Gig Get-Up

When you're getting yourself ready for a night out at a gig, it's important to get the perfect combination of style and comfort. You want to spend the time to find the perfect outfit which looks effortlessly thrown together in minutes - much easier said than done!

If you're anything like me and usually in love with the musician performing, you clearly want to impress for that fleeting moment his eyes skim the crowd and he might catch a glimpse of you, whilst also preparing yourself for 2 solid hours of standing in a hot, sweaty crowd and not wanting to wither from those oh-so tight skinny jeans.

My ideal gig get-up would be a funky pair of leggings, preferably with extra loose elastic to allow for a couple of extra beers whilst you enjoy the evening! I'd pair those with a chunky knit jumper, with a loose tank underneath so if things get rowdy and you feel the need to de-layer it's easy to whip of your sweater and feel comfortable.

I love the selection from American Apparel and would happily choose pretty much any pair and wear them any day of the week. For a laid back concert, I'd go for this pair which are suitably attention grabbing and edgy but the classic monotone colouring keeps the piece wearable and avoids the try-hard trap which is so easily fallen in to.

Paired with a simple over-sized jumper it'll ease thrown-together style, as well as being comfortable and ideal to dance in - perfect for that next gig.

So think ahead and plan your gig garm before you head out to ensure you turn heads whilst avoiding the cramped, sweaty crowd suffering!

Battle The Post-Christmas Blues

The month of January is difficult for all of us. Taking down the Christmas decorations, putting away the Bublé crimbo CD until the following year and still facing the decidedly less than pleasing wintry weather outside.

After already having gorged for the past 2 weeks, although all you want to do is turn to yet another piece of cake and down half a bottle of wine, we know deep down it's for the best to join others for depressing "dry January" and head over to the gym. GRIM!

Well that's not the only possible answer to the post-Christmas blues. The sales are still on with bargains to be bought, so turn to fashion to lift your mood!

A bright new frock can't fail to bring a smile to your face, especially when it's a price which can keep your purse happy too.

I love this 'Leader Of The Pack' floral satin dress by Finders Keepers. I can't resist using a cheeky pun as it really does pack a punch - ouch... and reduced from £145 to £58 (Available at harveynichols.com) so it won't hit your bank account too hard.

The print is bold and blues-bursting with colour, but in tones which keep it muted and perfect for casual day wear or dressed up for the evening. It's multi-seasonal too, as it would look so cute with a pair of sandals on a summer's day, but equally with tights and ankle boots if you're daring to face the outdoors this Winter.

So don't turn to the biscuit tin - again! - to deal with the turmoil of getting back to work and re-entering reality. Use your wardrobe to add colour to your life and give you the boost to start 2014 looking fab!