Fashion is always cyclical, and this is evidenced by this season's return to belted dresses, full skirts and platform wedge shoes. This is the perfect time to raid your mother's wardrobe and go through all her old dresses and accessories. In addition to the unique prints which you won't find anywhere else, you'll see that tailoring from at least 20 years ago is much better and finer than the factory-made clothes of today.

If your mum has thrown out all her old clothes, don't despair. You can still get great-looking retro pieces by:

• Shopping on eBay: there are many great store sellers who stock good quality and pretty second-hand pieces at very reasonable prices.
• Rummaging through the Salvation Army outlets: You'll be surprised what you can find there, anything from old prom dresses to fur coats, at super cheap prices.
  
• Buying new: Vintage is hip now, and many stores like Banana Republic and Anthropologie are replicating the 'old' look by coming up with  retro-inspired pieces which marry the shapes from yesterday with the prints of today.

Some things to look out for:

• Sundresses
• Belts of all lengths and widths, best worn cinched around the waist
• Leggings