It’s official. This is the coldest winter EVER! Never before have I suffered such chilling shivers. The longing for sun is made worse by being on the wrong side of the equator and seeing Eva Longaria sunning herself in Saint Tropez - and Nicole Ritchie sauntering around in a strapless maxi dress and thongs. Worse yet, is seeing the beautiful Nick Lachey and girlfriend enjoying hot sun on their perfect backs really is too much to bare.

So since there are two months of icy mornings ahead, I’m determined to shake the shivers away. I’m going to let the sun shine and dress up.

I’ll admit it is hard to think about much more than getting warm as you dress first thing in the morning, hands so cold you can barely button up a shirt. However, I am determined to break my reliance on leggings, long jumper and ballet flats now and move on. All leggings are now relegated to the “in-front-of-the-TV-eating-chocolate-on-the-couch” cupboard.

First step to reinvigorate the wardrobe – sparkle.

Remember the SATC days when we were all too busy wearing sequined mini skirts to notice the cold? Maybe a bit of razzle-dazzle would help me ward off the chill. You can always rely on the Dazzling Diabolical Two, George Gross & Harry Who to pump up the volume. I picked up their beaded cream and silver belt to wear low over jeans and high over a lil’ black dress. You could also try the French Connection sequin shift that we all went mad for back in April. Its still doing the rounds in store and still utterly fabulous.

Second step to reinvigorate the wardrobe – vintage.

Thrusting my bone shatteringly cold hands into my coat pockets I wandered into my local vintage store last week and picked up a great 1950’s frock to wear over patterned Leona Edmiston tights and heels rather than succumbing one more time to the oversized jumper and stockings combo I was well and truly over.

(Try www.melvinanddoyle.com for great online vintage finds)

Third step to reinvigorate the wardrobe – colour.

A good way to welcome summer early is to wear a winter version of a warm weather classic. The gorgeous World label has done a line of long sleeved polo shirts in juicy colours ranging from royal blue through to purple. Complete with ruffle cuffs they are especially cute when layered under the lime green or pink pinafore with wooden buttons. (Available from Glenmore Road Paddington or by phoning 02 9368 0442).

Chain stores Witchery and Country Road are both battling it out to have their spring summer ranges in-store first with lots of colour and canvas to beat the winter blues. The CR canvas and leather tote is a nice way to move into a warmer climate and the Witchery cotton drill skirt will suit leather boots until the chill factor is a zero and its time for a pair of leather flats to take their place at the end of the bed.

Failing the will to dress warmer and the economical state to chase the sun Euro style, maybe its time to book yourself that Jetstar Saver flight and hit the Sunshine Coast for the weekend!

Where do I get it? Get your brights (top left) from the current winter collection at worldbrand.co.nz. Get the bling belt (and ensemble top right) from HarryWho.com.au 2007 Winter collection. Find the cobalt blue cardi at witchery.com.au and while you’re there pick up a pair of rose coloured sunglasses. Oh! the fabulous vintage dress is from melvinanddoyle.com