IT'S the season to accessorise! There's no excuse not to update a simple summer outfit when you see the choice of accessories in high street stores everywhere. Most fashion retailers are investing in accessories this year, from beads and bangles to flip-flops and bags.

It's such fun right now to be female. Be bold and brash in your grunge gear with loop earrings and big bangles or add chic to your feet by returning to the simple pointed court shoe or stiletto.

Painted wedge shoes are in for the art-party look and, as the weather heats up, add a lick of polish to your toe nails and slip into colour with the latest fun and funky flip-flips. (Monsoon and Lakeland have some delicious choices on the high street).

Buy a new bag! Save up your pennies and invest in the feel-good factor of a new handbag. I found a huge selection at Lakeland and in Beales of Kendal. Kirkby Lonsdale has plenty to offer too with a choice of fab shops all squeezed into one little street - great for a quick coffee-and-shop morning with a friend.