Stylista little sister: Bershka

You learn something new every day: when I recently visited a friend in London I had a lot of time by myself during the day to explore the city and take in the sights (and by sights I mean Brick Lane, Camden Market, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street - don't judge). Now although I don't brand myself as a budget fashion aficionado just yet, I thought I had most of my go-to retailers nailed! How wrong I was.

Enter Bershka: imagine if Zara had a little student sister who liked to spend her day giggling with friends in independently owned cafés but revealed a wild streak at night and you'll get an idea of the kind of pieces Bershka have to offer the fashion conscious and frugal.

Though not quite as keen on bright and eye-catching colours as some of her relatives in the Inditex Group (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear) there are certain items from Bershka's AW'12 collection that would most definitely invite the question: "Excuse me, I LOVE your ________, where can I get my hands on it?!" Whether you let them in on the style secret or not is up to you (if they have that instantly recognisable look of fashion lust in their eyes have some compassion and throw 'em a bone guys) but you should nevertheless show this lesser known budget brand a lot of love. Here are my favourites for the new season:

Fringe detail belt - £7.99

Left to right: Bershka Various Prints Skirt - £9.99; Etro AW'12

This symmetrical print skirt is a bargain and a brilliantly cheap way to capture one of the most eclectic trends of the season. Although it's a very busy pattern go the Etro way and try a casually clashing print to level up the impact of your outfit.

Skulls necklace - £7.99

Stud detail earrings - £5.99

Chain necklace - £9.99

BSK Combined Wedges - £39.99 

Left to right: Bershka Stud Detail Sleeveless Shirt - £19.99; 3.1 Philip Lim AW'12 

Washed out has never looked so good: the stud detail on Bershka's sleeveless denim shirt gives it a little edge but for even more tomboyish charm get a black skinny belt involved like 3.1 Philip Lim.

Skull print clutch - £14.99

Ballerinas with crossed studded straps - £25.99

Wedges with ankle straps - £59.99

Left to right: Bershka Zipper Back Top - £19.99; McQ by Alexander McQueen AW'12

Sophisticated, sultry and a little bit cheeky, both the colour and the style of this sheer Bershka zipper back top emulate the popular red wine shades that litter so many AW'12 collections including McQ by Alexander McQueen. Like McQ, jazz up this subtler trend with big hair and powerful accessories if you want centre stage.

a two-trend bargain!

This Summer's style era: the Seventies.
This Summer's most adorable pattern: polka dots.

Sometimes the most simple pairings can produce the best results: I have just become the excited owner of a pair of these amazing navy with white polka-dot palazzo pants by Florence & Fred at Tesco for £16!

F&F Spot Print Palazzo Trousers only £16 from Tesco!

Please believe me when I say that palazzo pants work for almost everyone:

• they lengthen the leg
• they can create volume and shape for straight up and down figures
• or they can slim down a larger leg (yay for me!!)
• plus the high-waisted, flat-front is great for people who aren't big on tummy-showing!

These super adorable palazzo pants combine the Seventies sensation, the palazzo pant with the cute polka-dot which is a favourite for Spring/Summer with fashion houses like MaxMara and Moschino. I'll be wearing them with a simple silk blouse, blocky suede platforms and lots of costume jewellery for an updated, eccentric look.

MaxMara RTW SS11

Moschino RTW SS11

As well as looking great and being cheap, the F&F Palazzo Pants will also earn you valuable Clubcard points!! So go grab yourself a super-flattering, bang-on-trend bargain right....... now!