In terms of dresses UK fashion seems to be leading the way forward in terms of the European market as a whole, with British brands like Warehouse providing the steadiest influx of creative new designs (click the link to see their latest range). A key look for Spring is likely to be the striped, sailor inspired dress which is great news for those who like to indulge in fun new fashion styles that are also comfortable and wearable. A dress such as Warehouse’s Stripe Zip Cuff Dress (pictured) can be styled just as easily with Converse trainers in the daytime as it could with stiletto heels come nightfall. An excellent, all-year-round buy.

The UK market is also leading the way in terms of patterns and print designs. Known in the rest of the fashion world for our kooky sense of style, a printed dress is an easy way to rock a classic dresses UK look, but steer clear of the paisleys and tea-dress prints on the market this season and instead go for bolder, bigger and brighter patterns. Choose a colour scheme flattering to your complexion and you are sure to get heads turning in your direction.

One, particularly striking modern look for 2012 comes in the form of the piped detail dress. This is a look that fits in with the new wave towards sportswear inspired fashion in the run up to theLondon 2012 Olympics in July. Utilitarian colours like grey and black are given a dash of brightness with sporty trims in neon colours like yellow, green and pink. Choose your colours carefully on this one and be sure to play down your accessories, but if you like to work a cutting edge kind of look then this is sure to be the one for you.

As December reaches the tail end and thoughts turn to the New Year, the resolutions to be made (or ignored) and the parties to be celebrated (and then gently forgotten or nursed into distant memory along with an Alka Seltzer), thoughts turn to reviews.

What was 2011 in fashion? What standout designers and mens designer clothing brands made an impression? We’re really interested in the year menswear has had; a year in which menswear fashion weeks have gained more attention than ever – and in which some of couture and ladieswear’s biggest playmakers have hit the headlines for the wrong reasons (ahem…Mr Galliano).

Heritage has been one of fashion’s key love affairs this year – with tartan, tweed, tough but classy leather brogues and regency prints propping up catwalks from Henry Holland to Prada.

And ready-to-wear brands have had a thriving year with knitwear, thanks in part to inspiration from these designer obsessions with equestrian, outdoorsy British fabrics and looks.

Emphasis has been on natural fabrics: lambswool, cashmere, thicker twill cottons and wools, leather, suede.

Barbour jackets have had a massive comeback, alongside Hunter wellington boots: two brands which have always been popular with farmers and landowners with plenty of things to do outside. But 2011 became the year that the Barbour inexplicably became an urban accessory.

And in the knitwear world, brands such as Howick, Lyle & Scott and NZA made subtle use of 2011’s other key menswear obsession: knitted patterns and weavings.

From huge chunky red Nordic-inspired jumpers to navy chunky-knit cardigans with a trim of ‘Navajo’ print, some of the key menswear distributors for department store House of Fraser, looked to bring colour and variation to mens basics.

And the chunky knit continues to be popular elsewhere, as cable knit cardigans and toggle fastenings bring a bit of Paddington Bear sweetness to bear on the masculine cuts of outerwear.

It’s end-of-year review time, and as 2011 winds down, the party season picks up, putting some of this season’s most popular ladies dresses to the test. We’ve been fawning over House of Fraser’s range of brands and their take on some of the key womenswear shapes this autumn/winter.

One of the key picks for this season – and a trend throughout 2011- has been the return of the simple shape. Tunics, classic A-line dresses, simple short-hemmed minis: dresses have been about form and fabric.

The LBD – Little Black Dress – is back with a bang, bearing sequins and lace panels for those looking to add a touch of Gothic glamour, and menswear-inspired tuxedo collars for the shape-and-form fans.

Pied a Terre’s tuxedo dress, with its neatly crossed neckline and flattering form, is a great LBD that encapsulates some of the year’s obsessions, and remains equally dependent on the wearer and the accessories that are chosen to go with it.

And accessories are not something we should forget here. Whilst faux fur has been making a big leap back into fashion consciousness this year, it remains an unconvincing trend.

Far more intriguing – and fun to play with – is the year’s obsession with ‘ethnic’ and ‘native’ prints, inspired by Navajo Indian weavings and Scandinavian knitwear.

Texture and fabric are the name of the game for this year’s top accessories. A knitted woolen headband gives the appearance of a 1920s swimcap or turban, but delivers comforting warmth in the winter.

Shoes – suede and leopard print have been everywhere. If the trend for suede and/or leather dresses is not up your street, then a soft brushed suede pump from Dune will most definitely be fit for purpose.

Bursts of colour, especially jewel tones and deep magentas, are the key colour palette. We love NARS make-up and Kurt Geiger’s eye-popping brights for shoes and bags.

Fancy a fun girlie night in with all your friends, browsing through lots of stunning costume jewellery and handbags, over a glass of wine and some nibbles? Then why not host a Cherry Rocks jewellery party?

Jewellery Parties are available throughout Northern Ireland and are a great excude to get all your friends together to have a laugh. Best of all you will receive 10% of your jewellery parties total sales to spend on our stylish costume jewellery or handbags. For example if your jewellery parties total sales equal to £200, you will receive £20 to spend)

What have you got to lose?

For more infomation please visit our jewellery parties page http://www.cherryrocks.co.uk/jewellery-parties

View our stunning new arrivals. We have just taken stock of gorgeous Spirit by Skon Charm Bracelets, each item comes presented in either its own branded box or leather pouch. Would make amazing gift or even as a little treat to yourself. Each bracelet is a steal at only £10.  Pictured above is a pink and black beaded bracelet with diamante heart charm. http://www.cherryrocks.co.uk/bracelets

Have a look through our website for more costume jewellery, sterling silver jewellery, handbags and hair accessories . Stay bang on trend with this seasons hottest jewellery & accessories. http://www.cherryrocks.co.uk

Glisten in Gold this Summer with stunning costume jewellery from Cherry Rocks. Gold looks good with most colours of clothing from coral, blue, black, pink,  green, brown and purple etc. View our stunning range of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.

http://www.cherryrocks.co.uk

Cherry Rocks jewellery & accessories.

Oversized sunglasses are this seasons biggest trend. They are seen on many celebs including Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton and Nichole Ritchie to name a few. View our collection by following this link to the Cherry Rocks Sunglasses page  http://www.cherryrocks.co.uk/sunglasses

Cherry Rocks Swarovski Crystal headbands and combs are beautifully made and presented would look absolutely stunning on your wedding day. View our stunning collection now at http://www.cherryrocks.co.uk/bridal Prices start from only £15