A recent study of twins has revealed some surprising facts about aging. Tests on twins have proved that when one looks significantly older than the other it is often the external factors, such as smoking, drinking and too much sunbathing, that have a detrimental effect on appearance. We probably knew that already but what we might find surprising is that  excessive and yo-yo dieting also added years to their faces. The more we preserve fat in our faces, especially in the middle cheek area, the more we preserve the facial proportions of our youth. So there is no need to aspire to the hollow cheeked, sharp boned, chiselled jaw look favoured by Madonna and Victoria Beckham as it may well end in tears. The study also found that marital status played a significant role, with divorcees looking older than their married or single counterparts. Depression had a huge role to play as persistent relaxation of the facial muscles can be attributed to long term anti-depressant use. Too much stress was another negative factor, causing skin complaints such as psoriasis and eczema as well as deep facial lines. Those who worry less appear to have that wonderful joie de vivre and optimism, both significant factors in cheating the biological time bomb. So eat well and don’t worry are the main lessons to be learned it seems if you want to remain youthful.

After reading about this, I went to collect my washing. On turning some black jeans inside out, I caught sight of the washing label. Alongside the symbols was a printed message - ‘have fun with your washing’ - how lovely. These particular  jeans are one of the oldest garments in my wardrobe, a product of H&M who I have always rated for the quality of their trousers. How strange that I had never noticed it before. Little things like this really help to ease your stresses and put a smile on your face. I hope you too have fun with your washday.

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I’ve just come back from a well earned rest in Malta. A gorgeous 5 star spa, with mineral baths, a wellness bedroom (including magnetised sheeting for a better night’s rest) and fantastic food was just what the doctor ordered. Fabulous. What did shock me though was the cost. As a foreign exchange expert in a former life, you’d think I would have been aware of the weakness of the £ against the euro, but for whatever reason I had buried my head and so I was mortified by the difference it made. A meal for two with a bottle of wine was around £140. The difference was really transparent on clothing in well known stores such as Top Shop,  M&S, Next and Zara. Many have pricing labels shown in both sterling and euro and it was by far the cheaper option to buy back here.  I usually have a shopping spree when I visit the US in May. This time I think I’ll leave my credit cards at home!

I’ve just bought myself a new car. Well not new exactly, but new to me.  I love it. It’s a mini, which is the same make of car that I previously owned - the new owner of my old mini was thrilled with her new purchase too, which makes me very happy.  My very first car was a mini, way back in 1975.  So why do I  keep on  buying the same car. Is it the reliability? Well it is pretty good as my minis have never let me down yet. The petrol consumption - absolutely not. They are like sports cars in their thirst for liquid. The comfort - debatable if you’re a passenger stuck in the back seat, plus they have a sports car’s suspension which makes for a bit of a hairy ride. The visibility - I can’t see much out of the back window, so it’s not that either. No, I love minis because they remind me of me. You see, they have been around a long time,  are fun, are small and nippy, look incredibly stylish (most are unique), appear fashionable to all age groups and if even if they are  expensive to run they are most definitely worth it.

What do you drive? Does it represent your personal brand? Have a think and see what you come up with. It could be an illuminating exercise.

In these challenging times it really does make sense to look the business. With some forethought and planning you can mix and match your clothing so you always feel  geared up (no pun intended) and ready to work at your optimum level. I’ve always maintained that if you look and feel great in your clothes it’s one less thing for you to worry about so you can give your full attention to the job at hand.  As a special incentive for you, I’m offering a discount until the end of April. My hourly rate for wardrobe maintenance and/or personal shopping will drop to £50 per hour as long as you book and pay for at least 2 hours in any one session. This does not include my travel expenses, which are extra, but does include VAT. The diary is filling up quickly, so please don’t delay. Ring me on 0845 123 5107 to claim your  slot. I look forward to seeing you soon.