This weekend my mother gave me a great book. I can’t help but think she’s trying to cut a few corners considering the title: ‘Things I wish my mother had told me - lessons in grace and elegance’. But I am very grateful. Penned by the eminently stylish Brit, Lucia Van Der Post, this eloquently written finishing school in a book is surprisingly youthful and entertaining. I have to say that I’ve always been a girl that learned the lessons of life the hard way – but after reading this book I think there are at least a few secrets I’ve found the silver spoon for. She offers tried-and-tested advice on career, cosmetics, relationships, entertaining, health – and best of all – how to unleash you’re most hideous inner-style demons (I particularly liked the section entitled ‘How best to wear black’).

An eclectic array of stylish life lessons told with wit, it’s an easy read which I thoroughly recommend to all the girls out there who would like to learn a few tricks the easy way…

Thanks Mum x