I've been "blog bombed" by my photographer and artistic director!

I don't often hand the blog over to anyone else - although I'm very happy to feature anyone who would like to be on it. However, after it was suggested by Donna at I won't wear sludge brown that Matilda should take the blog over, I thought that I would introduce you to my seven year old photographer and artistic director - because without her things wouldn't run as smoothly as they do. 

Interestingly she's really not fussed about clothes. She just checks the weather, gets dressed and often tops the outfit off with her favourite M&S cardigan (above). She was most cross with me today when I was sorting out some of her older sister's clothes which I had kept for her. "Stop trying to make me interested in clothes " she said. (I wasn't. She has one pair of jeans that fit and that's not enough trousers for Wales, which is where we are headed next week.)

Matilda also dislikes taking photos. She says my shots are boring so to make them less so, we always do a "funky" shot at the end. "THIS is how you're meant to do it." she says. Sometimes we have to do a "fierce" shot or a "pop star" shot. I agree with her. They're much more fun and I think that a few more will be making an appearance on here. Although she doesn't really like taking the photos, she takes her job seriously. So seriously that she pulls ridiculous faces when she's taking them so that my grin - ridiculous as that also may be - is genuine. Which it is. She's great at going cross eyed. A trick I've never been able to master.

Her Onesie is another favourite outfit. We like our cosy things in this house. In fact I would go so far as to say that Onesies have influenced a lot of my fashion choices recently. But more about that in my next post.

And the best shots are the fun ones. This dress is one that she chose from M&S on our one and only shopping trip ever - the same trip that she chose her cardigan - and the cat print green dress in the top right pic below. I think that she looks like some slightly mad creature from a Roald Dahl book, which is quite apt really, given her name.

Now I know that many of you will be in the same boat as me tomorrow - finding out the GCSE results, so I hope that goes really well for everyone. Additionally I am tasked with the job of going down to school, collecting them, opening them and telling NO ONE the results (other than Mr SG) until Flo gets home from London tomorrow night. It's all under her direction and I'm terrified of cocking the whole thing up. I expect that I will have a stress dream tonight - turning up late, the wind whipping the results out of my hands, opening them and tearing them up inadvertently. I'm more nervous than if they were my own. And what I've realised is that, unlike most things in life that cause us stress, there's no point doing any kind of prep because it's all decided, which is weird. Often doing some research, getting a good night's sleep, wearing a nice outfit, having a good breakfast, listening to words of wisdom or the right music - all of that might help but not tomorrow. I can turn up naked and it won't make any difference. And now I'm waffling. See how nervous I am? I think that I had better go.....

Trying and reviewing the M&S leather ponte leggings...be quick, before they sell out!

Last year there was a lot of coverage in the press and amongst bloggers about the Autograph leather ponte leggings (£99). So when they arrived on the scene this season, I thought that I would give them a try before they sold out. And I only just managed it because, the size 8 has now....sold out. Given their popularity last year though, hopefully M&S will be on top of this and fingers crossed, they should be back in store again soon.

The leggings aren't completely leather but rather leather at the front and ponte at the back. And you know I really liked them but what I found slightly strange was the fit.

The thing is that most very tight things - let's take tights for example, or normal leggings, or skinny jeans - are rather stretchy. So they expand whilst you're getting them on and then they fit snuggly once on - the power of lycra and all that. However these leggings are quite unforgiving when you're putting them on - a bit like jeans used to be before lycra was included in their composition. So it takes a while to get them on. There's no give in the leather at all, particularly as they are lined with polyester.   However, gradually they warm up and give a little so that you can then pull them up another couple of inches. Or perhaps this pair are too small - which is why I've ordered a size 10, just for comparison, although the size 8 felt fine once they were finally on. But it's important that they're not baggy in the leg - nah, that's not a good look.

I also fancied trying a sleeveless tunic jumper. This cable knit one is from Limited Edition at M&S but the website doesn't seem to have quite caught up with the stock yet. Whilst I like the idea of the jumper, I'm not quite sure of its wearability/versatility. It may only have a window of opportunity in my wardrobe of about four weeks. But anyway, sometimes it's good to try these things just to see what you think. Do any of you have your eye on anything? Is the High Street managing to tempt you yet or are you hanging on to summer clothes for as long as possible? x

Using the Online Colour Analysis Service by Donna at " I won't wear sludge brown"

Donna says: "Navy is actually in everyone's colour palette" - phew, that's a huge sigh of relief from me!

A few months ago I read about an Online Colour Analysis service offered by Donna over at I won't wear sludge brown and more recently I thought that it would be fun to write about it on here.

But before we start, my own approach to people and their colours when styling them can generally be summed up as follows:

• The colours at either end of the spectrum - ie black or white - are probably the hardest colours to wear next to your face and most people don't think twice about wearing those colours, so let's not get too hung up on which colours do and don't work;

• We all have a fairly good instinct for which colours work for us. For example, whilst previously I didn't know exactly which colours were "my" colours, I knew that certain neutrals and certain yellows and greens made me look as though I belonged in a coffin;

• Whilst colour is an important feature of a piece of clothing, it is only one of about five important features, the others being fabric, fit, shape, washing instructions and cost. Dressing head to toe in colours that are right for you is fine but if the outfit is  made of nylon, in a shape from the 80's and it's two sizes too small, it's going to look pants, irrespective of the colour being perfect;

• A good lippy, or a scarf or necklace, in a colour which you know suits you can work wonders with a top that is in a less than perfect colour for you.

Donna says "I absolutely adore the teal on you, it's so right on every level, really complimenting your own colouring."

That aside, I had always had a little niggling voice that wondered which colours, exactly, would be right for me, so I contacted Donna to ask her if she would be happy to undertake an Online Colour Analysis for me and also to ask whether she would mind me writing about the process. Luckily she agreed on both counts. 

Donna says: "This is a fabulous example of how to add one of your secondary palette colours to your outfit to bring it alive. The orange really does warm up the navy which can be quite a flat colour." [I have a friend to thank for the scarf - she has a fab eye!]

Before we started I explained my approach to colours and found, to my amazement, that we were singing from the same hymn sheet. This which was very refreshing as in the past I have come across colour consultants who were very rigid in their approach which I found limiting and slightly old fashioned. Donna's final words to her report were these:  "Remember, don't be a slave to the rules. It will make you completely miserable." Words to my ears! 

So this is how Donna's Colour Analysis Service worked;

• Donna emailed me and asked me to send a couple of selfies over - make up free and in natural day light. Now I must admit that this was pretty horrific - more for her having to take a look at the results rather than for me having to take them in the first place. Luckily the 7 year old chose to photo bomb them which gave a much better result;

• I completed a short questionnaire sent over by Donna which addressed my current hair colour, my natural hair colour, how easily I tan, my eye colour and so on;

• Two days later Donna sent a report through. I cannot tell you how excited I was to see it ping into my in box. It's not that often in life that we get something that is tailor made for us and which contains information that we can use on a daily basis. It was like receiving a pair of handmade shoes - or I imagine it is - but without the cost. The report covered my personal colour palette, my neutrals, my fashion colours, how to wear my colours, how to rescue colours that aren't in my palette and so much more besides. Donna also attached images of the colours that would suit me and advised me that I could order the colour swatches from Colour Me Beautiful.

• A day or so later I called Donna to ask her about a couple of things that had occurred to me whilst reading the report. During that conversation it very quickly became apparent that she is a lady who not only knows her stuff but that she knows it inside out.  She whizzed around the world of colours and we chatted away as if it was second nature to her. It's clear that there isn't anything that she doesn't know about the world of colour!

Donna says: "As I’ve mentioned, white is a strong colour hence the reason why some palettes find it difficult to wear. I love the red on you too - you really should wear it more often!" (Noted).

Am I happy that I used Donna's service? Absolutely I am! Already I've used the knowledge that she's given me on several occasions, not least when it came to choosing some clothing for an up and coming post with Marks and Spencer. Will I be a slave to my colours? Definitely not but when I'm not, I will know it and I will be able to make the necessary adjustments to my outfits so that things work as well for me as they can. Will it mean that I try different colours? Definitely, safe in the knowledge that I'm heading down the right track but always with Donna's words ringing in my ears. Oh and for the record, I may well be wearing more sludge brown!

Note: Try as I might, Donna wouldn't let me pay her for her service but I would have happily paid her fee of £35, plus some, for the work that she did and the advice that she has given.  

Donna says: "I feel that you could probably add a slightly brighter coloured top or scarf to this coat to really make the most of it." - Yes, I agree!

Are you ribbing me? Today we're looking at one of the biggest trends for next season....

If you type the word "ribbed" into the Topshop website it comes up with 269 results - which is a sure sign that ribbed clothes are going to be huge this season - or next season - whichever way you look at it. From ribbed cropped tops, to ribbed cropped trousers and from ribbed jumpsuits, to ribbed swim suits anything and everything is ribbed.

All things 90's are in the midst of a huge revival, so be warned! By its very nature ribbing is not terribly forgiving. On the other hand, it can add curves to a chest where perhaps there are none and it also gives a really nice neat silhouette. With a little careful styling, ribbing can work beautifully. So before you write it off as a trend that's not going to work for you, there are a few tips worth bearing in mind...

• One of the easiest ways to wear ribbing is as a layer underneath something else. A ribbed top would work fantastically well under a faux fur gilet or suede waistcoat (fringing isn't compulsory) with just the sleeves peeping through.  I recently bought this jumper from Topshop (£28) which I will layer under all sorts of things when the colder weather arrives. The other great thing is that it will add warmth without lots of bulk. 

• Another way of layering a jumper like the one above is to wear a jacket over it, maybe a leather one or a blazer, just leaving a vertical strip of the jumper showing at the front. With some smart culottes it's a great work look - still smart but very modern. Layering a Peter Pan collar underneath it on a bib makes for a preppy look. Or, a ribbed top can make a statement in its own right, such as this asymmetric top from Topshop (£32)

• Long line cardis are a huge trend for the season and buying into a ribbed one of these isn't so much as buying into a "look" as adding a cardi to your wardrobe, which just happens to be ribbed. Given the fact that they can be quite fine knits, it's necessary to watch what peeps through from beneath - jeans for example can leave bumps where the buttons are. Leather leggings would give a smooth silhouette. Another offering from Topshop is this cardi, for £39.

• For anyone who fancies it, ribbing can be embraced as a full on look in many ways, from a jumpsuit to a dress. I love this two piece outfit from Topshop (£78) which comprises ribbed cropped trousers and a long line tunic.

• Or Zara has this ribbed dress (£15.99) which reminds me of Kate Moss in her early modelling days. See what I mean about the 1990s?

• Autograph at Marks and Spencer has this two piece ribbed dress and long line cardigan in olive. Somehow, seeing the outfit on a more mature model makes it easier to relate to as a trend. The cardigan is currently sold out and the dress is available in limited sizes, presumably because it has featured in Vogue. Not so good for us but I'm happy for M&S! Each piece is priced at £55.

• And another little gem from Autograph - this fabulous ribbed jumper and trousers ensemble. Now if I could wear this from October until April - and look as good as the model in doing so, I wouldn't mind winter approaching. The tunic top is £49.50 and the trousers are £45.

• Or maybe try a jumpsuit? Zara has this great option. Yes? No? Maybe with a white shirt underneath??

Personally I could quite happily be persuaded on any of the above. But as to a ribbed swimsuit? Maybe that's a 1990's Baywatch type step too far. So, to rib or not to rib, that is the question? I love the clean lines and muted tones of these outfits which are all quite Scandi looking. What do you all think? I predict quite a cosy winter. x

Can you wear a blanket poncho? Yes you can and here I show you how...

Outfit: Gap trousers, Jigsaw boots and poncho, Warehouse top, Oushka bag

So I have to admit that I was dubious about whether I could pull off a blanket poncho but then I bought one on impulse ("oooh, it's navy and white and I've never tried one of these before - let's give it a go) after which I missed the deadline to return it, meaning that I was forced to wear it.  And guess what? I really liked it. Luckily.

In fairness I did try it on before I bought it but it was a very quick try on. Then as the summer holidays approached a whole host of work came in and it sat, mildly neglected for a while. I wore it in Guernsey with shorts and then today, given that the temperature had dropped by about 10 degrees, an extra layer was needed. So out it came for its first official outing.

Having had a little play with it my conclusion is that, even if you're fairly petite it can work without swamping. Equally if you're slightly curvier it's great for skimming without clinging. I'm also going to belt it when I have a chance and see how that works too. As with anything with some volume to it, the rest of the outfit needs to be quite fitted so that it looks as though you're wearing an outfit plus a poncho, rather than....a tent. And, as in most cases, a slight heel does help. It just helps to lengthen those legs.

Here's the Jigsaw summer blanket poncho (£38 down from £129) in cream. It's no longer available in navy on line but I love this cream option too - and it's a great price now.

And these are the Jigsaw ankle boots that I'm wearing (reduced to £69 from £139). I've worn them so much already that they definitely qualify as a necessary purchase. Yep, most definitely.

Wishing you all a lovely (and dry) weekend - whether you're in a poncho. Or a tent. 

How a few tweaks and a knot can take a top from the beach to the town...

The last time that I wore this J. Crew dress I wore it on the beach and at its full length. With it being such a beautiful day yesterday, I really wanted to wear it again but it just looked all wrong for a trip to Waitrose.

On the beach the dress was fine but out of context I felt as though it looked as if I was wearing a dress that was far too short for me, even though I had denim shorts underneath.  Not one to be defeated, I tucked the back of the top underneath itself, grabbed the front, tied it in a knot and off I went. Now admittedly, having made the top shorter I ended up with more leg on show than if I had worn it as a dress but somehow it worked better. I think that it looked more intentional and less like I had left the house without really checking the length of my dress.

I'm also wearing Amirah flat shoes from Banana Republic which had their first outing yesterday. I bought these when I was in New York in June for about £20 and there are similar here in silver for £49.99, reduced from £75.

I also really like these Aiden D'Orsay flats from Banana Republic (£69). What I hadn't appreciated until I wore my shoes for while is that they have padding under the ball of the foot and a memory foam system, which makes them really comfortable.  As in really, really comfortable so I will definitely see what Banana Republic have lined up for next season.

Re-working pieces is a great way to make your wardrobe work harder for you - whether it's layering something underneath, or over, something else chopping your old jeans into cut-offs (which mine are above), belting an item to change its shape or length, or committing an act of sacrilege by knotting a a J. Crew dress to make it into a top, thinking outside the box opens a whole host of wardrobe options.

A cheeky pair of shoes for a cheeky night out...(and they may just be a slight Aquazurra copy)

[Satin Topshop joggers, leather Iris & Ink top, Accesssorize bag, La Moda shoes]

Friday night saw a cheeky night out with some friends for tapas and having seen these shoes in Look Magazine a week or so ago, I treated myself to them.

These "Bad to the bone black" shoes from La Moda which are £24.99...

...are an unashamed copy of the Aquazzura Wild Thing tassel heels, which are £515.

I suppose it is a little bit naughty really but there are some things in life that wouldn't sit well with my conscience and there are other things that I am able to reconcile. This one I can. For some bizarre reason I'm really looking forward to wearing them at Christmas. Why that may be I have no idea, particularly as the thought of the summer ending fills me with dread - although one small consolation is all the new clothes coming into the stores. Soooo lovely!

A Baukjen playsuit and a thought for the day (although not quite as deep as the Radio 4 version!)

Baukjen playsuit, Whistles scarf, Topshop Ghillie flats, M&S leather bag

You've all seen this Baukjen playsuit (similar here and here) a few times now. I think that there's something quite lovely about wearing an item of clothing which, when you bought it, you weren't really sure whether you were ever really going to be brave enough to wear it...or not...and then wearing it alot. And it's funny how that can happen.

You see I can't get over the feeling that if I wore dungarees, I would feel an idiot in them, even though I like them on others, but for some reason this playsuit doesn't bother me. Equally I wear my denim jumpsuit without thinking twice about it, whereas friends of mine have asked me if I feel OK wearing it. I just love the psychology of clothes - they have the capability to evoke such fascinating thoughts and emotions in us.

And on that profound note I shall bid you all farewell and wish you a lovely evening. x

Wearing a neon bikini by Sea Folly at Coco Bay Swimwear (and there's a 15% discount for readers)

A few weeks ago I was invited by Coco Bay swimwear to choose a piece of swimwear, together with an accessory, to wear and write about on Style Guile. Having followed Coco Bay for a while on Instagram and loving the colours of their pieces and the brands that they stocked, I didn't hesitate in saying yes. And then that's when the panic set in. If you're lucky enough to have been gifted something that's lovely, I feel that there's a responsibility to do it, and the brand, justice - which let's face it isn't that easy when it's a bikini.

Before I start, I should say how impressed I was with the service provided by Rosie at Coco Bay. I emailed through my difficulties (28" rib cage but with a semi-decent sized bust) and Rosie put it out to her colleagues for their input. It was clear that there had been plenty of trying on by the team and that they really knew their stock, which was so refreshing. Their recommendations came straight back to me and I was also encouraged to choose several styles to try on at home - and to take my time over it too, which was a nice touch. Also, when I suggested that I would like to try the size 10 top in addition to the size 8 top that I initially requested, it was with me within 24 hours - plus returns are free.

Anyway, as to the bikini, for a top, I chose the bustier bandeau in neon melon from the Seafolly Miami Stripe Collection. Why? For a start it was under wired, boned and had gripper tape, all of which were said to offer "excellent support", which is rather essential after breast feeding three children.

Effectively the top did all of the hard work for me so I didn't depend on my own assets to make the bikini top work for me in any way, shape or form, which trust me, they wouldn't have done. Covered, contained, supported - yep, that's what I needed and this top did me proud.  I did a bit of jumping around in the bikini.....(see, mid-jump!)

...and the top (and the bottoms) stayed well and truly put. For information purposes, there are six different tops in the Seafolly Miami collection so there should be something to suit everyone.

As to the bikini bottoms, there are three bottoms to choose from in the Miami collection and I chose the Miami stripe ruched striped retro style, also in neon melon. As you can see from the above picture, it has a little bit of depth at the side, which for some reason always attracts me. I think it's a safety issue - albeit a psychological one!

The accessory that I chose was the Seafolly soundwave drummer kaftan from Seafolly. I'm sure that for those of you who know me, or who have been reading Style Guile for a while, you won't be surprised to hear that I was immediately attracted to its tassels and bright colours. It has a nice wide neckline so it can be worn off the shoulder and it can also be twisted around so that the point of the hem is at the front, just meaning that you can ring the changes a little.

In all honesty I was never quite sure whether there would be a huge difference in the comfort, fabric and fit of a more expensive bikini as opposed to a less expensive one and I always read with huge scepticism the magazine articles trying to persuade me that that three small triangles of fabric had the capability to make something out of nothing.

Having said that I have a Seafolly swim suit from a few years ago and I have always been impressed with its "pull-in, push-up" capabilities despite being worn many, many times in heavily chlorinated swimming pools. And being of the age that I am and given the assistance that I require, particularly in the underwired/push them up/hold them in department, I have to say that I am definitely a convert. Also confidence plays a huge role in how you feel in a bikini and the thick and supportive fabric really did make a difference relative to some slightly flimsier bikinis that I have worn in the past.

What I would say to anyone who isn't sure, is to thrown caution to the wind and order some bikinis to try at home.  There's a great selection of pieces so if neon melon isn't for you, there are plenty of other options. I felt in very safe hands with the team at Coco Bay and as an incentive, the code BETH15 gives you 15% off full price and sale items until the end of August. Anyway, it's certainly something to think about.

Giving the J. Crew beach tassel tunic its very first outing (at last)!

Just a quick OOTD today as at last the sun has been shining and we have been able to go out and about. Today we went to Sark, which was absolutely beautiful. I haven't been for many years but it was just as magical as it always was.

"I feel like Anne of Green Gables" I shouted as I whizzed down the lanes on my bike.
"You don't look like her" came the witty reply. But really, Sark is like a mixture of Anne of Green Gables and the Famous Five.

However this is an outfit that I wore yesterday when, for the first time during our two weeks away, the sun actually shone. I bought this embroidered tassel beach tunic from J. Crew when I was in America a few weeks ago and I was really happy to be able to wear it. It's quite good for Guernsey because the fabric is quite substantial so it just about kept the breeze at bay.

Last day tomorrow and the sun is predicted to shine. For anyone coming here next week, it looks as though your luck may be in!

How to wear shorts when the temperature doesn't really warrant it (and it doesn't involve American Tan tights)....

Despite the fact it's not the warmest right now, I still want to wear shorts. So how to get around this? Layer up on the top half, that's how. Today's ensemble (the word "outfit" would attribute to it a sense of style or organisation that it didn't really possess - other than the scarf which was a lovely present from a lovely friend) consisted of the following layers:

• M&S vest (not seen - be grateful!)
• J Crew striped top;
• Denim shirt (knotted at the waist);
• Zara sequin jumper;
• Bright scarf - later used as a coat when it got chilly and I'd left my coat in the car;
• Yellow petit bateau coat, for when it truly threw it down.

With that lot on my top half, it was hard to feel cold on my legs and in fairness, when the sun did choose to shine, it was warm enough for shorts - not like that whole February LFW thing when all the celebs are so keen to show off the new season's fashion that they flash their pants despite the snow. 

I have always loved Cath Kidston and Cath and Guernsey are another match made in heaven. And Cath at a beach kiosk, well, it just had to be done. I bought this bag in Selfridges on the morning that we came away, having seen it in there the day before. If I'm honest, I think that I fell in love with the luminous pink. Bet no-one saw that one coming. All due credit for the mercy dash to get the bag has go to Mr SG who, despite not being remotely interested in such things for himself, totally gets it. Apologies for the random foot, which appears to be mine.

I've linked to the Cath Kidston bag online, despite the fact that it's out of stock, just because there are further details if anyone did want to try and track one down.

Rainy days and Sundays (in Guernsey)!

Guernsey beach kiosks are legendary and we often head to one as soon as we've landed. Yesterday was no exception and after a quick change into a GAP striped dress and flip flops off we went for a cup of tea. Sadly the tea is no longer served in polystyrene cups at the kiosks, which causes Mr SG great distress.  

Try as I might, I couldn't find a weather app that would tell me anything other than it was going to rain, rain, rain all day today. And so far they haven't been wrong! So glad that we made the most of the sun. I fear that may be it for the week,

Happy birthday to all of us - it's not about turning back the clock it's about making the best of what we've got!

I'm really not one of those women who worries about her age too much. Sure, when I enter my date of birth on line and I have to scroll back FOREVER to reach 1970, it sort of registers. And as I gradually creep up the age categories in the Park Run that too stings ever so slightly. Also, I'm never quite sure whether the comment "Really? Are you that old? You don't look it" is really a compliment or not. The older our eldest gets, the more obvious it must be that I'm no longer a spring chicken - not unless I had her at about 15.

That aside, I don't stress about the latest line or wrinkle. I think that is such a rocky road to go down and can only lead to misery because one's thing for sure, as we get older we're going to look older - and that's how it should be. When I saw recent photos of Jane Fonda looking not much older than me it really freaked me out. It was as if someone had preserved her in aspic since the 1980's and had recently got her out to start living again.

Anyway, enough of the serious stuff, these are some of my thoughts on ageing...

Failing vision

Nothing ages someone more than holding text at arm's length to read it.  When your arms are no longer long enough, then it's time to take action. But not with half moon glasses that have to be peered over. They're not much better! Equally two pairs of glasses doesn't work that well either. "Where are my reading glasses, I've got the wrong ones on?" is a phrase I never wish to utter.

Memory loss

Ever get to the top of the stairs and wonder why you're there? Or are you able to reel off the birthdays of your school friends but you have no idea what you had for dinner two days ago? If so you're not alone. Both my friend and I are carrying a slight achilles injury at the moment and recently we had a conversation that something went like this...

"My achilles is really sore."
"Mine too."
"I remember you hurting yours before."
"Yes, I remember you hurting yours too."
"Can you remember how long ago it was?"
"No, not really."
"Can you?"
"No, no idea."
"Do you remember how you got it better?"
"No, I don't. Do you?"
"No, can't remember."
"Shall we just keep on running then?"
"Yep, sounds like a plan."

When you go to stand up

If you've been sitting down for a while, before moving a muscle to stand up, plant a great big fat smile on your face. There's nothing that gives away an ageing body as someone standing up and going "oooh, ouch, ahhh." Grin through the pain. Or alternatively don't sit down for too long.

Hairs

Grey or stray, they need to go. Dye them, pluck them, zap them however you like but they have no place in your life - or on your chin.

Exercise

Please don't ask me to go on a trampoline. Ever. And no self respecting aerobics teacher should ever ask a woman who has had children to do star jumps. That's just asking for trouble. How many other women have you seen trying to do star jumps whilst keeping their knees together? Don't the instructors get it?

The menopause

I'm not there yet and hopefully won't be for some time, however it's impossible to fight the inevitable - assuming that we are lucky enough to get there in the first place. I know that for some women the menopause is dreadful beyond words. My aim is to exercise and eat as healthily as I can through it. My husband may well find me lobbing a trainer at him for no apparent reason, or asking him to pass me the chia seeds before dissolving into tears but at least I won't be throwing a packet of fags or asking him to pass me a bottle of wine. Maybe when I hit that stage he'll be pleased that I like to run so much as it will offer him peace and quiet from the hormonal wailing banshee who has replaced his wife.

One last thought....it's all in the mind

All those things that we never thought that we would do again - or at all - we should do them! Whether it's shopping in Topshop, learning to ski, doing the high ropes, learning to swim or dive or starting to run, we should give it a go. Confidence is a huge issue as we get older but there's no reason why we can't still have fun too. It's our spirit that keeps us young - not a line free face.

Beach time but not a bikini in sight. Nope, for me it's a petit bateau yellow coat...

[Raincoat petit bateau, shorts GAP, Jumper Reiss, Wellies Joules, Sunglasses Jigsaw]

Sometimes when there's a mammoth task in front of you (in this case building an ancient sandcastle city) the only thing to do is to throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. I find that new buckets and spades which co-ordinate with your outfit helps, as does a whole lot of energy and enthusiasm. Then when everyone starts to fade, it's time for lunch and one of these for dessert.....

This spectacular treat was from Scoops in Caernarfon, which is famed for its Dutch pancakes and Artisan ice cream. It's definitely worth a visit if you're ever in North Wales. Hope that everyone is enjoying their hols!

A Zara statement sweatshirt....with sequins and everything!

Wales weather lends itself perfectly to sweatshirts. And as for one with a sequin thunder and lightening cloud on it? Well I really wasn't going to resist it when I saw it in Zara last week was I? Sometimes you just have to smile and embrace the rain...

Meet one of my favourite styles of dress - it's the perfect all rounder!

A shirt dress really is one of those dresses that's a good all rounder. There's a much wider range of clothes that can now go from the beach, to the bar, to the boardroom and this linen shirt dress from Whistles (available in store but not on line) is definitely one of those items . I first spotted it on a friend who was wearing it whilst out walking her dog. Along with her coral lippie and sunglasses it looked fab. When we next went for our run, I asked her where it was from - and then I mercilessly copied her.

I'm wearing my shirt dress in quite a dressed up way for me, at least, with Jigsaw heels plus some tassel earrings and a pom pom clutch, both from Accessorize.

I worked with this Fenn Wright Manson linen dress (down to £69 from £169) at an event that I did a few months ago now. I like it for its length and the fact that it has an under slip to prevent that whole see through business.

We styled the dress for a festival with lots of necklaces and bangles plus flat beaded sandals but it would work just as well with some heels and gold jewellery for a dressed up look.

Although this dress doesn't come with a belt, it has this lovely button detail at the back, which stops the dress from being too voluminous just by pulling it in a little.

Thinking ahead to the late summer/early autumn, Atterley  has this lovely luxury shirt dress in burgundy (£55). It also comes in navy and black so there's plenty of choice and it has that versatility of being able to layer something under it (maybe a striped top) or something over it (maybe a leather jacket).

The shape could be changed by belting the dress and then pulling the dress up over the belt to make it shorter and slightly more blouson on the top half. I also love that for those ladies with a curvier bust, the top few buttons of the dress can be undone to create more of a v-neck, which is so much more flattering. Later on, as the weather gets colder, it could be worn with tights and boots - so there are plenty of options.

Just a note about the Whistles dress, once ironed, it doesn't crease too much, unlike some linen clothes. As to size, it comes up huge. I'm wearing a size 6 but there wasn't that much difference between that and the 4, so if you do come across small ones in store, don't be put off by them.

Let me know your shirt dress views. I love them for their easy, throw on nature - they're a bit like the sticky toffee pudding at a dinner party - a bit safe but good enough for everyone to love.

A very quick OOTD post - Hush dress, Jigsaw boots, Boden cardi - job done!

Having given my Jigsaw boots and playsuit a whirl the other day, today I tried the boots with a dress which I bought from Hush last summer. The cardi was from Boden last summer too. I hadn't worn them together - in fact I hadn't worn either of them that much at all - but I paired them up today and off we went (to Wales) but not, for now at least, in the rain!