Back to Black

Back to Black by BradshawsCloset featuring CHANEL Jewelry

There was a time in my life when black was the only colour you could find in my wardrobe. Since then I've branched out but I still believe that black is an undisputed sophisticated style staple, just like Carrie did.


The best start to any black outfit is a pair of black textured tights. It immediately sets the tone of the look and is a very affordable way of customising your wardrobe. This pair of rose patterned beauties cost just $14.99 from Modcloth.


For a super-elegant addition to any look I don't think you can go wrong with a pair of black gloves. This vintage beaded pair from ShopCurious are one of a kind and only cost £28.50. I just love the idea of wearing these out to a fancy dinner!


Finally, for a full on goth look why not go for some retro vamp black nail polish? Again in these credit crunch times it's a wallet-friendly way of finishing off an all-black outfit. You can buy black polish from any beauty shop or pharmacy but Forever 21 do a particularly affordable version at just $2.80.

The Ladies Who Lunch Look

Ladies Who Lunch by BradshawsCloset featuring Dorothy Perkins heels & wedges

It won't be long now before we're tucking into all those lovely chocolate eggs! Having had chocolate for breakfast and elevenses however it seems only fitting that we balance our act of gluttony with an act of grace and go for an elegant lunch with the family. Of course, looking dignified with that much saturated fat inside you can be tricky, so you're going to have to let fashion do all the hard work for you!


The Ladies Who Lunch look is the epitome of chastity, a sort of under-stated bridal look that is classy through and through. Start with a white fitted jacket with nice feminine lines. This tailored jacket from Mango is just the job. It only costs £45 and the tie in waist will do wonders for your silhouette.


Team your jacket with a white flowing skirt, ivory vest and a pair of these little beauties from Dorothy Perkins. These really are the most versatile of shoes withe their neutral shade and cute cross band buckle. The heel is mid-height so they are practical but the slight platform gives them an on-trend edge. They are currently on sale for £28.00.


Once you have your whiter than white canvas all you have to do is accessorize it up to the hilt. I recommend pearls, dusky pink corsages and diamante brooches to keep it classic. If you want to do something a bit different however this ruffle detail parasol will certainly set you apart from the crowd. Brace yourselves for the price because at £107.66 from Brollies Galore this is without doubt an investment piece that you will need to take tender loving care of. If you can't quite stretch to that for such an obscure item you can of course pick up low-cost versions on the likes of ebay or opt for a pair of white lace gloves instead which are just as chic and very cheap.

Stay Cosy and Look Cool This Winter

When you're out and about this winter it's really important to keep warm - whilst looking indisputably glamorous at the same time of course. Knitwear can be a bit grandma so your best bet is to follow in the footsteps of Miss Bradshaw and pack your wardrobe with a range of fitted coats and jackets that will see you through the Antarctic temperatures of January and also through all those clement afternoons come Spring.

This gorgeous turquoise number from ebay seller streetboutiqueuk would be an excellent start to your collection. It is so 'An American Girl in Paris' and is guaranteed to keep you looking cool whilst staying cosy for many winters to come. At just £40.00 how can you resist?

Alternatively you could brighten up those grey February days with this bold but beautiful scarlet twill coat. Not only does it ouze sexuality (we can imagine Samantha strutting down the street in this) but it will go with almost any accessory you have in your wardrobe. You can find it on sale at Debenhams and it is also priced at £40.00.

When it comes to accessories for your outer wear don't be afraid to clash. Thanks to the new film 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' starring Isla Fisher the more you clash the better you look...which is good news when you're short on time and are having difficulty co-ordinating your outfit! This tangerine scarf from Scarf World would really give your classic turquoise coat a contemporary edge. This fabulous pashmina is available for just £5.99 and did we mention that tangerine just happens to be Spring's hot new colour? Colours like this come and go so you do not want to fill your entire wardrobe with them but having a few key items will keep you at the cutting edge of style and put you in good stead for next time the colour comes into vogue!

When it comes to accessories for the red coat, go for purple it's your best bet for clashing without looking too over the top. These gorgeous custom made arm warmers from etsy seller deliriumkredens will only set you back $20.00 and nobody else will have a pair like them! It's true that purple and red are not a traditional match but that will make your look all the more quirky and let's face it, convention isn't really that fun anyway, particularly when it comes to clothes.