Great Gatsby going Great Guns

I've just finished reading The Great Gatsby- for the third time. This time was for my reading group, and also because I'm looking forward to the new movie finally being released.

I love the fashion of the Great Gatsby era, so much so that I've written a whole article that you can read here about how to get the Great Gatsby look.  It's turned out to be a very popular article- in fact, it's in and around the Top 100 on Squidoo, which is a first for me.

If you've not read the book, you should. IMO. It's short, so no excuses. If you think The Great Gatsby is all fun and fashion- you're wrong. The book is dark , sad, thought provoking and beautifully written. Let's hope Leonardo di Caprio can do Jay Gatsby well- I have high hopes......

Here's the picture I use as an into photo on my Great Gatsby page. It's from wikimedia commons and is of Violet Romer. Wonderful!

Paisley- not just for aging hippies like me!

I've always loved the Paisley pattern. I was around in the 60s and 70s when the Beatles and the summer of love made Indian styles and patterns so popular. Now that Paisley is back in fashion, you can click here to find more about it, and see some lovely things to buy ( mostly from the US amazon site)


UK readers- do you ever buy clothes from Amazon? Did you know they sold clothes? I've never bought any
clothes from amazon ( though I'm one of their best customers for my Kindle, music, and lots of other stuff)

If you're in the UK, Amazon UK is featuring a huge range of Paisley items here.


I really like this dress- it's a bargain! Click on the image for more information.

Two top fashion trends for 2013

Two trends ladies might like to follow in 2013, not too extreme or frightening, are The Great Gatsby Look and the Shift Dress. With the movie of the Great Gatsby finally arriving in May this year, the 1920s look, already so popular with Downton Abbey fans, will be all the rage at parties and wedding this year. I've picked out some stylish, classy dresses with the Gatsby look right here. Don't make yourself look like you're going to a fancy dress party (that's what you call a costume party if you're American). Be subtle. It's a very flattering look. Shift dresses- anyone can wear them, and there's a shift dress for you right here..Did you know that Amazon have an amazing range of clothes? You can find a great ranges of shift dress on Amazon here- for those of you in the UK If you live in the USA or Canada, Amazon.com have a fantastic range too. That's all from me today in my fashion advisor role. Thaks for reading.

Thinking of going on a New Year Diet?

Are you one of the many people planning to start a diet in the New Year? I've put on weight over the last few months, especially over Christmas, so I'm going back to the Dukan Diet, which I followed very successfully last year. I've written two helpful articles which will help if you're thinking about trying the Dukan Diet for your New Year weight loss. Tips for Starting the Dukan Diet does what it says- gives you lots of help and tips. This article tells you what you need to get started, and allows you to think about the best ways to plan your new diet.Read this article first, and decide if the Dukan Diet is right for you. The Dukan Diet Attack Phase takes you through the first stage of the Dukan Diet. The "Attack Phase" will only last a few days, but it is crucial when you start the Dukan Diet to plan and start your diet fully prepared. I'm going to be on this blog more regularly in 2013, so if you want to leave a comment or message, I'll be able to get back to you. Happy New Year! Readers in the UK can buy the Dukan Diet book here.

Time to plan ahead for Christmas with these helpful tips

I've written two articles with tips for adding some easy home made, (homemade if you're in the USA), items to your Christmas 2012. I'm not suggesting you go to extremes, but a few hours spent making some home made sweets or candies, or making a lists of how you can organise easy home made decorations, will pay off, as you'll get a warm glow of satisfaction at a job well done, as well as praise from you guests. I've hosted our family Christmas for over 30 years- I've built up lots of tips.Click through here to find a collection of tried and tested tips for easy gifts to make this Christmas I've written another page here, that gives you some easy and inexpensive ideas about decorating your home and Christmas dinner table. Start planning now!53 days to go!

Turn your photos into gifts

These days, lost of us have lots of photos. We take them all the time, using our phones or easy digital cameras. I've got an idea - why not use these photos to make some unique home made Christmas presents. I've got some good ideas - even if I say so myself! Click through this link to find ways to turn your homemade photos into presents this year Here's one of my latest photos. I think it would look great as part of a series on the Lake District on a digital photo frame. I could give this to someone who love the Lakes, but doesn't live here- like my relatives in the USA.

Reflections in Grasmere Lake, taken just a few days ago.

Will someone please buy me a Diptyque candle?

Top of my wish list for Christmas would be Diptyque candles, but I know no one will ever give me a Diptyque candle as they don't really, truly believe that they're worth the price. Here's why I think Diptyque candles are worth it! Is there someone in your life who would be thrilled to receive something from Diptyque this Christmas? Readers in the UK can buy their wonderful Diptyque gifts here.