Trend Alert-Snakeskin is back!!

Browsing through Grazia, it's great to read that snakeskin is back on trend! Apparently all things crocodile is on its way out and snake print is its natural successor. Jaeger, Topshop, M&S and ASOS have a great selection on offer.

But, if like me, you love thrifting, try picking up a bargain from your local charity shop, flea market or boot sale. I scored this gorgeous Joseph snakeskin jacket from the PDSA charity shop last year for only £5-still not worn it yet though, a must for this summer, I think!

Try picking up a vintage clutch or bag, this is a great way of getting into the trend too!

Anya Hindmarch

British handbag designer Anya Hindmarch has been awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List. She makes gorgeous handbags and started her business 20 years ago. She has been recognised for her 'I'm not a Plastic bag' tote, which proved a worldwide and environmental success in 2007.

I was lucky enough to pick up this gorgeous cream and gold silk Anya Hindmarch clutch in my local Sue Ryder charity shop earlier this year, for £3.95. It's not quite vintage, but has the appeal of vintage in looks and quality.

Her bags are real investment pieces and she is particularly inspired by handbags made in the 1950s. Click here to view her stunning variety of handbags, some of which are currently upto 50% off!

Thrift Inspiration, doing it the Gucci way!

I was really pleased to snap up this vintage Jaeger bargain-my last purchase of 2008.

A total classic, it is a navy patterned canvas hobo style bag with leather trimmings and was £3.75 in Cancer Research. It will be ideal to use in any season and is big enough to hold anything, either by hand or over the shoulder.

For anyone who thinks it looks familiar, it is virtually the same as the Gucci Jackie O (Bouvier) bag. A great timeless bag that has never gone out of style-my kind of bag!

Barbara Hulanicki and Topshop Collaberation!

Apparently, there will be a designer collaberation between Barbara Hulanicki of the original BIBA and Topshop in April!!

The collection will include bodycon dresses and animal print palazzo pants; wide-leg catsuits with cutaway shoulders-a Hulanicki trademark, printed silk chiffon blouses and three quarter length sleeve suede jackets.

It will be a 20 piece collection with prices ranging from £20-£120 and I for one will be very excited to see what is on offer-watch this space!!

(Pictures:Google)

Piling on the layers

As much as its nice to cosy up in winter, sometimes I feel like (and look like) a Michelin man, with all the layers I pile on to keep out the cold. I met the manager of my local charity shop in the post office and remarked how cold it was. But being from Aberdeen, he thought the days weather was mild, LOL! I wish I was made of sterner stuff!

This outfit was all about warmth, as opposed to making any style statement-that can wait for another day, LOL! I have on my thermal vest, my polo neck body, cashmere mens black v neck, 80s vintage C&A blue waistcoat, wool tights, black Topshop leggings, H&M legwarmers and my Rocket Dog black sheepskin Ugg style boots-Beat that, LOL! I still wore my parka and pashmina to brave the 20 minute round trip trek to the post office, haha!!

Going back about nearly 20 years ago, I never felt the cold, especially when I went out clubbing to discos and parties and rarely wore a coat in the heart of winter-oh to be that brave now, LOL!! How brave are you in winter-do you need to pile on the layers or do you not feel the cold too much in sub zero temperatures?