New year investments

Well here we are folks – 2010!


And what a start.  The snow and ice are not entirely conducive to fashionable dressing, and the first few days of this new decade saw me trudging out in my oldest, warmest winter jumper, non-slip boots and a beanie hat – stylish – no, warm – yes.

I have been out and about, in CrownGate, trusty digital camera in hand, picking out my favourite items for the new season as they hit the shelves – and there are some beauties.

However, January is always a tricky time of year, and while the snow is still falling, the last thing I want is to spend my hard earned pennies on the new season’s nude linens and chiffon blouses.

What I am after instead, are those pieces that will update my wardrobe yet see me through those cold winter days and nights.

Debenhams has just that.  If you are brave – and I think I am - this beautiful orange mac (above, main pic) is perfect for adding a real flash of colour to this dreary time of year. It’s Star by Julien Macdonald and is £80.

Not quite so striking, but still just as lovely, and continuing 2009’s bubble hem trend, is this beige pleated mac from Betty Jackson Black at Debenhams, for £75 (above).

Stripes are huge again this year, and Oasis in House of Fraser is the perfect place to find them. This striped cardi (above, main pic) is ideal for updating a smart work dress or injecting some French chic over a vest and a pair of skinny jeans. It’s £50 and my bet is that it will last you throughout the season, so is well worth the investment.

Finally, this cute leather zip bag (above), again from Oasis is £45 and would go a treat with my new striped cardi…

Published on: January 15, 2010

Back to the latest style advice