This season there's one colour that is going to overshadow all the others and it's bright, bold and beautiful.  It's the colour of love and passion and is sure to get you noticed.  Move over the LBD, this Autumn/Winter it's all about the  LRD.

It's a brave colour so if the thought of head to toe scares you, break it up and use it in a jacket, a necklace or even a hat.  I've done a quick round up of some items currently on the high street which includes Warehouse, Oasis, Hobbs, Phase Eight, Debenhams and M&S.

Two of my particular favourites are the double breasted coat (Hobbs) and the leopard print pencil skirt (Warehouse).  If anything catches your eye and you'd like to know where it's from don't be afraid to ask.  This season be bold!

One question I'm always asked by women of a certain age group is how to look stylish and age appropriate.  Not wanting to dress like their daughter but not wanting to look like their mum either is a real concern for many women.  My
response is always that style is ageless. Using the current trends to INFLUENCE your wardrobe rather than have them dictate what you should wear, is a pretty good rule to stick to.  There are a few others, but that would involve a longer post and I've got a 6 yr old that needs picking up from school and taking to her swimming lesson.....I digress....

Anyhow, whilst out and about in Bath yesterday I came across the most amazing woman who's style was so unique and was carried with such confidence that I was captivated by her. Her name is Jean Woods and she's a very stylish 75 years old!

What do you think of her style?  To me, she embodies everything that clothes should do: express your unique personality, send a message about who you are, be fun and give you confidence.  Jean certainly says all of those things doesn't she? 

If you're interested in fashion for ladies of a more advanced age but of a youthful spirit, check out Ari Seth Cohen Advanced Style Blog - it makes me smile every time my Inbox pings with a post and might make you think twice before you say "I'm too old to wear that".  http://advancedstyle.blogspot.co.uk/

The amount of women I talk to and work with, who soooo easily reel off a list of things they dislike about themselves, yet when asked about what they do like, look at me like I'm crazy!  Us women in Britain are really brilliant at putting ourselves down, someone pays us a compliment and instead of saying “thank you” we justify it by saying “it was only a fiver in Primark”!

 I see it all the time with clients who concentrate their attention on the areas of their bodies that displeases them the most.  They try an outfit on, look at their reflection and instead of seeing themselves as a whole, zoom straight in on their tummy or their thighs and pointedly make a negative remark about it.  A big part of what I do is about refocusing and appreciating their good points and trying to create a more positive body image, because often how we see ourselves is very different to how others see and perceive us.

I recently watched this video by Dove which perfectly illustrates this.  It's really interesting to watch and if you're anything like me, by the end of it, you may have a tear in your eye!   
 
If you had taken part in this film, how different do you think the portrait you described of yourself would be to the one that was described by somebody else?

If December is all about Christmas and January is all about new years resolutions, then February has to be all about love. There are many cynics out there who complain that Valentines Day is designed for card and flower companies to make an extra mint, but in my mind, any reason to celebrate the love in your life, whether it's your partner, children or even your dog (I know my parents dog will get a special treat once the 14th hits!) is a good enough one for me.  

Wearing the color red affects us physically by increasing enthusiasm, stimulating energy and can increase the blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate . It encourages action and confidence and provides a sense of protection from fears and anxiety.  So if Valentines Day isn't a good enough reason to wear this gorgeous colour, then there are a few other ones to think about.
 
However you choose to spend the night, whether it's a quiet meal at home, sharing a bottle of wine and watching a DVD or a full blown posh meal in an expensive restaurant, celebrate in style.  Here are just a few of the things I've seen recently that might inspire you and get your pulse rate up and your heart beat racing......

1 - White Stuff £49.95
2 - M&S £19.50
3 - Zara £169
4 -Alice Temperley for JL £160
5 - H&M £12.99
6 - Mango£34.99
7 - People Tree £65
8 - Schuh £60
9 - Lulu Guiness£245
10 - Oasis £35
11 - Joules £69.99
12 - Mint Velvet (top) £55
13 - Not on the High Street £160