‘Tis the season to be jolly, which in this century means a sparkly party outfit, a glass of champagne and Slade played at full volume. I’ve had the champagne chilling since late November and Slade is the first track on my Spotify Christmas playlist, so all I need is the sparkly party outfit – enter Project Take 10 Challenge 18 and the lovely people at House of Fraser.

Therapy at House of Fraser Bird Print Dress, Primark sequin cape, Miss Selfridge ring, ASOS clutch, vintage Gina heels

The relevance of the bird print was not lost on me – A Little Bird Told Me wearing birds! So cute. The shift shape of this Therapy Bird Print Dress inspired a 40s look, with a scallop-edged sparkly cape and delicate shoes. Because this is a straight up-and-down shape and I, erm, am not, I had to size up to get it over my bottom half, but I think the looser fitting is much more flattering. I love the bright orange colour and adorable print and can’t wait to dress this down with leather brogues and a woolly cardigan.

House of Fraser sent each Take Tenner a different party dress to suit our individual tastes, chosen by the HoF team themselves. I think they did a great job with mine, but what about the other girls? See for yourself…

Susie, Sarah, Paula, me, MJ, Sabine, Sherin, Vicki, Harriet

We’re missing beautiful Ellie this week due to mix-ups and sizing woes, so we’re actually Project Take 9. Doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it? Still, at least there are lots of lovely dresses to distract you from the uneven numbers.

What do you think of the HoF party dresses? What are you wearing for the festivities?

Us fashion bloggers are simple creatures – give us a leather satchel, some red lipstick and a pair of ugly-pretty shoes and we’re happy. If you’re struggling to find the perfect present for the fashion blogger in your life, just take a look at my Christmas Gift Guide and you’ll be shopping in seconds. You can thank me later*.

*Any of the below, along with cash and diamonds, can be sent to my PO box – address available on request.

1. Knitted Large Spot Jumper – £40, Topshop
2. Metallic Copper Leather Satchel – from £99, Zatchels
3. Mac Lipstick – £11.47, Debenhams
4. Betty Bike – £725, Beg Bicycles
5. Nail Art Pen in Barbarella – £6.50, Topshop
6. Creepers by Underground – £98, Topshop

What would you add to the Fashion Bloggers’ Gift Guide?

The lovely folks at Tesco Magazine recently asked me a real million dollar question (well, for a fashion blogger anyway) – what are your winter wardrobe essentials? Now, I could reel off a list of 20 things I consider ‘essential’ for winter – I have enough chunky knits to clothe a football team (probably. What do I know about football?) and a worryingly large collection of boots. But I had a feeling they wanted something more comprehensive…

After much deliberation and a few hours spent gazing into my wardrobe, I eventually settled on five key pieces. You can see the items I chose and my tips on how to wear them in the Tesco Magazine article here… and here’s a sneak peek!

Zara faux fur gilet

Bertie ankle boots

Topshop scarf

What are your winter wardrobe essentials?

My usual jewellery preference is bright, bold and cheap. Remember my ring collection? I have a vast selection of brass, copper and gold plated jewels and more than one green-stained finger. But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a truly beautiful bit of bling, so when Damson Jewellery asked if I’d like to pick a piece from their site, I was delighted.

Jana Reinhardt Sleepy Fox Ring c/o Damson

I am in love with this sleepy little fellow. Damson offer a range of quirky, original rings (I much prefer rings to any other type of jewellery), so it took me literally HOURS to choose between them. I know – total first world problems. Eventually, it was Jana Reinhardt’s designs that stole my heart, and about a week later I had a foxy friend on my finger.

Damson’s luxury offerings aren’t an everyday purchase, but if you’re looking for a unique, handmade, bespoke piece then you’re in the right place. And if you’re feeling a little light of pocket, take a look at the Christmas gift guides for pieces for under £50. Here’s my wishlist…

Hummingbird Ring, Fly Earrings, Garnet and Rose Petal Necklace, Cicada Collar Slides, Flock Eternity Ring

Sigh! I hope Santa’s reading this…