Winter is in full swing.

The trees are bare; the days are getting shorter (seriously, they're gone in a blink of an eye) and way colder - which means it's time to break out all the cold weather clothing. Which, thanks to the unpredictability of Irish weather, includes sensible footwear. You've got to be prepare at all times, after all. And we reckon we have found the pair that of ankle boots that you're going to be seeing a lot of this season. River Island's chunky lace up hiking boots come in two different colours - a light beige and black - and, because of the retailer's Christmas sale, they have been reduced from €65 down to €40. They're the kind of boots that we know we would get so much wear out of - after all, they would go with everything in our wardrobes. Plus, they would be really handy for around this time of year. Another piece that has caught our eye in the retailer's pre-Christmas sale is this €25 dress, which has gone to the very top of our Christmas party wish list. The Red Boucle A-Line Pinafore Dress normally costs €43, but - as part of the retailer's pre-Christmas sales - has been reduced to €25. It's one of those pieces that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion - so we know we would get so much wear out of it, especially. with Christmas party season in full swing.