Baker Knitted Shrug, £63, is a great option when you’re looking to implement a little pink into your wardrobe – it’s bright, fun, and stylish. You’ll never get tired of such a classic, flattering cut.

The key thing to remember if you want to emulate Cheryl’s style? She gets all her clothes for free.

Spend wisely!

Choose a trend, and stick to it!

Embellished

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – this little black dress with a difference is *fierce*. The Sequin Gem Dress from New Look, at £75 looks high fashion (and kinda is – it’s designed by Giles Deacon!) but without the price tag. It’s a must-snatch!

On a whole other tangent – this Navy Crystal Swing Dress is absolutely gorgeous; soft and floaty with some heavy embellishment to balance it out. At £40, it’s uber-affordable, and endlessly flattering for those with a rounder tummy. The mesh insert at the back keeps things interesting; all it needs is some sparkling heels, and you’re out the door!

One-shoulder

Call the emergency services – this is one smoking hot little number! The Rise Magenta One-Shoulder Dress from Dorothy Perkins is a complete show-stopper. That colour – that cut…and all for just £28!

Now this one screams style. the Nadine One Shoulder Dress from Fashion Union is sleek and elegant with one embellished shoulder strap and a sexy pencil style fit. The black and gold combo is utterly fabulous, and you’ll look like exotic royalty with a pair of gold chandeliers.

Sequinned

This Oasis Sequin T-Shirt is perfect for the dress up/dress down dilemma. A pair of heels and a whole load of bling, and you’re ready for partytime – flats and stockings, and youcould rock this anywhere, anytime. At £55, that’s what we call value!

And now, before you look at me funny for advocating spending with a budget…and then presenting you with a £150 dress, just bear in mind that this is literally the best sequinned dress on the market right now. And if anything; it should serve as a little inspiration!

The Sequin Flapper Dress from Oasis will transform you into an instant goddess, no effort necessary. In shades of precious metal, this dress is quite simply phenomenal. End of story.

Bold Print

If you really want to stand out from the crowd this party season; this combination of feather print, embellishment and sex appeal could be just the ticket.

The Vero Moda Ruffle Peacock Print Dress is perfect for dancing the night away, while giving you confidence with it’s flattering ruffles. Short and sexy – this one’s a winner.

Body-con

There’s no hiding here. If you want to tap into the body-con trend, prepare for every curve to be on show!

This Studded Body Con Dress, £65 from Lipsy (the best in body-con since Herve Leger) is a bandeau style that’s tight, short and sexy, with stud detailing in vertical designs that offer up a lovely line.

All of the wool blend jumpers look much more expensive than they are, they’re thick and lovely for snuggling and the prices are unbeatable.

They’re great ideas for Christmas, but they’re so cheap you could even spoil your man before the big day.

The F&F Collection Cable Knit Cardigan with a button front is an online exclusive, and is now half price, at £12.50.

The narrow collar means it’s better for slimmer guys, so if you’ve got a bigger man, go for a hooded knit to balance out his midsection. I love the F&F Cable knitted zip-through hooded top, £17.50

The layered look is also covered with some fabulous value F&F Signature lambswool v-neck jumpers, now £8, and they come in green, pink and mauve. Remember, this is 100% lambswool – £8 is an absolute bargain!

You can check out all the men’s and women’s sale items here. The Half Price sale will continue until December 24th.