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!

Christmas Crackers

It's a big question everyone asks themselves, well anyone who gives a damn about fashion!, "What am I going to wear on Christmas day?" Many of us take hideously over-organised and awkwardly formalised family photos, usually complete with Christmas themed accessories or garish Crimbo jumpers, so it's important to consider at length how you want to be seen in this year's picture.

At this time of year your fashion needs to allow for practicality and comfort. It's the season for indulgence, so an elasticated waist is always welcome, and temperatures are plummeting so there is simply no space for anything cropped or mini in my wardrobe over the winter period! Heavy knits and a fabulous fur are welcomed with open arms, along with the plethora of adornments from hats, scarves and gloves galore. I have to admit that I'm a little hat obsessed, annually requesting a new winter warmer to add to the collection.

I'm not a hat snob, I love pretty much every style from a flat cap to a beanie, but there are definitely a few which stand out and others which I would endeavour to avoid. On a 2 year old toddler, a novelty animal themed hat can look adorable and quite frankly it would be a shame not to force them into wearing such a thing when you still have a say over it! However, I seem to have missed the announcement that 30 somethings could get away with wearing the same novelty panda printed beanie and it be socially acceptable? It certainly isn't in my opinion!

Deviating from my usual expensive, designer fashion suggestions, this hat is both fashion, and purse, friendly at only £17. Available at Accessorize, this beanie would be sure to keep you warm this winter, and still leave you change for a cheeky trip to the pub for a liquid winter warmer too.

Gloves are also a seriously underrated accessory. I think they can really add a sense of style and glamour to a winter outfit, and it's well worth investing a little more money in a quality pair that are able to stand up to the ever-chilling winter conditions.

Asos have a great collection, making finding one single pair to purchase a seriously difficult choice. Although my ethos is life is, if in doubt, get them both. So in the instance, I'd reiterate that! If I really had to push to single out one stand-out pair, I'd have to go for these burgandy leather metal-plate gloves. They look far more expensive than their bargain price tag of just £22, especially considering they're 100% leather, making them a great value purchase.

Perfect as a Christmas stocking filler, or a gift to yourself, it's always wise to accessorise and there's no better season than Winter.