A Taste for Tartan

Happy Burn's Night! Whilst I know many people will be celebrating the birth of Scotland's greatest poet by dancing a reel, eating piping hot haggis or sipping a tot of single malt, tartan's more to my taste when it comes to Scottish exports.

On a cold January night what could be better than curling up in front of a log fire wrapped up in something warm and tartan - especially given that plaid has been one of this season's sartorial success stories. I'll concede that a bright red tartan suit suit may be a step too far (I'm looking at you, Matthew McConaughey), a subtle navy and green plaid jacket is just the ticket.

Bikers, you can keep your leather - I've found this woollen Zara jacket in a wearable yet chic a navy and green plaid.

Reduced from £69.99 - £22.99, it's a great buy for all you tartan lovers!

Theresa's Tartan Army

Vivienne Westwood always makes sure there's plenty of plaid in her collections, but this season we're taking up the tartan more than ever. It doesn't matter whether you're the model of the moment or the Home Secretary, everyone loves a Vivienne Westwood suit...

Looking at these pictures one has to wonder whether Theresa May has been taking style tips from Cara Delevingne after they were both spotted wearing the very same £1190 suit, but remember Theresa's been spotted wearing Vivienne Westwood pieces numerous times before - so much for being anti-establishment!

On the high street Primark, Topshop and Zara have all produced their own tartan suits. The Zara version (pictured above) comes in at £79.98 - that's £49.99 for the jacket and £29.99 for the trousers. With budgeting like that George Osborne had better watch out. Then again I'd much rather have a Mulberry bag on my arm than that battered red briefcase.

Tartan Bargain

Whilst we're on the topic of tartan I'm going to throw open my wardrobe doors to share an amazing sale buy with you. I first saw this H! By Henry Holland tartan dress with faux leather sleeves at the Debenhams A/W press show and I've had my beady eyes on it ever since. I don't know why I didn't snap this one up as soon as it came in store (probably something to do with a total lack of wardrobe space) but after finding it in the sale reduced from £49 - £15 I'm glad I held off. It was the last one left on the rails and in my size - how perfect is that?! Just goes to show, good things come to those who wait.

Burns Night Tartan

It's the 25th January - and that means it's time to celebrate the birth of Scotland's finest poet. I'm not Scottish, nor do I have any Scottish blood in me, but I'm not one to miss out on a literary celebration - and I do love a bit of tartan.

If haggis, neeps and tatties aren't your thing then why not celebrate with a style statement? The mere prospect of a Vivienne Westwood tartan dress is enough to get me reeling around the room.

Day Dresses
Purses

Burns Night Tartan

This tartan lingerie from Marks & Spencer is perfect for Burns Night - and it's great value!

Bra £18
Knickers £8

Tartan Army

Worn by everyone from punks to princes, tartan is one versatile fabric. You only have to take a look at who's been wearing this McQ plaid mini dress to see that the sartorial possibilities are endless...

















The dress works for Rihanna, Emma Watson and Katherine Jenkins because they have each added a pinch of their own unique sense of style. Personally, I would keep it simple with a with a pair of black opaques and let the tartan do the talking. How about you?