Sequins, Fake Fur and more......

Had a very interesting day yesterday but a horrible journey to start with (one hour into London and then an hour on the Jubilee Line and DLR) to reach the hideout of one of my favourite beauty companies. Great meeting but spent much of my time ogling the make-up displays just seen outside the room - huge temptation - I definitely wouldn't be able to spend much time there without having a play!

Back into civilization and wandering round Debenhams - you know, as one does, for want of anything else to do........and noticed a couple of jackets that I'd spotted online and clicked straight past - that were so much more covetable in real life.

I know that it's hard to get online photography right (having run and organised shoots for designer mail order and online catalogue in the past) but online I wouldn't go near these - offline they've pretty well sold out so that surely tells you something.

The only thing that matters is making the product look irresistible as I'm sure you'll agree - or you won't be flashing the plastic. Let me know what you think about these two darlings and I'll tell you what they really look like and yes I have tried both of them on and yes I did buy one. Bet you can't guess which......

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Boot Camp and onwards.......Starring Balmain, Chloe, Louboutin

Had a really, really silly day today as a result of the activities of last week. Memo to self (sorry)

don't ever, ever go to a new hair colourist on the day of a big party. Big mistake............big (sorry again).

Spent evening at posh party in London on Friday night wondering if I looked as drained as I felt and now realise that I probably did, which put me in a bad mood all weekend, which was why I lost my 'blog voice'.

Monday morning had to go and get the mother-in-law - fabulous at nearly 90 and you better believe it - from Heathrow having flown (her not me) from Dulles and had to wait for two hours. Not good.

Also, when called by the Jeremy Vine show sat on the wrong side of the fence and lost the interview. They already had someone who thought it daft that M&S was offering 90 days returns in the first place (which I did) and were looking for someone who would say what a mistake they were making in reducing it to 35 days.

I could have gone either way and had I listened just a little bit harder I would have got it right. Make a note; never talk to radio stations when you're in a bad mood, you're bound to get it wrong. Anyway - the producer has put me back on his list so hopefully you'll be hearing from me sometime very soon. Thank you thank you thank you. I'm waiting for the call.

Got half way through Boot Camp - my new feature about boots (surprise surprise and yes, my editor always tells me I use too many brackets but they seem to make sense to me) and had to go and have hair fixed where I should have gone in the first place.

Came back in a much better mood. Finished the feature. Hope you like it. Let me know.

Tomorrow meetings in London where I'm a bit more sane, with wonderful online beauty palace HQ Hair over in Docklands and then back with Wallis in the West End. We'll see......and you know I'll let you know how they go.

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Diamonds by the bushel.

Lunch today with Mark Walker of Ice Cool, who knows more about my favourite stone than you or I ever will or would want to. Have a wander round their website and you won't have a clue that the man behind this online jeweller was responsible for the design and production of one of the most exotic and expensive jewels in the world, the crown for the idol at the Indian Hindu temple Tirupati, which contained over 25,000 carats of D Flawless diamonds, 22,000 grams of 22 karat gold and 50 carats of emeralds and rubies. Before undertaking the commission, Mark had to be blessed in a cloak which had previously been worn by Mahatma Ghandi and Indira Ghandi.

Apparently the world was short of precious stones that year - so no surprise there then. I hope you're taking this all in?

No shopping today which was sad - not even a lipstick! Completely overwhelmed by the size and price of the designer handbag treats on display at Selfridges, just about my favourite store (about to go online - and more about that to follow). H&M and Banana Republic also about to take the plunge they should have taken a while back.

Also overwhelmed by all the talk of diamonds - I want more, don't you?

On the subject of Handbags..and Girls Car Accessories

Having watched Kate Hudson, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Leslie Caron (surely you remember GiGi) in Le Divorce yesterday evening I was struck again by the gorgeousness of some great handbags (and in particular that red Kelly bag; watch the film if you don't remember) - classics that last forever. Not wanting to get boring here I wanted to introduce you to the next prize at http://www.thesiteguide.com/, that's right, the one after the £1000 gift voucher from designer boutique Bunny Hug, which won't be launched for a while but I thought I'd whet your appetites. I do so love a great handbag.

I'm glad to say that the day, which started off with a whimper (and one dog running off, grrr) has ended up happily although there's still one copy of my book waiting to be given away, so if you'd like it please send me an email to [email protected]

On a completely different note, and if you love your car, checkout this website http://www.me-mo.co.uk/ for girls car accessories. You may arrive there and wonder where on earth you are but persevere and you'll find all kinds of things to give to friends (particularly those with daughters who love their cars) and stuff you had no idea you needed, such as a leopard and crystal drink holder (!), child check rear view mirror, digital tyre inflator and all sorts of other organisers and seat covers. There are some really daft things (sorry) here but very useful ideas as well.

Tomorrow will be a better day, I'm off to London for lunch, swimming, meetings (and note the order these are in) so I may report back to you. Or I may not.

Check out the best of the web at http://www.thesiteguide.com/

On the subject of green nails..........

I'm sitting here taking a moment to study my nail polish, which at this point in time is pale neutral, and I'm wondering what it would take for me to paint my nails pale green?

At this point many of you are probably muttering into your coffees 'oh she's so old fashioned' but to be really honest with you I don't like pale green, never have done and pale green nails? Well having seen it last week on a (much more on-trend than me) friend I'm sticking with my opinion. It's not for me, it might work in summer but in winter? Nein, no, non. Anyway, for those dedicated followers of fashion you'll be probably be sobbing already because Chanel's famous Jade has sold out before its arrival. I'll be sticking to my neutral or dark purple, another favourite.

Having said that, Casablanca, by Jessica, is green(ish) sparkly, and hmmm yes I could go for it for a winter evening party whereas Sparkling Green is again back on the pale side - take your choice.

Off to Ad:tech today - not sure my techie language is up to it but I'll give it a go - had to get the boots out today, autumn is definitely here.

Take a look at the latest fashion and beauty site reviews at www.thesiteguide.com

Fab Fragrance and Liz Jones today.....

So bad: Invited to the Drapers event at LFW yesterday but settled instead for a rubbish disaster movie and a glass of wine with the dog (the wine for me, of course) at home. Do I regret it? No, because I'll be in London a lot this week and Sundays are for relaxing, particularly when the kids are away. Watched everyone else tweeting about the shows and didn't feel jealous - done that, been there, worn the tshirt.

Love Liz Jones's column in the Mail this morning - she's absolutely right, of course, the world is run by the skinny fashion pr's and their assistants. So sniffy if they don't think you're good enough and frequently not brainy enough to tell (the assistants, that is, who usually get to make decisions they shouldn't). Thank goodness someone has the guts to put it all down - with her readership you would think she would be invited to everything. What was it Julia says in Pretty Woman? Big Mistake.....Big.

Received a gorgeous package from Ormonde Jayne this morning, who ought to be written about much more, particularly as so many of the luxury brand fragrance houses are everywhere and she is exclusive, luxurious, clever and has managed to create a new totally covetable range. Try Osmanthus, my favourite. Hoping someone will give me her Bathing Beauty gift box for Christmas, or is it too far away. Maybe I should order it now? No. Stop. No shopping today (had to pay for son's birthday pressie yesterday - 22 - oh my lord!).

Onwards, then.

The Demise of the Tux...................

Is it my imagination but are our standards slipping?
In the good old days (!) if you were invited to a Black Tie event, anywhere, it meant that the men should wear tuxedo, or dinner jackets, formal white shirts and, yes, you got it, a black bow tie. The girls should wear long dresses. That was it.

Then we moved on, with guys still wearing their tux jackets and the girls maybe something a bit shorter, but always extremely glam. It's supposed to be fun to make all that effort, after all.

At the AW black tie dinner last week just about everything seemed to have gone out of the window. Yes the better dressed men (notice that phrase) wore the 'right thing' (although there were some abominations, and don't get me on the subject of tartan), but the girls seemed to have no idea at all, well most of them, anyway. Gone were the long dresses, gone were the 3/4 length dresses, gone were the glamorous cocktail dresses and in was something you might just get away with in a reasonably smart bar or club. Shame on them.

There is no excuse, with brands such as Karen Millen, Reiss, Coast and others offering reasonably priced glamorously wearable and versatile dresses, and men's stores with everything from bow ties to dress shirts to the works, such as TM Lewin, why not wear the right thing? Is it really more fun to not get dressed up? - I may be a bit old fashioned on this subject but what's the point of going to a glam event in an amazing venue and not going for broke? Tell me, someone, please.

Someone's going to come back to me I know and say that all this is expensive and ok, it can be, of course, but there's always borrowing and hiring don't you think? My bleat is more about making the effort.

I'm lucky without question because all the men in my family - and there are three - have adopted their Scottish heritage and wear the kilt at weddings and parties, and bearing in mind the fact that everyone's looking at them, and not me, I can get away with a simple, sleek lbd that's been on show many a time.

So there's the answer - go and find yourselves a man in a kilt, girls (provided he has great knees) and you'll never look back!

Bijoux Heart - start collecting......

Recovering today from the great AW party in the Whitehall Banqueting rooms - was met by elaborately wigged, painted and costumed cast of characters and had pic taken - though haven't seen it yet. Wore jewelled platforms and sequined lace dress. The problem with these events is that if you go alone it's a bit daunting to start with, so I formed a 'singles' group - you can spot them a mile away - until dinner. They probably didn't want to chat but reckoned without yours truly.

To bolster my confidence I managed (notice that word) to pick up a pair of Bijoux Heart drop earrings at Fenwicks on my way to get changed - these are fab too although more than I paid - they're hard to find online, so annoying - a really lovely modern/retro collection and extremely collectible so watch this space.

Meeting first with Simon of www.mypure.co.uk, purveyors of all things natural by brands such as A'kin and Barefoot Botanicals - for me I'm afraid it comes down to whether or not I like the way a product feels and smells however if you're a natural beauty follower you should take a look.

Have a great weekend and don't forget to sign up for our Bunny Hug Boutique Prize Draw at www.thesiteguide.com - £1000 Gift Voucher - it's definitely not to be missed.

Back from the South of France..............

So, back now from the not so sunny South of France (well sunny for the first three days and then, quite simply, a monsoon).

As usual so much to do and the black tie Affiliate Window party to go to tomorrow evening - considered trying to pair three quarter length lace dress with favourite gladiator sandals but decided that, at 5'2" would look totally fashion-victim-ridiculous so will have to think of something else. Mini MJ silver quilted chain handled clutch (a bit like the one shown and a trophy from the US a couple of years back) will definitely be going to the ball. Some things never go out of style and move from 'now' to 'vintage' seamlessly, don't you think?

Will take to London with me; meeting essentials (netbook etc), swimming stuff so I can fit that in and total black-tie ensemble - all on the train. Will be interesting, for me, anyway.

On to the Euro. How is a girl to shop? Not, natch and it's so frustrating. I think for one of the first times in my life, well actually the second if you count my trip to Bruges earlier this year, I wasn't even tempted. Being ripped off doesn't do it for me, so have I finally found the antidote my husband has been searching for? No. This one won't last.

Happy to be back - too much to do - off now to unpack and pack for tomorrow.

Oh yes, and did I mention lipstick? Think that'll have to wait until tomorrow.

Those Boots I Mentioned Earlier.....

Well anyone who'd like to enjoy a little Shadenfreude can do so now on my behalf, because I can't get any signal inside and it's cloudy and cold, so here I am just a little bit on the cold side but determined to send this to you today. Have a smirk on my behalf. Having said that I do have a lovely cup of coffee and croissant by my side so maybe...some of it's going my way.

On to those boots - This year one of the things I did want to add to my wardrobe was a great pair of not necessarily black boots - because I have quite a few in black and my gorgeous brown ones are looking just a bit tired. Walking round St Remy de Provence of all places I spotted these and immediately fell in love. Hunted them down and they're now waiting for me at one of my favourite online boutiques (if you can call this fashion mammoth a boutique).

They're available in brown and navy so I have a real problem on my hands and I'm sure you can guess what that is!

This week's newsletter from http://www.thesiteguide.com/ is Autumn's Trends so sign up on the home page if you want to keep up to date on the best of the web.

This bag is mine!

Sitting here in the South of France (but don't worry, it's not that warm right now), with my wondrous little Samsung netbook in front of me, outside, because I can't get any signal inside, I'm delighted to still be able to write about new discoveries, and in fact no-one any more has any excuse not to keep in touch.

So, on to shopping, two delicious items have come to my attention in the past couple of days, this fab handbag by Mulberry and Ash's blue suede, knee high boots, which I'm going to take a look at again tomorrow n a little shop where I spotted them in St Remy and decide if you really need to know more about them. Let me know if that's a definite yes please.

Anyway, back to the bag, isn't it fascinating that a design house can present the same handbag, season after season, in different finishes and colours and it still manages to stay in vogue (literally and figuratively speaking?) How difficult must it be to create a real classic with all that incredible longevity and how much luck is involved?

In this case I don't think that I'd want one in every colour but I do love this one. Don't you?

Check out the rest of the best of the web at http://www.thesiteguide.com/ and expect more news about those blue suede boots next.

Fashion Trends - who has the definitive answer?

Ok, everyone's trying to tell us what the new season's fashion trends are, and although there's always a firm core of opinion (so this season it's thigh boots, sequins, houndstooth etc) who really has the definitive answer as to the new, written in stone, trends you should be going for?

The answer, of course, is no one - because trends evolve out of a feeling, a mood, an inspiration, and sometimes it seems strange that most of the mainstream designers incorporate the same effects in their new collection but if you look closely you'll find there's so much else going on the main messages remain slightly opaque (can you be 'slightly opaque' or is that an oxymoron?) anyway, I'm sure you know what I mean.

As a fashion wearer of a sort the most important thing to me is to clarify what has been taken up by the mid-range labels and then pick and choose what will work for me and in with what I already have.

• So leather - well I'm ok there, there's plenty of that in my wardrobe.
• Sequins? Probably not unless it's just a trim (or my fab DKNY sequinned and studded tote that I bought on sale last year - do I hear groans of envy?)
• Houndstooth? There are some lovely houndstooth scarves at Jaeger as I don't want to do the whole thing (ignore the pic, it's not very good, the scarf is lovely).
• Animal print? Already have it as it's a fave from a dress to a pair of heels to a bag but I'll probably pick up another pair of shoes somewhere.
• Thigh boots? No way, would definitely not suit
• Body con dress? Would leurve to but better suited to the daughter, unfortunately and finally
• Clutch? Done and dusted and combined with another trend - metallics - the little MJ quilted silver one I bought in the US when I was feeling rich.

If this makes you think that I'm going to be good this season it's extremely unlikely because, as all Shopaholic's will have to agree with me, there's something about the thrill of the new that makes shopping an essential part of every season. I think, I hope, I'm just getting better about picking things that really work for me, and that I won't regret later. Fingers Crossed.

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Five fastest beauty fixes............................

For those who are going to be shlepping around London for London Fashion Week (and also for those who aren't), here are five fast beauty fixes for quick cosmetic repairs.

Sitting at an 'Event' for Trish McEvoy in Selfridges recently, whose cosmetics I love and whose planner I never leave home without, I was stunned at the number of people who stuck their hands up when asked 'who takes longer than an hour to do their makeup every morning'? An hour? Who has the time? Do you really want to get up that early in the morning to put your face on, or is time not an issue?

As someone who is never to be seen makeup-less (everyone asks me if I'm ill) and who likes to look reasonably groomed even if I'm sitting in my office at home all day, I can tell you that, unless it's for an extremely special event, I never take more than a very few minutes.

Try these and then let me know what you think:

Bobbi Brown Concealer get your shade tested

Clinique's Cream Eye Shaper - try Egyptian

Nars blush stick - In Orgasm

Lancome mascara L'Extreme

Bobbie Brown Shimmer Brick - pink or bronze for a shimmery glow all day

and

Add those to the eyebrow pencil I wrote about a couple of days back and you're away.

Finally - lips

I'm always being asked what colour I'm wearing, and usually it's three different products (takes a sec I promise). I'll tell you about those tomorrow.

Take a look at the best places to buy beauty products online at http://www.thesiteguide.com/Categories/Beauty

When Cosmetic Giants Discontinue Great Products.....

Newsflash: Clinique are about to discontinue (so I was told on Sunday) the best eyebrow pencil I have ever used so if you can, go out and buy them up now. Firstly this is a really good product, it's not cool, it's not innovative, it's just incredibly fast and easy to use and believe me, I've tried loads.

Secondly, why do they do that? There are, of course, new products coming along all the time, and that's where the marketing spend goes, but why get rid of old favourites. Oh stop. You're going to tell me that it's because they're not selling well enough - I'm sure they're not if the brand take it's eye off the ball and stops marketing the product - thus a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Anyway, back to my eyebrow pencil. It's a very good universal colour, unless you go for that faded eyebrow look, so easy to use in a couple of seconds, with a brush on the end. What more could you want for a tenner? Go Buy. My informant might have been wrong, of course, but go buy anyway.

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Best for...............walking in cold weather

You may think that it's far too early to be thinking about what you're going to be putting on your feet when the first frost strikes, but believe me, if you don't order Fitflop's new boots soon you probably won't be able to.

As a complete convert to Fitflop these have to be the answer to something , as they say, 'fashionable, functional and fun' and having tried both the sheepskin lined cloggs (they're on my feet as I write) and the Fitflop flipflops they're just about the most comfortable things I've ever worn. The only problem is that putting on a pair of heels to go out in is a real shock.

There's a longer version as well but I'm going for these shorter ones. The brown ones are mine, by the way, so hands off.

Check out the New Jewellery feature at http://www.thesiteguide.com/

The Best Place to Find - Cashmere Knitwear........

We seem to be awash with cheap cashmere, some online retailers specialise in just cashmere and others include it in the range - however - for modern cashmere basics which are good quality and reasonably priced there are two places it's well worth keeping an eye on, one in the UK and the other across the pond (don't remind me that the pound has gone down against the dollar - I'm only too well aware, however even with standard shipping and duty applied these prices are very good).

Take a look at Lands End for cashmere knitwear basics in a great range of colours including Rich Red, Blackberry and Spicy Brown. They also have a very good collection of men's and women's fleece jackets if you're one of those people, as I am, who has to walk their dogs every morning and likes to be snuggled up.

The other place to browse - and don't leave it too late - is LL Bean. Yes I know they're based in the US but these are good prices from a high quality store. They have cashmere sweaters and fleece jackets for men, women and kids plus loads more to look at from outerwear to luggage and homewares.

Check out the Best of the Web at http://www.thesiteguide.com/

Take a look at the rest of the best of the web at http://www.thesiteguide.com/

The Perfect LBD. No 1 - D&G; Dolce & Gabbana

The hunt for this season's perfect LBD is now officially on. If you're looking for something really special, girls, remember to order early as the best will sell out before the Christmas (can we really mention that word yet?) lights are up.

This dress, by D&G Dolce & Gabbana would have to be quite high on the list, particularly for something that'll take you from - hate the expression but it works - day to evening. Elegant under a day coat or jacket for work and then dressed up with plenty of bling and fabulous heels this is just the trick. Sizing will be on the neat side.

Check out the new Prize Draw - a £1000 Voucher for Bunny Hug Designer Boutique at http://www.thesiteguide.com/

Discount Beauty - Just a Breeze

This is my other favourite online beauty store, with the benefit here being that almost everything is discounted and delivery is free. Why wouldn't you want to shop there? With brands such as Rodial, Dr LeWinns, Jessica, Lancome, Murad, Phyto and hundreds more you should always check here to see if your latest fave's on offer for less.

Tried and tested many times so give them a go. You'll find lots of special offers as well.

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