Cuter than red, but so much bolder than navy or black, fuchsia has made a huge come back on both the catwalk and the red carpet this season.

Pop stars like Nelly Furtado adore wearing the shade on stage, while quirky fashionistas including Chloe Sevigny make it an off-beat choice for the party trail.

The look can be taken even further with a purple cardi or tights - clashing is in this season! If you’re not quite that brave try this hot fuschia shift dress which has great colour with a traditional shape so the overall look isn’t too out there.

Fashion’s all time favourite colour gets a texture twist this Autumn/Winter with the black on black trend. You will see an array of shade & texture mix match such as luschious jet on raven-black silk to inky velvet glittering with crystals.

The look can be taken one step further by adding contrasting pattern & decoration such as this black tunic cut top with lace & silk, paired with contrasting vintage velveteen trousers.

Have a little fun with this trend. You can be as brave and bold as you like with this look as many of the problems that arise when trying to follow fashion, such as matching on trend colours to your skin tone and existing wardrobe, are not going to pose a problem. Plus most of the separates you buy will be able to be worn individually for many years to come.

When shopping most women buy single items that catch their eye rather than an entire outfit which can be expensive to buy all at once. But have you ever got home to find that the special item you bought doesn’t quite match anything in your wardrobe? This is why building a selection of good basics is essential. One special item will be enough to make it look like you’ve spent a fortune on each and every shopping trip.

Once you have these basics you will be able to buy that perfect high fashion top like the one pictured feeling safe in the knowledge that you will be able to wear it again and again and always look like you’ve splashed out on a whole new outfit. The only other thing you will need to invest in is some high trend accessories.

I’m a self confessed shoeaholic and this season has made me a very happy addict. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a gorgeous selection of shapes, colours and embellishment.

In my opinion shoes are the ultimate mood enhancing purchase and great for your self esteem too. In most cases you know that if you ask for your size from the assistant they’re going to fit, and more importantly, look great. A great heel makes you feel feminine, slims your legs and often makes you stand taller which has wonderous effects on the rest of your figure. So when planning your winter wardrobe it’s essential not to neglect your feet - as if you would!

It’s all about the heel right now with a myriad of choices - chunky wedges, 80’s style stilettos, sculpted forms. The one sure thing is be brave with shape, embellishment and colour. Platforms and straps have also been used by designer and high street alike, and often make some of the more adventurous styles more wearable.

I love these black patent leather evening shoes from Forzieri. They’re not cheap but what a statement they make with styling seen heavily on the catwalk. Don’t worry if these are above your budget because you will be sure to find a pair you like for less.

Eco fashion designer Sarah Ratty has been exposed as a benefits cheat to the tune of £44,000.  

Winner of the “Ethical Fashion Award” at the UK Fashion Awards in June, her A-list client base includes Sienna Miller, Cate Blanchett, Macy Gray & Zoe Ball. Buying an item from her designer label “Ciel” would set you back serious amounts of cash with sweaters & cardigans selling for up to £250.

Sarah claimed the cash over five years, failing to tell Brighton council she owned a house in London. She admitted 10 charges of falsely claiming benefit between 2001 and 2006 and has been given an 8 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and been ordered to pay back the entire £44,000.

The designer broke her back in a car crash in 1999. She wore a back brace and was confined to a wheelchair for two years & the court heard how Ratty thought she could claim housing benefit because of her condition.

So if you’re tempted by eco friendly clothing maybe Ciel isn’t the best choice for the more conscientious among us but luckily there are a growing number of ethical clothing companies. Even larger brands like Laura Ashley are offering organic alternatives like the rather gorgeous smock shirt dress  in vintage print pictured.

As an essential accessory it’s always important to me to have a great selection of handbags. A fab bag can transform your outfit and this season the popular trends don’t disappoint.

Classic shapes have been given a fresh spin and the use of such gorgeous colours this season give a sense of drama, but if you follow the block colour trend be sure to match the handbag to your outfit. Luxurious finishes are everywhere, a particular favourite being croc - but my personal favourite is faux mink which looks so extravagant.

Oversize is in, whether its a quirky super size classic or an oversize clutch it will give your day outfit a really up to date twist. You can go further with trinkets, oversize jewels and mixed fabric finishes to make your choice stand out from the crowd.

I particularly love this large tote pictured by Jane Shilton which brings together this seasons love of bold colour and mixed materials with its red faux suede and patent detailing. It’s guaranteed to make you the most stylish shopper on the high street this Christmas plus you’ll have loads of room for your gifts.

As a daily dog walker I am particularly keen on the new fashion trend of funky wellies. For many years people have shunned the ever practical wellington boot due to its rather disturbing image problem. This year wellies are back & with a fun and colourful twist they’re guaranteed to brighten up any rainy day!

Big names like Marni have got involved with the re invention and if you can believe it, you can pay in excess of £80 for a designer pair!   I’m more in favour of the reasonably priced options, like these chocolate covered wellies from Joe Browns for £24.95.

If chocs are not your thing (are you feeling ok!!) then there is a vast array of choices and colours. I bought a pair in black with pink polka dots for a friend - basically anything goes!

If you find it hard to relate with some fashion trends and how they would work for you then make it easy for yourself by sticking to the basics. Some trends are just easier to follow than others without overhauling your entire wardrobe. If you pick only one style tip to invest in this season make it the cinch waist. It’s a look that suits most shapes and is very flattering, plus it is very accessible on the high street as EVERYONE’S used it somewhere in their Autumn/Winter lines.

On the High street you will see waist ties and cinches incorporated in coats, jackets, dresses and tops. It is so versatile it can be used across smart to casualwear, so whatever your personal style you can find a way to bring it in to your look. I think that the look is most successful when used to portray forties glamour, a look which cannot fail to make you feel womanly and sexy. One tip though - don’t cinch too tight as unseemly bulges really will spoil the effect!

I love this beautiful evening top which has been brought bang up to date with a pretty and dainty waist belt detail. To experiment with the look try adding a simple belt to tops already in your wardrobe. Wear the waist cinch at your slimmest point - anywhere from empire waist to hips - for the most flattering look. You can even jazz up last years winter coat by buying a new belt to go over the top, just make sure it is wide enough to balance the coat.

This season sees the return of masculine tailoring for women but with a really feminine edge. It’s a look which has been seen in abundance on the catwalk this year but was perfected by YSL with the tux jacket dress pictured on the left, which is sleek and elegant.

Trinny and Susannah, who have recently launched their own fashion line, have created a similar look with this Tuxedo jacket which takes the best from the trend and is easy to wear.

Another great way to get this look is with a well cut suit - the favourite look on the catwalk featured wide leg trousers which are generally a big favourite this year and are flattering to many body shapes. My favourite pairing is with one of the numerous tux style waistcoats available this season - a smart but comfortable look.

Fur has always been an exclusive material which has a dedicated following among the rich & famous. The continued controversy and high class following has guaranteed it a consistent usage throughout designer collections for many years.

In recent years the quality of faux fur materials has improved to the extent that it has become hard for designers to justify the real thing, particularly in a time when we are more conscious than ever about the cause of our actions on the environment, plus the campaigning of certain celebs which has raised awareness.

Vivienne Westwood is the most recent designer to ban the use of fur in their collections. She follows in the footsteps of Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, who have already boycotted fur. “We have not used fur of any kind in next season’s collection and have no plans to use it in the future,” a representative for the label told animal rights group PETA.

Opulent fur trim is very fashionable in this season of glamorous evening wear and embellishment. But make sure you are supporting the cause by opting for faux fur, like this gorgeous faux fur bolero style jacket which looks so expensive but is only £42!