I’ve been wearing glasses for 30 years, and in that time I’ve seen the world of specs change beyond recognition. We have gone from having to choose from a limited range of unflattering styles, to being positively spolit for choice. Many designers offer a variety of prescription frames, and even people who don’t need glasses wear them. So I’ve found some frames that will show my vision-challenged fellows how easy it is to get specs appeal! NB – all prices include single vision lenses unless otherwise stated.

1. Roxy in Red

Price: $49 at perfectglassesusa.com
I love these strong dark red frames, which would look great with dark hair. They are also available in black, but why not go for the brighter option? The days of dull dark frames are long gone!

2. Black Cherry

Price: $49 at perfectglassesusa.com
These bold frames would look perfect on anyone who likes dressing in an alternative style. The black front is contrasted by red arms, and I can imagine them on someone who dyes their hair in strong colours.

3. Taylor Grey Marble

Price: $39.95 at glassesusa.com
Not everyone could pull off these retro-style frames, but on some women they could look stunning. Want to see if you’re one of them? Look for the Virtual Mirror facility, which allows you to upload a photo and ‘try on’ frames. Very useful when buying online!

4. Calvin Klein 696F

Price: $145 at glassesusa.com
These orange frames are the ones if you want to make a statement! Strong colours are very popular in eyewear in Spain, and it’s common to see people wearing frames like this. So if you’re not at all shy, go for it!

5. Genevieve Prescription Sunglasses

Price: $105 at glassesusa.com
Look cool and mysterious, while still being able to see where you’re going, with prescription sunglasses. Just don’t make the mistake, as I once did, of going indoors and saying ‘is it just me, or is it dark in here?’.

6. Vivienne Westwood Fragola

Price: $147.72 at selectspecs.com
You can rely on Dame Vivienne to come up with stylish fashion in everything she does, and these frames are no exception. My favourite is the strawberry shade, but there are five others to choose from. Since the frames are so thick, they would not suit delicate faces.

7. Animation Crush

Price: $23.47 at selectspecs.com
At this price you could afford to buy all four colours! The blue frames would look great on someone with fair hair. Probably a good choice if you have a tendency to lose or break your glasses.

8. Morgan

Price: $146.12 at selectspecs.com
Now here’s something a bit different! The arms have a cut-out centre, with a diamante ‘M’ logo. Definitely one for the fashion-conscious specs wearer.

I hope I’ve shown you that specs can be cool. There is a massive choice out there, so nobody need be stuck with boring frames. Why not have a few pairs, and treat them like an accessory?

Have you ever had those days when you can’t find anything to wear? Evening dresses

are the hardest thing to get right, and who knows whether black or coloured is nicer, or what shape looks best? Save yourself the stress of the shops, and check out my top 17 evening dresses!

1. Calvin Klein Leather Paneled Wool Blend Dress

Price: $2,700 at net-a-porter.com
Looking for something conservative yet stylish? This dress is a good shape, ending just above the knee, and the leather panelling really updates it. Teamed with opaque black tights and sky hgh heels

, you’ll have gorgeous legs and the best dress in the room! Team with a black wool dress to keep warm while you’re out and about.

2. Issa Silk Jersey Dress

Price: $780 at net-a-porter.com
This is a gorgeous Dress! It’s very form fitting, but also very forgiving. The colour is bright and the perfect for boosting a drab day, too. Dress it down with nude tights, black shoes and a cardigan, or up with neon shoes and statement jewellery.

3. Jonathan Saunders Benwell Printed Dress

Price: $1000 at net-a-porter.com
Chiffon is very stylish right now, and the bright colours and gorgeous shape make this the dress of the century. Choose sky high black shoes, and a simple black clutch, and go make an impact! I’ll be saving for this dress!!

4. Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Opuntia Metallic Corset Dress

Price: $3,335 at net-a-porter.com
This is the perfect dress for the figure shy, as it hides a secret corset which flattens the stomach, and boosts the bust! Wear with wide, gold shoes and a gold clutch for a very glamorous look, and find a simple, delicate necklace to draw attention to your neckline.

5. Chloe Draped Velvet Dress

Price: $3000 at net-a-porter.com
This is another vintage style dress, which features heavy shaping to create an extreme silhouette. The velvet material nips in the waist while accentuating the hips and shoulders, and the geometric slanting on the bottom of the dress is to die for! Swap the rope belt for a black ribbon, and team with strappy black heels and a scruffy chignon for the ultimate in 80’s styling.

6. Oscar De La Renta Metallic Knitted Tunic

Price: $2000 at net-a-porter.com
This is a stunning dress! The silky material is very form fitting, and the pattern looks divine teamed with a metallic wide belt and black clutch. Team with nude tights and a black coat for daytime chic, and unveil the colour for a timeless night time hit!

7. Temperley London Shola Silk Zebra Print Dress

Price: $900 at net-a-porter.com
Looking for an exotic update to evening glam? The neckline is flattering, and the length is just right, but its the print that really kicks off the dress! The silky zebra print adds an injection of exotic and glam, and teamed with high heels, a studded belt and a big bag, you’ll be ready to paint the town red!

8. Victoria Beckham Briseux Silk Mini Dress

Price: $1800 at net-a-porter.com
Victoria Beckham has released a stunning range, and this dress is the centre piece. The plummy purple colour attracts attention, while the panelling keeps it looking smart and you looking slim! The bottom of the dress is my favourite, though, as the bell shaping is very flattering and very rare! It makes walking really easy, and puts all eyes on your legs…

9. Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Sequin Embellished Mesh Dress

Price: $1300 at net-a-porter.com
Choose dazzling simplicity with this stunning dress, which combines the classic dress with lots of sparkle! The mesh back adds to the elegance, and when its teamed with black shoes and tights, this really is the sexiest dress ever. The ruffling is the perfect finish! Wear your hair in a scruffy bun, and grab a patent black bag to finish the look.

10. Zac Posen Asymmetric Silk Crepe Dress

Price: $1600 at net-a-porter.com
I love the colouring of this dress! The vivid pink really sets of skin, and it has such an amazing fit. The one shoulder styling adds class to a tight fighting, very flattering dress, and worn with dainty shoes and a glitzy handbag, this is the perfect girly dress for any occasion.

11. Nathan Jenden Wool Coat Dress

Price: $1800 at net-a-porter.com
Looking for something a little different? This Jenden dress steals its styling from the classic trench coat, turning it into a well fitted, sexy dress thats perfect for the fashion forward. Team with big wedge heels and a big bag, and a glitzy feminine necklace for a feminine twist.

12. Stella McCartney Silk Slip Dress

Price: $1300 at net-a-porter.com
This is very lingerie inspired, but looks incredible on! The lacey bottom is very sexy, and the neckline is flattering and draws attention to the bust and neckline. Choose a delicate, silver necklace, and matching earrings for optimum effect. Team with a leather jacket if you are bold, or a suit jacket and white shoes. It takes confidence, but this is so stunning, it really paid off!

Whether you like to make an impact with neon or styling, there is the perfect evening dress that’ll make you feel sexy, and look divine. Just pick the right accessories, and you could have the best Winter yet!

Have you found the perfect evening dress? Please show me, I’d love to expand my collection!

For as long as I can remember, the foldable Longchamp totes have been living on the best sellers page of Saks Fifth Avenue. Not that I am surprised or anything, they are the go-to totes for traveling, not to mention perfect for any occasion from kick-around school tote to city shopper. Sure they are available in a massive variety of colors (like 20+), but it’s still the same ol’ fold-and-go bag that everyone and their mom and grandmother has. Enough already. If you’re on my boat, check out the new Vivenne Westwood Marina Grafitti Shopper.

I’m in love the crayola crayon scribble graffiti-like plaid pattern.

The Marina is designed with a cream backdrop, which is perfect if you plan on using this as a secondary travel or shopper bag.. just a thought, but a bleached white bag is probably not the best idea. The Graffiti is available in 2 pattern colors: mint green and my favorite, the hot pink. This tote also features dark brown leather straps which look perfect on this bag. Also worth noting, if you plan on carrying, lets say 4+ pounds worth of stuff, the thicker straps on this tote will be so much more comfortable than the pipe-thin straps of a Longchamp. And this bag was designed for carrying alot. The red canvas lined interior is spacious and features an inside zip pocket, two internal pouches. Measurements are about 16″ height x 12″ length.

Also what’s neat about this bag, is the leather strap that keeps this bag closed, also doubles as a storage closure – when not in use you can roll it up and secure it closed with the leather strap. And finally, the bag is topped off with the designers signature for everyone to see, the silver orb motif.

The Vivienne Westwood Marina Grafitti Shopper is available at my-wardrobe.