When you think of February, what comes to mind?  Love and romance? Grey days and freezing temperatures? Our answer probably speaks volumes; but let's not get in to that! February is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. A phenomenon that just keeps on growing.  The pressure to buy something ‘just right’ for your loved one can make the art of gifting a minefield for an old romantic. Judging the price (can the monetary value be translated in to the strength of my love?), the content (staying on the right side of ‘romantic’ that is not too cliché) and, of course, choosing something that they might actually like can make even the bravest run for the hills.

One of the best cures for the January blues?  A break in the mountains.  If you are one of the lucky ones heading off to the slopes, now is the time to wheel out your favourite cashmere, moon boots and sunnies.  Even if snow sports aren’t your thing, who doesn't like jacuzzis, a spot of mountain retail and the prospect of a ‘vin chaud’?  It is always a challenge to nail après ski style.  Particularly if time does not allow an outfit change between a day on the slopes and a night at a club.  There is no need to forsake warmth for style these days.

It is always much easier to follow the crowd, not least with fashion choices but also with opinions; be they political or ethical as you feel a sense of solidarity and unity.  Stronger together and all that.  Society also reinforces this by the wearing of uniforms and strict dress codes for work and parties etc.  Ironically, standing out from the crowd is much more empowering and projects a stronger more independent image.