Ever tried to explain why one item of clothing looks contemporary even fashionable as a pose to outdated, frumpy? sometimes its just down to the fabric, pattern or detailing rather than the shape of the garment. Some pieces we can quickly identify as trendy because these are the shapes and colours of the season we see in the press and at the fronts of the shops but once you move on and want to put more stable items in your wardrobe you need to know that they will stay looking contemporary for many seasons. There are some ways of transcending the whole fashion thing by choosing a style which overrides these issues. Look at Vivienne Westwood or Marni.

However if your style is a bit more classical but you want to keep looking up to date and aware the nuances of design is a little more tricky. Here's some rules that might help!

* Choose distinct colours not washed out or dull, tonal colours ooze more class and tend to look more expensive than one dimensional colours. Little liscence required with this for the current neutrals trend.

* Choose geometric patterns, if florals make them clean and clear not too pretty pretty.

* Go for simplicity of design and quality finish above complicated details and embellishments which you can easily get wrong or look cheap.

* Avoid labels and logos, making it obvious won't compensate for style.

* Make jewellery bold and distinctive it can change any outfit from frumpy to fashionable

* Pay attention to footwear and bags, changing acessories can update your whole look, wear the most fashionable trousers and all is lost if you shoes say Grandma!

Any questions email me at gill@irispersonalstyling.co.uk and find my website atirispersonalstyling.co.uk where you can sign up to my newsletters, twitter and magazine.

Best wishes Gill

Hi all, I am hoping to get into a weekly habit of blogging but it's been a busy month and I have literally shopped til I've dropped the only shame of it is none of it was for me! Correction I have bought a lovely pair of Diane Von Fustenberg harem pants, well I can't be sure that is quite the right exact on trend term but they are loose in the leg and cuffed just above the ankle in soft matt khaki satin and one of the most comfortable pairs of trousers I possess, a welcome relief after a long winter in jeans. I appreciate they are a difficult style to get away with and I think I sit on the edge of that statement a lot of the time, they have a tendency to emphasise the bum and hip area but if you are lucky enough to have slim hips or long legs then the style is a very comfortable and versatile option.

I also succumbed to a pair of Vera Wang sunglasses from my most favourite Optician duo Shafi and Shafi of Santro and Peche in Chiswick. I can't recommend their selection enough as they are passionate about their business, Shafi no1 is a trained practicing Optometrist he adds his knowledge to his own good eye for style and that of his cousin's Shafi no2. http://www.santroandpeche.com.

So yes there was a little shopping for me! I've also written an article for Savvywoman which you can find it at http://www. savvywoman.co.uk/c1-pages/c1s0.php?art id+273. The theme is Quality not Quantity focusing on putting value back into your wardrobe. Please sign up to Savvywoman.co.ukwhilst you are there, Sarah Pennells very informative plain english site for those of us who find finance matters a little hard to unravel. She summarise the most relevant bits and what action to take and puts it into great easy to read articles, newsletters and tweets.

I'm also just about there with my monthly magazine launch so you will hear more on that in a few days!

Any questions email me at gill@irispersonalstyling.co.uk and find my website at irispersonalstyling.co.uk where you can sign up to my newsletters, twitter and magazine.

Best wishes Gill