Rainbow Connection

As it is the festive season, I felt it was appropriate to purchase a similarly festive nail polish. And what could be better then OPI's annual Christmas collection. This year, the London brand has teamed up with Disney's The Muppets, to create a series of nail colours that will definitely bring some sparkle to your office party.

Every colour in the collection is unique and beautiful. And with names such as Fresh Frog of Bel Air (Green), Warm & Fozzie (Orange) and Gettin' Miss Piggy With It! (Red), how can you resist? My favourite has to be the suitably named Rainbow Collection. Featuring glitter flecks in every colour of the spectrum, it is a party look essential. Your nails will have never looked so fine!

Hello Haylows

I have been searching for the perfect pair of black party shoes for what feels like forever. As much as I love my Nine West peep-toe courts, they don't work for every occasion. Due to being slip-on heels, they slide off my feet when worn with my trusty black opaques. And I for one refuse to leave the house in the depths of winter with bare, pasty legs.

Therefore, I have been on the hunt for a pair of heels complete with ankle strap. I thought I'd found the ideal pair at my favourite shoe store, Kurt Geiger. However, by the time I got around to placing my order, the beautiful Androids were out of stock. I must admit, have never been so disappointed when indulging in a little bit of retail therapy.

Fortunately, whilst browsing (as I do), I came across the Steve Madden Haylows on ASOS. A pair of black size 5s wasn't available, but I finally managed to find a pair on eBay. Ordered from Charlotte, NC, they only took a week to arrive and cost less than our usual online retailer.

They are every bit as gorgeous as they looked on screen. And even though they have 5 inch heels plus a platform, the are surprisingly comfortable. In fact, finding an occasion to wear them may prove more difficult than walking in them.

Aladdin's cave for arty geeks

You might be surprised to hear that my favourite high street store isn't a fashion house, but a stationers. Paperchase is, by far, the most interesting place to visit on a shopping trip to the West End. The flagship store at Tottenham Court Road is an Aladdin's cave for arty geeks like moi.

I especially enjoy Paperchase during the run-up to Christmas. The products on offer are absolutely beautiful. Cards, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, mini trees, decorations... even diaries for the new year. Everything a person obsessed with pens and notebooks could wish for.

What could make a trip to Paperchase even better? 20% off everything, that's what. An offer in The Guardian allowed me to save £10 on my annual shop. As silly as it may sound, I enjoy giving presents just as much as receiving, and choosing the paper and ribbon with which to decorate them is one of my favourite Christmas "chores". And with this bargain offer, it just got even better.

Amazing Apple

I am an Apple (not the fruit!) addict. Ever since I laid my eyes on my first iPod, I have been in love with the brand. I have had two iPods, a Macbook, a 27" iMac and an iPhone. And as the saying goes: once you go Mac, you never go back.

Until now, I have been impressed not only with the style of Apple, but the quality. My Macbook is six years old and still going strong, despite taking quite a hammering during two intense uni courses. And the iPhone, despite being dropped onto concrete on occasion, has been ultra reliable.

But then the unthinkable happened. The iPhone stopped working. If it had been something trivial, I probably wouldn't have been too upset, but the basic function of a phone had ceased to work. And so I had no option but to take a trip to the Apple Store.

I was amazed at the service I received. Apple are renowned for brilliant customer service, but nothing had prepared me for what I experienced. I booked an appointment at the Covent Garden branch and saw an Apple Genius just after 11.40am the next day. Ten minutes later, I had a brand new, fully functioning iPhone. It is this that will make me choose Apple again and again.

Deck the halls

It's that time of year again. Time to scramble around the dusty loft and search out those Christmas decorations. Personally, putting up the plastic tree and untangling the fairy lights is not my idea of fun. It seems to take forever and I'm never completely satisfied with the final result.

But I must admit, on a cold and dark December night, they do look pretty lit up in all their twinkly splendour. And those beautiful baubles purchased last month at Liberty's look particularly elegant hanging amongst the branches. Finally, it really feels like Christmas.