In times of recession, we all have to think about our pockets and shop wisely. Think before you splurge on your new autumn/winter wardrobe.  Take a long look and think ‘what do I have, what do I really need that can add value to my wardrobe.  We all like new things but how many times have you been shopping and still have items hanging in your wardrobe with all the tags a year later.

     Should you wait for the sales and be a savvy shopper? In the past I would say definitely but shops are stocking less and popular sizes are disappearing off the shelves before I can say does it come in a size 14.  My tips is to watch an item and if it is very popular and its full price then buy it, check if the store has a returns policy and if it goes down in price return it (unworn, of course).

       Every season shops are transformed with a sea of colour, and this season is no exception. Look out for Forest Green, Plum, Grey, Burnt Orange, Bronze tones,  Royal Blue, Deep Violet, Silver, Shades of Grey, Greenish Yellow Tones, Aquamarine, Dark Sienna, Midnight Blue, and metallic's.  Always remember to wear colours that suit your skin tone. Remember, if you change your hair colour that can have an impact your colour palette.

NOW WHAT SHOULD YOU BUY?

     The Coat: Buying a winter coat should be the biggest investment this season as you will be wearing it every day through the cold winter months. Whether you prefer short or long, cashmere, wool or wool mix, shearling, faux fur you are spoilt for choice.  Too many women buy a coat for everything but warmth, longevity and versatility is just as essential.  I invested in a knee length custom made Toscana Shearling coat, it will last me for years.  

A slim line fitted coned of the coat is the best friend of the curvier lady, an A-line design will surely flatter ladies who are pear shaped (larger bottom half). A wider-cut collar is the best for ladies with the bigger bust.  A long block of colour elongates your shape, a nice smooth line.  If you are tall like me a belted wait will break up the long line. 

    The Skirt: The pencil skirt is a timeless piece, and should be the only skirt this season that you should be seen in.  It can take you from daytime to evening.  I don’t think it has really ever gone away.  The Pencil Skirt is a true representation of the female body shape; it hugs the body in a very flattering way. If you're curvaceous woman this is the skirt for you – celebrate your curves – it should be the key piece in your wardrobe.  Pencil skirts pay attention to the waist and bottom areas and have a certain amount of seduction due to the slit and when  you walk, a hint of leg is shown and an exaggerated body shape. Nearly every shop will have a version of the pencil skirt and the best for every day should have a slight stretch.

    Leather: Another timeless trend. Leather is the perfect material for those grey months, and as well as being timeless luxurious and stylish, it’s also practical too, helping to keep you warm and dry. This year leather dressers, ultra short leather shorts, leather leggings and of course the leather jackets all can be found on the high street. Leather skirts are another wardrobe staple http://isme.com have a pencil skirt available in black at a price of £55 and up to a size 24. At the higher end of your budget 3.1 Phillip Lim has a sumptuous brown leather skirt for £645, available from http://www.brownsfashions.com  

Only want a touch of leather, then try Oasis http://www.oasis.com who have a structured dress for £120, with leather panel to the front and a nipped in waist leading to a straight cut skirt. With long sleeves, the piece hugs the figures for a flattering finish.

 And of course not forgetting accessories, leather gloves are a must. Available is nearly every colour your heart could desire and for every budget.   From http://www.tkmaxx.com who have ones for everyday to http://www.aspinaloflondon.com have a luxurious.selection of silk lined, cashmere lined, fur cuff, elbow length to wrist length

    Shimmer and Opulence:This is my world; sequins are bountiful in the shops.  I love anything that sparkles but with taste.  The shops are full of colourful sequins in dresses, tops and much more http://www.newlook.com  or http://www.topshop.com. and even http://www.zara.com Lucky for me this season I don’t need an excuse to wear it.  I can sneak on some sparkles during the day without being stared at and asked if I am going to a party. Wear with a jean shirt worn open over a sequin vest top along with a pair of cigarette pants or a pair of skinny trousers and you’ll be bang on trend. If you don’t like sequins try a brocade jacket or something in lame – with a shot of gold or silver 

    Shoes:  Pointy court shoes on a spindly heel are this season’s must have shoe.  They look right with midi-dresses, pencil skirts and slim leg pants.  Unfortunately not suitable for all body shapes, if you are a plus size block heels are more suitable for you. A high block heel is more of stable heel and looks dynamite with a pencil skirt, plus more comfortable under your feet. The platform is still a hot in demand shoe. Kurt Geiger http://www.kurtgeiger.com Brogues are yet stylish but practical.  More stable and kinder to your feet than ballerinas with that androgynous look which was an instant hit on this seasons runways. Jazz up a dark trouser suit with a pair of silver brogues prices £30 from Top Shop or if you are feeling a little more risqué try a pink by Asos, available on http://www.asos.com  

Knee high boots: A staple that should be in your wardrobe.  Flats or with a heel are one of the most versatile shapes you can buy. They can be worn under trousers, with a pencil skirt and opaque tights. 60 denier tights will give you that streamline look when wearing a pencil skirt.  

Dressed up or worn with leggings and skinny jeans for a day out shopping, you’ll be right on trend. Try leather  for every day, and  suede for that added twist of glamour for the evening.  Duoboots is the company to try. Why?  Because they make boots from size 35 to 43 with 21 different calve sizes to perfectly show off your pins http://www.duoboots.com I’ll confess that I have four pairs of Duo boots and will be getting another pair very soon.

    Capes: It's the return of the cape. They are practical, easy, cosy and comfy to wear. Capes envelope, comfort and cut an impressive silhouette. They are the ultimate throw-on-and-go must have for this season.

    Faux fur: This is a statement piece for the season. Plenty of designers sent faux fur creations down their catwalks. The shops on the high street  a wash with different styles, colours including jewel tones jackets, full length coats to gilets. You have bags of choice but just selective and make sure you buy one that is suitable for you frame.  A huge selection can be found in many high street shops but my favourite is http://www.tkmaxx.com .  Here you will find an abundance of styles and colours. Fur will always add bulk to your frame. If you have a very deep pocket and want a touch of luxury, then why not invest in a Shearling coat or jacket or even a gilet. Timeless pieces. My favourite can be found at http://www.jaeger.co.uk 

Don’t fancy a coat, jacket or gilet accessories are for you.Try a furry Cossack hat, fur neck-warmer or scarf, fur lined boots or gloves. If you are feeling adventurous try a fur trim on a handbag, you can add a cosy touch of fur to any outfit.

    Snake print - the new animal print:  Another must have for this season from clothes to accessories.  The Versace and Chole graced the runways with snake print outifts in their runway shows. Keep the lighter creamy shades are the most versatile for daytime, mix with bronze or black for this seasons take on chic Seventies fashion for the evenings.  Mango http://www.mango.com have a blue snakeskin print shift dress for £39.40 and at the higher end  Yves Saint Laurent blouse at Matches http://matchesfashion.com for £880 .