Wearing fur has always caused violent reactions and not since the 80’s has the fashion industry embraced the real thing with anything like the enthusiasm shown by the new collections for Autumn/Winter 10. Texture is making a comeback and it seems that real fur fits neatly into this box, even though there are really good alternatives available these days. Designers have said that they scrutinise their suppliers to make sure the fur is gained by ethical means but the decision to take stock has not been decided by all retailers yet, though John Lewis and Selfridges have declined to take it and Top Shop and River Island are nodding to the trend with vintage style faux fur coats. Harrods will continue to sell fur under their ‘customer choice’ policy and some of the independent traders are also backing the fur option. Many famous names, such as Twiggy, have rallied against the trend saying it’s ’sad’ and ‘disappointing’, especially when you consider global fur sales in 2008 were a massive £8.5bn. What do you think?

Photo: Chanel using fake fur in their collection shown in Sweden.

Last year Top Shop held a charity project with some of the most stylish women in the world donating their clothes for hire over the Christmas period. The same dresses are now up for auction. Proceeds are going to various charities such as Age Concern and Help The Aged. The date: March 16th. To check out the clothes and make a bid : http://www.invaluable.com/catalog/searchLots.cfm?scp=c&catalogRef=OFEDH9EEMC  Before you think ‘I’m too old, too big, too poor’ read on. The clothes are not all small sizes - at least one item is a 44 inch chest - and bidding starts at £30. There are some real classic labels such as Ossie Clark, Biba and so on, so check it out. Something for everyone, including your man!

Just a quick blog to say that our petite dressing expert, Karen Gillam, is in today’s Express. Good for her and for all you petites out there.

You bet they were. I did something last night that I have never ever thought I would be asked to do in my wildest dreams. Yes, I was modelling a new collection of clothes on a catwalk!! Yes me - amazing.

I don’t think Kate and Naomi have much to worry about but I loved the experience and unlike Naomi, I didn’t fall over my killer heels.

What was really great about the range was how adaptable it was and how the clothes flattered all the models who’s ages ranged from 15 up to 50 something and who were all completely different shapes, sizes and colourings.

I can also see now why models are so thin. After changing into 10 completely different outfits, with 1 minute between changes, I was exhausted.  It’s very physical being gorgeous

If you missed out on an invite and would like to take a look you can see us in a double page spread in Saturday’s Evening Telegraph, which I expect will be also available on line a few days later. The whole show, from start to finish, was televised so look out for it on You Tube too.

The clothes - you can find them on www.eyzzclub.co.uk

And to the fabulous designer, Anne Foxley -Green, a big thank you for having faith that your clothes could still look wonderful on my middle aged body on your big launch night. It was a huge honour and one I’ll never forget. Move over Twiggy!

I almost forgot. The reason this all was able to happen? Anne came along to one of my Feel Fab at 50 social events and that’s how we met.  She’s now a regular, and last night I met at least 3 more women who also want to join in. Peterborough is definitely becoming THE place for the Fabulous 50 something

No. I’m not alluding to an album by the Rolling Stones but the body ink patterns some people to choose to display on their bodies.

I’ve always been fascinated by tattoos. Never, ever wanting one myself, I’ve often wondered what prompts someone to have one (or more), what it means for them and how they select the appropriate design from the millions available.

But all that might be irrelevant as you can now buy an upmarket tattoo from - you’ll never guess where - Chanel. Of all the designer houses, this is the one I never would have thought would have embraced the tattoo (I suspect Coco will be turning in her grave) but I was wrong.

The ‘haute-tattoo’ is the latest fashion ‘must-have’. Apparently, the tattoo has lost its tacky status and it’s now cool to wear your designer label literally on your body. So if a double C is up your street, expect to pay £49 for 55 designs. But beware. Young skin is plump and taut so makes an ideal canvas for body art. Not sure if a 50 something’s flesh will have quite the same effect.

There is something happening on February 25th that I never thought would happen in my lifetime. I’ve been asked to model some clothes for a fabulous 50’s something designer, Anne Foxley-Green, who is opening a studio/warehouse right here in Peterborough. Born into a tailoring background, she was always going to have a needle and thread in her hands and this is her GRAND OPENING EVENT. You won’t want to miss it.

 Tickets for the event are now available… if you haven’t booked yours yet then do so NOW! There will be no admission on the night without a ticket… numbers are limited and tickets are going fast!

So, what can you look forward to?

 All of the clothes currently on the website modelled on our catwalk 

 A whole new range of clothes as well… including some truly stunning evening wear
• First look at the new designs and concepts… they will not be on the website until after the opening.
• A welcome glass of wine and … ahem, for those who aren’t driving… another one at the break. Soft drinks alternatives provided.
• Some fantastic food from a world-class catering company
• Two sets of songs from a wonderful singer who should really have been on X Factor
• Special ‘on the night only’ offers
• A prize draw at the end of the evening for 2 x £100 vouchers … which is one of the reasons why it is ticket only: no ticket, no prizes!

The cost of the tickets? Nothing… nada… so no excuse, book your ticket NOW before someone else does and they sell out!

We promise you an evening to remember…

www.eyzzclub.co.uk for more information

Then you need to listen to my being interviewed by the fabulous Karen Knott. Karen is also passionate about women in their 50’s and is instrumental in coaching them to grow, develop and realise their ambitions.

To find out more, hear what we had to say by clicking on this link

http://bit.ly/aSxbzN

The wonderful talented Anne Foxley Green is bringing her unique designs to Peterborough. Her fashion show, which will be a really fun evening at which I am a model(!!) is going to be held on Thursday February 25th at her brand new studio/warehouse in Phorpres Close, Hampton Hargate. To book your ticket, which is free, go to www.eyzzclub.co.uk  

Here are the details:

Come and join us for a glass of wine or two and enjoy the show. All of the clothes that are currently on the site will be modelled along with our new arrivals and a preview of others that will be arriving soon after.

We will be having special offers on the night and will finish up with a free prize draw for everyone in attendance.

For free entry to our opening event, please ‘purchase’ a ticket. Only one ticket is allowed per member, so if you want to bring a friend then all they have to do is register themselves to pick up their own ticket.

Doors open at 7pm, fashion show starts at 7.30pm.

Numbers will be restricted so book your ticket now to avoid disappointment!

Register or log in and then to book your ticket just click on “Add to cart” and go through the checkout to confirm it. You’ll then be sent an email with your entry ticket.

I wouldn’t be seen dead in a pair of training shoes unless I’m exercising and, even then, I’m loathe to don them preferring Fit Flops for yoga. So I was quite taken aback when I saw that Boden had introduced Satin Sneakers! Apparently, they are so beautiful you need to wear them with a skirt rather than hide them under jeans. That’s definitely one trend I won’t be adopting, but feel free to go ahead if you think you can carry it off.

http://www.boden.co.uk/en-GB/Womens-Shoes/Flats/AR421/Womens-Satin-Plimsolls.html  £39

So sayeth the late, witty and acerbic Dorothy Parker. But is it true?

I wrote a blog a few weeks ago about my new Geeky style glasses and I have had so many people comment positively on my new look - both male and female. While the look hasn’t yet caught on in Peterborough, in London it’s everywhere. Something probably prompted by Colin Firth’s Oscar nomination in A Single Man, the new Tom Ford movie. If a pair of specs can make him look so sexy, why shouldn’t they do the same for the women on the planet?