MOTHERING Sunday is traditionally a time when children give flowers and cards to their mothers, in honour of all that they do to enrich their lives.

My Mum, Margaret, has certainly enriched my life.

She takes an interest in all that I do, she gives me courage when I need it and support when I feel low.

But it's those little pearls of wisdom, which only mothers know, that have really brought colour to my life.

None more so than the fashion advice Mum has offered me over the years, most of which, I hate to admit, has been right.

So what better way to get my own back, I mean show my appreciation, than act as a fashion consultant for her.

Thanks to public relations company leepeckgreenfield, I arranged for Mum to spend the afternoon modelling various outfits, chosen by myself, from selective stores in the West Quay shopping centre, Southampton.

I can't say she was bowled over with gratitude, but with a brave face and a promise from me not to dress her in anything too controversial, we set off on our mother-and-daughter afternoon.

First stop for Mum was Sephora, where she was treated to a fantastic makeover by beauty consultant Elaine.

We were really impressed with Elaine - she took the time to listen and explained what she was applying at every step.

Next, it was time to hit the clothes shops.

We started off in Monsoon where she must have tried on more than ten different outfits, most of which were too loose around the waist and too tight on the hips.

However, we settled for a silk two-piece in beautiful, bright reds and purples, accessorised with a black, sequinned clutch bag and beaded necklace.

She looked a million dollars, but Mum wasn't convinced.

So we headed off to East where two charming ladies helped me pick-out some very different looks.

This shop was a big success - their bright, light fabrics with ethnic undertones looked great and we came away with a pair of black linen trousers, a brick-coloured, mandarin-style blouse, and a black silk skirt with a 'Congo party' print.

Planet was another winner, once again due to the incredibly helpful manageress.

She helped me pick out several business looks for Mum - something she would never usually wear, considering she works at a farm - and two beautiful, floaty

dresses.

We left with a Cilla Black-style power suit, which I teamed-up with a matching Mulberry bag and pendant.

Our final stop was John Lewis where professional fashion advisor Michelle Norris helped me pick out a denim skirt and scrunch blouse, from their Phase Eight range, as well as accessorising the various outfits I had chosen.

The afternoon was a great success, so much so that Mum decided to buy some of the outfits I had chosen for her.

But it had been more than just an afternoon's shopping - it had been fun and a chance for us to spend some time together.