LOOK LIKE YOU JUST SPENT £10K

Yesterday I discussed (ranted) about Gina Rio and her £10k monthly allowance.

Gina is a stylist and understands how important it is to look presentable. Unfortunately we don’t all have a budget like hers. But that doesn't mean we can't look great too. So here is my picky pick of the items that you should be spending your cash on to achieve an expensive look.

Suit – Don’t get one tailor-made. Buy a decent looking one off the rack, and then pay a fraction of the cost to get it altered. The suit will be a fantastic fit and look like it was made just for you. Pair it with a crisp white shirt and a block black or navy blue tie and nobody will mistake you for the new intern.

Shoes - I don’t understand why anyone need 300 pairs of shoes. Pick shoes that can be worn with a few different outfits, that way you get more wear out of them. You can also buy little bits and pieces to revive tired looking shoes. If you must splash out on shoes, make sure they are a killer pair that you only wear on special occasions. You will appreciate them, and the comments you get on them even more. My killer shoes are a deep purple pair by Kurt Geiger

Bag – I really think a good bag is important. I don’t mind spending a little more on one. But again, I don’t think anyone needs 70. Pick a few that are adequate for different occasions. One for work, another for the gym. One for daytime use and another to match that sharp evening look. Zara have some great bags for men that come in at £50-£100. And they last for ages. I also love the Cambridge Satchel Company, who also have discounted items. They're on my Birthday gift list.

Zara also have great  bags for women. But I suspect women want to spend a little more on their arm candy. Mulberry is a gorgeous brand but with a weighty price tag.  But keep an eye out and you’ll find that they regularly have discounted items and special sales. And if you know the right people, you can even track down the wholesale outlet and save a lot of money. Do your research and save a bundle.

Jewellery – Let’s be honest, I can go and on about cheap jewellery, but nothing really compares to the real stuff. But whilst you pile on the bling, you are making yourself look cheap. Less is more so pick a few items to wear and keep them demure. Lots of big chunky items will only make you look like you just got your cash, or you have dodgy dealings with associates. And don’t turn your nose up at costume jewellery, such as Sultanesque. Some pieces look really elegant and it means you can change up your look more cost effectively.

Taxi – Gina gets driven around in a town car. Really? In London? I know the rail prices have gone up, but surely she can afford to work some of those 300 pairs of heels. Walk around showing off that new look, and if you must, get a cab for half the journey. Besides, a taxi driver’s banter is probably better than the chauffeurs.

Hair – Keep it clean. Gents, a slick look at the barbers cost £10. And ladies, I won’t put a price tag on your tresses. But make sure that you can keep it looking salon standard at home, so you don’t have to keep going back for a touch up. And play with your own style. Check out Youtube tutorials on how to create really striking hairstyles with minimum effort and no expensive visits to the salon.

Keep It Timeless - Purchase items that won’t go out of fashion. If you pick this year’s must have, it will soon become  so last year. Opt for something in a style that suits you, something you know you can wear comfortably time and again.

And the most important thing to remember in looking good is wearing it with of confidence. If you feel you look good, then other’s will notice. Don’t seek people’s justification. Be safe in the knowledge that you look fantastic and other people will soon notice it too.

Here’s hoping that if Gina Rio’s allowance gets cut off, this will help her survive and still look great.

HONESTLY, I'M NOT THAT SPOILT

I’m often told that, on the odd occasion, I can act a little spoilt. Yes I can stamp my feet and throw my toys out of the pram. But I know the value of money and I certainly don’t expect the world to stop for me.

I may, on the very rare occasion, ACT spoilt, but I assure you I am not. And my attitude is nothing compared to Miss Gina Rio, recently labelled by the media as the most spoiled girl in Britain. Let’s forget for a moment that this 23 year old has an obsession with designer labels and doesn't have to save up for them, because mummy and daddy will pick up the bill. And let’s overlook that Miss Rio is living in a luxury London hotel whilst her house, is being renovated.

Gina claims that she would never date somebody who is poor. This is despite her living on a £10,000 allowance from her mother, only half the allowance her father used to provide for her. It is a shame that Miss Rio seems to revel in living of such excessive hand-outs, choosing to lie on her bed with shoes as opposed to snuggling up with, an albeit poor, partner. Maybe, if she asked really nicely, her parents would set up an allowance for him too. Would the seemingly poor man then be a more attractive prospect?

Gina earns an annual salary of £24,000 as a personal stylist. I wonder if a man who earns the same would stand a chance at scoring a date with her. Surely, coming from a family that has experienced divorce, this young woman would understand that a relationship cannot be built on material things.

I think a large proportion of the blame has to lie with Gina’s parents who are happy to meet her every demand. Gina explains that her father will buy her anything to “to show how much he cares.” So that would be her 71^st designer handbag, or is it the 301^st pair of high heels?

I don’t claim to understand the complex dynamic of a family that has gone through a divorce. But surely Miss Rio would be a more rounded individual if, instead of throwing money at her, both parents spent more time educating her in the ways of the world. All the money they spend could actually help Gina to set up her own thriving company. Then she could earn more of her own money and understand that ambition and drive is more important than how many zeros there are on a cheque.

Gina’s father bought her a luxury pad in King’s Cross, a very generous gift for a 23 year old to receive. But whilst it is being renovated, I have to wonder why both Gina’s parents decided to put her up at The Savoy rather than have her stay with them.  

So yes I’m spoilt, and on occasion expect nice gifts. But I know how much they cost and also appreciate other values in individuals beyond the size of their wallet. Miss Rio might be an extreme example, but I suspect there are many like her who prefer designer handbags to quality time and the occasional hug.

TRACKSUIT BOTTOMS: CHAVVY OR CHIC?

I like to think that I take pride in my appearance and try hard to look presentable at all times. But even I have the odd day where I'll choose comfort over style. Yes, I have just ordered a onesie and I can't wait for it to arrive.

However there is one particular item of clothing that I would NEVER go out in. That is a pair of tracksuit bottoms.  For me, there are only two places outside of the home where this attire is appropriate. The first is at and on route to and from the gym. The tracksuit bottom is perfect for working out in. It's comfortable and makes even the worst dancer look like a pro at my local gym's hip hop dance class.

The second occasion where a tracksuit is acceptable is if you are popping out for no more than ten minutes to pick up milk and other essential supplies from the nearest convenience store. That does not mean a half hour browse around the large M&S store. I mean the closest place and at a time of day when nobody you know will spot you, and heading right back home afterwards to hibernate.

I fail to understand then, why an increasing number of people think it is acceptable to wear tracksuits out and about. A recent article in the Daily Mail puts the rise in popularity down to celebrity culture, with the Nicki Minaj, Cheryl Cole and even Elton John sporting Adidas three-strip tracksuit bottoms in broad daylight. Surely Elton was not on his way to a spin class. 

But this is not a new phenomenon. I fear that the celebrity following is not setting the trend, rather giving it a seal of approval. Forgive me for sounding old-fashioned, but I thought this dress code was reserved only for young offenders or people with a severe allergy to denim. Normally this outfit is paired with a McDonald’s breakfast burger, sovereign rings and a pack of Silk Cut. So I am saddened to hear that we can expect to see this “athletic” look gracing the catwalks or the Spring/Summer 2013 shows at London Fashion Week. Somebody please cancel my ticket.

Am I being harsh? Are there any redeeming qualities to this attire? In a bid to better understand the look, I am going to try out tracksuit bottoms for a day out in St Albans, an area where many other people are already following the trend. I will get into the mind-set of this group of questionable ”fashion-forward” trailblazers. Keep an eye out for my follow-up post and wish me luck!

Check out the Daily Mail article here.

RETURN TO THE GYM

One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to get in shape. I know the only way to successfully get fit this is to join the gym. Like so many people at this time of year, I am sucked in by the promise of ‘fantastic results’ and ‘no joining fees with the first month free’.  

But I am sure that this time will be different. I have my water bottle, my new trainers and I have ordered my whey protein. I am determined to make it to the gym three times a week... for at least the first three months.

Whilst I enjoy the feeling of a good workout, there are some aspects of the gym experience that I wish weren't there:

The Gym Rats.  

Predominantly men who spend the better part of the day in the gym, building up an obscene amount of muscle. They can name every single one of them but probably couldn't tell you what an adjective is. Judging by their loud conversations with fellow gym rats, when they're not working out they are either chasing or avoiding some poor girl they hooked up with last week, learning new swear words from their kid brother, or picking up their job-seeker’s allowance.

The Old 'Friend' I Haven’t Seen In Ages.

I successfully avoid seeing them and then when I'm on the cross trainer looking like crap, they pop over for a catch up.  If I wanted to catch up I would ring them. I haven’t, so let’s not chat whilst I slowly dehydrate. And you know they’ll tell a mutual friend that you’re hitting the gym in a bid to lose the weight you've piled on since they last saw you.

On the off chance it is somebody I’m pleased to see, I’ll get of the machine I’m precariously hanging off and have a chat, maybe even suggest we become gym buddies before realising they are much fitter than I am and couldn't possibly keep up. Once we've finally finished our conversation I have lost the will to carry on with my workout.

The Pushy Trainer 

They are constantly trying to push personal training sessions at a 'reasonable price'. Why should I pay more than what I pay now to turn up here three times (twice) a week? Even though I get two for free when I sign up, I’m told that these sessions are “an investment in my future”. Really? Or are you just looking to grab a quick buck? Surely as gym staff they should be on hand to help out anyway? The trainer who is so keen to have a one-on-one training session is the very same one who says he is too busy to show me how to use the new bit of gym kit, whilst he sits on a ball behind the desk flirting with the new female dance teacher.

My perfect gym would be one without the stupidly high price tags. £49 a month is a bit much for a gym that has one branch and a pool that’s always closed for repairs. There wouldn't be a waiting list for the only class you could make, and the gym staff would helpful and actually have undergone training. 

Yes I would like it if there was a no touching rule, a ban on tight cycling shorts, and that no small screaming children are allowed on the premises. If all young people with ASBOs could also be kept away that would be great. Oh and if a familiar face does walk in, a helpful member of staff could usher them to another area of the gym. Or a little placard with DO NOT DISTURB printed on it could be handed out on arrival so the I could let people know in the most efficient possible way.

Is this too much to ask? Who else shares my gym pet peeves? Do you have any of your own? Let me know and good luck if you too are signing up again this year.

TOO PICKY?

I've long been told that I am very selective or fussy and far too picky for my own good. My response has always been the same, there is no such thing!

I know what I like and how I like it. What's wrong with that? Yes I go out for dinner and ask to have the dish without this and with that instead. And of course I already know which gifts I'll be returning or re-gifting to somebody who will appreciate them. It's not my fault my friends didn't stick to the list.

Apparently my knowing what I like and don't is a tad on the extreme. I'm stubborn and when I know how I feel about something I generally stick to it. So in a bid for self-betterment, I'm challenging myself and trying some things again and a few others for the first time. Though I suspect there is a lot on which I will remain unmoved.

Lately I've also found myself getting increasingly frustrated with other people's poor choices. Rather than quietly brushing it off and moving on, I feel the urge to share them. So you can expect some enthusiastic venting on here too. 


My views are my own and sometimes they are frank. I will try very hard to be nice, but I'm not making any promises.

So here is my blog, on what I like, don't like and the fantastic reasons why. I'll also be sharing the weird wonderful and not so wonderful things I find along the way. Bacon Jam anyone?