Carol Fashion - says:

There are many last minute deals right now for those wishing to avoid the crowds and many sales also if you are watching the pennies.

I avoid department stores and shop in little exclusive boutiques. as I would be horrified to turn up at a function and find someone wearing the same as me.

One of my favourite gowns on my cruise was a floor length taffeta red creation with a strapless bodice,. I felt very glamorous wearing it.

The sea air can play havoc with ones skin so a good moisturiser is essential.. The Clarins range are all excellent. A good foundation is a must so match it to your skin tone, Clarins and Yves St Laurent are favourites, Touche Eclat is essential for that fresh look.

The hair salon on board took care of my hair at the end of the day.. The Brazilian Keratin treatment will prevent your hair frizzing.

Cotton is cool especially in light colours, strappy dresses, sleeveless blouses etc. Always carry moist wipes and deodorant with you in case you cannot shower during the day.

Finding outside seating in restaurants always seems to be a problem unless you book very early. My partner enjoys picnics but I refuse to go unless it is done in style.

Yesterday we went on a really stylish picnic and he had laid on a luxury mobile home parked nearby with a table and chairs set out in front. We enjoyed our nibbles in a remote wood.

I dressed in a little strappy button through dress and moderate heels, he wore a crisp shirt and cotton slacks. We had a great time just sitting back and enjoying the weather in luxury.

Her lingerie is stunning and so are her clothes. The two blouses I am modelling here are hers and what I enjoy most is teaming sophisticated blouses with sexy lingerie.

Take the white blouse with the black buttons at the neck. Underneath I am wearing white lace and satin bra and pantie set, under white you must always wear white, underwear should not be visible.

The in house model was late so they asked me to step in, this unexpected fashion show made me think back on my modelling career. I still do some modelling but its not my profession anymore. I remember the long hours, freezing in swimsuits in the winter. I was much more slapdash in my approach in those days than I am now. Nowadays I follow a strict health and beauty regime to stay looking as good.

I do miss modelling sometimes but doing it now and again is fun, modelling makes me feel young and sexy. So I sashayed down the mini runway to the tune of 'When you're in love with a beautiful woman' and they all gasped and commented on how beautiful I looked.

I hope you don't mind me saying that I'm feeling rather big headed right now, my clients bought plenty of clothes as well as did the other shoppers there. The shop gave me a huge bonus and insisted their driver drove me home. According to them I am too beautiful to be using taxis. Flattery gets you everywhere!

One of the ladies there was in full length evening dress with heavy make up. For a day event dress should be smart but not too formal.

I never dress casually but I had on a crisp white blouse, a navy pencil skirt with matching high heels and handbag. Never over or under button. Just a small amount of cleavage. To button too high can make you look like frump. Always leave a little to the imagination.

That same evening I attended a black tie dinner where I wore a full length red strapless gown with my hair up. Evenings are when we can indulge in dressing up and of course wear more make up.

But I found time to dress and accessorise two ladies for a cruise. An evening dress is required for every night, full length is always very popular.

Day wear should consist of dresses, skirts and blouses, shorts. Bikinis and swimsuits must be plentiful although they can be washed out. Laundry services are generally not bad although I am very fussy with who handles my clothes.

Lingerie of course is as important. Satin and silk are my favourites and when my clients shop I cant resist. One outfit I bought recently is a chiffon full length halter neck dress with tiny silk covered buttons all down the back. They are very delicate so my partner will have to be very careful when he buttons them up for me!

We ploughed through tens of designs as she wanted something different. The one we settled on is a tight fitting very light pink dress which criss crosses at the back, the thick straps are held together by large shiny buttons, a lot of flesh is on display at the back and the result is stunning.

The hair is up in a chignon studded with pink diamonds. This has to be the most unusual dress I have seen, I love it. It can also be worn as an evening gown. The 4 straps going across the back are great as are the buttons which glisten like jewels.

All this bridal preparation has made me ponder my own romance. My older lover and I are very much in love but can't commit for another year or two due to other commitments.

The full wedding gown was out of the question but she still wanted something long. I immediately thought of a favourite boutique 'Elegance' in Dulwich, UK. instinct told me she would agree with my choice as I had seen their collection the week before.

What I had in mind was a cream satin full length coat with fur at the collar and cuffs and pearl buttons all the way to the floor. The coat comes off at the reception to reveal an off the shoulder cream matching full length dress that flattered her slender figure.

She fell in love with it, definitely one of my easier clients. Lingerie from my sister's collection (strapless silk basque laced at the back with matching bikini briefs) completed her trousseau. The shoes were cream and silver patent high heels and her hair up with a silver and diamonte clasp to hold it in place.

There is a huge choice in bridal wear and finding the perfect dress can be a headache. Veils seem to come second choice to tiaras or fascinators.

Everything from gown to lingerie has to be perfect. My sister has designed some gorgeous jewelled bras which were snapped up by my first bride as soon as she saw them. Matching panties and stockings are a must as well as the obligatory garter of course.

The bride has selected a beautiful satin fitted full length dress, strapless and a matching fascinator for her hair which will be up on the day. I advised her not to overdo the jewellery as less is more on a bride.

What amused me was that wedding dresses fasten in a very complicated manner. This dress zips and buttons at the same time, the buttons cover the zip. Obviously they add a wow factor from the back as you are walking down the aisle.

The funny thing was that it took three of us to button her up for the fitting. The shop owner advised us to use a crochet hook as they are very intricate. My buttons were not that complicated when I got married. I wonder if the groom will have a crochet hook!

The shoes were taken to be covered in satin to match the dress which she took 2 months choosing. I do hope she sticks with this one.

I am selective rather than follow fashion for the sake of it. Luckily these days fashion is not set in stone as in the 60s 70s and 80s, ideas have run out.

Many items are versions of past lines. Large corsages are in which is very 80's, I recently bought a gorgeous maroon off the shoulder with an enormous flower on one shoulder and the decolletage, it fastens at the side with small buckles.

Women are still wearing satin blouses and pencil skirts both favourites of mine. High neck satin blouses are still on sale but with the buttons at the front, it is a struggle to find button backs in shops, most of mine are made specially.

Having said that about button back blouses, I've just discovered a website that sells gorgeous ones called, www.ASOS.com Here is a photo of one I ordered. Hope you like it!

I still am faithful to that era but the look is slightly modified so it does not look out dated. The blouses and dresses are minus the big shoulder pads and the big hair is not too big.

I believe women should take a leaf out of Joan Collins and Linda Evans books. They always dressed immaculately.

She said, "The night before I arrived, luckily some local farmers cleared the route to the cottage but it was very icy.

On arrival the taxi driver carried me to the door and a local farmer carried my luggage. My family are checking into a hotel tomorrow and are all coming here on Christmas day. A Happy Christmas to you all"...

Here is a follow up email from Carol and thaught I'd share it with you:

As I sit here by the fire pondering my career, some funny things have come to mind which might amuse you and your readers.

I remember one lady who must have been a size 18/20. She wanted my advice but for some reason steered to the clothes for slimmer women. She always commented on what I wore but the clothes I wear do not come in large sizes.

We were in a department store and I had selected various outfits to flatter her size and she kept picking up skimpy little dresses and tops. She put on a dress miles too small and couldn't understand why it wouldn't zip up.

As I have been very busy recently I actually lost some weight so I can have a few extra treats. My passion are handmade fresh cream white chocolates. But much as I love them I love my figure and clothes more, to look fantastic in your clothes is a bigger and more permanent thrill than chocolates.

I pride myself on maintaining my figure after all these years. Exercise is important, sit ups in front of the telly if you are too busy to join a class, running up and down the stairs is great for the legs. And remember no slouching around. I never wear jeans or tracksuits.

If my doorbell goes I always answer it looking immaculate, once you get used to it you will forsake comfort forever. Men like to see women immaculately turned out, clothes nicely pressed, hair in place. People ask me if I ever look scruffy, the answer is NO.

I am very lucky that my man loves to be masterful, I never know what he will do next. He loves to see me all dolled up and immaculate. We dance by the fire, as he whispers sweet nothings in my ear, who doesn't love compliments.

A great gift idea for him would be a pair of engraved cuff-links a very classy gift, perhaps a smart watch. If he smokes a lighter. Last year my gift was a photo of me reclining on a chaise lounge in a gold frame with our initials engraved.

As a stylist my diary is always full with invites so I have to always have the dresses ready. Here are some of the gowns I will be wearing this season.

I love silk and satin. Off the shoulder is always in. Luckily I can get away without wearing a bra but if they are necessary there is a good range out there of strapless bras with great support. Also for that tiny waist look, corsets are back and sexier than ever.

Hi Everyone, Well Christmas is on it's way and everyone is panicking and running around trying to buy everything in sight. I have to say I am always in shops as it's a part of my job so I am fairly organised.

On Christmas day I will be having a quiet day with family members. I have selected a knitted red dress and shoes to match for the day.

I have bought presents and I must say my favourite shops in London are Fortnum and Masons, Debenhams, Selfridges and John Lewis. The service is excellent and makes life easier.

Usual presents are hampers for the family, silk ties for dad and uncles, mum, sister and daughter normally tell me what they want which is easier.

What about that special man? Classy cuff links are on my list, I love men in cuff links they are sophisticated. His best present will be my lingerie, his face will be a picture as he unwraps me.

She looked gorgeous in a sexy satin blouse and tight skirt. Before the meeting I had taken some lingerie shots and we were discussing them for a publication.

As she lent forward, suddenly almost in slow motion her top button came undone exposing just enough expensive lingerie, (she must have buttoned in a hurry). She looked so gorgeous I had to take a photo before letting her know. She a good sport and wasn't cross for long.

The men in question were unidentified. Apparently one was an old boyfriend who took offence when the other guy approached the model.

Ms Fashion was at the time having dinner with Photorog boss Roger Lewis who whisked her outside to his car.

Onlookers said that the pair hurriedly got in the car which sped away before any further brawls spilled into the street. Things at the restaurant quietened down before the authorities were called.

We are very much in step together when it comes to co ordinating clothes. Very rarely have we disagreed. It was not always this way. When I first met Roger I was a young and inexperienced model and he was older and had worked in the industry for years, I learned a lot from him.

One occasion sticks in my mind when I was dressing for a shoot and Roger was outside the dressing room. I was taking ages and he was getting impatient as he had a tight schedule. I was modelling a blouse which buttoned at the back, the girl assistant had not shown and I was struggling to reach the buttons and do them up.

I explained my dilemma to him and in no time he came in and buttoned me up in seconds, luckily the girl showed up and I was spared the unbuttoning. With a professional photographer there is no embarrassment and no taking advantage. It is all done in the most professional manner to spare the job. Thank you Roger what an expert. 
Email me at: CarolFashion@photorog.com

My golden rule is to match the colours to my outfit. Silk and lace are my favourites. Little bra and panty sets, lace up all in ones, basques and stockings.

Girls believe me it is a great treat for your man. Imagine you spend ages on your outfit, don't let your lingerie let you down.

For me it is a huge thrill to let my man undress me and to hear his breath draw after undoing the first few buttons on my dress or blouse when he catches sight of my lingerie, sometimes he gets so aroused that he rips my buttons off in passion.

Men like to take charge so always look glamorous, sexy and feminine. Think Joan Collins. Give him extra work by having him unlace your basque, they enjoy it more if they have to work for us.  Email me at: CarolFashion@photorog.com

My client is an importer of top quality fabrics and we both had some beautiful dresses designed and made up for us. I love having exclusive designs that nobody else has.

You too can own you own 'one off'. Find or create a design, shop for fabric and get a good seamstress. If you are inexperienced you may need advice as not every fabric can be sewn into any design. I am more than happy to assist so write to me.

Back from the the trip, PhotoRog was wowed by one particular red dress, we were sipping wine together discussing our fashion page and he remarked on the the fabric and silk buttons. I had to remind him that we had business to attend to. I am back and refreshed and look forward to receiving your emails.  Email me at: CarolFashion@photorog.com

Women come to me to help them choose the perfect outfit for that special occasion or to help them renew their wardrobes. Everything has to be taken into consideration, accessories like jewellery handbags etc.

Recently one of my clients was fitted with an outfit for a wedding. I pieced everything together but something was'nt quite right. She wore a gorgeous navy dress and I had her accessorised in matching colours.

As she paraded up and down for me I realised what it was. Her dress buttoned down the front and the buttons were shiny, there it was, the shoes and handbag were changed to patent of the same colour.

The result was stunning and this reflected on the photographs, she was showered with compliments on the day.

It's the little details that can make a difference. If you are wearing a low cut blouse the skirt must never be short, a high neck can be matched with a shorter skirt, combining sexy with class is essential. I could go on but I am willing to answer any questions from readers. Email me at: CarolFashion@photorog.com