If you’re anything like us, you’re probably getting to the stage where you’ve discovered that the clothes you stored away from last winter aren’t quite as lovely as you’d remembered. If that’s the case it’s definitely time for a wardrobe update. But before you hit the shops, check out these hot trends for AW12 and matching beauty buys…

1920s

The Downton Abbey effect has had a big impact on the fashion world, with the Crawley women becoming trendsetters, and that includes unlikely style icon Countess Dowager. Think sequins, pearls, flapper girl dresses, faux fur stoles and decorative capes. Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby is set to hit the big screen next year, so the 20s trend is here to stay until well into 2013.  Get the flapper girl look with this dress from Jigsaw – it’s perfect for Christmas parties.

Beautify it with: Evelyn Rose Eau de Perfume, the packaging is inspired by the Art Deco period and the fragrance has a classically romantic essence.

Winter florals

Floral prints aren’t just for warm summer days. Steady on… leave that bright flowery dress in vacuum pack storage bag for now. Instead, invest in some bewitching dark floral prints that suit the seasonal mood.

We’re talking dresses, skirts, shirts and trousers with prints that look like a midnight garden. If you’re feeling bold you could wear floral prints from top to toe. However, we’d rather leave that to the catwalk models and snap up this dress from Monsoon. It’s blooming lovely.

Beautify it with: Give your home an enchanted forest feel with Crabtree & Evelyn’s new Winter Garden Reed Diffuser. To us it smells just like Christmas 2012.

English Heritage

Countryside chic is a wearable every day trend for AW12 and strikes a balance between comfort and style. Go all out on the English heritage front with tweed, sheepskin, cable knits, Barbour jackets, Hunter wellies and riding boots. Hone your inner lady of the manor with these tweed gloves from John Lewis. The underside of the gloves are made with touch screen friendly leather, so you there’s no need to get cold hands while fiddling with your iPad.

Beautify it with: Heritage Soaps (our seasonal favourite is Crabapple & Mulberry) which is as delightful as an autumnal English hedgerow.

Embellishment

The festive season is always about glitz and glamour and there’s a magpie-like obsession with trims and sparkles for AW12. From pretty beads, sequins and crystals to edgy faux fur trims, feathers and studs, embellishment is one of the biggest trends this season.  A clever way to update your wardrobe is with an embellished statement necklace. We’re rather taken with this multi stone necklace from Nordstorm.

Beautify it with: Golden Petals Shimmering Body Mist, which will give your skin a subtle sparkle and has a musky floral scent.

Enter our Downton Abbey Competition here: http://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk/competition-downton-macdonald.html

Want to turn your trash into cash and have a fun day out? Then get yourself to a local car boot sale this summer.

Search on the website Car Boot Junction or check local press to find a car boot sale near you.

But before you do, take note of these Top 10 trading tips…

1. Clearing out

Be ruthless! If you haven’t used or worn an item in months, or even years, get rid. Make sure your goods are clean and clothes have been washed and aired. Always check purses, bags and pockets in case you’ve left money or personal details in them.

2. Be an early bird   

Car boot sales are very popular, and if you’re late you could miss out on a pitch, so arrive early. Plus, this means people are less likely root through your boot before you’ve set things out. Yes, this does happen.

3. Setting up

You’ll need ground sheets and a table – and a hanging rail is handy if you’re selling clothes. It’s also worth taking clear plastic sheeting to cover your stall if it rains. Make sure you have a good supply of plastic bags for your customers and a box of petty cash so you can change notes. People like to know prices, so mark up goods with sticky labels.

4. Make yourself comfortable

Take a flask and a packed lunch with you to save money on buying burgers and builders’ tea while you’re there. You’ll be exposed to the elements, so layer up and remember to take waterproofs and an umbrella, just in case. Most car boot sites have portable loos, so you won’t have to cross your legs!

5. Be open to offers

People love to haggle, so let them. It’s worth reducing items towards the end of the day or doing special offers, like buy one get one free, or reducing everything to £1.

6. Cash in with cakes

Homemade cakes always go down well at car boot sales and are a great way to make extra cash. Make simple cakes that don’t take too much time or money to make.

7. Get the kids to help 

Car boot sales are a great place for kids to learn about money. Get them to sort out their old toys, price them up and sell them. Then they can add the cash they’ve made to their pocket money.

8. Watch out for thieves

Unfortunately, car boot sales are a popular thieving ground, so be vigilant. Watch your stall like a hawk and never take your eye off your valuables.

9. Don’t buy more junk!

However alluring other stalls may be, avoid going on a shopping spree as it defeats the object of having a clear-out, and you could waste money. But if you see a bargainous antique, go for it!

10. Ways to get rid of unsold items

Take your unsold goods to a charity shop, jumble sale or recycling bank. If items are in good nick, then try selling them on eBay.

Just think, with all the money you make you could go on a shopping spree at Crabtree & Evelyn!

Lighter evenings aren’t the only benefit of spring – you’ve also got a perfect excuse to update your wardrobe for warmer weather. Before you hit the shops, check out these hot trends for SS12 and accompanying beauty buys to match… 

Denim delights

Since its birth in 1853, denim has become a wardrobe staple for men and women all over the world. This season, washed-out denim is a hot trend in various forms – think jeans, jeggings, shirts, skirts and dresses. Oh, and double denim (wearing the fabric from top to bottom) has made a comeback. I’m coveting this scalloped dress from Miss Selfridge – it’ll be perfect for festival season and holidays.

 Wear it with…

Denim is a wardrobe essential, and body lotion is a beauty essential. If you haven’t already, try out Crabtree & Evelyn’s new Avocado, Olive & Basil Revitalising Body Lotion, which leaves skin super soft.  

Pastel power

The most popular shades for spring and summer 2012 are pastels – and they’re more wearable than you’d think. For a classier look, stay away from candy tones and go icy on the colour spectrum – take a look at what ASOS has to offer.   

 Wear it with…

Treat yourself to a home manicure with Crabtree & Evelyn’s limited edition Gardeners Manicure Tin and paint your nails in pastel polishes, Essie have some fab shades, and I like Mint Candy Apple.

Petal pins   

Floral trousers were popular in the 90s, and once again, they’re packing a petal-tastic punch on the pages of Vogue. Recently, I spotted a girl wearing a pair of floral trousers from George at ASDA that cost £14 – and I want them! If you think you’ll tire of a trend, don’t flash the cash, instead seek bargain buys.   

 Wear it with…

Floral prints and floral fragranced beauty products are a perfect match, and Crabtree & Evelyn have no shortage of those. I’d recommend Iris Shower Gel, which always puts a spring in my step.   

Peplums 

The word ‘peplum’ comes from the Greek word for tunic and refers to a top or dress that flares out at the waist, giving a feminine shape. I love Guardian fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley’s guide How to dress: peplums. Dorothy Perkins has some lovely peplum dresses, which are reasonably priced.     

 Wear it with…

A sophisticated fragrance is required for the peplum, and I recommend India Hicks Island Night Eau de Toilette. I’ve been wearing it for the past two years and never tire of the fresh floral scent. 

Mermaid chic

The ocean depths have provided inspiration for the spring collections of designers including Chanel, Stella McCartney and Giorgio Armani. So get those pearls out and add some spring sparkle to your look with a sequin top or skirt. I’ve got my eye on this mermaid-like vest from Topshop.   

 Wear it with…

Bathe like a mermaid with the La Source range and keep your feet scale-free with the La Source 60 Second Feet Fix Kit. After all, sandal season will soon be upon us – yay!