I love trousers and jeans and most of the year that is what I wear but come the summer with the aid of some fake tan I love bearing my legs and donning a skirt, but not this summer. My skirts have hung unworn in my wardrobe waiting for a warm sunny day. I did manage to wear my long shorts a few times but it has been the year of wearing layers as one minute it was too cold the next too warm.

On the bright side it means there have been a lot of bagains in the sales as retailers have struggled to sell their summer stock.

Now that autumn is on the horizon I recommend a water repellent raincoat or jacket. I never thought I'd say this but one of the best places to look for rainwear this season is at Marks and Spencer. You will be spoiled for choice. They have a variety of water repellent coats and jackets in a variety of colours and styles as well as parkas for a more casual look. I particularly like the red water repellent raincoat in Per Una at £69.50 and the Limited Edition jacket above at £69.00 but there are jackets from £39.50 in purple, black, navy and taupe. Have a look at their website which seems to have had a facelift. You can watch a video of some products so you can see how the garment hangs and can leave comments which is useful for those wanting to buy.
www.marksandspencer.com

Standing Tall

Pilates

It is not just what you wear but how you wear it that will make you look good. With the autumn timetables now out for night classes think about taking up Pilates.

Pilates is an exercise method, designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance.
It not only improves your posture it also makes you look and feel better. I have been going to a class for 4 months and find that I stand much better and am more aware of my body and the way I hold myself. It is also 1 hour every week when all my cares just disappear as I concentrate on what the instructor is asking me to do.

Take time out

Another way to feel calm and chilled out is to listen to the ‘just ten minutes’ cd from www.alittlebitofmetime.com It only lasts for 10 minutes but it leaves you feeling very relaxed, a calorie free way to unwind. Bliss.

News

Please visit the new page on my website called 'Special Offers'. Each month I will highlight any offers in skin care, make-up and fashion.

This week Debenhams has 20% off everything in the store from the 10th - 13th September. So a good time to stock up on your winter wardrobe.

I have my eye on a coral sleeveless jumper in Oasis.

Did you know that if you don't get enough sleep you are more likely to put on weight. Professor Gaby Badre a consultant in sleep medicine says that when we sleep hormones take the energy from food and turn it into muscle. If you sleep less some of this energy is changed into fat and you are more likely to have sugar cravings during the day.

Still on sleep, if you use a silk pillowcase it can help keep you face and hair smooth. Silk has the same ph as skin so helps maintain the skins moisture level.

If you tend to toss and turn and wake up with what hairdressers call 'bed head' then a silk pillow will help as it allows the hair to glide across the pillow. Check out www.silkskin.co.uk .

Quote of the month

'The difference between style and fashion is quality.'
Giorgio Armani

Fingers crossed for an Indian summer.

Lilian

Last Updated: December 04, 2008