I didn’t know what to make of the back-handed compliment I received from my niece this week. Walking along together she linked my arm and announced “ooh, haven’t you got lovely soft arms for an old person”. I had to laugh. Now I don’t claim to be in the first flush of youth but I’m not quite ready for a zimmer frame either. Still. She’s only eight and she did once describe her teacher as ‘quite old’ (I know for a fact she is 24 and straight out of college!) Although the remark was slightly better than the one she made when she was six – “do your nails still grow when you get to your age” she asked me. I must have a word with her mother!

                                                                      

I’m so glad to see that chunky bead jewellery is back on trend this summer. I absolutely adore beads – gone are the tatty plastic versions of days gone by and in a beautiful polished stones, glass beads and resins in the most beautiful colours. I particularly love the really tactile chunky bracelets that are everywhere this season and the variety is amazing – from gorgeous pastels to really rich jewel colours. I also love matching jewellery and it seems that everything is available in sets of earrings with necklaces and bracelets to match. Even clothes are covered in beads this summer – necklines everywhere are trimmed in beads and shells which really adds a lovely feminine touch to outfits. And with the keen prices it’s possible to own lots of lovely items to match with all your favourite clothes. So put away your gold for a while and just enjoy all the great choice out there!