Some Like it Hot

Winter is most definitely on its way, one of my favourite seasons, and the perfect excuse to update your wardrobe. I love wrapping myself up in a big coat and braving the elements. And with some of the latest fabulous high street offerings, I’d be more than happy to brave the inevitable onslaught of chilling winds and blustering snow. Especially with the thought of a warming glass of gluhwein waiting for me at home!

This French Connection Salsa Faux Fur Coat is an ideal winter staple. It’s so demure and elegant, and shouts style in the bold shaded purple colour. At the price of £195, it’s no steal but with the amount of wear we can get out of a thick winter layer these days it’s still well worth the investment and would work out as fantastic value price-per-wear. I guess we can say a big thank you to climate change for that one!

Another big thank you can go out to my friend Cally and his team of tech-fashion experts. They’ve created ‘Mallzee’, the retail savvy’s favourite gadget to find what suits you and how to get it. Now getting the latest wardrobe must-haves couldn’t be easier. Mallzee is the ideal app which makes mobile shopping personal, effortless and fast – just how shopping in the modern world should be done. No need to turn to your friend and dread the inevitable answer to “Does this look good on me?”. Now they can let you know instantly through the click of a button, avoiding any fashion catastrophe or friendship disputes.

So grab your mobile, and with Mallzee you could be heating up this winter faster than you can say ‘another mulled wine please’. Fashion has just got seriously fast!

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

When the rain is pouring down outside, it’s hard to ever convince yourself that leaving the house would be a wise decision. However, sometimes you just haven’t got the luxury of the choice and you need to boot-up, wrap yourself in the biggest coat you own, and brace yourself for the elements.

It’s a daily battle I have with myself when back at university in the not-so-sunny Scotland. I love the city of Edinburgh, but with the amount of wind and rain it throws back at me, I’m not so sure it’s mutual. However, when the weather is like that, fashion can fight back.

I love the opportunity to wear a good pair of solid boots and wear a coat fit for sub-zero temperatures even in September – the usual rules of seasons just don’t apply in this part of the UK!

This Paul Smith Prince of Wales check double-breasted coat would be perfect for any suave man about town. It’s sure to keep you snug against those bitter winds yet seamlessly keeping any man looking sophisticated and dapper, even if he is soaked through!

For the girlies, I adore this gold wool-blend Herringbone Coat. It has such a simple, subtle and understated air about it, yet it’s super glamorous and chic. I would love to head off to lectures wearing this, although it would seem a shame to risk even a drop of rain touching such a beautiful piece of tailoring.

I tell myself, it may be miserable out there, but if you’re dressed right you can bring that missing bit of sunshine to the streets with a knock-out overcoat and a killer set of boots. When you’re prepared, no weather can get in the way!