FANDANGO

SOFT SHOE SHUFFLE

SO I'M back from hols, tanned from head to toe and completely refreshed. I'd love tell you all about it, but I'm afraid only one word springs to mind and that's beach, beach and beach. However, I did cause a bit of a stir wandering along the front in my new towelling Hush Puppies Lounge slippers (below). These are no fireside slippers, oh no, they're more of funky mule, perfect for dancing the night away or strutting your stuff around the pool whilst sipping strawberry daiquiri (A thing I wouldn't actually do, as me in a bikini with cellulite isn't the best of looks). They're inspired by New Yorkers, who wear slippers absolutely everywhere, apparently, but I'm afraid you will have to wait until May to purchase a pair for yourself, when they will be available exclusively to Selfridges.

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS...

I feel I must warn you, just in case it's escaped your attention, that it's Mothers Day next Sunday and if you have a wonderful mum like I do, you'll want to buy her something fantastic (OK, Mum, will you lend me some money now?). I don't usually rack my brains as to what to buy her, as she would be happy with a bunch of daffs. Unless, that is, I forget to buy her a card - for some reason, this happens to be of the utmost importance. I think it has something to do with the verse inside, which makes it even more difficult, as I then find myself spending hours agonising over every card to find the right words. So this year I've decided to make a card and write my own heartfelt message. But for those of you who feel you must treat your mother to something other than daffs, here are a few suggestions.

OR WITH SMELLIES

Now, I have to mention the following product range as it's fresh from America, plus I've been harassed by the PR for the last month, something I cannot bear any longer. Bath & Body Works have an Aromatherapy range which includes Stress Relief Mineral Bath bags, pounds 6.50, Scent Filled Candles, pounds 4.95, plus footcare range, the Sun-ripened Raspberry Foot Scrub, pounds 3 and face care range, all made from natural botanicals. Bath & Body works have five stores nationwide and a mail order service. Enquiries: 0171 559 0955. If you have a bit more cash to spare, and want something extra special, then how about one of those sumptuous Pashmina wraps. Apparently this is a must have for the season - they are draped around the shoulders of every fashion editor in London. At pounds 199, a mere snip to guarantee the love and affection of your mother for the rest of your days. Available from Harrods, 0171 730 1234.

THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE

London Fashion Week is well and truly over, but if you feel you may have missed out on the latest, then don't fret, as you're in for a treat. Alternative Fashion Week (below) starts on Monday 23 March until 27 March, at Old Spitalfields Market, Brushfield Street, London E1. The event is sponsored by Salon Selectives, who will have an elite team of hair stylists there to create five shows of directional hair concepts and trends. Fifty young designers from all over the country and abroad have been selected to show their work, aiming to establish their labels, both men's and women's wear. Fashion shows are open to the public daily at 1.15pm, starring new models, with live jazz music. There's also a fashion market selling an exotic range of clothes, textiles and accessories. Admission is free.

SOFTLY, SOFTLY

I don't usually get that excited over outdoor, fleecy wear things, I tend to leave that to the boss, Barbieri. However, I was treated to a sneak preview of the new ranges from Karrimor last week, which I have to say are fantastic. The Karrimor brand is already known for its technical excellence, but for their 1998 relaunch, they have worked with a new team of designers and consultants to re-create a more distinctive look and feel to the clothes. I'd go so far as to say a whole new identity. As well as the re-launch, Karrimor will be opening a flagship store in Fulham this April. I'll keep you posted.