Maize. Or sweet corn. I'm not really sure whether they're the same thing or slightly different but it's not something you see all that often out our way. When driving on unfamiliar country roads at the weekend I spotted this lush looking field and thought it would be a perfect seasonal backdrop for a couple of outfit photographs.

We'd gone out for a spot of lunch with out much else in mind and it was all white cloud and cool when we left home so I wore this unusual cut of dress. It's clearly got to be worn in the warmer months as it's basically a lace overlay mini dress with elbow length sleeves but equally it's too much for a hot day if the sun is out. I was glad we hadn't planned a whole afternoon's walking as I would have got rather too hot in black. However, for a nice indoor lunch it was perfectly comfortable, not least as the gathering way up under the bust meant that maximum comfort was offered.

The neckline is spot on for me; I adore the high neckline with the buttons and the pretty fabric. I'm not usually sold on half length sleeves but I think they suit the rest of the dress so I'll roll with it.

Red lipstick for a secret smile.

Sophie

It’s not often I talk beauty round here but I feel like sharing my current choice of lip colours this season with you so here goes. Even I can't resist a berry tone when Autumn comes around and these four are my favourites at the moment. I say favourite, I mean only. But I do love them!

From left to right:

• The 'Perrie' shade from the Collection Little Mix range at Superdrug (£2.99). This is the boldest colour I've bought to date, it's perhaps aimed at a younger audience but I rather like this one and the way it is quite different although most definitely not tarty. Plus I'm really not the type of person to rush out and buy a celebrity backed item makeup, it was definitely chosen on merit!
• The No 7 'Cranberry' shade was bought a year or two ago now in the Moisture Drench range (still available at £9.50) and is by far the most natural of my picks. It is very easy to wear and only emphasises my natural lip colour instead of changing it. Boots had one of their voucher deals going on when I bought this (I think) as I wouldn't usually spend so much on one lip product.
• The dark red shade called 'Prohibition' is from the Collection 2000 deluxe range and cost £3.99. I saw a review of another shade in this range and was going to buy that but I preferred this one instead. Reds aren't really for me usually and I most certainly never wear bright red (they make me feel very uncomfortable) and am deeply envious of all the ladies out there that look gorgeous in reds. The dark red shade is as close to vamp as I have erred and I rather like it!
• The final choice is from NYC Smooch proof lip stain in 'Berry long time' costing £3.99 and is downright brilliant. The application is dead easy, it's basically a felt tip pen. My worry is that it's just going to dry out in a short space of time, but I'll have to wait to ascertain the longevity. I'm hoping to pick up another couple of lipstains in some more colours in the coming months and most likely from NYC as I do rather like the brand: cheap and cheerful.

Do you have any recommendations? Have you tried any of these?