People aren’t very creative when it comes to their watches. Most people have only one that they wear for every occasion. A man who has a black sport watch wears it to work, wears it when he goes out at night and only occasionally actually wears it for playing sports, if ever.

Isn’t it stupid, when you stop and think about it, to wear a men’s sport watch for anything but its intended purpose? What good is a bomb proof watch going to do you when you’re on your way to work? Do you need to wear a watch that’s waterproof to a depth of a mile just to water the garden?

Look, there’s nothing wrong with your sports timepiece, but it’s not impressing anybody at the office. If you want to impress your boss or your clients, go out and buy a new watch. Get one with a nice leather watchband. They are so much more stylish than those bulky looking watches.

Seriously – your watch says a lot about you, so why not let it say something good about you instead of bad or indifferent? Make the change and you may be amazed at how many times people will say something flattering to you about your choice of watches. If you’ve been wearing the same old watch for the past ten years, you can bet no one’s going to have anything to say about it!

As for the ladies – you are much better than men when it comes to anything to do with fashion accessories, including watches. In fact, even when it comes to things as unattractive as women’s brown boots, you seem to be able to accessorize and make them look good with a great pair of socks that go with your hiking shorts and top. Women always keep style and fashion in mind. If they make a mistake with watches, it’s that they think only expensive ones will do.

Still, ladies, you’ve got a ways to go with your watches. Why not buy yourself a cheap Mickey Mouse one, just for fun? Wear it the next time you go out for dinner to a gourmet restaurant wearing your best black dress. You can get away with a frivolous fashion statement like that because you already have good taste.

Don’t underestimate the power of the watch! It is often the most important piece of jewelry we have. That includes you, ladies. Your watch is as important as your earrings or your bracelet. Get a bunch of cheap watches and wear a different one every day, to suit your every mood. Go on! It’ll be fun!

Fab at forty One of the most difficult fashion issues facing women over 40 is how to dress for the many changes that occur around this age. As many of you already know – in our early to mid forties both our bodies and our lifestyles are in transition.

Physiologically our bodies are changing and some of us will suffer water retention, thinning hair or duller skin. Lifestyle-wise we may be on the brink of empty nest syndrome, we may be newly divorced or beginning new jobs.

If you are a woman over 40, you need to know that you can look just as sexy and vital as your younger counterparts; you just have to learn how to flatter your body without doing a major style overhaul and without looking like the proverbial mutton dressed as lamb. So, are your pleated trousers giving your age away? Perhaps you’re stuck in an 80’s beauty and style rut? Has your hairstyle barely changed in the past few years? If so… Change!

The key to dealing with the changes and to modernizing your look is to get in tune with what is in fashion. Handbags and shoes are the quickest way to update your look. Look around, browse through magazines, tune into the fashion channel and get a feel for what’s ‘in’. You are not necessarily aiming to be ‘hip and trendy’ but to develop your own timeless signature style. If you need inspiration, look at the ‘mature’ television stars and movie actresses you admire, pick out what you like and emulate their look.

The worst thing you can do is dress younger than you are – all it does is make you look even older and slightly bizarre. So, even if you have great legs, no miniskirts! Avoid baggy, formless clothes and chose pieces that give you shape. When shopping, don’t think you can wear the same colours you did when you were in your twenties, especially not next to your face. Experiment with colours in good lighting to find what flatters your forty-something skin.

Fashion and beauty tricks

Stand-up or turn-up collars are great for disguising a wrinkly neck. They cover the area and bring focus to the face. Wearing white close to one’s face helps too. Soft colours such as pale pink, white, beige or ice blue also bring light to the face and thus detract from the neck.

If you have lost your waistline along the way, wear jackets and pieces that will give you shape.

Look at yourself in the mirror, decide what your best features are and emphasize them. If you have nice hands, manicure them, good cleavage – show it off (in moderation) and so on.

If age spots begin to appear on the back of your hands or face – fight back. Many products are available that will lighten and fade liver spots and at sites like Skin Lightening Advice you’ll find the best skin whitening products articles, guidance and information.

Many forty-somethings suffer from thinning hair. If this is you, explain to your hairdresser what is happening and discuss with her a fresh new style that will help you get the appearance of thicker hair. Ask her advice on products too, there are many on today’s market that are specifically formulated to ‘fatten’ thinning and/or flyaway hair. You can look absolutely fabulous at forty; it just takes a little attention to detail and a few tweaks.

Has your look not changed in the last five years? Since high school perhaps? Are you still buying the same hues of lipstick, blusher and eye shadow that you have been using for years?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then you are stuck in a beauty rut. Those who find themselves following the same daily routine when applying makeup and styling their hair should ask themselves – am I fed up with my looks? Am I bored by my old beauty routine? Am I a tad out of step with the times?

If the answer to any of these questions is also a resounding ‘yes’ – then it is time for a break. You have to realise that two major things have changed in the last few years – one is your looks and the other is fashion – to ignore these issues and continue with the same routine, colours and hairstyle day after day, simply doesn’t do you any favours.

For example, your makeup should complement – not fight – your age. So, if you have been wearing a pink foundation believing that it gives you a youthful glow, it is time to switch to one of the newer foundations with more natural-looking yellow undertones.

Throw away that dark eyebrow pencil – these days, an eyeliner brush dipped in a dry, dark brown eye shadow is a more subtle way to fill in and define brows. It is also high-time for your frosted lipsticks to go into forced retirement. Switch to a shimmery lipstick or a gloss that is sheer enough to let your lips show through. If you'r stuck and simply don’t know where to start, go through a few magazines and look at the latest trends in make-up. Cut out any pictures that inspire you. Look for images of models that have a similar complexion, hair and eye colour to yours and draw inspiration from what you see.

Next, visit your favourite makeup counter and ask a makeup artist to show you how to enhance your best features. Believe it or not, this is a great time to experiment with new colours and formulas that you would not ordinarily try on your own. Do not be afraid to ask questions so that you know exactly how to re-create your new, up to date look at home. Updating your make-up means buying colours and finishes outside of your comfort zone. For instance, if you are still using powder eye shadows, switch to cream shadows – they are softer and do not crease.

If a few age spots (also known as liver spots) are appearing on the back of your hands, lucky for you there are many products tasked with fading these. At sites like Skin Lightening Advice you’ll find the best lighter skin articles, guidance and information.

You may also need to alter the way you do certain things – for instance, we used to believe that a thin eyebrow arch was best, but nowadays the brow shape is more natural and soft.

Browse magazines for images of hairstyles too. Ask trusted friends and also family members for ideas and advice on what they feel would suit you. If you have long hair and are loathed to cut it short, perhaps a funky updo would re-vamp your look without the need for scissors.

Many women, at some time, get into a hair and makeup rut and although they want a new look, they tend to hold on to old-fashioned, comfortable and ‘safe’ ideas.

However, to update your look, you must throw away the old routines and products and open yourself to discovering a new, more modern and beautiful you.

Whether you want to impress a certain person, stand out in the crowd, or need to maneuver in powerful circles – this article is for you.

To look like a Princess on a Cinderella budget is not only possible, it’s easy too – you just need to know a few basic rules.

To look ‘in the money’ it is essential to look healthy. Neatness and freshness cost little to achieve and should always be your priorities. A shower with scented soap, a slick of lip-gloss, a manicure, pedicure and tidy hair work wonders.

Exercise, eat right and drink plenty of water so that you don’t only appear healthy – you truly are so. Check your posture as well and walk tall!

The make up style of well-to-do ladies is easy to imitate. Keep your make-up natural and choose neutral colours – the only exception is red lipstick for evening.

Next, think of all the posh girls you know (and even those seen in movies) and many  have one thing in common – they often wear their hair up. At sites like Hair Updos you’ll find many hair updo images for both long and shorter hair so that you can begin to experiement with your new posh look.

Keep your jewellery simple and remember that cubic zirconias are a girl’s best friend too. Whether you are shopping for plain studs, bracelets or faux-pearls, look for items that look as much as possible like the real thing. Not many can afford a real Rolex, but you can create a look of class by choosing an understated Cartier-style watch with a plain black leather strap.

The benchmark of dressing rich has to do with your choice of shoes and handbags too, so pay special attention when shopping. Think twice about designer handbags – with a market saturated with imitations, everyone will assume its fake – so choose a plain, leather classics instead.

The term well-heeled applies well – buy the best shoes you can afford and always check your footwear for cleanliness and any signs of wear. Invest in a good quality pair of designer sunglasses. This is an accessory that you will wear every day so even if you pay over the odds, that’s only a few cents a day for a year’s worth of un-missable quality.

Dress in a classic style. Think preppy; cardigans, plaid, turtle necks, polo shirts, jumpers, skirts, well cut trousers and shorts. In the summer months think of linen and resort wear. Never dress discount head to toe – invest in a few quality pieces then mix and match.

When adding pieces to your wardrobe shop online, wait for sales or look for good quality clothing in second-hand or charity shops. You will find many designer bargains on EBay as well – and at a fraction of the price you would pay in a boutique.

Maintain your clothes and accessories in tiptop condition. Wash and iron your clothes well and make regular checks for any repairs needed to hems, broken zippers, or ripped seams. The wealthy love hats and have one for every occasion. Whether you are invited to the races or to a day’s sailing, take a suitable hat and you will fit right in.

To give an appearance of good breeding however, you will also need to acquire the kind of manners that come with a wealthy upbringing. Brush up on your manners and etiquette – be gracious, speak kindly and calmly. Do not discuss money – ever – the well-off do not mention what things cost, nor do they appear to care. Cinderella, you are now ready for the ball!