MOT in time for Spring.

The sun is out, layers are coming off and us girls are THINKING about baring some flesh. So, it's time to give those long forgotten bits the attention they have been missing all Winter.

Of course it would be lovely to head to the spa to for a full body make over in time for Spring, but if your cash won't stretch to a full on pampering, here's my top tips on how to get spring ready in the comfort of your own bathroom, indulging in your very own spa evening.

Spring fling skin, the easy way!

Winter weather and central heating can play havoc with your skin, leaving it dried out and flaky. So it's time to give it some lustre!

Invest in a great exfoliater or body brush. It's important to slough off all those dead dried skin cells which can give you a dull appearance. A good body buff with some lush shower crème will give your skin a wake up call. And leave you feeling totally invigorated. The Sanctuary Covent Garden Salt Scrub is my top pick of body polishers, while The Body Shop body brush is great for busting the appearance of cellulite.
The same applies to your face, though choose a much gentler facial scrub and don't over do it. Facial massage is a great way to plump up and brighten you complexion.

So now you are all fresh and tingly its time to replenish that lost moisture. Invest in a good body lotion or body butter and slather away. Jergens have a wonderful range of natural based lotions, or go for Neutrogena intensive repair if you have extra dry skin.

My tip is to do this at night after a long soak in the bath. Apply a generous layer of body lotion, put on some loose PJ's and get an early night. This way you don't have wait for all the lotion to dry and you're body will absorb it all over night

Reawakened hair at home!

 With glowing skin, it is vital you have the hair to match. One thing you should NEVER try at home is cutting. Book in at the salon for a reshape, or even just a trim to give your hair a spring lift. There is nothing better than neat new hair to make you feel fresh and ready for the season.

Conditioning is the key to vibrant, young looking hair. Whether coloured or natural, your hair will benefit from regular conditioning treatments. These mini hair miracles come in lots of guises, from purse friendly sachets of crème gloss to luxurious Moroccan oil treatments. I recommend selecting a leave-in conditioner which suits your hair type and coating your hair in it before bed. I love James Brown leave-in conditioner. It's light enough to wear daily, but an overnight treatment is ultra nourishing.

Intense hair masques are also a great idea. Apply them straight after washing and leaving them on for roughly three minuets. Aussie three minute miracle is a winner every time. Top tip, pop the masque on in the shower, then spend the rest of the time buffing and de-fuzzing.

Trouble shooting tootsies!

Your feet may not have seen the light of day since last September, but that’s no excuse not to give them an overhaul before slipping on your sandals.

Start by bathing your feet in lovely warm water. Add some foot salts to the water to loosen up any hard skin. Invest in a good foot file or pumice stone to buff off all those callous patches, but don't be over zealous, the aim is to renew your tootsies, not grate them!

Cut or file your nails to a square shape, just long enough that they cover the skin on your toes, and trim the cuticles.

Now the fun bit. Apply a base coat to avoid staining, and pick a colour! Pink and red are hot hues this spring, or opt for popping brights and neons to be bang on trend.

Two coats of colour and a top coat will give you a rich, glossy finish. Butter London are ultra lush, I'll be sporting their pretty coral, Jaffa, this spring. Rimmel also have a wonderful range of up to date shades, and they won't break the bank if you change your mind.

When the polish is totally dry, apply lashings of foot crème. Lots of the products on the market have ingredients which breakdown rough skin. Apply this at night, pop on some bed socks and wake up to silky soft tootsies in the morning.

Rise and Shine!

If you've followed all my tips, you should be waking up feeling fresh, glossy and ready to don that fabulous spring outfit. Slick on some tinted moisturiser, mascara and lip gloss and you are ready to go with an ultra natural, healthy spring look.

That's put a spring in your step!

Calling all bag ladies!

|A week before Christmas 2009 I was unfortunate enough to have my handbag stolen, from right under my nose, in a well lit restaurant, in a ‘nice’ part of town. How they managed it I will never know.

Bad enough, but the handbag in question was my prized, three week old Mulberry, which on that particular day was an Aladdin’s cave, full of my most loved accessories and trinkets.

At first I was massively relieved that my phone and oyster card, those practical life savers in times of need, were safe in my pocket. I could call help and get home. But then I remembered all the wonderful little things that had been snatched from me.

My bag for a start, I spent a long time saving for it, only to have it taken from me. I was warned to keep it for occasional use, ‘what’s the point in that?’ I said.

My quirky, kitsch, Cath Kidston, umbrella, not that pricey, but it was a gift from my sister, and a reason to smile on a rainy day. Gone.

My hobo wallet, bought on holiday with friends in America. We laughed at how we all had the same item. Now I didn’t.

Butter-soft cashmere gloves, purchased in a bargain basement clear out at a store in the highlands of Scotland. Easy to pick up more gloves, but would they remind me of chilly winter days at home?

These are all just material things, trappings of girly life. But we gals get rather attached to what we lug around all day in our bags. They are the little building blocks of our style, and our sanity which define who we are.

And I am not alone, a quick survey of my female friends and colleagues shows we all cherish out handbag contents and wouldn’t consider leaving the house without our lip balm, keyrings, favourite books, even our travel card holders have a place in our hearts.

I read reports all the time about how women should carry less junk, downsize their totes for the sake of their backs, not to mention free up more space on the tube. I believe it is important, but I just can’t. I have tried. I’ve suffered the ridicule of tipping out my sack on the living room floor with great intentions of de-cluttering.  Only to find everything goes straight back in, except maybe old some train tickets and a magazine article I have ripped out weeks before.

In our hot-desking, transient world I love knowing that I can take a few home comforts with me. Many times I have been super grateful for my gorgeous Chanel compact mirror, or my emergency stock of plasters (and chocolate).

Girls, if you have mastered the art of travelling light, I salute you. But for the rest of the bag ladies out there, good on us I say. Pack well, enjoy the rummage and congratulate yourself on never being without a hair band.

As for my long lost Mulberry. It was returned a month later by a thoughtful stranger who found it dumped on a building site. I will never forget his kindness. The contents of the bag were largely intact, if a little wet and mouldy. Thank goodness the naughty people who stole it didn’t love my high class cargo as much as I do.

Knowing the rules: The Stylish Girl's guide to friendship!

Women are bombarded by dictums on how to live a fabulous life.

There are rules for how to get a date -the ancient laws of attraction. Once you have the all important date there is a new set of rules. Never pay on a first meeting or take the boy home.

There are fashion rules. As a stylist, I’m a great proponent of fashion laws. If your legs are out, keep the cleavage under wraps, Smokey eyes or strong lips. Rarely both at once.

Add the rules on how to throw a dinner party while rewiring a plug and you see there is a code of conduct for almost every situation.

I think most women take some comfort in these rules, only to break them with great abandon when it suits.

But what about the basic rules of womankind? Many women simply don't know the rules of how to interact with other females.

I think of my friends and I as something akin to a giant Girl Scout troop. A band of women, who, despite our very obvious differences, share a common femininity.

The first rule we should learn as women is that we are all in it together. Life has a way of knocking you sideways unexpectedly - knowing the good-girl code cushions the blow.

As we grow up, our relationship with other women gets skewed. 

We like to think we know how to be a good friend. But this isn’t always the case. All too often women find themselves biting their lip in envy at a mate’s success. Be it in love, work or hair style. There is a breed of women who can't congratulate others on a darn good job.

We all have so-called friends we wouldn’t trust with our secrets, our boyfriend, or our grandma’s pancake recipe (because you know they will pass it off as their own).

Then there are the professional rule breakers - colleagues who feel the need to step on your point to get ahead. This doesn't work in the end and is a slap in the face for all hard working girls.

The rules exist for all women, even those we don’t know. The vitriol aimed at Kate Middleton is an example of female rule breaking.  Only one woman could marry Wills. Good on her!

So, what are the rules? How do we beat the 'frenemy' girls?

It’s futile to bitch or spread rumours. If someone is bitching to you about everyone else, chances are she is bitching to everyone else about you. Rise above it and you will feel more fabulous than you can imagine.

Don't take joy in other’s misfortune. If you're best friend calls at 3am, hysterical over a text message to The Ex, don't gloat. Remember, we have all been there.

Share. Friends, time and knowledge - in giving you get back. Some of the most popular women I know revel in sharing their friends network. A gracious woman never runs out of people to call.

Taken means taken, simple. Don't break the most fundamental girl code of all. If you take a guy from someone else, then someone else could take him from you!

Compliment at will. I’ve never been in a social situation where a well placed compliment wouldn’t ease things along. We are all a bit scared, validation of our shoes or perfume choices go a long way. Do it and watch the compliments you get back.

And finally, when you do see someone succeed, be gracious and bask in reflected glory. Even when it's hard, and I know it is. Your big moment might be just around the corner and when it comes, raining on your friend or colleague's parade might come back to bite you.

The golden rule of the good girl code is simple.  The pie is big enough for everyone to get a piece, take a bite and enjoy.

Style on a mid-month shoe string!!!

I've been having a mid season style slump this week, coupled by a mid-month cash stretch, leaving me temporarily uninspired by my bulging closet.

So what's a girl to do. I've got a low key dinner party this evening and I just needed a stylish pick me up. There is nothing like a new little item to make you feel ultra stylish and groomed for an event.

Determined to not break the bank ahead of my ski trip next week it's time to practice some chicenomics.
Bored of winter boots and woollies I went on a mini run around the more affordable end of Westfield shopping centre. The home of the ultimate staple is my first stop. Uniqlo. Always on trend and purse friendly. I picked up some chic, classic skinny jeans in Indigo blue for the barginous price of £9.99.

A fab nautical stripe, slash neck top caught my eye. It fits the bill perfectly for my weekend outfit. It's fresh enough for the hint of spring I'm craving, but the thicker material and long sleeves mean I won't be shivering this evening. Ultra stylish and a snip at £22

This outfit will be perfect in a few months with a pair of pumps or peep toe wedges but for my instant spring update I opted for wedge shoe boots in a neutral beige from M&S. At £35  these are a stylish steal, keeping my retail therapy outfit to less than £60 

I'll be teaming these with my favourite vintage blazer, an over-sized clutch bag and a slick of red lipstick to give me an ultra chic, Comptoir des Cotonniers look at a fraction of the cost and the much needed injection of newness into my weekend wardrobe.

Style on a mid-month shoe string!!! Done!!

Stylish reawakenings

Is it just me or are the first flickers of spring starting to push through the grey winter skies?  I love that as I write this at 4.30 on a February afternoon the last glimmers of winter sun are hitting my key board.

Spring on the horizon means a whole new and exciting wardrobe, or at least a few key pieces to refresh your existing one.

Whether it’s a total overhaul, or just a sprinkle of spring gems it's important to dress for the season we are in.

As frosty mornings give way to crisp sunrises it's a great idea to change your outer layer. No more wool coats, duffles or parkas, this is the season of the trench. A true classic and a staple for any closet. Think Greta Garbo, spring time in Paris and ultra chic clean lines.

A classic, slightly heavier trench is a great investment. Layer up with jersey or cotton t's and you will have a cozy cover up to see you through March breezes and April showers.

The same trench will serve you well as a summer time coat for chilly evenings or unseasonal downpours.

These perennial favorites hit the high street every year, with affordable classics on offer from Marks and Spencer. 

If you are going to spend a little more money on this item, invest in one of the beauties on show at Net-a-Porter. http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Clothing/Coats/Trench_Coats.

As investment pieces go, a trench is one that will earn it's keep in just one season.

If you are anything like me, you will be sick of the sight of winter boots, (the same ones we will be in love with come October, how fickle of us).

Thankfully, the days of spring flats are just a hop, skip and ballet pump jump away. 

The rules here are simple. Think ballet pretty combined with commute-proof practicality.  Unless you are a 'car to bar' type of gal (lucky you), then you will need a shoe which is as robust as it is fabulous.

I love French Sole pumps. They range from the most ‘barely there’ slippers, to flats with a decent and durable sole. And they come in a multitude of amazing colours and styles which should satisfy all tastes. I am a big fan of the Henrietta in red croc.

 

These shoes have magic slipper qualities which perk up any spring outfit with some Parisian/ Nautical glamour. 

If you don't feel ready to bare some toe cleavage just yet then Jigsaw's satin trainers are a good halfway house for early spring.

In a range of on-trend pastels, these sneakers give a spring twist to your wardrobe.  Team them with skinny jeans or cropped trousers for a chic-gamine look which should see you through to warmer days.

Spring is always full of exciting collections as designers and stores cast off their winter coats and come up with some lovely colourful ranges and patterns. I love the latest offerings from Boden. http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/magazine/Outfits-and-ideas/outfits/womens-fresh-spring-outfits.html#magazine

Pencil skirts with cropped jackets and bold spring patterns give you all you need to say hello to the season.

And don’t forget. It will soon be sunglasses time again…Wayfarers, Aviators or Clubmasters…….decisions decisions… to be continued….!

Here's to a super stylish spring!!

The stylish workout guide.

Ladies, it's that time of year again when you our minds turn to revamping and refreshing.
And this doesn't stop at the closet. After a month of partying and enjoying a LOT of Christmas cheer, I realise that my body needs something of a kick-start too.

I have never hated my shape and I have been immensely lucky never to struggle massively with my weight but I realise that now is the time to get myself in tip top condition, not least because there will be lots of new spring/summer trends hitting the shops soon which I want to look fabulous in.

I have long since decided that gyms are some of the least stylish places on earth, and a really soulless way to exercise. Air conditioned warehouses, with too few windows and lots of people sweating and not talking to each other seems other worldly and exhausting to me. It suits some people, I know, but this year I am working on a portfolio fitness regime.

If the thought of a treadmill leaves you cold then why not get out and about and exercise with OTHER people. Fit For A Princess is an excellent fitness service which runs boot camps and classes in the open air. Their Saturday morning ' Fit for a Fiver' classes are held in parks all across London. They are a fun mix of circuits and stretches with lots of good old gossip thrown in to pass the time. If you liked the social aspect of PE lessons at school this is for you.
http://www.fitforaprincess.co.uk/

I am a big fan of yoga, not only does it help with core strength and stability, there is nothing better to bliss you out after a long or stressy day.
The ever stylish fitness chain, Sweaty Betty, runs yoga clubs in most of their stores. Check out the site for one near you. You can work on your downward facing dog while picking out your next active outfit (or bikini). And the best bit is, the yoga class is free, but you need to book your spot nice and early.
http://www.sweatybetty.com/clubs-artlclubs/

Ballet is a fab work out, and it's never too late to give it a shot. The Central School of Ballet runs classes for total beginners or try the Bar Method, a work out fave for celebs. Ballet is great for tone and I love the feeling of grace and relaxation after a class. Get on board with this fitness trend soon, as I am predicting most classes will be booked solid once The Black Swan hits the silver screen this month.
http://www.centralschoolofballet.co.uk/index.php
http://www.barmethod.com/

For serious exercise junkies you can't been a good old fashioned run. Get some comfy trainers, pop on the iPod and hit the streets with a friend. Remember to play it safe and run in well lit and busy areas. There is NO excuse for dodgy running gear. Check out the Cosmopolitan guide to stylish sportswear http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/fashion-&-style/stylish-sportswear/gallery?cmpid=CAM_CO42. It has everything you need to look lush on you're work out. Because as every stylish girl knows, you just NEVER know who you might run in to!!!

Work it!!!

The start to a stylish year.

New Year, New You…

I think I love and loathe that phrase in equal measure.

Like most people returning to the daily routine today after nearly a month of partying and indulging, I find myself slightly hankering after the heady days of December when all you have to think about is what present to buy your stylish cousins and exactly which 'office-to-party' LBD you are going to wear today. I had a particularly fabulous festive period this year which made coming back to reality today a little tough.

However, part of me loves January and all the lovely possibilities and hopes it brings for the new year. So it's time to pack up the tinsel and baubles and breath some new life in to your style.

For me, January is about a change from the festive frills of the party season and make a fresh start in clean lines and chic minimalism. As anyone who knows me will testify, I am a big fan of a crisp, white shirt and the effect it can have on your appearance, and today on my state of mind. It is my wardrobes answer to a clean slate, a fresh start and a blank canvas. No capsule closet should be without a white shirt. Play around with the fit, classic double cuff will give you an air of sophisticated style while a grandfather collar or a ruffle front can turn a plain blouse into a feature piece.

Christmas is over but we are still in the depths of winter so don't go switching wardrobes just yet, but you can use pieces to add some spring time hopefulness to your look. Swap festive reds and golds for cooler blues and peaches to take your cosiest clothes from Christmas to spring,

Ignoring the de-tox and still got some party left in you? Remember that sequins should now be packed away with the rest of your Christmas sparkle. Instead opt for sleek and sophist looks, I am loving cigarette pants teamed with tuxedo jackets for evening. Team with a flattering silk top and you will look party ready for the year ahead.

And don’t worry girls, heels work all year round. Invest in some classic, 'wear with everything' suede courts in black or nude. These will be perfect with dresses as well as giving an instant evening look to skinny jeans.

I love rediscovering old favourites at this time of year rather than splashing out on new items. So why not rope in a friend or give Style Eyes a call for some help with falling in love with your wardrobe all over again. A great way to beat the VAT increase!

Happy new YOU! x