What has happened to Catherine Zeta Jones?

It could be the clothes but I don't think that is entirely the reason. Catherine Zeta Jones looks scrawny and old. This is a women in her early 40s who should be, given her lifestyle, looking glamorous and healthy. But to me she just looks thin and not in a good way. Am I being mean?

I completely understand the need to look slim/toned and particularly when you are in the entertainment industry. Why yesterday as I was sourcing clothes for the forthcoming events I had an experience in the changing room mirror that was truth uncovered. I need to reign in the expanding girth. This happens once in a while and more so as you get older. But I might want to look svelte but I don't want to look thin. The idea of looking scrawny like CZJ above or SJP is in my book a step to far but how does it happen? Do you lose any sense of self and become completely about clothes sizes.

image:Sky Showbiz

Thought for the week - focus!

I continue to not spend any money on anything! This is becoming easier. I am forced by circumstances to not spend but because I started off on this with a no fritter attitude rather than a spending ban I think that helped.

A reminder - the point of not frittering for three months is to save what you would have spent in shops on lots of little amounts. This should generate a more substantial sum, enabling you to purchase something wow that you love. If I did have a pot then I'd buy something from Dolce & Gabbana

I've managed to not increase my debts and have begun to really pay them off. If I'd frittered then I would have added to them. It does mean I can't get a wow item but I'm doing really well, aided by capsule wardrobe week to use what I have effectively. Even though I been out styling private clients and basically dressing them in what I would buy, (because it suits them and it is of course visionary!) I have not succumbed. Yah! This makes me feel good and has broken a habit, the magpie habit. It also has meant I have had to be motivated to do other things.

The other things I have done are exercise more and revolutionise my diet. The diet has changed. Thanks to the marvellous comments on my size matters post I was challenged to research dietary issues more thoroughly - thank you Deja Pseu.

I ended up with a book called Can We Live 150 Years by Mikhail Tombak.

It is a brilliant book, but not for the faint hearted when it comes to digesting matters of bodily functions. I have to say no one has made me understand or get eating properly. The man is a genius and although I pale at the thought of self administering an enema, the moment I have a spare pound or two I'm off for a colonic irrigation. Apart from the cost of the book, I've managed to improve my well being, turn the tide on my fat hips and smile my way through no money.

Size matters (2)

An over stacked wardrobe, is a size issue of a different sort. Now I know that for some having lots and lots of clothes neatly hung, stacked and looked after or organised in all manner of solutions is perfectly fine. But...for lots of people there is an endless spend, wear, unworn, sell on ebay, take to charity shop cycle due to flights of fashion fancy, boredom, retail therapy and general overs spending. Consumption is part and parcel of our lives but I'm returning to the idea of slow fashion, the idea that despite the buzz of a new season, the desire created by the editorial in magazines and the newness of clothes in the stores, you need to really think before you buy - the concept of stop, look and listen.

The STOP element is the bit where you check out everything in your wardrobe and have a good look at what you wear, like and want to have. Sort and hang everything in items - i.e. trousers, skirts, cardigans, dresses, shirts - same with folding items. Don't buy anything for a couple of weeks and see how you get on with what you have. Think about your own style, how you like to look and what works for you.

Have a good LOOK at what you have examine its potential - can it be altered? Does it really work for your life. Take a look at what you spend on clothes, how much has been bought on credit. Really evaluate what you spend and why. Again the looking involves how you look in what you have and how you can make sure you are not getting yourself into debt over a fashion fix.

Then LISTEN to the voices in your head that tell you not to buy when you do! Okay, I'm kidding but there is enough noise here on the blogosphere to make you re-evaluate what you spend, buy and why.

I do think that less is more, I'm more of a fan of the capsule wardrobe but like everyone else I'm guilty of overstocking my wardrobe and often on repeats - how many stripy tees does a gal need!
It is really hard when you love fashion not to get sucked into the endless cycle (and recycling of looks) of buying whether its over or under the budget.

I also like the idea often muted as the French approach to fashion which basically translates as a few key quality pieces of fashion purchased per season. It is another less is more but less items for more money provide quality. It was when I started clearing out peoples wardrobes and found mounds of clothes and accessories that I got turned off having too much. Even though I recently cleared my wardrobe out I still feel I have too much. I'm hoping that my shop day (all saved up for) in September will last through until March. I know I'll get tempted along the way but I'm determined to be the person that only buys a few key pieces per season and that means a smaller but beautiful wardrobe.
Updated PS: I've realised I've forgotten to add that your lifestyle and income is the key determinate of what you spend and buy. I know this is stating the obvious but my views and decisions reflect where I am now, not my misspent youth and party animal days of yore. I need to have less as I don't go out as much, because thanks to Mr MDS I've just signed for a delivery of a new 42" HD telly and he's upgrading our Sky box to HD! This does not make for an uber stylish wardrobe to wear out. Geez thanks goodness I've got friends to meet and a new job to secure otherwise I'd have no justification for a single item due to my MA lifestyle. Mind you can't wait to see Mad Men in HD.

Size matters (1)

Yesterday I began to debate the issue of size. I just don't understand why certain high street retailers, however they have positioned their brand, do not stock size 16 clothes.

This allows me to gratuitously use an image of Nigella Lawson -truly the most beautiful person I have ever had the pleasure to meet in the flesh. Whilst I always admire the poise and strict adherence to body discipline for clothes of Ms Wintour and Ms Roitfeld, I can't help but know the allure is due to their fashion credentials, whereas with Nigella it is simply the fact of beauty. She has a sheen due to beautiful skin, flowing tresses and flesh that is well ...flesh.
Whilst this isn't the best photo of Ms Lawson, you get the fullness of her figure and it reinforces the fact that retailers and some designers are failing to provided in ready to wear a size of clothing that is required - in the UK this is size 16. I didn't know whether to laugh (at) or rip up The Sunday Times's Style magazine article on couture week by Colin McDowell - I'll recreate the offending paragraph, where he basically grimaces because 'fat' people wear couture - quelle horreur!

"I visited the workrooms of a very famous couturier. The atmosphere was one of dedication and love as they cut the delicate fabrics and sewed on semiprecious stones. Then I noticed, lined up against a back wall, a group of grotesque figures. A second look and I realised that these were the Stockman mannequins on which clothes are fitted. Noting my look of alarm, my host said: “This is the reality behind the dream — couture is made to the exact measurements of our clients.” I knew that. And yet what a shock to see huge breasts, large bums and dropped stomachs replicated in foam padding. Thank goodness that, for most women, couture is still about dreams rather than reality. It is fashion’s original Cinderella story, offering all women a ticket to the ball, even if only in their imaginations"

Well in my imaginary world, size 16 would be mainstream in retail provision. I'm not going to pretend that size 18+ doesn't have some issues attached because whilst it won't be applicable for all, most people above size 16 regardless of height are entering into the realm of obesity.

I think most women deserve to have access to clothes in the high street, fashion is not about size it is about style, taste and choice.

Size 16

Dear Reiss, Karen Millen and Ted Baker,

Please get with the programme and stock size 16 clothes - why stop at 14? What is wrong with size 16? 6-16 sounds perfectly reasonable. You produce some delightful garments so share the love.

Thanks