Wellington, fashion capital

You have arrived in Wellington on a cruise ship, and are desperate for something new and glamorous to wear on formal nights?  Wellington offers splendid opportunities for that, as not only is it the coolest little capital in the world, but it is a Mecca for fashion, too.

New Zealand boasts world-famous designers, names such as Trelise Cooper, Karen Walker, and Paula Ryan, and there are super little stores here, stocking the latest from their collections.

You can find a list of some of the stores here.   And the good news is that they are all within a short walking distance of the shuttle bus drop-off.

A personal favorite is darling in Featherstone Street, owned and managed by the lively and dedicated Janet Paape, and a stockist of my favorite designer, Paula Ryan, and the Canadian powerhouse designer, Joseph Ribkoff.

In fact, I was in there yesterday, at Janet's Spring opening, which inappropriately enough was staged in the middle of a cold southerly storm, but was warm and welcoming.  And not only did I buy a gorgeous Ribkoff dress (I hasten to say I am not the model), but Janet gave me a copy of Paula Ryan's glossy magazine, Simply You, which celebrates 20 years of creating style.

And in the magazine I found "Paula's twenty style rules," which had me nodding so emphatically that I could not resist paraphrasing the tips for you.

1. The older you get, the less foundation you should wear.

2. Don't be obsessed with the way you look.  If you are too stiff and self-conscious you will look like a dressed-up Barbie doll.

3. If your arms have got saggy, go sleeveless only in the tropics.

4. Your cheekbones and shoulders never age.  Don't be too shy to emphasize them.

5. Tidy fingers and toes are a must.  Otherwise, wear gloves and socks.

6. Never do heavy eyes AND heavy lips.  Emphasize one or the other.

7. When you sit, turn your legs to one side.  Side-saddle, not cross-saddle.

8. Be aware of trends, even if you don't like them.

9. Be realistic about your body.  No one is perfect.

10. Dress like a triangle.  Skinny skirt or pants need a boxy top, and a full skirt demands a figure-hugging bodice or top.

11. Your style should be effortless.  That last survey in the mirror before you go out should be your last.  Just forget what you are wearing, and enjoy.

12. Invest in clothes that don't date.  Expensive but timeless is the goal.

13. Women need three handbags -- one for shopping and boarding a plane, one that crosses the body, and a little one for the evenings.

14. Have a good wardrobe, but a small wardrobe.  Buying clothes that you seldom wear is a waste of money and space.

15.  If you are short, wear a single color.  And teetering in high heels simply makes you look shorter.  Keep to flats or low heels.

16. Spoil yourself just once every season, and then wear your purchase as often as you can.

17. Don't go shopping with a friend.  Because she likes you, she is not likely to say when you look awful.

18.  If you can't run or dance in your new shoes, the heels are too high.

19. Make sure you are in a very good mood when you buy a swimsuit, as you are bound to be unhappy with what you see in the mirror,  And definitely not with a hangover, when everything is puffy.

20. Hang on to your sense of humor.  It can make buying that daring bit of costume jewelry even more fun.