Shopaholic Star Buy: River Island Sunglasses

 

When you step outside and the sun dazzles your eyes you know it's finally time to shop for some new sunglasses.

One of those summertime treats that combines luxury and necessity, fun and function - I always look forward to picking out a new pair. I've been keeping my peepers peeled for an affordable yet chic pair of cats eye sunglasses ever since I saw Chanel's pearl-encrusted offering last year, but now I've finally found some I love - and they're a steal at just £10! At that price you don't have to panic that someone will sit on them or a seagull will swoop down and steal them. 

River Island Cat's Eye Sunglasses, £10

Battle of the Biker Jackets: Baby Pink v Powder Blue

Spring has sprung and the winter coats can finally be packed away - but which of the new season's must-have jackets will be winging its way into your wardrobe for you to wear instead? For me, the front runner has to be a pastel coloured biker jacket. My black leather biker is a perennial favourite, but I might just be tempted to trade it for pretty pastel version this spring. The question is whether to go for baby pink or powder blue? Here are 4 of the best styles I've found out on the high street - but which wins out for you?

Matalan Pink PU Biker Jacket, £30
River Island Light Blue Leather Jacket, £120
Zara Pastel Faux Leather Zip Jacket, £69.99
Primark PU Pink Biker Jacket, £25

Ooh New Shoes

The summer sales are still going strong - and these neon yellow slippers from River Island have certainly brightened up my day! Whilst I can quite happily leave head-to-toe neon to cyber-goths and ravers, these day-glo shoes will add a welcome pop of colour to my summer footwear collection - and I definitely won't get lost in a crowd wearing these! Encrusted with silver skulls and crystals, you've gotta love a funky pair of flats - especially when they've been reduced from £28 - £12. Oh, and they just happen to be extremely comfy too. Now you don't find that every day.

Handbag Heaven

As every hardened handbag hunter knows, success is dependent on finding a bag that looks super expensive but didn't actually consume your entire pay-packet. It's one deception that can be displayed with pride. These seriously chic offerings from River Island are sure to stir-up Arm Candy envy - and all for just £35! I won't tell if you won't...

Above: MOCK CROC BRIEFCASE, £35. AVAILABLE IN BURGUNDY OR MUSTARD

Left: MOCK CROC BUCKET BAG, £35

www.riverisland.com

Pick of the Party Dresses: Make a Statement

There are a lot of showstoppers out there for the festive season; feathers, fringing, cut-outs and asymmetric necklines are just some of the styles to look out for. Distinctive, yes, but these dresses certainly won't be one hit wonders.

Fringing may have made the cut to be named as one of the top 10 trends men hate, but this is one trend which is only set to gather pace in the coming months. Fringed pieces were to be seen in the S/S '11 collections everywhere from Betty Jackson to House of Holland and Mark Fast during London Fashion Week, so why not get in early? Plus, a fringed flapper dress looks great on the dance floor!

Fashion's preoccupation with the 70s is another trend which is set to prosper well in to the New Year, and an asymmetric dress with one over-sized chiffon sleeve is a great way to reference the era during the party season.

In terms of colour, there is always a lot of black in the shops at this time of year, but if you really want to stand out from the crowd, I say go for red.

Here are my picks. Happy shopping!

Asymmetric tulip dress with feather trim, £59.99 River Island

Feather fringed strapless dress with sweetheart neckline, £99 Very

Red cut-out detail dress, £50 Topshop

Asymmetric chiffon sleeve dress, £35 Rare