Mutton vs Matronly - dressing for your age!

Navigating the fine line between mutton dressed as lamb and frumpy is almost every woman over 40's concern. I hear all the time "can I really get away with wearing this?" and "I feel so fat and frumpy and I'm turning into my mother". When looking in the mirror the reflection looking back is incongruent with the attractive youthful 20 year old inside.

In the UK, 44 is the average age most females struggle with coming to terms with ageing and all that goes with it. Time capsule wardrobes are often a common ageing factor. We get ourselves in such a pickle trying to avoid looking like everyone else whilst at the same time concerned about looking ridiculous. It's a  balance but my first piece of advice would be

New Clothes from Old Clothes

A great way to save money is by refashioning clothes. You don't need to be a whizz on the sewing machine to revamp your old or hardly worn clothes, with just a little imagination you can create something unique which earns it's place in your wardrobe. Changing buttons, stitching on embellishments, shortening hems or getting creative with fabric dyeing and painting are within reach of most.

So why not get creative, you've got nothing to lose if the chosen item was heading for the charity shop anyway. And you'll be doing your bit for the environment by ensuring your contribution doesn't end up on the giant textile mounds. You could also look to revamp items bought at vintage and charity shops - there's a feel good factor when you give an old piece of clothing a new lease of life. Here's what I've been up to, hopefully it might give you a little inspiration.

Savvy sales shopper or not?

Sales shopping - why is it that every year we hit the high street full of anticipation that we're going to find that elusive bargain to save ourselves a small fortune? You'd think we'd learn that after the initial euphoria from purchasing the bargain of the year. There's a downside when you realise that your opportunities to wear your new gorgeous designer dress are somewhat limited and it will probably add to the growing pile of uncoordinated separates lurking at the back of your wardrobe.

OK so I'm being a little harsh but we've all fallen for the clever marketing frenzy of the January, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter sales. And that's just my point

Winter Style

With much of the country covered in snow and freezing conditions then a few wardrobe adjustments are required to ensure you brave the cold temperatures, strong winds and slippery conditions. But it’s no excuse for dowdiness, winter style can still be achieved – look to these celebrities for some inspiration to see you through the cold snap in style.

Bright fun colours emit positive energy so a statement coat, like this blue one that Pippa Middleton’s wearing, will help lift your spirits and those of the people around you on a dreary winter’s day. Pippa’s let the coat do the talking by teaming it with black skinny jeans/tights, her trademark deluxe leather handbag and knee high but sensible flat boots. By adding a