There are certain famous people who epitomise style and elegance: Audrey Hepburn, Dorothy Danridge, Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly. All these women exuded a certain flair, class and sense of individuality and that is precisely what made them stand out in the crowd. Significantly, all these style icons belong to the past, a bygone era. At this period, stars were mysterious and remote and the media intrusion of today was unheard of. Celebrities of that period had stylist who defined a specific image based on their individual needs. These days we have stylists for the masses and that is a dangerous precedent. As members of the public the media forces its way into our lives and we are coerced to believe that the J-lo, Britney Spears or posh spice "look" must be emulated. Television plays a large role in this imposition of so called style and taste that does not allow most of us to breathe and develop individual styles of our own. There are endless style programmes presented by "style gurus" teaching the "ignorant" on how to get celebrity inspired makeovers. The other culprits are the high street shops who support this uniform look and make available few clothes that allow you to express yourself.

Enough is enough! The year 2004 is going to be different. This year every fashion loving person is going to discover their own style, what makes them unique as an individual. Creating your own image can be fun and can lead to a voyage of self-discovery. Move over Trinny and Susannah, this time around we are going to trust our own instincts and only accept tips that accentuate our sense of self and ignore the ones that bury our true identity.

Tips

1. Get to know your own body. Are you a string bean, pear shaped, round or big on top and small at the bottom? Don't believe that dieting will solve all your problems, it won't. We all have a set body structure and it is important to get to know it and accept it. Do not make that common mistake of comparing yourself to Naomi Campbell and Elle Mcpherson, it is an impossible milestone and even if there is a possibility you have to be prepared to put in a lot of effort ie..exercise, constantly watching what you are eating. Models work hard on their bodies because that is how they make a living. Most of us should focus more on our health and eating sensibly and in the process we are in a better state of mind and body.

2.Start researching shops on weekends. Visit boutiques, high street and charity shops. Visit market stalls and buy mail order catalogues. In parts of the East End and other cheaper sections of London there are outlets and wholesalers offering cheaper prices on what the high street offers. After researching the various retail sectors you will discover that each sector has its own share of bargains depending on the product. Its really a matter of picking and choosing depending on what your needs are.

3.Ask your mum or granny for some old family photographs and you will be amazed by how stylish people used to be. The photographs will provide inspiration and give you tips on how to rediscover your femininity.

4.Ask your friends, family or partner to be honest by telling you which clothes suit you. If they are sincere they will tell you the outfits that bring out the best in you. Most of all, take a break from listening to the media and "style gurus" trust your instincts and you can't go wrong.

By Ona Amenechi