The clever boys at Hackett have been very busy bees indeed! Over the past few months they’ve been working hard to improve the overall shopping experience at Hackett.com.

They know that you don’t want waste time. You want to find exactly what you are looking for in just a couple of quick clicks, so over on the shiny new Hackett website you can refine your search by product, colour, size and price. Not only that, but more product information has been added for each item, from an improved size guide to detailed care instructions (should you want to wash your clothes yourself). Whilst new deivery options means there’s no waiting around – order by 12 noon and an express delivery arrives the very next day. Online shopping really couldn’t be easier!

Why not seek a little sartorial inspiration from Hackett’s A/W campaigne video before you order…

When in comes to bags there’s no doubt as to what style is going to be nestling in the crook of your arm this season. We’re totally crazy about the statement tote, and when you’ve seen which bags have made it into our Top 10 Totes, we’re pretty sure you will be too!

Don’t go for plain and boring old black, this is your chance to go bold and inject a splash of colour into the dark days of winter. If you simply can’t resist call of the dark side, make sure you rock a studded style. Whether you choose metallic or mock croc, studded or striped, one’s thing’s for sure – you’ll have bags of style!

1. Gold Leather Tote Bag, £45, Next
2. Green Patent Shopper, £20, Boohoo
3. Madeleine Zip Front 2 Tone Tote, £199, Jaeger
4. Purple Croc Tote Bag, £175, Aspinal of London
5. Blue Croc Le Pliage, £125, Longchamp
6. Burgundy Basket Shopper, £39.99, Zara
7. Wanda Doll Face Tote, £275, Lulu Guinness
8. Winter Tartan Tote Bag, £395, Vivienne Westwood
9. Animal Print Panel Shopper, £60, Oasis
10. Square Studded Tote Bag, £46, Warehouse

To stay one stylish step ahead of the crowd this season it’s simple; shop for boots. But with so much choice out on the high street, what style to choose? Don’t panic we’ve been all around the wild west end to find our favourites – covering all of the key footwear trends for autumn – from studs, straps and toe caps to cowboy boots.

Yes siree, Dallas is returning to our screens and cowboy boots are set to make a return to our line-dancing feet – but you might just want to stop short of topping off the look with a J.R. style stetson. If these styles can’t cure an achy breaky heart then nothing can. Well, you could always try studded biker boots, sexy knee highs with a stacked heel, or suede Chelsea boots in whatever colour takes your fancy…

1. Elma Knee High Boots, £249, Hobbs
2. Royal Blue Chelsea Boots, £210, Grenson
3. Black & Red Chelsea Boots, £30, River Island
4. Navajo Knit Cowboy Boots, £35, Boohoo
5. Toe Cap Ankle Boots, £139, Marta Jonsson
6. Studded Biker Boots, £89.99, Blink Black at New Look
7. Red Suede Ankle Boots, £59.99, Zara
8. Wedge Heeled Trainers, £80, Dune
9. Animal Print Boots, £70, Faith at Debenhams
10. Arson Flame Cowboy Boots, £95, Topshop

Before online jewellery boutique Celliana officially launch their A/W collection on 14th September they are giving us a sneak peek of what treasures lie in store. At SalesGossip secrets are definitely meant for sharing, so here Celliana’s PR & Marketing Assistant, Sarah Dawson exclusively unveils some of her favourite pieces…

Bracelet stacking is an emerging trend that is set to be big news for AW12. Celliana has an array of cute, delicate bracelets to choose from as well as chunky pieces to dress your arm whatever the occasion. The more you pile on, the better! Here are a few to choose from…

This statement collar necklace is a staple piece to glam up any outfit. With collars set to be everywhere on the high street well in to next season, this version embellished with orange, gold and white beads will be an amazing addition to your winter wardrobe.

The statement necklace is a must-have item for any fashionista and Celliana is the place to find lots of them. Of the many eye catching styles this has to be one of my favourites. It includes everything that is on trend for AW12 – spikes, skulls, chains, diamante. With so many different statement necklaces available, you are guaranteed to find something for you.

Spikes, religious symbols, chains, skulls; the grunge trend is certainly speading through the high street with enormous force. We have a whole collection that channels this trend perfectly with my particular favourites being from the Celliana ring collection. We have single rings and ring packs, here is a small teaser of what will be available…

If you’ve seen something you like, remember to enter our new & exclusive competition. Celliana have very kindly given us 3 £30 jewellery vouchers to give away. Find out more on the competition page now…

Celliana jewellery is available at Celliana.com and now also at ASOS Marketplace. 

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend then Her Majesty The Queen is certainly never lonely! The royal jewellery box has been raided for an exhibition to mark the diamond jubilee year – and one suspects this is just a very small selection of The Queen’s priceless trinkets and treasures.

The glittering display at Buckingham Palace includes diamond encrusted brooches, snuff boxes, fans and ceremonial swords – but it is the crowns that steal the show; from Queen Victoria’s miniature crown, designed to perch daintily on top of her mourning veil, to the full blown opulence of George IV’s State Diadem dripping with 1333 diamonds. With its rose, thistle and shamrock motifs, this crown is somewhat of a favourite of The Queen and still worn a great deal today. It’s the one you’ll have seen on postage stamps – but now you can see it in all its glitzy glory!

The Queen’s Diamonds exhibition is part of the Buckingham Palace summer opening – which runs until 7th October 2012. Note it does get very busy, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance. The crowds congest at this particular point of the tour, perhaps hypnotised by the sparkle – but you can still get a good view of the treasures in their display cases. This is just the jewel in the crown of an entirely exquisite palace.

If you’re tempted to start your own collection of crown jewels, you’d better start by shopping the jewellery sales. What could be more apt than diamond jewellery to celebrate the diamond jubilee?

Forget the chic couture houses of Paris and the fabulous flare of Milan. Even look past the bold and dynamic styles of the fashion elite across the pond in New York. London is the fashion capital of world with its plethora of wonderful markets and second-hand shops offering the very best of retro and vintage chic at affordable and attractive prices. Daniel Arthur, blogger for Show & Stay, will show you the best places to hunt for that fabulous bargain!

Camden Market: Sat and Sun 10am-6pm

No bargain hunt would be complete without a rummage through the many stalls and rails that Camden Market has to offer. From the weird to the downright wonderful, this North London Borough has long been the hip hangout for indie rock stars, and the place to find all that is quirky.

Head straight to Buck Street Market if neon and witty slogans are your thing, or take a short walk to the iconic Camden Lock Village for trinkets, retro clothes and jewellery from all eras and influences -and be ready to part with plenty of cash!

Beyond Retro: Open 7 days a week

Between Shoreditch and Bethnal Green lies this gem for any self-respecting trendsetter looking for beautiful and individual garments. This wonderful store has been trading for over 10 years and has firmly established itself as one of the big guns amongst vintage suppliers in the UK.

Perhaps not one of the cheapest places to find your bargain, but Beyond Retro is still cheaper than your average high street store. What’s more, you’re supporting this independent retailer and buying a historic garment that was once loved and cherished by someone. Now you have the opportunity to love it that little bit longer.

Portobello Road: Sat 8am-6.30pm and Mon to Fri 9am-1pm

A firm favourite for many decades, the world famous location of Portobello Road offers antiques, jewellery, retro attire and bric-a-brac.

Delve amongst the stalls and explore for a wonderful shopping experience. It’s true that there’s something here for everyone.

Spitalfields Market: Tues-Fri and Sun 9am-5pm

Arguably London’s oldest market, all fashionistas should have this fabulous locale on their trend radars since Spitalfields not only hosts the market, but is also surrounded by many independent shops, quirky eateries and charming little boutiques.

Every Thursday the market specialises in antiques and vintage clothes, whereas Friday is the perfect day to soak up some affordable art and contemporary fashion.

Upmarket: Hanbury Street, Sun 10am-5pm

Everyone knows that London doesn’t always have the best weather, but if you simply can’t resist heading out to find that delicious leather bag or never-worn shoes, then fear not! Upmarket on Hanbury Street offers clothes and accessories, all within the safety of an indoor venue.

Plus, don’t miss the chance to save money at the designer sample sales which take place at the Old Truman Brewery complex too. What more could you want?

Brick Lane Market: Sun 8am-3pm

For absolutely anything and everything, Brick Lane is the perfect place for a not-so-lazy Sunday morning.

With an array of fabulous street performers who are visible at every turn, this wonderful market offers quality second-hand wares amidst a vibrant chaos that is simply intoxicating! Be sure to meander through the scores of stalls, and lose yourself amongst the bargains!

Borough Market: Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri 12pm-6pm and Sat 8am-5pm

Now I know it’s not the place to go for that retro bargain or to stock up on your vintage wardrobe, but there’s something inspiring about going back to basics and shopping for food the good old-fashioned way, and what better place than the famous Borough Market!

This place is an absolute must for food lovers, especially if you’ve already exhausted the other markets I’ve mentioned here for the day. The atmosphere alone is absolutely buzzing as traders from all over the world come to display and sell their most delicious and exotic foods. Hunt for delicate cupcakes or flavoursome cheeses and be sure to try the tasty samples that the stalls have to offer!

Keeping up with the busy lives of the Kardashian sisters is no easy task, so in case you haven’t heard the latest installment of the drama, Kardashian Kollection coming to the UK! Currently sold at US department store Sears, the affordable clothing line is set to launch in 250 Dorothy Perkins stores across the country in November. The A/W collection, sorry, ahem Kollection promises to combine Kim’s glitzy, red carpet glamour and Kourtney’s boho look with Khloe’s edgier style.

Kashing in on the Kardashian style, there’ll be over 100 pieces to choose from – and it looks like we can expect plenty of figure hugging silhouettes, from bodycon bandage dresses to tight leather leggings. Shoes are to follow early in 2013.

Forget who’s dating Kanye, who’s not speaking to ‘momager’ Kris, and the impending takeover of Kendall and Kylie – the clothing Kollection is taking centre stage, for the moment at least. In their official statement the girls said:

‘We’re looking forward to expanding our line and making Kardashian Kollection available to so many more people. We pride ourselves in having a line that is affordable and yet of great quality and we’re excited to bring it to new territories.’

On her website, Kim added: ‘This is such an exciting time and we can’t wait to head over to the UK later this year to launch the Kollection and visit all our amazing fans.’

The question is whether the Kardashian invasion of our shores has been left too late. London 2012 has provided a plethora of positive female role models, leading commentators to herald the end of the reality star famous for being famous. So, will you be keeping up with the Kardashians?

London 2012 may be over, but one gold medal still has to be awarded. Yes, which team was the most stylish?

The debate has raged ever since the athletes paraded into the Olympic stadium during the opening ceremony. There was a clear style divide between the nations, with the question on everyone’s lips being whether the teams looked better wearing tracksuits or smart, tailored suits? The sartorial spilt couldn’t have been better illustrated than right at the top of the medal table. Team GB seemed to have raided the late Sir Jimmy Saville’s wardrobe and emerged sporting gold lame shell-suits, whilst the USA got a good old dose of preppy style from Ralph Lauren – for an ensemble complete with berets and bobby socks. But which is better?

As it turned out the shiny gold was a good sign of things to come for Team GB. The goldrush ended with a total of 29 gold medals! Whilst over in the US outrage ensued when it was revealed that their uniforms were in fact made in China. Cue a storm in the Twittersphere and a ‘Burn the USA Olympic Uniforms’ Facebook group.

After two great weeks of sport and style on show, what better way to close London 2012 than with a showstopping fashion show!

British fashion had its golden moment at the closing ceremony with supermodels Lily Cole in Erdem, Karen Elson in Burberry, Stella Tennant in Christopher Kane, Kate Moss in Burton for McQueen, Lily Donaldson in Vivienne Westwood, Naomi Campbell in Burton for McQueen, Jourdan Dunn sporting a Jonathan Saunders column dress accessorised with a Stephen Jones feather headdress, and Georgia May Jagger wearing Victoria Beckham (pictured from left-right above).

So, which Olympic looks were your medal winners?

Golden girl Jessica Ennis looked pretty in pink as she celebrated her heptathlon gold at the ‘Athlete’s Night’ party held at Omega House in central London. The coral skater dress from the McQueen spring collection, accessorised with a wide black belt, pumps and a chic chignon, is a far cry from the Team GB London 2012 kit and we think Jess looks fab.

If like us, you’ve developed a serious case of Ennis abs envy, at least this is one look we can attempt without doing a million stomach crunches a day – and the Jess dress (as we have named it in her honour) is now in the sale!

At Matches and Feathers in London we’ve found the McQueen dress of the moment marked down to half price. Now that’s what we call a gold medal winning worthy saving!

She’s got an Olympic gold medal to her name and has been welcomed back to her home city by a cheering crowd of 1000s, not to mention that designers are clammering to dress her, so what’s next for Ms Ennis? Sports Personality of the Year? An honour from The Queen? Highly likely, but these things will have to wait as the cover of a very famous magazine beckons… no, not Vogue but The Beano. You’ve guessed it, Jessica Ennis is to be immortalised as ‘Ennis the Menace’ in a special Olympic themed issue.

At SalesGossip we were very excited to hear about the V&A’s exhibition of ballgowns celebrating British glamour since 1950, timed to coincide with the reopening of the famous fashion galleries. Our editor Hannah went to take a look…

You know what they say, you should never meet you idols because they can never live up to your expectations – well often that goes for clothes too. Up close the fabric isn’t as lustrous, the stitching isn’t quite straight - flash bulbs having masked imperfections, adding an unperceivable veil of glamour. After eagerly anticipating the V&A’s ballgown exhibition I’m glad that there is no such disappointment to report here. It is well worth a visit to see such exquisite creations up close. Take the Erdem dress featured on many of the publicity shots – it’s only when you have this privileged view that you can see the craftsmanship involved in the embroidery and applique which build up the floral design around the skirt.

Set over two levels, you first enter the world of the debutante – where gowns from the 50s forward are displayed as if in boudoirs waiting for debs to come and get dressed before the ball. Many of the older designs still look strikingly modern. The Norman Hartnell silk gown with pink embellishment on the bodice could have come straight out of Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe. In fact a group of teenage schoolgirls looking around grimaced at the 70s chiffon, and gravitated towards the earlier gowns saying ‘look, these are more now’.

Where the glamorous age of the debutante may be over, the exhibition proves that the ballgown in still very much alive. Follow the staircase up to the central dome and you’ll find ballgowns from some of today’s most coveted designers, including Mary Katrantzou, Erdem, Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham.

Aside from the specially commissioned dresses and catwalk creations, you’ll spot some famous gowns. Princess Diana’s heavily beaded Elvis dress, Daphne Guinness’s swan dress, and the Jenny Packham dress worn by Charlie impostor Ivy Dickens on Gossip Girl are all on display.

L-R: Pincess Diana in the ‘Elvis’ dress, detail from a Norman Hartnell ballgown, Daphne Guinness in feathered McQueen, Jenny Packham Gossip Girl appearance, Erdem embroidered dress.

Once you’ve seen one ballgown you’ve definitely not seen them all. The expertly curated selection cuts across a diverse range of designers, eras, and inspirations – yet all capture the zeitgeist of a frozen point in time. The exhibition definitely leaves you wanting more.

I went for a wander around the reopened fashion galleries – the place the first piqued my interest in fashion as a little girl visiting the big city – where you can look in wonder at how women could have possibly squeezed into the tiny corsets or passed through doorways wearing the widest of mantuas.

The exhibition is set to run at the V&A until 6th January 2013. More good news is that there is that there is a Valentino couture retrospective at Somerset House to look forward to this November. Look out for more details soon.