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Fashion seems to have fallen head over heels with the city of love. The high street is abound with Breton stripes and Eiffel towers, and as for colours - well it just won't do unless it's black, red, white or blue.
I for one am loving this unashamedly pretty start to 2010. After a winter of studs, shoulder pads and attitude a little bit of the whimsical comes as a welcome contrast. All these Eiffel towers make me dream of being in Paris; drifting around art galleries, shopping in glorious boutiques and cycling along the Seine with a baguette and croissants in my basket. Although I may not be able to run away to the Parisian attic appartment of my daydreams, I can at least feel all the joy of la Belle Paris by adopting this season's trend. I fell in love with this Topshop Eiffel tower jumper and just couldn't resist. I pair it with my cream and black ruffle skirt, my black velvet jacket, and - of course - my Accessorize Eiffel tower earrings. Too many Eiffel Towers I hear you cry? Not ENOUGH in my opinion! This isn't a trend that's about subtility; with an eiffel tower emblazoned across your chest you might as well go the whole fabulous hog. How about with this oh so cute Accessorize necklace, just £6?
Stripey blazers fit in perfectly with this trend, and I love this red and white one from Topshop (£60). Perfect with a plain t-shirt and tailored shorts, or a floaty skirt for a more mix-and-match feel. Add opaque tights, black boots or simple pumps (tied with floppy ribbons for the total 'pretty meets paris' effect) and you're looking tres jolie. At Topshop you can get all your souvenirs of Paris on one pretty pink dress, (£35) covered as it is in Eiffel Towers and Arch de Triumphs. Along the same lines is this fab Eiffel tower playsuit (£40) from ASOS, which looks great with a grey jersey jacket as shown on the model.
When thinking of Paris you can't help but think of Chanel, and this black trimmed cardigan (£38) from Warehouse has a chic, 'Chanelesque' feel. You can pick up a similar style cardigan from Dorothy Perkins, or jacket from Topshop.
When it comes to prints, the Paris trend is all about spots and stripes. A simple Breton stripe top or dress has a classic appeal that oozes effortless style. This stripe tshirt (£28) from ASOS with its cute heart detail is perfect, whilst this white and blue stripe tunic dress (£18) from Warehouse would look great with a grey jacket, or cinched with a red waist belt. Polka dots offer a pretty Parisian feel too, in the shape of this polka dot body (£16) from Dorothy Perkins. Bodies like this might look scary (childhood ballet lessons spring to mind) but they are surprisingly practical. Wear with high waisted shorts or skirts and avoid having to constantly tuck your top in as it rolls up, or pull your tights up as they roll down (ruining the elegant look somewhat). You can also get a striped version at Miss Selfridge.
And as it's still chilly outside, keep snug with these cute I love Paris socks (£2) from Dorothy Perkins, or this navy Eiffel Tower scarf (£15) from Miss Selfridge. Finally (and because it just wouldn't be a Paris trend without it) this Accessorize navy beret (£12) with its polka dot bow is not only fantastique but practical for the wintery weather too All in all J'ADORE this trend!
Libby
Do looks matter to you when it comes to selecting a partner? Do you want to guarantee your dates will always be beautiful? Tired of filtering through unattractive people on mainstream sites? Such reads the homepage of 'BeautifulPeople', a dating agency where applicants are entitled to upload a photo of themselves to have it slated (or 'judged' as they call it) by existing members. Only those deemed 'beautiful' are allowed to sign up and join their aesthetically pleasing comrades in a haven of shallow-minded bliss. If that didn't sound horrific enough, it is notoriously difficult to be accepted and existing members are allowed to post comments about a potential member. "No WAY", "Perhaps without those saddlebags", "Um what are you thinking - get back to the ugly masses", or if you're lucky "Well I suppose so, but as long as you stay off the kitkats". Because weight seems to be a key issue when it comes to being beautiful in the eyes of 'BeautifulPeople.com'. In the new year thousands of members had their accounts closed after holiday snaps showed they had 'overindulged' on the turkey and mince pies. Apparently once members have shed the pounds gained over the festive period they can reapply (how kind), which means, joy oh joy, going through the ritualistic humiliation of 'beauty' judging again.
Although saying that, I think you get what's coming to you. Perhaps an element of it really is a yearning to meet only those with 'superior' DNA, but I think it's mainly narcistic. You choose your most 'beautiful' photo (the hair, the complexion...I really am a fabulous specimen of humanity) and wait eagerly to be deemed 'beautiful' by your peers. And when that email comes saying your request to join the site has been successful... well it is just confirmation that you really are as gorgeous as you thought.
I must admit, there is a part of human nature that makes you wonder - what would they say about me? You can't help but be curious. But frankly, I don't want to find out. And that's not just because I don't particularly want to have strangers giving their harsh opinions about my physical attributes (or lack there of as the case may be), but because I don't see why, once actually within the agency, anyone would want to actually meet or spend a candle lit dinner with any of these beauties. What would the conversation be? "So, you're beautiful too..", "So, looks matter to you too when it comes to selecting a partner...", "So, YOU were tired of filtering through unattractive people on mainstream dating sites..." Delightful. If these people really are so beautiful, then why, might I ask, are they using an online dating agency in the first place? Is it maybe because (shock horror) there is more to a person than looks, and that personality has something to play when it comes to choosing a potential mate?
The saddest thing to me is what 'BeautifulPeople' shows about society. I am shocked there has been such little outrage over a site that discriminates so openly and that it is even allowed to exist. Yet worse than that is the way in which it has been welcomed with open arms in 16 countries, and has a huge database of members. 'BeautifulPeople.com' may be all about beauty, but it reflects the ugliest of our society.
Libby
As I write this the rain is beating down on my window and sliding as angry tears down the glass. If I look outside I can see huge puddles lurking in the road and a haze of grey in the field beyond. So what better day to talk about umbrellas? Everything looks so sad in the rain, so I have tried to find ones that will make you, and the people you pass in the street, smile. It may be miserable and rainy outside, but that doesn't mean you can't keep dry in style. 
Very fitting I feel is this umbrella (£22.99 at umbrellaworld) featuring Gustave Caillebotte's painting entitled 'Rainy Days in Paris'. It's strong wooden handle and substantial size makes it sturdy enough for a gusty day too. 
I love cherubs, so couldn't help but love this Jean Paul Gaultier umbrella (£99.99 at brollies gallore). A designer umbrella may seem a bit OTT, but if you want to invest in a designer piece it's probably a good choice. If you think how many days it rains in England per year, I'm guessing you'd get much more use out of a designer brolly than a pair of shoes that are too high to wear or a bag you're too afraid to use... non?
I don't think this one needs an explanation. Marilyn Monroe...on an umbrella...£24.99 at umbrella world... sorted. 
If you're dreaming of sunnier times this umbrella (£18.49 brollies galore) is perfect. Walk around with your head in the clouds and you'll be so jolly you'll forget it's even raining. 
For floral lovers there is lots of choice out there. I love this red folky print Cath Kidston brolly with its sturdy frame and wooden handle. Cute too is the flower and cherry print one below (just £8) - it is meant for children, but if you're small I'm sure you could fit underneath the pretty perspex shelter. 
Lulu Guiness has a lovely range of romantic umbrellas and you can get your hands on them from brollies galore. This see-through brolly with its striking red and black rose print is fun and elegant at the same time (£28). I also love the whimsical bird cage below (£28), and if you're feeling in a loved-up mood then why not fall for this perspex brolly (£28) covered in colourful 'I love you's?
I thought this comic print umbrella was extremely cool (£12 umbrella world). Perhaps comics may be aimed at boys but why not make like Wonder Woman with this brilliant brolly?
And finally I couldn't help mentioning this see-through mac from Topshop (£55). Fabulously risqué but also really practical for keeping dry in a downpour. If I had this mac or any of these brollies... well I'd be just dying to get out and splash in the rain.
