*Features gifted items*

Those of you who know me, will know that I’m more than partial to a sequin or two, especially when it’s the Christmas season.

I love shimmer and shine, but now I’m older (and hopefully a little wiser) I’m also about making sure that I don’t waste my money. And also, that neither do you!

So today, instead of writing about all the sparkle that is currently all over our high street, I’m going to suggest some classic party pieces to you instead. Items that will last way beyond the festive party season and into the New Year. Items that you will be able to wear, love and enjoy, time and time again.

Because whilst sparkle is undoubtedly wonderful, longevity and wise investment is so incredibly important too.

Let’s start with shoes first.

Since my twenties, when I became the editor of a footwear publication, I’ve been obsessed with high heels. I truly love them. Popping a pair of high heels on my feet always makes me stand taller and in confidence. Plus they do wonders for my legs, bottom and posture too!

I have many pairs of high heels in many colours but there’s only really one pair of simple heels that I rely on time and time again. That go with almost everything, for nearly every occasion. What are they? A pair of nude classic leather stiletto pumps. (Preferably patent leather to add a little bit of sexiness.)

They can be hard to find but recently I was sent a pair by a new luxury footwear brand Womoda and they’re pretty damn near perfect! Incredibly sexy yet also classic, they are the kind of heel you can wear with everything, from jeans to an evening dress. If you do need to invest in a new pair of heels for the party season, then please do consider a pair like these instead of glittery sandals that you won’t wear nowhere near as much.

Because whilst admittedly they’re not the kind of shoe you could run around in during the day (they’re a little too high for that, I would say) they are the perfect party / occasion shoe that you will be glad to have in your wardrobe for many years to come. The kind of heel you can rely on when you’re off to the races, a pal’s wedding or are presenting in front of a large group of people.

Plus with a vibrant, glossy red sole, I’m not sure you’ll find a better pair.  The Womoda Ashley pump is currently retailing for £110. A reasonable price for a shoe that will last you for years.

Next up, clothes.

Since undergoing colour analysis a couple of years ago, I’ve been very lucky to work with the brilliant British brand Kettlewell Colours and have become a huge personal fan. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the brand, Kettlewell specialise in providing excellent, high quality basics in a rainbow of colours to suit everyone. Cutting edge they are not. Superb they are.

Recently, they asked me to choose a few pieces for the party season and with careful consideration, I opted for a number of pieces that can be dressed up or down.

Pieces that could take me from the school run to a busy bar with just a few simple outfit tweaks. Pieces that are special enough for me to wear over the Christmas period but also flexible and comfortable enough so I can get down and play on the floor with my kids too. Like this incredible wrap dress that I already own, but love so much, that I just had to have it in a different colour way!

Great with trainers or dressed up with heels, it’s both comfortable and stylish and a dead ringer for a seventies DFV wrap dress with it’s fabulous vine print. The simplest dress to wear and yet oh so bloomin’ gorgeous.

For Christmas Day, I’m thinking I will more than likely wear this  Zandra velvet skirt in rust and Venus shimmer top in bronze. I wore the skirt for the first time the other day for my daughter’s Christmas nativity with the shimmer top (in pearl) and received so many compliments! It’s a beautiful skirt, suitably but subtly festive and incredibly comfortable to wear. It’s definitely up there as one of my favourite Kettlewell pieces! (And it’s currently half price, so go, go, go!)

And for Boxing Day when I’m stuffed from all the eating, booze and excitement, I thought these comfortable sienna leggings would be just the ticket! My navy pair go with everything in my wardrobe and I adore the metallic print on top of faux suede which gives the trousers some lovely texture and a real luxe feel.

It wouldn’t be party season without a bit of faux fur, would it? I’m a huge fan of faux fur in any guise, particularly at this time of year when warmth is needed but also glamour.

And this beautiful faux fur vintage collar in coral not only adds a joyous pop of colour to any outfit but also helps to keep that festive chill out. I absolutely love, love, love mine and think it would make the perfect gift for any woman of any age, if you’re struggling for last minute present ideas.

Finally, please don’t forget when you are shopping around for party pieces, to be savvy and do your research before you purchase online!

There’s all kinds of deals around at the moment but if you’re too stretched for time (and let’s face it, many of us are) don’t worry!

I’ve had my beady eyes on a pair of high heels at Saks Fifth Avenue for yonks and even though I won’t probably buy them until January now, I know that when I do, I only need to spend a little time online to view the best shopping deals.

This season, give yourself the best style gift and choose carefully and spend wisely! Invest in pieces you will love and wear time and time again and be savvy! Santa himself, will be most impressed.