Lady in red (From Halesowen News)

Lady in red

7:00am Saturday 20th December 2008

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Revel in the hottest shade of the season. We show you how to rock red looks.

Two brunettes, one red carpet. At the Quantum Of Solace premiere there could only be one winner in the battle of the Bond girls.

In the red corner, Olga Kurylenko in a Valentino scarlet gown, and in the purple corner, Gemma Arterton in a slashed Balmain violet dress.

When the style critics released their verdicts the next day it was Olga in show-stopping red who came out top in all the best-dressed lists. Clearly the actress had been taking style notes at the autumn/winter catwalks.

Bright red is this season's stand-out shade. In a sea of dark wintry clothes, tomato-esque red was the catwalk designers colour of choice for making a statement.

And 'the' colour of winter '08 is perfect for this festive time of year, whether you're working red daytime drama or evening glamour.

Give your wardrobe some seasonal punch. Stay on red alert in this season's hottest statement shade.

:: DAYTIME RED AS SEEN AT: Ralph Lauren, Dior, Aquascutum, John Rocha, Biba.

From top-to-toe red at Dior to cosy coats at Aquascutum, this season's A/W daywear had a fiery injection of scarlet.

Red is the ideal winter colour for putting a fresh spin on wardrobe classics. For a seasonal revamp replace your white shirt with a ruffled red blouse, swap your staple black jersey dress with a glossy red number, and ditch dull cardigans for ones in a look-at-me shade of scarlet.

STYLE TIP: Who cares what you've got on underneath? A brilliant bright red winter coat is all you need in your wardrobe this winter to lift your daytime look.

RED BUYS: Mango red military coat, £95; Marks and Spencer red cardigan with silk bow tie, £35; Topshop red suede biker jacket, £100; Miss Selfridge tomato red jersey dress, £30; Dorothy Perkins red pleat hem tulip skirt, £22.

:: EVENING RED AS SEEN AT: Giles, Valentino, Christopher Kane, Marchesa, DKNY.

If there's one must-have party piece that emerged from this season's catwalks it's the racy red dress.

From long flowing gowns at Valentino, Marchesa and Giles, through to disco-ready minis at Balmain and Marc by Marc Jacobs, red ruled the fashion roost.

Beware: bright red frocks are only for the brave and the bold so wear them at your peril if you hate being the centre of attention.

STYLE TIP: Ditch any fussy accessories or hair styles. A bright red flowing gown or glitzy minidress will already be oozing with the wow factor.

RED BUYS: Pearce II Fionda Limited Edition red tulle layered dress, £250 (387 Euros) at Debenhams; Principles red one-shoulder jacquard dress, £89 (140 Euros); Warehouse red fan pleat shift dress, £75; Monsoon red Lalita Dress, £160 (271 Euros).

:: RED EXTRAS You don't have to do all-over red to stand out from the crowds this Christmas. One hot scarlet accessory is enough to transform a drab outfit.

Think glossy patent red boots or bag for day, or red belt or heels for a night-time pop of colour.

If you're strapped for cash the easiest way to inject some red hot style into your look is with a pair of opaque tights - the brighter the better.

STYLE TIP: For instant impact try not to work more than one red accessory at once. Mixing and matching different shades of red is tricky to pull off.

RED BUYS: River Island red patent shoe boots, £74.99; French Connection Juana red shoes, £100; Dorothy Perkins red slouch bag, £30; Moda in Pelle red Shimmerbag, £45; Jane Norman red t-bar fastening belt, £12; Accessorize red tights, £4.90.

:: STOCKISTS Accessorize: 0870 412 9000 Debenhams: 08445 616 161/www.debenhams.com Dorothy Perkins: 0870 122 8801/www.dorothyperkins.co.uk French Connection: www.frenchconnection.com Jane Norman: www.janenorman.co.uk Mango: www.mangoshop.com Marks & Spencer: 0845 302 1234/www.marksandspencer.com Miss Selfridge: www.missselfridge.com Moda in Pelle: www.modainpelle.com Monsoon: www.monsoon.co.uk Principles: 0870 122 8802/www.principles.co.uk River Island: www.riverisland.com Topshop: www.topshop.com Warehouse: 0870 122 8813/www.warehouse.co.uk :: ASK THE EXPERT Q: My dull specs are ruining my party ensembles. Is there a cheap and cheerful way of updating my look?

A: Specs can be stylish - and affordable. Just check out the bright and beautiful numbers on offer at Glasses Direct, from just £15. All you need to do is get an eye test and keep hold of your prescription. You can even upload an image and try on your favourite fashionable spectacles in the virtual mirror. We love the 7 Day Wardrobe Collection and Cocktail Collection, from £20 each. At that price you can pick out a different pair to match every party season outfit. Visit www.glassesdirect.co.uk.

:: BUY IT NOW Daisy Lowe wowed the crowds at a star-studded catwalk show back in September in a Buddhist Punk tutu dress. Now it's available to buy exclusively on ASOS.com for £160.

FASHION FLASH :: X FACTOR FASHION So all eyes have been on Cheryl Cole's outfits each week on the X Factor, but what about the contestants? The clothes worn by fashionistas Diana, Alexandra and Ruth have been selling out virtually as soon as the credits start rolling! British designer Suzanne Neville has been behind many of Alexandra's show-stopping dresses and even designed one of the frocks she sported for the final night (Saturday 13). To see more X Factor-style eveningwear visit www.suzanneneville.com.

:: DESIGNER XMAS Eco-chic is the way forward in Christmas decorations. Designer fashion duo Basso & Brooke have created stylish Christmas trees for Coca-Cola made from recycled plastic. And if you want a touch of green fashion magic for your own tree you can buy distinctive decorations by Basso & Brooke at www.cokezone.co.uk. For each one bought Coca-Cola will make a donation of £5 to Together, the climate change charity.

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