At last we are having bright sunny days but the temperature in the early morning is now decidedly chilly. It is time to put away your summer wardrobe and look out your winter clothes.

Over the summer I have lived in layers and it seems the layered look is carrying on into winter with tunic style woollen tops everywhere. I remember when they were popular in the late seventies and looking back at photos of myself I now realise they made me look 2 sizes bigger. Wearing heavy bulky woollen garments will make you look heavier so unless you are stick thin or want to look like Nanook of the North I would opt for lightweight knits especially cashmere.

The coat has made a bit of a comeback this season. I have been wearing my red trench coat which is the first coat I have bought in years and I must say I had forgotten how good it feels wearing a coat. Even with my jeans it feels and looks good.

My favourite coat out there at the moment is a mustard tie belt from Jaeger it really does look superb but at a hefty £450 I will just have to drool over it. www.jaeger.co.uk

The tie belt coat has to be the perfect coat as it flatters every shape. If you want to appear slimmer stay away from double breasted coats and jackets which will make you look wider. If you are short or big busted opt for single breasted coats and jackets which will make you look taller and slimmer.

I am really impressed with the coats in the Country Casuals collection or CC as they are now called. The quality is superb and they come in pale blue, cyclamen, blackcurrant and terracotta. At £180 they are a more realistic price and if you buy this months Prima magazine you will find a 20% voucher for CC inside. www.ccfashion.co.uk

Trapeze Leg

This is a new one on me, I have heard of wide leg, boot leg, slim leg and even cigarette leg but trapeze leg, never. I had to try these trousers on. They seemed a cross between a boot leg and a wide leg.

Anyone who remembers the seventies will have worn flares, trousers that flare out from just above the knee. Well they appear to have been renamed trapeze leg. If you have chunky thighs I would give them a try as they are not so fitted as boot leg. You can find these trousers in Principles at £39. www.principles.co.uk 

Face Sprays

I was wandering round the make up counters in House of Fraser and was beginning to wilt as they seemed to have the heating up really high. The assistant at the Cinique counter offerred to spray my face with Moisture Surge face spray. It moisturises and refreshes your skin, it felt wonderful. The only reason I didn't buy it was it was far too big to carry round in my handbag. Liz Earle does an Instant Boost skin tonic spray that is 30ml but I had left mine in the car. Central heating can make your skin feel dehydrated so a face spray is a great pick me up and you can even spray over your make-up without it running. www.lizearle.com

News

Twiggy still looking fantastic at 59 has written a book, 'A Guide to Looking and Feeling Fabulous over Forty. This co-incides with her new fashion show starting on BBC 2 at 8pm on the 7th October called Twiggy's Frock Exchange.

Grey is everywhere from pale grey to charcoal. It is a colour that suits most women and less harsh than black. Betty Barclay at the House of Fraser has teamed it with mustard which looks fabulous while at Hobbs they have put it with red. It really is a versitile colour as it goes with so many other colours, so instead of buying another pair of black trousers try charcoal grey for a change.

When times get hard it seems listick sales go up. While we may not be spending money on new furniture or a holiday the sale of cosmetics continues to grow.

According to a survey the average woman spends £11.53 per week on cosmetics including hair care and 75% said they regarded cosmetics as every day essentials. Personally I go nowhere without blusher and some lipstick on. I beleive make-up is a great pick me up and can transform you from looking pale and washed out to radiating good heath.

Now is a good time to check what is in your make-up bag. The foundation or tinted moisturiser that you wore in the summer will be too dark for your skin now. Try adding some moisturiser to your foundation to lighten it or treat your self to a new one.

When choosing a new foundation always check what it looks like on in daylight. I always ask for a sample so I can try it at home. I even carry a small empty pot in my handbag in case the make-up counter does not have any. With most foundations costing over £10 and many over £20 you do not want to make a mistake.

To test the colour you must try some along your jaw line, not on the back of your hand or your wrist as neither are the same colour as your face.

Quote of the month

'Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels'
Anonymous

I love the changing colours of the trees at this time of month. Make time to go and have a walk in the country and enjoy the glorious scenery.

Lilian

Last Updated: December 04, 2008