Everything but the coat

(From top left: Balmain leather gloves, Diane Von Furstenberg stole, Jean-Paul Gaultier perforated belt, Rita et Zia silver ring, Chantal Simard diamond infinity bracelet, Zadig et Voltaire fedora, Alexander Wang Prisma tote, and Chloé aviators - all available at Monnier Frères).
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Here's to shamelessly ripping off a high-street slogan by way of making today's pickings more relevant. My morals seem to have left the building as of late (see mildly offensive antics that have the potential to upset feminists and/or other humorless anonymous preachers). Hey, at least I know Second Degree when it is staring me in the face! 

Back to basics. Buying a great coat is only half the job done if one is to achieve Winter style capital-S. A bad dresser will always blame his tools (ie a maxed-out credit card), but that is no excuse because we all know that you just ordered five new knits from the Asos sale. So here's a little selection that might both tickle your fancy and be worth the investment in the long run. 

Let's start with the brightest, boldest and biggest deep-etched high-res image: a red-stole which could be either an abstract take on leopard print, or the latest fashion-meets-art designer collaboration we have not had time to process yet. Your guess is as good as mine. Fortunately for all involved it isn't the latter (thank you, Google), or the price tag would not have read £182, flirting instead with fifty thousand big American dollars, give or take (see Olsen twins spotty backpack stunt). Drape it casually round your neck - no, better yet -  tie it to your handbag for a nonchalant splash of French girl chic. You might have to buy another in that case (baby alpaca is so soft), if one at least is to serve the purpose of keeping you from shivering.

Next in line, the belt, because you can't leave home with your boyfriend jeans hanging round your waist. That, and the sunnies. Yes, even though it's Winter, we like to pretend we are wearing aviators because they are making a come-back, and not because we stayed up all night perusing through the latest Pre-fall 2013 offerings. Hats work well too, plus give the illusion that you know a thing or two about stylish millinery, and the latest runway showdowns. Why else would you be wearing a wide-brim instead of the traditional pom-pom?

A croc-leather carry-all will be helpful when you go Christmas shopping to carry all (duh!) your surprise purchases (or hide that sneaky shopper full of new season Stella - no one needs to know your are treating yourself too). Completed by textured gloves from the Kind of badass leather. With zips, just like on the trousers I long to be able to call mine. 

Last but not least, the frosting every girl wants: a beautiful diamond bracelet and snowflake-inspired ring. Read: I am a sucker for pretty shiny things even though I pretend otherwise... Busted!