The Italian Essence

Yes there is one style that suits most body shapes and will always look up-to-date, elegant, casual and smart and should always have a place in your wardrobe. They can make your legs look longer, your hips narrower, your bottom smaller and accentuate your waist. You can dress them up with a smart shirt or jacket for casual smart, or even the office if the denim is dark, or you can dress them down with an oversized knit and trainers. What is not to like?? https://www.selfri

9 ideas on how to step out of loungewear this spring Are you tired of all these tracksuits and oversized sweatshirts? If yes, then I have picked up 9 fresh ideas in the new season. These outfits are both unusual and elegant - not to mention comfy! So I am not making you get too much out of your comfort zone, just suggesting "comfortable stylish wear" rather than "comfort wear"! Open maxi shirt + jacket + jeans This is a great way to stylish and be comfortable. There is not

Red is inevitably associated with Christmas, but it is also the colour of love and romance, confidence and joy. Wearing red is a sure way to feel confident and put a bit of va va voom into your step. It is a great colour to invest in, as it transcends all the seasons and can be worn with ease in winter as well as summer. I am often asked what “colours can go with red” ? Well, you would be surprised! 1. Of course, dressing in red from head to toe is a brave thing to do and

I believe these days that unfortunately the truth is we all know the "cost of everything and the value of nothing". It brought me up short the other day when I was looking to buy a white T shirt from a well known store and it was £40. "£40!" I thought "I'm not paying that for a plain white T shirt!". But then I stopped to think - why shouldn't I? In fact, why wouldn't I? Whatever the shape, cut, quality of it was, the fact remains that for every T shirt made, there must h

When did this happen? When did I become invisible? Why, after so many years of life and living, experience and careers does self confidence leave you so quickly? I used to have a lithe, boyish figure, which I was quite proud of, even though I didn't have much bust! It was a good clothes horse, if nothing else! My body changed after I had my son - boobs arrived and I know have a post cesarean pouch, which no amount of Pilates will shift. But the real change came with the o

With the current climate and people being made unemployed – a lot of them woman it would seem – it is going to be more important than ever to feel confident and self-assured when you go for a job interview. You know the saying “you never get a second chance at a first impression”. A lot of interviews at the moment are being held via Zoom or Skype and this adds another dimension to the problem. I will be covering this in another blog and on video. But, if you are asked for a

In the January 2020 edition of Vogue UK, there is a lot about the sustainability of the fashion industry and a whole 15 page article about recycling and upcycling our clothes. This got me thinking about my wardrobe and the clothes I bring out year in and year out, carefully folding them away in plastic crates at the end of one season and bringing them out again for the next. I have skirts, jumpers, shirts, trousers and tops that I have had for years. Items that I love and nea