FASHION

There are some brilliant fashions out there at the moment, great bold florals, light and floaty neutrals, bold geometrics so plenty of choice for everyone. However too many fashions are 'youth' focused. I am very keen for example on the shorter 'Ra Ra' type skirt over leggings but in terms of size the main brands forget the average woman.

I am an Urban Outfitters fan, I get my ideas there but I refuse to pay their prices. As I have bleated about before I use my old clothes with key new purchases. My 'style book' is my reference point.

I am now a regular Bluewater visitor, my office is five minutes away. There are some fantastic shops there and I enjoy a quick wander around either the top floor or ground floor. I have always been a Punky Fish fan, the original quirky shop. I notice lots of sales so I guess it is either a 'changing seasons' or just that people are not buying....a lesson there I think.

I love the lighter fabrics, which can be worn in lovely layers. One of my key purchases this year was a pair of high heeled sneakers from New Look, they are comfortable (perhaps the best I have) and a heel that is substantial enough to walk on, they look fantastic. They work well with all that I have clothes wise. I also purchased a Punky Fish parachute (tieup) dress in black which I wear with Harem pants. I have three pairs of Punky Fish baggy trousers two black and one grey purchased in a sale, very good value...they work with a wide range of tops.

Accessories are key to making an older outfit trendy. I love Yumi, they have some great items to 'Jazz' up the dull or old. I also use a lot of pashmina type wraps to add colour. Another great second hand purchase, a yellow, black and white '60's geometric tunic which I can team with a related colour 'T' shirts and leggings for summer wear and different looks.

I do like 'Romantic' but I am much more an 'Edgy' person having said that I am delighted to see long dresses and skirts are back in the 'Hippy' style. I am an old Hippy and these styles take me back to a time when 'peace and love' were the watch words. I knew I would become fashionable at some stage in my life.

We must always link fashion to music, and there are some fantastic female singers out there. They also bring distinctive looks to their sounds. Lady Gaga is such an example, my personal favourite is Paloma Faith.

If I have a message for young women, it is this, forget the airbrushed images, be yourself, value your bodies as they are. Dress your bodies that raise your self esteem, do not believe that you have to have a 'herd' mentality. I do not hide my breast that has been changed by cancer, I have even gone topless.....your body is yours 'Love it'.

Granny