I'm mooooving.

Alright I think - think - I've sorted out my issues with Wordpress, so now I'm over there instead! I feel kind of like a traitor towards Blogger, not going to lie, but I've heard so many good things about WP I might as well give it a go. Same URL - http://leadwiththehips.co.uk - but my Bloglovin page is different, and you'll have to re-follow me (please re-follow me).

I hate the layout, but I'm going to have to get on board with it. I'll fork out for the upgrade when it's payday ...

3 things #9.

I'm 2 hours and 13 minutes late with this post, I'm sorry! Apparently I actually need to put uni work before other things sometimes, deadlines to meet and all that. Anyway, here's a vaguely V day themed post for you, seeing as it's technically past midnight. Enjoy your day - eat lots of yummy food please.

1) Freeze whipped cream in a heart shape and pop it in your hot chocolate. Fab if you're a wimp with hot drinks like me, and need them cooling down fast.

2) Pretty Valentine's day make up. It's a well known fact that men don't like it when you pile on the make up, so do them a favour today. Soft fluttery lashes and slightly glossy pink lips. Add some pink blusher too, apparently it makes you look turned on and apparently (can't think why) men like that.

3) Want, need, don't know where it's from. Look at the hearts, so pretty!

Chocolate Kisses.

I figured the name of these biscuits was appropriate for the second most important upcoming holiday, Valentine's day. Pancake day being much more exciting, obviously. I don't know why they're called chocolate kisses, but that's what the recipe book (this one, if you're interested) tells me. I've made these bad boys about 30 times, they disappear in a matter of hours every time - whenever I get my scales out my boyfriend's ears prick up and I hear 'are you making chocolate kisses?' I have adapted the recipe to suit my tastes - they're now much softer, cakier, chocolatey-er and most vitally, bigger than they should be. I'm going to give you the adapted version, because why would you not want them softer, cakier, chocolatey-er and bigger?

Look at the BUTTERCREAM.

Ingredients

• 115g Stork
• 80g caster sugar
• 1 egg
• 1tbsp milk
• 3 tbsp cocoa dissolved in 3tbsp boiling water
• 225g self-raising flour
• 1tsp baking powder
• As many chocolate chips as you feel is appropriate

Method

1) Preheat your oven to 170c, and line a baking sheet (or two) with baking paper.

2) Get a big bowl, and beat together the butter and sugar, same as all other baking, yadda yadda yadda.

3) Add in the egg, milk and cocoa mush (this mush will look incredibly appealing, don't eat it. It's not very nice). Beat them together, but not too vigorously or you'll only end up covered in the stuff.

4) Add in the flour and baking powder, and mix together. You want a sticky dough which will get all over your hands, but that will hold its shape. If it's too wet add a little more flour, if it's too dry add more milk. Little at a time people, little at a time.

5) Finally, stir in all your chocolate chips.

6) Drop vaguely spherical blobs of it onto the baking tray. The recipe says it makes 24, but I disagree. I get 20 nice big ones. Bear in mind they'll expand as they bake, so give them a bit of room. 

7) Whack your biscuits in the oven for 12 minutes - turn them round at the 6 minute mark if you have an oven as uneven and temperamental as mine.

8) Take them out and let them cool for 10 minutes or so before transferring to the wire rack. They'll be extremely soft when you first take them out, so don't be tempted to handle them 'til they've cooled a little or they'll only fall apart. Like I said, they're cakey.

9) When they're cooled, sandwich them together with an unhealthy amount of chocolate buttercream (see below for recipe). You might have leftovers, but this only means you haven't used enough buttercream.

10) Eat them. I recommend pulling them apart, licking the buttercream off and eating the biscuits. My boyfriend prefers the 'cram them in as fast as possible' approach.

Buttercream Ingredients

• 200g icing sugar
• 100g softened butter (not gonna lie, I just use Stork)
• 2 tbsp of cocoa

Method 

1) Beat the butter until it's soft and creamy, it'll make it a lot easier to incorporate the icing sugar. 

2) Add the icing sugar and cocoa, and mix. You'll probably get it all over yourself (or you could wear an apron. See below) but just go with it. It'll also look like it's not going to incorporate but it'll get there eventually!

3) Taste it (very important step) and decide if it needs more cocoa or not.

My handmade apron. Proudest thing I've ever done.

Serious case of blog stress.

Okay guys, you might have to bear with me for a few days. I made the ridiculous decision to try and move my blog over to Wordpress (apparently you get more traffic, and I'm an attention whore) and it's causing me a whole load of grief. My domain name's playing up, all the formatting in my posts has decided it's going to do whatever it likes, and I hate - HATE - the themes available. They're making me surrender all creative control and I'm not happy about it.

Please cross your fingers for me, and send good vibes.

Weakness for perfume - Intro and D&G L'Imperatrice.

Okay, so I have two big weaknesses (aside from the obvious cake, chocolate, cheese, pizza ... food). The first is nail polishes. And the second is slightly more detrimental to my bank account: perfumes. In my teens I was a faithful Armani Code girl - still a firm favourite nowadays - but the real obsession started at duty free about 2 years ago, where I bought three. My collection now consists of 11, and I don't even want to think about how much it's worth. I feel as though I should insure it.

My high tech photography background (my furry blanket).

L-R (plus descriptions, because due to my ridiculous arranging I can't actually do it L-R): big rectangle bottle - Coco by Chanel; Small gold circular bottle - DKNY Golden Delicious; long gold bottle - J'adore by Dior; little navy bottle - Armani Code; little purple and gold bottle - Thierry Mugler Alien; circular clear bottle - Armani Acqua di Gioia; clear rectangle bottle - D&G L'Imperatrice; clear bottle with big-ass flowers on top - Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh; purple bottle with one big-ass flower on top - Marc Jacobs Lola; spotty ladybird-esque bottle - Marc Jacobs Dot; gradient bottle - Hugo Boss Orange Sunset.

I don't think I'm especially fussy when it comes to perfume, though at the same time I don't want anyone to buy it for me unless I've specified one. I'm not loyal to any particular style of perfume, but I know I don't like overly musky or floral scents. I think I have a few sexy, fruity (sexy fruit, that well known fragrance category) types but in general I like to wander around Boots and have a good sniff, covering my arm with different perfumes.

I'm going to write a quick review and description of each of my perfumes, starting with my current favourite. None of that 'this is a heady, floral oriental scent' - what does that even mean?! - but something which is hopefully a bit more accessible.

D&G - L'Imperatrice

This beauty is the newest addition to my collection. In my defence, it was only £31 (Duty free, what can I say? It is, however, only 35 quid at Debenhams at the minute. And you get double points) and I had wanted it for ages. AT LEAST a year.

Boots says:

'D&G 3 L'Impératrice opens with top notes of rhubarb, red currant and juicy kiwi accord. Fresh watermelon accord in the heart of the fragrance creates a mouth-watering concoction that is then offset by the drama of pink cyclamen for an exhilarating fragrance sensation. The musky notes, sandalwood and grapefruit wood in the base notes are boisterous, brilliant and incredibly addictive.'

And as far as pretentious descriptions go, that one's not too bad. It's a very fresh perfume - definitely fruity, and slightly sweet (but not in a sickly way, it's not Britney Spears). It's got depth to it though, and although it does adjust and develop into a more sultry scent as the day passes, you can always smell those initial fruity notes. I can smell it on myself for about 4 hours after I've applied it, which is really not bad at all for such a light perfume. Every so often I'll get a quick whiff of it and it still smells gorgeous, but it's by no means overwhelming or headache-inducing.

It's a bargain too - £35-ish for 100ml is probably the best value out of all the fragrances I own. The bottle is a bit simple and understated, but to be honest my perfume shelf needs a bit of subtlety, have you seen how fabulous the Marc Jacobs bottles are? It gets absolutely fab reviews on Makeupalley.com, and those ladies are extremely tough to please. It is a pretty popular one as far as I'm aware, so if you're looking for a unique, individual scent this one probably won't be it. And unfortunately it doesn't come in a smaller bottle but as far as perfumes go it's quite cheap anyway, so go and give it a sniff!

3 things #8.

1) So I can't be bothered with cartilage piercings and how long they take to heal (not being able to sleep on my side in bed? No thank you) but this is almost enough to make me reconsider.

2) Okay, I think I need to buy my dogs bow ties.

3) THE most perfect spring nail polish. I'm going to go and do this like, now.

Top 10 fashion rules you should blatantly ignore - part 2.

Here's part two of my rant against fashion rules. To read about double denim, green and pink, black and navy, horizontal stripes and bra straps, click here. 

6) Don't wear patterns on your bottom half if you're a pear.

Curves are acceptable again ladies, big bums are ace. Get your patterned trousers on and highlight that arse. Just take a look at Kimberley (second from the right, keep up) and how amazing she looks - she's as pear as they come and she looks incredible here. If you're too self conscious for something high waisted, try pairing patterned skinny or peg leg trousers with a long peplum top.

7) Don't wear midis or maxis if you're petite.

This is my fellow blogger Jodi, her blog's here (she has incredible style, take a look). She's 5ft1, and she lives in maxi and midi skirts. And she pulls them off better than anyone else I know. If these photos aren't proof enough that you little ladies can wear longer styles, I have no hope for the world. Topshop has a nice range of them in their petite section too - if Topshop says it's okay, it's probably okay.

8) Don't mix prints.

Today, I wore a blue floral snood, a black and grey lace pattern skirt and leopard print shoes. Not even kidding. Clashing prints is cool now. It makes your outfit look so much more interesting, and when you have lots of patterned pieces of clothing in your wardrobe (or on your floor) it stops you from feeling limited on what can go together. Start with something simple, like patterned shoes with a checked shirt, and work your way up to different patterns on the top and bottom half. I have my eye on this striped peplum top to wear with my black and white polka dot skirt.

9) Always match your shoes to your handbag.

The rule to match your shoes and bag is the most stupid thing I've ever heard. I literally use two handbags - a big mint green one, and a burgundy satchel. I don't own any mint green or burgundy shoes, what on earth am I meant to do? Clashing bags and shoes are normal.

10) Don't wear socks and sandals.

Do you see how cute that is?! Plus, it'll keep your feet warm and you don't have to bother re-painting your toenails. Topshop have a great range of ankle socks in their 3 for £8 offer - I need these mint green ones more than I need food. Try some of the pretty patterned ones, or even better, frilly ones like in the photo. Go black on black if you're a little bit scared, or try contrasting them - coral socks with turquoise heels would look AMAZING. Go on, I dare you.

What I did in Barcelona.

I have a ridiculously big post for you today, showing you about a million photos of Barcelona, and telling you all about what I did. Because it's so picture heavy (still only about a 20th of what I took), just click on the jump to view the rest of the post! 

In short, I had an amazing time. I've been to some really amazing cities, but Barcelona is easily the most beautiful. I've never been so tired either - we only went for 4 days, and felt as though we needed to cram in as much as possible! There's so much to do, and I'm already planning another trip. We stayed in Hotel Peninsular, which is just a small, very basic hotel right in the centre. The location was fab, couldn't have asked for more, and we got breakfast so it did the job nicely. I'd recommend going for something a little fancier if you can afford it, but if you're on a tight budget it's really fine!

We arrived at Barcelona airport sort of mid-afternoon, so we had time for a bit of exploring. We wandered round the market, which is absolutely AMAZING. So many incredible fruits and vegetables, about 5 times the size of anything Sainsbury's offered. Seafood and meat and spices I've never even seen before, and don't get me started on the chocolate stalls, I could have stayed there for hours. 

Just look at these amazing ice lollies! I didn't get any because it was cooooold, but they were only €2. How tempting does that mojito one look?

3 things #7.

1) I swear tights like this were in fashion years ago. I don't care, I need some again.

2) Oh Dita, you beautiful, wise lady.

3) Cookie dough truffles. I've made these before, there is nothing better. You can even cheat and use a boxed mix, just roll them in melted chocolate.

Top 10 fashion rules you should blatantly ignore - part 1.

I don't like fashion rules. Fashion's about self expression, and how on earth are you meant to do that with a load of different rules to try and abide by? As far as I'm concerned, you should intentionally try and break them, because most of the time they're a load of rubbish. Here are my top 10 which should be ignored at all times. Read the first 5 here, the next 5 will be up in a week!

1) Don't wear black with brown or navy.

I'm really surprised that even now, people won't wear black and navy, or even black and brown together. This is a particularly old fashioned rule. Would you avoid using your expensive tan leather handbag just because you're wearing a black dress? Or not wear a black top because you're wearing - shock, horror - dark blue jeans? Thought not. Black and brown are both neutrals so they go together, fact. And black makes navy look modern.

2) Don't wear horizontal stripes if you don't want to look fat.

Er. Someone needs to tell this girl that horizontal stripes make you look fat. I'm KIDDING, guys. They don't. Yes, they draw the eye across the body rather than up and down, but that doesn't make you look fat - eyes aren't stupid. The style of clothing matters a lot more than the stripes - if you're wearing a tight fitting dress or top which highlights any lumps and bumps, and it happens to have stripes, I'll give you one guess which part is making you look bigger. A good fitting, flattering piece of clothing will look great regardless of the pattern.

3) Never wear double denim.

Don't try telling me double denim doesn't work because I won't listen. It's like saying you can't wear a cotton skirt with a cotton top. There are so many different colours, weights and styles of denim that it's easy to make this look great - your main trick is to make sure you use two different colours, and then it's simple to go from there. Accessorise with contrasting shoes, and try a belt to break it up a little.

4) Pink and green should never be seen.

I just bought a dark green satin dress, and I fully intend on wearing it with fuchsia court shoes and a matching flower in my hair. And there's no denying mint green and pastel pink look brilliant in the summer. If watermelons can pull it off and look ridiculously appealing, so can you.

5) Don't show your bra straps.

Why should good lingerie be restricted to the bedroom? Answer: it shouldn't. A cheeky flash of bra strap - as long as it's not your manky, long overdue a wash nude t-shirt bra - is harmless, so don't shy away from it. Especially if it's a pretty bra strap. Mimi Holliday's current range is gorgeous but expensive, or try New Look for something cheaper, they have some really pretty bits and bobs.

Hang around for a week, and you'll get to see part 2. Even better, follow me.

3 things #6.

I'm in Barcelona. Have I mentioned that? Thought I'd schedule up a nice little themed post for you, I'm nice like that.

1) Las Ramblas - the main street which our hotel is on. We're right near the southern end, which is where all the prostitutes like to chill.

2) The thing I'm most excited about: TAPAS! (On a slight side note, if you sign up for/already have a La Tasca loyalty card, you get 40% all your meals this month. You're welcome.)

3) Okay I don't think I'll find any of this one in particular, but it's Sangria and I plan on drinking a lot of Sangria. This particular beauty can be found here: it's lemon and strawberry. Oh my god.

How to travel in style.

So, I'm off to Barcelona tomorrow, with my uni course. I'm a little excited, not going to lie. I plan to cram the 5 days full of as much tapas, seafood, fresh fruit, sightseeing and Sangria as possible. Led by my stomach, me? Never ...

I have a list of things I want to do - I've not been to Barcelona and I want to make the most of it in case I don't go again. My list consists mainly of taking photos of various bits of architecture including the Sagrada Familia, and visiting La Boqueria food market. Every day. Fortunately the hotel we're staying in is right near the market, so I can gorge myself as much as I like. We're also going to be visiting all the Zaras and H&Ms in sight, and I think a trip to the Bershka head office will be in order too. I foresee me spending far too much money.

But, in order to get to Spain, we're going to have to take a 2 and a half hour flight. I love airports (hello, duty free?), but I can't be bothered with flying - it's boring and uncomfortable, and drags no matter how long the flight is. And then airports are like a fashion parade, you undoubtedly get the odd person strutting around in heels looking ridiculously stylish, like they've just swaggered off the catwalk in Milan. I can't be doing with that, I need to be comfortable. But that's a little bit difficult when you need to take into account so many different things. The climate of the country you're leaving from. So, er, England. Can anyone predict the weather in England? The BBC certainly can't. The climate of the country you're heading to. Is it going to be a lot hotter or colder than where you've left from? The temperature of the plane. Bet you £50 it's sweltering when you get on, then freezing cold an hour into the journey. The length of the journey. If you're flying overnight and are going to want to sleep, pyjamas are ideal. Right? Your stingy little hand luggage allowance. Want to take a change of clothes? Don't pack anything heavy.

Anyway enough rambling - here are my best tips for how to stay comfortable but still look like your normal, fabulous self when you're travelling.

1) Thin, stretchy layers are your best bet. I usually wear a couple of thin layers with some form of knitwear/hoody over the top, then you're nice and warm but can cool down quickly if you need to.

2) Wear a pashmina - they're thin but keep you nice and warm when you wear them as a scarf, and you can use them as a blanket too. Get one in a nice bright colour! Ebay do them for about 2 quid.

3) When it comes to shoes, you should go for ballet flats. They're comfy enough to plod around in all day and they're easy to take off if you need to remove your shoes in security, or if you want to curl up and sleep on the plane (good luck with that).

4) Don't wear jeans! I don't care if they're Leighs or Mollys, they're just so uncomfortable. They'll come down at the back and expose your bum to the world every time you shift in your seat a bit, and the button at the front will dig into your stomach. Stick to trusty leggings. I also like tights, as long as they're not too small for you they won't fall down and they won't restrict any movement or comfort.

5) Jazz up your outfit with a statement piece of jewellery. I tend to just wear a nice necklace - it makes it look pretty but it's easy to remove for security if you need to, and if you get uncomfortable you can easily cram it into your handbag.

6) No belts! Uncomfortable, and the buckle will only set the alarms off. And despite any of your best intentions, you won't be felt up by an attractive male member of security.

7) Take some thick, cosy socks in your handbag. The plane will get cold, you'll be thankful for them! Having warm feet makes a big difference.

8) Overall, keep it nice and simple.

I'll be wearing black tights, ballet flats, a simple skater dress, a cardigan, leather jacket and a scarf. It's warm, functional and still looks good. Or at least, I think it does (don't dispute me, a lot of effort went into this outfit planning!).

Colour of the year - Emerald.

So, according to Pantone, the colour bigwigs, the colour of the year is Emerald. I like this colour, so that's cool with me. Last year the colour was tangerine, and that never seemed to make it to fashion - I'm hoping this will be different because I want to wear it! Eyeliner, clothes and nail polish, I am so on that.

Pantone say about their choice: ''Emerald, a vivid verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight as well as promoting balance and harmony. Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious ... Also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity, no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.'' I just like it because it's pretty, and it looks good with my hair. At the minute, I'm loving deep green so this will be a nice summer update. Also, I once read that after black, medium green is the most slimming colour. If that's not motivation enough, I don't know what is.

I have decided that for the Summer (for some bizarre reason, I've been daydreaming about Summer clothes. I don't even like Summer clothes) I need a floaty, emerald midi skirt like this little Modcloth number, and a nail polish. And a cardigan. And some jeans. And maybe a Cambridge Satchel - I feel the need to own a Cambridge satchel, despite the fact it would be nowhere near big enough for all the rubbish I carry around with me. So please cross your fingers for me that Topshop, New Look and ASOS listen up and start stocking some green!

3 things #5.

Sorry I didn't post this yesterday guys, I was going to do it in the evening but ended up going for some impromtu 'casual drinks' at my boyfriend's friend's house. Dear god, those casual drinks did not end well. I think I killed a couple of people pouring out the vodka and orange for beer pong (our team won, just saying).

But anyway, I digress. Here it is.

1) I really like this whole outfit, it's very much something I'd wear. I want her dress.

2) I got some Yankee Candle tealights for Christmas, should I do this with them? Yes. They're Christmas Cookie if you're interested: it's fine, I still have my Christmas tree up too.

3) Taupe and sparkly pink. Need myself some butter London.

Simple dot NOTD.

It's unusual, but I actually really like this. Even though it's something a bit different, it still manages to look quite classic? I don't know, I'm very tired and I don't think I'm making a lot of sense.

I'll probably try it in brighter, contrasting colours next time - maybe bright purple and metallic turquoise? Love me some eyecatching nails. The nude is one I got free with Cosmo about two years ago, it's quite nice but in real life it looks a little darker. I have my eye on a Maybelline one for next time, I don't have enough nudes! The black is Maybelline too and it's fab, better than my Barry M (high praise).

Make up I need but can't afford list.

Okay, so it's just been Christmas. You'd think I would have asked for all these things for Christmas. But you see, that would have taken some common sense, and it would appear I was lacking in that area around Christmas time (my priority then is to cram as much of the special, only-released-in-December food in my mouth as I possibly can before it disappears and we're stuck with boring, non-black forest hot chocolates in Costa). In my defense, I did ask for the MAC lipstick, and as a result I have enough Christmas money left over from my lovely grandma to buy that. The rest of my list is totally unattainable because it's all so damn expensive. I don't care, I'll attain it somehow.

1) Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer.

Number one in my 'Make up I need but can't afford' list, is the Clarins primer - Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch. This was recommended by a friend who has a particular penchant for expensive make up. Of course, I couldn't just go out and buy this, because it costs about £25.Instead, I trotted down to House of Fraser to nab some of the little sample sachets. Then I trotted down to Boots and got more (if only there was a Debenhams here, too). I've been using the samples for about a week now, and this stuff is fab. It's really thick and creates a lovely base for your make up, and there's a very noticeable difference in how the foundation looks when it's applied and how long it continues to look fresh throughout the day. The samples are lasting me ages because you need to use so little of this stuff, and this has convinced me that I need a full sized tub. NEED.

2) NARS Loose Powder

I've decided I need a good powder. I use Bareminerals foundation and I adore it, but I have oily skin so I do need something to set it. I've been using 17 pressed powder for as long as I can remember, but it tends to go quite cakey and oxidise, which I can't be doing with any more. I want grown up make up. The NARS Loose powder gets cracking reviews on Make up Alley, and comes in a variety of shades so there's bound to be one light enough for my ridiculous pale skin. Supposedly, it's good for suppressing oil without looking cakey, so I have high hopes. It does cost £27 so it better be good.

3) Real Techniques Powder Brush

Well, if I want a new powder it would just be rude not to get a powder brush to go with it. Right? I've not tried any of the RT brushes, but I've only heard good things about them so I want to hop on the bandwagon and try them out. This one looks huge, so it'll do the job nicely. Previously I've been a die-hard Body Shop make up brush fan (they're amazing, seriously) but they don't seem to do one big enough for what I want. This retails for about £10, so I can stretch to that.

4) Illamasqua S.O.P.H.I.E. Blusher

My reasons for wanting this are threefold. Firstly, it's a nice colour. It's a warm, coral-y pink with a bit of gold shimmer running through it. It has good reviews: it's supposedly extremely pigmented, and it's cheaper than NARS blushers. Secondly, I just want something Illamasqua. Such a cool brand name. And thirdly, it helps to raise awareness for The Sophie Lancaster Foundation: read more here. Sells for £18, but it's for a good cause so it'd be a crime not to get it...

5) MAC Lipstick in Rebel

I don't own a MAC lipstick. I know. Where have I been? Don't worry, this will change as soon as possible - I feel a trip to Leeds Harvey Nicks is on the cards. I've decided on Rebel because I don't have anything like it already - I was tempted by a more wearable pink, but I have so many of them there's really no point. On the bullet this looks so dark and scary, but in swatches I've looked at it's such a gorgeous, deep, bright, purple toned raspberry. Need it need it need it.

So like I said, the lipstick is sorted. If anyone else wants to donate me the funds to buy all the others, it would be very much appreciated. Debenhams have 500 points for every £35 you spend on beauty at the minute, I'm avoiding the site like the plague though ...

3 things #4.

1) I don't know what it is about this nail design, but I'm oddly drawn to it. I shall attempt, and report back.

2) I've banned myself from eating jacket potatoes, because the amount of cheese and butter I load onto them is enough to make me put on a stone just by looking at them. Here's my new alternative.

3) DO IT. It's amazing how much better you feel, wearing a bit of red lipstick. No better way to cheer you up in the most miserable month of the year (well, maybe cocktails are better. And holidays. And chocolate, but that's banned too).

How to style Midi Dresses.

I love midi dresses. Love love love them. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good old short skirt, but since the summer I've been lusting after so many midis. It's just such a flattering length - you don't have to worry about faffing around with fake tan  and making sure you're not flashing your bum to the world when you bend over, and you don't to spend your life on wind-watch, making sure your skirt doesn't blow up around your head. Happened to me far too many times for me to be comfortable with.

This winter, there are loads of bodycon midis around, which is a nice change from all the loose fitting ones that have been in stores over the summer and autumn. They're easier to style without looking frumpy but they can be tricky in their own little way - can you wear flats with them? What about belts? And what jackets look good?! My answers are yes, yes and most. I dunno about everyone else, but in my head things never seem to work, then you try them on or see them on someone else and they look fab. One thing about these dresses, is that they don't really need accessorising that much. Unless it's a really basic one, they're quite a statement piece of clothing anyway, so relax on the post-getting dressed necklace-bracelets-rings-scarves-earrings-headbands-gloves-belts-anklets-whateverelseyoucanthinkof panic. One or two bits is fine, trust me.

For daytime, keep it casual. Midi dresses are naturally quite dressy a lot of the time, so dress them down with soft knitwear and simple shoes. Monochrome's going to be massive in the Spring (which according to the shops is, er, now) so try a stripy black and white jumper over the top, or give a big cosy cardigan a go - chances are you already have one in your wardrobe. They don't need a belt, but look quite nice with a really skinny one belted around the waist, try one with details on, or in a contrasting colour. A leather jacket or big slouchy denim shirt would look good over the top, and for jewellery try a statement necklace. Shoe-wise, just stick on the same ankle boots you've been wearing all winter, your comfy converse, or some basic ballet flats.

For the evening, midi dresses are really easy to style. Like I've said (about a million times) they don't need much, so try adding smart accessories in a bright colour, like a cobalt blazer, bright blue stilettos - platforms are so 2012 - or an emerald green envelope clutch (which, for the record, I need). I like how they look with a big, huuuuge necklace, but if you're a fan of other jewellery go for an embellished chunky cuff, or some statement earrings. Keep your make up nice and vampy - it's still cold enough outside to warrant it - with a deep red lipstick and sparkly black nails.

Images, as always. This midi in question is just £12.99 from New Look - also available with long sleeves, for an extra 2 quid. Bargain of the century.

Daytime

Try teaming your midi with really casual jackets and accessories to stop it from looking too dressy in the daytime. One statement piece of jewellery is plenty.

Night time

Big bold heels and a smart jacket - if you need a jacket - is the best thing for dressing them up. One massive piece of jewellery and some dark lippy and you're done.

Topshop, New Look and River Island are best for these sort of dresses at the minute, I've found. There are loads in depending on your budget, style and occasion, so give one a go! Here are my favourites. Top row L - R: New Look, £15 New Look, £17, New Look, £17, New Look, £15, Cameo Rose at New Look, £15, New Look, £15, River Island, £25. Bottom row L - R: River Island, £25, River Island, £35, River Island, £25, Topshop, £29, Topshop, £45, Topshop, £32, Topshop, £32.

And finally - I know, I know, the end's in sight - here's a few of my favourites from Lookbook.nu.