Grab your Cardigan or Coat and let's go - Top Choices

I am breaking my month-old silence and hope you haven't all given up on me.

My spirits are lifted with the ThisDay Music and Fashion Festival taking place tomorrow night at the Royal Albert Hall (see if you can still get tickets and not miss a rocking night, "I hope"). I intend to be there and give you the juicy goss (if you couldn't make it) from my great view (as I have been told). I definitely need some cheering up so it had better be good (my sort of warning to the organisers).

There's a distinctive chill in the air all over the world not caused by the weather, but by the gloom and doom spread by the news on the capital markets and their downfall. I won't go into the mechanics of the predictions and statements made by financial experts and financial news but we definitely need a turnaround and soon.

Ironically, the weather's turned cooler and you need to be prepared for lower temperatures as you go about your day-to-day activities and travel. I am preaching thriftiness right now cos you have to get prudent with your finances in these unfortunate times. Keep your summer wardrobe functional with a few autumn/winter essentials thrown in here and there. As we head to the shops, grab your cardigan or coat and let's go.

Cardigans are a huge fashion statement right now as they can dress up an attire or dress down a formal outfit. Top picks for are:

Long Blue Cardigan by Miss Selfridge (http://www.misselfridge.com/)

This drape front Cardigan by Warehouse (http://www.warehouse.co.uk) would turn your plain t-shirt/vest and Jeans look into the glamour puss you really are.

For that evening look with no effort, this cardigan by Topshop (http://www.topshop.com/) will jazz up that dress or any outfit you have on making you warm with graceful intentions.

Taking it to the next level of warmth would be a gorgeous coat and my top picks are:

This coat is by Warehouse and I love the rich dark colour and the full collar which would suit any outfit day/night without any fear of looking out of place.

Coats don't come cheap especially if you are looking for one of good quality. This one by Whistles (http://www.whistles.co.uk/) is pricey but a keeper for a few winter seasons to come. The Tan colour makes a chirpy winter.

With Tartan being a hit this Winter, this coat should get you more attention than a new hairstyle. Next (http://www.next.co.uk/) has a fabulous version but it is for the unfortunate in height like me (seeing as it is a double-breasted coat and all, believe me I tried it on too), it should look great for the leggy beauties out there.

This black button detail coat is for that adventurous woman who likes to stand out from the crowd. It is beautiful and functional for work and going out. Next is doing great this winter with their outerwear collection.

Considering my love for leather jackets, I couldn't leave it off my favs for the season. This black studded version is definitely a purrrr, va va voom. Love it. Also from Next.