Nola Boutique

Hi there, just a quick note to let you know that we will be having our Christmas Party in store on Thursday 3 December. There'll be 25% off ALL clothing and footwear, complimentary eyelash extensions by shu uemura, nibbles and fizz and we'll be introducing the new Disney Couture jewellery and Paul & Joe make up and fragrances. It'll be lovely to see you there! For those of you who can't make it to the shop, we'll still offer you the 25% off ALL clothing and footwear purchased online for that day (offer closes at midnight 3/11/09 and does not include postage). The 25% deduction will be made when your order is processed - it will not show on checkout but you will receive a manual receipt showing the discount. Have a good weekend and we look forward to seeing you next week. nola xx

http://www.nolaboutique.co.uk/

The British Fashion Awards

The British Fashion Awards 2009 Shortlist Announced

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces the shortlist of nominees for the 2009 British Fashion Awards supported by Swarovski. The event recognises the most influential people in fashion today and will celebrate the reputation and development of British fashion over the last 25 years. The winners will be announced at the British Fashion Awards, on Wednesday 9th December at a ceremony to close the British Fashion Council’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

The eleven categories include Designer of the Year, the ultimate accolade, which recognises a leading British designer of couture, ready-to-wear, knitwear or accessories who has directed the shape of fashion in the past year and elevated their international reputation. This year there will also be a one-off London 25 award which will celebrate an individual who embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for the capital’s fashion industry. The winner of this award will be decided entirely by public vote. The event will also acknowledge the achievement of one designer who throughout their career has made an exceptional impact on global fashion, with the BFC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design.

Nominations for awards are made by key opinion formers within the industry. The winners are selected by relevant panels of leading British and international media and buyers.

The UK is internationally recognised for emerging design talent. This year, as part of their support for British talent and the British Fashion Awards, Swarovski are again sponsoring two awards: the Emerging Talent Award for Ready to Wear and the Emerging Talent Award for Accessories. These awards recognise and financially reward the UK’s most exciting new designers. A panel of media, buyers and BFC talent scouts were asked to nominate in this category. This year’s judging panel includes Nadja Swarovski, Vice President, Swarovski Crystal Business, Lucy Yeomans, editor of Harper’s Bazaar, Alexandra Shulman, editor of Vogue, Sarah Mower, leading international journalist (Vogue US and Style.com) and BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Joan Burstein, Founder and Owner of Browns.

The British Fashion Awards 2009 shortlisted nominees are:

SWAROVSKI EMERGING TALENT AWARD - ACCESSORIES
An innovative and directional accessories designer who is emerging as an influential force in British fashion in the Accessories category.
Nominees: Camilla Skovgaard, Holly Fulton, Jessica McCormack, Maria Francesca Pepe

SWAROVSKI EMERGING TALENT AWARD - READY TO WEAR
An innovative and directional designer who is emerging as an influential force in British fashion in the Ready to Wear category
Nominees: Mark Fast, Meadham Kirchhoff, Peter Pilotto

DESIGNER BRAND
A leading British designer brand that has excelled and made an impact on the international stage over the past year.
Nominees: Burberry, Mulberry, Pringle of Scotland

MODEL
A British model who has emerged as a leading name in the modelling industry and is making a strong mark on the international fashion scene.
Nominees: Daisy Lowe, Georgia Jagger, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

ACCESSORY DESIGNER
The leading British designer of shoes, jewellery, millinery or accessories within the past year.
Nominees: Emma Hill for Mulberry, Katie Hillier, Nicholas Kirkwood

MENSWEAR DESIGNER
A leading British designer of ready-to-wear and bespoke tailoring who has been instrumental in enhancing men's fashion in the past year.
Nominees: Graeme Fidler for Aquascutum, Kim Jones for dunhill, Todd Lynn

LONDON 25
An individual who embodies the spirit of London and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital. This award has been created to mark the BFC’s 25th year and to recognise the many individuals that make London a cultural force in the global fashion industry.

Nominees available at www.britishfashioncouncil.com

ISABELLA BLOW AWARD FOR FASHION CREATOR
A British stylist, make-up artist, photographer, art director or producer whose creativity has been a major inspiration and influence in the past year. Winner announced on the evening. No shortlist available

BFC BRITISH COLLECTION OF THE YEAR
A British based designer whose last two collections have directed the shape of fashion and helped them develop as an international force in the fashion industry. Nominees: Christopher Kane, Erdem, Jonathan Saunders

BFC DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
The ultimate accolade, which recognises an internationally acclaimed British designer of couture, ready-to-wear, knitwear or accessories who has made a significant impact in the past year both in the UK and internationally. Winner announced on the evening. No shortlist available

BFC OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN FASHION DESIGN
An award recognising one designer who throughout their career has influenced and inspired the global fashion industry. Winner announced on the evening. No shortlist available

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive (Joint) of the BFC commented, “This year’s nominee list highlights the extraordinary breadth of British design talent. I would like to thank Swarovski for supporting two awards (Swarovski Emerging Talent Awards for ready to wear and for accessories) which recognise and financially reward emerging design talent, helping to support two of our newer designers as they establish their careers and businesses in Britain.”

Nadja Swarovski, Vice President, Swarovski Crystal Business said, “Swarovski is very pleased to enter into its 5th year of support for the British Fashion Awards – the finale to the British Fashion Council’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Through our two awards, The Swarovski Emerging Talent Award- Ready to Wear and The Swarovski Emerging Talent Award- Accessories, Swarovski is proud to continue our mission of nurturing and supporting young design talent whose creativity drives forward the British fashion industry.”

Little London

Piccadily Mini kilt
Little London
£199.99

Carnaby Flamenco Dress
Little London
£285.00

The LITTLE LONDON brand has a luxe english eccentric vibe. It encapsulates the quirky style of the english women. A fusion of traditional and contemporary amalgamating heritage and fresh ideas. Cut and fit are my absolute passion without these a garment is nothing, this is something we have definitely achieved. The core of the collection is being tailored in London alongside some of the UK’s top brands. No expense has been spared on the beautiful fabrics and buttons used. Linings are liberty’s silk. The stripey coat and jacket is an English Tweed (divine). We have fantastic and very glamorous puffa’s starting at £199 and some beautifully cut little suede jackets, blazers and trench coats, not to mention the most heavenly conker like leather biker jacket. Our cashmere collection has grown and is being made in Scotland. The idea behind the collection is that all of the pieces work back and forth with each other and pretty much can be put in any combination, thus enabling with just a few pieces a stylish and individual capsule wardrobe can be created.

Courtyard Boutique

FURTHER REDUCTIONS
We are now offering 20% reductions on all of our Autumn/Winter collections (Not including recent deliveries) to our regular customers. This offer will last from now until Christmas.

CHRISTMAS:
We have many ideas for Christmas gifts for your family, friends and of course yourself!
If you wish us to give hints to husbands and partners we have a book in which we will write your own private wish list! Encourage them to come in early however or we can accept deposits in order to reserve items.
There are still amazing coats including shearlings by Dom and Ruby, classic coats by Max Mara and lots of casual jackets by Doma,Juicy Couture, Hotel Particulier, Diane Von Furstenberg and many more. All at 20% off to you!
Gift ideas inclu de candles and body products by Natural Magic; bags and small leather goods by Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Tory Burch, Anya Hindmarch, Lulu Guiness, Buba and Ouchska; cashmere in abundance; a huge selection of jeans; scarves by Missoni, Love From Australia boots;Juicy tracksuits and much much more!

PARTY WEAR:
We have had a wonderful delivery from Milly which consists of party dresses and tunics perfect for the party season. Also sequinned tops, dresses and leggings from Velvet and Graham and Spencer

GIFT VOUCHERS:
Don't forget that we offer gift vouchers if you are not sure what to buy. If you call the shop we can accept payment over the phone and send these out to you.

GIFT WRAPPING:
We offer free gift wrapping for any of your purchases.

WEBSITE:
Don't forget we now have all of our collections on our website www.courtyarduk.co.uk. Again we can post items to you although we are not yet set up for payment online. This will be coming next season!!!!

Courtyard Boutiques

5/6 Angel Gate, Guildford 01483 452825

9 Angel Gate, Guildford. 01483 572011

Market Square, Petworth 01798 343506

Fashion Stylist Delilah!

Recycling your Little Black Dress

Recycling is the best to wear our clothes more often and for more than one occasion,
Possibly the best investment that you can make for your winter wardrobe, the little black dress is the answer to every "What should I wear to..." question from cocktail parties to Christmas parties to class reunions or for the office.
In a little black dress, large women feel slim, short women feel tall and any woman who wear a black dress with a few well chosen accessorise will
feel ready to conquer any party or social occasion.
The beauty about the little black dress is that you can create many looks with it.
There is a multitude of looks you can create with one staple piece. Here is how.


To wear it in the office, go for a smart jacket, flat or high heels and neutral opaque tights. Team it with a blouse or skirt. Choose interesting accessorises such as gloves and scarf in different styles and colours to introduce interest to the look.
For a more casual look in the office, loose the jacket and wear a cardigan over a top. Team it with boots or ankle boots.
For a party look you have a couple of options. Firstly, Keep it really simple with high heels and a statement necklace. Or go for a rock style Team it with a ankle boots, cuff bracelets and leather jacket
Another option is to glam it up with a belt at the waist , black tights, coloured heels and a blazer jacket
Accessorize your little black dress to really set off your look.
A standout bracelet, a choker, or killer heels with a slim matching bag to add the final touch and heels are a must as they will help to elongate your legs and minimise your figure.

My Top recommendations: The Little Navy Dress is the new Little Black Dress. Navy would flatter most skin tones. Invest in a good quality piece that will last longer in your wardorbe and will not date.


Enjoy!

Delilah xx

+353 (0) 87 63 91 956
delilahfashionstylist@gmail.com

Nola

Hello everybody, hope you are all getting in the festive spirit! We certainly are! Our offer this month is quite splendid! If you spend over £150 online in November 2009, you will receive a £25 voucher. Simple as that! The voucher is redeemable only in February 2010 (so you can get a bargain on the lovely new Spring Summer 2010 collections!) and can be used online or instore. Now, that's got you in the mood for Christmas hasn't it? nola x
http://www.nolaboutique.co.uk/

Belles and Beaux

Belles and Beaux have a fabulous selection of outfits carefully hand picked from fashion designers around the world.

Dorothy has run Belles and Beaux in Lincoln for the past 17 years and has now been joined by her daughter Rhianon who will concentrate on Hattytude! - offering over 300 hats and fascinators to either hire or buy.

The personal service, with her honest approach is supplemented by many years of experience in the trade. Belles & Beaux offers a ‘colour specialist service’, gift vouchers and a gift wrapping service, for that special present.

Autumn/Winter 2009 is all about looking fabulous. With so many glamorous events taking place from weddings to charity events and of course going to the races, Belles & Beaux are here to offer expert advice in choosing the right outfit for you.

With exciting new collections by Aria, Peruzzi, Ispirato, Frank Usher, Chianti, Peter Martin and Quintesse there is an outfit for you. we stock sizes 8 - 24.

Visit our shop in Lincoln – you are guaranteed a warm welcome.

Belles & Beaux
38 Newport
Lincoln
LN1 3DF

Telephone:01522 539602

Email: enquiries@bellesandbeaux.co.uk

Opening Times: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday

Peruzzi

Peruzzi is a mid-price range lifestyle label for glamorous women .Peruzzi began as a knitwear label but has evolved to cater for every occasion that is now thrown at the modern woman -- from the school run to a day at the races to a black tie wedding.

The key is in soft layering. Think feminine knits mounted on camis or knit dresses worn over T-shirts.

Essentially, Peruzzi is non-effort yummy-mummy chic. The label looks a lot more high-end than the price tag would suggest.

This school of fashion styling also eases the agony of transition dressing. Peruzzi clothes take you from day to night. Furthermore, layering makes for a very individual and self-styled look and one that can be moulded to suit various shapes and sizes.

With Peruzzi, the options are plentiful as to how the clothes can be worn. It's the kind of label customers build on with each season


For a full list of stockists please contact Marion Kitchen Associates.
Phone: 0161 236 6461
e: marionkitchen@fashionagents.co.uk

Bitter Sweet clothing

BitterSweet Clothing offers a relaxing buying environment with a wide range of carefully selected styles that won't go out of fashion and can be built on each season or when needed!


Buy Now at http://www.bittersweetclothing.co.uk

Boutique Buzz

http://eepurl.com/eTvN

Butter by Nadia at Fall Woman

Black Truffle

Large Leather Satchel in Navy by abro £225 Buy it now! http://www.blacktruffle.co.uk/
or contact them on 020 7923 9450

The Brand Called You!

Today, in the Age of the Individual, you have to be your own brand. Here's what it takes to be the CEO of Me Inc.
It's a new brand world. Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called Me. Inc
It's that simple -- and that hard. And, that inescapable.
The good news -- and it is largely good news -- is that everyone has a chance to stand out. Everyone has a chance to learn, improve, and build up their skills. Everyone has a chance to be a brand worthy of remark.
Start by identifying the qualities or characteristics that make you distinctive from your competitors -- or your colleagues. What is your best asset and clearest strength? Your most noteworthy (as in, worthy of note) personal trait?
The second important thing to remember is your personal visibility - it all matters. When you're promoting brand You, everything you do -- and everything you choose not to do -- communicates the value and character of you. Everything from the way you handle phone conversations to the email messages you send to the way you present yourself is part of the larger message you're sending about your brand.
Partly it's a matter of substance: what you have to say and how well you get it said. But it's also a matter of style.
Your dress implies more of your overall sophistication to your particular field and the world around you.
How can we dress down without crossing the threshold of revealing or plain inappropriate? With a few basic guidelines the modern woman can indulge in the fashion world – piecing together funky and dressy outfits that transition wonderfully from weekend to working day professional – without breaking the bank.
Often times a lukewarm outfit can be won over by a confident attitude in the way you carry yourself. “Chin up and back straight. This applies to your ‘show of attitude’. Let people know you are in charge – even if it’s just a pair of killer shoes that’s giving you the million dollar grin. Getting dressed for the office doesn’t mean leaving your personal style behind. Find out which style give you a professional look .
Your goal to getting dressed for work is to project a professional competent image regardless of your employment level or career path. The styles, colours, lengths and fit of your clothing choices will speak volumes about your ability to do your job. If you are concerned about your career you will be more concerned about looking professional than about looking cute and trendy.
For success one should have technical skills, communication skills, and interpersonal skills along with image skills. Those of us who are serious about our careers have invested a lot of time, effort and money in them. It doesn’t make sense to sacrifice all that by falling down in the image category.
Dress for success tips
Dressing for the office is about striking a balance between looking stylish and also looking competent, organized and ready for business.
Dress appropriately and blend in, yet maintain your personal style
If unsure go conservative. If you are interviewing for a job or starting a new job dress conservatively until you get a feel for how other people at the company dress.
Avoid a situation in which you have to be told what not to wear to work.
Less is more. Keep your look simple and successful until you become accustomed to the environment and learn about the companies dress code.
Wear fabrics that represent the season ie no wool in the summer and no linen in winter.
Accessorise
Accessories is a finale that lets the public know that this stylish woman pays attention to the small details and what could be a more important detail than the accessories that dress up your outfit.
Basic jewelry can be summed up in one word for the working woman that is pearl
Pearls are the perfect everyday accessory to dress up a suit at the office and after work to head out for the evening.
Confidence is the key to the game a frumpy outfit and a killer smile is enough to outshine any individual that fidgets and worries about how they look all the time, know what you stand for, trust your taste and go for it. Confidence exuded will only add that extra layer of flavour to your attitude
It's this simple: You are a brand. You are in charge of your brand.
‘Style is a matter of finding out who you are and who you want to be in the world. I hope you choose to be fabulous, daring, fun, inspired and most of all yourself,’.
Rita Mylett – 087 0506463
http://www.rmibranding.com/

Ladies Christmas Shopping!!

In association

with

Fall Woman- Knutsford & What Lyes Beneath- Bramhall

An exciting day of entertainment and Fashion

at

Mere Golf & Country Club on Thursday 26^th November 2009.

The day will include…

• 10.15am Champagne Reception and Christmas Shopping

• 12.15pm Christmas Luncheon

• 2.15pm A Fabulous Choreographed Fashion Show

• 3.00pm Auction and Raffle

• 3.30pm Christmas Shopping at Exclusive Stalls

To book tickets at £55 contact Charmaine Wilkinson on 0161 798 8837 or email sarah@fivestarsappeal.co.uk

Joseph Ribkoff Promotion at Nova Fortuny

Anya

Anya is a fashion forward independent boutique in Haslemere offering a great selection of international brands under one roof.

Opened in 2007, Anya has quickly built up a great following for beautiful clothes and honest, friendly service in a relaxed environment. Whether you are looking for a great pair of jeans, a dress for a wedding or a cosy piece of cashmere for the autumn ahead, then Anya has it all!

Opening Hours:

Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 5pm

Brands

120% Linen, 7 For All Mankind, Anya Hindmarch, Armani Jeans, Bibi Jewellery, Citizens of Humanity, Crumpet Cashmere, D. Exterior, Hale Bob, Hudson, Joseph, Libélula, Lola Rose, Marilyn Moore, MaxMara Black Label, Missoni, Nicole Farhi, Toy Watch

Address

60 High Street

Haslemere

Surrey

GU27 2LA

Telephone 01428 658255

Pink Stripes

Ladies...if you are true followers of fashion, but your purse is not bottomless, then Pinkstripes is the shop for you.
Our target market is the lady between 30 and 70 who likes to dress well but different from the run of the mill high street.
We are the exclusive stockists in Bath for Nougat, CCDK, Charas, Hunters and Gatherers and Lipsy.
We are an independent family business and our staff are friends and family. We want to give you our customers a fantastic service because we know the customer is Queen.
We also have a stock of beautiful pearl and stone jewellery to complement your clothes at very reasonable prices.
We stock sizes 8-16 but only a maximum of 2 in each size, so do not delay as we would hate for you to be disappointed.

Pinkstripes 8 Pulteney Bridge Bath BA2 4DL

Telephone No: 01225 484500

Stephen Lawerence

Stephen lawrence is an independent, family run business. The menswear shop, established in 1984, and the ladies in 1999, together provide a comprehensive, yet personal service.

We carry a wide selection of high quality labels from familiar names such as Hugo Boss, Sand, Nicole Farhi and Joseph. From designer suits and shirts to designer shoes and ties, every season our experienced buying team strive to bring exciting new designer clothing to light, alongside their classic and better known counterparts.

Whether you are looking for an occasion outfit or simply need to update your wardrobe, our friendly, experienced staff within both of our Chichester based clothing shops are on hand to welcome and guide you. We give you the choice and quality expected by todays busy, discerning customer and look forward to seeing you soon.

Stephen Lawrence Clothing11 / 14 St. Martin's Street Chichester West Sussex
Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1243 771 378
Stephen Lawrence Clothing1 Magnus Court St Martins St Chichester West Sussex PO19 1AF
Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1243 784 486

Bohemia Boutique

Bohemia Boutique is owned and managed by Lynn Duckworth from her home town of Morecambe in Lancashire, England.
Despite being a new venture, it is envisaged that Bohemia Boutique can offer an exciting range of competatively priced products, and efficiency and speed in relation to handling and delivery.

Bohemia Boutique10 Wythop Croft Morecambe Lancashire LA4 4UT

Tel: +44 (0)1524 409805

Heidi Klum in Chocolate

Heidi Klum dipped in chocolate

The Boutique Buzz

To read the Boutique Buzz goto http://eepurl.com/ezzx

The Boutique Buzz

Pure London selects British and Irish Boutiques.com to promote their forthcoming events for 2010 for more visit the british boutiques magazine Brand Focus: Elise Ryan in Ireland The Elise Ryan label has become a successful brand offering up to the minute fashion trends with attention to detail and producing quality garments at reasonable prices. Their in house design team work hard producing new styles every month so that they can be first with new catwalk and celebrity looks. Having already become well known for occasional dress wear and club wear within leading fashion high street stores and department stores as well as exclusive independent boutiques, Elise Ryan gives the consumer a wide choice in price & style!For a full list of Irish Stockists you can contact Shane at voodooclothing@gmail.com. All Contact Details, Trade Show Dates and Main Stockists will be available on the Irish Boutiques Brand Page next week. Nola Boutique Boo! To get you in the party mood for Halloween we're chopping a whopping 25% off ALL See by Chloe clothes and footwear for the remaining couple of days in October. That means the beautiful purple zebra print bandeau dress will be £262.50 and the truly amazing crepe soled boots will be reduced to £315. We've got limited stock so get your orders in quickly to ensure you bag a spooky bargain! We've also popped a few of the Malene Birger Christmas Temptation pieces on the web now, again they are proving really popular in store, so it's first come first served! Have a scary Halloween! Rhonda and the girls at nola x www.nolaboutique.co.uk New Label Exclusive to Gretta Gibbs Boutique in Limerick This popular Belgian collection, Mais ll Est Ou Le Soleil created by Laurence Everard and Val Pollet, features quirky, casual designs perfect for layering and accessorising. Beautiful day dresses, Coats and knits that are quirky but wearable and competitively priced this label is a must see!. Mais ll Est Ou Le Soleil is exclusive to Gretta Gibbs Boutique Catherine St Limerick. A fantastic shop if you have an up and coming Ball, Wedding, or if your looking for that quirky piece. Gretta sources all the labels herself always with her customer in mind, giving you the customer an unforgettable collection time and time again! Gretta Gibbs 16 Catherine St Limerick 061 418080 to view a video of the brand click here (c) Arnaud de Harven Harem Trousers: Fashion or Fairytale?? Love them or loathe them, the Aladdin-inspired Harem trousers are set to stay! They are visible everywhere, from the catwalk to the high-street, and it’s time to embrace this controversial trend! Magic carpets at the ready ladies.........here we go!!There are a number of different looks one can achieve when considering the Harem trouser trend, and this fashion genie grants you 3 great options read more

Pure News Pure London supporting British and IrishBoutiques.com Autumn/Winter 2010/11 showing 14-16 February 2010 Olympia London If you are an Irish Designer interested in Pure please contact richard@irishboutiques.com Pure Brand of the Week is Almost Famous whose Autumn/Winter 09 colection has drawn inspiration from the colour pallets of semi precious stones, volcanic lava, arctic conditions and outer space...more Fashion Capital Newswire The Ethical Fashion Forum (website) launches the first annual industry marketplace for suppliers of sustainable fabrics, components, and manufacture to the fashion industry. The marketplace will bring together representatives of brands and retailers with manufacturers, suppliers and cooperatives working to high ethical standards. Invitations to attend and exhibit are extended internationally. In fashion and trying to produce collections sustainably? This is the event for you. Find Out More Fashion Enter is delighted to announce the long anticipated 'Made for Leather' Competition by Fashion Enter and world renowned Leather Manufacturer Pittards - World Class leather... This is a very unique Competition for one lucky winner who will have their entire collection (whether that be a fashion designer or accessory designer) made in leather by world renowned leather manufacturer Pittards! More information and how to enter Irish Boutiques Bits Cornucopia Boutique in Ennis Launches new Online Store The first ever Off the Rails Fashion Awards take place from 7pm on Friday 13th November at the RDS in association with Image Magazine Design week 2009 kicks off on Monday the 2cnd of November. The main purpose is to highlight the important contribution good design makes to the cultural and economic life of Ireland through fostering a reputation for creative excellence and innovation www.designweek.ie Style Network Success Last Friday Morning Style Network (www.stylenetwork.ie) had its debut Event in Palmerstown House, Johnstown and boy were we excited! for more please see www.stylefish.ie For more info on boutiques and brands in Ireland vist www.irishboutiques.com Odd Molly Silk Short Dress Buy Here

Boutique and Brands Lovers in Ireland and the UK Unsubscribe <> from this list. Our mailing address is: Irish Boutiques 4 abhainn na ri oranmore galway, galway 0001 Add us to your address book Copyright (C) 2009 Irish Boutiques All rights reserved. Forward this email to a friend Update your profile

Fashion What is it all about?

Walking in a womans shoes nowadays can be tough. We have pretty much taken on every other role, making our children happy, our mums happy, our husbands happy, work happy, but we sometimes forget how to make ourselves happy! In times of recession, this is compounded by the idea hovering over us that fashion & Image are immaterial and unimportant.

We feel bad thinking about ourselves. It seems sometimes that in very simple terms since fashion comes under the category of ‘Stuff women like a lot’ it can be marked down as not very important & not very high up on the economic agenda! However we ladies know this couldn’t be further from the truth! As an increasing number of things around us are making life seem a little bit harder, the ‘little things’ that make us feel cheerful, optimistic, inspired – start really mattering. In fact they don’t just matter, they build us up, make us happier, make us smile at the world & makes the walk through our everyday lives with a bounce in our step! They make the walk a lot more fun!

During the Boom we were all like children in a candy shop – with so much choice & so much disposable Income we never had enough of the ‘new’ – new clothes, new lipsticks, new handbags, new, new, new – its what we got used to and became the norm. However, believe it or not ladies your wardrobes are very sensitive places and all this ‘new stuff’ caused a lot of confusion in an already over crowded mess. The time had to come when the term ‘new’ had to be reworked for the times we now live in and having to redefine it is not necessarily the bad thing we might think.

Now, instead of ‘new’ we can be creative, instead of quantity we should now think quality. Its about understanding what works for your body shape, & for your lifestyle that will ultimately make you stylish, because at the very core of style is being at ease in your clothes – new wardrobes of clothes won’t do that. Having less clothes that you love is a lot more is better than more clothes your not sure about. Buy less but buy better. Don’t compromise your style for trends, let the trends inspire updating the clothes you have through accessories. Fourty years ago the word ‘style’ really had a more defined set of rules but of late fashion has gone eclectic and that means all the rules have gone out the window so with the recession on our doorsteps – what better time to take stock of our wardrobes and think newly inspired instead of just ‘new’. You will be surprised ladies – really looking into our wardrobes could get rid of the dreaded ‘Nothing to Wear’ syndrome more than any shopping spree ever could.

So as the world is trying to mark us all down, we need to realise that during recession our style doesn’t have to suffer, it is what allows us to put a huge value on ourselves – its just about becoming a little bit more creative in our approach to our style. Its called having fun with our Fashion!