2. Silver lining Haven't been paid since before Christmas and no money to buy anything substantial? That's why we love inexpensive stores for shoes. Of course, New Look is one of the best, but Matalan (which at the moment is only open up north, but set to come south soon) is taking over in terms of trendy items at seriously knock-down prices. These silver shoes are £14 (Euro21) and available from Matalan stores in Belfast, Portadown, Derry and Craigavon. See www. matalan. com

3. Hit the road, Jack Adidas and Porsche, two of the world's biggest sporting brands, have just joined forces to create a new men's collection for 2007. This windbreaker - with its signature Porsche colour palette - is iconic, looks smart.

and with these gale force winds set to go on, it's practical too. Porsche jacket, Euro110 at House of Fraser, Bureau in Belfast and selected boutiques nationwide. For stockists tel 01 6180908

4. Booty Call With sales stock and new season summer shoes being all that seems to be in the shoe stores at the moment, it's a good time to get online. If you held out for the January sales hoping to find your boots of the season - which ended up being sold out - even more reason to check out bootmaker extraordinaire on www. jonesbootmaker. com. These 'Otter' ankle boots will see you through some of the harsher weather ahead, and are very reasonably priced. Boots, £95 (Euro150), www. jonesbootmaker. com

5. Babe-arama everywhere Now that '60s' style is firmly back on the radar, expect to see the continued rise of the crocheted mini dress (remember the white ones from Warehouse that were everywhere last summer? ). This one, from River Island, would be perfect over jeans or leggings and when it comes to warmer climes I bet you will still be wearing it then. Green dress, Euro50.50, River Island