ASTRID

Herby Beauty: 10 of the Best

2009-04-25T21:06:00.013+01:00

Add some flavour to your bathroom with the pick of herby beauty products...

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-oxidant Serum

Korres Basil Lemon Body Milk

Burts Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Lush Herbalism Cleanser (introductory image, above)
Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme with SPF15

Ren Seaweed & Sage Body Wash

NEOM Organic Bath Oil- Refresh, with Sicilian Lemon & Fresh Basil

The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Scrub

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Gel

PRODUCT REVIEW: Hei Poa Black Sand Body Scrub

2009-04-25T20:38:00.003+01:00

The Hei Poa range of exotic hair, body and suncare products is inspired by Tahitian women's beauty ritual of using Monoi Oil.

The packaging: The convenient tube packaging is easy to use, meaning the required amount can be dispensed without any wastage and unlike tubs, there is no mess e.g. annoying scrub under nails.

Before I even used this scrub, I had high expectations as when I squeezed out a small amount, the black gel resembled caviar- very indulgent! I trialled this before applying a fake tan as I liked the unique idea of using black Tahitian sand as an exfoliating component and the tropical ingredients certainly got me in the holiday mood! The exfoliation is very effective and my skin instantly felt smoothed and delicately scented. I've tried a lot of body scrubs but was particularly impressed with this one and at just £11 for a tube, I'd definately recommend it as a holiday beauty preparation.

Shoppers' Paradise

2009-04-25T18:51:00.012+01:00

Firstly, apologies for the rather long absense readers... part of this can be atributed to my latest addiction, http://www.theoutnet.com/ launched last week (ok, I said only PART of my absense!). The website is the brainchild of Natalie Massenet, who almost singlehandedly shaped our opinions of online shopping with http://www.net-a-porter.com/. The discount site is timely with its launch as we're all feeling the purse strings tighten yet, I suspect, are not yet ready to forego our lust for beautiful, occasional treats. I've already bagged a pair of classic, patent beige Brian Atwood heels, reduced by almost £300 and am pleased to report a fantastic service- speedy delivery and well packaged.

Here's some other favourites from the site:

Marchesa Dress, 40% off

Marc Jacobs Dress, 40% off

Burberry evening trench, 50% off

Chloe blouse, 50% off

Anna Sui top, 50% off

Bottega Veneta cashmere cardigan, 60% off

Pauric Sweeny python bag, 40% off

Christian Louboutin Heels, 60% off

Olivia Morris sandals, 70% off

Pedro Garcia sequin shoe-boots, 30% off

Golden Globes

2009-01-12T21:31:00.010Z

It was the annual Golden Globe Awards last night and by now, we all know who the winners were but who were the winners in the style stakes? Here's my pick of the best....

English Rose, Kate Winslet was one of the big winnners of the night and her evening gown by Yves Saint Laurent was suitably fitting for what was undeniably HER night.

Anne Hathaway went for classic glamour in a midnight blue strapless gown by Armani Prive.

I always look forward to seeing what Maggie Gyllenhaal chooses to wear to events and I loved how this blue leopard print assymetric gown by Lanvin was in keeping with her quirky personality.

Reverting to her signature bling form, Jlo opted for a slash front metallic gown from Marchesa.

Kate Beckinsale's J Mendel gown featured a gorgeous ruffle which added interest to the white gown.

Olivia Wilde had her princess moment in this lilac gown by Reem Acra.

Also opting for a design by Reem Acra, Rumer Willis's plum coloured dress complemented her porcelain complexion beautifully.

Amy Adams' classic black gown by Oscar de la Renta featured detailing which added interest.

The Best.... Vintage Inspired Beauty Products

2008-11-29T17:10:00.013Z

Create a sense of glamour in your bathroom with these vintage inspired beauty products based on an era when feminine florals were hugely popular

Rose & Co Rose Petal Salve
Bourjois Ashes of Carnations Blusher pot

Figs & Rouge Rambling Rose Facial Cleanser

Paul & Joe Foundation

Cath Kidston Rose & Carnation Bubble Bath

Penhaligon's Bluebell EDT

L'Occitane Rose Pearlescent Body Cream

Estee Lauder Limited Edition Powder Compact

PRODUCT REVIEW: id Bare Minerals Make-up

2008-11-16T18:49:00.003Z

Mineral Make-up has been one of the biggest beauty trends of 2008. This has meant that many brands have introduced their own take on the idea but not all "mineral" make-up has a sufficiently high percentage of minerals to gain the associated benefits. iD Bare Minerals is the bestselling mineral foundation in the USA so I thought it would be the best one to trial.
Reportedly so pure that you can sleep in it, the foundation is ideal for sensitive skin and I was particularly impressed to discover that it's SPF15.
My skin can be on the dry side so I've always favoured cream foundations. I was a little dubious about trying a powder formula as I am not a fan of the "caked" make-up look, prefering a dewy finish.
I invested in the £45 starter set which contains 2 shades of foundation (to allow for seasonal changes in skin tone), a bronzer, a "Mineral Veil" transluscent powder and 3 brushes. The application process is 3 step: swirl, tap, buff. Swirl the brush around the powder to warm the minerals, tap off excess and buff onto skin in a circular motion. I was surprised at how easy it was to apply, taking around the same amount of time in the morning as my usual cream foundation. The make-up gives a subtle, airbrushed finish with good coverage which looks natural and lasts all day. I'm absolutely hooked & have definitely been converted to mineral make-up!

Lust Have of the Week

2008-11-16T18:27:00.002Z

I'm dying to try brand-new nail polish brand, Karpati which features innovative packaging for an easy at-home manicure- why has noone thought of this before?! The 3-free range is available in 27 colours so the only problem will be deciding which one to try first!

Top 5: Hallowe'en Beauty

2008-10-29T20:58:00.007Z

Forget trickery- treat yourself to these beauty goodies in celebration of the spooky holiday!

Philosophy- Haunted House Hallowe'en Gift Pack

The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser

LUSH Limited Edition Ghost Shower Gel

OPI Here's Jack Nail Polish

Jelly Pong Pong Halloween Soap Popsicle

The Ultimate Handbag Guide- Part 1

2008-10-25T15:16:00.024+01:00

Handbags are a girl's best friend- practical, pretty & the ultimate impulse purchase with no trying on necessary, they can instantly transform an outfit & there's something about an amazing handbag which just makes you feel FABULOUS!

In tribute to this most wonderful of accessories, I've decided to introduce a Handbag Guide to my blog, with different areas of handbags looked at in each part. Part 1 will look at the best day bags this season in a spectrum of colours to brighten & add interest to even the most muted winter outfits. Although these bags are seasonal, I'm confident that they are styles worth investing in which you'll love for years to come.

RED handbags are made to make an impact and this Aspinal of London Barbarella bag in patent leather fits the bill perfectly. £375

CREAM- Donna Karan Modern Aries bag from the new Zodiac range is a relaxed hobo worth investing in for years of enjoyment. £1,185

PINK needn't equal Jordan style tackiness. This structured Marc Jacobs Klein Patchwork Tote with a delicate hint of blush is the ultimate in ladylike chic. £840
BURGUNDY- this Miu Miu Woven Leather Tote screams luxury. £800

ORANGE looks fab with brown. If you're going to brave an orange bag, really go for it with a large style such as this Marni Oversized Crinkled Tote- I love the textured detail & it's roomy enough for an umbrella & spare jumper. £554

TAN should feature in every girl's handbag wardrobe as it's a wearable tone which goes with everything. I love the elegance of this Anya Hindmarch Brady shoulder bag which contrasts tan ponyskin with chocolate patent trim. £895

YELLOW may be a little bright at this time of year so instead, choose a mustard tone such as this Smythson Maze bag. £775.

WHITE needn't be reserved for Summer. The Jimmy Choo Lara Shoulder Bag will look fabulous with jeans & a chunky knit. £1,100

GREEN, particularly dark almost-black tones, can add intrigue to an outfit. I'm loving this Anya Hindmarch Brando Bag in patent bottle green. £545

TEAL is a gorgeous jewel tone for autumn winter and this Yves Saint Laurent Patent Trapeze bag is perfect. £720

BLUE might not be the obvious choice when it comes to choosing a bag but it's a colour which lends itself well to showing off interesting textures, as this Fendi Studded Suede bag shows. £1,110
BROWN bags are classic & worth investing in, particularly as quality leathers tend to look even better with age. This Givenchy Distressed Leather Tote is the ultimate in effortless cool. £769

GREY- the patent Chloe Bay Tote adds interest with its toughened styling & high gloss finish. £1,072

NEUTRAL bags work year-round. Keep things interesting by looking out for unusual textures as on this Miu Miu Nappa Patch Tote. £720

PURPLE reigns as THE colour of the season & it's easy to see why with this stunning Botkier Morgan Satchel. The fringing detail adds interest & a fun rock chic vibe. £456

Wake Up to these gorgeous products!

2008-10-25T12:41:00.007+01:00

As the clocks change, the mornings get colder & ever darker, why not introduce these products to your morning regime? They'll make getting out of your warm bed that little bit easier & deliver a blast of much-needed energising!

HEAVEN by Deborah Mitchell Cleanse & Tone Face Wash with zesty Mandarin essential oil to invigorate.

This Works Energy Bank Bath & Shower Gel smells amazing & provides an effective energy boost

Ole Henriksen Loofah Body Scrub is fantastic for early morning energising

Balance Me Wake Up Cream for body contains spearmint & basil to awaken the mind

PRODUCT REVIEW: Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator

2008-10-22T19:40:00.003+01:00

I'm a huge fan of Elemis products and love using them to indulge in home spa pampering so was excited to try their Gentle Rose Exfoliator. £23 for 50ml
As with all Elemis products, the packaging looks sleek and is a tube which makes for easy dispensing. In spite of the name, there is not a strong rose scent- it's delicate and fresh. The exfoliator is a clear gel formula with small, non-abrasive beads which means that it's gentle enough to be used everyday.
I enjoyed trialling this product- it simply needs to be massaged into damp skin & rinsed off so I found it easy to incorporate into my daily skincare regime. I had some dry, flaky patches which completely disappeared after just 2 days use and found that my skin felt soft, most likely the result of my moisturiser being able to penetrate my skin more effectively. I'd definately recommend trying this!

Beee Soothed with Lemon & Honey Treats

2008-10-12T20:30:00.013+01:00

It seems as though everyone's ill at the moment. I find the most soothing thing a cup of hot water with lemon & honey which got me thinking about these as ingredients in beauty products, either together or individually. Citrus lemon adds refreshing zing whilst honey soothes and is wonderfully beneficial to dry skin.
Top Image: Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Honey Bath, £30

L'Occitane Honey & Lemon Sweet Sugar Scrub, £24

LUSH Honey Beehave Dusting Talc, £5.95

Jurlique Lemon Body Oil, £21

REN Perfect Lip Honey, £10

The Body Shop Honey Moisturising Shampoo, £5.50

Original Source Lemon Shower Gel with Tea Tree, £1.99

Benefit Honey...Snap Out of It! Facial Scrub, £18.50

The Organic Pharmacy Lemon & Neem Nail Oil, £18.95

Ten of The Best.... Cuffs

2008-10-10T23:28:00.013+01:00

Cuffs are HUGE this season, adding glamour to even the simplest of LBDs so get some wrist action with these best picks....

From Top:

Metallic Woven Cuff at Urban Outfitters, £12

Croc print Gold Cuff at Assya, £110

Erickson Beamon Cuff, £310

Kenneth Jay Lane jewelled cuff at My-wardrobe.com, £230

Mimco Bow Cuff, £49

Christian Lacroix cuff at Net-a-porter.com, £445

Butler & Wilson Pearl cuff, £34

Dorothy Perkins Jewelled Cuff, £15

Accessorize Rope Cuff, £16

Miu Miu Jewelled Satin Cuff, £200

Lust Have of the Week

2008-10-10T20:56:00.002+01:00

This week I'm loving this stunning Sequin Pillbox Hat from Topshop, £20. The hairband fitting means that it'll be easy to wear and guaranteed to make an impression!

October Special Offers & Sample Sales

2008-10-08T13:44:00.002+01:00

SPECIAL OFFERS
Beautyexpert.co.uk is offering a free 200ml MOP body wash when you buy any two MOP products.

TEMPLE Country Retreat & Spa in Ireland invites you to bring a friend for free when you book a 2 night stay until 23rd October- see www.templespa.ie for details.

Lookfantastic.com is offering a free This Works Clean Skin worth £20 when you buy any 2 products from the This Works range.

SAMPLE SALES- lots this month so why not take the opportunity to look for some unusual Christmas gifts?!

Brora Sample Sale takes place on 8th & 9th October from 10am- 1pm at the Battersea Arts Centre. Up to 70% off womenswear, menswear & childrenswear.

Paul & Joe Sample Sale takes place at Shop 14, Old Truman Brewery, 15 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR from 9th-12th October, 11am-6.30pm. Items by Sara Berman, Goat, True Religion, Sass & Bide also available with clothes starting at £5.

Nicole Farhi Sample Sale takes place at 5-6 Islington Studios, Thane Villas. N7 7NU. 10th October from 10am-8pm, 11th October from 10am-6pm and 12th October from 11am-5pm.

Heal's One Day Warehouse Sale takes place on 11th October from 10am-4pm with up to 70% off. 10, Ardra Road, Edmonton, London. N9 0BD

Lara Bohinc Sample Sale takes place 16th and 17th October from 8am-8pm with up to 90% off bags, belts & jewellery. 149F, Sloane Street, London. SW1X 9BZ

Duchamp London Sample Sale takes place on 25th October from 10am-6pm at The Music Rooms, 26, South Molton Lane, London. W1K 5AB with bargains on shirts, ties & other men's accessories.

Ok, not technically October but another date for your diary is... Browns Bride Sample Sale takes place 2nd November, 11am-5pm at 12, Hinde Street. London. W1U 3BE with 70% off wedding dresses from Oscar de la Renta, Elie Saab & monique Lhuillier amongst others.

Pretty In Pink

2008-09-30T00:16:00.010+01:00

October celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer with 1 in 9 women being diagnosed at some point in her lifetime which unfortunately means that it likely will affect all of us in some way. Why not do your bit whilst celebrating the fun side of being female by treating yourself to one of these goodies... Above: Shock Absorber Pink Sports Bra; Tweezerman tweezers.

Below: Pink Birkenstock sandals; OPI Positively Pink Nail Polish; The White Company Peony Candle; Avon Crusade Mascara; GHD Straighteners;

Good Enough to Eat!

2008-09-29T00:49:00.010+01:00

Treat yourself to these tempting beauty goodies!

ISHI Chocolate & Vanilla Milkshake Cleanser; Korres Yoghurt Mask; The Body Shop Coconut Lip Butter; Philip B White Truffle Conditioner; Bourjois Bronzing Palette; Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Shower Cream

Lust Have of the Week

2008-09-27T17:59:00.005+01:00

This week I'm desperately craving the new Palmistry handcare range from Space NK. Launched just in time for Winter handcare, the range comprises complementary hand washes & lotions with organic bergamot, rose otto and lavender fragrances to choose from. What's more, the packaging- with a sleek design based on the ancient art of reading palms- will look divine in the bathroom!

£16 at http://www.spacenk.co.uk/

Beauty Trend- Illustrated Packaging.

2008-09-27T15:35:00.010+01:00

I've recently noticed cute illustrations on beauty packaging- here are some of my favourites...

Sweep Clean Facial Cleansing Wipes by Face Boutique

Umberto Giannini Catwalk Beauty Hairspray

Elemental Herbology Deep Cleanse Summer Body Wash

Miller Harris Coeur de Fleur Body Oil

Paul & Joe Sparkles Lipstick

Bloom Sheer Colour Cream for Cheeks

2008-09-27T15:17:00.001+01:00

Sorry for the delay in posting further Fashion Week reviews- please bear with me, they'll be up shortly along with trend round-ups for SS09!

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK REVIEW- Spring/Summer 2009

2008-09-16T15:47:00.001+01:00

BCBG Max Azria showed a wearable palette of soft greys with flashes of raspberry, orange and blues. Drapery abounded, creating beautiful details contrasted against a sport-lux undertone with fluid jersey and silks used on jumpsuits and dresses. The focus of the season? Definitely all about the LEG- get those FitFlops on girls!
Betsey Johnson, NYC’s resident eccentric, returned us to our childhoods with a collection inspired by a trip to the circus in which bold patterns and primary brights were plentiful. The fun collection played with proportion in a nod to Alice in Wonderland with exaggerated hips and shoulders as well as crinoline skirts. Andy Pandy style pinafore jumpsuits and a nursery pattern on a colourful knit cardi reminded of nursery days whilst a Pirate influence was in evidence when dark ruffles were paired with stripes and a skull & crossbones motif featured on leggings & a knit.
Carolina Herrera showcased her signature ladylike eveningwear in a collection of strapless cocktail dresses and elegant gowns. The shoulders provided a focal point in the grown-up collection with cut-outs, strapless and off-the-shoulder styles all featured. Ruffles in all proportions created texture, as did embellishment. Bright colours including yellow, blue & tomato red were contrasted by monochrome items, with a white maxi dress featuring a poppy motif standing out.
Cynthia Rowley’s relaxed collection featured body-con, sport-lux influences in beautiful fabrics with embellishments and futuristic details such as graphic lines, cut outs and layering, all in a muted, neutral palette.
Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti showed a neutral palette of rich, Earthy tones with blue highlights. Ethnic embellishments hinted at a global influence whilst parka-style jackets gave a nod to the sport-lux trend.
Peter Som showed a grown-up collection which perfectly balanced neutral basics with flashes of on-trend blue and hot, punchy brights including raspberry & orange. Relaxed shirt-dresses, playsuits and wide legged trousers were all belted whilst cute, strapless prom dresses added a fun element.
Proenza Schouler’s collection was mainly monochrome, with flashes of mint green, yellow and silver. Figure hugging pieces and exaggerated shoulders showed a futuristic influence whilst zips and black leather hinted at toughness and survival.
Alice McCall’s collection was reminiscent of previous collections by Luella and Pucci. Shades of blue and yellow brightened a mainly monochrome palette, whilst patterns included graphic prints, nautical stripes and organic inspired designs. Cut-out detailing gave a nod to futurism whilst skinny trousers cropped at the ankle had a sport-lux influence and corset tops added sex appeal.
Preen showed a collection which reflected their signature sport-lux, minimalistic style. It really feels as though, in this time of economic uncertainty, designers are sticking with what they do best- and it’s a strategy which is producing some beautiful collections. The collection was largely monochromatic with soft, muted colours such as blue and cafe au lait with a flash of orange. Sheer panels created texture and metallic denim, e.g. on a jumpsuit, added a casual element. Drapery, again, featured very strongly with legs a focal point and ruffles haven’t gone away as yet- they featured both big & small.
Narcisco Rodriguez showed a predominantly monochrome collection, with graphic lines and pattern including houndstooth adding interest. Ladylike styling met punk with bondage bands wrapped around the body, figure hugging dresses & trousers and an emphasis upon zips all in evidence.
Karen Walker showed a fresh collection of preppy pieces, with nods to androdynous styling and geek chic through relaxed suits, waistcoats and boyfriend blazers. A classic, nautical colour palette prevailed although an oversized animal print added a grunge element to some pieces, whilst rich blue dresses were sophisticated.
Monique Lhuillier showed an elegant collection featuring wearable, ladylike day dresses in printed silks and red carpet worthy evening gowns with sheer, gauzy layers and subtle embellishments. A Grecian influence was in evidence in the drapery of column dresses which were shown in opulent jewel tones.
Matthew Williamson’s collection largely comprised pieces in his signature brights. There was plenty of embellishment, from subtle detailing on the pockets of a strapless coral dress to extravagantly jewelled brocade. Williamson remained true to his brand values by showing boho-glam pieces such as maxi dresses belted at the waist and sheer, printed kaftans destined for summers spent lazing in Ibiza. For die-hard hippies, there were psychedelic patterned jumpsuits whilst darker colours provided grown-up appeal.
Badgley Mischka showcased their signature feminine style for SS09. The conservative styles included prom dresses, evening gowns and garden party shifts. A largely monochromatic colour scheme showed off lace cut outs although a grey bolero jacket stood out as a very wearable item. For evening, tiered ruffles were cleverly left unfinished to resemble feathers on skirts of black & white strapless dresses, whilst on other pieces, colours including lilac, pink and yellow with ribbon detailing stood out. A floral pattern which featured on dresses & swimwear caught my attention as did a fuchsia pink voluminous jacket.
Oscar de la Renta is renowned for his elegant, ladylike styling and this collection did not disappoint. A largely neutral palette perfectly showcased his attention to detail- with quality fine knits, immaculately tailored trousers and grown-up A-line skirts in sumptuous fabrics cinched at the waist. An oversized floral print featured on fun prom dresses and there were plenty of beautiful column dresses for evening events.
Michael Kors showed a grown-up collection of ladylike pieces, inspired by the elegance of the 1950s. Black & white provided a base palette to which flashes of brights and bold pattern, including stripes, check and polka dots were added. There were element of sporty-glam with a nod to tennis culture but on the whole, shapes reminded of the ‘50s with full skirts and modest necklines on Summer dresses.
Donna Karan’s collection featured fluid lines and drapery for effortless elegance. Layering, trouser suits and a neutral palette of beige, khaki, grey and brown hinted at a safari influence.
Marchesa looked to the East for inspiration and presented an opulent collection with Chinoiserie details such mandarin collars, obi belts and origami folds. A frogging embellishment featured on a one-shouldered gown whilst fabric blossom exaggerated the hips on a pale pink strapless dress. Black & gold were prevalent colours with black lace peeping out under feminine, sheer layers. There was plenty to choose from for Red Carpet occasions but a standout piece was a grey strapless dress with an oversized bow detail, ideal for young Hollywood starlets.
Derek Lam showed a relaxed collection of sport-lux styles. A neutral palette of black, white & flesh tones meant that the focus was upon the beautiful fabrics, from fine knits to satins. Details such as graphic lines, popper buttons and drawstring pulls reiterated the sporty message whilst metallics added a luxurious element for evening. Fluid lines featured on trouser suits, jumpsuits and dresses with orange & yellow brights injecting colour.
Jonathan Saunders is known for his colourful, graphic prints and this collection did not fail to deliver. His geometric patterns had a tribal feel in some pieces and the colours including bright orange, blue, lime green and pale pink as well as commercial monochrome pieces. The collection felt grown-up compared to previous years with beautiful tailoring and soft metallics. Again, the legs & waist were focal points with 1980s inspired crinoline skirts featuring in abundance with clever drapery. Stand-out pieces included sheer dip-dyed silk dresses in opulent colours and a midnight blue gown, elegantly cinched in gold at the waist.
Halston wowed with ‘70s inspired styles in a rainbow of colour. Sorbet shades including lemon and lilac featured on softly draped Grecian style dresses in addition to punchy brights such as coral orange, peach and turquoise blue. Muted tones, from grey to smoky plum, added elegance to the fluidity of jumpsuits and a black, asymmetric belted maxi dress was a standout piece.
Herve Leger by Max Azria featured numerous versions of their signature “body-con” dresses in a frosted palette of pastels and metallics with bursts of colour and cut-out detailing. Some styles had a futuristic feel to them, with geometric patterns- in particular, a coral dress with black pattern caught my attention. There were plenty of LBD’s to choose from and a blush pink gown with gold sequin detailing which is sure to show up on the red carpet when awards season begins.
Marc Jacobs’s extensive collection was an eclectic mix with clashing patterns from tartan to tweed and stripes narrow and wide. The show began with a parade of Edwardian inspired styles- ladylike tailoring featured and outfits were topped with straw hats in a range of colours. Obi belts and tunics gave a nod to the Orient, whilst African influences were evident through head scarves, tribal style necklaces and rich, Earthy tones.
Marc by Marc Jacobs is the younger, diffusion line by the designer and the collection reflected this. Casual layering and clashing patterns provided a relaxed feel with fun, smock dresses in polka dots and a ditsy, floral print being shown. Belts at the waist gave definition whilst details such as utilitarian pockets and turn-ups on trousers to create a cropped effect meant that there were very practical pieces. The collection had a subtle nomadic mood, with eclectic pieces which looked as though they had been gathered on global travels- grey suiting and tweeds from England, multi-coloured knits from Latin America and Russian babushka styles.
Diane Von Furstenberg began with a monochrome palette before introducing a kaleidoscope of colour. Influences ranged from gypsy style cuts and tier details to 1970’s Riviera glam as well as some ethnic-inspired embellishments. Pattern featured on numerous items, including tunic dresses. Overall, I found the collection lacked anything new although standout items were a pair of gold sequinned city shorts teamed with a grey skinny tee and a pale gold silk jumpsuit which was elegantly draped and cinched at the waist with a contrasting brown leather belt.
3.1 Phillip Lim showed an elegant, wearable collection with commercial appeal in these times of economic uncertainty. A neutral palette with monochrome and beige featured strongly, with injections of colour such as muted mustard, soft blue-grey and peach adding interest. Androgynous, tailored shirts were teamed with matador waistcoats and fringing also hinted at Spanish influence. Ruffles created volume on ‘80s inspired body-con pieces and a black t-shirt dress with a key piece being a grey v-neck dress with ruffles which was finished with a belt tied into a feminine bow. Texture was added to plain pieces through the use of crochet, lurex and sequin embellishments. The highlight of the show was definitely the accessories- statement necklaces appeared on most outfits and ruffle shoes in a rainbow of colours will undoubtedly generate long waiting lists.
Calvin Klein’s renowned minimalist style and neutral palette perfectly showcased a collection of clever, futuristic cuts and origami folds. The collection began with a series of voluminous dresses in white whilst silver satin and fine knits were introduced, adding texture. Pieces in the palest gold and a pleated, camel dress were equally wearable with a neutral asymmetric shift standing out whilst bright blue dresses provided an injection of colour.
Ralph Lauren showed an elegant, relaxed collection comprised of neutral pieces in khaki, olive, beige & white with highlights of gold. Cropped trousers were either gathered with drawstring or turned up to accentuate the ankles. Satin, androgynous tailoring and turbans hinted at inspiration drawn from historical interpretations of the exotic.
Zac Posen’s collection featured an ice-cream palette of soft, blush colours for feminine appeal whilst striking black pieces added drama for evening. Texture was created via “doily” cut-outs, richly embellished dresses, sheer animal-print layers and voluminous, gathered fabric.
Tommy Hilfiger showed a collection which remained true to his signature sporty, preppy style. Cool neutrals in black, white, beige and navy featured on a collection of classic, wearable styles whilst shocks of bright orange surprised.
Vera Wang’s collection was grown-up with sheer, gauzy layers contrasted against opulent, richly patterned fabrics. Tribal beading and oversized sequins in panels created attention on a muted palette of caramel, orange, olive, black and metallics.
Tory Burch showed a fresh collection of wearable pieces with ladylike, printed dresses for day, casual layers for relaxed holidays and elegant gowns for evening, most notably a coral column dress. The waist was a focal point, with belts cinched to draw attention.
Rodarte’s collection showed warrior women in a post-apocalyptic world. A neutral palette of beige, black and white predominantly featured with flashes of blue, gold, orange and lilac. Contrasting textures with rips, chains, mesh, black leather and bondage straps added a tough edge, highlighted by fitted leggings. The highlight of the show was the finale of maxi dresses with dip-dyed sheer layers creating volume.
Thakoon showed a strong collection with feminine dresses and relaxed trousers whilst remaining true to the edgy brand values. Cream dresses featured black bondage straps, glamorous sequin dresses had sheer panels and chiffon dresses had delicate patterns, whilst a quirky, rose pattern featured strongly, on pieces from dresses to granddad cardigans. Technical skill was showed off on floaty gowns with tight pleats.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Erb Eastern Treat Nourish Body Cream

2008-09-14T19:29:00.002+01:00

Eastern Treat is the bestselling range by ERB Thai Spa, aimed at normal to dry skin. My post-Summer skin was looking distinctly dehydrated so I was interested to trial this product.

The packaging- a plastic tub with a metal screw-on lid- is sleek but doesn't particularly scream "luxury Thai Spa" to me. I liked that the label states the key ingredients, including Rice Cream with Vitamin B to moisturise, Jasmine to soften & soothe and Mint to gently cleanse & refresh the senses.

Upon trying the product, I found the tub packaging quite annoying as the cream has to be scooped out which was quite messy, getting under my nails and difficult to portion out. It's a rich consistency but unlike some creams, was easily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue which really impressed me. At first, I wasn't keen on the Jasmine scent, finding it far too overpowering, however, once the scent developed, it was actually rather pleasant. Overall, this product was effective, keeping my skin feeling smooth and hydrated for hours & whilst I did enjoy using it, for the hefty price tag, I'd rather spend my pennies on a more indulgent brand or an organic option.

Why GoldenEye isn't just a Bond movie

2008-09-13T16:44:00.015+01:00

Model Photo- backstage at Tuleh, AW08 collection, with thanks.

Metallic beauty dazzled at the AW08 shows, making gold one of the key beauty trends for the season. It's a gorgeous look for evenings- the trick is to build up colour on the eyes and keep the rest of the face sheer, simple & nude. Don't forget to use the best brushes you can afford (I swear by MAC) & invest in Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion for all-night-long staying power. Here's some fab brands to try...

Benefit's bestselling "Moon Beam" helps to create a flawless base- it's a highlighting liquid with delicate golden pigment. Apply to cheekbones or, do as I do & mix with your moisturiser for overall radiance.
The more I see from Jelly Pong Pong, the more I love it! The products have quirky names, are reasonably priced & have strong pigments which last without having to be reapplied. I adore the packaging of "single & lovin' it" eyeshadows which have a mini mirror for easy application & magnetic closure to keep the product protected. They don't come with an applicator but hey, a girl can't always have everything & besides, I'd rather use a decent brush than one of those fiddly sponges. Their "Natural Blonde" shade is a fantastic base for the metallic look- a light, sheer gold with plenty of shimmer pigments for a grown-up sheen. It also works well to highlight (use just under the brows, along the bone) and can be applied dry or wet for more intense pigment.

Chanel's Soft Touch "Gold" eyeshadow (number 62) is a delicate gold shade which is highly pigmented and definately recommended for sweeping over the entire eyelid. If the luxurious packaging doesn't make you feel like a million dollars when you are getting ready for your night out, nothing will.

One of the favourites I've tried is Sisley Golden Touch. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Yes, it's pretty pricey & I know that plenty of brands offer gold eyeshadows but I haven't come across one which is as good as this. If you can only afford to invest in 1 shadow, make it this one. Sisley is certainly not one of those "cosmetic giants" which springs to mind when considering various brands but once tried, customers return again & again. Sisley's products all contain the best natural ingredients which feel wonderful when applied to the skin. Sisley Touch is available in Golden, Copper or Silver and the powder-cream formula is incredible- it glides onto the skin beautifully, it contains moisturising ingredients such as Calendula & boasts amazing staying power. Use a wash of colour on your eyelid, or as a highlighter by applying by your tear ducts to brighten the eyes & make them appear larger.

Shu Uemura is one of the best in beauty at creating eyeshadows (I STILL can't decide between MAC & Shu Uemura for first place!). Their pigments are strong & one of the most intense I've tried, with amazing staying power. ME Gold 350 is a gorgeous shade which really stands out and is definately the most "metallic" of those trialled. You only need to apply a small amount to create impact so I'd use this on the outer corners of the eyelid. Due to the strong pigment, this is an excellent choice for darker skins. The only negative is that it's a slightly darker gold to those used in the trend images I've seen, with the fashion shots showing a lighter wash than this, which has some copper tones.

After all your hard work creating a beautiful, metallic base, be sure to finish the look in an elegant, subtle way. In my opinion, black is too harsh a choice for the liner & mascara so is best avoided unless you want to look as though you are on your way to an Egyptian fancy dress party. Instead, opt for brown, earthy tones which will look far softer. Personally, I like Elizabeth Arden's Bronze Eye Pencil which glides on without dragging the skin & it might also be of interest to note that there's a sheer gold offered. Finish with a slick of your favourite brown mascara.

The great thing about the metallic look is that it works on everyone- from those with the fairest skin to dark skin tones (+ it also helps to brighten tired eyes!) & it's an easy, wearable way to tap into an AW08 beauty trend without the intimidation of other looks such as goth. So, use this as a golden opportunity to try it yourself today!

You say Topshop, I say Topstore

2008-09-13T12:32:00.004+01:00

US readers will no doubt be excited to hear that access to Topshop clothes is now far easier than having to catch a plane across the Pond. Topshop has launched Topshop USA. com, making its collections available online to US customers for the first time. As far as I can see, the site offers the same collections as the UK and the prices work out at around the same rate too. I'd love to hear what you guys think, any experiences from visiting this site, etc..
Check it out... http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=13052&catalogId=32051

On another note, Kate Moss's new AW08 collection for Topshop is now available. Personally, I think the sooner this woman disappears from the fashion scene, the better- she's just sooo passe in my opinion and I'm almost reluctant to post words about her! The collection appears to be another predictable combination of skinny jeans, tank tops, a few party dresses & more of the same print tea-dresses....basically, she's spent about 5 minutes pulling a few items out of her wardrobe & had them copied, paying no attention to the words "quality control" & Topshop have slapped vastly inflated prices on them. And as for the naff tank top with a picture of her face on it? she really must be on drugs!

Good Karma

2008-09-09T23:10:00.007+01:00

It's my mum's birthday this week and as she's just taken up yoga, I chose to give her a gorgeous yoga mat to act as motivation.

I chose a mat from every yummy-mummy's favourite brand for yoga, Calmia (pictured above). I was disappointed to see that they do not directly sell yoga accessories online but followed the links to one of their stockists & was delighted to discover the website http://www.whatagirlneeds.co.uk/

The aptly-named site is filled with tempting treats but I was VERY restrained, just ordering the yoga mat for mum and crossing my fingers that it would arrive in time. I was AMAZED when it arrived bright & early the next morning (I'd only ordered it a few hours before!)- the parcel was packaged well and despite being quite heavy, had not cost me a fortune in postage. The mat looks fab so hopefully mum will like it!

I can highly recommend this site & what's more, they are offering 20% off purchases for the next few days- check it out!

If the excitement gets too much, here's a tip for a relaxing yoga move which you can do at home, kindly provided by Donna Morrison, Personal Trainer at TEMPLE Country Retreat & Spa in Ireland. http://www.templespa.ie/
"When you have a few moments to yourself, deliberately stick out your tongue as far as you can, curling it downwards to ease tension in the jawline. At the same time, try to synchronise this with clenching of the fists/ opening them in a flicking movement alternately. All movement should be in a downward direction to push away any negativity, frustration & stress. Finish by shaking out the hands- a fantastic, quick stress reliever!"

YSL Beaute AW08 Collection Review

2008-09-06T13:42:00.005+01:00

Many fashion houses view the cosmetics & perfume market as an easy way to gain mass market appeal & extend their brand offering without necessarily giving much thought to the actual product. Yves Saint Laurent, however, is one brand whose cosmetics offering proves that investment in R & D can really pay off. Their much-loved Touche Eclat has definitely earned a place in the Beauty Hall of Fame with 1 reportedly being sold every 20 seconds globally & personally, I simply can't live without their Easy Liner so I always look forward to their new season collections with childlike excitement!

For AW08, the collection is spot-on.

For skin, there's Top Secret Flash Radiance (pictured above)- this is the product which originally caught my attention. Presented in YSL's signature easy-to-use packaging, this is a base product which promises to add a natural glow to even the most fatigued winter complexions. To use, it must be applied to cleansed skin, wait 2 minutes for it to dry then moisturise. I found the 2 minutes waiting time somewhat annoying but patience is rewarded as skin is left feeling velvety smooth. The formula contains pink micropigments which reflect the light to really flatter and I'd definitely recommend this as a good boost for skin if you are happy to go without make-up. For those who can't live without their foundation, however, I'd say stick with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. It doesn't contain the pigments but for ease of application and a sheer base, you can't beat it.

I was more than impressed with the eyeshadow palettes which have been introduced. There are 6 new palettes to choose from, each containing 5 complementary colours. The gold compact packaging is totally fabulous & the pigments are a fantastic mix of everyday taupes to party brights, meaning there's something for everyone. I'm particularly lusting after the purple "Lilac Sky" combo and green "Garden of Eden".

Finally, there are 2 new lipglosses- a shocking pink which, in my opinion, is far too bright although is obviously packed with pigment so a good choice if pink's your thing and a much more wearable wine shade which goes on as a sheer gloss which is incredibly chic.

September Offers & Sample Sales

2008-09-02T11:58:00.005+01:00

We'll no doubt be bombarded with glamorous photos from the various Fashion Weeks this month but lacking an A-list budget needn't mean missing out on superstar worthy treats!

Offers:
http://www.beautyexpert.co.uk/ is offering a FREE Aromatherapy Associates tealight trio when you buy any product from the Enrich Bodycare range
http://www.beautique.com/ is offering a FREE Seriously Black Kohl Pencil when you buy any Urban Retreat product
http://www.lookfantastic.com/ is offering a FREE Joico white vanity case when you buy any three Joico products
http://www.nailsbymail.com/ is holding a clearance sale on Essie nail polishes, with prices from £4.25- there are some gorgeous neutral shades so why not check it out?
http://www.champneys.com/ is inviting you to bring a friend for FREE when you book a two night spa break

Sample Sales:
Rupert Sanderson is holding a sample sale with past-season shoes from £50. He's one of the nicest guys in fashion & fans of his designs include Scarlett Johansson & Emily Blunt- as if you need an excuse!
25-27th September. Thursday & Friday 10am-7pm and Saturday 10am-8pm at The Grosvenor Chapel, 24, South Audley Street. London. W1K 2PA.
N Peal cashmere is holding a sample sale with cashmere from £20- just in time to stock up & wrap up warm for Winter!
4th & 5th September, 4-8pm at 37-40, Burlington Arcade, London. W1J 0QD
The London Fashion Weekend sale is one of the best, in my opinion, as there's such a range of brands under one roof. With various sponsored bars & beauty treatments to provide a break from shopping, this is a great way to spend a girly day so grab some friends & head down!
From 24th-28th September at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington- check out http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/ for details.

Tried & Tested... Hand Creams

2008-09-01T00:26:00.012+01:00

The market is completely saturated with hand creams, ranging from the cheapest of the cheap to budget busting luxury buys so it can be hugely confusing knowing which one to choose. Hopefully the tried & testeds below will go some way to making the decision a little easier because heaven knows that once you've made that choice, you'll be faced with a dozen others... tall, Americano, skinny, sugar free...

1) Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment has a light, gel-cream consistency which is easily absorbed, leaving hands feeling smooth but not greasy. As the name suggests, this is scented with the distinctive Eight Hour Cream fragrance which I know is not to everyone's liking. I'd say that this is the best choice for beauty buffs who are likely to already be familiar with the scent and who'll appreciate the sleek packaging which won't embarasss when applying in public- a great one for the office desk drawer!

2) The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector is one of those classic products which made the brand a success. The scent is distinctive and in my opinion, has the most unisex appeal of those tested- luckily, it won't matter if your man pilfers some as this cream lasts FOREVER! Offering excellent value for money at £10 for 100ml, this cream works miracles on even the driest, cracked hands after just one application of the teeniest amount.

3) HEAVEN by Deborah Mitchell Vanilla Pod Hand & Nail Cream is a sweetly scented, rich cream which does leave some greasy residue, meaning that it's a better choice for nighttime. I like the old-fashioned glass pot which this is packaged in as it's quite unusual & looks cute on the dressing table. This is the best eco choice as it's free from nasties such as parabens.

4) Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy is one of my favourites for its fresh scent and effective moisturisation. Teamed with La Source Hand Recovery exfoliator, it makes an indulgent yet quick hand treatment- perfect for at-home pampering! The choice of a 100ml tube or 50ml handbag size mean that you need never be without it!

5) Molton Brown Naran Ji Soothing Hand Lotion SPF 15 is a light, easily absorbed lotion formula with a delicate orange scent. The old adage, "you can tell a person's age by looking at their hands," means that it makes perfect sense to care for your hands as you would your face and that includes using a daily SPF protective moisturiser. For anti-aging prevention, this lotion is great as it has UVA & UVB broad spectrum sun protection meaning that it gains my recommendation if you're choosing to buy just one hand cream- make it this one.

Is it just me?

2008-08-30T17:44:00.003+01:00

Is it just me or is anyone else seriously OVER The Body Shop? Hugely successful in the '80s and '90s, I'm sure we can all remember going crazy over at least one of their products- be it collecting the animal shaped soaps, being desperate to receive a Body Shop Gift Basket at Christmas or slathering on their much-loved Body Butters- but in recent years The Body Shop has failed to wow. Yes, I'm sure that everyone still has at least one Body Shop item in their bathroom (please please don't let it be those weird little metal devices marketed as at-home blackhead removers- that's a job which should be strictly reserved for the experts to deal with) and I have been impressed by their continually strong customer service on the few occasions I have wandered in recently but on the whole, I've become increasingly disenchanted with the brand.
In many ways, The Body Shop's success was based on its pioneering attitude to beauty, for example introducing Community Trade long before everyone was talking about the Fair Trade movement and their much-missed Refill/Recycle scheme so I'm disappointed that they seem to have forgotten this and have shown little effort in realising our desires when it comes to beauty today. Everyone's talking about products which are free-from parabens, sodium laureth sulphate and the like so it seems incredible to me that The Body Shop have failed to pick up on this- it would have fit in so perfectly with everything that the brand should be associated with. Wonderful brands such as Yes To Carrots have shown that economic shortcomings needn't mean ecological ones and with the backing of L'Oreal's R & D department I can only hope that this is something which The Body Shop will address sooner rather than later.

Ooh La La!

2008-08-29T12:56:00.006+01:00

My passion for all things purple this Autumn Winter was confirmed this week when the adorable Cafe Cuties collection from OPI arrived.

I'd been lusting after Louvre Me, Louvre Me Not (purple with a hint of shimmer) but was thrilled to find this set which contains 4 miniatures for just £1 more than the price I'd pay for 1 full sized bottle (let's be honest, has anyone in the history of beauty ever finished an entire bottle of polish?). It's a great way to sample a couple of additional seasonal colours, although the cute, teeny bottles make application somewhat fiddely- I miss my ProWide! I'm currently rocking Parlez Vous OPI on my toes- it's a fab transeasonal colour which is best described as a muted lilac-grey but my favourite in the set has to be the stunning, Eiffel for This Colour- a gorgeous, rich berry-brown which could almost be described as aubergine in some lights.

In my quest to find the OPI Collection De France shades, stumbling upon this set was a real surprise as the majority of sites only offer the single polishes... check out http://www.beautyexpert.co.uk/ who provide a fantastic, speedy service and see Scrangie's blog for swatches of the colours.

Girl Done Good- Again!

2008-08-26T16:25:00.003+01:00

Can Samantha Cameron get any better?! As Creative Director of uber lust-have brand, Smythson, she continues to wow with the "Maze" collection- new for AW08. I was beginning to wonder whether we'd actually see any decent new bags this season to dream about (gasp!) but whilst juggling being a perfectly groomed working mother/ future First Lady (here's hoping, we could do with a style icon in Number 10 after years of having to stare at total frumps!), she found the time to come up with a really unique design which has seriously set my pulse racing! It's so hard to choose a favourite from a 1970s inspired colour palette which seriously rocks but I think my favourite is the gorgeous cassis (pictured above)- one of those colours which is so very "this season" but will come around again & again making this a justifiable investment.

M & S- I'm Impressed!

2008-08-26T16:02:00.004+01:00

Marks & Spencer, that perennial of the British High Street & everyone's mum's favourite, has really picked up its game in recent years. Somewhat cleverly, M & S has revamped itself to appeal to new customers by introducing more fashion-led designs, segmenting its departments & responding to the "green" trend (as well as some rather snazzy ad campaigns) without compromising on quality & value for money so not alienating its loyal, existing customers. I'm lusting after this classic black dress with a twist from the Limited collection- it'll be perfect for work & with the addition of some funky accessories, will take me straight from the office to the bar!

Available at http://www.marksandspencer.com/

Here it is... my Number 1 Beauty Secret....shhh!

2008-08-26T00:23:00.007+01:00

In beauty interviews, people are often asked, "What's your No.1 Desert Island Beauty Essential?" Well, mine wouldn't be a product but my ultimate can't-live-without-service... Eyebrow Threading by Browse London. Well-maintained eyebrows are essential to a groomed appearance and eyebrow shaping is regularly descibed as having "immediate face-lift" results due to its ability to instantly change your appearance.
Eyebrow Threading is an ancient Asian technique where cotton thread is manipulated around the hairs to gently remove them- it's an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin and is my personal choice as it doesn't pull the delicate skin around the eye area (as with other techniques such as waxing). I'm renowned within my group of friends for my ridiculously low pain threshold but even I can cope with this... it's a weird feeling which I find strangely relaxing! The best comparison I can equate it with is that feeling when you get a hair elastic caught on the tiny hairs on your arm.
In my opinion, Browse London offer the best service in the Capital. I'm quite a nervous customer when trying a new eyebrow therapist but trust these guys 100%. They do such a fantastic job and the service is unrivalled, in spite of the undoubtedly high footfall of customers they must see. Centrally located with a walk-in only policy & brilliant value for money, it's easy to fit a visit to the eyebrow bar into your routine so there's no excuse to be seen with anything less than perfectly groomed brows!

http://www.browselondon.co.uk/

Light Up Your Life- Tried & Tested Candles

2008-08-24T12:39:00.009+01:00

Whilst candles aren't necessarily associated with Summer, the terrible weather we've been having has made me start thinking about Autumn Winter unusually early! I'm looking forward to indulging in long baths and making my home cosy with wonderfully fragrant candles. Here's a selection (in no particular order) of Tried & Testeds to help you choose....

1) Diptyque Baies Candle- one of the bestselling candles from the famous French brand, this candle is the perfect choice for a gift as the scent is so popular the recepitant is sure to love it. Fantastic room-filling, sophisticated fragrance with up to 60hrs burn time.

http://www.diptyqueparis.com/

2) Ei8ht Captiv8 Candle- Ei8ht is a relatively new brand run by 2 fantastic, friendly girls. I'm loving this candle which is wonderfully scented with sweet Bulgarian Rose & Blackcurrant Leaves & beautifully presented in an indulgent purple pot. The candle offers a delicate room-filling scent & is the perfect way to treat yourself- simply light & accompany with a luxurious bath.

http://www.ei8ht.com/

3) Judith Michael & Daughter Tomato & Blackcurrant Candle- A signature candle from Judith Michael & Daughter boutique in Primrose Hill. The candle is 100% natural with effective room-filling fragrance and is a really unusual scent which I've totally fallen in love with! The scent is very fresh and would be a good choice for a couple's home as it isn't so overpowering as to be offputting for men.

http://www.judithmichael.com/

4) Natural Magic ReBalance Candle- 100% organic candles loved by celebrities such as Sienna Miller & Gwyneth Paltrow, the popular ReBalance candle combines Mandarin, Cinnamon & Clove oils for a scent which reminds me of Christmas. The perfect eco choice!

http://www.neomorganics.com/

5) Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle- Jo Malone is one of those cult brands which us girls adore but men will never understand! Lime Basil & Mandarin is one of her bestselling scents- a fresh, citrus combination which is used in products from perfume & body lotion to guest soaps & candles. This is the ideal choice for "cocooning" (enveloping yourself in your favourite scent).

http://www.jomalone.co.uk/

SPECIAL OFFERS THIS MONTH

2008-08-24T12:12:00.003+01:00

Here's a round-up of special offers this month- go on, treat yourself!

http://www.boots.com/ is offering a free No.7 gift worth up to £31 when you spend £20 or more on No.7
http://www.lookfantastic.com/ is offering a free Fake Bake the Face Bamboo Buffing Polish worth £10.50 when you buy Fake Bake the Face Self Tanning Lotion
http://www.renskincare.com/ is celebrating the Olympic success by offering a free Glycolactic Mask worth £28 when you spend £28 or over- but hurry, the offer ends at midnight tomorrow!
http://www.amaraspa.co.uk/ in Fulham is offering a free St.Tropez Body Polish, Moisturiser and Beach Towel when you buy a course of St. Tropez Spray Tans

Stay tuned for more.... x

Bathroom De-Clutter

2008-08-23T23:37:00.004+01:00

I decided to have a bathroom blitz this week. I have so many products yet only tend to use my favourite tried & tested ones so used this as inspiration to clear out the clutter. Some products "go off" and should be discarded within a certain timespan after opening- the others, I've offered to friends or taken to the women's refuge. I'll be drip-feeding my fave products on here so keep watch!

Birthday Fun

2008-08-23T23:07:00.003+01:00

It was my birthday this week and I decided to celebrate with a Seven Deadly Sins themed party. Rather than full-on fancy dress, I chose a dress code of "fabulous with a hint of a sin". For my own sin inspired outfit, I went for ENVY & enjoyed getting dressed up in a beautifully cut LBD with metallic green eyeshadow exaggerated around my eyes. Such a strong colour really requires good staying power- there would be nothing worse than just a few lines of the colour sinking into the creases of my eye with the rest of the colour rubbing off! I've found that URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION (£9.50) is a wonderfully effective product which gives even the cheapest eyeshadows all-night-long staying power. Check out this link to buy...
http://www.hqhair.com/code/products.asp?PageID=578&SectionID=557&FeaturedProduct=5203&pID=2
I invited my friends to join me for themed cocktails and canapes before heading to a club...Classic Champagne Cocktail for PRIDE, Bloody Mary Bites (marinated cherry tomatoes) for WRATH, Risotto Stuffed Mushrooms for SLOTH, Asparagus Spears wrapped in Parma Ham for ENVY, Vodka Jellies in Gemstone shapes for GREED, a selection of mini Cupcakes for GLUTTONY and Strawberries with a Chocolate & Grand Marnier Dipping Sauce for LUST along with pink Sea Breeze Cocktail.
I've always found that choosing a theme helps in the planning of a party as well as adding a fun element... here are some other ideas to inspire... Best of British, Black & White, Academy Awards, Las Vegas... why not let me know what fun party themes you can come up with?

Got it nailed...

2008-08-15T00:32:00.003+01:00

The weather outside might not reflect the fact that we are in a high Summer month which means that I'm starting to consider my AW08 wardrobe in greater detail than ever. Whilst I've always been one to plan in advance (don't want to miss out on the best bits!), this is one of the first seasons that I've planned my look from head to toenails. This year, I'm getting very into the trends for different nail colours each season... when we were experiencing good weather (for all of 2 minutes), I was loving a slightly pale orange colour with a hint of coral for my toes- absolutely fabulously flattering against sunkissed skin & gold gladiator sandals- whilst for Winter, I'm looking forward to indulging in the new greys and purples. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing the new offerings from Chanel (rumoured to be bringing out a gorgeous silver-grey)& OPI (whose AW08 collection takes inspiration from Paris)- I'm just deciding which one to try first!

2008-07-11T23:40:00.004+01:00

I've just come back from a treatment with renowned celebrity facialist, Deborah Mitchell.
Her signature LIA Therapy combines lymph drainage, incandescent massage and acupressure to leave skin plumped & glowing- it's no surprise that celebrities such as Dannii Minogue are huge fans of her treatments! Deborah also has "white witch" credentials, meaning that she "reads" clients during the treatment- time will tell if her predictions are correct but she was certainly bang-on for picking up on my current worries & fears. This element to the treatment means that it is a far more emotional & spiritual experience to traditional facials but Deborah's healing hands meant that I left feeling like a weight had been lifted, I felt totally re-energised as well as her being able to pin-point underlying health issues.

I'm totally obsessed with the HEAVEN Organic Skincare range & am so excited that I can use the products at home as I wait for my next treatment with Deborah (there is minimum 1yr waiting). I'm loving the Cleanse & Tone Facial Wash which is quick & easy to use in my morning shower- with an amazing citrus scent that makes it almost good enough to eat! However, my can't-live-without product has to be Skin Polish Exfoliator, a glycolic formula which leaves skin glowing! I like to apply a thin layer as an overnight mask once a week, simply rinsing off in the morning to reveal an enviable complexion. It's an especially good exfoliator option for sensitive or mature skins as it doesn't contain harsh scrubbing particles which can scratch the skin & break capillaries.

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink

2008-06-26T23:51:00.004+01:00

I didn't need to watch the weather forecast to predict that there would be rain this week- the combination of both Wimbledon & Glastonbury meant we never stood a chance! This week, my blog is specially themed to celebrate these 2 events of the British Summer calendar...

When you think of GLASTONBURY Festival, your mind inevitably conjures up images of music, beer and tents but above all else.. MUD! Wellies have become an essential item and ever since Kate Moss was pictured sporting a pair a couple of years' ago, Hunters have become the must-have brand. For Glastonbury this year, Hunter have produced a special, limited editon pair to raise money & awareness of the charity, Wateraid- they are my major LUST-HAVE this week!

This week, everyone's been talking about... SATC: The Movie

2008-05-30T21:59:00.003+01:00

From T.V. ads and billboards to radio & magazine interviews, there's been no escaping the fabulous four this week as SATC: The Movie stormed box offices for one of the most eagerly anticipated film releases of the year. I've decided to specially dedicate my blog page in honour!

I'm yet to see the film but am unbelivably excited about it! My friends and I have planned a special girlie weekend- what better excuse could there be? We're going to shop 'til we drop, dress up, make cocktails & go out partying before finally putting our feet up (gotta give those precious Manolos a rest sometimes girls!) & watching the film.

SATC was ground-breaking and undeniably defined a generation... it appealed to women everywhere & let's face it, for most it was pretty aspirational... how many of its fans actually have a life like that? However, there was something in each of the characters or stories to which we could all relate & its success was well-deserved!

Top Ten Tips for the Bank Holiday Weekend

2008-05-23T22:02:00.001+01:00

1) Pile on the jumpers & have a boozy BBQ
2) Check out the new Indiana Jones movie which everyone's talking about
3) Boring but satisfying, have a Spring clean
4) Do the Circle Line pub crawl before alcohol is banned on the tube
5) Need a hat for Royal Ascot or a Summer wedding? Head to Selfridges on Saturday & get advise on choosing a hat from top milliner, Phillip Treacy
6) Check out the Bank Holiday Sales
7) Get cultured at Somerset House by visiting the Skin & Bones exhibition which explores parallels between fashion & architecture
8) Swot up on SATC by grabbing some girlfriends, shaking some cocktails & dusting off your old boxset before the long-awaited movie hits cinemas
9) Kick off the English Summer Season with a trip to Glyndebourne
10) Sleep in!

My Lust-Have of the Week

2008-05-23T21:57:00.001+01:00

I'm loving LACE right now & predict it's going to be huge for AW '08. For a reunion with an ex-boyfriend last week, I teamed a black lace shift dress with black opaque tights, killer chunky heels, classic Chanel red lippy & a knockout pearl cluster ring. Sounds a little costume- like? It wasn't... I felt fabulous, confident & sexy without worrying that I was flashing too much flesh.