SHOES - Warm and Cosy Footwear

Shorter days, colder weather... winter is definitely here now. So how can you keep warm and cosy while you are out and about during the winter months? Personally I've got 2 pairs of borg-lined boots and Hunter wellies in my kit. Read on for further tips...

For rainy days

BeOnly Cavaliere Croco wellington boots - £52

When it's really wet, avoid the puddles or wear wellies. Wellington boots have come a long way the last couple of seasons and you are just as likely to see adults wearing them as you are to see kids splashing about in them. The best thing is that the styles have been updated too with a lot more feminine designs and pretty details. It's not just the khaki green fishing wellies that we have to choose from and if you can keep your feet dry that's the first step to keeping them warm too. 

For snowy days

Clarks Nemo Thrill GTX - £151

At some point this winter we are bound to have snow, and when it does arrive it tends to bring the country to a standstill. Ensure you are still able to walk around by investing in a pair of cosy snow boots. The grip on the soles of these is sure to help you get about on the ice and in deep snow - so even if you can't get the car off the drive you can at least get about yourself. The also usually have a well insulated upper to keep you warm and dry.

For cold weather

Gabor Afrai boots - £155

If you don't have rain or snow to contend with, you'll probably still benefit from something nice and warm as we hit the height of winter. Go for a boot that has a borg lining for added warmth. My lined boots are so toasty I even have to make sure it's cold enough to wear them or they can keep me a little too cosy. Alternatively, faux fur is a huge trend right now and will be sure to keep you lovely and snug.

Plus, don't forget the socks

If you aren't ready to upgrade your winter boots but need some extra warmth then upgrade your socks instead. 

All shoes featured available at Spartoo

FASHION - What's New at Oasis

I am a big fan of Oasis, namely their fab range of day-to-evening dresses. I can almost always find a frock to fit and flatter my figure which is a such a relief when you've got an event to dress for.

Last week I popped along to a little blogger soiree to find out what Oasis have got up their sleeves at the moment. It coincided with the revamp of the brand's Argyle Street store in central London which is looking rather snazzy nowadays. We sipped some champers and perused the rails of product creating a mental shopping list. I was instantly drawn to a teal chiffon overlay dress and the hero piece from the lookbook is the coral chiffon overlay dress, both pictured below. It's nice to see some bright colour for autumn/winter.

With a new design team in place there's a little bit of a change in direction to be a bit fresher and more fashion-forward. Secretly I'm hoping that they don't change too much, there is so much they do well already. I did have an opportunity to chat to one of the designers and that was quite interesting. They've paid real attention to the fabrics and quality of the new collection including silks and embellishments throughout... the one downside to that of course is that it does push the price up. What was my day-to-evening dress before, might be more of a special occasion dress at the new prices.

Oasis are also celebrating 20 years in the fashion industry and and have launched a collection of 20 limited edition pieces especially for the occasion. Featuring inspiration from the archives, items have been re-worked for today's woman. Expect luxury workwear and timeless outerwear all with a limited stock that can be found in flagship stores and online.

Here are a few of my faves:

Don't forget you can also shop Oasis at Debenhams.

JEWELLERY - Chatting Gemstones With Astley Clarke

I don't think there are many women who don't like jewellery. Most of us love it, but I'm not sure I will ever want (or could afford) to be covered in diamonds, as pretty as they are. That's why an event to look at coloured gemstones with Astley Clarke appealed to me. It's not just rubies, emeralds and sapphires, there are a plethora of beautiful gemstones in all sorts of colours just waiting to be discovered.

One of the women who helps bring these jewels to our attention is gemstone trader and expert Amanda Good who spoke of her travels across the world finding and dealing in beautiful stones. If anyone could inspired me to become a complete gemstone geek it's her. Her experience was impressive from living in Sri Lanka dealing in sapphires for two years to working in London's Hatton Garden, well known and respected for its fine craftsmen and women.

Here are a couple of key points that came out of our discussions...

Inclusions: These are the imperfections through the stone. In diamonds, inclusions are generally bad, however in coloured stones they can actually add to the beauty, and, therefore, the value. Some stones are even defined by the inclusions within them, sometimes other gems are even found within stones. Emeralds have a lot of inclusions which means they are prone to breakages while being worked with.

Carats: 1 carat is 1/5 of a gram. With coloured gemstones, sometimes a smaller carat gem can actually be more valuable than a larger one depending on how practical and desirable it is for jewellery making.

With coloured gemstones the citeria for what makes one great isn't the same as diamonds. Each stone cannot necessarily be judged against another of a different gem family because they vary so much. This is what makes shopping for gems so fabulous. You get to just choose something you love, a colour that stands out for you or a style that gets you excited rather than having to worry too much about carats and clarity.

We had the opportunity to take a close look at a selection of gems at the event set in different types of jewellery from delicate bracelets to statement rings. The most surprising part of the session was seeing that many gems which are known for being a particular colour can also be found in many different colours.

I loved far too many of them! But the bright blue Lapis Lazuli styles were a highlight. I also discovered Spinel, which I had never heard of before but after looking on the website the ring I've fallen in love with is this Cadenza ring by Astley Clarke Colour. I'm going to read the Gemstones book that we were given, it really is a fascinating subject which I would love to know more about.

At the event, it was great to meet Bec, the founder of Astley Clarke who spoke about the business. We were invited to a small, beautifully decorated showroom in London but this is not how most of their customers shop - Astley Clarke is an online business. The website is lovely with clear and effective product photography and great inspirational content too. It would be easy to get carried away and go on a gemstone shopping spree, especially as a lot of the prices are really reasonable.  The great thing about Astley Clarke is that they not only design and create their own collections, they selectively edit a range of other jewellery designers to be stocked on their website too.

Do you have any coloured gemstones? Which are your favourites?

HAIR - Friday Night Frolics With Aussie & Adam Garcia

It's not often you get invited out on a Friday night as a blogger, but when the invite hints at fab food, drink, Aussie shampoo and a quiz hosted by Adam Garcia you can't really say no, can you?

So that's what I did on Friday. Held at Guy Ritchie's pub The Punch Bowl in Mayfair in a beautifully decorated little room I mingled with other bloggers and the lovely peeps at Talk PR. I spent most of the evening chatting to Sarah from Beauty Geek - check out her fab blog! I should have known to do a bit of research before the quiz as it was largely 'Australia' themed. I'm quite competitive, so coming last was not my finest moment, but my team '3 Minute Miracle' ended up last out of the 3 teams. Whoops! I'm blaming it on the obscure music round, music rounds are usually my specialty.

All you do need to know though is that Aussie smells delicious and works like a dream. I never let my 3 Minute Miracle run out. The Take the Heat spray is also the quick route to a hair style that stays where you put it, especially when it comes to curls created with hair straighteners. I think over the past few years I've tried almost every product... if you've ever got any questions, just shout!

Oh, and my quote of the evening was definitely Adam Garcia saying: "I love Fern Gully'. What a movie, and what a witty, lovely man!

CELEBRITY - As Seen on Celebrities This Autumn

Celebs wear designer, they wear high street too, but regardless of what it is we seem to have an endless fascination with who's been spotted wearing what. With that in mind, here are a few pieces which celebs have been papped in over the last couple of months.My apologies for the numerous X Factor contestant appearances, but we are all talking about them...

X Factor's Janet Devlin wore Paperself false lashes on the show last week. I've got a pair to try out but I haven't been brave enough or found the perfect occasion just yet.

Janet Devlin also wore this lace front Peter Pan collar blouse from Warehouse. You can steal her style for £45 and it's also available in ecru and yellow. The X Factor stylists are getting a bit of a battering on Twitter this week, but this top and the lashes are two decisions they got right in my opinion.

Sisters Sam and Billie from The Only Way is Essex have been wearing a lot of Liquorish on the show. For Billie it's this cowl neck dress (also featured in Look Magazine recenly. While both Sam and Billie have been seen out wearing the brand's leopard print jumpsuit, although they've added a wide waist belt, no doubt to show off their curves.

Molly Sims has been hitting the red carpet in an Alexa Chung for Madewell dress. The silk crepe dress with delicate pleating looks fab on her. It's currently priced at $179 reduced from $260.

Model Poppy Delevigne has been sporting these Aldo wedges across the globe's fashion weeks. They've also been spotted on Sunday Girl and Lily Donaldson.

The Saturdays singer Vanessa White went to the Price of Britain Awards in ALDO accessories, in particular  these metallic MERO heels and this HUSUL clutch bag.

This skater dress from RunwayRoute has been papped on X Factor judge Tulisa, granted she was wearing it when it was slightly warmer weather outside.

Fancy TOWIE star Lydia Bright's Natalia Kipling bag? It's available now for £204. She's definitely the most stylish of the Essex crew featured within the show.

Rihanna is a woman of good taste, not only is she wearing the most on-trend coats style of the season (contrast leather sleeves that is) she's also been wearing these Jimmy Choo shoes. Swoon! If only I had £550 to snap them up myself... I don't. 

SHOES - My Duo Boots for Autumn

Every Autumn I search desperately for a pair of knee-high boots that will fit fabulously and see me through winter. It usually takes me an age to find ones I love, but since last year I've had a saviour. I discovered Duo boots which come in a range of calf-sized fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Whether you've got fuller calves or skinnier calves, Duo makes it easy to find a pair you love.

This year I was lucky enough to get invited back to check out the latest collection and pick out a new pair of boots. With a pair of tan over-the-knee boots from Duo already in my wardrobe, I was looking for a black knee-high pair in a style that could look smart as well as casual.

After trying on several styles in the new shop in Covent Garden, I opted for the Ziller black biker boots, They are cut narrower at the ankle which is perfect for me as I have the skinniest ankles ever but fuller calves. Having worn them a few times this week already I can tell they are just going to get more and more comfortable as I wear them in.

Boots are one item that I would be prepared to invest up to £200 on, because when you get the fit spot-on it's a revelation and you'll wear them to death. It still surprises me that most boots on the high street come in a 36cm calf fitting, my calves are 37-38cm and although only a small difference it makes it impossible to wear 90% of knee-high boots available in mainstream shops. Add to that the fact I am quite short and there is practically nothing for me. When will stores give us some more flexible sizing options for this big investment piece? It's about time, even if it just means a small/medium/large option on calf fittings.

Anyway, I'll stop ranting now. I'm just lucky I've found my dream boots for winter. If you've struggled in the past finding boots then it might be worth paying a visit to Duo. Take a look at pics below...

GIVEAWAY - A Goodie Bag for Someone Special

As a blogger I get to try out lots of lovely things, but there's only so much room in my little flat to store everything so I give things away from time to time. It's a win for me as I get to claim back my clutter-free bedroom, but it will be a win for one of my readers too as one lucky so-and-so gets all the pictured goodies posted out to them. I feel all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.

Here's a run-down of what's included:

• Tote bag and necklace from Oasis
• Volume lashes from Superdrug
• 2 pairs of Luscious eyelashes from Claire's Accessories
• Polished false nails in Delight by Elegant Touch
• Deluxe foundation sample from bareMinerals
• Hand cream from Vaseline
• Floral & flirty dry shampoo from Batiste
• Show-off body lotion from Bombshell Body
• Heat Defense spray from Tresemme 
• Compact mirror from MOOD by Jon Richard
• Cream Puff lip cream from Collection 2000
• Matte powder foundation from NYC 
• 50+ supplements from Wellwoman 
• Nail file from MeMeMe Cosmetics 
• Notebook and pencil from Metro
• Lessons in Heartbreak novel by Cathy Kelly
• Plus a few little extras too...

To enter the giveaway you can enter in one of three ways (or all 3 for extra chances to win):

• Email jenny@thestylepa.com with your name and address saying why you need a treat
• Complete the sentence and tweet to your followers 'I need a treat from #stylepagiveaway because... ' with a link to this post
• Leave a comment on this post saying why you need a treat.

I'll be picking my favourite entry after 30 October 2011. UK and Ireland entries only I am afraid (overseas postage gets a bit pricey). 

Good luck everyone!

PHOTOS - My September & October Twitpics

Here's a little snapshot into what I've been up to over the last couple of months, all brought to life by Twitpics... if you can guess what things are or where the pics were taken then feel free to leave a comment and I'll tell you if you're right.