USA Today confirmed that Sunday’s Golden Globe award ceremony has been canceled due to the ongoing writers strike. They point out that this is miserable for fashion designers who rely on red carpet events to expose their work and that the cancellation would have a financially draining ripple effect. Make–up artists who make the bulk of their income during award season are out of a job, and non-profits such as “clothes off our back” (who auction off red carpet gowns for charity) can kiss their inventory goodbye.

It is a pity that the designers’ efforts won’t be seen at the Globes, but all is not lost. Well known red carpet dress designer Monique Lhuillier astutely pointed out that dressing celebrities for movie premieres will gain importance if fewer award ceremonies are in the pipeline. There’s also the rest of the award season to look forward to. Hopefully there will be ample opportunity for designers to showcase their work at the Oscars, Grammys and Emmys this year.

I’ll miss reporting on my top red carpet picks at this year’s Golden Globes. Perhaps a glimpse of last year’s favourites will bring back a spot of Hollywood glamour this month.

Coats come in a wide range of different cuts and silhouettes and there are many different things to consider if you want to make the purchase a good investment. You’re after a strong shoulder line, a skimming silhouette and the correct sleeve and hem length in order for coats to look their best. Here are some simple rules to apply:

• Layer properly. You need to comfortably wear two layers underneath a dressy coat (a camisole or shirt, and a fine piece of knitwear). If this is not the case, go up a size or try another style. Casual parkas are usually a little roomier and allow for thicker knits and more layers.
• Ensure that you can move freely. You’ll need to drive, reach out and lift in your coat. This is achievable when a coat is too big, but you’ll have lost your shoulder line and skimming fit. Make sure that your coat is tailored and comfortable at the same time.
• Choose the length that works best for your height. Petites look best in coats that are on the knee or shorter, while taller girls can pull off most lengths. I’ve found coats that finish at the knee best because they work perfectly with dresses, skirts and pants.
• Sleeves should clear the top part of your gloves. Long sleeves are too short if they finish on your wrist. Bracelet length sleeves finish just above the wrist while three-quarter sleeved coats should finish halfway between your wrist and elbow.

Whether it’s quilted, furry, woolen or sporty, a coat needs to drape well and create a flattering, unbroken vertical line. Finding a coat that fits well is challenging and there are unfortunately no shortcuts. You’ll need to try many to begin with, get to a shortlist of candidates and then make a careful final decision.

Fab fitting coats from Nordstrom.

I’ve experimented with all sorts of slippers and the ones that I found under my Christmas tree a few weeks ago are the best yet. They’re made by a German slipper company called Haflinger who take pride in marketing their product as “the world’s most comfortable slipper”. I would have to agree.

Their slippers offer arch support, cozy interiors, a double felt non-skid sole and of course, they look nice. They’re made of breathable boiled wool and are completely machine washable. They set you back a pretty penny ($50 – $65), but you’ll find them on sale on sites like Footsmart and Onlineshoes.

I’ve tried everything from $8 styles (Target) to the kind that mould to the shape of your feet (Brookstone). They either stretch out, lack support, tear, make my feet perspire or feel slippery. Haflinger has found the formula that is perfect for me. Here’s to fabulously happy feet at home.

I’m particularly partial to the cream ones with the lamb appliqué (left). They’re on my feet right now.

Hosting a clothes swap event for a bunch of girlfriends is a great way of passing on your unwanted items of clothing, accessories and footwear to their next happy owner. It’s the perfect party to plan right after a closet sweep and straight after Christmas when our pockets are empty and the weather is miserable (for most of us anyway).

Invite a group of ladies around, asking each of them to bring at least ten tasteful and stylish items to swap. Throw in refreshments and giggle your way to a free wardrobe fix. At best you’ll end up with treasures; at worst you’ll give your clothes a second life. Either way, you will have fun with friends and edit your closet at the same time.