Bluebell time. I look forward to it every year. I am lucky to live near two bluebell woods and I try and go for a walk a few times a week so I can soak up their beauty. As soon as I see the blue in the distance my spirits rise. Colour has that effect on us, it can lift our mood or drag us down.

When it comes to wearing colour it is all too easy so think I adore yellow so you buy a yellow top. But beware just because it is your favourite colour does not mean it will suit you. I always buy a blue car yet most shades of blue do absolutely nothing for me. The only blue I can get away with wearing is turquoise and navy.

Not sure which colours suit you? My eBook has all the answers see it at www.whatcaniwear.com

If when you open your wardrobe every morning you groan in despair and struggle to find anything to wear perhaps you could do with a helping hand. You will learn how to become your own image coach. Knowing you look good and are showing off your body to its full potential will boost your confidence no end. Discover how to become the best you and make the most of the body you have. It's the here and now that matters, that woman in the mirror deserves the very best.

How to wear white

White is a colour that never goes out of fashion and every summer there are plenty of tops and tee shirts to be found. Wandering round a department store the other day I saw the most fantastic white swimming costume with lots of ruching which is very forgiving if you have a bit of a tummy. But I knew it was not for me a) because white usually becomes see through when wet and b) I only suit soft white not brilliant white.

White like black can be a very unforgiving colour to wear if you get it wrong. The magazines say you can never go wrong with a white shirt in your wardrobe but it has to be a shade of white that suits you. Ruffles are everywhere this summer this white linen top is from John Lewis and is £45. In pure white it suits those with a pink tone to their face.

If you have a cool skintone and dark hair then pure white is fine but if you are cool with lighter coloured hair then unless you have a suntan pure white can sometimes overpower you. A softer white will look better.

Those will olive or warm skin look better in winter white or cream and everyone will look heaps better with blusher and lipstick or coloured gloss when wearing white. This cream blouse is from John Lewis and is £39.

Waterproof eyeshadow

For those of you who love Touche Eclait look out later this month for the launch of the YSL new waterproof eyeshadow that is in brush form.

There are going to be around six colours but even the consultant I spoke to did not know what they were.

If we have the hot summer the weather men are predicting then an eye shadow that stays on come what may could be just what you need. Around £19 from most department stores.

I always wear eyeshadow usually in some shade of mossy green as I have hazel eyes and the green just makes them look better. To make your eyes stand out wear colours that compliment your eye colour and not the same colour otherwise your eyes will just appear smaller.

Keeping fit

Last month I mentioned keeping your legs in trim with fitflops.
This month I have been looking at MBT's which also help with posture and back problems.

When they first came out there was very little choice of style and quite frankly they looked a bit strange. Well how things have changed. They are now looking more fashionable so you can look good while keeping fit.

They have now made some styles that look more like shoes so that you can wear them to work
but I have to say I love the trainers on the left. Both trainers and shoes are £155 but for those of you who have back problems worth every penny.

The only downside is that there are very few outlets selling them. Harrods is one and MBT Midlands based in Coventry. Their website is www.mbtmidlands.co.uk

Website of the month

 www.ladieswholunchjewellery.com The name got me interested, the website was created by two sisters and a friend who started making jewellery for friends. The name came about as they were having lunch when they thought of the business.

Anyone who knows me know I love costume jewellery, I even make my own but having looked at this website I am spoilt for choice. The jewellery is all hand made and in a variety of designs from chunky, quirky to semi-precious and vintage. The one on the right is £14.50 and comes in other colours.


The one on the left is £22 and the
gold heart on the right is £16.

If you cannot find what you are looking for on the website you can call them and they will make to order.

The only problem I found was that the shop was slow to load so be patient it is worth the wait.

What I am loving this month

While out shopping for a birthday card I came across the Potions range in a gift shop. Made by aromatherapist Julie Foster this body wash is heavenly.

All her range have beautiful labels like Gorgeous Baby which I bought or, to a Special Friend or to My Mummy plus lots more. She has quite a good range of products that are all reasonably priced. The shower gel is £8.99, not only do her products smell wonderful they look pretty as well.

In The News

Sales of hair dye have shot up since the beginning of the recession as women are having a go at colouring their hair themselves.

Tesco said that sales of hair dye increased 20% while sales of their 99p permanent hair colour increased 200%.
The most popular shades are brown but take a look at Scarlett Johansson's new red look.

I leave it to you to decide which hair colour suits her best.

The Bra that Blocked a Bullet

A woman was saved by her underwired bra similar to the one in the photo after it deflected a bullet.

The 57 year old from Detroit was shot after she spotted three men trying to break into her neighbours house. The bullet smashed through a window and hit her in the chest but the underwired bra slowed it down so it did not penetrate her skin.

This bra is from www.2ndskinlingerie.co.uk and costs £19. When you get to the checkout if you put in 2110 as the promotional code you will get 10% off your order.

Book of the month

Ageing is part of our life but some women do it so much better than others.

Fashion and lfestyle journalist Helena Frith Powell didn't want to surrender to wrinkles, grey hair and an expanding waistline just yet so went in search of all the anti-ageing treatments out there in the hope of looking younger for as long as possible.

Written very much tongue and cheek the book is the story of her quest for the miracle treatment to turn back the clock or at least slow it down. Price £5.99 from www.amazon.co.uk

Quote of the month

'The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count out blessings'
Eric Hotter

It is all too easy when life gets in the way to remember all the good things in your life. I came across this poem which made me smile. Enjoy.

Lilian

I am thankful
For a lawn that need mowing
Windows that need cleaning,
And gutters that need fixing
Because it means I have a home ----


I am thankful for the piles of
Laundry and ironing because
It means my loved ones are nearby.

Last Updated: January 14, 2010