Trend Focus: Clutch Mentality

Small, boxy clutches have been punching above their weight in the bags department for the past few seasons and they are still going strong. A fabulous accessory for both night and day, they help to keep your load light by giving you only enough space for keys, cards, phone and maybe a tube of lipstick.

(Photo: Jak & Jil)

For cocktail parties and black tie events, go with a hard, structured one like the Givenchy Mini Miniaudiere Clutch. For a less formal day look, pick more softly shaped and casual options, such as the Proenza Schouler PS11 Calfskin Clutch or Mulberry's Lily Chain Two Tone Clutch. Vintage clutches are well-worth a mention for their often beautiful hardware; best of all, they are usually one of a kind. Interesting details (e.g. unique closures) and functional add-ons (e.g. a detachable shoulder or wrist straps) are also things you should be looking out for.

The nifty mini clutch is the next best thing to being hands-free!

Trend Focus: Red Lips

[Tom Ford Beauty; YSL SS12. Pictures from Into The Gloss.]

It may not be the easiest thing to carry off, but there is little doubt that red lipstick is a timeless classic and every woman should have (at least) one in her make-up case. Glamourous, sultry and incredibly sexy, bold crimson lips are the anti-thesis to that au natural nude look that defines beauty right now. However, you can bring the two extremes together by keeping the face fresh and clean while letting the lips do the talking (pun intended). Add a sleek of eyeliner and multiple coats of mascara for a stronger night look. 

Blogger Ms Glitzy made a handy tutorial to show you exactly how to achieve this alluring red lips look. To make red lips more wearable and less of a statement, keep a neutral palette on the rest of the face and pick a matt lipstick.

[Ms Glitzy will be showing us her 5 of her favourite things this Friday, so watch this space!]

Shopping for the right red lipstick (there is one out there for everyone!) can be a long, laborious affair (much like searching for a soulmate - lots of trial, error and often, disappointment), but that does not mean that you should give up! 

Tip: invest in the more expensive, luxurious brands because more often than not, the richness of the pigment counts for a lot.