If going in a large group its always worth getting a chalet or apartment, and its a lot more fun! But if your going on a couples holiday its well worth staying in a hotel – two great hotels that I have stayed in are:

5* Luxury hotel – Les Barmes de L’Ours, the decor is amazing, its cosy, its ski themed and perfect for a romantic getaway. Even you if don’t stay here its worth splashing out for a dinner in their gorgeous restaurant.

3* Hotel – Hotel Kandahar - well worth the money, its got a really nice atmosphere, great staff, and it feels more like a 4*

Now you’ve got your accomodation sorted, you will need to sort out your clothes, there’s an art to looking great on the slopes, for men it seems to come naturally, a man in skiing gear automatically looks ‘cool’ and I would say most of the men look quite attractive, but perhaps its just because they wear sunglasses. For women there are a few rules that I go by – Coordinate!! Yes it may be trendy off the slopes to clash colours on prints, but on the slopes, coordination is the key. Tight fitting, waterproof, highswaisted skiing trousers look great and are flattering, thermal underwear (still yet to find the most attractive kind) otherwise wear leggings and a t-shirt, lastly a ski jacket – I always go for ones with fur hoods its adds a bit of femininity and at least you can spot that you are a female even in a blizzard, designer shades – when I was young I wore some high street branded sunglasses skiing – they cracked as soon as I went up a couple of hundred feet.

Apres Ski Outfits: The essentials to looking glam off the slopes: (all products found on www.taralacey.com)

Best Bars in Val D’Isere:

1. Dicks Tea Bar – a nightclub, where are the young people go, great atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks.

2. Saloon Bar – International crowd, great music

3. Hotel Ormelune – great for chilled apres ski drinks

4. Bar Le Samovar – large terrace at the bottom of the slopes, cosy atmosphere

HAPPY SKIING!! x

I guess its quite nice, but what do you wear, do you go through your favourite Summer pieces and wear them – florals, brights, shorts and wedges. We say mix it up, go half Autumn half Summer. So wedges with a black mini dress that you would usually wear in the Winter with tights. Go for browns and musstards, even a bit of metallic. No need to stop buying the Autumn pieces from the shops just mix it up a bit.

We still have some great pieces available from Summer and at bargain prices so if your off to a Wedding this weekend or just drinks on a roof terrace somewhere or even off on holiday. Check out our sale items which are sure to tickle your fancy.

Our favourites for this odd time:

Floaty and floral - wear for a pub garden lunchSequin top with mesh back a perfect Summer/Winter mixSoft and light fabric jumpsuit

But for those of you who have couples with no gift list or you just want to get them something extra special look no further. Also feel free to post your suggestions.

Think about the couple – what are they like how would you describe their relationship - are they passionate  (you can see their sexual chemistry a mile off),  traditional (hardly ever kiss in public but have a strong sense of togetherness) , bohemian (free spirits, expressive), modern (like all things new and modern, usually work in big cities). Whatever they are from there you can find the perfect gift.

A painting is a great idea – especially for newly Wed’s who have just purchased a new home or do not own any art work. Try and get original paintings – no matter what your budget you will find something suitable, however if you have your eye on the perfect painting by a famous artist it is fine to get a print.

A painting by Leonid Afredmov

Jack Vettriano - Classic CoupleDancing in the Rain - Jack Vettiano

 Picking the perfect painting can be a great gift especially if the couple relate to it or feel a connection. If your couple is quite Open and Passionate or a Bohemian type then they may appreciate this gift from LOVEISART a unique idea where they send you a Kit for a DIY painting – where the couple can create their own picture by making love on the plain sheet. The kit comes with everything you need to do it yourself and with some stunning art as a result.  $66

LOVE IS ART

 Next is a cute gift for those who want to get a little something extra – or as an apology for not being able to attend. Priced at £52 look at BerryScrumptious for these scrummy straweberries decorate in black tuxedo’s and bridal gowns.

TUXEDO STRAWBERRIES

If you have a budget in mind and your couple are having a fairy tale themed wedding this sign is perfect and will be truly memorable it can be hung any where in their house and will continue with the fairy tale theme, at £35 its a thoughtful and cute gift.

Plans while I am there: Tikitano’s Restaurant, Restaurant in the hills of Casares, Tarifa trip, Nikki Beach on Friday evening, Lots of trips to the beach bar, days by the pool and a boat trip.

What am I packing in my suitcase – obviously I won’t be doing an obvious run through of what we sell on Tara Lacey – I do shop in other places for items we do not sell (yet!).

TAN WEDGES - NEW LOOK £24.99

RARE FLORAL DRESS £45

RIVER ISLAND FLOPPY HAT £21.99

FRUTO DO MAR £95

AGUACLARA PEACOCKBIKINI £110

FIONA PAXTON £102.5

EMAMO JUMPSUIT £310

TARVYDAS £175

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN'S SIGNATURE COURTS £375

I am a high heels person – I love them, I wear them anywear and everywhere I can. Of course if I know I will be trapsing around London all day going from meeting to meeting or going somewhere with cobbled/uneven floor I will bring a pair of ballet pumps.

However, I have always maintained that high heels make a women feel and look better, no matter who you are. As long as you can walk in them – if not – practice before you venture out. I sincerely believe that if you were heels in the workplace you will be taken more seriously and be given a sense of power – inspired by SHE magazines latest aritcle ‘Could these shoes get you a promotion?’ by Rachael Ashley. When I more heels I get a lot more attention, not just from men but women aswell, people take notice and respect me more I am instantly transformed into a Lady when I slipon my heels.

Being 5ft 8 people may think I would shy away from 4 inch heels, but Alas I am a sucker for anything 4 inches and over (although I will stop at stripper heels). Invest in a pair of killer heels and start wearing them to the shops, to pick up the kids from school or to the gym – you will understand the response I mean.

Try teaming  Tory Burch’s courts with some skinny jeans and matching with Bllack Noir’s white ruffled blouse for a day to evening look. For a more casual look for the office – these gorgeous tan loafers from New Look are ideal – dress down in jeans and a simple top and match with tan accessories. Carvela’s black strappy shoes are great to wear for instant glamour – we suggest teaming with Nocturne’s Loose Shift Dress add a belt for a more structured silhouette. Or if you want some striking shoes go to Christian Louboutin for some signature red soles that are guaranteed to get you noticed.

My favourite shoes of the moment…..

Tory Burch Animal Skin Courts £265

CARVELLA SANDALS £130

Floral & Feminine

Refreshing and fun for the Spring, floral prints have been around for a while but get an overhaul this season. Take the cute, feminine look this season and really get ready for the fun months of summer ahead.

Embrace the trend with this delicate one sleeve floral chiffon dress by Rare. Smothered in a rose print design set on a light grey chiffon fabric its perfect for the Summer. The high waisted belt adds a more feminine silhouette while the long sleeve adds a bohemian feel. Go simple and understated with the accessories here, the print itself is bold enough. Team with cute pastel heels or golden wedges. £45

Darling’s popular trench coats are back for this season. In a biscuit brown with an embroidered collar and detailed buttons they ooze English charm. The pleats and floral printed lining add an extra twist to this delicious coat. You know the English weather isn’t fabulous, so make sure you’re ready for some April showers with this delightful feminine coat. £85

Nocturne Graphic Printed Silk Blouse Add a flash of colour to your Summer wardrobe with this easy to wear silk blouse by Nocturne. With batwing sleeves and high cut neck line this is the perfect choice for work with a pair of this season’s black palazzo pants £150

Colour Blocking

Colour Blocking was one of the biggest trends on the S/S11 catwalks. Across the designer labels every collection had a dash of bold colours. Take one bold colour and wear it well to give a wow factor to your wardrobe this season. Team with chunky gold accessories and footwear in metallics to make sure you make this look bold and sharp.

Add a burst of colour to your wardrobe with Nocturnes shift dress. A flattering style that is in a luxurious material. Great for holidays and Weddings, team with a long silver necklace and some fabulous pewter coloured heels for a great look £185

If your ready to try something new and stand out from the crowd for this season, Fruto Do Mar have created the ultimate Pin-Up style bikini. With a bandeau padded self-tie bikini top and high waisted bikini briefs in a fire engine red, these will guarantee you will be noticed. Try deep green accessories for the beach to really bring this colour alive. £78.20

This Nocturne Pink Lace Dress will hit the Tara Lacey website at the end of April.  Retailing at £215 this dress is an eye-opener to the world of colour and simply fabulous.

Lottery Wish List

If we won the lottery this Saturday these would be our picks of what would we would be snapping up instantly from Tara Lacey

CC KUO label are known for the bold, contemporary prints. This dress is the perfect choice from casual to evening. Great for the office, made from Silk its comfortable and fits perfectly which the bold design can easily be glammed up for cocktails. £520 – we love it!

An online exclusive at Tara Lacey. A purple wool-jersey dress with accented shoulders. A unique design by Nikhita as an alternative for the simple Jersey Dress, with a silk two-toned sash draping over the front and black satin and sequin pleating on the shoulder. This dress is unlike anything we have seen lately, wearing this you could be at home on a yacht in Dubai for a cocktail party! £220

Keep up to date with all the latest fashion trends, up and coming designers and news from global fashion weeks with www.ladympresents.co.uk

2. Fruto Do Mar Brown Bikini

Here are Tara Lacey its safe to say we are MORE than partial to a bikini or four. Thats why on our site you will find an array of Stunning Swimwear – all of which comes from Brazil. In luxurious materials and unique designs there are swimsuits for all you glamorous ladies.

To help you decide which one you would like to pack away in your suitcase and show off on the beach we have narrowed it down to our Top four (not to say that the rest aren’t equally as wonderous).

1. Fruto Do Mar Red Bikini

 

3. Aguaclara Peacock Bikini

4. One Strap Swimsuit

   Picture1:  If you are looking for something retro and glamorous then the Red high waisted bikini is your perfect choice, and looks striking int this lipstick red colour. High waisted briefs are back and look great struting around the pool in some high wedges and oversized sunglasses.

Picture 2: A chic one strap bikini – do not be afraid of the ‘white marks’ as you can simply pull down the one strap to create a bandeau bikini for your sunbathing. However while poolside simply strut around and let the gold metal detailing sparkle in the sun.

Pictures3: Go bold with Aguaclara’s peacock Bikini, it is a truly unique design that is going to be a sell-out. Sold as seperates you can chose between these leopard fold over briefs or plain peacock briefs. Be sure to stand out and be complimented.

Picture 4: Inspired by 50′s Hollywood Glamour this pure white swimsuit is a great choice for those who want a sophisticated look. The one strap gives it an edge while the ruching on the front adds a touch of chic. The luxurious material will make you feel like amazing.

1. For the edgy, indie type who is into Live Bands, doesn’t wear high heels very often and loves denim try this Stunning military inspired Leather Jacket, its figure hugging and flattering while still edgy. Its a keep-forever jacket.

Bllack Noir Leather Jacket £415

2. For the Yummy Mummy who loves to meet up with the girls and is full of Sparkle try this Pink Label Sequin Black Dress – a sophisticated way to wear sequins.

Pink Label Dress £145

3. Every woman needs a Gillet in their wardrobe, this one is perfect  for throwing on over a long sleeved top, great for a Christmas Lunch or catch up with the girls.

Pellessimo Gillet £85

4.  For the hard to buy for fashionable, always searching out the latest must-haves our Gift Voucher is the perfect gift.

5. For the Woman who loves to Ski (or Apres Ski) this Faux-Fur Chinchilla coat is a must-have, soft to touch and with a hood it makes it the perfect accessory for snow.

Marble Coat £180

6. For the more Romantic, Family Woman who regularly meets with family and friends for formal lunches. This rabbit fur shrug is perfect and looks great for a Winter Wedding.

Pellessimo Shrug £125

7.  For the Glamorous, Always Centre of Attention Woman who is a socialite and likes to reveal her assets in a Sophisticated Way, this plunging Black Gown is perfect for any formal Christmas events.

Nocturne Gown £254

8.  The Gift that says ‘I Love you and I Know you’ all in one. This stunning Limited Edition Fringed Clutch is a gift any woman wouldn’t say no to.

Sam Ubhi Clutch £275