Images from Pinterest and Reiss 'After Dark' 2017 collection 

So about this time each year I start to fantasise about how glamorous I'll look over the festive season and set out to find the perfect, modern, evening outfit. This season you can't move for all the sequins and velvet everywhere and if you are 6 foot and a size 10 I'm sure you'll be able to slink your way successfully into a mini sequin dress and throw a velvet jacket over the top with aplomb.

However if you're heading towards fifty and the last time you were a size 10 was in your teens, like me, then it might be more a case of mutton dressed as lamb, or should that be a tinsel turkey? What's more is you face those usual christmas dressing conundrums; skirt or trousers, heels or flats, jumpsuit or dress or do you opt for the Tamara Ecclestone approach of PJ's all day!

Whilst I usually recommend to buy more of what you always wear I think this is the time of year you can step out of your comfort zone and pull out all the stops, so my search began! First I went onto Pinterest to find modern evening outfits I loved, and age/size appropriate, which is easier said than done. See my Pinterest picks 'Modern evening Outfits' here.

When I started sourcing product the top left Pinterest image, of silky blouse, pleat skirt, fishnet ankle socks and heels was my favourite inspirational look. First port of call was Zara, who've got some great skirt options that will emulate the outfit in question; see my picks below; they're also great value for money at £29.99.

Then I came across the Reiss 'After Dark' editorial and loved the minimal but sexy tuxedo trouser outfit; I think the slick hair and smokey eyes look great, but not sure I could pull that off, although I do have a Zara velvet tux jacket from a few years ago which would mean less spend.

There are tux jackets and trousers everywhere from Zara to M&S; my picks below are from & Other Stories, Zara and of course, from the above mentioned shoot, Reiss.

Then there's always a question of outerwear; a shoulder robing of overcoat over a tuxedo jacket always looks sophisticated, leather jacket over sequins toughen up the spangly look, or a faux fur coat will add some glamour of a bygone era. The gorgeous Diamante overcoat, below left, is from Uterque; at £245 it may be more expensive than the coats their sister brand Zara produce but I can guarantee you won't see it at every Christmas gathering. However you can't beat Zara for seasonal updates like this bejewelled faux fur jacket, below right, a relative snip at £99.99.

So what are the looks I've decided to invest in this Yuletide? An easy velvet sweatshirt, & Other Stories, a nod to the fabric of the season, with a flirty, draped sequin skirt, Zara, which is the right length to disguise the fat above the knee. I have enough heels in my wardrobe that I just don't wear so can't really justify buying the Reiss 'Maxine' sandal, but they could find themselves on my Christmas wish list instead.

For my outfit builder I've shown two looks; maybe the one shoulder H&M top and tux trouser could be my  New Years Eve ensemble. Anyway I'm determined to look more alluring this Christmas even if it is just to attend the school carol service!

Click on the links to shop, if you've been inspired by this modern evening outfit post, and thanks for stopping by.

A relaxed wet weather look for today, with my trusty light down Uniqlo coat, which has a practical hood, doesn't weigh you down and most importantly keeps you dry, H&M washed out sweatshirt, Hudson black skinny jeans, a TK Maxx patterned scarf and Marc Jacobs leopard print wellies complete my outfit; all old or ancient with the newest item here the sweatshirt which is from earlier this year.

Note the dark burgundy nail lacquer pulls out the colour in the scarf....just seen; but in a mainly black ensemble an important detail to help me look more groomed!

So on this miserable Monday you need some 'Good Vibes' which is why I've chosen this particular logo sweatshirt from Zara, for todays outfit builder.

The same coat ,as I'm wearing here, is teamed with skinny Zara jeans and Topshop accessories. I've actually ordered the same J.Crew Camo Chelsea rain boots, so they may feature in a future post soon; they're such a great update to the standard wellington that I may even look forward to rainy mornings!

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Is it just me or after the hullabaloo over the sell out Boots No7 Advent calendar, at just £40 with products worth £169, it seems everyone is offering an alternative to the bog standard chocolate variety Advent calendar this festive season.

My favourite so far is this stylish, limited edition, Beauty Advent calendar, with 24 bath, body and skincare treats, from The White Company at £150, which I saw in The White Company latest brochure.

As I was flicking through a few other things caught my eye and so I started to compile my own Christmas wish list.

Of course the first item was a grey marl cashmere jumper! What I love about this one is the easy, sweatshirt styling; a pair of luxury cashmere ballet slippers for quietly sneaking around the house with the children's stockings; a more affordable cashmere blend onesie for Christmas morning, when you want an easy, early morning groomed appearance without the faff and finally something slinky for a bit of festive glamour, a silk robe...I wonder who will unwrap that! 

Anyway that's me sorted and so while I'm waiting for the 3rd Dec to open up my Advent calendar I better start cracking on with the rest of the present purchasing!

​Click on the links to shop and thanks for stopping by.