RUMMAGE REWARDS

So I've never really been one for sorting through piles of stuff to find that "hidden gem" that you can boast about to all and sundry for years to come. I hate T.K.Maxx with a slight passion, I think maybe all the shit shoes and fluorescent lighting cause my hackles to rise. Anyway, about a month ago, something momentous happened. Something that can only happen once. An experience that can either go really well or be toe-curlingly awkward and you can't wait till it's over with. I lost my virginity. My car boot virginity that is. And the old adage is true, when the first time's good, it leaves you hungry for more. Religious attendance every week has thus far secured me:

4 ornate side plates (£2)

1 brass swallow (£3)

1 pair of M People style earrings (£1)

1 large washed out and buffed gold leaf and floral vase (£2)

1 pair of leather studded cat ears (£1)

1 large gold "C" on a chain (£1)

And this week, today to be precise, I have secured what I can only be the bargain of my life.*

A GENUINE PPQ COAT FROM THE AW07 COLLECTION COMPLETE WITH PACK OF AMERICAN MARLBORO LIGHTS IN THE POCKET FOR £15.

Just to reiterate... FIFTEEN POUNDS.

Here's a picture so you can see what I'm gloating about. I'm sorry, I know, I know I sound just like all the other scavvy shopping dicks - but I simply cannot help it. I've opened the Pandora's Box of self-satisfied smugness, and boy am I basking in it.

*Apart from the Buffalo boots I got when I was eleven, reduced from £150 to £19 - they were a size four, I was a size seven. I wore them everyday till I finally hit the size eight milestone and they made my toes bleed.

KISS ME QUICK

Tom Ford. Lipstick. Available in April. Yes Please.

TRUE LOVE. TRUE ROMANCE.

This is how much I love this film. Scratch Clarence for Cesca May, my Sister, and you have pure Trailer Trash brilliance.

HEAVENLY CREATURES

HB McQ.

I REALLY BLOODY WANT THIS

But at £550 it's approximately 11 times more than I could scrape together right now...

Mulberry Daria Satchel available at www.mulberry.com

JAEGER LONDON

It was Jaeger London versus the elements this afternoon, four days into a rather wet Fashion Week. Models would have been well protected had they dared to teeter out of Somerset house in their catwalk garb, as peaked felt hats and rich wool and leather swing duffel coats kicked off proceedings.

There was a distinctly seventies feel featuring plenty of turtleneck sweaters and sensible skirts, while a gloriously roomy burgundy and black jumper dress looked wickedly comfortable yet managed to remain chic.

Things were pepped up with decidedly retro mustard accents and accessories, and a foray into Heffner-esque velvet wrap dresses was surprisingly successful. Trousers were worn high and again in velvet, complete with silver zips marking a rebellious territory against the black. Universally flattering a-line, long sleeved shirt-dresses came in the ditziest of grape coloured prints and were cinched with suede tasselled belts. For this collection think Joanna Lumly pre Ab Fab, but without the dodgy bowl cut; a selection of reliable, wearable pieces from this English heritage brand, that manages to incorporate function, without compromising on style.

*Images to come when available

ANTONIO BERARDI

VAMP in big fat capitals was most definitely the word at Antonio Berardi this season as a series of femme fatales strutted down the catwalk to a soundtrack almost as enigmatic as the models themselves.

Dresses were long, lean and oozing with glamour and sex appeal, everything was fitted to perfection, from the slashed necklines to the highest of front slits elongating the legs to a Jerry Hall standard.

Colours were as deliciously rich as the men they would inevitably seduce, shades of berry, deepest noir and scarlet so perfect for the colder, darker months. Suits in the finest of grey tweed and black broke up the gown parade, with nipped in waists and jutting peplum like pockets.

Perfect for a quick getaway were the classic midnight belted trench and coquettishly masculine tuxedo dress, one of the most successful interpretations of YSL’s classic ‘Smoking Jacket’ I’ve ever come across.

The sheer, lace maxi, revealed the most seductive of stockings, suspenders and garter belt – the deadliest display of risqué sensuality seen so far this season; and I loved it.

You can totally see why Lucy Yeomans, Editor of Harpers Bazaar chose a Berardi as Dress Of The Year, I certainly know who I’d be wearing if I were going to the Oscars next month…