How to Love the Clothes You Wear

As this might be my last blog entry this year, I would like to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas and a fabulous and glamorous 2011!

Whether you're due to attend a party, dinner or even a business event, the clothes you're wearing, or the way you carry yourself, is the first thing others will notice. In a lot of cases, people are unsure or nervous about how they look. In turn, these thoughts also affect how you feel about yourself. When you look in the mirror before you leave, are you impressed, or just going arghhhh....

Here are few tips on how to leave everyone who encountered you at any event BREATHLESS!! And all of this comes from you (with a little help from me.) 

Be a serious shopper. When picking out clothes, NEVER EVER buy a smaller or larger size. People often make the mistake of grabbing a blazer or jeans because they "assume" all size 10 trousers fit the same. They don't, so ALWAYS visit the fitting room before visiting the checkout desk. This will save valuable time and effort, especially if you run late for your event. We don't want anyone arriving, expecting everyone to be breathless with a saggy bottom or bulging bust.

Colour is important! Just because your favourite colour is green, does NOT by any means mean that you can wear it all the time. Change up a little. If you normally buy greens, browns and beige clothes, try on cerise pink! Most of the time all it takes is trying on something completely "out there" to discover your true fashionista inside. Also, don't be dull! Bright colours are in style all the time. Don't be scared to pair patterns with print! Just stick to the basic rule of thumb. Neutrals go with ANYTHING. So all your brown, nude, grays and creams can go with any color. Yes, I said any color. That also includes opposites like wearing a cream blazer, teal cardigan with a design and brown pants, with a bright red accent bag and red shoes.

ALWAYS ACCESSORIZE! The smallest piece of jewellery, the tiniest handbag, or the unique shoe often gets the most attention. Don't deny yourself! And don't spend a fortune. A lot of these little things are inexpensive and you can use with multiple outfits. You will always feel better if you outfit feels like it's complete. I also know a lot of people who will just say, "oh, I'm not a jewellery person" or "oh, I don't need a handbag". These statements may be true, but every outfit needs to be accented, and the ONLY way to do this is with accessories. Buy bulky necklaces for jeans and a black shirt. Get the little silver bag for the 8pm dinner with clients. Whatever you do, remember, the clothes are not the only thing that makes the outfit, the little things DO count!

ALWAYS TELL YOURSELF YOU LOOK GOOD! When you walk into a room, no matter how great your clothes look, if you're feeling nervous or unhappy with your look, EVERYONE notices. To eliminate this problem you must look inside. It's not always about what's on the outside. Best way to feel good about yourself? Look in the mirror on your way out the door and SMILE. It's that easy.

    

Don't forget step number 4! Honestly, feeling good equals looking good. So, if for one moment you feel fat, or ugly, or sloppy, then you will be. You create what other people see. If you walk around doubting and judging the way you look, it will show in your appearance. Remember the old quote, 'beauty is in the eyes of the beholder'. Everyone is beautiful in their own unique way, and if you know that, you will be stunning each and every time you present yourself in public.

                                                        Good luck and remember... SMILE!

Dresses Over Trousers

So here is an early tip off for a new fashion trend to hit the shops early next year - wearing dresses over trousers (could call it 'drouser dressing').
Yes, you heard me right, this unlikely layering was all over the spring/summer 2011 catwalks and in my opinion is a very practical choice for day or night.

You might have to swap your skinnies or leggings for silky trousers with movement for a fluid look.


These two beauties from high street fashion favourites - Topshop and Miss Selfridge are just the ticket.

I have been wearing some of my summer tunics/dresses with light floaty trousers over the last few years and must say they are a great option for travelling and a perfect choice for chilly summer night when you don't fancy getting eaten alive by mosquitos!!


Great news for me then - updating my wardrobe won't cost me much!

Winter Wedding

My friend has just got invited to a wedding in January and she is panicking about what to wear.

 

The funny thing is that as soon as the thermometer drops into minus figures (single minus figures here in UK, but double minus figures in my home country - the Czech Republic), we pile on hundreds of cashmere jumpers, wear all sorts of coats, gillets, hats and gloves and are forced to wear Ugg boots 24/7, and this is how we stay until the spring arrives.

Obviously you can't go to a wedding dressed in a jumper, can you?!

 

So how do you inject some va-va-voom glamour to your winter wedding ensemble?

 

 

 

Opt for a dress with length to add drama and warmth (tights can be concealed underneath).

Go for beautiful sweeping gowns in vintage velvets (go for rich jewel tones) or silks.

Tip: be sure to underpin slinky fabrics with body sculpting lingerie.

 

 

 

Below is one of my favourites -

 Elyseon dress by Serbian designer Roksanda Ilincic (£1,490 at Selfridges).

A showstopping choice for the most special occasion. It offers glamour with a vintage twist. Featuring a sculpted neckline, this pure silk dress has flowing, pleat detailing from the neck to the hem. 

Dress also includes a detachable waist belt with black feather and beaded corsage detailing. 

Simply beautiful!

 

 

 

 

However, if you, like me, cannot afford the designer, why not pop into your local House of Fraser and snap this gorgeous Biba dress up while it's still available...

It is on SALE too..reduced from £165.00 to £135.00 - Bargain!!

Biba Biba Daphne bead embellished maxi gown has a V-neck with beaded butterfly design and sheer, floaty sleeves in a contrasting colour.

In rich purple silk, this floor-length dress is perfect for winter wedding and the party season not to mention a stand-out option for a black tie event.

 

 

 

A furry cover-up or short jacket will maximise the warmth and glamour factor.

Below on the left we have the Geraldine Colbert's sumptuous nude fox fur jacket

(£938.00 at www.matchesfashion.com ).

Of course there are plenty of cheaper options on the high street. Below on the right is

Irene Faux Fur Coat from Coast, £125.

This gorgeous faux fur jacket is a great way to wear the fur trend this season.

Sitting on your hips, it gives a modern twist to the timeless style of the fur coat.

With its stylish high necked collar it will keep all those autumn chills out, ready for those winter months ahead.

Available in black and ivory.

  

 If you want to try something different (and have Gisele Bundchen's legs) ,

look no further than gilded brocade for some serious opulence.

 

Add a fierce element with smokey eyes or super high heels. 

As they say: 'If you got it , flaunt it!'

 

Colour of the Year for 2011 is HONEYSUCKLE

So there you go...according to leading colour guide Pantone, 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a dynamic reddish pink, will be defining the mood of 2011 given its "uplifting" qualities.

So what do you think?  Like it or not?

I personally like the colour as it does look good on me. 

Apparently in times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating colour, that gets the adrenaline going - perfect to ward off the blues.

The colour translates especially well into fashion, cosmetics, and interiors due to its ability to liven up any drab ensemble or barren room. In particular, Pantone experts imagine the colour to work well on women's apparel and accessories, as well as on men's ties, shirts and sportswear.

For more than a decade, Pantone's Colour of the Year declarations have influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries including fashion, home and industrial design.

H&M has incorporated the Honeysuckle hue into their spring 2011 ready-to-wear lines so it will be interesting to see what they come up with.

I've just had a look on H&M UK website and the only thing I could find in that colour was this gorgeous loose-fitting blouse with smocking at the waist and a tab and button to adjust the length of the sleeves. 
You have 2 trends in 1 - leopard print and the right colour.  At £14.99 it's a bargain!

If you are not confident enough to wear the strong print, go for the more subtle option in light beige.

I'm off to do some more browsing to see if I can find some more Honeysuckle bargains!

Galliano's Christmas

While browsing through Vogue online I couldn't help but to stop and stare at the pictures and the video of the installation of John Galliano's amazing X-mas tree at Claridge's.

                                                     Galliano's sketch of his Christmas tree design.

JOHN GALLIANO is returning to Claridge's as he designs the hotel's Christmas tree for the second year running. Having been inspired by the ocean, Galliano's 2010 Under the Sea festive creation is made of sparkling silver leaves, pink coral, sea horses, fish anemones, starfish and jellyfish.

"The majestic beauty of Claridge's Art Deco interiors never fails to inspire me. I am thrilled to be invited to create a new tree for Christmas at Claridge's," says Galliano of the collaboration. "I wanted to create an underwater fantasy and have mixed pink corals, seahorses, anemones and jellyfish, all glinting like gem stones, swimming amidst the silver leaves. I hope we create something as sumptuous as its setting and this inspires a truly luxurious escape and a very festive season at Claridge's."

"Following Galliano's spectacular tree last year, we simply could not resist to see the new design which will keep London talking throughout the season," Thomas Kochs, Claridge's hotel manager tells us. "Both Claridge's and Dior are synonymous with timeless glamour and impeccable heritage and we look forward to celebrating the festive season together."     By Ella Alexander

                                 John Galliano's Dior Christmas tree in the foyer of Claridge's 
                                                                    © Rex Features

An elegant white creation that stemmed from the base of the hotel's sweeping foyer staircase, stalked by icy blue leopards along the way, the tree was shown off in all its festive glory to a fashion crowd.

Once you've done all the shopping why not experience the delicious and sophisticated Claridge's Festive Afternoon Tea. 

                                Claridge's Festive Afternoon Tea. Photographed by Paul Raeside

Comprising a selection of sandwiches (including Scottish oak smoked salmon on sour dough bread, organic egg mayonnaise and, organic cucumber and rocket with cream cheese on onion bread), apple and raisin scones with clotted cream and Marco Polo jelly and French pastries, add to the mix Christmas cake and stollen cake, not to mention a glass of Champagne. Yummy, yummy!

Visit www.claridges.co.uk for further information.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

Winter Trends

Sitting in my office, looking out of the window - wow, winter has definitely arrived!

People ask me what they should be on the look out for this winter in terms of the trends and key pieces that they should be grabbing.

So here are some of my favourites:

CAPES

Capes are one of this season's biggest key pieces, camel capes in particular will be everywhere!
I've recently seen a gorgeous one in Zara Woman and in Asos's previous campaign modelled by the gorgeous Olivia Palmero-Stunning!

CAMEL

As previously mentioned above, camel is one of this season's hottest colours and is something that if you invest in now, you'll be able to utilise in your wardrobe for years to come as it's such a classic and beautiful feminine colour.

If you're worried about camel making you look pasty around the face as we start getting in to colder weather, then go for a pair of camel trousers rather than a top or jacket. However, if you fall in love with a camel jacket or coat but still worry that it's not flattering your skin tone, accessorise with a scarf or statement necklace to bring the colour back to your cheeks!

MINIMALISM

A huge trend on the a/w 10 catwalks was classic, simple, elegant lines and investment pieces that will remain your wardrobe heroes for years to come. Paris shows like Celine, Chloe and Stella McCartney showed feminine classic shapes in delicate hues that demonstrated how women are still being careful with their money whilst coming out of this recessions and looking to invest in the right pieces that will keep them looking stylish and modern for years to come.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Hiking style boots (I'm wearing mine today - there are perfect for the snow; your toes will freeze in wellies, well unless you have 10 pairs of socks on!), tweeds, riding boots, jodhpurs, padded jackets will be seen everywhere this season. Practical yet stylish this is a great trend for us school mums who need to get up and out in the morning; whilst staying warm and looking stylish at the school gates. Choose one or two key garments such as the boots and jodhpurs and then soften with something more feminine up top to avoid looking like you've just come from a horse riding lesson.

LEOPARD

One of my favourites but needs to be handled with care at the risk of looking very Bet Lynch from Coronation St!! Go for a skinny leopard belt or hairband and just team with all black or camel if you are at all concerned of looking too 'animal print'. Hobbs have a fantastic little leopard print belt that will update your wardrobe instantly.

If you want help from a Personal Stylist updating your wardrobe this season then get in touch with me on 07970 405 627.

Return of Peter Pan Collar

The Peter Pan collar may remind you of your favorite childhood Disney character. You probably haven't worn a collar like this since you were five, and you probably didn't think it would become a fashion statement!  
I remember my Mum wearing a navy blue dress with Peter Pan collar when I was little (we are talking about 30 years ago). She has actually given the dress to me so I have to find it and having it altered so I can wear it too! 



The Peter Pan collar may have started off cute, but it's definitely become chic, and has been showing up all over the catwalks this past season. The collar has made its way onto little shift dresses and button-front blouses, and has been seen peeking out from knitted sweaters as well.

The Peter Pan collar dresses up a boring neckline, instantly transforming something simple into an elegant piece.  Wear one to school, work, or a holiday dinner party, and you'll stand out.  

Lanvin Fans Please Note

In the picture below, four models appear in a shadowy room donning completely black looks, all of which are reminiscent of garments seen in Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz's recent high-end runway shows.

Sneak peek: The first look from the Lanvin for H&M collection. Photo courtesy of H&M

Starting from the left, there's a single-sleeve minidress with a voluminous flounce at the shoulder, worn with a thick black belt.


Next, there's an older gray-haired model sporting a belted and textured jacket with a dramatic collar, while a younger brunette woman wears a long tuxedo jacket over a mixed-fabric skirt with an asymmetrical hem.

The last look, on the far right, is what appears to be a sleeveless party dress covered in bows, worn by Natasha Poly.

The four women are also accessorized with thick black sunglasses, white pearl necklaces, and chunky bracelets featuring pops of bright green. 

 

Lanvin for H&M: THE RULES


The best thing about the Lanvin for H&M collection going on sale in the US & Canada today, is that we get to know the rules way in advance of our launch on Tuesday.
Red Carpet fashion reporter has been keeping up with the tweets from across the pond and here is what she's figured out.

1. The first 320 people in line will be given 1 of 16 different colour coded wristband which indicates your time slot to shop. That’s 20 people for each coloured wristband. Even Leigh Lezark waited in line to get the collection.

2. You will only be allowed to purchase 2 pieces per style so be sure of your size.

3. Go with a friend because if you leave the line to pop to the loo for example you may not be able to get back into the line.

4. Find out which stores are stocking the collection in advance and try not to go to the most obvious store that 100s of people are bound to go to. Instead of Oxford Street try Brent Cross or High Street Kensington if they stock the collection.

5. Last night people were already selling the collection on eBay using lookbook pictures. I would strongly advise against purchasing the collection on eBay because how can sellers possibly know what to sell if they haven’t physically got it already.

I hope those of you in the US & Canada let us know how your shopping experience went!

Don’t forget that the collection also goes on sale online at http://shop.hm.com/gb/ 7am GMT on Tuesday. REGISTER NOW.

I think we are in for a treat girls!!!

Look Of The Day

Well, I can't believe it has been a month since my last posting!!  Where has the time gone!? I've been very busy travelling - I have attended Dubai Fashion Week and then spend some time in Prague doing a market research.  More on this later...

Today I love Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham Collection.

If anyone knows how to do classic off-duty city dressing, it's Victoria Beckham! She is looking super cool and effortlessly chic as ever in a simple forest green sleeveless shift dress from her own Victoria Beckham Collection. She added a ladylike flourish to her otherwise pared-down look with some cute purple bow Miu Miu heels - as seen on Leighton Meester on the set of Gossip Girl yesterday!

Victoria Beckham

Rex

Where can you buy a nice shift dress?

Have a look at www.shopstyle.co.uk, they have some great bargains at the moment!

Here are some of my favourites:

 


Dark-blue sleeveless shift dress with an oversized bow at front. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel dress has a round neck, a cutaway beneath bow, side slit pockets and an exposed silver zip fastening at back. Buy at Net-A-Porter, £265.

This Freda blue 100% silk sleeveless shift with keyhole detail at back and detachable narrow black belt is simply perfect and it has been reduced from £550 to £208! (buy at Matches Fashion).

For the budget conscious here we have a gorgeous black shift dress with a foil leaf print design by Dorothy Perkins, £32.40.  Perfect for the upcoming X-mas season!

I must say I also love Leighton Meester looking all girlie and demure in this wow-worthy white and black jewelled Prabal Gurung fit and flare dress and pretty Monique Pean earrings. Working the red carpet at an awards ceremony in New York, the Gossip Girl took the edge off the feminine look with some Roger Vivier black shoeboots. Wow!

 

How to organise a wardrobe

My upcoming shopping trip to Dubai was a great excuse to do my autumn wardrobe detox the other day.  It's time to put the summer clothes away and get the winter clothes ready.  So I've managed to pick few (actually quite a few) of my favourite summer clothes that I need to take with me and the rest has been washed and ironed and put away till the next heatwave hits UK or till someone takes me on a nice exotic holiday - I wish!!

Opening up a wardrobe can be a nightmare for some. Clothes, shoes, handbags and other miscellaneous items get shoved together and it's so frustrating when you're trying to find something in a hurry. And so here are a couple of tips to get your wardrobe organized and save time in the future when going through it. Not only will a well-organized wardrobe help you find things, but it will make it a much more pleasant view when you leave the door open!

• First things first. Designate areas for specific items or categories. Organizing your clothes by colour will give the most aesthetic look to a wardrobe. I personally organize the clothes by category: skirts, trousers, jackets, jumpers and blouses - they all have their own place.

• By grouping your little categories to short and long you can take advantage of the height you create underneath your short-hanging clothes. Skirts and shorter shirts are great for adding a shoe rack underneath. It lets you see your shoes without having to pull any lower-hanging clothes out of the way. Which is exactly what I've done with my wardrobe full of shorts jackets and coats. I have about 30 plastic boxes with shoes underneath them.

• If you don't have a lot of room in your bedroom, you could always take a low chest of drawers and put it in your wardrobe for storage. I know it does sound a bit strange but this also gives you the opportunity to add more storage on top of it (hurray!) while being able to close your wardrobe for a clean and uncluttered look and hide all those sale bargains in there!

• Are you fed up with all the plastic storage containers? Decorative boxes are a great way to add storage with a stylish twist!  My personal favourite - the shabby chic boxes can be found on Ebay (if you are after a bargain). Laura Ashley, Cath Kidston or even Next and Tesco sell some great storage boxes too. 

Well I hope you find these tips helpful and if you need any help with detoxing your wardrobe, please get in touch. I also sell things on Ebay for my clients and find it very enjoyable so if you don't have the time to do it or find it quite frustrating, I'll be more than happy to help!

 

The Right Earrings For Everyone

Well girls, earrings definitely make any woman look more charming and attractive.
There are appropriate types for every occasion and any woman.

Due to the fact they are close to the face, earrings must compliment one’s face shape.
So keep on reading and find out which face shape you are and what earrings you should be wearing.  I didn't even know there were so many face shapes!

There are also several basic styles of earrings that can be worn from day to evening and are appropriate for a variety of clothing options and occasions.

How to choose the right earrings?

You should identify your face shape first to decide what style of earrings will compliment your face best. Consider what will enhance your good features. Take into consideration the cut and color of your hair, your skin tone, your body size and clothes you’re wearing.

Round Face Shape        

If your face is round like Salma Hayek's, you better choose lean, long and angular curved lines. It will elongate and add a little angle to your face. You can wear drop earrings in dangles, ovals and oblongs. Square and rectangular earrings are also good options. But make sure that you avoid small studs and hoops and chunky large earrings as well.

Oval Face Shape        

Megan Fox has a oval shape, a classic shape that will work with almost any style of earring. Be brave and experiment with different styles and decide what looks good on your face. You can wear earrings with soft shapes like studs, ovals and teardrops. Even spiraled dangly pair will look cute on you! If you have a shorter hair style go for pearl, diamond, or gemstone studs. BUT avoid wearing incredibly long and thin shapes that will just pull your face down.

Heart Face Shape 

Look for earrings that are wider at the bottom – tear drops, chandeliers, triangle shapes that begin with a point. Even circular and oval earrings will work with your face shape but steer clear of earrings that are heart shaped and very short. 

Square Face Shape

Earrings with a round and angular edge will work best because it will help in softening a square face like Paris Hilton's.  As long as you avoid square shapes, you can wear just about anything in the earring category. Hoops and curved edges will add the necessary roundness, and drop earrings, long tear drops, or multi-tiered dangling earrings will give a square shape some length.

Long or Thin Face Shape

You are advised to wear simple studs and chandelier style earrings. Three dimensional earrings will add fullness to your face. To widen this face shape wear circular, triangular  and square earrings BUT remember to avoid flat or dangling earrings.  Sarah Jessica Parker seems to get it right every time!

Diamond Face Shape

I love Nicole Kidman's earrings on this picture. A straight line and curves combination works so well. Why not to try studs and small drop earrings? Be sure to avoid long and thin earring style.

Triangular Face Shape

If you have a triangular face like Victoria Beckham you need earrings that will soften the sharp angles. Large oval or small circular earrings can work well for you. Prefer earrings with curves at the bottom and avoid ones that come to a point.

 

I hope you find these tips helpful. Go ahead and choose a nice pair!

13 Rules Of Dressing For Love Success

This is for all you Single Ladies out there!
 

As we all know, clothes make the man or the woman, and they can make or break your success in the dating game.

It’s not because the world is full of shallow fashionistas. It’s because first impressions are all-powerful, whether we like it or not.

Your clothes make a statement about you. They send a message about your mood, your body image and whether you regard washing and ironing a shirt as a priority. And they can be tribal: think of hooded tops or white stilettos.

Your outfit can also make you feel good or bad about yourself. Clothes have a huge say in your confidence and behaviour – both pretty important in a social situation.

So there’s a lot at stake, but these lucky 13 simple rules by Jane Hoskyn will help you get it right.

Rule 1: Be yourself

All our rules matter, but they can be relaxed to accommodate Rule Number One.*

When you dress in a way that clashes with your personality, you don’t feel comfortable. And when you aren’t comfortable, you aren’t confident or relaxed.

Dressing in a way that’s true to yourself will also help attract a lover who’s on your wavelength.

Once you’re seeing someone, don’t change your style just to please them. They’re your lover, not your school uniform supplier.

(* I’d advise against relaxing Rule Two, unless you’re dying to meet someone who’s driven helpless with lust by B.O.)

Rule 2: Keep it clean

Whether you’re on a first date, tenth date, at a party or meeting your future in-laws, a little washing powder goes a long way.

Turning up in a smelly, crumpled T-shirt won’t make anyone think that you’re laid back and lacking in vanity. They’ll think that you’d rather be at home, alone, eating a Pot Noodle in front of the telly.

Scruffiness is especially damaging if your companion made an effort to dress up. They may feel very embarrassed that you didn’t do the same.

It doesn’t take much to wash and iron an outfit. Your effort tells your date that you value their company, and that’s half the battle won.

Rule 3: It’s not a job interview

You can overstep the mark when making an effort. On a date, you’ll fare best if you’re both feeling relaxed, and you probably won’t feel relaxed when trussed up in pinstripes and a starched shirt.

This rule also applies to parties, where a starchy get-up will make you look and feel like a geeky outsider.

Rule 4: Think about who you’re meeting

One of the main rules of attraction is that people like people who are like themselves. So dress in a way that connects with the style of your date, or with the people you’re likely to meet at a party or other event.

Rule 5: Dress to fit the venue

You’ll also feel more confident if you fit your surroundings. Jeans and T-shirt are fine for a few drinks down the pub; a smart restaurant requires more finesse.

Remember to temper this with Rule One. It’s not about being a sheep, it’s about subtly adapting the real you to fit your surroundings.

Rule 6: Comfort equals confidence

Don’t set yourself up for hours of torture in killer heels or too-tight jeans. A grimace isn’t a good look.

Of course you want to look your best, but you’ll be at your most attractive when you’re psychologically and physically comfortable.

You may not feel comfy in either sense if you’re wearing a brand new outfit, especially if the price tag is digging into your back. Wear a trusted wardrobe staple that makes you feel confident about yourself and your body.

Rule 7: Stand up straight

Whatever you’re wearing, you’ll look more confident, slim and attentive if you improve your posture. Gently straighten your back and keep your shoulders relaxed.

Rule 8: Easy on the labels

Style is not about designer brands or bling, it’s about making the best of what you’ve got. Smothering yourself in labels will make you look desperate or intimidating, depending on whom you’re dating.

However, if your date is another fashion fiend, go for it. Good luck with the joint overdraft.

Rule 9: Easy on the slap

Lashings of lippy and enough foundation to float a yacht may do the business in certain nightclubs. Elsewhere, it’s a turn-off. You’ll also look as though you’re hiding the complexion of an old sandpit.

Rule 10: Easy on the perfume, too

Strong perfume or aftershave is another no-no. Gents, be warned: women’s sense of smell tends to be more sensitive than men’s, so your dab of aftershave may register as a choking stink.

Rule 11: Beware the hairdresser

Don’t have your hair cut just before a date. Stylists rarely leave it just how you want.

Rule 12: Keep ‘em covered

You may have the finest set of boobs, biceps or thighs within a five-mile radius, but that’s for your lover to discover when you’re alone together.

If you flash the flesh on a date, your companion won’t think you’re dressed for them, but for anyone who fancies a look. Besides, goosebumps aren’t sexy.

Apply even more wrapping when meeting your lover’s parents. To them, your cleavage, shoulders and knees are throbbing erogenous zones and they don’t want to see them. Ever.

Rule 13: Be prepared

Stick a couple of fabric plasters in your bag or pocket, in case those new shoes start to rub. If you’re wearing tights, take some clear nail varnish to stop any snags. Also take a comb and, if you wear contact lenses, your glasses.

It may sound like a hassle, but these things don’t take up much space – and they could rescue your comfort or confidence just when you need it the most. 

Good luck!