I should never have mentioned in my last newsletter that I was getting the wear out of my summer clothes. What a difference a month makes. The most used item in my wardrobe has been my umbrella. Planning what to wear has become a military operation as one minute it is brilliant sunshine and really warm then the next a downpour. The best solution is to wear layers that you can take off and put on depending on the weather.

The great British cardigan

The cardigan came about because the 7th Earl of Cardigan who famously led the Charge of the Light Brigade wanted a woollen jersey that he could put on without messing up his hair.

I am with him on that one. I love wearing a jumper in the winter but in the summer cardigans are easier to take off and put on when the temperature goes up and down.

The green cardi is from www.woolovers.com and comes in 8 colours including cerise, pale blue, dark turquoise, black and brown. It is a cahmere and merino wool mix with a velvet trim and satin buttons. Cost £35.

Long cardigans are a good standby in your wardrobe. They are very flattering as they tend to have some shape and cover your hips. The taupe
cardi on the left costs £48 and is from www.esprit.co.uk.

The lilac cardi on the right is also
from Esprit at the same price £48. It also comes in light grey and medium beige.

Singing in the rain

How to look good yet stay dry is a bit of a dilema. There is always a cagoule but although practical you are never going to feel smart in one. When out walking yes and with jeans and walking boots they are ideal.

A better option is a short mac. They are lightweight yet keep you dry, they are a godsend when the weather is unpredictable.

The jacket on the left is from Hobbs but can be bought at John Lewis for £119.

The pistachio mac on the right is also from John Lewis www.johnlewis.com for £149.

Delivery is free of charge or you can have it delivered to a store near you.

Spotlight on Cambridge

I thought I would share with you a lovely day out I had in Cambridge recently. I knew it was a university town with historical buildings but until I visited for the first time a couple of weeks ago I did not realise what a cosmopolitan city it is.

I was so impressed with everything I saw I came home wanting to move there. I have to add the sun was out and it was a beautiful summer's day but I found my shopping experience there just wonderful.

First there are no empty shops nor did I see more than one charity shop in the main thoroughfare. There seemed to be lots of individual shops amongst the usual high street names. It was so refreshing to go to a high street and see something new.

I had forgotten how much fun shopping can be when the shops are different to what you are used to. Now a days too many high streets appear the same, no matter where you are in the country. I actually spent very little money but the whole experience just gave me a boost.

When I got tired there were plenty of cafe's to sit at and watch the world go by and the buskers playing in the street. The most unusual being someone playing a guitar from inside a litter bin and the most upmarket being someone singing opera outside L. K. Bennet.

Once the shops closed there were still lots of people strolling around taking in the beauty of the place and watching the punts on the river.

If you have a favourite city or town you like to visit please let me know so that I can share it with others?

New skincare range

Natural Empathy is a new anti-ageing skincare range made in the UK. They have created a range of pure and natural skin and hair products that do not contain any synthetic preservatives or fragrances.

The hand and body lotion on the left is a non greasy formula that leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated. It is the company's
best selling product and costs £14. You can buy it from www.naturalempathy.com

The cleanser is made from organic essential oils and vitamin E. Suitable for all skin types it helps the skin get rid of any impurities. Cost £12.50.

The company is giving away a free bamboo face
cloth worth £5 with every purchase.

Website of the month

www.mistral-online.com If you are about to go on holiday and need a few more tops then check out this website.
This natural cotton top with contrasting stitching and button trim was originally £36.99 but is now reduced to £24.04

It also comes aqua.

This longer length tunic is from the same company. Also in natural cotton it also comes in azure blue. Originally £29.99 it is now £19.49.

What I am loving this month

I like to save my Boots points and treat myself to a really nice lipstick. My latest buy is Estee Lauder's Double Wear lipstick which comes in 12 colours and costs £16. For a lipstick that has staying power it is remarkably moist.

To help lipstick last longer I would always advise that you wear a lipliner underneath.

Estee Lauder do a retractable lipliner for £15 that does not need to be sharpend. When it is finished you can buy a refill for £7 which I think is a great idea.

In the news

It seems the most popular nail varnish colour this summer is coral. It looks great with a suntan and I for one love wearing nail varnish on my toes during the summer whatever the weather.

This nail varnish is called Drury Lane from www.nailsinc.com but you will find that most cosmetic brands do one similar. I personally like Revlon for being hard wearing and value for money.

Spare a thought for a group of women in Sudan. They were arrested and have been accused of dressing indecently as they were wearing trousers in a restaurant. The maximum penalty is 40 lashes. Some have already admitted their guilt and have received 10 lashes.

I can remember when I first started working in the 70's my boss telling me that I could not wear trousers to work. It was just not acceptable and there was no arguing the point. But for us times have moved on and now we take it for granted that we have freedom of choice. Yet in some parts of the world women still have very little freedom. We really should count our blessings.

Film of the month - Coco before Chanel

For nearly a century Chanel has stood for elegance and style. The film tells the story of Coco Chanel and how she rose from humble beginnings in a poorhouse and living in an orphange run by nuns to found one of the world's most prestigious fashion houses.

The film has had mixed reviews but I love a rag to riches story so shall be going to see it.

Quote of the month

'A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my
memory fails.' Pioneer Girls Leader's Handbook

Hope the sun shines on you.

Lilian

Last Updated: January 15, 2010