The trouble with Fashion ...........................

Is that you simply can't wear it! I know that sounds harsh, but bear with me and I will explain.

Once you pass the magical (and I do mean that in a very positive way) age of 40 - well really 35, let's not quibble; fashion is something that should be viewed and never worn.

Fashion is, by definition, something that changes, evoles and sometimes revolves. Fashion is extreme - it has to be. If it wants to be seen as new and innovative, it cannot be conservative - it must be extreme. In colour, shape, texture or all three.

Most women are NOT extreme. Most women do not change (significantly), they may evolve a little, but in a majority of cases - we do not embrace extreme change.

Fashion makes a stand. Sometimes we head back to the 50's which is wonderful - do you have the time to "create" that perfect hair, make-up and hoisery look on a daily basis? I do not. The gorgeous models in the fashion shoots have an army of people to make them look good. And they arrive there looking stunning! We mere mortels, have a bathroom cupboard, a blow dryer and nowadays a straightener (I have singed finger tips on a regular basis) and around 20 minutes to get dressed.

Sometimes fashion is bohemian - I thought that would work for me. I then became a little "lost" under the layers of beads, scarves and fabric. I love scarves just not quite that many.

Short, short skirts, oh please spare me. Clingy tops with tight singlets underneath - uh, no! I get hot and they cling to all the wrong parts.

Belts do not work on most people. When you put on a big, contrasting belt it does not only show off your tiny waist (oh no) it draws attention to your hips and thighs. Now if they are perfectly proportioned and free of extra "stuff" - then well and good. But are they perfectly proportioned and free of "wobbly bits"?

Mark my words - things that are described as "must haves" in 2011, will be out of fashion within 12 months. Do not invest (spend lots of money) on fashion. If you must buy something that is deemed "in", buy it in a cheap version. You will get the "look" and not break your budget.