Love is in the air....

Let's just forget the Valentine's hype and use February as an excuse to talk "romance". Maybe it's the promise of Spring that turns our thoughts to love? Whatever it is, this time we are turning our focus to our men and what they need to do to be worthy of our attention:

. Show respect to your "date" - forget slogan t-shirts or worn out rugby shirts. Aim to look like a capable man and not someone who still hankers after carefree youth.
. Pay attention to your grooming - smelling irresistible is a must. Choose a cologne that "will burn into her memory" (for all the right reasons obviously)
. Pay attention to the details - this means having a hair cut and shave AND take a look at your fingernails too. Apparently "A man who takes care of his appearance is likely to take care of his home, his future and his woman".
. Dress appropriately for the occasion - but even if that occasion is a walk in the park DO make an effort. Well fitting jeans, cool casual jacket,warm scarf in a colour that you know looks so good on you...you get the gist.
. If your date is more formal then nothing beats a well-cut sharp suit. We are not talking boring and corporate here. Try this season's trend for light navy or charcoal grey. Team with a shirt that tones rather than contrasts (this is a date not an interview) and forget the tie.
. Footwear can seal your fate either way - within seconds. Must be clean and contemporary. I suggest leaving shiny black patent, or colours other than black or brown, to dancers or artists.

Feel free to forward this to any man in your life who could use the advice and maybe win your heart??

Style Tips for the new decade

We have had the mad spending trend - cheap and cheerful and slapped onto the credit card. We've adjusted to the "make do and mend" and "swap with thy neighbour" trend. Maybe now it's time to take a deep breath and go back to sensible shopping. Buying pieces that enhance your wardrobe, fit perfectly, emphasize ALL the right bits and work their magic though out your life.

Roland Mouret (designer of the much-coveted and copied "Galaxy dress") offers such no-nonsense "style pearls" in this month's "Elle" that I feel duty bound to share some of them with you:

. "Shopping is like going to the gym - it's not natural! you have to train yourself to be good at it"
. "Whatever you spend, it has to look at least 10 times more expensive than the amount you paid"
."There are two extremes: trying to to be trendy or playing it safe. Glamour is somewhere in the middle"

It is now your time to ditch EVERYTHING that robs you of your confidence in some way, and work harder at finding those items that you want to wear time and time again. Buy it because it is 100% right for you. Do not compromise and buy a cheaper version that falls short, it will end up as one the "1 out of 4 items that a woman has in her wardrobe but never wears" and that does not make good financial sense.

So what I am really saying here is - you now have permission to buy EXACTLY what you want - and that has to be a good thing. It will be your reward for exercising your shopping muscle and honing your spending habits. Marvellous!

You shall go to the ball...

So,be honest,how many of you have turned down invitations because when it came to it, you felt: too old; too overweight; too self-conscious? I know that it happens because my clients regularly tell me. If it makes you feel better, imagine what it is like for someone like me who makes a living advising others how to look good. Oh the pressure! I know what it is like to be having a "fat day" or to have to cook your kids tea before rushing out to an event.
And so I have perfected the art of not letting it get the better of me. Here are my tried and tested TOP TIPS on how to sparkle...and not just fizzle out:

. Have a plan. Decide how YOU want to look and feel beforehand. Don't care a hoot what anyone else is wearing. I have worn my dark denim jeans to a glam night out before now because they made me feel more confident than anything else I had. I went to town with the details though...

. ...And that means NEVER neglecting hair, nails and make-up. Don't allow anything to sap your confidence such as missing buttons, frayed hemlines or gaping arm holes. It just requires some forward planning. Be "all over the detail" as someone once said about Madonna.

. Focus on your BEST feature -you will have one and if you really can't find it then ask a trusted friend. Then go to town making a big spectacular show of it..with bells on if necessary. Do not, under any circumstances, point out what you don't like. Accept all compliments without fuss or deflection.

. Always take the opportunity to dress up - especially if you are unsure of the dress code. It can never be wrong to do so and it also gives you the chance to get more wear out of your wardrobe favourites. Coco Chanel once said: "it's best be as pretty as possible for destiny"...you just never know when you might meet yours.

. If it really is too late to change your outfit, lose weight or back out of the event, then try this for instant confidence: Close the door and the curtains. Put Michael Buble "feeling good" on LOUD (or on your ipod if loud is not acceptable) and let yourself go...guaranteed to make you feel sexy, desirable and at least half a stone lighter. Dancing will release all of those wonderful "feel good" hormones. Try it!

No more nights on the sofa wrapped in Pjs and dressing gown...shoulders back, chin up, tummy in and off you go heading for the night....

"Show Girl"

At long last the amazing new style and dance experience "Show Girl" is coming to town. It is a unique and highly original concept born out of Katherine's experience of what woman want....to feel good about themselves, forget their body image concerns and DANCE LIKE A DIVA!!! Clothes, hair and make up DO make a big difference but adding dance to the mix really does make a woman feel like a true goddess.

"Show Girl" opens it's doors in Princes Risborough, Bucks on Saturday 28th November. 10.00am until 1.00pm. £25 pp or £20 for groups of 4 or more.

Dress to feel comfortable, confident and ready to move. Think "disco queen" with a touch of "burlesque" (nothing too scary though!)

Suitable for women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

"Show Girl" is also available to go "On Tour" - what better way to celebrate a special event or liven up an office party. Contact Katherine to discuss your "Show Girl" options.

Katherine's "Show Girl" partner is the hugely talented dancer and choreographer, Karen Hollerbach. Karen and her partner, Xavier, teach couples who wish to make it a shared experience - ideal as a "1st Dance" show stopper for weddings.

Autumn 09....back to the 80's

AS if I wasn't already aware that Autumn 09 has taken us firmly back to the 1980's - I was greeted with "bat out of hell" as I entered French Connection last week. Very subtle.

Personally, I love the Autumn fashions anyway but THIS year it's fantastic! Bye bye dreamy boho and hello edgy power dressing. Yes, there are some shockers out there (sequined leggings wont be on my shopping list) but this season caters for everyone. Cover up with over sized knitwear, leggings and boots or reveal your curves in body conscious shift dresses.

Now I'm not advocating embracing each and every trend, but I like to show that I get what they are without looking ridiculous, so a simple leather cuff will cover "rock chick" and a Channel inspired jacket from Zara will sort the "power dressing" . I'll also look for pieces that can last longer than a few months in my wardrobe. A simple sequined skirt worn with a classic white shirt or plain knitwear will be one of those treasures that I want to wear for ever.

If nothing else, I'm going to make sure I get a healthy dose of "berries" this season. Nails and lips are going fruity but in a "deep plum" kind of way.

I've already purchased my fabulous new coat - got that in July just as it hit the stores. It really is the best time to get the pick of the crop. As for the rest of it,well it's time to prune the wardrobe first and see what I actually NEED. Maybe I'll dig out some 80's tunes for inspiration!

"Fun and sunshine....enough for everyone" (Club Tropicana - Wham!)

Wherever your "Club Tropicana" may be this year, here are some tried and tested "Summer Style Rules":

1. Do not sabotage - ditch the baggy shorts, unflattering swimsuit and shapeless fleece

2. Do not have items that will "do for holidays" - if they are not good enough for general consumption then they are not good enough full stop.

3. Cull the footwear - flip flops/gladiator sandals, wedges/dressier option and walking shoes are enough

4. Protect your hair as well as your skin - invest in some protection spray,leave-in conditioner and a hat

5. Ditch the foundation - it misbehaves in the hot weather. Tinted moisturiser with built in sunscreen is the way to go

6. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize - bangles, bag, sunglasses and/or statement necklace all detract from a less than perfect beach body (believe me I know!)

7. Forget those "just in case" items. They will just weigh down your suitcase and make deciding what to wear harder.

8. Give yourself credit - notice all those "real" women around you on the beach. Acknowledge your "best bits" that you are grateful for. NO ONE is perfect so don't waste your time trying.

Be yourself, relax and have a great time!

Winners, losers and "best in class" - Ascot '09

Ascot Ladies Day proved an interesting "smorgasbord of style" this year. I'm not going to stun you with any revolutionary insights but I do want to re-iterate some classic truths that should be ignored at your peril!:

1. Less is most definitely more. Hint at what lies beneath but don't put your goods out on display...especially not all at once.
2. Quality, quality, quality. The most memorable and stunning women wore simple but exquisite shift dresses topped with summer coats. The shoes and handbags allowed them to be a little more daring.
3. Step away from the fake tan - super model Erin O'Connor had porcelain white skin. She added a flash of red lipstick to prove that pale can be very interesting.
4. Start with the hat - as eye catching as you like but with beautifully tailored simplicity below. Don't just plonk one on as an afterthought.
5. Clever colour combinations stole the show in a sea of uninspiring black and white. I loved the pairings of teal with gold; purple with turquoise, and plum with magenta.

It really did bring home to me the importance of spending more on decent pieces that I never tire of wearing.