This month we talk to Travel Writer, Sally Shalam, who is a columnist for The Guardian and contributes to Conde Nast Traveller.

Sally has an inspirational blog for those wanting to stay in Britain.

Q. In your many years of travelling do you have a favourite place to visit and why?

A. It is the less obvious places, the unlikely discoveries, which I love best. The Sussex town of Hastings is happening right now, because of the £4m Jerwood Gallery which has just opened, but it also has a handful of hip B&Bs and beautiful shops. Wales is perennially cool – it has an incredibly high concentration of boutique bed and breakfasts and design-savvy cottages to stay in. Towns such as Narberth and Llandeilo are gems for shopping and antique-ing and I’m looking forward to Brown’s hotel, Dylan Thomas’s watering hole, reopening this summer in Laugharne. For simple pleasures, I’d head to Norfolk for a seal-spotting boat trip and fish and chips from French’s in Wells-next-the-Sea while staying in cool comfort at Barsham Barns in the tiny hamlet of North Barsham.

Q. During this Summer's Olympics we are being urged to stay in the UK. Will you be here and what in your opinion makes holidaying in Britain best?

A. Last year I was away when the Royal Wedding took place and do you know what? I think I almost enjoyed it more from abroad. Foreigners are so smitten by the Royal family, there was practically blanket news coverage and the excitement was infectious. I’m on home turf for the Olympics though – I want to enjoy them here. Whenever I get in the car on a review trip, I never quite know what to expect at my destination. The British Isles are tiny, relatively, and yet we have a high concentration of variety. Britain’s strength is all the regional difference. You can choose from a southern coast, a fishing village or surf beach, with seagulls calling, sun and salty air on your face, or dramatic, brooding mountain scenery fringed with drystone walls in North Wales, or traverse the Pennines to Northumberland, home of smokehouses, the island of Lindisfarne and Bamburgh castle. There is a saying that Britain is nation of shopkeepers, but it is also a nation of hoteliers. There are fantastic boutique hotels in all sorts of places, from the Yorkshire Dales to the Kent coast, and smart bed and breakfasts, often created by city dwellers who re-locate and bring their urban sophistication with them. Pubs with rooms are probably my favourite places at the moment because they are often historic buildings, the regional cooking is so interesting right now and there are a lot of micro-breweries springing up creating delicious new beers.

Q. What vital accessory do you take with you on your travels - an item you can not leave home without (besides your toothbrush!)?

A. Can I cheat and list several? Laptop, for Tweeting and taking notes, sat nav (I have the Irish voice and call him Sean, he accompanies me everywhere). Oh, and I always pack earplugs. The downside of reviewing charming, rustic B&Bs is sometimes the lack of insulation and if I hear so much as a hint of snoring from a neighbouring room, I’m stuffed as far as getting to sleep is concerned.

Q. What advice could you give for packing light for a week away?

A. Hmm, a lot can happen in a week in terms of British weather! It calls for layering. Always pack the lightest things first, so layer silk and jersey items on the bottom of the case or bag. I pack outfits - exactly the right number for the trip - and create an illusion of having brought more by adding bold, statement necklaces, scarves and different shoes. My friends always laugh because I bring half as much luggage as they do when we take trips together. If you are not sure what to take, put your folded garments out on the bed first, match them into outfits - day, evening, for the journey. It will surprise you how much surplus you’ve pulled out of the wardrobe. Don’t be tempted to shove in items you don’t need at the last minute – you won’t wear them, they’ll get creased and you’ll only end up with more ironing when you return! The hardest trip of all to pack for – in my view – is when one travels from the UK in midwinter to the tropics. Lugging a jacket or thick sweater around in 40 degrees is totally unavoidable.

Q. What is your personal style for travelling in comfort ?

A. In summer, shorts, capri pants, linen shirt and white plimsolls (which I wash with whites in the washing machine), or, when I can find one (and it seems to be getting harder) a shift or shirt-dress which won’t go out of shape if I’m in the driving seat for three hours. I love fine wool and cashmere as it layers well and is lightweight - also, I find train air-con is often pretty fierce. It depends where I am headed – sometimes it can be a self-catering cottage in the middle of nowhere, so wellies, a thick sweatshirt and a torch are more important than colour-coordination!

This month we speak to Ursula Dewey, Fashion & Beauty Editor of online women's magazine www.Sofeminine.co.uk, one of the UK's largest magazines, dedicated to real fashion, real beauty and real women.

Find out more from Ursula at www.jolie.co.uk

Q. If you could pick a key look from this season what would it be?

A. For Spring/Summer 2012, the look I'm most drawn to is Sports Luxe - right on cue for this summer's Olympics. The casual chic ensembles seen at Vera Wang, Acne and Lacoste are ultra wearable with an urban edge. A simple sports shift can be dressed up or down with heels and this season's sports-inspired handbags and wedges are really fun - I like it when fashion has a sense of humour. The other key trend for Spring/Summer 2012 has to be print - it's everywhere, and there's so much to choose from. Mary Katrantzou is one of my favourite designers and her floral fabrics have really influenced the high street this season. The best thing about print is that you can clash multiple patterns for a high voltage look, or you can play it safe with a statement piece. It works for everyone.

Q. Tell us about a typical day working at Sofeminine?

A. A typical day at Sofeminine is extremely busy but also extremely rewarding. We have a team meeting in the morning to see where everyone is with their projects and decide what key features we will be working on in the days and weeks ahead. There are always plenty of ideas on the table and it's a really creative environment to work in. Working as Fashion & Beauty Editor means that I am always being approached with launches to go to, events to attend and products to try. Often I'll be out at meetings with PRs or at events, but more often than not I'm writing features, researching articles, editing the fashion and beauty pages and attacking the inbox which is never empty for long. There are plenty of perks to the job - and having my hair done at Lockonego in the King's Road is certainly one of them - Paul Bingham works wonders on my colour!

Q. What accessory can you not leave home without?

A. I'm a self confessed beauty addict and can't leave home without my streamline make-up bag which has all my essentials; Guerlain G Noir mascara, CID Cosmetics foundation, Dior lipstick and Rimmel Liquid GlamEyes eye liner. As for fashion accessories, I never feel quite dressed without a pair of earrings or a decent blazer - they're the one fashion item that never stops working and the one fashion buy that I can always justify. Needless to say, I could do with more wardrobe space to fund the habit.

Q. In the depths of your hand bag what would we find?

A. My handbag is a breeding ground for lipgloss, lip balms and lipstick. They just seem to multiply. I probably add a new one into my handbag every couple of days as I hate to be caught out with dry or dull lips. Labello is a cute lip salve brand that I discovered in Paris - it's super cheap and smoothes lips while adding a touch of colour. I always stock up on their cherry tinted lip balm whenever I'm over there for work. I usually have at least two of those in my handbag. As well as lipstick, you're likely to find business cards, Smints and a copy of The Highway Code (I'm learning to drive - wish me luck)!

Q. Do you have any top tips for dressing for work?

A. If you take pride in your appearance, people see you as more put together and better at your job. It's simple psychology, but it works. Dressing well at work is really important and there are a few easy rules to remember; wear make-up to accentuate your natural beauty (don't go overboard) and know what work style works for you. If you're a dress person, having a signature look can help you to feel more confident - but don't forget to change it up from time to time so you get noticed - in a good way. Certain work wear items should be in every woman's office wardrobe - a black dress, a simple shift, a pencil skirt and stilettos..and of course a blazer or two. Make the most of your attributes; if you have a small waist, wear skater dresses, if you have long legs, wear skinny trousers, but one work wardrobe no-no? Cover that cleavage. And don't forget the details; nicely painted nails, well chosen earrings or a key piece of jewellery can help add the finishing touches to leave you looking your polished, professional best.

This month we talk to Ella Williamson, regular LOOK columnist and BBC's Gadget Girl about all things techy

Q. How does it feel being a girl in a 'Gadget World' and how did you get into it?

A. Surreal. There's a stereotype of a gadget fanatic and it generally involves gaming obsessed boys who rarely emerge from their tech Bat Cave. I am none of these things and I think this has stood me in good stead. My first role in gadgets was in the Buying team of www.iwantoneofthose.com where I was immersed in weird and wonderful gifts and gadgets and could see that there was a gadget for every age and gender. 5 years ago I was approached by BBC2 and joined Something for the Weekend as a Gadget Girl and 5 years later I'm still there and I've never looked back. Being a girl, not an uber geek and having expertise in a predominantly male field made me stand out.

Q. The burning question - have you had a go on the new iPad 3 yet?

A. I can't wait to have a play. I'm a big fan of the iPad and rarely go out without mine. If you aren't looking to make a huge investment then take advantage of the price cut of the iPad 2.

Q. What is the best app or piece of tech for a busy girl like yourself?

A. The iPhone for calls, emails, movies, songs and a world of apps at your fingertips. Best app's - I'm a lover of Spotify for music on the go, Hipstamatic for uber flattering photos and the Sleeptalker App to record my nocturnal mutterings.

Q. What accessory can you not leave home without (fashion or/and gadget)?

A. I recently invested in an oversized Mulberry Tailor which I adore. I need a bag big enough to fit all my gadgets into. I do have my eye on the Kate Benjamin tan satchel for summer - that'll be perfect for my iPad, LOOK mag and sun cream.

Q. Describe your own style?

A. I'm a huge fan of the boyfriend trend from men's watches to oversized jumpers with skinny jeans and a McQueen scarf. I invest in a few designer pieces each year and mix them in with comfy but cool high street pieces.

This month sees the start of fashion weeks so we talk modeling to Models 1 booker Josy and model Natalia from our SS2012 and AW2011 photoshoot

Q. Josy: Fashion week must be your busiest time - how do you cope?

A. Fashion week is definitely hectic! The agency is filled with gorgeous people and we're working around the clock. However it only directly affects the show girls who are a very particular shape and size, and more often than not quite young. Quite a few of the models I represent use fashion week as a time to jet off abroad, many are booked on catalogue shoots. Lots of high street designers and retailers are considering their next seasons campaign so we are busy in the office sending out suggestions and updating portfolios with new images. We love this chance to update the models images to keep them looking fresh and beautiful. Starting the year with a new lease of life and a positive outlook for the year is really important and it's a good time for the girls to decide what they want to do.

Q. Natalia: How did you get into modelling?

A. I always wanted to try myself in modeling since I was 15. But school was more important for me and I lived far from the capital so I had to wait until I went to university. I got in touch with one of the best photographers in my country via a friend. He did my first test shoot and I got a shoot for Elle magazine. I found my first/mother agency too who started to represent me.

Q. Josy: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into modelling?

A. Modelling can be an increadibly rewarding experience, giving young people opportunities to travel, meet interesting people and for some to earn a lot of money. However, potential models should be aware that there are only a tiny proportion of people who have the required looks and personality to be a fashion model and a few are lucky enough to be really successful. Even a fantastic career can be short lived so it's important to think about the future and continue with studies and other interests. Only a few continue modelling after their late 20's or early 30's. I would advise any potential models to be realistic about their goals and to seek advice from Top agencies like Models 1 or others recommended by the AMA. If their advice is that its not for you it would be wise to consider an alternative career rather than signing up with an agency who asks for money upfront or for you to spend a fortune on a portfolio. Generally anything that seems too good to be true usually is! Remember there are so many factors involved in creating the beautiful images we see in magazines, from professional, hair, make up and styling to clever lighting and retouching. Models look so increadible in these images because they are extremely photogenic. This is a key requirement of being a model and many successful girls and guys maynot fit into our cultural perception of what makes someone good looking or sexy.

Q. Natalia: What's the best part of the job for you?

A. I can transform myself to so many different characters (of course with a little help, make-up,hair and styling :-) . Another great thing is that I get the chance to see so many countries, cultures, people. All that traveling makes you really independent that you find your way anywhere in the World afterwards.

Q. Josy: What 'accessory' can you not live without?

A. I'm really into belts as a fun and quirky way to jazz up an outfit. Every season I tend to get really into a particular pair of boots or shoes and wear them all the time so a unique belt will add something different to my look. I have a few favourite vintage metallic numbers which create an elegant silhouette when worn with a floaty dress or blouse. For festivals and travels nothing beats a pocket belt for all your essentials. Better than a handbag when you just want to be free to dance and enjoyyourself. A I love them so much that a few years ago I designed my own range!

Q. Natalia: Do you have a favourite shot from the Accessoriesdirect.com shoot?

A. Yes I do! One of my favorites is with the hat from the previous shoot and also a very nice close-up. From the new shoot we have done, I really liked the outdoor bikini, a very colorful picture.

Q. New Year is always a chance for us to make new promises - what resolutions do you have?

A. As a Spa Director, I am always focused on giving clients the best possible service so they can truly relax their body and mind. Unfortunately, I sometimesforget to do the same for myself! In 2012, I want to make sure I don't putmyself last on the list, but instead I will focus on leading a healthylifestyle as this will make me stronger on a physical and mental level. I'vealready given up meat and have recently started practising yoga - two stepsin the right direction...

Q. You recently opened a spa in London's west end, what's been the most popular treatment?

A. Our Africology Goddess Facial is one of our best-selling treatments and I can only attribute this to the results this facial delivers in 90 min. It leaves the skin looking radiant, but it also incorporates a relaxing massage that helps to melt away any stress the client may feel. And then there is the Africology Intonga Body Massage, which is performedwith a hand carved wooden African stick to really get deep into the muscletissue. We've received some glowing press reviews for this treatment,stating that it is simply divine and I can only agree with this.

Q. What Africology product do you always keep in your hand bag?

A. My Africology 100% natural Lip Balm is definitely one of my handbag essentials. I also keep a small bottle of the Africology Energy Charge withme at all time; it is especially useful when I am on public transport as itgives me extra energy to deal with the stress of travelling in London.

Q. Any advice for keeping winter skin soft?

A. In winter, our skin requires extra hydration and nourishment. I recommend the Africology Rose Serum as this can be applied under your moistuirser orit can even be mixed with your moisturiser. Rose is known for its nourishing and radiance boosting properties, and as a bonus it smells divine too. To keep your body feeling silky soft all winter long, try the AfricologyBody Butter, which is very rich and has a lovely Neroli smell that lingersall day long. A little goes a long way. I've been using mine for two monthsnow and my skin is in great condition. And of course you should always make sure to drink enough, so get yourselfused to drinking herbal, cleansing teas that are also high in antioxidants.

Q. What would be your top tip for keeping a healthy body and mind?

A. You should aim to do everything in balance. When it comes to life and work,always follow your dreams as you will flourish when you do something you are truly passionate about. However, don't neglect your health, but takeresponsibility for your own body and make time to work out and eat healthy meals. If you are looking after your body, your body will look after you! Last but not least, also acknowledge what your mind and soul need. It isrepresented in one of my favourite quotes from Ghandi: "Be the change youwant to see in the world".

Q. What's caught your eye from our aD website and why?

A. I am absolutely in love with the Daisy Throat Chakra black - what great idea!

Jo is a fabulous make-up and hair stylist who has worked with us on two shoots

Q. What are the must have make-up bag items for this festive season?

A. Xmas is usually a busy time of year with parties and festivities galore. So my make up bag has to hold all my essential beauty 'must haves'. Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser and secret camouflage concealer are vital for touching up and hiding blemishes and hiding dark circles. A good mascara such as Lancome's Hypnose can really build up gorgeous doll - like eyes and a hydrating lipstick in Scarlet or Pink such as Dior Addict will give you the look of the season. I always have a few hair clips and hair bands in my bag to quickly sweep my hair up into a ponytail and then fasten with clips to create a up to the minute top knot. A super sexy blusher like Nars Orgasm is beautifully soft and glides on effortlessly - one of my all time favorite blushers.

Q. Any quick tips for making up eyes in a flash?

A. A good eye pencil to smudge around your eyes to give a rock chic look is a super quick glaming up trick or if you prefer the 50's look - a flick at the corner of the eyes, is a quick and easy make up change from day to evening. Also a shimmery or glittery eyeshadow is very easy to put on with your fingers and adds instant glamour. Go for golds or silvers. And of course don't forget the easiest way to add drama to your eyes is to apply layers and layers of mascara for a fantastically dramatic look.

Q. What piece of equipment are you never without on a shot?

A. My fantastic make up brushes from Shu Uemura and my tweezers from tweezerman.

Q. What are the big make-up trends for Spring/Summer 2012?

A. Spring summer is all about beautiful healthy glowing skin. Lips will still be prominent with strong colours but there will be more emphasis on cheeks and eyebrows.

Q. If you could make-up anyone who would it be and why?

A. I have two people i would love to make up and both are beautiful smart and amazing role models. The first is Dame Helen Mirren who has an amazing beauty, undoubtably a brilliant actress but has also embraced her age and now looks more stunning than ever. she is an inspiration to all women about looking beautiful and healthy as you get older. Now in her 60's she looks sexy and stylish - just remember she was recently snapped on holiday in a bikini looking sensational. Emma Watson is the other beauty i would love to make up. Again a beautiful and bright women, but what Emma has is a cool stylish inner beauty that comes with self belief and confidence. Young girls see Emma as a refreshingly normal girl who they can relate to, she is able to change her style and move with the fashion while keeping a healthy down to earth image.

Q. What festive piece of jewellery has caught your eye?

A. http://www.accessoriesdirect.com/boutique/party-season/c001c0025/ I adore vintage and gold - so the fantastic Olga Berg which is a gold chainmail clutch bag is a winner for me, it has all the finesse of those early decades and worn with a 40's inspired evening dress would be a winner for me.

Hermione is the UK Sales Director for Knomo - Their smart and stylish collection aim to make your travels and working life easier ...

Q. Tell us about you and Knomo?

A. . I joined knomo in 2009 as the UK sales manager and very quickly realised the huge gap in the market there was for attractive, functional every day bags for women. In fact for anyone, most were black nylon, black nylon or black nylon. Men and women think very differently about what they want and expect from and everyday bag that can carry their laptop and take them from boardroom to barand it is still challenging and exciting today constantly learning and evolving with the changes in technology and peoples needs.

Q. How did you feel knowing Pippa Middleton was a fan?

A. We were hugely flattered! She is so prevalent in the media at the moment and the fact that she uses it most days when she goes to work is brilliant. She is a young, talented female role model and we are very proud she uses knomo.

Q. What do you always carry with you when you go away?

A. . I just love the Battersea collection in a soft pebbled leather so I use the Oria bag in black. Its perfect for not only protecting my laptop but it has lots of space for all my essential must haves. I tend to carry everything and the kitchen sink so I need a bag with space. Otherwise I love the Serra wheeled trolley, it is lightweight and has lots of pockets and compartments so I can be professional, take everything I need and still feel feminine.

Q. What are your top tips for traveling light?

A. This is something I can struggle with so I normally end up using a bag that is versatile. Something I can either carry in the crux of my arm or across body. The Rimini bag or my trusty Oria is good for that as I can keep all the essentials across my body and then the heavier items in my wheeled cabin bag.

Q. Is there a story behind the name Knomo?

A. Knomo came about by fusing the words Knowledge and Mobility. Now a-days our laptops are not just for our business life, they are the doorway to immeasurable knowledge useful or not (!), our social lives, our memories and entertainment. Also more and more people are flexible in their work environment, travelling either to and from work, abroad or to daily business meetings so being comfortably mobile is of paramount importance.

Q. Do you have a favourite item on the accessoriesdirect.com site, besides Knomo?

A. It is so hard to limit it to one! Obviously my bag is always a knomo I do love the Daisy jewellery. The story behind them and the fact they are simple enough to wear everyday but also elegant enough to wear in the evening. I also have a soft spot for Dinny Hall, I think the designs are so modern.

Amanda works as a consultant with various brands working to help build relationships and

profiles in the media by way of celebrity endorsement and red carpet dressing and placement in a bespoke and carefully targeted way.

Q. What drives you in your work?

A. I love what I do and it's seeing clients happy with the results.

Q. Having worked with high profile people and celebrities, what would you say constitutes a good role model?

A. Someone who is hard working and committed to what they do and sets a good example as a public figure by being that way.

Q. What projects are you currently working on?

A. So many but something I have been working on for a year with the Body Shop which they are about to launch is the project to Stop Sex Trafficking with Children. One of my roles was to ask celebrities to show their support by giving their handprint which is the logo for the campaign. We had an amazing response with celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Rob Lowe, Kim Cattrall, Pixie Lott, Uma Thurman, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller and so many more all giving their support.

Q. What piece of accessory can you not leave home without?

A. Blackberry to stay in touch with clients at all times.

Q. You started your career in the music industry. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to change careers?

A. Be passionate about what you want to do, do your research and be prepared to work hard.

Q. Finally is there anything that catches your eye from the our aD site?

A. I love the Daisy 24k gold plated Solar Plexus Chakra in black.

This month we catch up with Super busy Stytist Angie Smith who worked with us on our new Autumn Winter shoot.

Angie has the enviable job of styling some of the hottest celebrities and was named one of Glamour Magazine's top 35 most powerful women under 35!

Q. What inspired you to get into styling and did you dress up a lot as a little girl?

A. I always loved giving friends makeovers and making people feel better about themselves and on the contrary I was never a real girly girl, I don't think I even wore a dress until I was in my 20's !

Q. You have styled some of the best loved and best dressed celebrities - Do you still get star stuck?

A. I haven't yet !! Celebrities are just regular human beings at the end of the day and I think they like to be treated that way.

Q. What is your personal must have / can't live without accessory?

A. My gold Michael Kors oversized mens watch - it's a real statement piece.

Q. You worked your magic on our Autumn Winter 2011 campaign shoot - Do you have a favourite look and why?

A. I absolutely love the statement 'Feather' necklace with the peacock tone feather and gem detail - it's so beautiful and glam and it's one of those pieces that you can wear over a high neck top.

Q. What's your top trend tips for the season ahead?

A. This season is all about texture, faux fur, a slick of patent leather. Choose fabrics that contrast against each other to update your look. Also polka dots are going to be everywhere.

Q. If you had a chance to go back in time and style a celebrity of the past who would it be and why?

A. I'm not sure about an exact person but the 70's is definitley an era that I would have loved to work in - I'm a bit of a hippy chick at heart.