The Noughties Go Nautical

The nautical look isn't anything new but this does not mean it should be disregarded, in fact quite the opposite is true. It's a look that comes around every year meaning every girl should have a few staple pieces stashed away in her wardrobe. Navy blue shades are the key component this time around which is good news on a mix and match level. Just like black there are very few colours that don't go with navy.

The high street has been quick to catch on to the nautical theme so there are plenty of bargains to be had. This beautiful navy prom skirt from TopShop has now been reduced from £32.00 to just £18.00. The ruffled pleats add texture to your look and the material really shimmers.

Ebay also offers up some choice nautical offerings with this stunning vintage style sailor dress (left) from ebay seller enchanted oldies. It costs just £21.99 so you'll be able to stand out from the crowd at a snip.

When it comes to the nautical look accessorising is key. Why not accent the navy blue with shades of red and white? These patent leather platforms are now just £10.00 from Dorothy Perkins and this matching polka dot bag (above) is a paltry £6.00 from New Look and also comes in navy blue.

There's no end to the scope of the nautical look. Keep an eye out for sailor themed charm bracelets and pendants and bright red tote bags and don't be afraid to mix polka dots and stripes. Anything goes! Be as bold as you dare, embrace the uncertain ever-changing sea and prepare for the waves of compliments to come flooding in.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Royal blue is a massive colour on the high street and on the catwalks at the moment. Needless to say this did not go unnoticed by Miss Bradshaw. Those deal clinching Manolo Blahniks from the Sex and the City Movie have inspired an army of followers to go in search of their own something blue. Of course not all of us can afford the $945 for the actual pair from the movie (yes that's right Carrie lied about them being $525, but haven't we all downplayed the cost of shoes at some point in our lives?). For all those recessionistas out there we've hunted out some stunning high street alternatives to help you work that timeless Sex and the City chic without having to take out a bank loan.

First on the list has to be this gorgeous pair of heels from fashion savvy retailers New Look. Granted they are patent leather rather than satin and they don't have the diamante detail but at £20.00 they're the most pocket friendly way of paying homage to that gorgeous pair of Manolos Big uses to seal the deal with Carrie.

Set off the outfit by teaming it with this fantastic patent royal blue clutch. Available from ebay seller Renubags for a measley £9.99 it will put the finishing touch to any jeans based or black trouser outfit. In a world of marriage fearing men you'll probably be glad to hear that you don't have to be tying the knot with anyone special to sport something new and blue so why not be bold with your accessorising and show the world that feeling blue is no longer something to be sad about?

Patent Leather: Cheap and Tacky or Chic and Classy?

Patent leather has come back to reinvade the high street like never before but is this necessarily a good thing? I have to admit that my gut reaction was...no. Patent leather can often look really cheap (even if you've paid a lot for the item in question) and the last thing you want is to look tacky. Patent leather however does have a certain retro charm and if you use it correctly it can be perfect for giving an otherwise simple outfit a bit of an edge.

I picked up these red patent leather sandals at my favourite discount store: Peacocks. They cost £15.00 and are going to work a treat with wardrobe staples such as jeans or a little black dress. The likes of Fendi, Chanel and Dior have all included patent leather bags in their new collections but since we're not all on a millionaire's budget you will be pleased to know you can pick up patent leather bags at slightly more modest prices at DestinationFashion.Com where prices start at £14.99.

Patent leather is a great material for anyone wanting to emulate Samantha-esque chic but whatever you do never wear more than one item at a time. You just end up looking like you've been shrink wrapped before coming out and people will assume that you simply can't afford to buy real leather and are settling for a cheaper looking alternative. Even if that's true, they don't need to know that so keep it minimal and you'll look both with-it and worth it.