High Street Pick of the Week

Today is all about the little black dress. Yes I realise all the editorials are saying red or camel or gold but seriously can anyone go without a little black dress. Why I even think you need at least 10 of them!! At this time of year the lbd comes into its own. It requires less effort than a festive frock and if you choose well it will work all year round for you.

Recent images sent to me by Next inspired my thoughts on decorating my Christmas tree this year in black and white. Over the years I've collected a ton of decorations and have plenty of ribbon in black and white to do lots of bows in lieu of a bauble if needs be.

I've found these two dresses at Next, both are very reasonable and offer different versatile looks.

The first is in the black and white category. It has that cute Coco Chanel look but please ignore the awful way Next have styled it. I would say pair with black opaque or 15 dernier tights, a black shoe boot. Accessorise with a cocktail ring or brooch. I would recommend a beehive up do or a ballet bun at nape with pale lipstick and lots of kohl and mascara.

Then dress number 2 bears a rather fleeting resemblance to the white Halston Heritage dress worn by SJP in SATC2. It begs to be accessorised with tanned legs, strappy gold sandals and either a long gold pendant necklace or instead some gold hoops. Wear your hair down with some loose curls or go for a side bun. Just add some red lippy for extra drama.

Black 60s short sleeved dress £25

Black waisted dress from Next £32