A quick and inexpensive way to update your summer look is to go for skirts and trousers which will not date as quickly as a summer dress. You can change your look by buying a few new tops each year and perhaps invest in a new bag, a pair of sandals or some costume jewellery to add more interest. The plainest of outfits can look stunning with the right accessories. It can be as simple as changing the colour of the belt or wearing a striking necklace.
Sale time
My father used to say 'A bargain is not a bargain if you don't wear it'. This was to my mother who could not pass a clothes shop without going in and more often than not if there was a sale on would make a purchase.
We all love a bargain but it is only a bargain if you get a lot of wear out of it. All too often we impulse buy when it comes to Sales. We see how much money we are saving compared to the original price and out comes the credit card.
July is the month for summer sales and to make the most out of sale shopping always ask yourself if it will go with at least 2 items in your wardrobe. If in doubt go and have a cup of coffee and have a think.
Always check when buying what the return policy is as many stores only allow 14 days to return items bought in the sale.
For other tips on how to make the most of your wardrobe check out my eBook at www.whatcaniwear.com
One company whose sale has already started is Hobbs. You pay for quality so during the sale is a good time to buy. They have a huge range of trousers reduced but I especially liked the dress on the right reduced from £139 to £110.
If you wear a jacket or a suit to work have a look at the Hobbs website it has a really good selection to choose from. www.hobbs.co.uk
Another website where the sale is on is
www.accessoriesonline.co.uk It has a fairly extensive range of Lola Rose jewellery which is reduced at the moment. The blue heart necklace in Blue Howlite was £74.95 but has been reduced to £52.47.
The Pink Jade necklace on the right is another necklace in the range that was £79.95 but is now £39.98.
Nicola Gewirtz who founded Lola Rose has a philosophy of affordable luxury.
She wants to create designs to make women feel wonderful, bringing colour, glamour and a smile with every purchase.
Hair colour
I was at an event recently where the co host had the most
fabulous shade of white hair. It was shoulder length and looked stunning but she spoiled the look with wearing black from head to toe. While her hair looked fabulous she just looked washed out, the black was just too overpowering for her.
As you age your hair colour changes which means the colours that once suited you can now totally overwhelm your appearance. I myself am going through a transition. I found my first grey hair at 28 and hastily pulled it out and managed to get by for a few years before resorting to hair dye. I started with dark brown then moved on to medium brown and am now using light brown.
It is a dilemma that we all face sooner or later. Whether to go grey gracefully or to keep on using colour.
Having a lighter hair colour means that for me the darker shades that used to look so good no longer do so. Worn next to my face dark colours just overpower my appearance. The only way to wear say dark brown is to have a lower neckline or to soften the look with a scarf or a necklace.
Check out www.goinggraylookinggreat.com for some great inspiration. It is an American site hence the spelling but shows how you can be grey and still look fabulous.
Keeping cool
While mixing and matching separates gives you more outfits to wear, when it gets really hot wearing a dress will keep you cooler than a skirt and top and feels less restricting than trousers. There is something very cooling about a dress that floats around your body. Marks & Spencer has quite an extensive range of dresses this year. The turquoise blue linen dress on the left comes with a necklace and is £49.50.
The vertical pin tucks are very flattering and give the illusion of being slimmer.
It also comes in black.
The floral dress on the right is also from M & S and costs £39.50. www.marksandspencer.com
Website of the month
www.lavera.co.uk Did your deodorant keep you fresh and dry during the heatwave?
When the humidity is high and the temperature soars you need a deodorant that you can rely on. The Lavera deodorant got 10 out of 10 in a recent poll of natural deodorants with no chemical ingredients.
It comes in 4 different perfumes either as a role on or a spray at £6.75.
The company do a range of natural products including skincare and sun protection. They even do a self tanning lotion.
Established over 20 years ago by Thomas Haase who had suffered with skin problems as a child, they use raw plant materials as much as possible from certified organic agriculture. The products are 100% free from synthetic perfumes, colourants and preservatives.
What I am loving this month
When the temperature rises your really don't want to slap on foundation which is when a bronzer comes into its own. I have been using Korres Bronzing Powder which is a velvety-smooth, tinted powder that lifts and warms up your skin tone with a gentle hint of colour. The powder is organic and contains Monoi Oil (derived from coconut) and Vitamin E and costs £13.
The best way to apply bronzer is with a kabuki brush which is bigger than a normal blusher brush. Swirl the brush over the bronzer then tap the excess off in the lid, this is important otherwise you will be far too heavy handed and look unnatural. You can find Korres at larger department stores or www.cultbeauty.co.uk
In the news
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that a good gossip keeps you healthy. It bosts your levels of progesterone which reduces anxiety and stress.
The research also found that people who are in close relationships are happier, healthier and live longer than those who are not.
So if it has been a few weeks since you spoke to some of your friends, pick up the phone and give them a call.
Book of the month
Ways to eat, Ways to cheat. What to wear, What to ditch.
Discover the secrets that really will make a difference to the way you look and feel about yourself.
Written by fashion journalist and style guru Mimi Spencer she will help you release your thinner self without all the depressing self-denial, guilty weigh-ins and faddy food plans of conventional diets.
She will show you how to make the most of what you've got, and see that the woman you are now is just as fabulous as the woman you want to be. Price £8.31 from
www.amazon.co.uk
Quote of the month
'I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond.' Mae West
I have been asked to help out at a charity swishing event in September. I have heard about them but never been to one. If you have been to such an evening and have any tips or suggestions for me I would love to hear from you. Please
e-mail me at lilian@whatcaniwear.com
Have a great month.
Lilian
Last Updated: January 14, 2010