Issue 5 - Sequins, Lip Plumping and Amethyst Eyes

ORANGES AND LEMONS . . . . trends
Now the days are shorter we could all do with cheering up. Inject some Sunshine into your wardrobe by buying a coat in a zesty colour. Primark have a great jacket in Bright yellow or Green for just £12. To make it work stick to bold block colours, in thick fabrics. Avoid patterns as they don't have the same impact and if you can't carry off quite so much colour, try a brightly coloured scarf instead.


CHANGING ROOMS . . . . shopping
Only buy clothes that make you feel good when you wear them and are comfortable. When you try on clothes in a changing room there are 3 tests you can do. 1 - Bend over, 2 - Sit down, 3 - Raise arms above head. Clothes will look and feel completely different when you have moved about in them. If you constantly have to pull your trousers up, or your top down then the garment doesn't fit.

CONTACTS . . . . beauty
If you wear contact lenses and fancy a bit of an image change, consider trying coloured lenses. A subtle colour change will make people notice a
difference that they can't put their finger on. Specsavers sell pairs of monthly lenses for just £13, although you will need an additional coloured lens appointment. My favourites are Amethyst and True Sapphire in the ColourBlends range.

VEGETABLE / SHOE RACK . . . . home
It sounds a little odd, but one of the best warddrobe storage solutions i have at home is a 3 tier metal vegetable rack which I bought from ASDA for £5.00. I don't put my veg in it, I store my shoes in it and it sits neatly inside my wardrobe. Don't be afraid to use objects for purposes they were not designed for.

WEIGHT TRAINING . . . . fitness
If you are trying to tone up its a good idea to work with weights. Many women think that they should only use very light weights to avoid getting bulky but women really don't bulk up like men do. Use a slightly heavier weight than you would usually but work in front of a mirror so you can check your technique. Do each exercise slowly and ask you instructor to show you if you are new to it. If you want ideas on exercises check out Shape online where you can search for exercises by the area of the body you want to target.

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

www.whatkatiedid.com
1940s and 50s authentic underwear, swimwear, corsets and accessories including the odd nipple tassle. If you aren't quite brave enough to compete with Dita Von Teese then opt for the cool calendar instead.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Too Faced Lip Injection - around £10
This is Hollwoods so called favourite lip plumper and it really does do the job. You don't get much product for your money, but a little goes a long way. Be careful not to get lip plumpers on your face as they do cause redness and irritation. You can buy Too faced products at Debenhams and Boots or visit the brand's website for more info.

MOST WANTED

Fancy Dress - £130 - French Connection
I have seen alot of sequinned shift dresses in the shops at the moment but this is by far my favourite. The colour is great and it remains classy rather than brash. The only problem is that it is dryclean only and not that practical as you are bound to rip off a few of the sequin discs. www.fcukbuymail.com

Issue 4 - Flirty Forties, Russian Belts and VPL

HINTS, TIPS, TRICKS AND TRENDS

FLIRTY FORTIES. . . . trend
This is one of the prettiest and easiest trends to follow this season and suitable for work too. Try knee length dresses and pencil skirts, frilly fronted blouses, tweed trousers and wavy hair. Red lipstick is back too, but only go for it if you know it suits you. Heels are a must and you can keep warm with a fake fur collar or scarf and ladylike gloves.

JEWELLERY ON A BUDGET . . . . accessories
One thing that can transform an outfit is jewellery. You can pick items up so cheap its a crime not to have a collection. Try Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Primark, New Look and Peacocks for inexpensive fashion jewellery. Get there at sale time and you can pick up something for as little as 50p! Alternatively visit charity shops. They are especially good for beads and I have been known to find them for 10p - 50p.

BABY WIPES . . . . beauty
I love the face cleansing wipes that are available from most beauty brands. Baby wipes however are much cheaper. Around £1 for 80 compared to £3 for 40. They tend to be slightly drier so if you are prone to dry skin use alongside a cream cleanser. It works out cheaper than using cotton wool!! These wipes also tend to be good for sensitive skin as they are designed for delicate little babies.


DREADED VPL . . . . clothes
VPL has long been a fashion nightmare. You should always follow these 2 simple rules. Don't wear underwear that is darker than the clothes worn over them. Black thongs under white trousers are never cool. Secondly, never wear underwear that is too tight. Not only is it uncomfortable, it will ruin the smooth lines of your silhouette and create bulges where you don't want them. Don't be afraid to go up a size, you can just cut out the label and no one will ever know.

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

http://www.schuhstore.co.uk
Schuh has an amazing range of shoes in all types and styles. I definitely recommend checking out the Irregular Choice range for something a little bit different. There is currently a sale on too and the website will sort the 'new in' and 'best seller' items if you need some inspiration.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Beverly Hills Formula toothpaste
I have tried many whitening toothpastes, but this one offers really good value for money. It is pleasant tasting, and does a good job in keeping my teeth healthy and my smile white. Of course this is not going to bleach your teeth, but it is a good at helping prevent stains for under £4.00

MOST WANTED

Russian Metal Waist Belt - £15.00
I love this belt from Miss Selfridge. It is ideal for jazzing up little black dresses during the forthcoming party season. I personally think it looks alot more expensive than its modest £15 price tag. http://www.missselfridge.co.uk/

Q & A SECTION

Post a question in a comment and I will do my very best to help!!

Issue 3 - Shimmer, Pashminas and Parisian Chic

HINTS, TIPS, TRICKS AND TRENDS

PARISIAN CHIC . . . . trend
The base of this look is black but injections of colour such as red, bright green or blue work well. Try thick tights with mini or knee length skirts and long scarves. To finish the look try a beret. My favourite is a black sequin detailed beret from River Island, costing £12.00.


'OUT WITH THE OLD' . . . . clothes
Just because it was purchased 3 years ago, doesn't mean it is unwearable now. Some trends come and go, some do roundabouts but some will never die and many of your wardrobe staples will not have dated. What you do need to throw out are any items with holes or bobbles and items which are discoloured, faded or mishapen. This is more important than how long ago it was purchased.


PASHMINAS . . . . accessories
I always keep a black pashmina, and a few in various colours. They brighten up any outfit and are versatile too. Pin a brooch and drape around the shoulders for an evening cover up. Or liven up a dark winter outfit by using one as an alternative to a normal scarf. My favourite way to wear is to fold the scarf lengthwise, wrap around the neck and pull the ends through the loop. Instant style (and warmth). You don't need to spend a fortune, and it doesn't have to be real 'Pashmina' material, although you are lucky if you can afford it.



SHIMMER . . . . beauty
Add some shimmering eyeshadow to your favourite body lotion for instant radiance. Subtle glistening highlights look especially nice on the chest, shoulders and collar bones. If you want to add shimmer to your make up, try and keep to smooth areas only. If you are a little wrinkly around the eyes, then keep the shimmer on the cheeks and just under the brows and you should be fine.


CHEAP ART . . . . home
Make a wooden frame and cover with some interesting wallpaper or fabric. Alternatively, use the left over paint from your walls and use a blank canvas and some masking tape to make a geometric pattern. Paint a few squares then add more white to the colour. Do this each time until the canvas is full. Then remove the masking tape for some modern art which perfectly matches your decor

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

www.espacio.co.uk
Beautiful furniture and home accessories to buy online. They have a really great selection of modern sofas and great gift ideas for the kitchen. There is a 15% discount until November 5th too.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Avon Footworks Sole Support
This really does soften and smooth the soles of your feet. It has a gorgeous smell, it reminds me of hot cross buns. This is on offer at the moment at www.avonshop.co.uk for just £2.70 from £4.50. Grab a bargain!

MOST WANTED

Leather Crop Biker Jacket - £150.00
I can't help but fall in love with this jacket from the Kate Moss range at TopShop. It is a style statement but you need to be petite to carry it off in my opinion. Visit www.topshop.com if you love it too!

Don't forget...

Q&A SECTION

Post a question and I will do my best to help!

Issue 2 - Sugar Scrub, Designer Shoes and Ribbons

HINTS, TIPS, TRICKS AND TRENDS

GOOD THINGS - SMALL PACKAGES . . . . beauty

Save trial size and sachet items from magazines and giveaways. They are a great way of trying a product before you buy. They are also ideal for popping into your makeup or travel bag. I always take moisturiser sachets when I go away for the weekend rather than a whole bottle which will only take up valuable packing space.

RIBBONS . . . . accessories

I can't help but save the hanging ribbons from dresses and tops that I buy. These can be tied around the wrist as an instant accessory. You can even add beads, charms or small pendents from necklaces or bracelets to jazz them up, and they often come in the prettiest colours which will match your clothes. They can also be used for giftwrapping small presents and it costs you nothing at all.

MILITARY . . . . trend

Go for military coats this winter. Long and fitted at the waist or short and sweet with brass buttons and paulettes. The best shades are black, charcoals and greys and if you want to add interest try some subtle metallic accessories such as gunmetal silver and distressed bronze. Finish the look with some leather gloves (much warmer than woven materials) Try Tescos, Primark and Matalan to pick some up for under a tenner!!

RECYCLE WITH FREECYLE . . . . home
Check out your local freecycle network where you can pick up items that other people no longer need, completely free of charge. You can also offer any goods you no longer want in order to declutter your home. This service is a godsend if you are moving out for the first time and are in need of the basics to furnish your new home. www.freecycle.org

THE CROSS TRAINER . . . . body

The best all round machine in the gym. It works more muscles in the lower body than other Cardio machines. It is low impact and less likely to strain the joints and by using the handles you will also work the upper body and further increase the heart rate. This means more calories burned and a glass of guilt free vino in return for your hard work!

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

www.hawkin.com
Hawkins Bazaar is full of all those things that you never knew you wanted and an ideal place to find quirky gifts for friends and family. Start your xmas shopping early with products that include animal elastic bands, Techno Balls, USB Finger dance mats, and pornogami!

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Boots Amazon Forest Mango & Babassu Sugar Scrub - £7.50
Use on dry skin for extreme invigoration. After rinsing this leaves skin completely moisturised and has the most amazing scent too. Pampering at pocket money prices, this big tub will last ages!

MOST WANTED

Designer Shoes

Meet the gorgeous 'Lia'. These Gil Carvalho shoes, at Faith, are to die for. Pay £125 for these glitzy platforms and the envious friends will come flocking free of charge. Visit http://www.faith.co.uk and check out their great designer ranges.

Issue 1 - Swarovski Headphones, Eco Bags and Beehives

HINTS, TIPS, TRICKS AND TRENDS

GLOSS AND GO . . . . beauty
If like me you get embarrassed by chipped nail varnish, or simply don't have the time to keep reapplying then try this. Slick on a couple of layers of Top coat instead. It gives a high shine finish, but barely shows when it chips off and it dries in no time too. Glossy, groomed looking nails which last longer.

ENVIROSAX . . . . Accessories
A reusable shopping bag with the fashion thumbs up. Pick one up for under £6 or get one in every colour to match all your outfits. My fave is the monochromatic range, very Audrey Hepburn. Certainly not as boring as the name would suggest. Buy yours at http://www.envirosax.com

LEGGINGS . . . . Clothes

Good news. Leggings are still around for this season and will ensure those flirty summer dresses needn't be pushed to one side just because wintery weather has arrived. Pick up some supplies in Primark if you are on a budget, where you can get black, brown or teal from just £3 each. Trendiest are the ankle length versions. Tuck into flat boots for day, or some chunky heels for the evening. BEWARE: If you wear yours with boots, make sure they are not too short. It is not cool for the leggings to ride up and show some leg!

LACKING MOTIVATION? . . . . Body

Sign up for a charity event. You don't need to be competitive, and if running isn't your thing then that is OK too. Long distance walking takes training and if you rope in a friend you can gossip while you work out. This year I completed the 27 mile, Aviva Walk London to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and it was a challenge, but also a great achievement to have raised over £500 for charity. http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/

DRAWER LINERS . . . . Home

Save all the scented perfume pages from your magazines. When you have a few saved up, tape them together to fit inside your drawers for modern and sweet smelling drawer liners. My undies are currently smelling of Chanel!

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

htpp://www.afternoah.com

A treasure trove of antique and retro objects for the home, him and her. From 60p packets of love hearts to antique chandeliers there is something to excite every treasure seeker. Find yourself a one off object or something a little bit retro.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

MOP Hairspray
The best hairspray I have ever tried as it is quite simply gravity defying! This is best suited to those with thicker hair but will keep a Winehouse beehive up all night. Also great for flicks, fringes and pony tails. It is citrus scented and good for the environment too. An investment, priced from £4.95.

MOST WANTED

Swarovski Crystal Headphones

It may be a bit extravagant, but is there really anything cooler than a pair of headphones with a dazzling crystal? Swarovski have teamed up with Phillips with a range of headphones and USB Memory Keys priced from £50 to £105. These will have to go on the Xmas list. http://www.swarovski.com/