Temperley Does Downton

If you're already suffering from Downton Abbey withdrawal symptoms, don't despair! Temperley have enough drop-waisted dresses to rival Lady Mary's wardrobe, so at least we can pretend to be lady of the manor for a while.

Apparently the 'Downton effect' is making us all want to smarten-up our act and dress befitting the occasion - so it's out with the denim and in with intricately embellished dresses. If you ask me the Alice by Temperley Erte Dress is the perfect homage to ladylike '20s styling. Available in sultry red and black as well as debutante's white - that's pretty much all bases covered. What's more, the Erte is now in the sale, reduced from £495 - £250. That'll keep Lord Grantham happy!

Dazzle in Deco

The 1920s has to be my all time favourite era for design. Fuelled by post-war optimism, the bold patterns and exotic motifs which characterise Art Deco still look modern today. I particularly love the fashion plates from this era. The stylized drawings of women with boyish figures and bobbed hair are impossibly glamorous. Deco is decadence itself.

Flapper style dresses are perfect for the impending party season. Look for a simple silhouette with a dropped waist and lots of sequins, feathers or fringing.

Go on, get yourself something glitzy from the golden age of glamour this festive season. Deco designs can be found all over the high street. Try Wallis' 1923 collection for an embellished flapper dress, whilst Past Times is the place to go for beautiful reproduction 1920s jewellery - I've got enough of their Art Deco rings to wear one on each finger!

Day Dresses by Biba
Heels by Kurt Geiger