what's your idea of the little black dress?

Ah the little black dress!!!!.....  every womans must have wardrobe essential.  Conventionally the little black dress has usually been a slim fitting dress usually a black shift dress sleeveless and sometimes mini in length.  But ideally the little black dress should be in a style that flatters your body shape and size.

For me it is a simple cut dress that makes me look slim and georgeous after all black is slimming.  It's an every occasion dress that can be worn on its own or with simple accessories or jazzed up with bold statement jewellery depending on the occasion.  My classic little black dress these days during winter is a black long sleeved wrap dress, a simple, versatile and easy to wear dress which I love wearing with a pearl jewellery pendant. 

But who said the little black dress had to be all black?  This silk print dress may well become my next black number, a simple floaty dress with an even more stunning back view.   Will be georgeos accessorized with a pearl necklace or a simple rock crystal bracelet but is absolutely stunning on its own.

retail therapy - a great back to school gift for mums

Kids are back to school and many mums, myself icluded, must be feeling so relieved.  Honestly I think I am now recovering from the sheer exhaustion of it all.   It's as if I have been Waiting To Exhale

and now I can finally breath.  At times like these I simply want to treat myself and what better way than a bit of retail therapy.  So as not to be frivilous I tell myself  "well I do need some new knitwear, woolly jumpers and cardigans for the pending autumn/winter.  Not to mention some roll neck tops and knee high boots, black preferably.

Shopping time is limited but I am bombarded with so many special offers via email that I simply cannot resist but take a look.  While there is so much I can think of that I need, I'm simply going to treat myself to this V neck sleeveless polkadot dress    This wrap dress is simple, elegant, timeless and polkadots are one of my alltime favorites. Team with this charm necklace for a great look.

Your summer work wardrobe

It is quite a wardrobe challenge keeping it professional and summery for the working woman.  Depending on the nature of your job, finding that balance between professional look and summer coolness can be tricky especially in a high powered corporate job where image is key.  Then there are those who are always required to be camera ready.

The last few days have been bursting with magical sunshine and heat - perfect beach weather.  But alas not all of us are fortunate enough to be lounging on the beach somewhere.  Keep cool in dresses and skirts in light cottons or linen and ladies ...... great time to shave or wax your legs if you tend to be more on the hairy side as summer does reveal all those ills we have been hiding under coats and tights for months.

Look camera ready in this wrap dress from La Redoute.  If you just cannot be without a suit for work then lighter colours like beige, cream and white suits will certainly make you instantly trendy as you will be blending in with the nude trend.  A top tip is to always keep a versatile jacket in your office to upgrade your look from casual to formal in an instant.

Accessorize your work wardrobe with tasteful unusual jewellery in great summer colours like polkadot rings and copper bracelets.

Don't miss out on the La Redoute sale to add a few key pieces to your capsule wardrobe this summer.

The Iconic Wrap Dress

I am always encouraging my readers to adopt a timeless dress style by investing in clothes and accessories that will outlast the ephemeral or seasonal trends. One such year round wardrobe must have is the wrap dress which is as timeless and versatile a garment as you can get.

This Classic wrap dress in florals is both flattering and feminine - perfect for spring summer.

Wrap dress first designed by Diane von Furstenberg
The wrap dress which has become an icon in itself was introduced into the world of high fashion by Belgian born fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg in 1972. This figure flattering, versatile and easy to wear dress is suitable to most body shapes not to mention most ages as they are equally suitable for the young fashion conscious female as well as the mature trendy woman.

You simply must check out this Wrap around dress by Blacky. The colours are amazing and the dress has some unusual features like breast pocket patch and dual cuff buttons. This is a real find.

What the experts say
Professional stylists advises that for women with hour glass shapes, the wrap dress is perfect for accentuating curves and in some instances hiding budges. The cross over wrap dress puts emphasis on your waist by separating and lifting the bust and plays down the hips by making them seem smaller and narrower as it skims over the hips. The wrap dress also accentuates the cleavage and elongates the legs. It can be dressed up or dressed down with heels or sandals, jeans/ trousers, tights and accentuated with statement jewellery. Your wardrobe just simply is not complete without a couple of wrap tops and wrap dresses.
You simply cannot go wrong with this Cross Over Petal Dress made from 100% organic cotton. Flirty & feminine this gorgeous wrap over dress is the perfect eco-friendly versatile answer to the little black dress. Style with these stunning Tertia sandals.

Top quality wrap dresses and designs
Like anything else there is always the less flattering designed wrap dresses which due to poor craftsmanship and fabric used, droops rather than drapes over the body. Poorly designed wrap dresses can leave us bigger boobed women pulling and tugging whole day to maintain a sense of decency. Depending on the style and make of the wrap and your body shape some women find it convenient to wear a camisole underneath to avoid being embarrassed.

This fashionable and modern Pure Linen Sleeveless Frill Wrap Dress is flattering and stylish

Bear in mind that a well made wrap dress from quality fabric can be worn season after season. Have a browse online for those made from fair trade and organic material as fair trade and organic clothes are usually made to last .... Plus you get your opportunity to do your bit for the environment.

Susan Boyle Glams it up

If you have not seen her yet, this is Susan Boyle who shot into stardom with a stunning performance on Britain's Got talent. Susan is a perfect example of first impressions and the way people judge us on what we wear. When she walked onto the stage the audience was very skeptical and had already written her off based on her appearance. As Susan answers Simon Cowell's questions, the camera captures disparaging looks from members of the audience snickering and having a laugh. When Susan opens her mouth to sing "I Dreamed A Dream from the musical Les Miserables" their is a stunned silence as she blows them away with her voice. Click here for video footage

One can only guess that pretty soon Susan will undergo a Trinny and Susannah or Gok Wan makeover to look fabulously glamorous. We can already see a new look emerging from the up and coming singing super star post debut.

In this picture Susan is wearing the classic wrap dress which can lift and separate chest area.

The thing about style and fashion is not about having the perfect body size and shape as airbrushed in magazines but it is about dressing to suit our body shape. Here are a few classic looks that can flatter body shapes like Susan's.


The Cinch Waist Dress in classic black and ivory diagonal stripes is super flattering and the secret power meshing will cinch you in to create a sensational silhouette.


Another waist shaping dress with sleeve if arms are a trouble area for you.



Ah Classic and elegant - This gorgeous crossover jumper, in 100% organic cotton, feels as good as it looks. Feminine and elegant, it's designed by Lana Natural Wear, a label that is popular in boutiques all over Europe.


Team with a light, floaty skirt for a casual yet stately look. This flat waist panel skirt is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your selection of matching tops or blouses. Made from organic cotton, this flat waist panel skirt is designed to create a flattering flair without the gathers.

What not to wear
For a body shape like Susan's this is what not to wear. That said, I do love this Printed Angel Dress from Ringspun. It would not look great on Susan or myself for that matter as it is suited for small boobed women but I really like the tribal look and kaftan style of the dress.