JUMPSUIT FOR JOY

Jumpsuits are cool but can be tricky to pull off. My theory with fad garments is that you can either go for the 'look at me I'm outrageous' camp (crazy prints/textures or sugary sweet and kidlike) or the 'minimal and expensive looking' camp. I met Sophie (below) at the Whistles launch party a while back and took this picture on the night around the back of the store.

This black jersey jumpsuit is firmly in the classic camp and is utterly gorgeous with formal lapels, casual half mast turn-ups, massive pockets and short sleeves. I like how she opts for minimal makeup (sweep of eyeliner & black nail polish) and shiny black tresses to prevent over styling a wonderfully designed piece which really doesn't need much else. Making this outfit xmas party worthy requires nothing more than a pop of orange-red or plum lipstick.

VENUS IN FAUX-FURS

I probably don't need to tell you that I've been appreciating Faux-Fur a lot recently. I think it's just that its been so bloody cold these days that I'm hugely impressed with anything that can simultaneously look good and be very warm. Here are a couple of inspiring F-F looks I've seen recently on the street.

Dot Love - I've always secretly thought Dot Cotton was a bit of a British fashion icon. Wait... before you guffaw, think about it. Clashing liberty prints...cameo brooches...doily collars...wiggle skirts...cute flats...hand knitted cardies...? This lovely rich dark-chocolate double breasted F-F reminds me of something Cotton would wear to the Queen Vic at Xmas with a pastel headscarf and pearls. However, teamed with pixie hair, Laura Ashley style print, sleek pins and perfect almond-toe granny flats, Sarah (above) makes Dot Cotton's wardrobe look rather dashing if you ask me.

This ace F-F is similar to my own...I prefer the cut on this one through, more of an a-line shape which is really flattering. I like this girls patterned green sateen jumpsuit peeping out and her scattering of accessories, and I especially love the fact she is working it all as a daytime look. All in all a very bohemian yet confident combo. Like most things, on the fur front I'm definitely all for going vintage. Loads cheaper, unique in colour and texture and with a more classic cut. A good one will last yonks too compared to a high street copy. If you must go high street though (vintage sizing can be a bit unpredictable and finding your dream F-F might take a while) H+M has a nice version in a similar cut to the one worn above (in chestnut) for around 70 pounds sterling.