SHINE, GLOSS AND GLITZ

Before my last Chemo, I tripped over to Bluewater to see what I was missing.

Arrived when it was quiet, it did get very busy later in the day. The shops have upped their game and have some really cool stuff. There were still sales on, look in side shops for sale rails.

Don't be worried about colour there is plenty about, but as I so often say you cannot beat the black dress and there is plenty of those too. There should be something to suit everyone this season.

Colours, Teal, pewter, purple, gold, red, all the brown ranges - love chocolate. All dramatic and intense. Add to this shots of shine, gloss, glitz, glitter, tarten and lace with pearls and you're choice and you are on to a winner.

Style Icons, Scarlett Johnanson, Dita Von Teese, Kylie and Cate Blanchette.

Avoid, being tempted by tie up laces on shoes that go up the leg Roman Style, they look god awful and do nothing for the wearers legs. Just plain ugly.

There were some real glitter shows out there - Dorothy from Wizard of Oz would have been proud. I saw a pair of Emerald Shoes on killer heels - only for the very brave. Try Schuh's always have some extreme examples, but cost can be prohibitive.


The Black dress was everywhere, with some real Wow Factor. For a real experience look at the shop called 'Lucy in the Sky' even if you cannot afford, get some great ideas, great dresses and bling.

Hobbs and Laura Ashley are next to each other in the Mall, worth a look again, can't beat Hobbs for the perfect suit.

For cheap and cheerful party items look at H and M and New Look, the shops have had a make over, generally easier to look round.

Gold is very big, I will bring out my fabvourite gold dress this season and add a huge gold belt with bow to match the catwalk and high street. Tanned legs and gold shoes - great (any of the moisturiser/self tan products will help here - I like Dove)


Take a look at Vibe - very nice, but unusual. On one side of shop everything in Brown shades and on the other Blacks/greys with the appropriate highlight accessories and blouses etc. Had a lot of eye appeal, makes you think about possibilities. Excellent shop.

Monsoon, sumptuious with loads of fab dresses in wicked fabrics and shades. Never fails to impress.

Jane Norman was worth a look. As was 'Evans' for the larger fashionable lady, some very nice colours. Particularly liked this years must have the heavy knit long cardigan at £40 - a good all year round purchase. There was a great dress in Black devore over red, same fabric also in skirt. For that very smart event.

I hate belts on knits, and I hate them on coats - but it is up to you.

THE BLACK DRESS was in Wallis, Short very simple and sheer, with spagettie straps, square neck line with two detail narrow black flat bow empire line syle under boob. Simple to dress up or down. Pearls always look good and there are plenty about.


EAST is another favourite shop of mine and it had the red shirt. all rouched, ruffs with a lilly long double sleeve with lace inset. Over a Black skirt - devine. I would kill for this blouse, for those afraid of red it came in other colours. East also does a lot in Devore, this is a fabric I love, less heavy than velvet less seethrough than sheer fabrics.

I am still not into Mustard as a colour but there is a lot of it about. You have to be the right skin tone to carry it off.

DON'T FORGET THE SEXY UNDERWARE, No dress looks good without the right underneath look. Lumps and Bumps are not good on sheer or clingy fabrics for the unintended reveal. But under see through great under wear is a must and very sexy.

I love Golden Lady Tights, an Italian make, now not only in ASDA but Morrisons, They have a web site as well. They are well made, and wear well. I like the black tights witht smal white spot detail, and the Gold ones in a similar design. I always like to point up a plain skirt with nice tights. I love M and S footless tights,

There are great shrugs in most shops. For that extra warmth.

Give the designer shops a look, but - looks are good but too expensive in many cases.

Look at where items are made, such as cheap and cheerful Cambodia and Bulgaria. These crop up in most shops. Some of the cheaper shops pile in stuff unironed and looks cheap and can be off putting. Check stitching and such like - the finish of an item can affect how it looks on you.

Once again it was a mother and baby fest in the Mall - they were everywhere. The youngest I ran into was 14 weeks old!!!!! this mother was starting her child off in consumer hell very early. I do find these mothers some what baby 'Fashists!!!!!not fashionistas. They tend to think that anyone who does not wheald a pram should not dare to be there. Actually it was rather funny since the other main group was the elderly in wheel chairs, from cradle to grave Bluewater has it made.


I hope you don't mind but I have one more comment on Miss Naomi Campbell. Let her clean the streets - if she is willing to deal then there must be a guilty plea in the air or she is afraid what the case will out. I love fashion, but despair of the supermodel syndrome. It costs nothing to be nice.

Enough said.

Love Granny.