From snake print to gingham…these are the stylish pieces you NEED this week

#TRENDING: SNAKE PRINT

I have always been a fan of leopard print. To me, it’s a neutral.

In the same way I often hear people say "get it in black, it goes with everything", I think the same about animal print.

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And a leopard never changes its spots, right? Wrong.

Because this season, I’ve become a snake.

No, not in the acting shady sense, but in the literal sense.

Snake print is this autumn’s biggest trend as those sexy scales are cropping up on everything from chic blouses to ankle boots. And I want it all.

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• Snake shirt, £35, Topshop -

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• Red ankle boots, £90, Office -

During my desperate need to update my wardrobe for the new season, I have been inexplicably drawn to the high street’s great selection – and it won’t break the bank.

But for anyone feeling a little scared at the thought of looking like a weathered cowgirl lassoing her way to the fashion police, don’t panic.

You can choose how much of the print you want to brave.

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• Snake print tunic, £69.99, Zara -

Take a tentative walk on the wild side with a snake print shoe to give a subtle nod to the trend.

Or slither into a snake midi dress teamed with accessories in bright colours or clashing prints.

There’s a whole load of bits in my shopping bag at the mo, here are just some of the things I’m lusting that are just fabuloussss.

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• Belt bag, £15, Nasty Gal -

MY SO-CALLED FASHION LIFE

This month, I had a big birthday and immediately went into panic mode.

I had a couple of events including a party and family lunch, plus a mini break away.

But my bulging wardrobe felt tired and I threw a big old diva strop, screaming "I have NOTHING to wear."

I even threatened to cancel everything because I didn’t have any outfits that felt special.

I know, I know, I sound like a spoilt brat.

Once I’d calmed my fashion ego down with some chocolate, I searched far and wide for some easy-to-wear dresses that I could throw using as little styling brain power as possible.

And lo and behold, the high street once again provided the goods.

A two-night break in Dubrovnik, which is beautiful by the way, meant I needed cool summer dresses that I could wear back home, too.

Here are a couple that get top marks from me.

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Firstly, this hugely popular Monsoon gingham dress is a dream to wear.

It is so comfortable, nipping in at the waist and billowing out to a fuller skirt, that even a couple of glasses of wine and huge pizza at lunchtime didn’t leave me feeling frumpy.

I might have been sweltering in 35 degree, but this frock was my cool-off saviour – just a shame my hair told a very different story.

I’ll be wearing it with ankle boots and leather jacket come autumn.

And it now comes in red, too.

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• Dolly gingham midi dress, £59, Monsoon -

When it came to something a little dressier for the evening, this Topshop number ticked all the boxes.

The intricate embroidery, flattering shape and sleeves (YES, SLEEVES! Thank you, fashion gods) meant it was a must for my suitcase.

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At first, I was a little sceptical about the backless element with plunging neckline meaning standard bras are a no-go, but a stick-on bra worked wonders.

And I wore it to the races this summer so it’s more versatile than you think.

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• Embroidered plunge midi dress, £75, Topshop -

CAN WE JUST TALK ABOUT...Blake Lively's power suits

We are on the cusp of a new season and whilst that means waving a sad goodbye to flimsy frocks, it does mean a fresh load of trends.

And I can’t help but crush on the power suit. Particularly Blake Lively wearing the power suit.

This week alone, the 30-year-old Gossip Girl star has worn not one, but SIX different suits.

And you can forget a boring workwear two-piece, each look has been as eccentric, stylish and downright impressive as every girlboss outfit should be.

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Last Friday, Blake stepped out in a teal Brunello Cucinelli velvet suit with a burgundy velvet jacket layered over the top that proved she means fashion business.

Next, Blake showed she’s no wilting wallflower in a highlighter pen neon green Versace suit.

And she went all out with accessories, too but opting for oversized earrings and pink heels making me green with envy.

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Then came my favourite look of the week – a plaid Roland Mouret blazer and matching wide leg trousers with shirt and tie.

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Earning even more fashion stripes this time as she chose a cream pinstripe three-piece suit from Zimmerman that oozed style perfection.

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A shabby chic dusty pink Vivienne Westwood suit came next as Blake was spotted out and about in a more casual look.

And finally at this week’s MTV VMA awards, she looked a bit of all white in an extreme wide leg suit by Ralph & Russo as she took her mum as her plus one. Aww.

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Get some serious power suits from the high street now, like this River Island showstopper.

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• Wide leg trousers, £40, and blazer, £60, River Island -

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Earlier this week, we told you about the mind-boggling inside-out jeans with tights attached - and they're a crime against fashion.

We also showed you how to brighten up your wardrobe with oranges, lemons and limes this autumn.

And we showed you ASOS's summer Simpsons collection – including cossies and even a BIKINI.