In my opinion Christmas officially begins tomorrow, December 1st!

For me, as well as indulging in an extended break from work, Christmas is all about the run up, the build up, those magical few weeks before - I love everything from soaking up the atmosphere, shopping, wrapping, decorating, and the various Christmas parties I'll be attending. Truth be told I start to feel the anti-climax after Stephen's Day and my absolute favourite day is Christmas Eve..New Year's Eve makes me shudder!

One thing every girl needs to get her through the party season is a little red dress. This year especially, it works well teamed with the season's camel tones, as well as always working well with anything black or sparkly. I've bought this crepe number with 70s style blouson sleeves and draped neck line, it's €170 in French Connection - an investment that will see me through plenty of Christmases to come.

The fit and cut of it won me over so much, I also bought it in navy too for a safer option that I will probably wear on Christmas day. These dresses are so versatile they can be re worked again and again for multiple looks!

French Connection really are top of my list this year for well cut, structured dresses that show off my best bits, and disguise the rest - worth paying extra for items that last and fit so beautifully, I reckon. Also loving this this tulip number from Zara, from their current look book.