Housemare Hell

The sinking feeling in my stomach kicked in, as I moved the mouse and clicked on yet another room-for-rent reject. I'd spent about two hours browsing online for a room available in a 'normal' house share and had no joy whatsoever. It wasn't a shortage of rooms that was the problem, or that I had minimised my search to one specific area of London. There was an abundance of adverts and I was looking within a four mile radius of my original chosen postal area, but in each case, something just wasn't right - whether that be scrolling down and seeing 'this is an alcohol free house', or a guy asking for £1 a month rent in exchange for two hours of 'housework' a day.

I can understand that some people may be living on the breadline and just having a roof over their heads is the main thing, but why so many of these sorts of properties available, on what appears to be perfectly reputable websites?

I'm also the first to admit that I'm a tad fussy when it comes to home comforts and living environments, but I'm not looking for student digs now. I have a decent job and am in my mid twenties. I need something - as my friend Shell and I always say - shit, but good. I realise the extent to what I can afford isn't going to get me The Crowne Plaza, so it's without hesitation that I look for an already existing shared house with all-inclusive bills and have little expectations when it comes to size and decor. It's also mostly about the people you live with, wanting to make new friends and share with people that aren't going to steal your laptop and iphone while you're out or asleep.

I suppose you never know what people are like until you meet them, but I've already had bad experiences. One texted me two minutes before I was due to view a property, with the line 'the room has gone', and didn't pick up the phone when I then tried to call him. The others - two girls around my age - who came from a great flat, old build, spacious, massive double room and all the added extras like Broadband, turned out to be two-faced. They were really enthusiastic when I met them, giving off those 'you're in' vibes, and telling me they'd phone me in the next couple of days to let me know if I'd got the room. Did I hear anything? No.

They say moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do in life, and it's up there with getting divorced. I thought this just applied when you're on the property ladder, buying your own place, but now I'm rethinking. Is it too much to ask to find somewhere liveable, sharing with like-minded young professionals?

A Christmas without a jumper is....

....like turkey without the trimmings - just plain wrong. So I cannot understand why it's taken me months to find the perfect specimen. I was looking for the archetypal Christmas jumper - you know the ones like your Gran used to knit with snowflakes on - but had no luck. Big thanks to ASOS for stepping up to the festive plate (ahem), with this gorgeous chunky cardie.

Set to have been a massive trend for this winter, I've found it near impossible to seek out a fitted n' knitted jumper, needed even more after the Narnia proportion of snow we've had. This cute cardie comes in two colours - Navy and After Dark - and is only £50.00. ASOS have teamed it with shorts and biker boots, mixing up the 'innocent' look of the cardie with an edgier, rockier bottom half.

The biggest plus point is that it goes with absolutely anything. Wear it with a maxi dress and boots on Christmas day, as a way of looking family-ready but primed for popping down the pub at the buzz of a text.

Get the Vila Pattern Knit Cardigan now at www.asos.com.

Harem Heaven

The harem pant has been my wardrobe staple for the last few months and I can foresee this staying that way throughout the rest of winter. You may take one look at them and think 'MC Hammer', dodgy '80s fashion and big hair, but they actually date back 2,000 years. They have survived revivals as ladies bloomers in the 1800s, and have spanned the world in one form or another over time. This latest hike in 'vintage style' harems are like marmite to the fashion world - you either love them or hate them. In my opinion, there are no other trousers like them and I champion them for their versatility, as well as their comfort factor.

Not only are they totally flattering - they hide a pair of hips as well as streamline the legs - but they can be worn for practically all occasions. I am fond of popping on a pair and teaming with a shirt and cardie over the top for work, or wearing them with a boyfriend blazer in the evening, for a smart and chic look to dance the night away.

I used to think that these little darlings made it look like you were wearing a baby's nappy, what with their generous room for the buttocks, but this is another beauty of them. Great way to hide the arse, and there's no, "Does my bum look big in these?" as you can't see your behind through the reams of material!

There are also a number of fabrics and colours on the high street to choose from. Bang on trend are these plaid pair by makeshiftapparel at www.etsy.com. Thick enough to pull off in snowy weather, they would look fab matched with knitwear and a chunky scarf. Get them on your Christmas wishlist today!!

Boyfriend Cardigan - It's not your boyfriend's, it's yours

Channelling the likes of Jaeger and Celine, as seen on the runway at London Fashion Week 2010, Topshop have come up with their autwinter range of knitwear to suit the more limited budget, while still echoing the key trends of the season.

I love Topshop for its woolies, as they're great quality, last for years and are still affordable. This wardrobe staple, the Aran Boyfriend Cardigan, is only £49.00 and will go with absolutely anything. My personal favourite look this year is winter florals with knitwear layered on top, as you can still look bright on dark mornings and stay warm at the same time. This trend is completed with a skinny belt to sinch in the waist and add curves. Team with shoe boots and thick tights for style that's feminine and edgy all at once.

The best thing about this cardy is the football buttons. They are like an old skool throw back and create a feature to brake up the block navy, emphasising a vintage and classic feel; very 2010. The Boyfriend Cardigan has instantly made it to the top of my winter wardrobe wish list.