lengthening your wardrobe outlook

pretty in pink

the maxi dress tends to make its presence felt on hot, balmy days. And it's a sensible approach as they tend to be floaty and body-skimming.

Of course in truth the maxi is a style that most of us flock to for more formal occasion wear.

And sure, why wouldn't we? It's an elegant shape and asks for very little.

In fact, all it demands of the successful wearer is a shapely bust. This can be courtesy of a good bra and good posture - always worth the effort as it takes years and pounds off the average woman.

If you're massively self-conscious of your arms, the best thing you can do is forget about them. Elegance and cardigans are not comfortable bedmates.

We like this Per Una pleated maxi dress at €109 - diaphanous and floaty, not to mention pink.

final bargain

If you're in search of a smart end-of-season bargain buy, take a trip to your local Kilkenny Shop. Final reductions are being made across the board on top fashion and accessories labels, with super savings on offer in store and online at www.kilkennyshop.com

Keep an eye on the Fenn Wright Manson range now reduced by 60pc. Renowned for its classics that carry a chic modern edge, these tend to be keepers. Practicality dictates that black is a good investment, which is why there's a lot of love for this classic LBD Tamara dress - was €190, now €76.

shower on spf

Most of us take a slightly "necessary evil" approach to sun care for the skin - years of a pesky white residue no matter how hard one rubbed the creams and potions in tended to make them seem like more hard work than they were worth. But when skincare companies such as Lush get involved, you know the approach is going to be different.

Check out The Sunblock Solid Sunscreen Wash SPF 30 - you literally shower on your protection.

Naturally rich in zinc oxide, used as a broad-spectrum natural sunscreen this offers high protection.

It's also packed with sesame oil to nourish skin while rose absolute calms and leaves a delicate floral note on the skin. Glide one third of the bar over damp skin in the bath or shower, rinse off and pat skin dry to protect the whole body.

> Dee o'keeffe