Designers once again looked to times past as old-fashioned glamour featured heavily on the catwalks at Paris Couture Spring 2012. From Givenchy’s roaring 20s long lines to the womanly silhouettes of the 40s and 50s at Christian Dior. British designer Bill Gaytten has filled the hole that John Galliano left at fashion house Dior with his unceremonious exit last year. Gaytten’s creations were a nod to Hollywood’s golden era and Dior’s own ‘New Look’ from the late 40s, which he must hope will cement him as the lead creative designer for Dior rather than be replaced with a new big-name designer brought in.  Read more... (648 words, 10 images, estimated 2:36 mins reading time)

Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions? Find a new job, exercise three times a week perhaps? How about adding something a bit different to your list this year; I will embrace sustainable fashion.  Read more... (551 words, 3 images, estimated 2:12 mins reading time)

We are so used to hearing the phrase “less is more” when it comes to fashion and style, but for this holiday, let this phrase leave your mind.

Instead, opt for a “more is more” philosophy. Doing so will make you standout and look your best to reign in the New Year.  Read more... (447 words, 3 images, estimated 1:47 mins reading time)

[Above: Party outfit from John Lewis; feature picture, M&Co gold and black sequin dress£74.25, Jade and black lace dress, £22 and black satin dress, £20, both from Matalan, M&Co gold sequin shift dress £69, and faux fur marabu shrug £40]

It is party season and although it may be getting cold there is still the chance to enjoy wearing party dresses for your work Christmas party, festive drinks with the girls, you Beau’s work do and Christmas eve catch up with friends. The silly season allows you to indulge in bright festive colours and that bit of sparkle that might feel over the top at other times of the year – just leave those reindeer jumpers that aunty Rhona knitted you firmly in the wardrobe.  Read more... (601 words, 4 images, estimated 2:24 mins reading time)

[Main image above: This thigh-length cognac lambskin leather coat is an investment as its classical lines means it will never go out of fashion, £1,299 from Elegance; Featured image: Great Plains wool-blend faux-fur trim coat, £140, is a glamorous cover up. Wear with a LBD and sparkly accessories for a festive party.]

We may have waved goodbye to floaty dresses and cute little jump suits but the impending cold weather means that we can embrace fabulously fashionable faux fur and wool coats that not only look glamourous but keep us toasty and warm.  Read more... (533 words, 3 images, estimated 2:08 mins reading time)

[Red Tux Jacket, £75, Leather Trousers, £45, Snakeskin Blouse, £45, all from Warehouse]

The days may be getting darker and the skies greyer but that doesn’t mean our wardrobe has to. It can be depressing to wave goodbye to summer but by adding some colour to our outfit we can brighten up our day and those around us.  Read more... (355 words, 3 images, estimated 1:25 mins reading time)

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[Amoena Valetta top, £25]

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK with someone being diagnosed every 10 minutes. While there are a great many success stories about people who have beaten it, there are also still a lot of people, predominantly women, who are still losing the battle. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and so at Belle we would like to highlight how you to check your own breasts and what you can do to help raise money for breast cancer charities.  Read more... (750 words, 4 images, estimated 3:00 mins reading time)

British designers really showed what they had at London Fashion Week this week as the depth, breadth and creativity of their designs  Read more... (383 words, 8 images, estimated 1:32 mins reading time)

With New York and London Spring Summer 2012 fashion weeks over and Milan well underway, we take a  look at the trends seen across the catwalks that will dictate what we wear next spring.  Read more... (385 words, 7 images, estimated 1:32 mins reading time)