ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A TRIO OF PARTY SHOES

Stairway to party shoe heaven: three of my favourite pairs of festive footwear by Charlotte Olympia, Carven and Christian Louboutin,

On the eve of New Year’s Eve, as I’m trying to figure out what to wear tomorrow night, I’ve come to the conclusion that if ever you’re not sure what to wear for evening celebrations the easiest thing to do is start from the bottom and work your way up, in other words: choose your shoes first!

So I’ve narrowed it down to these three pairs (above), the first are by Charlotte Olympia, a pair of the classic ‘Dolly’ red suede shoes with a gold platform, which are super festive and fun, but not particularly stable after a few drinks!

The second are the newest addition to my shoe wardrobe, a pair of Carven’s signature sling-back bow heels, they're great of adding a playful twist to simple cocktail dresses. 

And finally, the third pair in the running for tomorrow evening... and my all-time favourite Christmas shoes, are these black velvet Christian Louboutin sandals complete with crystal baubles! 

I was hoping by the time I’d finished writing this I’d have made up my mind but... no I STILL CAN’T DECIDE! Mmm... costume change anyone?! 

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A PAIR OF SANTA BOOTS

Me wearing: my new Christian Louboutin boots, with Paige Denim jeans and a Gap sweater.

Father Christmas is onto something with his shiny black, pull-on boots. Great for all this wet and cold weather, they look just as good with skinny jeans as they do skirts and dresses, plus if you go for a patent leather pair they’ll bring a little fashion punch to your outfit too.

I recently bought the above pair at the Christian Louboutin sample sale and have been wearing them practically non-stop since. I love their shape, a modern day take on a classic riding boot, with perfect proportions. 
Whilst my boots are no longer in the shops, this ‘Cate’ pair (below) also by Christian Louboutin have just gone into the sale!

To shop the Christian Louboutin ‘Cate’ boots click here.

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A BELLS AND WHISTLES HANDBAG

My embellished tweed Chanel bag in all its Christmas glory.

I bought this Chanel bag at their sample sale about five years ago and not only is it one of the only good purchases I’ve ever made at a sample sale, it’s also one of my favourite bags, ever.
I love how festive the brightly coloured tweed, glass beads and broach embellishments look, not unlike a Christmas tree, so I get it out on the 1st of December every year and use it for the whole of the Christmas period. It’s great for adding some seasonal sparkle to even the most boring outfits, and I've seen named it my Christmas bag. 

P.S You may recognise this tweed Chanel beauty from the first Sex and the City film, and I love the thought that this very sample may have been the bag on the arm of Jennifer Hudson's character Louise before it was mine!

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... BANJO & MATILDA'S XMAS SWEATER

Me wearing: my new Banjo & Matilda reindeer sweater, with camo jeans by Sass & Bide and Kat Maconie boots. 

Today, in honor of Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, the entire Grazia office (and many other workplaces nationwide) donned their most festive, Christmassy jumpers and donated money in a bid to raise funds for the world’s poorest children. 

And I had just the ticket, my reindeer sweater by fab Australian cashmere label Banjo & Matilda- the perfect partner for the latest addition to my printed jeans collection: these camo beauties new from Sass & Bide. 

To see how you can raise money for Save the Children this Christmas click here.  And to snap up a Banjo & Matilda festive sweater of your own click here.

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... THE ENGRAVED 'AVA' BRACELET

Me wearing: my personalised, engraved Monica Vinader 'Ava' bracelet, with my Astley Clarke charm and Miguel Ases bead bracelets.

There’s nothing quite like a personalised gift to make a loved one feel really special on Christmas day, and right now I can’t get enough of UK-based jewellery designer Monica Vinader’s latest additions to her ‘Eva’ range: an engravable ring, pendent, and the bracelet pictured here. 

On her signature cord, the ‘Eva’ bracelet is a welcome addition for any friendship bracelet lover and with prices starting at £89, they’re at the affordable end of what can be a pricy spectrum. Available in sterling silver, and yellow and rose gold plated, the hammered plaque can fit up to nine characters. 

A friend of mine recently had the date of her wedding engraved on hers, while I opted for mine and my boyfriend's first initial with a heart symbol in the middle... Aww.   

To see and shop Monica Vinader jewellery click here, and to buy the 'Ava' bracelet unengraved, click here.

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A PAIR OF SMOKIN' SLIPPERS

Me wearing: my Cobra Society woven slippers with pale red wax finish 'Skyline' jeans by Paige Denim.

The smoking-style slipper trend which gained major traction this year is staying put for 2013 too, and if you’re looking for a pair with a point of difference it doesn’t get much better than these wool tapestry beauties by The Cobra Society. 

They’re handwoven in North Africa by locals meaning no two pairs are the same, and then using traditional methods the leather soled shoes are made in Spain.  

Plus the pretty red, geometric pattern makes them not only the perfect nod to spring/summer 13’s global traveller trend but rather Christmassy too!!  

To shop the Cobra Society 'Najet' tapestry loafers click here.

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS... (THE NOT SO BAH) HUMBUG JEANS

Me wearing: the Paige 'Hoxton' striped jeans, with a Sonia by Sonia Rykiel sweater and Miu Miu sling-backs.

Mark my words: the monochrome trend is about to go stellar. And ahead of spring/summer '13 clobber hitting the shops from January, you can get in on one of next year's strongest looks with a pair of black and white stripe jeans. My pick of the bunch? The Hoxton stripe jeans by Paige Denim. In a higher waist than your average pair of skinnies they're great worn with a tucked in tee or cropped knit, plus the chunky stripes are the perfect width for a flattering finish.  

And why not go full throttle with a graphic, monochrome look head-to-toe... I couldn't resist!

The Hoxton stripe jeans by Paige Denim are £215 available at Selfridges, click here to buy. 

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A MINI WAX SEAL NECKLACE

Me wearing: my Jessica de Lotz JEWELLERY mini personalised wax seal necklace. 

I've been a fan of Jessica de Lotz's stamped wax seal pieces since I first clapped eyes on her namesake label a few years back, but I think this mini version of her signature pendent might be the best yet! 

Lovely, worn singularly or layered up with other jewellery, it's delicate enough for everyday wear but still stands out against wintery fabrics. And we all know you can't beat a little personalisation for an instantly treasured Christmas gift!

Jessica de Lotz JEWELLERY mini personalised gold wax seal necklace in all its glory! Available in A-Z.

To see more Jessica de Lotz JEWELLERY on NIETO NOTICED click here. And to shop Jessica de Lotz JEWELLERY, plus to view the entire collection click here.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS... A MODERN DAY FESTIVE JUMPER

Me wearing: Three Floor's 'Glisten Up' sweatshirt, with Citizens of Humanity 'Rocket' gloss black jeans. 

Scrooges look away now, as for the whole of December NIETO NOTICED is officially a festive zone! 

Yep, you guessed it Christmas is my favourite time of year so expect lots of suitably festive fashion and Christmas gift ideas.

And what better way to get into the festive mood from the first week of December through to the New Year than with a sparkly sweater! A fun alternative to a novelty knit, this jeweled number new in at Three Floor is ideal for bringing some Christmas cheer to your wardrobe, plus at just £89 (available at threefloorfashion.com) it won’t eat into your present fund either!

P.S I know the first day of Christmas isn't technically until the 25th of December but frankly I can't wait that long! Check back for more Christmas fun soon.

BRR... IT'S BLAUER U.S.A. TIME!

Me, with my friend Natasha on the beach in Cornwall in 2010, wearing: my weather defying Blauer U.S.A. coat.

It’s the first weekend in December so it’s hardly surprising but HOW COLD IS IT?! Bloody freezing! Which means one thing, and one thing only: it’s time for me to get my Blauer U.S.A. parka out of the hall cupboard and onto my back!
And I’m not talking for walking the dog either. When temperatures get this low, my Blauer U.S.A. becomes my coat for the working week too, and I’m not the only one: for most of the winter months our office coat-stand resembles the leaning tower of Pisa, on the brink of collapse from the weight of everyone’s duvet coats!

As luxe down-filled parkas and puffer coats have been given the fashion seal of approval in last few years, making them just as popular for urbanites keen to keep warm, as they are for après ski style. Just as well, if we’re to believe reports in the news last week that the UK is embarking on its coldest winter for 100 years!! 

So if you haven’t got something of a similar ilk already, I strongly suggest you get down to Harrods and treat yourself to a Blauer U.S.A. coat, official suppliers to the American police force and fire brigade, it really will be the warmest thing you’ll ever wear!

Me wearing: my Blauer U.S.A. parka coat, with James Jeans and boots by Toast, keeping warm in my mum's garden this afternoon! 

Blauer U.S.A. outerwear is available at Harrods (020 7730 1234).