10 steps to a more Glamorous Life!

1. #1: Candles Any apparently photogenic celebrity will you that the secret to looking amazing is 90% good lighting. And, in this department, candles are a girl’s best friend. Use candlelight to create the ultimate in romantic dining experiences that, with a little imagination, could be anywhere- a Parisian cafe or, indeed, your own living room.

3. #4: Be Discerning So you can’t afford to dress head to toe in designer labels- just a few key, quality pieces will last you a lifetime (or at least quite a few seasons) and add elegance to any outfit. It was Coco Chanel who also told us that “Fashion fades, only style remains the same”, so choose style staples with quality tailoring or statement accessories that provide the ‘wow factor’. And always check the charity shops- rich people are known to clean out their closets on ocassiontoo.

4. #5: Dress Up Don’t pop down out the corner store in your pj’s and no makeup. Remember- Nora Batty is not glamorous in anybody’s eyes. Glamour is all about mystery and creating the illusion of effortless beauty and elegance. Even if it’s not a special occasion, pull out those designer pieces and play with your makeup. Not only will your nearest and dearest appreciate the effort but all your slipper and hair curler-wearing neighbours will wonder what fancy event you are off to in all your finery.

5. #6: Decorate Glamour is as much a state of mind as a way of presenting and conducting yourself. A messy, disorganised and cluttered house is not conducive to a peaceful and tranquil state of mind, and is the antidote to glamour. So, first of all, keep your house tidy and clutter free. Secondly, just as with your wardrobe, invest in a few key items of furniture that add elegance and class, especially in areas that you might entertain guests. If you do travel anywhere interesting, look out for items to bring back with you as they can act as conversation pieces. If you have a small box room that you are only using for storage, why not transform it into a dressing room? A standing mirror and a dressing table create an instant movie-start-getting-ready-for-the-Oscars vibe.

6. #7: Happy Hour Designate one evening a week for a cocktail party (or equivalent). If you don’t feel you are part of glamorous society, create your own ultra-cool social group. Invite interesting people and make your place… the place to be. It needn’t be expensive- ask your guests to each bring something to eat or drink and you can re-use decorations. In the 70’s, neighbourhood cocktail parties were the height of suburban sophistication, so by now they are practically ‘vintage’ and by bringing them back you will be a trend-setter!

7. #8: Pose So you can’t afford to buy Gucci or Prada, or drape yourself in Cartier- only you know that. So follow tip #5 and let the snooty sales assistants wait on you hand and foot while you try on everything in the store. Trust me, there are few things in the world that make you feel more glamorous than trying on a £250,000 Tiffany diamond ring while a security guard mans the private viewing room and you debate with the assistant whether to purchase said ring in Sydney or New York...

8. #9: Treat Yourself And I am not referring to the £250,000 ring. Sorry. Little and often can be just as rewarding. Alright, almost as rewarding. So when you feel like you need a little boost, treat yourself to an impulse buy, get a mani or pedi, indulge in a massage, get your eyebrows waxed for the ultimate face-lift on a budget (trust me, it makes the world of difference), or buy yourself some sexy underwear. If you feel good, you will look good.

9. #10: Be Girly! In the words of the eternally sexy and beautiful Marilyn Monroe, “Beauty and femininity are ageless and can’t be contrived, and glamour… cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; it’s based on femininity.” So embrace your inner glamourpuss- dress up, curl your hair, paint your nails, wear lipstick and high heels- anything that reminds you and the rest of the world that you are a sexy, sophisticated, glamorous GIRL!