A Sign of the Times

People's spending habits are often an accurate reflection of the state of the economy - when times are hard, such as now, people budget for and spend only on essentials - the iPad 2 isn't on most people's shopping lists (apart from mine) - sad news for the world's largest company, Apple.  It is sensible behaviour as the economy is still recovering but it makes shopping a lot less fun.  Boo-hoo!  Especially as the new season (A/W) approaches - although it seems that Autumn and Winter are already upon us in England - bringing with it some awesome new trends:
* The futuristic take on the vintage glamour of the 1940s (@Marc Jacobs - video below) and 1960s (@Prada & Burberry Prorsum)

Prada A/W 2011

* The 18-hour dress vs. The Tomboy - hourglass vs. tailoring.

L'Wren Scott vs. Paul Smith

But these are all way over budget for those who are still feeling the pinch.  So the best way to update your look for A/W 2011 lies in your make-up bag - no need to buy more products, simply adapt what you already have.

* Make your make-up work harder by multi-tasking - use the same product on lips, cheeks and eyes.  Steer away from green, purple and blue.

* Following the 60s revival, coat your lashes with mascara but avoid clumping.

* Blush can be applied below the cheekbones to give an outdoorsey, healthy glow.

* No need to visit the salon for your fortnightly eyebrow wax, brows are bigger and bolder in-line with the tomboy look.

* But if there is one thing you should give into it would be brightly coloured, glossy lips - reds, purples and pinks.  In fact, Reuters states that  "When times are tough, women still treat themselves to a new lipstick" - in the US, lipstick sales have increased by 13% since the start of 2011.  And analysts can now use lipstick sales as an economic indicator to gauge the mood of the consumer.  Whatever reason you buy it for, it is a great way to stay on-trend without maxing out the credit card.