Fashion week must-haves

Here are a few basic commandments that one must follow in order to emerge unscathed from fashion week. One, don't be a diva. Two, remember it's only fashion. And three, Berocca. Yes, Berocca is a commandment. Take heed and you'll live to see another season. But other than a PMA and intravenous vitamin supplements, there's a whole coterie of other essentials that I also can't live without. Which is probably why I feel that, above all else, an oversized bag is key.

The hero handbag
You need three things from your so-big-it's-practically-a-sleeping-bag tote; a shoulder strap, an inner pocket for tickets and a shouty enough outer shell to act as a street style siren call. The Chloé Marcie is an ideal choice; elegant, roomy and eminently pap-worthy. Moschino's structured croc-print tote is another trump card and will symbolise my excitement that Moschino Cheap & Chic is showing in London for the first time this season!
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The statement coat
But what's an it-bag without some killer outerwear to throw it over? It's February, it's freezing, ergo a fabulous coat is a must have to trundle from show to show. Mina's vibrant princess-style cover-up ticks off multiple trends, which is never a bad thing - 50s, ladylike and bright yellow. Score. Mixed-media jackets are still on the style agenda, too so I'd wear Hugo Boss' fur coat with leather sleeves to keep warm in the outrageous queue for Burberry.
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Essential electronics
Next on my hit list is my technology family - without which tweeting, blogging and generally staying sane would be impossible. My iPad never leaves my side, sheathed in a black Stella McCartney Falabella case, but I also carry my BlackBerry Bold, Nokia Lumia (yes, I am one of those self-satisfied people with two smartphones), and my Fujifilm X10 camera. And before you ask, yes, I NEED all of these.

Take note
So I suppose actually - you know - making notes on the collections is just as important as the fashion show going on outside. Despite my clutter of gadgets, I'm quite old school in some ways and love putting pen to paper. Ultra-chic notebooks like Moleskin's understated black leather ones are my favourite. But if I'm feeling a little more flashy, Smythson or Hermes have some of the best around, too. And you can't beat buying new Muji pens to scribble in them/ make your next-season shopping list with!
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Haute heels
Now, I'm not really one for practicality when it comes to footwear. I might declare a warm coat essential, but I love to wear mine with ridiculous open-toe shoes which render the coat's warming capabilities useless. So sue me. And did someone say cobblestones? The precarious setting of Somerset House is no match for me! These black and gold Vouelle sandals tap into the season's metallic footwear trend, as do these KG bad boys. Both are impossible to walk in, obviously.
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Take shade
After relentless 6am alarm calls and numerous champagne binges, sunglasses are a welcome accoutrement to any fashion week armery. Pastels are key for spring so Emporio Armani's dusty pink sunnies will perform the dual role of hiding my eye bags and being on trend at the same time. Christian Dior's Diorette style are guaranteed game-changers, too - slightly cat-eye shaped with quirky gold detailing, they fit perfectly into summer's 50s Americana vibe.
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Get a glow
Lastly, fashion week has a nasty tendency to make me look like a walking cadaver. NARS' The Multiple Bronzer stick makes me look human again. Hurrah!
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