Fashion New Year, New You?
		Happy New Year! I realise it’s a little bit late but hope you all had a fantastic time and made the effort to scrummage through those sales as there were definitely some great bargains to be had. With the Spring/Summer trends having already made their way down the catwalk, I was delighted to see some of those bargains and Autumn/Winter favourites making another appearance (especially as I’d  snapped them up at reduced prices, yay!) So, although the sales are mostly over, I thought I’d give you a run-down of the tip, top, tastic, old, new trends (if you get what I mean) that you should have bagged in the sales and how to bring them bang up to the moment. At Number 4 there’s the ever so versatile pensie skirt which although worn last season all gothic and vampy, will be seen this season pastel and pretty in a 40’s twist or black with zips and rips, punky style. Climbing to Number 3 are the military jackets which have gone all New Romantic on us with a slightly pirate feel. They’re the perfect transitional cover up for day or night and let’s face it, here in Bristol we need it. Clinging on to the Number 2 position is yet another military style - the combats. Last season worn long and over boots, this season will see them teamed with an ickle cami top and a personal winner with me; some gorgeous strappy sandals, giving a great genie take on this hard army look. Staying firmly at top spot are the cropped trousers. They’re very similar to the combats but without all the bells and whistles. These, again, are going for a turn of the ankles, ditching the slouchy boots and being worn with a pair of cute heels Both these looks though can be dressed down perfectly for during the day with a pretty pair of pumps. So there we have it, some of the past years’ favourites holding onto their positions for another season. However, they may have some strong competition from the new trends for 2003. Or maybe not! With the coming of a new year many of us will make the resolution to somehow transform ourselves. New year, new you! This year it’s unlikely to be in the wardrobe area though. With the reminiscent re-introducing of the 80’s, 60’s and 40’s, even the new trends don’t feel so new! Here’s hoping we don’t end up looking like extras from Dynasty or Austin Powers! There are some newish looks though with the sporty look taking a more chic image along with the surfy look joining it (but I can’t quite see this angle of surfy wear catching on with the surfers out there!). So the moral of the story is that pretty much anything goes, giving a huge scope for everyone’s individualism to shine through and even more looks to choose from on the high street. Looks like this season is going to be very interesting. Have fun girls! Claire Forster Picture by Becky Barter Back to February '03 home page