Hairstyles that never go out of style

We've seen actresses flaunt it on screen, and sighed in silent despair, desperately wishing we had perfect hair. Since the dawn of the movies, millions of women worldwide have always imitated the hairstyles flaunted by screen goddesses. Here are five hairstyles that never go out of style, both onscreen and off it!

1. The ponytail : No we're not talking about that umbrella-like tuft of hair on the top of your head that would make you look like Pebbles from the Flintstones series. We're talking about the messy, casual and chic ponytail, best accentuated with bangs. The ponytails with bangs works with almost any outfit and is perfect for both a formal and informal outing.

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2. Waves : Alright, we admit it - the poker straight hair suits only certain face types. Unfortunately, Indian women are blessed with wavy hair. Make the best of your wavy look. Tousle your forward and rub in some styling gel. Flip your hair back and run a comb through it, combing it enough to suit your liking. Think Farah Fawcett of the 60's meets Rose Byrne.

3. Curl it up : The best look that works with curly hair would be to let it be - natural is the way to go! The more you try to comb through your curls, the bushier your curls are going to look. Let your hair loose and use minimal styling products. Avoid curlers and never, ever crunch your curls.

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4. Up do chignons : Immortalized by the evergreen Audrey Hepburn, the up do spells class and elegance rolled into one pretty package. For a better effect, section your hair into three buns to follow the curves in your barrette. Also, you could add blunt bangs for a completely retro look.

5. The Bob : Short and sweet - that's what the bob is all about. The length of your bob is determined by your face cut. While those with angular faces can opt for an uneven bob, nothing works better than the classic cut for most faces. Once again, this look can be worn for both formal and informal occasions.

Natural beauty products often rooted in the past

As you gaze exasperatedly around the Thanksgiving table this week, perhaps you should look upon Aunt Sue or Granny Esther as a potential font of beauty-related wisdom.

Recognizing as much has proved profitable for actress Salma Hayek.

She was raised in the city of Coatzacoalcos in southern Mexico, learning beauty secrets from her grandmother Maria Luisa Lopez, who made scrubs, masks and conditioners using ingredients indigenous to the country — including prickly pear; raw honey; and mamey, a large football-shaped fruit.

“She was an alchemist and would mix beauty knowledge that is also historical tradition and make her own creams in the kitchen,” Hayek wrote by email.

Several decades later, Hayek drew from those traditions for a makeup line, Nuance Salma Hayek: 160 products for the hair, body and face that cost between $5.99 and $19.99 and have been sold at CVS since August 2011.

“I knew I had in my possession precious secrets from her that were better than anything else I had tried,” she wrote.

Sales have been the highest for a proprietary brand in CVS history, said Judy Sansone, a company senior vice president.

Hayek has the built-in advantage of being a celebrity, but she represents just one example of newcomers to the beauty world capitalizing on rituals and ingredients used by their mothers and grandmothers.

For decades, skin-care and cosmetics lines have touted their discovery of the latest scientific breakthroughs to help draw consumers.

Today, though, many are also reaching to the past.

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Natural brands, which include the family-heritage category, have been outpacing the overall market, according to figures from the NPD Group, a market-research company based in Port Washington, N.Y.

In 2011, the brands grew 18 percent, compared with 12 percent for the overall market.

Indeed, some such brands have become positively big-box.

Aveda, for example, started in 1978 with the help of two Ayurvedic doctors who designed products using recipes and ingredients from their Indian grandmothers.

They’re now sold at 7,000 sites worldwide.

The beauty-and-spa chain Caudalie, available at 12,000-plus retailers, bases its treatments and products partly on the upbringing of co-founder Mathilde Thomas at a vineyard in France.

“In the world of beauty, the back story of a brand can be as appealing as the products themselves,” said Amber Katz, founder of the blog Rouge 18.

“These companies are based on homey traditions, and, really, there is something so charming about buying a product that someone’s grandmother mixed up in her kitchen back in the day.”

The many stories include that of Shaffali Skincare, founded by Shaffali Miglani in New York. It uses Indian ingredients such as turmeric and sandalwood, which Miglani’s mother praised as beauty essentials during her childhood in Pawtucket, R.I.

And Vicki Weaver-Payne started Eight Skincare, an Oklahoma City-based line of moisturizing body products, after recalling her mother’s recipe for a hydrating lotion using aloe vera, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil and five other ingredients.

“My mom worked as a mechanic with the Air Force during World War II and had super-dry skin from being in the hangar all day long,” Weaver-Payne said. “So she created this cream that a co-worker told her about, and we used it all the time as kids.”

Nyakio Kamoche Grieco, a first-generation American of Kenyan descent, went further afield.

The Nyakio skin-care line she introduced in May on HSN includes exfoliators for body and face inspired by the summers she spent on a coffee farm in Africa.

“One of my first memories,” Grieco said, “is of my grandmother teaching me and my mother to crush coffee beans and rub them on our skin using a piece of sugar cane to remove the dry skin."

In my beauty bag: Rose Matafeo

Rose Matafeo is a Samoan/Scottish/Croatian Billy T award-winning comedian (the honour recognises up-and-coming New Zealand comedians with outstanding potential). Until recently you may have seen the 21-year-old hosting U Live, well she's now a contributor on Seven Sharp and Jono and Ben at 10 (and, just quietly one of Stuff Life & Style's picks for funniest women in the biz').

We met the vintage-loving former Auckland Girls Grammar head girl in her local coffee shop and asked her about beauty.

"I wear makeup mostly at work, on-stage, on shoots and when I want to look nice. Other than that I try go most of my time without it or use it sparingly. I'd rather people know what I look like without makeup so they don't freak out when they see me!

I was pretty late to learn how to use makeup and do my hair - my mum never wears makeup and has dreads so she didn't have much to teach me as a teen! She did bless me with pretty manageable skin though, as well as encouraging me to go natural whenever I could.

I shower and moisturise in the evening so in the morning I go straight to M.A.C Studio Fix Powder, a little bit of Clinique natural-coloured eye shadow, Maybelline liquid eyeliner, Lancome mascara and a natural M.A.C lipstick.

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I only exfoliate when I go to my Mum's and she has something nice!

I used to have really crazy curly, frizzy hair. I get it chemically straightened nowadays which makes it so much more manageable. I do miss my curls, but after 19 years of looking like Diana Ross on a humid day, I was ready for something different!

Because of what I put my hair through I have to put back as much moisture as possible. I use Redken shampoo and conditioner, a Pureology protein spray thing after I've washed it and I rely on Batiste dry shampoo (I can't wash my hair more than 2-3 times a week or it gets too dry).

I usually curl my hair a bit with a hot curler - and I am trying to learn how to curl with my mint green ghds. I want to look like Mary Tyler Moore all the time so apparently I need a bit of hot roller action.

I don't always wear perfume but when I do it's usually Moschino Cheap and Chic! Love.

I wear St Ives, Palmers cocoa butter and sunscreen on my body - although I'm brown I hate to burn. I keep my nails short and I don't paint them because I am so bad at it.

At night my makeup is pretty much the same as for day, except I'll maybe wear a fun bright orange or red M.A.C lip colour, and perhaps go a bit more overboard with the liquid eyeliner flicks.

Everything comes off at bedtime with a makeup wipe and eye makeup remover. I wash my face with Cetaphil, then moisturise with a light oil-free moisturiser. And that's me!

I think that makeup should really enhance what you already have rather than cover everything up."

Givenchy Handbags for Spring/Summer 2014

The Givenchy spring 2014 handbag collection features many elements from the Givenchy spring 2014 fashion collection. The line brought an eclectic blend of African and Japanese influences into the spotlight infusing an urban, modern flair into the new season looks. Though these accents are slightly more subdued compared to the fashion line, there are still many cool ensemble accents which have influenced the new handbag designs.

Among the most recognizable accents from the new line are the animal prints which are featured extensively in the new line. With the urban jungle as an under-theme, the choice is completely understandable. The Givenchy handbags for spring 2014 are practical and stylish at the same time. There are many different versions of the popular Lucrezia bag and of the Antigona bag, ranging from chic monochrome options which can work for a multitude of occasions to attention-grabbing options made to impress at the first glance.

Most of the Givenchy handbags for spring 2014 are designed with practicality in mind, being spacious, classy and versatile enough to work for a myriad of outfits. However, the label doesn't discount less practical but equally lust-worthy alternatives. Those who are looking for a chic alternative with a higher statement making potential might appreciate the multitude of chic clutches. By far, the most intriguing of the options is the medium Antigona clutch in tribal girl double sided print on coated canvas which is sure to make everyone want to take a closer look.

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Other interesting choices from the Givenchy spring 2014 handbag collection are the pyramidal clutches. These attract attention not only due to their unusual shape but also because of the fabrics of choice. With sequin embroideries or colorful mink fur accents, these are sure to be an interesting addition to any outfit. The classiest options from the new Givenchy handbag collection are the lovely minaudieres available in white and grey lizard patterns.

How to Take on the Elements in Style

EVEN ON THE MOST BITTER and blizzard-iest of winter days, Waqaas Fahmawi, a 36-year-old financial lawyer, would never deign to travel to his Stamford, Conn. office in a parka or puffer jacket. "I'm pretty conservative sartorially," said Mr. Fahmawi, who instead wears a single-breasted, notch-collar Aquascutum overcoat, hand-tailored in heavy wool-cashmere. "The puffer is reserved for the most casual occasions," he added. "Like going to the store."

If you're keeping score at home, that would be: Elements, 0. Elegance, 1. It's a point of pride among a certain set of professional men, from young analysts to Masters of the Universe, to maintain decorum in the face of wintry mixes and cold fronts, even as the rest of the huddled populace caves to comfort and function.

It speaks volumes that Mr. Fahmawi's coat is from a UK-based company. "The British are not terribly practical people," joked Alex Wilcox, who grew up in the north of England, and opened the custom clothing shop Lord Willy's in New York in 2006. "We're so steeped in tradition we'll sometimes forego practicality for a more elegant appearance."

He's being modest, of course. The British have come up with some of the most elegant solutions to wicked weather. Mr. Wilcox recently collaborated with Scottish brand Mackintosh to make a limited-edition version of their classic Dunoon coat, which he wears in inclement conditions. "It's a lightweight charcoal Loro Piana [wool]," he said, "that has been fully bonded to be completely water- and windproof."

Many men will forgo a coat as long as they can, using only a scarf, the rake's accessory of choice, for warmth. Their thinking: If I can manage without the encumbrance and bother of a coat, then why not?

In certain parts of the world, however, a coat does eventually become necessary, no matter how plush and protected one's commute may be. Classic wool or cashmere overcoats will do the trick, but some brands go one further. Valentino's Subzero Couture collection currently offers a tailored wool coat that hides a thin goose-down lining. Meanwhile, Brioni's creative director, Brendan Mullane, has been finding ways to boost natural fibers with protective coatings. Brioni also makes coats with discreet luxe linings. "The idea is to spoil the wearer with felted cashmere or fur liners that give not only natural insulation, but also a high level of sophistication," said Mr. Mullane. For fall, he created a refined cashmere parka with a beaver fur-trimmed hood that might pass Wall Street muster.

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There are moments where a dash of sportiness can be acceptable. Designer Simon Spurr, who was recently named creative director of British heritage brand Kent & Curwen (his first collection debuts in January), doesn't entirely rule out the puffer. "I'm all in favor of pairing a down jacket with a suit as long as both are perfectly tailored," he said. A few years ago, he bought a down jacket from Moncler with a shell made of gray flannel instead of the typical nylon. "It changed the way I dressed that winter," he said. Loro Piana's Storm System jackets, which are made of wind-proof and waterproof cashmere and come in a hip-length, ski style have also made inroads into the wardrobes of Wall Street. Though these come in dark neutrals, as opposed to the screaming brights of slope-gear.

For some men, the question of functional-versus-formal footwear is easy. A Dainite sole, which is made of studded rubber and is used by high-end footwear brands like Church's and Paraboot, "is the dressiest way to not fall on your face when it's slippery," said Josh Peskowitz, men's fashion director at Bloomingdale's. Mr. Peskowitz also wears brogue boots by Church's. The style, with round perforations intended to flush water from the shoe, was invented precisely for the slosh. Goodyear welting, a technique of stitching the sole on the outside of the shoe so as to leave the part underfoot unpierced, also helps with water resistance.

Opinion is sharply divided on the issue of rubber overshoes, which protect one's John Lobbs from Jack Frost and the pickling effect of sidewalk salt. "I opt for shoe covers," said Matthew Singer, men's fashion director at the Neiman Marcus Group. "They're easy to slip on and off and allow me to not lug an extra pair of shoes." Others aren't so accepting. Mr. Spurr said he finds shoe covers "depressing." He added, "I'll just wear my shoes and be careful on my way to and from work."

If you happen to be pro-cover, English boot-maker John Lobb makes the platonic ideal. However, the company also offers bad weather alternatives. For the gentleman who's not averse to boots with a suit, Lobb's director of operations, Paul Goring, explained that the company makes versions that are weather-resistant yet refined enough for a formal setting. Many of the company's classic oxfords and loafers, he added, can be made custom with Dainite soles and weather-resistant leather.

Upping the gauge of one's suiting fabric offers another level of warmth without compromising elegance. Kirk Miller, owner of bespoke suitery Miller's Oath, said he goes for fabric with more "guts," like tweed, which is peerless in keeping out damp cold. Flannel suiting is also a fine option. Brioni's Mr. Mullane upgrades the tried-and-true strategy of layering with silk and fine cashmere knits. He also adds cashmere-and-silk knee socks.

Mr. Spurr pointed out that accessories might be the most effective weapon in an elegant gent's weather-combatting arsenal: Cashmere-lined calfskin gloves are a must, as is a good scarf. For panache, he also relies on lapel pins and beautifully made umbrellas.

But then, no matter one's level of preparation, there will still be days when the weather simply wins. On those occasions, elegance might just be the ability to laugh through chattering teeth.

Body + Balance: Business amid beauty

Megan Douglas of World Organic shares her techniques for balancing work and the other important things in life.

Megan Douglas walks a fine line. Running World Organic, a business dedicated to natural health and beauty, she knows the importance of a balanced lifestyle.

However, as any business owner knows, particularly one working from home, it takes dedicated effort to maintain that balance. The ex-fashion designer is the driving force behind World Organic and sister brands River Veda and The Organic Skin Co - organic, ethically sourced makeup and skincare ranges that are tried and tested Viva favourites.

Here, she shares with us how spiritual books, regular yoga practice and a focus on healthy food shared with family and friends keeps her going.

Describe your life right now?

Full and exciting. It is definitely a time of "busyness" as a result of the speed at which our business is growing. Being an integral part of a relatively new business that is firing on all cylinders sometimes feels like being responsible for a room of 50 incredibly active 4-year-olds at a birthday party and having to have attention on all corners of the room.

My own family is also growing up fast. With two children (now teenagers) and the eldest getting closer to flying the roost, I realise how precious time is, so family is totally my other focus.

What keeps you inspired?

Simple things and the unexpected keep me inspired. When we hear back from a World Organic consultant as to how we have touched or helped to change their life for the positive, I feel inspired. Simply seeing the original vision unfold and becoming a successful reality inspires me daily, not to mention family, friends and colleagues who I share experiences with. If one of us falls for a while, someone is always there to pick the other up.

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If you start to feel low in energy what do you do?

If I'm low in energy I'll go to bed embarrasingly early as I love sleep and find it simply the best cure for almost all ailments including negativity, self absorption or disappointment. That feeling of sustained low energy can often be the precursor to feeling sick so I always try to take it a little seriously and treat it with the best medicine, rest.

What do you do to switch off?

I find solitude and being away from all technology helps recharge the nervous system and helps balance a busy, technology-driven life. Quietness helps me put things back into perspective. My bedroom is probably my sanctuary for this, where I'll generally read something from one of my favourite books or simply contemplate my navel (so to speak) and explore whether it actually exists at all. In summer I love a walk in nature but in winter I'd rather be in front of the fire.

How do you incorporate exercise and recreation into your life?

For the last five months I have been going to a gym/club where they have some amazing quality yoga and pilates classes. Restorative yoga, however, is always my favourite because being quite driven I do enjoy someone reminding me to stop and restore. I also love the sauna as a necessary detox. Sometimes it's difficult to find the time to go as there is always a ready reason to work longer or harder at my desk but I try to go two or three times a week. As for recreation, it tends to be something simple with friends and family, often based around a home-cooked meal and wine.

What are you reading at the moment?

I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. It's a modern spiritual classic, which has been my go-to book for over a year now. When I read it I find I can only digest pieces of it at a time and each time I come back into it I find something new to ponder. I find it amazing, it's pretty unique in its clarity and courage and contains many a contemplative thought. I've also just read Practising the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, who I would rate as a modern-day prophet, concise and radiant.

How do you incorporate healthy eating into a busy life?

Healthy eating for me is a matter of good habits and recipes that I have learnt over time, so they have become a pleasure and much preferable over unhealthy foods. I start almost every day with a dish of slow cooked, fabulously tasty flax seeds, nuts, seeds, tapioca and dried fruit spices infused in citrus juice. This keeps my digestion and joints in shape and hunger satisfied.

My sister-in-law Lisette then brings to work a freshly made vegetable Oscar juice. As we work from home, either Richard or I then cook a proper lunch for the whole work tribe and as a result dinner is often quite light.

Ultimately, I find the key to good eating is to use only real, whole and nutritious ingredients (that your great-grandparents would most likely recognise), eat what suits you (we'll learn even more about this with the coming explosion of genome mapping) and prepare the food with joy and creativity so that it's not only healthy but delicious, too.

What are your top five essentials to living life well?

1. Let it go! There's no point obsessing over things you can't control (which is actually a lot).

2. The mind is an incredibly powerful instrument of creativity, so train it to think powerful and positive thoughts and to get rid of negative and limiting thoughts.

3. Feed your body well with good, honest, natural food and products and minimise toxins and chemicals.

4. It's so much better and rewarding to be grateful, tolerant and honest than to be the opposite.

5. Be courageous, as it's likely to be the only way to live the dream life you want to live. Everything is possible.

Candice Swanepoel On Those Wild Victoria's Secret Costumes: 'It's Our Job To Make It Work'

This Wednesday, an army of lithe, long-limbed models will strap on layers of sequins, feathers and jewels along with dozens of bras and panties and march down a runway in front of hundreds of people, an extravaganza that will later be broadcast on TV for millions more viewers.

So what exactly is going through the models' heads when they hit the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, wearing nothing but bra and undies? "Just before, I'm kind of praying that everything goes well and I don't fall," said model Candice Swanepoel, talking to us at her final fitting for her biggest look of the night, the Victoria's Secret Royal Fantasy Bra.

"But once I'm on the runway, I get into this zone. I have this feeling of pride," Candice told us. "It's kind of reflecting over everything I've been through to get there, so it's a very profound feeling. I usually get goosebumps all over my body... and then I'm thinking, 'Oh my God, you can see my goosebumps!'"

No matter how many times she does it, Candice said, she gets nervous -- and not just on the runway. She's still adjusting to the fame that comes from being a Victoria's Secret Angel. "I'm kind of introverted, so sometimes it's hard for me for people to recognize me, [especially] if I'm trying to be kind of undercover," she admitted.

But the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is certainly not one of those times. This time around, Candice will be front and center with the Fantasy Bra, an annual tradition of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. This year's "Royal" version is covered in diamonds, rubies and yellow sapphires with a 52-carat ruby in the center; it's valued at a whopping $10 million.

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The matching undies, made of red frilly lace, are also covered with gems. But Candice didn't look at all uncomfortable in them, doing a final walk in front of a room full of staffers at her fitting. There were some adjustments to be made, including a request for additional coverage on the seat of the undies.

But overall, the Fantasy Bra outfit didn't strike Candice as one of her more difficult looks -- and there have been plenty. "I mean, some of the wings are not comfortable at all," Candice said of her past Victoria's Secret Fashion Show costumes. "One year, I was almost going to wear two harps as wings," but they were so heavy she requested they get axed. "If I'd fallen, someone would have had to run on the stage and pick me up because I couldn't get up on my own!" Candice recalled.

"But that's part of being a model -- we wear stuff we don't like, stuff that's uncomfortable. But it's our job to make it work," she added. And she makes it work well.

Check out our sneak peek at Candice's fitting, and stay tuned for photos from the show this Wednesday!

Cool fashion for Christmastime

One of Manila’s fashion destinations is The Ramp Crossings which offers a wide range of merchandise that keeps stylists, fashion mavens and shoppers coming back for more. While the tropical weather may keep most of us from wearing trench coats and knee-high boots, we found sophisticated pieces that would look great for the holidays.

Plaid

Prints have taken the fashion world by storm, and it doesn’t look like the trend would fade anytime soon. Some prints, like plaid which was reminiscent of the ’90s, resurfaced in some of the F/W 2013 collections from YSL, Versace and Isabel Marant.

The Ramp’s plaid pants make a fashion statement with graphic orange checks against bright white. This crisp and tailored look is great for the office; pair with a silky top to look effortlessly chic for almost any occasion.

The chevron print

The Ramp transitions to the cold months with a fresh pattern (think Missoni) to add to your holiday wardrobe: the chevron print. You can take this style from morning meetings to evening dates with a swift adjustment of your accessories. Enhance this bold trend with neutrals and minimal accessories for business meetings, and pair with high heels for a night out. The chevron print will serve as a great addition to your wardrobe, with its dramatic and stylish appeal.

The skort

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A favored 2013 trend for many of us is the skort—a pair of shorts with a fabric panel covering the front to resemble a skirt. This is appropriate for the warm tropical climate, and its versatility makes it wearable for various occasions.

Mixed prints

Take the cue from Mary Kantrantzou with bold and mixed prints. It’s a refreshing take on the print trend, and is a fashion statement for 2013. It may seem frightening or risky to mix prints at the beginning, so tread lightly by blending small designs with larger ones. Wear minimal accessories so as not to look overstated.

Kimono jacket

The kimono jacket looks cool and boho. This instantly styles up any laid-back look—think denim shorts and a tank top. The special Izakaya print on The Ramp’s kimono jacket is so distinct, it’s sure to stand out in any occasion.

Have dandruff and hair loss problems? Try reetha or soap nuts!

Most people suffer from hair related problems given what we are exposed to this day and age. If you do too, it’s time you try hair packs with reetha or use it like a shampoo. Read on to find out why your grandmum’s advice makes sense.

The reason reetha is so good for your hair is because it has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which keep infections at bay.

Here’s how you can use reetha for your hair problems:

To eliminate dandruff

If white flakes of dandruff have bothered and embarrassed you for long, here’s a solution to say goodbye to it. Take about 10-15 soap nuts and grind them. Boil them in water for 15 minutes and then let them soak in water overnight. In the morning, strain the nuts and add some amla powder or juice to it. Now apply it on your scalp and let it stay for half an hour. Wash it with a mild shampoo in lukewarm water.

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Cleansing shampoo

Regularly washing your locks keeps various hair problems away but if you use too strong shampoos, they can sap the natural oils out of your scalp and leave it feeling dry and brittle. In order to stop this from happening, switch to a reetha shampoo. Take shikakai and reetha powder in equal quantities and add warm water to bind the two. Now wash your hair with this instead of your regular shampoo. Remember, it does not produce much lather but it still cleanses your hair. If you feel it is too drying for your locks, increase the quantity of shikakai in the shampoo. Team it with a coconut oil champi an hour before you wash your hair for better results.

For shiny, silky locks

Pollution, extensive use of hair styling products and tools can often leave hair dry and damaged. In order to get back its lost sheen, make a pack using reetha, amla and curd (dahi). This will not only condition your hair but also leave it soft.

Janetta Mackay: White shoe shuffle

A month ago, I bought a pair of white punched leather flats, which I fancied were fun. As write this, I haven't worn them, but by the time you read this I may well have succumbed. I'm experimenting by taking these sort-of-sandshoes safely out of the country, to the islands where white is always fashionable.

If I slip my feet into white shoes I will be breaking one of my own little style rules.

Where my self-imposed shackles of supposed good taste come from, I'm not entirely sure. There may have been some childhood conditioning - after I grew out of white toddler sandals - but I think my aversion springs from tribal adolescence. I wore black Dr. Martens and if you were a skanky ho - or worse still, simply had no idea - then you wore fringed white ankle boots. Of course, no one knew what a ho was back then and I hope that nowadays I'm less given to scathing and sweeping wardrobe judgments, but a boot is a no-go zone.

Fashion-forward types will doubtless consider me terribly behind-the-times avoiding white, but before I give up on being judgmental let's just say I don't get how it got "ironic" for stylists to recycle that particular look. Referential maybe, try-hard tired more like.

I do see the appeal of white summer flats on brown skin. But I don't tan.

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The lightest shoe I'll wear is nude and, even then, I'd rather not. White heels I struggle with. On me: no thanks; on others: strappy maybe, courts maybe not.

Yes, yes, I know Bianca Jagger looked fabulous in her white wedding trouser suit and matching shoes, but that's her. Hitch down your hemline. I avoided the issue altogether by not marrying in white.

Women who wear white well do impress, although surely they must carry a spare set of everything in their limos. But white - and that includes fashion's so-called essential white shirt - has never washed with me. Partly because white looks unwashed so damn fast. I know this because, truth to tell, I have previously broken my own anti-white rules. There has been numerous unsuccessful attempts to find the perfect white top and a few pairs of pale shoes to ponder upon. First, there was a pair of pointy-toed white leather flats that I admit to being quite fond of until no amount of shoe cream could save them. Then there was the op-shop find of a pair of white 60s stilettos in mint condition, but they soon scuffed their way out of my wardrobe.

I try to avoid trainers, for all sorts of reasons, but at least they can come coloured. The "white" ones are like blobs of blancmange. In defence of my wardrobe foibles, they do help reduce the clutter of choice.

But change is in the air. Those white lace-ups sit upon my shoe rack, waiting. Down the hall, rules are being broken. Last school holidays, on the drive from Melbourne airport to the city, my daughter spotted a giant billboard of a model wearing what looked like a white roman sandal with a platform sole. Turns out these flat-forms are the shoe of the season for young things, and soon we were spotting versions in every chain store all ver

town. Pester power secured her a pair.

But please, not an ankle boot!