Cocktail parties, Little Black Dresses and Leopard print.....

Forget Cheese & Pineapple...who know Pate & Pomegranate was the way to go?  It was a rather tasty canape that I ate for the first time over at Snowy Stylista's house last Saturday night, at a little cocktail party she threw for girlfriends and colleagues.  Copious amounts of homemade Punches and Cocktails were consumed by all and for me it was a welcome Saturday night off from Hospital visiting but my Mum understood that, having known E for the past 10 years, I didn't want to miss the opportunity of attending her farewell Soiree before she heads off to her new life in the French Alps, mid November.

As always, E was well ahead in the style steaks and would shrug off that comment saying that she just threw on a dress she has had for 2 years and a pair of shoes she has had for 18 months.  The only difference is, these were not any old items that she threw on.  Her dress showed everybody how important it is to have a Little Black Dress in your wardrobe.  E's plain shift from Hobbs, originally bought for her brother in laws Wedding in the Whistler Ski resort, was classic styling with a twist, the twist being the maribou feather trim around the neckline.  Being a big fan of feather Boa's and anything fluffy and furry - this dress certainly got my vote!  Belted to show off her enviable size 8 petite figure, as per usual, E was the Belle of the Ball.

The complete outfit was topped off with her beautiful Leopard print Louboutin court shoes, because just like me, E is a massive fan of Leopard print and although it continues to make an appearance each season, in more recent years it has fast become a wardrobe staple which looks terrific with a range of colours.  The key to wearing Leopard print successfully is to keep it simple with just one piece, a jacket, cardigan or dress.  For those that aren't so brave you could start with a belt, clutch or shoes.

Plenty of sexy Toe Cleavage going on with these babies!

Its E's last day at the Salon today so I have just rang the florist and ordered her a bouquet which I hope will last until she leaves in a couple of weeks.  I am going to miss her so much, we hit it off from day one, with constant talk and devouring of every Sex and the City episode as we watched it and endless discussions about the latest "it" bag, shoes and fashion in general. I loved that she rang me from London when in the middle of the above shoe purchase, as she deliberated between Jimmy Choo, Charlotte Olympia and the shoe "God" that is Mr Christian Louboutin!

Steal E's style by purchasing a simple black shift and picking up some maribou from your local haberdashery store to trim the neckline.

Hobbs Black Shift Dress, £139 from John Lewis Dannijo Gold Plated Cuff, £170 from net-a-porter Christian Louboutin Leopard print pumps with chain trim, £565 from net-a-porter
Fendi B Belt, £255 from net-a-porter