Still not convinced? See designer Christian Audigier’s offspring – Crystal Audigier (pictured above) on the cover of this month’s L.A Direct. Can you believe she’s only 15? On another note is it just me or could she pass as Taylor’s lookalike?

Hardly surprising, Crystal’s followed in daddy’s footsteps and is set to make her mark in fashion as a designer.

Just in case you’re wondering she’s not wearing her own creation on the cover. It is in fact a pettiskirt by Kaiya Eve Couture.

We all know and love discount retailer Marshalls for its ability to supply us with our favourite brands for criminally cheap prices. Now, Marshalls has undergone a transformation with the installation of a new boutique packed with discounted designer goods called The Cube.

Yes, that’s right big names like Gucci, Christian Dior and Michael Kors can all be found at Marshalls for a fraction of their retail prices.

The rationale behind the move? To raise the spirits of shoppers with some beautiful designer bargains… I know it made me feel a lot better!

There is a lot to sift through when you enter the store and the shoes are still a bit pricey. Granted, they are less than they would normally be, but they are still more than you would expect to pay at a discount retailer such as Marshalls.

However don’t let this put you off paying a visit to The Cube and exploring. There are gems to be found!

Visit The Cube

I’ve suddenly come over all festive. I cannot seem to get Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas’ out of my head, I’ve recently found myself munching on mince pies, and what with the incessant, obligatory Christmas sofa adverts that have been tormenting me for around two months now, this can all only add up to one thing: the party season is well and truly upon us!

This week, the Christmas lights in new fashion hive Westfields London were switched on, creating santa’s shopping grotto with a frenzy of snow, ice sculpture and orchestral magic. However, it seems that most fashion retailers had already embraced the Christmas party theme by adorning everything in a shower of sequins.

The high street has taken tips from Alexander McQueen and Sophie Hulme this A/W with everything from leggings, to cardigans shimmering in sequins - perfect for the glitzy party option.

Black is ultimately the colour for sequins, and come to think of it, the shade of the season. Top marks for the high street sequin splash have to go to Topshop, who’s range by Ashish is pure, sequin splendour.

The black jumper dress is a luxurious and dressy way to wear a normally casual item and the one-size-fits-all sizing means that a waist belt can be added for a smaller fit, or to alter the silhouette. Feeling extra flashy? Try the V back jumper in primary colour blocks.

Admittedly, it is quite difficult to actually escape the sequinned beret; it’s popularity undoubtedly heightened when we saw Carrie Bradshaw casually slip one on in the Sex and the City film for a New Years Eve, Miranda-related emergency.

Not into accessorising with the beret? gorgeous coloured (and sequinned of course) try the clutch.

The festivities have definitely got to me: I’m still singing Mariah Carey, and I think I’ll still be shopping for sequins up until the January sales…

Ok, so it’s not the most obvious winter choice - especially in this not-so-lovely weather, but the little white dress will brighten any room and will certainly make one stand out among the little black dress wearers of this season.

Yes, black is back, but there is an ethereal quality of the little white dress that suggests it’s a perfect option for the party season.

Paler colours might typically be seen as spring/summer shades, however the LWD has littered the red carpets at recent events, and the high street is stocking up for the coming months. So why not trade your LBD for a LWD; a fresh and crisp version of the simple party outfit. Here are our top 5 picks!

1. Temperley London do a beautiful, white version of the popular 20s style, fringed dress.

2. Thurley’s Jewel embellished dress needs no fuss due to its exquisite and revealing back.

3. This Alice + Olivia Ruffle sleeve dress is brought to monochromatic life when teamed with opaque, black tights.

4. The embellishment of Malene Birger’s white cotton oversized T-shirt dress requires little else to make you feel like a dazzling, winter Princess.

5. Alberta Ferretti ’s simple Tiered chiffon dress is demure and understated. Complement with a black tuxedo jacket.

Fast forward four months and visualise yourself heading off to the office in your underwear, strutting your stuff as a space invader, or working the Miami Vice look. Not such a pretty picture, is it?

Luckily, not all SS09 trends are as hard to appropriate. Say hello to your spring alter egos: Greek Goddess and Flower Fairy, two trends that adapt nicely to whatever situation you find yourself in. For those of you still picturing yourself as Courtney Love circa 1994, Star Wars’ Darth Vader, or Miami Vice’s Don Johnson; I’ve included trend reports on underwear as outerwear, futuristic fashion, and 80s nostalgia too. Don’t say I’m not good to you…

Greek Goddess

Who: Reem Acra (left), Pucci (right), Alberta Ferretti, Anne Valerie Hash, Rodarte, Missoni (middle).         

What: flowing, asymmetric toga dresses and the gathering and draping of fluid fabrics.                           

Wear: with a fierce belt a la Missoni; gladiator sandals and wreath in your hair optional.

Flower Fairy

Who: Naeem Khan, Barbara Tfank (right), Behnaz Sarafpour (left), Badgley Mischka, Reem Acra (middle) , Akris. 

What: floral prints and 3-D petals strewn across pretty dresses and sharp suits.                                      

Wear: accessories with bold pops of colour and natural make-up.

Peek-A-Boo Princess

Who: Akris, Chloe (middle), Thakoon, Charles Anastase (right), Preen, Armand Basi One (left).                 

What: underwear as outerwear, with 40s style boudoir and 80s sheer bondage.                                        

Wear: one piece only. This ain’t Rocky Horror ladies.

Space Cadette

Who: Calvin Klein (middle), Balenciaga (left), Rodarte, Louise Goldin, Abaete, Gareth Pugh (right).            

What: metallic fabrics, sculptural silhouettes and futuristic details.                                   
                        
Wear: at your own peril. Costa’s subtle approach for Calvin Klein aside, this one is best left in the future.

80s Queen

Who: Everyone! Especially Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler (left), Antonio Beradi (middle), Dior, Balmain (right), Barbara Tfank, Basso and Brooke.        
                                                                                           
What: retro body-con, corsets and tutus, and Miami sunset colours, surf-tee prints, and power dressing.                  

Wear: with frosted lipstick, big hair and bigger earrings, as seen at Zac Posen.

Images: Style.com

Name: Lydia

Occupation: Actress

Location: London

Definitely another one to add to your online favourites; established Irish label; A│wear has launched its own website offering bang on trend affordable fashion.

Around since the 70’s A│wear may have taken its time getting online but the wait was worth it. The site offers a varied range of smart and casual dresses, coats, blouses and accessories, all incorporating this season’s trends.

Whilst not all the collection hits the mark, (with the bargain prices occasionally evident) it would be a shame to ignore the real gems on offer. Visit www.awear.com.