Just helping you spend your money because I have none left of my own.
The catwalk shows have been and gone – but were for spring/summer next year. The calendar tells us it’s November, but it’s still been unusually balmy (so maybe the most recent spate of runways were for this season?). And there is a John Lewis Christmas advert featuring a penguin that is successfully encouraging us to buy penguins from the high street giant. Essentially retail and fashion is confusing.

However, if like me you hate everything in your wardrobe/have found that the tumble dryer has shrunk everything *ahem*/you’ve somehow managed to damage many items of clothing, you are probably under pressure to push through the confusion and go shopping.

Helpfully, I’ve procrastinated lots and browsed the web to find some good buys so you don’t have to (gallery at bottom).

Coat:
A much more subtle take on the leopard print coat – Warehouse, £63

Shirt:
Zara has done some excellent colour blocking with this top and an attempt at a more sculptural look. Wear with skinny jeans and heels and a blazer thrown over or maybe tuck into a midi skirt in a bold colour – Zara, £29.99

Dress:
A bit expensive but the rich colours, striking pattern and versatility (Wear with blazer and flats for work, break out the heels and jewellery for evening) make this a worthwhile spend – French Connection, £95

Skirt:
Midi skirts are here to stay. I like how the cut-out pattern of this skirt gives this more interesting depth (if one can say an inanimate piece of clothing has depth…). Can be worn daintily with black heels and black blouse/polo neck or dress it down a bit with a big fluffy jumper and brown riding boots for a weekend coffee with friends – Oasis, £60

Trousers:
Patterned trousers can run the risk of making you look like a clown. The sleek shape and jacquard material of these though will hopefully make you look more like you a lady of sophistication who thinks wearing black trousers to work is for pansies – Next, £35

Shorts:
I’m a big fan of winter shorts while one is still young enough to wear them. Love the cut, bottle green colour and sparse polka dot print of these shorts. I’d suggest wearing them with fluffy, plain jumpers, woollen tights and biker boots or a crisp white shirt and black blazer and heels – Zara, £25.99

Blazer:
As you may have gathered, I quite like autumnal colours. This blazer does come in teal though if that’s more your thing. A long line blazer in a bold colour with the double breasted button detail is really one of the easiest ways to tick that difficult ‘smart casual’ box – Dorothy Perkins, £35