Start with a clean shave. No matter how fashionable the clothes you’re wearing are, you’re not going to look pulled together if you’re in need of a haircut or shave. Although men’s hairstyles and facial hair choices are certainly more creative than they used to be, it’s important to project a well-groomed image. A scraggly beard is not designer stubble.

Don’t be afraid of patterns. Patterns are perfect for men’s wear for formal or casual events, if you wear them in the right way. Start small, with a patterned necktie. Or go with neutral slacks, solid blazer, solid tie, but patterned shirt. There are many different ways to work eye-catching patterns into your wardrobe without looking like a clown.

Colour is another thing you need to feel comfortable with. Try a colourful tie if you’re shy with bright’s, and keep the rest of your ensemble neutral. To look polished in a hurry, match your tie to your shirt for a stylish monochromatic look. Try deep wine, royal blue, or hunter green.

When choosing what to wear for formal occasions, stick with the classics. Suits in dark colours like black and navy are always good choices. Add interest with a bright handkerchief or vibrant tie. A formal occasion is usually not the time to try a new fashion choice! If choosing what to wear on your wedding day, follow the appropriate groom’s dress code for wedding ceremonies and reception.

Now, when choosing what to wear for casual occasions, you can be a bit more creative. One trendy idea is to make good use of layers. For a put-together look that can take you most anywhere, combine your favorite jeans with a solid or striped Oxford shirt, then top with a trendy short sleeved tee.

For more ideas, look through a menswear catalogue or fashion magazine. Many runway looks can be modified to work for real life. Get creative and find ways to incorporate today’s trends into your lifestyle. Fashion may not be on every man’s top ten list, but by understanding the basics, any man can look great in a hurry.

One of my favourites is Beyond Retro, on Cheshire Street, many a Saturday afternoon has been well spent trawling through retro hats, shoes and dresses. I recently bought a red 50′s nightie which I’m now in love with, not for bed of course, for nights out.

On a weekend in Brighton I found some great items as well, they were begging me to take them home; of course I needed that feather covered hat with the berries on top. Odd to think that I would run from a second hand store, afraid of kooties, but join the throngs of women in trying out retro boots that have been worn by someone thirty years ago. There are countless online Vintage shops that you can peruse at your leisure, so get bookmarking.

Of course eBay has a fantastic Vintage section, from antique lace gloves to nineteen eighties neon. Popular items like 60′s mini dresses do tend to go quite high but there is still a bargain to be bagged if you can pip someone to the post. I was recently outbid on a yellow 70′s dress, and if the person that did it is reading this, then a pox on you! I could have been a contender for the next Mrs Law in that dress.

If you can’t bear the thought of trawling through vintage shops or don’t want to get addicted to eBay, there are plenty of reproduction vintage dresses and the like in high street shops. You can still look good and also be certain that your dress is not being haunted by a love bead crazed hippy.

Now I am a shoe lover of gargantuous proportions. From New look to Mui Mui, I don’t have a favourite brand – I just love shoes! In fact it wasn’t until I had to move house that I got found out for my addiction. When the removal men dropped one of my 15 boxes labeled ‘Scientific Equipment’ and ‘Clever Books’ and 18 little boxes slid out… not revealing more boxes like a Russian doll, but yep, you guessed it. SHOES!!

So what boots am I excited about this winter? Well, boots are still very tall this season, and by tall, I mean long up the leg, knee skimming, even over the knee is definitely in. Pirate is fading away as are over complicated boots, tassles, ties and so forth are taking a back seat, although minimal use is still ok. Cowboys, thank you Jesus, they are still here in a full force. As is wearing your boots over your jeans, which is the best trend to ever hit this side of the Atlantic with our rainy weather… No more going home with jeans sodden up to the thigh as if you’ve been on a fishing trip.

But don’t think that it’s all simplistic this season, there is a new sense of style and luxury with a retro touch that will strike the right balance between casual and classic elements. Decorative shoes are around but in a more eccentric fashion hybrid of both the arty bohemian lifestyle of the 20s and of the Woodstock generation of the 70s.

The Platforms we all swore we weren’t going to wear again and wedge heels are still a strong contender, but less brash for the slightly more reserved classy Brit look. Riding boots are still massive, as is the welly (you should still have some left over from your festival of love but chuck them out and invest in a really good pair).

Above all, don’t be a slave to fashion, get on eBay, pick up some vintage and get them re-heeled and re-soled (grips essential for not falling over stupidly on a date during the frosty seasons). Customize them yourself, wear them with leggings, legwarmers or silly woolen socks popping out the top. Just make your style your own, it works for Kate Moss, but then again, not for Helena Bohem Carter, so steer clear of the crappy jumpers and Oxfam if you’re that way inclined.

Whether you’re an apple or a pear, curvy or androgynous, you are sure to find something that will make you sparkle with festive spirit. The high street shops are bulging with gorgeous dresses for every occasion, the office do to the family banquet. Personally, I think I will go with one of each! Well, it’s Christmas so surely I deserve presents? Or at least to dress like one?

With all the Christmas choccies and treats going round, don’t forget the all important undergarments, such as Spanx, they truly do hide the multitude of sins, giving you a silhouette that will be envied by all the other ladies, and let’s face it, that’s what it’s all about. All that men look for is a bit of knee, no appreciation of what we go through to look amazing and outdo each other. Marks and Spencer has some absolutely gorgeous gowns in their windows, as do H&M, Next and yes, Primark. The gorgeous gold sequined dress worn by Sienna Miller on the red carpet was quickly on sale in Primark, and just as quickly sold out. They are going on eBay at three times the original price. Wish I had thought of that first!

And let’s not forget online shopping, far easier than fighting through the throngs of shoppers, just click back and relax, your dress is on its way. As Seen On Screen (ASOS) have celebrity styled dresses to die for, it’s just a matter of making sure you have enough events to attend, though you could just wear them to decorate the tree or feed the cat.

The fact remains that we can actually make a difference by carefully choosing our cosmetics, whether for reasons of a political, ethical, or even vain nature. The trick is finding the products that a) work, and b) don’t have a hefty price tag. I am loathed to spend three times the amount on something just because it has the word ‘organic’ on the packaging as ‘organic’ now seems to be a brand, and a big successful brand at that.

So I have taken the time to find some of the best ‘green’ products around, starting with the Green People. The Green People make cosmetics, hair and body products, baby care products, the lot. The founder of Green People, Charlotte Vøhtz, started the company because of her daughters eczema condition. “I realised that we all are children of the chemical age and that man-made chemicals found everywhere, combined with changing dietary habits, profoundly affect us all.”

The Green People products contain over 99.9 percent natural ingredients. With lipsticks containing such yummies as coconut, jojoba, organic beeswax, they are, quite literally, good enough to eat. The prices match your average mid-range makeup prices, with lipsticks starting from £2.99 to £9.99.

Another of the forefront brands in green cosmetics is Weleda. One of the oldest green cosmetic companies, they have been manufacturing health care products since 1921 and have an extensive range of cruelty free skincare and bodycare products.. Weleda grows its own plants organically and biodynamically, although they are not labelled ‘organic’ as they also contain mineral ingredients which cannot be labeled organic as they are not cultivated. Weleda mainly specialise in lotions and potions from sunscreen to facial oils.

Love the Planet not only have a great range of natural skin and hair care products, but they have some pretty cool innovations as well. Their Washable Cleansing Pads are used exactly like cotton wool, but you pop them in the washing machine in the bag they come in and you can use them again. Their simple packaging and cute names like ‘Eyebright Gel’ also give another reason to buy, if the ethical ones aren’t quite enough.

Before I started writing this, I had no idea how easy it would be to find cosmetics that are both completely ethical and natural; the marketplace has been swamped with cosmetic companies with a conscience, so take a little look around. Next time you buy that lipstick you needn’t feel guilty about spending the money on a luxury, in fact you’ll feel as good as you look.

Ethical shopping doesn’t have to mean wearing veggie shoes teamed with untailored hemp clothing. Ethical shopping means choosing to buy from retailers that use ethical practices.

Do they:

• give their employees a fair wage?
• buy from manufacturers that give their employees a fair wage (don’t give me any of that “we didn’t know” business)?
• stay far, far away from using child labour?
• refrain from animal testing?
• use methods of manufacturing and waste disposal that are safe for both humans and the environment?
• have an environmental or recycling policy?
• use readily available and easily renewable materials?

An oft cited example of an ethical retailer is BodyShop. They have milked their green, animal loving, fair trade credentials for all they’re worth and rightly so. People are generally willing to pay a bit extra in order to feel good about what they buy (the lovely smells coming from the shops don’t hurt either).

Today there are quite a few designers, boutiques and fashion retailers that claim to have green credentials. You can now buy earth loving shoes, chic leather alternative jackets, organic jeans, and handbags made from recycled outdoor advertising. And no, they’re not ugly. They are in fact truly trendy, highly desirable and just a little bit expensive. Check out Fashion.net Green Sites for a list of eco-friendly, cruelty-free, socially-conscious designers and stores.

Or try a novel idea, buy from charity shops. You’re not poor, you’re being ethical, you’re recycling and the money you spend goes to help a good cause. And when you’re done with it, donate it back to the charity shop to complete the recycling loop.

Oxfam charity shops are a good place to start. They are one of the largest supporters of fair trade and their shops stock not only donated clothing which, if sold, pays for their regeneration work in the poorest areas of the world, but also fair trade coffee, cooking sauces, jams and stationary products produced by the very people that the donated clothing funds went to help.

Another idea is to buy from small fair trade traders in the UK and overseas. These companies often have websites or sell their products on ethical shopping portals or sometimes even on online auctions.

You can find fair trade etailers and shops listed on: FairTrade.org, Fair Trade Federation and the Global Exchange – Socially Conscious Gifts.

Now that the sun is starting to shine and the flowers are blooming it will soon be time to face the next battle: the summer sales.

Although nowhere near as bad as the battlefield we see just after Christmas, the summer sales can be tricky to negotiate. You won’t need quite as much armour but a good thick skin wouldn’t go amiss. Here’s some tried and proven tactics to help you win the battle and bag that bargain.

Keep your eyes open for which shops are doing sales and when. Not all open their summer sales at the same time, although they usually do it within a week or so of each other.

If you are first in you’ll get the widest range of styles and sizes but you’ll only get 10-30% off. If you don’t mind missing a few things wait a week or two and you’ll find the sale item prices will drop. Towards the end of the sales the sale rack items will be 50-70% off the original price.

When browsing the sale racks be polite but firm. You don’t want to start any cat fights (especially not with a 47 year old mother of 3 whose offspring are there in the role of heavies). But do know your own mind and politely claim the field. A good way to do this is browse the racks by touching the hangers somewhat firmly. That way if you see something you fancy you’ll already have a decent hold on it. Possession is 9/10 of the law!

Another battlefield tactic is to be just a bit greedy. Anything you think you might like goes in the basket (or the pile on your arm). Do not ever put anything down until you are 100% absolutely sure you don’t want it. As long as it’s in your possession no one else can touch it, at least not if they’re truly British. But once it’s put down it’s fair game.

Now, the changing rooms. Do you really, really, really want to go there? Before heading off to stand in the queue for an hour just to find out that the jeans don’t fit anyway, ask the shop assistants if items can be brought back.

Some smaller shops and boutiques will not allow returns during sales. But almost all high street fashion stores will. If the shop assistant says returns are allowed (usually within 28 days, unworn, accompanied by the receipt and all tags) then ignore the changing rooms. Try it on at home where there is a proper mirror with proper lighting and your girlfriends can tell you what they think (don’t ask hubby, it’ll just make him uncomfortable).

Just one more battlefield tactic before I sign off, don’t take your kids! They hate it, you hate it, the shop assistants hate it, the other shoppers hate it – so please do the world a favour and leave the little darlings with hubby. He’ll be only too pleased to find that he has an excuse for not braving the battlefield with you.

Summer skincare routines can vary depending on skin type. If your skin is oily, then you may experience more breakouts than usual. If your skin is dry, the heat could prove even more drying.

When choosing a sunscreen for your face, take your skin type into consideration. For oily skin, choose sunscreen that’s designed not to clog pores or cause breakouts. Good choices are sunscreens in mist or spray form, which are naturally light. You can also try a sunblock made for children’s sensitive skin. One good, economical choice is SunSense Toddler Milk SPF 50 Roll On, available for around £5.99.

For dry skin, you’ll need a protective, moisturizing formula. Check out Bergaderm Mousse sunscreen, available for purchase at around £11.99. This moisturizing mousse will protect your skin from harmful UV rays while encouraging a good moisture balance.

For that gorgeous summer glow without the risk, why not try a self tanner? Choosing the right self tanner is easy when you understand what you need for your particular skin type and colour. If you’ve got oily skin, try a light mist, milk or gel. Some good choices are: Clarins Self Tanning Milk and Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel.

For any skin type, including dry, check out Fake Bake products such as Beyond Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion Plus Scented with Rosewater for around £20. This self tanning line is a popular choice that’s used by celebrities worldwide.

To get the most realistic sunless tan possible, you’ll need to exfoliate first. Try Proto-col Instant Body Bliss, a blend of fragrant natural oils and Dead Sea salt. Or make your own by mixing essential oils with sea salt. You can also try blending brown sugar with olive oil for an inexpensive scrub that smells great and does the trick!

To prevent dark spots on rough patches like knees and elbows, try moisturizing after exfoliation but before self tanner application. One great choice is Beyond Bronze Gin-U-Wine Layered Oil Spray. At only £6.00, this amazing product smoothes rough areas and allows your sunless tan to develop evenly.

Now that you know how to protect and nurture your skin this summer, what are you waiting for? Coat yourself with sunblock and get bronzed with a self tanner. Then get out there and have fun!

There are a wide variety of styles to choose from, each one claiming to do something fantastic and some of them actually doing it.

The Wonderbra for example is indeed wonderful. Although some of the styles just don’t work for me and actually seem to do the opposite of what they’re supposed to.

Could this be because I’m wearing the wrong size? Maybe. It could also be because everyone wants something different and nowadays there are at least 50 bras in various colours to cater for any task.

Do you want the bra to give you support, make your chest look bigger, more “perky”, cover everything, be part of the outfit (i.e.: diamante bra straps), be part of a matching set that you can show off “later”, push you up, squash them together, work with a strapless dress, go with a halterneck top, on an on the list goes.

Choosing a bra is now a sophisticated shopping adventure. The best bet is to try one of each major style (strapless, balconette, support/sports, push up) and decide which does/doesn’t suit you. Try on tons and remember that sizes will vary with the style and designer. Then move on to the more advanced selections such as which looks best with various outfits.

Tight shirts do not always look great with padded bras, balconnette bras may be a better choice than push up bras for certain styles of tops and dresses.

And colour does matter. There are times when you want the bra to be seen. So make sure the colour is right (a black bra under a pink shirt is neither classy nor sexy). If you often want to show a bit of bra then buy a slightly cheaper variety so you can buy them in several colours to match your wardrobe.

You don’t have to have 100, just enough to go with the main colours: black, red, pink, light blue, light green or mint, white, beige… pink with tiny flowers and ribbon straps, denim with diamantes, burgundy with gold thread, oyster with silver tassels… I think I might have too many bras.

It’s bad enough in the high street stores but try buying clothes for boys on eBay and you realise that there are some categories that don’t have 5000 sellers. I can find over 1000 dresses in my niece’s size selling today which is only slightly less than the total amount of items listed in boys for my son’s size.

And you can forget car boots or charity shops. By the time an item of boys clothing hits the tarmac it’s been so well worn it’s not much good for anything. This is in stark contrast to girls clothes which can often be passed down to several sisters before wearing out.

On and offline, new or used – the choice for boys clothes is strictly limited.

So what can you do? Well, first of all it bothers me more than him that all he has is track suits, shorts, t-shirts and school uniforms. He actually likes it that way and is more than happy to wear the same thing again and again. I would expect that a lot of boys feel the same. And this is probably why there isn’t the huge range of styles and colours for boys as there is for girls. There simply isn’t the demand.

So the first thing to do is calm down, buy your niece or friend’s daughter a dress just for the fun of it and then have a look at what is on offer for your little prince.

Next is my favourite for boys clothes as they stay looking tidy even after several washes and have plenty of wear in the knees. I also shop in M&S and every once in a while pay a visit to BHS. Adams used to be a favourite but they’ve closed quite a few branches and as my son is getting older they have less for him now than when he was a toddler.

My son is on the lean side so although I’ve tried I can’t find items that fit right from the mail order shops such as Additions, Choice and Littlewoods. It’s a shame as all of the UK catalogue shops sell online and all have designer children’s clothing at decent prices as well as bargain basement prices for everyday wear.

A total shock was when I, in desperation, deigned to enter Bwise. They’re selling NafNaf clothing for children. It’s hard to find the size you want and you do have to dig but the NafNaf clothing in there is a fantastically good buy. Trousers for £5, nice layer look shirts for £3, tracksuit trousers for £4. I was very pleased and went back (had to go back, took several trips before they had the items I wanted in his size).

If you have the money I would think that Gap would be a good choice. I cannot personally bring myself to shop there for my son as he goes through his knees so fast. And if he does manage to wear trousers for a few weeks without the knees wearing out he outgrows them instead!

So I stock up in the Next and M&S sales, usually getting the size he is now and the one above. And I pop into Bwise every once in a while to see what they’ve got. Adams is still visited although I think he’s almost too big, which is a shame as they have very nice children’s clothing. I check eBay for unwanted gifts or things that were outgrown before being worn. I don’t even bother getting him anything second hand as it’s just not worth it. Of course, he’s blissfully unaware of my efforts, all he knows is that the drawers have “stuff in them”.