Gold & Sparkly Christmas look

One of my favourite makeup artists, Lisa Eldridge on how to get a perfect party look for the festive season...

Get her look: Kathryn Thomas

PRESENTER Kathryn Thomas certainly knows a thing or two about style. Whether, glomming it up in a figure hugging Stop Staring dress or  dashing  around jeans in skinny jeans, heels and a leather jacket  - the  presenter always looks effortlessly cool.  As one of the hosts on Ireland’s new talent show The Voice, Kathryn seems to have won the style lottery, opting for a selection of brightly coloured dresses, which show off her enviable figure to perfection.

 Gorgeous Kathryn said her years climbing the ladder at RTE prepared her for hosting The Voice. "This is definitely the high point of my career.” She told the Mirror in a recent interview," I've wanted to do a show like this for a long time. I feel it's the right show for my personality and it is the right time for me.

"It's a big show for RTE and this is an international collaboration so the fact I've been chosen to hold it all together, it's a real honour but I'm ready for it.”If this was three, four or five years ago I wouldn't have approached it with such certainty and determination.

"Now though I'm just ready to get stuck in, get my hands dirty and make this as big a success as it can be." But Kathryn said she would never turn down any position offered to her, admitting she's happy not to be on the dole given the state of the country. She said: "To be working at the moment is a great privilege.”I'm so conscious that there are people out there who aren't working and for me to be working on something that I love is fabulous."

Stylish at any age ; Fashion trends aren't just for 20-somethings ....

"There is no fashion for the old," Coco Chanel once declared at what was presumably a youthful stage of her 87-year life. The mademoiselle's fashion fortune-telling was usually unerring. She brought black from funerals to the cocktail hour, embraced men's underwear (i.e., jersey), and insisted on mounds of costume jewellery. But regarding age, well, let's just say she never had the pleasure of meeting Madonna, who, at 53, looks better , and younger ,than ever before.

The same can be said for stars such as - Jennifer Aniston (42), Kim Catrell,(55) and Kylie Minogue (43) - who always manage to look incredibly stylish, regardless of their age.It just goes to show that, it doesn't matter how old you are; it's all about knowing how to accentuate your best assets and finding clothes that fit and flatter your shape. Everything you wear, whether it's a bra that helps you look good in your clothes, or an attention- getting accessory, should be chosen for the way it works with your body. After all, you should wear your clothes; your clothes should not wear you.

So this season, whether you're celebrating 20, 40 or 60, don’t be afraid to expirement with your look. Go ahead and make a trend your own with these simple style secrets in mind .After all, that's what fashion is all about! Everyone can look good in these styles. It's just a matter of degree: Younger can go edgier; older more polished.


Skirting The Issue - The legs are the last to go, so if you've got a great pair, then by all means wear a hem above the knee. If you've got bad ankles, enter the shoe bootie to cover them up.

Belt It Out - An undeniably hot trend right now are belts. Whether they're wide, skinny, studded or chained, they are versatile enough to pair with jeans or couture, depending on the look. The trick is to pick one that accentuates your shape.

Accessible Accessories - Lots of young Hollywood is loaded down with accessories from head to toe, so don't be intimidated. There's something for everyone; just stick to what's proportional to your size and silhouette.

Divine Dresses - They can be great camouflage. Wear them with leggings, boots or even skinny pants. The waists can fall low in a chemise style, rise up high in the empire style or wrap to fit your body.

Skinny pants -They don't have to be skin-tight. The straighter the leg, the better. Get rid of the boot cut if you can. For slimming colors try not only black, but dark winter greens and browns.

When in doubt wear classics - You know ,those little black dresses, classic-fitting slacks, cashmere sweaters and blazers.

Stay True to You - Fashion is now more about your personality.If you're a businesswoman, socialite, or rocker, it doesn't matter if you're 30 or 60, you can wear the same things.

Fit is Everything - Poorly tailored clothes are a faux pas. Make sure your sleeve lengths are precise, your pants fall at the proper point, and that no unseemly bagginess compromises your silhouette.
 No matter how expensive your clothes are or aren't, they won't look rich if they don't flatter you. Your shape, not the year on your driver's license, is often the determining factor.



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 PROMOTION

A Question of Style  is  the  fashion bible for the over forties . Created by fashion journalist Georgina Heffernan , it is currently available from Amazon.com

"The idea that you could look the way you did in your prime is incredibly appealing but is it ever really possible? We dream of regaining our youthful good looks but for most of us that‘s just a dream. 

You cannot turn back the clock, no, but you can transform yourself with the right cosmetic  treatments, make-up choices and styling tricks.

Stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives and Sex & the City have totally changed our attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour!

You may look at pictures of those stars and think 'How do they do it?'  I'm about to share their secrets with you..."

Georgina Heffernan

GeT her look: Florence Welch

FLORENCE Welch, the 24 year old diva behind Florence and The Machine, is our latest fashion crush. Why? Her tousled, shiny red locks are surely the crowning glory of her effortlessly cool and quirky, slightly boho look - a look that's seen her wear everything from flowing maxi dresses and skin tight jumpsuits - to polka dots teamed with plaid. Florence's style goes from strength to strength and hasn't become any less bonkers just because she's a mega-selling artist. Although she is occasionally wardrobed by Topshop, you sense her heart is still in the 5p basket of her local Oxfam store, where she always manages to pull out just the right sort of insouciant dress to accompany her winsome image. We love her pale white twig legs in their ankle socks and the shapes she throws in her long, diaphanous stage outfits

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PROMOTION

"The idea that you could look the way you did in your prime is incredibly appealing but is it ever really possible? We dream of regaining our youthful good looks but for most of us that‘s just a dream.

You cannot turn back the clock, no, but you can transform yourself with the right cosmetic  treatments, make-up choices and styling tricks.

Stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives and Sex & the City have totally changed our attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour!

You may look at pictures of those stars and think 'How do they do it?'  I'm about to share their secrets with you..."

Georgina Heffernan

A Question of Style  is  the  fashion bible for the over forties . Created by fashion journalist Georgina Heffernan , it is currently available from Amazon.com

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HOT TRENDS - POLKA DOTS

Designers were feeling a little spotty as they paraded perky polka dots all over New York and Paris runways this season. There was an outbreak in the autumn/winter collections with Michael Kors, Miu Miu and Stella McCartney sending them down catwalks. As a result, everyone's gone dotty for the polka dots again. Though reminiscent of sixties beatniks and Lucille Ball in "I Love Lucy," these are not the polka dots of yesteryear. Crisp and graphic, this vintage look is pretty, but it is not precious.

Polka dots were first worn on silk scarves in the late 19th century across the pond in England. The earliest use of the term "polka dot" was in 1866 in The New York Times. Polka dots were traditionally seen on flamenco dancers and performers. The pattern of circles reappeared in the 1920s with Walt Disney's creation of Minnie Mouse.The 1950s created a new group known as "teenagers," who were influenced by film, television, magazines and music. As consumers, teenagers dominated styles from fashion to music, cars to bars. This decade would be credited with making the world go dotty for polka dots.

The ever impeccable New York designer Carolina Herrera often used polka dots in her collections in the 1980s, and who can forget Julia Roberts in a brown-and-cream polka-dot dress and wide-brimmed hat in the 1990 hit "Pretty Woman."
Now the trend has filtered down to the high street from Topshop to A Wear. Sixties inspired fitted dresses, Pencil skirts, handbags, platform heels and trench coats have all been given the polka dot makeover. River Island , Dorothy Perkins and ASOS also have well-rounded selections of styles and colour ways, while those after something a little more luxurious should head to Harvey Nichols, where the Rolls- Royce of polka-dot blouses, designed of course by Marc Jacobs, is currently available in store.

Looking for polka dot style inspiration? Check out Rihanna, Daisy Lowe and Alexa Chung sporting the style.

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PROMOTION

"The idea that you could look the way you did in your prime is incredibly appealing but is it ever really possible? We dream of regaining our youthful good looks but for most of us that‘s just a dream.

You cannot turn back the clock, no, but you can transform yourself with the right cosmetic  treatments, make-up choices and styling tricks.

Stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives and Sex & the City have totally changed our attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour!

You may look at pictures of those stars and think 'How do they do it?'  I'm about to share their secrets with you..."

Georgina Heffernan

A Question of Style  is  the  fashion bible for the over forties . Created by fashion journalist Georgina Heffernan , it is currently available from Amazon.com

Forties fashions are still fabulous

They had to endure rationing, having no bananas and Vera Lynn on the radio, but if there was one boon for women in the 1940s, it was fashion. In the history of couture, very few eras can match the innovation and originality of the post-war period. With difficulties in sourcing high quality materials, style had to come from somewhere else.

Design, cut and detail became a priority, and the current trend amongst today's designers to take their influence from the period is testament to its enduring legacy of style. There were lots of forties references on the international catwalks this season and the best approach to reinvent this fashion era has been realized by Mui Mui, as well as by Gucci, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Jonathan Saunders.

Talk of 'austerity chic' was de rigueur in the 1940s, and 'make do and mend' was the mantra of the day. But it's not just the philosophy of the decade that is suddenly relevant again - it's also the clothes and accessories. Straight out of a noir film, the retro look - featuring sleek skirt suits and elegant dresses paired with peep-toe pumps and slingbacks - embodies the elegance of the era. The key looks are fur collars, silk blouses, pencil skirts, pill box hats and the most delicate of tea and shift dresses.
But it's in the detail, the accessories, that this romantic trend really comes into its own. If you like having fun completing a look with just the right finishing touch, then you're going to love immersing yourself in this new style. The essential rule to remember is to keep your accessories sweet and sophisticated.
While your clothes may be vintage-looking, reminiscent of wartime glamour, your bag, shoes and jewellery need to be polished and sharp, for balance.

But there's so much fun to be had in accessorising this look: leather driving gloves, for example, are back in style and red leather ones couldn't be more fashionable. Bright, roomy tweed bags with wooden or metal frames will house all your essentials - or you could add a trilby for an unexpected twist. Jewellery is also key - vintage pieces add that unusual and one-off look to your outfit.

And, of course, no outfit is complete without a fantastic pair of shoes. For day, choose a pair with a good heel, blocked and tapered a peep toe and for evening, bring the look right up to date with a slim ankle strap heel, with a matching clutch bag in satin. Groomed, neat and as sophisticated as a shaken Martini. Perfect for a night of Art Deco decadence. After all, you may be Forties inspired, but there's no need for rationing.

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PROMOTION

"The idea that you could look the way you did in your prime is incredibly appealing but is it ever really possible? We dream of regaining our youthful good looks but for most of us that‘s just a dream.

You cannot turn back the clock, no, but you can transform yourself with the right cosmetic  treatments, make-up choices and styling tricks.

Stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives and Sex & the City have totally changed our attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour!

You may look at pictures of those stars and think 'How do they do it?'  I'm about to share their secrets with you..."

Georgina Heffernan

A Question of Style  is  the  fashion bible for the over forties . Created by fashion journalist Georgina Heffernan , it is currently available from Amazon.com

SHADES OF AUTUMN; Makeup artist Julianna Grogan gives us her tips on the season’s hottest beauty trends

What is your favourite make up look coming through for Autumn/winter 2011?I have to say that I’m a big fan of the bold lip trends this season. With a huge range in the colour palette from blood reds to deep berries and my favourite acid orange; everyone can rock this look.

How do you wear it?The best way to wear a strong lip colour whether its red, orange or plum is to downplay everything else. Soft camel or barely there nude shades on the eyes will bring out the colour of the eyes and won’t look over powering with a bold lip. The skin should be creamy and flawless with little or no blush. The only exception to this rule is the lashes - mascara can be heavily applied and it's all natural lashes this season - falsies are out!

What were some of the more inspirational or outrageous looks on the international catwalks?This season on the catwalk was all about strength and definition teamed with understated softness. Some designers went for glowing natural skin with subtle fleshy tones while others took more risks – such as Marc Jacobs' fluro oranges on the eyes and lips. Gucci's influence was seen all over the catwalks with strong glassy red lips paired with nude or caramel shades on the eyes.Sculpted liner in all shades from metallic’s to amazing electric blues and classic black were winged out to create cat like definition. We also saw a lot of metallic shades in this season's smoky look to create smoulder with shimmer and glow.

Are any particular cosmetic brands or products you've totally falling in love with this season?Brows are huge this season and the bigger the better. Smashbox 'Brow tech to go' is my must have to create this look. It has a gel on one end to create a 'boyish' brow and the colour stick on the other end to add definition and density to the brows- it’s the perfect two in one. On the lips I’m totally in love with MAC's matt lipsticks in shades like 'Ruby Woo', 'Sin' and 'Lady Danger' and my absolute favourite product this season is my MAC gel liners to create the perfect winged effect without mess.

What look should we avoid and why?Avoid going too silver or shiny with eye shadows this season. Metallics are in but not sparkle princess style. A touch of silver, grey, bronze or gold is great but too much shine on the eyes will look garish and sit in any fine lines or dryness that often appears during the cold months. The best way to avoid the shine overload is to use a palette with complementary tones to create your metallic look. Another look to avoid this season is heavy foundation. Even though the sunshine is gone, healthy glowing skin is still in and can be achieved without excess product if you rely on your concealer for the coverage rather than foundation.
　
　
Any interesting looks for eyes/ lips?On the lips: tangerines, burgundy, berry or hot red are in but make sure lips are well conditioned before applying. Cold temperatures combined with central heating can really dry out the lips and ruin the look. If you’re not into colour then the classic nude hydrated lips will work with any of the eye looks this season.
On the eyes: Apart from the metallic’s, warm autumnal camel shades will enhance any eye colour and still look soft this season or if you’re feeling creative go for the nude eye with striking winged eye liner in your favourite colour.


You've recently been working at New Zealand fashion week- what looks did you create on the models and why?For the designer selection show at New Zealand fashion week the makeup look had to work for every designer showing in fashion week. Two main looks were create done - metallic purple smoky eye with a tangerine matt lip and the other - a soft gold eye with a strong liner and matt pink lip. There were also alterations backstage during the shows to suit the various collections.

I've heard that 'flawless skin' is a key look this season. How can you fake an amazing complexion - when your skin is misbehaving?Flawless skin never goes out of fashion and this season is no exception. Luminous, bright and creamy skin is a must. The best way to achieve it or fake it is to use less foundation and cover with a good concealer. A lighter foundation or tinted moisturiser will keep the skin hydrated and avoid that masked look on the skin. In the areas where more coverage is needed dust a matching concealer - which has a thicker consistency - to adhere to problem areas and keep it undercover. If all that's not enough, then finish with some mineral powder on top which will give you extra coverage without a chalky or caked look. Smashbox Halo Hydrating Powder, MAC Mineralize loose powder or L’Oreal Bare Naturals are some of my favorites

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PROMOTION

"The idea that you could look the way you did in your prime is incredibly appealing but is it ever really possible? We dream of regaining our youthful good looks but for most of us that‘s just a dream.

You cannot turn back the clock, no, but you can transform yourself with the right cosmetic  treatments, make-up choices and styling tricks.

Stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives and Sex & the City have totally changed our attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour!

You may look at pictures of those stars and think 'How do they do it?'  I'm about to share their secrets with you..."

Georgina Heffernan

A Question of Style  is  the  fashion bible for the over forties . Created by fashion journalist Georgina Heffernan , it is currently available from Amazon.com

HAT TRICK - the seventies favourite is back

This seasons seventies revival puts felt hats at the very top of our wish list. Designers went back in time with a catwalk tribute to the era featuring big flares, big hair, platform soles - and even bigger floppy hats.These styles are sure to add the finishing touch to any winter wardrobe.

Here's a few of my favourites...


Felt Floppy, Subtitle:
£28, €47 (Eire), €43
Accessorize



Blue Wool Felted Fedora Hat, £9.99/€12.99
New Look

Felt Fedora, 99145650, October
£26, €40
Accessorize

Red animal print floppy hat £55/€88 Biba
House of Fraser

Kate Moss launches jewellery collection

Supermodel Kate Moss launched her first jewellery collection at the Paris Fashion Week.
Sold online and through luxury department store Harrods in Britain, the price of the line ranges between 400 pounds and 40,000 pounds, reports contactmusic.com.

Queen Mary; As her new TV series begins, Mary Portas criticizes the fashion industry for ignoring the over forties.

MARY Portas has made it her business to be crowned Queen of Shops. The retail guru has earned her title by ruthlessly knocking failing retail outlets into shape. And now, in a new series for Channel 4, the critic and consultant is risking it all by taking on the high street. The 49-year-old reckons she has spotted a gap in the market and has designed and launched a collection - aimed at women, not young girls.

With a film crew following her every step of the way, the show makes compelling viewing, as we witness Mary fighting every step of the way to bring her vision to life."It is quite nervy and quite worrying," she told the Sunday Mail "It is actually quite fly on the wall so you get a real insight into me, my working day, how I live and this massive project.

"I have put myself right in the firing line. I am not sure there is anyone else who does what I do. Look here: "I have spent my whole career reviewing shops and writing about them. So the risk for me and my reputation is very high because I have set a benchmark, which I believe is about great retailing. And now I have opened up my own shop. I'm a bit mad in doing it but it has always been a dream and I've done it."

Mary’s ambition is a big one - to transform the way 40 something dress – but with attitudes slow to change, she is challenged every step of the way.  "At the moment in fashion, youth represents sex appeal, and the fashion industry and the media are responsible for this. We need to shift perceptions." she told The Telegraph.

"It's about fashion that's age-appropriate that can also be glamorous and sexy," says Portas, who, as part of her new series, will open a shop that will radically reinvent how fashion is sold to older women. "Even if businesses do cater for older women, they don't want to show it. I want to challenge that. There are so many women who don't want to be sold clothes by a size-8,
18-year-old shop assistant. These are the most powerful and influential consumers, so why aren't they being served?"

But with her own label and a TV crew following her every step of the way - Mary has managed to create a line of clothing that , not only look incredible but  will suit almost every type of  woman.She said: "I am really proud of so much. I think it gets back to people all the time. I brought in a whole team of people. I saw a little spark in the characters and trained them and they have been phenomenal. "I come on the shop floor, see them with the customers, guiding and explaining everything that I taught them, about the cut and the size and where the fabric is from. I feel proud of them and what we have achieved together. It feels like a family. You will see it all in the show."

Mary Queen of Frocks, is on Channel 4 on Tuesdays at 9pm.

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PROMOTION

"The idea that you could look the way you did in your prime is incredibly appealing but is it ever really possible? We dream of regaining our youthful good looks but for most of us that‘s just a dream.

You cannot turn back the clock, no, but you can transform yourself with the right cosmetic  treatments, make-up choices and styling tricks.

Stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives and Sex & the City have totally changed our attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour!

You may look at pictures of those stars and think 'How do they do it?'  I'm about to share their secrets with you..."

Georgina Heffernan

A Question of Style  is  the  fashion bible for the over forties . Created by fashion journalist Georgina Heffernan , it is currently available from Amazon.com

HOW TO WEAR THE PENCIL SKIRT

 

IT seems that fashion designers like to challenge us with a new skirt each season. We'd barely mastered the midi, before the Forties- inspired pencil version, as seen on the Diane von Furstenberg autumn/ winter 2011 catwalk, appeared on the scene. It can, however, be an undeniably flattering style if you follow the rules, as explained below.

 Always pair your skirt with heels, and, this time round, avoid teaming it with a pussy bow blouse (the sexy secretary look is just a little bit too fancy dress).They're also incredibly flattering for a wide range of figures, but the trick is finding the right hemline for your shape .Too low down on the lower leg and even the longest pins can look abbreviated, while too high up on the hip, the pencil skirt can look as if it shrunk in the wash.

Look for a cut that hits right at the knee so you can walk and sit comfortably. The trick lies in wearing something billowy and diaphanous to make your bottom half look as slim and sleek as possible. Keep cleavages covered - too Bet Lynch, otherwise - and aim for a bit of prissiness. The skirt will do all the teasing, believe me.

THE RULES

- Pencil skirts that hit right at the knee are wardrobe gold because they can be worn with almost any heels. Skip the wedges, as those can look too casual with something as polished as a fitted pencil skirt.

- Don't wear a pencil skirt with boots unless you have a black belt in fashion and a gigantic closet with lots of options. Finding a boot that hits at the exact right place on your leg when you've got a to-the-knee skirt is harder than solving the toughest Sunday crossword.

- When wearing something as fitted as a pencil skirt, always tuck in your blouse or shirt to help create a long, lean silhouette.

-Pair a pencil skirt in a dark or muted hue with a light-toned sweater (since dark colors visually shrink and light colors accentuate).

-Pick a top that covers the first few inches of the skirt but stops short of the widest part of your hips. Or wear a fitted blazer left open to reveal your waistline.

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PROMOTION

"The idea that you could look the way you did in your prime is incredibly appealing but is it ever really possible? We dream of regaining our youthful good looks but for most of us that‘s just a dream.

You cannot turn back the clock, no, but you can transform yourself with the right cosmetic  treatments, make-up choices and styling tricks.

Stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives and Sex & the City have totally changed our attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour!

You may look at pictures of those stars and think 'How do they do it?'  I'm about to share their secrets with you..."

Georgina Heffernan

A Question of Style  is  the  fashion bible for the over forties . Created by fashion journalist Georgina Heffernan , it is currently available from Amazon.com

Germans and Americans are worst dressed while the Brits are catching the French in the style stakes, reveals Skyscanner

Skyscanner surveyed over 500 people on which countries they believed to be home to the most stylish people and who were the biggest losers on the catwalk. Perhaps not surprisingly, it was the Italians who were crowned the kings and queens of the catwalk, taking almost half (44%) of the votes. The fashion heavyweights famed for top fashion houses such as Armani and Versace, are well known for their love of dressing well.

Taking 17% of the vote was the French. With labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior, fashion is taken very seriously in France -- however hot on their Louboutin heels are the Brits, with an impressive 14% of the vote. With influential designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney it appears that Brits are managing to shirk their "Brits abroad" fashion reputation for one that is far more stylish.

The Germans were voted as the least stylish, receiving just 0.5% of the votes, but a shock for the nation that is home to Vogue and designers such as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, the Americans were also lagging behind in the fashion stakes with just 1.5% of the votes.

Sam Baldwin, Skyscanner's fashion editor commented:
"Whilst every city has dedicated followers of fashion, our perceptions of the style of other nationalities tend to be based on our travel experiences and seeing foreign tourists in our own country. The image of the American tourist wearing a Hawaiian shirt, chinos, white socks and black shoes is a pervasive one, though not actually very representative of how the average American dresses."

Top 10 Most Stylish Nations

1. Italians (44%)
2. French (17%)
3. British (15%)
4. Spanish (8%)
5. Swedish (6%)
6. Japanese (4%)
7. Russians (3.5%)
8. Americans (1.5%)
9. Germans (0.5%)
10. Other ( 0.5%)

The long and the short of it; your winter coat should be your best friend, so it's worth spending time choosing the right one.I guide you through the options.

AS the nights draw in and the weather grows colder, a girl's thoughts turn to the winter coat lurking at the back of her wardrobe. But if your coat turns out to be tatty beyond belief or the buttons are falling off, it could be time to invest in a new one. And, since you and your coat will have a close relationship for the next six months, it's important to choose wisely. The shops are now stocked full of different styles, with bright pea coats to complement the trendy 60s look and traditional tweeds for a taste of the countryside. Thankfully, such coats are no longer typically black. These days, we'll wear frivolous pieces featuring bold prints and unusual details.

Traditionally autumn/winter is the time for perennial plaids and checks, and none more so than this forthcoming season. The trend for English heritage pieces on the New York runways proved they're here to stay, in this year's new midi length coat. Watch out for '70s-style knitted ponchos, while heavy wool swing coats provide warmth. Last year's capes go from directional to mainstream. Pea coats get cropped; while in a move towards luxurious outerwear, sequined jackets add some glitz and glamour for evenings and patterned coats come into the spotlight.

This season, the classic camel coat is back with a new smartness and a touch of sassiness that should melt the ice on a cold morning - opt for a style with mannish tailoring – because this autumn there's more than a hint of masculinity about fashion. Remember to let your outerwear do all the talking this season, and then you won't have to worry so much about the rest. Go for a bold colour, or a sleek cut, and you'll be laughing all the way to spring. In our gallery, you'll see a selection of our seasonal favourites at prices to suit a variety of pockets. So wrap up, step out and enjoy the big chill...

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PROMOTION

"The idea that you could look the way you did in your prime is incredibly appealing but is it ever really possible? We dream of regaining our youthful good looks but for most of us that‘s just a dream.

You cannot turn back the clock, no, but you can transform yourself with the right cosmetic  treatments, make-up choices and styling tricks.

Stars of shows such as Desperate Housewives and Sex & the City have totally changed our attitudes to ageing; instead of growing old gracefully we are facing the advancing years with lashings of glamour!

You may look at pictures of those stars and think 'How do they do it?'  I'm about to share their secrets with you..."

Georgina Heffernan

A Question of Style  is  the  fashion bible for the over forties . Created by fashion journalist Georgina Heffernan , it is currently available from Amazon.com