Lifestyle Archive
(March 2013)

1 March 2013

March madness

Lately, looking out at my frozen, neglected garden from my cosy study, everything has seemed black and white. Strange how a blanket of snow tidies and simplifies the scene. Crisp snow, lightening the winter gloom, smoothes over tangled detritus, dormant plants and abandoned twigs. It coats the edges of branches and tree trunks, until the Read more…

A cottage of great character

The Grade II listed Field Cottage at Moorby, near Horncastle was in a dilapidated condition when Mike Sumner decided to take it under his wing. For years the traditional mud and stud thatched property had been neglected and the little repair work that had been carried out was out of keeping with the character of Read more…

Micromosaics

If small is beautiful, it is no surprise that collectors have always been dazzled by micromosaics. The technique, which dates back to Roman times, involves the use of tiny pieces of coloured glass to build up into decorative pictures. In its finest form there can be as many as 500 pieces used per square centimetre. Read more…

Sheer delight

See-through panels with glimpses of body line are a delightful way of covering up while still showing flesh this summer. Many of the catwalk collections feature these flattering strips of gauze and voile which can hide imperfections and let you strut this look without embarrassment.

Put it in print

There are some dazzling prints to brighten your wardrobe for 2013. Floral inspired gardenscapes, graphic patterns and animal prints appear in bold and beautiful colourways. Don’t hold back with accessories either. Go for statement jewellery, shoes and handbags which will hold their own to complement the look.

Frills and thrills

Make sure you have checks and balances in place with this season’s frills and flounces. Wear a skinny top with a voluminous skirt or have sculptured layers to frame your face, waistline or arms. These pretty and clever devices are feminine and flattering and can add drama and height to your silhouette.

They’re off

And the race is on to find that perfect outfit for Ladies’ Day. We have chosen to feature some of the pastels and pinks that are predominant this season. These floral tones range from a delicate peony to a vibrant fuchsia and will be a sure bet to make you stand out from the crowd.

Cool capri

Capri pants immediately conjure Mediterranean glamour of the Fifties. Cool, sporty and sophisticated, they can be worn equally well with heels or flats. Classic whites abound but bold, primary colours appear in the collections too. Choose a reasonably tailored version and this timeless trouser will take you from beach to restaurant in a stride.

Beach life

Hopefully those days of shimmering heat on the beach are not too far away. If you are lucky enough to be catching some sun on an early holiday abroad, here are some outfits that would be an asset in any suitcase. Here comes the sun…soon we hope!

Skirting around

Here are some sleek skirts which will be a great basic in your summer wardrobe. Shapely pencil style or hip hugging with kick out hems and frills. Hemlines range from midi to mini but the most featured are just on or below the knee. Teamed with a pair of towering heels, these skirts will take Read more…