Wednesday, 30 April 2008

LINDSAY´S OUTFIT

Here is Lindsay at LG Electronics launch of Scarlet HDTV series looking, well Lindsay. She has not looked good for ages and I am not particularly fond of her outfit at this picture. Her blue dress looks OK on her but it kind of reminds me of circus tent and it looks very cheap. The dress is made by Catherine Malandrino. She face still looks orange but luckily not as much as usually, so that´s good. And her legs look good in those heels.

BUNNY FUN AT COLETTE

Jelly shoes are not my idea of chich but Brazilian footwear label Melissa, whose best-selling Ultragirl peep-toe flats adorned with Disney's Oswald, The Lucky Rabbit design will debut at Colette, Paris' famed fashion store. They are available in white, grey, red, green or brown - and a steal at 55 Euros - we're told these are the comfiest flats around due to their specially developed MELFLEX material.

"I believe plastic is only limited by a designer's creativity," explains Edson Matsuo, creative director of the brand, which previously has collaborated with the likes of Judy Blame, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Karim Rashid, J Maskrey and the Campana Brothers. Expect the humble jelly to get even more glamorous with Vivienne Westwood as its latest collaborator - think velvet flock and jewel colours. A selection of Melissa footwear will also be available from, Browns Focus and Harvey Nichols in London from May 2008. Visit http://www.melissa.com.br/ for further information.



Source: vogue.co.uk

ROSSI'S RED

You will know how to spot a celebrity at the Cannes Film Festival next month - look out for the glitterati wearing this strictly A-list only shoe, created exclusively for the event by master footwear label Sergio Rossi, on the red carpet. "This shoe celebrates the festive mood of a festival that takes place in one of the most beautiful and glamorous coasts of the world," says Edmundo Castillo, Sergio Rossi's creative director. "An event where cinema and fashion meet to fill your eyes with inspiration."

The gold and silver satin sandal has a distinctly starry two centimetre platform and 11 centimetre heel, and is inscribed with "limited edition red carpet 2008" on the sole. The best part? Mere mortals will get the chance to buy into a little of the glamour, as a limited edition run of 150 pairs will be going on-sale in Sergio Rossi boutiques from May 14.

Source: vogue.co.uk

SUNGLASS HUT SAYS PUT THEM ON


Fancy stepping out in a touch of Tom Ford or a bit of Burberry? Well now you can, thanks to Sunglass Hut, whose new Put Them On campaign is all about transforming appearances and influencing personality. Launching on May 6 in the UK, the global campaign will position the Luxottica-owned group as the destination for luxury sun eyewear. While the label already boasts Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Bulgari and Prada in its repertoire, we're most excited about its latest addition: Tiffany & Co. All you have to do now is work out who you want to be - Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O…?


Source: vogue.co.uk



AGYNESS THE SINGER?



British supermodel Agyness Deyn is lending her vocals to Who, a track by New York-based band Five O'Clock Heroes, which will be released on June 23. She will be starring in the video also. Personally I don´t have any high hopes for her, although I have never heard her sing. Just the model-turned-singer thing has not worked for anybody so far. Not with success at least! Just in case, don´t give up your day job, Agyness. You are good at it!

LONDON FASHION WEEK DATES


British Fashion Council has just announced that September 14 to 19 2008 are the dates for the next London Fashion Week shows. There will be over 50 catwalk outings on the official schedule and the acclaimed Exhibition once again running at the Natural History Museum (from September 15 to 18), all sponsored by Canon. It cannot be missed! For more information visit the official website, http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/.

LANVIN DENIM

Denim devotees rejoice: Alber Elbaz has revealed that Lanvin is working with cult label Acne on its first line of jeans. "I want to bring Lanvin into their know-how," the designer tells The Daily. "What if you don't want to wear a skinny jean? It's time to go back to a product that has a dream to it. I asked myself, 'What kind of jeans can I bring that will be a Lanvin jean and Acne spirit infused in one?'"
While no official contract between the two labels has been signed, Elbaz confirms the project is going full steam ahead, with 2009 in mind for launch. And it doesn't stop there. "It's being created out of a need, like how we don't do an entire bridal line but instead have a few pieces," he added. "It's the first of several niches I'd like to build."


Source: vogue.co.uk

Monday, 28 April 2008

POP UP SHOP ROUS ILAND

If you go down to Canary Wharf today you're sure to be in for a fashionable surprise: Rous Iland, the new members personal shopping service and online boutique, is setting up its first ever pop-up shop. For four days only, London's docklands will be treated to the wisdom of Clare Rous and Kara Iland, founders of the must-know shopping service which aims to solve all of your wardrobe dilemmas taking note of your measurements, previous buys and wish list items.
Stocking labels such as Noir, Botkier and Nicola de Main as well as designs by Central Saint Martins-trained Mattijis van Bergen, be sure to pop in on your lunch break, after work or better yet on Wednesday, when not only will you get the benefit of the girl's advice, but a cocktail too. The Rous Iland pop up shop opens today from 3pm. Visit http://www.rousiland.com/ for further information.

Source: vogue.co.uk

FRANCIS BEAN FOR CHANEL?

I have read reports that Francis Bean who is the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, is in talks to be the face of Chanel for 2008. She is only 15 years old. Of cource Francis is said to be "overwhelmed" but I don´t think it´s a good idea at all. I believe that the only reason why Karl Lagerfeld wants her is because she is the daughter of a rock legend. Do you really think that she had a chance if she wasn´t the daugher of Kurt and Courtney? And the second question I want to ask is: What are you smoking Karl? Stop it now and come to your senses!

AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK STARTED

Fashion's spotlight falls on Australia this week, where the likes of Sass & Bide, Ginger & Smart, Kirrily Johnston, Zimmerman, Thurley and Alex Perry will be showing what they've got up their stylish sleeves for spring/summer 2008 at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. Johnston kicked off the action yesterday (time difference permitting), with her Modern Nomad collection of layered draped jersey and stirruped leggings accented with decadent flashes of gold.

One person notably absent from the schedule this season is eminent designer Kit Willow Podgornik, who showed her latest Willow collection in New York, but who is supporting Australia as keenly as ever by opening her first standalone store - based in a two-story Victorian terrace that used to house an art gallery - in her native Sydney this month. "The Willow boutique is the perfect seamless blank canvas to express each season's collection in its entirety," says Podgornik. "It's very liberating to be able to finally represent the product mix I visualise in a retail environment designed and created by the essence of the brand."



Source: vogue.co.uk

MIRANDA KERR AT RACES

Victoria's Secret model Miranda Kerr and her boyfriend Orlando Bloom spent the weekend at the races in Sydney. It was their first public appearance together. Miranda wore a long-sleeved black Australian designer Collette Dinnigan dress, Prada clutch and Yves Saint Laurent heels. The dress is from Collette Dinnigan´s A/W 2008 collection.
I think that she looks very glamorous although I personally would have preferred a brighter outfit and not black as it´s a horse race and it´s sunny. It looks like she is going to a funeral. But she is cute anyway.

Sunday, 27 April 2008

SATC STARS ON OPRAH ON MAY 1ST!

The Sex and the City stars fly out of Chicago's O'Hare airport after taping an episode of Oprah in the Windy City. They will be on Oprah on Thursday, May 1st. I think they all look fabulous! Please, can anybody record the show and put it on Youtube! I would love to watch it but unfortunately I don´t live in America.

DOLCE & GABBANA PRE-FALL 2008

I found a new ad for Dolce & Gabbana pre-fall 2008 collection. Looks good, I think! The model at left is Jessica Stam and at the right is Caroline Trentini.

CELEBRITY BEAUTY SECRETS

This article below is from British newspaper Telegraph and it is written by Karena Callen. In the article the most beautiful people reveal their 21 make-up must-haves, skincare savers and body buffers. As you notice, many of the products you can buy at Boots. Cheap but effective! I love it! It´s a long article but interesting!


1. The Skin Cleanser

Mario Badescu Almond & Honey Face Scrub, £13.50, is adored by Helena Christensen, the supermodel and photographer, as much for its gorgeous smell as for its face-freshening effect. 'It smells like marzipan,' says Christensen. 'And gives my skin a clean, velvety feeling.' From hqhair.com


2. The Neutral LipLiner

Unless you want to look like a 1980s throwback, steer clear of a lipliner that is darker than your natural lip colour. Get it spot-on by following Keira Knightley's lead. Revered for her smoky eyes and pale lips combo, the actress found her perfect pencil at none other than Boots. 'No7 Lip Liner [£6.75] in Nude, is the perfect colour,' says Knightley. 0845 070 8090

3. The Classic Red Lipstick
A red mouth is the epitome of glamour. Finding a red that works for every colouring is hard, but you can't go wrong with Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick, £11, a deep, Chinese-lacquer red that works equally well on the English rose and the Californian blonde. It's the signature colour of the burlesque artist Dita Von Teese and the designer Lulu Guinness. 'I'm so low-maintenance,' says Guinness. 'But if you wear red lipstick people think you've spent hours putting it on.' maccosmetics.co.uk

4. The Shiniest Lip-gloss

Along with her platinum-blond hair, Gwen Stefani's trademark is her glossy lips. Her gloss of choice? Urban Decay XXX Shine Lip Gloss, £10.50, an über-shiny syrup that comes in a myriad of lip-plumping shades. Go for Betsey, a toffee-apple red, as worn on the catwalk at Betsey Johnson, Naked, a gorgeous pinky nude, or Stefani's favourite, Ozone, the perfect crystal-clear top coat. From Boots (0845 070 8090)

5. The Lushest Lash Mascara

Bizarre but true, blinc's waterproof mascara creates tiny tubes around every lash to increase staying power. It has a cult following that includes the actresses Jennifer Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu and Sienna Miller. It's also a firm favourite with the model Daisy Lowe: 'Blinc Mascara [£18] is my newest beauty discovery. You can literally sleep in it and it won't smudge.' From http://www.harveynichols.co.uk/


6. The Multipurpose Beauty Balm

Originally created to make racehorses' legs look glossy and allegedly used by the SAS to protect their skin, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, £20, is the stuff of beauty legends. Hardly surprising that everyone from Kate Moss and Penélope Cruz to Rachel Bilson cites it as a beauty staple. 'It gives my skin a dewy look,' says Bilson, who daubs it on to highlight cheekbones, temples and lips. From Boots (0845 070 8090)

7. The Skin Perfecting Concealer

For hiding imperfections, the 'Sex and the City' star Sarah Jessica Parker swears by Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, £25, a creamy duo that can be blended to achieve the right shade. 'It covers, blends and doesn't look like you're wearing anything,' she says. Other fans include Angelina Jolie and Jade Jagger. 'I love Laura Mercier,' says Jagger. 'I feel like I am still myself, just beautifully enhanced - not painted over.' From Selfridges (020 7318 3378)

8. The Organic Hand Cream

One of the first to offer biodynamic and organic products, Jurlique is a favourite with the eco-aware. Alicia Silverstone cites it as one of her favourites, while Scheherazade Goldsmith loves the Jurlique Lavender Hand Cream, £17. 'It's velvety-rich and leaves your hands feeling supple and hydrated,' she says. jurlique.co.uk

9. The Skin-Enhancing Foundation

With a million and one formulations to choose from, which do the experts rate? Make-up artists, models and actresses alike bulk-buy Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Makeup SPF 15, £28, swearing by its age-defying properties. 'It glides on to skin so smoothly and leaves it looking radiant and young,' says the make-up artist Kay Montano. 'Salma Hayek, Thandie Newton and Anne Hathaway love it.' www.chanel.co.uk 'When I moved to LA the best thing was meeting Ole, my facialist, and David Bowie, my husband,' says the model Iman

10. The Daily SPF Moisturiser

For proof you don't have to spend a fortune to have good skin, try Reese Witherspoon's favourite moisturiser, Avon Solutions Hydra-Radiance Cream SPF 15, £8. 'I'm a working mother,' she says. 'So I need to keep it simple and quick. I wash my face then apply Hydra-Radiance, which has a built-in SPF to protect my skin.' avon.uk.com

11. The Miracle Hair Treat

Owner of the world's most enviable tresses, Elle Macpherson credits Frédéric Fekkai Overnight Hair Repair as being responsible for keeping her hair in tip-top condition. 'I apply it to my hair before bed when it's overworked. When I wash it out in the morning it feels renewed.' At £135, it's for red-carpet occasions only. From Space NK (020 8740 2085)



12. The Glow-Enhancing Bronzer

Even with her God-given tawny skin, the classical pianist Myleene Klass can't be without a faux bronzer. 'My beauty must-have is Ruby & Millie Complete Bronze Kit [£14],' reveals Klass. 'It makes my skin look great, even if I've had no sleep.' From Boots (0845 070 8090)

13. The Styling Cream

Model-of-the-moment and general hip-girl-about-town Agyness Deyn puts her much-admired coif down to Lee Stafford Messed Up Putty, £4.49. 'I'm a big fan of Lee's products, especially the putty,' says Deyn. 'It's by far the best product I have ever used to make my hair really choppy and messy.' leestafford.com

14. The Anti-Ageing Serum

The facialist Ole Henriksen is known for his fabulous facials and skincare line. One of his bestsellers, Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, £40, flies off the shelves. 'When I moved to LA the best thing was meeting Ole Henriksen, my facialist, and David Bowie, my husband,' says the model Iman. 'I put Truth Serum on at night if my skin is extra-dry. It's so luxurious and smells like oranges.' From Boots (0845 070 8090)


15. The Rejuvenating Mask

Face masks don't usually receive the kind of praise that other creams, lotions and potions attract. Apart from this one. Created by the Bliss Spa guru Marcia Kilgore, it's the celebrities' face mask of choice. 'I swear by Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask [£39],' says Chloë Sevigny. blisslondon.co.uk

16. The Budget Eyeliner

Whether you opt for a Hepburn 'flick' or a smoky Bardot eye, black eyeliner is the beauty staple that transforms your eyes. Adored by Kylie Minogue, Rimmel Special Eyes, £2.99 is the perfect jet-black pencil. Hard enough to get a crisp line when sharpened and soft enough to smudge for super-sexy definition. Available nationwide

17. The Stay-Put Lipstick

B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Biatch Lipstick, £9.50, in bright pink stays put and has lip-soothing ingredients such as rose absolute, poppyseed oil and sunflower Butter. The entire make-up line is suitable for vegans, so small wonder it already has a cult following. The soon-to-be Bond Girl Gemma Arterton adores its vibrancy and staying-power. 'I love B's Biatch hot-pink lipstick,' she says. 'The colour lasts for ages.' From http://www.lush.co.uk/

18. The Do-It-All Oil

With more than 100 years of history, the world-famous Johnson's Baby Oil, £2.65, has become a family favourite, not to mention a cult beauty buy. The actress Rosamund Pike claims she always 'keeps it handy', while Maggie Grace of Lost mixes the oil with Johnson's Baby Lotion 'to give my skin a sheen'. The lithe-limbed Jessica Alba, the star of Sin City, has her own trick. 'I highlight my skin using a pea-sized amount of Baby Oil mixed with my usual moisturiser to create a subtle shimmer.' From Boots (0845 070 8090)

19. The Budget Lip Conditioner

Ask most dermatologists to recommend a lip-balm and you'll be told there's nothing better than this. Everyone from Cath Kidston to Scarlett Johansson keeps a tin of Vaseline Lip Therapy, 99p, to hand to ensure lips stay in peak condition. From Boots (0845 070 8090)
20. The Eye-Make-up Remover

There are some products that are worth spending money on and eye-make-up remover is one of them. Take a leaf out of the book of the actress Juliette Binoche and invest in Lancôme Bi-Facil Non Oily Instant Cleanser for Sensitive Eyes, £18. 'I've used it for over ten years and never changed. I love the fragrance, comfort and efficiency.' lancome.co.uk


21. The De-Puffing Eye Cream

Whether or not your face is being blown-up to screen size, puffy eyes are a well-known beauty blight. But according to the Oscar-winning make-up artist Trefor Proud, Omorovicza Reviving Eye Cream, £65, is a boon for those with sleepy eyes and dark circles. It's certainly scored highly with the actress Laura Linney. 'Laura is sometimes on set for hours on end. I found that using the eye cream reduced puffiness and gave her eyes a fresh, wide-awake look.' omorovicza.com

22. The Nail Nourisher

There's little point in lavishing attention on skincare if your hands and nails look ten years older. The actress Minnie Driver wouldn't leave home without her favourite beauty staple: 'I don't travel without Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream [£16],' says Driver. 'It's always in my hand luggage.' 0800 036 3558



23. The Organic Body Oil

The model Erin O'Connor claims she can't live without Dr Hauschka Lavender Oil, £18. 'It's soothing, relaxing and sleep-inducing, especially on long-haul flights,' says O'Connor. 'It absorbs into my skin without leaving it greasy, and it's effective enough to use on super-dry areas, such as elbows and feet.' drhauschka.co.uk

24. The Almost-Invisible Powder

Powder-phobes afraid of looking caked would be well-advised to invest in one of Hollywood's best-kept beauty secrets. Kanebo Translucent Loose Powder, £55, not only works with any skin tone, but also feels light as a feather and is almost imperceptible. The actress Helen Mirren relied on it to keep her skin paparazzi-perfect throughout the Oscars. As her make-up artist, Elaine Offers, says, 'Kanebo's translucent powder feels unbelievable.' http://www.kanebo.com/

25. The Sheerest Tinted Moisturiser

The search for a tinted moisturiser that covers /just/ enough, hydrates skin without looking greasy and protects from environmental damage is to beauty buffs what the Holy Grail was to the Templars. No wonder Lancôme Aqua Fusion Teinté SPF 15, £22, has a cult following devoted to its multiple benefits, including the 24- year-old model and daughter of Isabella, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann. 'I've always loved taking care of my skin,' reveals Elettra. 'It's an integral part of my job. This is perfect for every day.' http://www.lancome.co.uk/

Friday, 25 April 2008

HILARY DUFF´S OUTFIT

Hilary Duff in Los Angeles, running errands. I like her black outfit and that she has spiced it up with colourful accessories. Her gorgeous elastic trap sandals are by Sergio Rossi. If you want to get them also, go on http://www.net-a-porter.com/ and they cost £360,00. Unfortunately only UK size 6,5 is left (US size 9,5).
Her lovely bag is Prada Cervo Lux Fairy Fairies Bag. Great for summer. This bag was very popular when it came out and you had to pre-order just to get it! I cannot find it anywhere on the net, except on ebay of course but I don´t really trust ebay. It costs about $2290,00.

LATEST FROM JO MALONE

I love Jo Malone products! If you are feeling the need to pamper yourself, think about having the perfect bath tonight. Jo Malone has a new Tea Collection that now extends to deluxe candles and the Sweet Almond Macaroon scent will help take you away to the balmy heat of Morocco while you relax in bubbles. £80 at www.jomalone.co.uk. You have to try it if you have not done it yet. You´ll be addicted directly!

WESTMAN FOR REVLON

World-renowned make-up artist Gucci Westman - who has worked behind the scenes for many of the top designers and film-makers of the day - has been named as Revlon's global artistic director. The role will see her getting involved with new product and shade development, as well as working on-set with Revlon's brand ambassadors and taking an active part in Revlon's philanthropic interests, the beauty giant revealed.


"I am excited to join the Revlon Family," says Westman. "Revlon is a leader in bringing innovation and on-trend products reflecting modern glamour to women around the world. I am also very proud to work with a company that has done so much for the advancement of women’s health and in particular, in fighting women's cancers." Westman is married to David Neville, one half of the New York design duo Rag & Bone, with whom she has a son.

Source: vogue.co.uk

CRUNCH TIME FOR GUCCI



Is the economic downturn finally starting to permeate the luxury market? PPR yesterday announced that sales of Gucci's handbags and watches - it's Double G brand - had dropped by 3.3 per cent in the first three months of this year. On a like-for-like basis Gucci's sales did rise, but the 2.4 per cent increase was lower than predicted - and in a different league from last year's growth of 10.6 per cent. "In the first quarter, our markets have been less favourable, particularly in mature markets," said PPR's finance director Jean Francois Palus, as the figures were revealed.

While the high street has been fighting the credit crunch for months, luxury brands have, until now, remained relatively untouched; PPR's fellow power players, LVMH and Richemont, both recently said their sales were healthy. PPR's sales overall rose by 4.1 per cent. The downturn in mature markets is indicative of bonus cuts and redundancies in the City, The Evening Standard comments.


Source: vogue.co.uk


CALLING THE NEW GENERATION

Make this the year you follow in the footsteps of fashion heroes Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson, Giles Deacon, Christopher Kane and Marios Schwab and get in your entries for next season's New Gen sponsorship now - the May 5 deadline is fast approaching. The British Fashion Council initiative, which is sponsored by TopShop, is one of the most prestigious international fashion awards for fledgling design talents, offering financial support to either field a stand at the London Fashion Week exhibition or stage a full-blown catwalk show. Support is usually available for up to three seasons and applicants must have been in business for three years or less. Sound good? Find out more at http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/.

Source: vogue.co.uk

Thursday, 24 April 2008

GWYNETH´S HIGH HEELS

On her latest promotional tour for "Iron Man" Gwyneth Paltrow has been wearing some nice but very very high heels. She definitely has the legs for all these mini dresses and sky-high heels. All these cruelling work-outs with Madonna must be paying off! If only I was friends with Madonna... Gwyneth looks absolutely great in all the pictures. I love her outfits!

These latest pictures come from Rome. Her nude lace-print stiletto heels are by Giuseppe Zanotti and cost £450,00.

Here she is in Germany. At the first picture she is wearing a pair of black lace-up patent shoe boots by Burberry that cost £495,00. At the second picture she has on classic black patent stilettos are by Christian Louboutin, costing £400,00 a pair.


And here is Gwyneth in Paris. Apparently her black and brown shoes are by little-known designer Paccini.

LACROIX LIVING IN DUBAI

Having cut his teeth designing interiors for Parisian boutique hotels, high-speed trains and even cinemas, Christian Lacroix is taking things up a notch with his next makeover project: a residential tower in a Dubai's Jumeirah suburb. The designer is partnering with Middle Eastern property developer Abyaar for the venture, which will see him create the façade, lobby and luxury interiors of the 38-unit beachside property.

"We approached Lacroix because he is known for his exceptional design skills and theatrical style, both on and off the catwalk," says Abyaar's vice-chairman and managing director, Marzooq Al Rashdan. "This is the start of a long-term partnership that places Abyaar on the luxury development map internationally." Lacroix, meanwhile, is all about the details. "We are working on something special that will tell a Middle Eastern story," he revealed to WGSN. "The interiors will be based on paradox - contemporary and baroque, blending East and West, old and new, inspired by history and folklore."
Source: vogue.co.uk

NAOMI IN UGLY BETTY

Naomi Campbell is set to make the third season of Ugly Betty go with a bang - with a starring role in the finale. Actress Becki Newton - who plays Amanda Sommers in the hit US show - yesterday revealed that Campbell would appear, telling reporters: "She's going to be in our last episode, which is exciting." A spokesperson for television network ABC confirmed the news. "I've personally requested that I don't stand next to her because Amanda would not like to be seen with such a tall, pretty person," Newton added.

It was thought that Campbell would star in the last season of Ugly Betty, but production was cut short due to the high-profile writers' strike. While further details about her on-screen character are yet to emerge, she'll no doubt be hoping to capture the viewing public's imagination like Victoria Beckham did with her guest part - as the petulant bridesmaid of Vanessa Williams' character, Wilhelmina Slater, in season two.

Source: vogue.co.uk

THE MOST HIDEOUS JEANS!

These are the most hideous jeans I have ever seen! Unsurprisingly, these ultra-low bikini jeans come from the clothing company that is based in Brazil. But surprisingly, the jeans are only held up by an elasticated thong or ribbon! They cost £45,00 but who would buy these? I would not be caught dead in these! I still can´t believe that "designer" Sandra Tanimura dares to admit that she has designed this monstrosity! Does she hate women?

Wednesday, 23 April 2008

2 GUCCI INSPIRED DRESSES

I have found 2 dresses from Marks and Spencer Per Una collection that seems to be inspired by a dress from Gucci´s S/S ´08 collection. I think these dresses from M&S are very pretty and very Charlotte-from-SATC. And they are much more reasonably priced than Gucci one. I am thinking about getting one!

The dress at the left is from Gucci. The panel front big flower dress at centre is from M&S and it costs £49.50. The hyacinth border dress at right is also from M&S and it costs £59,50.

ELEMIS JET SET TRAVEL

I love free gifts and if you do it also, read on! Elemis's has released a new travel collection. The Jet Set, exclusive to John Lewis stores between May 6-24, is a mixture of holiday essentials, including a Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser, Maximum Moisture Day Cream, the famed Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream and a travel bag complete with an eye mask, mirror and toothbrush. The best bit? As I said, you get it free when you buy two or more Elemis products in store.

BALLY SOLD


Luxe leather brand Bally has been sold by owner TPG Capital to the Vienna and Milan-based holding company LABELUX Group. While the details of the sale have not been disclosed, it was announced yesterday that there would be no restructuring of management - and that the priority of Bally's new owner would be to focus on long-term expansion plans.


"Over the last few years Bally achieved a spectacular turnaround and has enjoyed a marked improvement in performance and an expansion of its consumer base," commented Mario Franchini, Bally's ceo. "TPG has always been on our side and supported Bally on its growth path. The management team will remain with the company and continue to focus on further strategic consolidation and growth."


Source: vogue.co.uk

PAPILLON BLEU SUMMER

Papillon Bleu has given us the perfect reason to finally start planning our holiday wardrobes with the release of its new QUINTeZENTIAL collection. Launched in 2006, this season the label has been inspired by copper sunsets and vintage styling. Take your pick from tunics, kaftans and sundresses featuring earthy and natural embellishments - in the form of shells, wooden beads and corals - combined with delicate lace, floral appliqués and broderie anglais. Jodie Kidd and Denise Van Outen are already fans. Buy yours now from http://www.papillonbleu.com/.

Source: vogue.co.uk


My opinion on the subject...

I checked out the new collection on the webpage and loved it. It is so feminine, delicate and perfect for a beach. I like that all the clothes are named after holiday resorts. Very easy to remember! I especially loved all the kaftans and tunics, although some dresses and tops are available also.








Tuesday, 22 April 2008

BEAUTIFUL YSL ADS

I have always loved YSL make-up ads, actually their ads in general. Remember the Kate Moss pictures? They are always so beautiful! Just look at the new ads! Perfection!


KATIE HOLMES AT VICTORIA´S BIRTHDAY

Here is Katie Holmes at VB´s birthday party with Tom. She is wearing a yellow dress form Balenciaga´s Resort 2008 collection. I can´t decide if I like it, I think i do.

LIVINGSTONE FOR LONDON FASHION WEEK


Ahead of London's mayoral election, Ken Livingstone has announced his backing for a "permanent venue" for London Fashion Week. "London is a world centre for fashion. Great designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and John Galliano use London as a place of inspiration, to experiment and launch new ideas," he explained in his Cultural Manifesto, delivered at yesterday's launch of Culture in 21st century London at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.


"I will ensure there is support for the new design talent that is the bedrock of the industry. I will help London Fashion Week establish a permanent venue in the capital. At the same time I will work to improve conditions in the industry, particularly for models, through ensuring that the recommendations of the Model Health Inquiry are implemented," he continued.


Source: vogue.co.uk

NEXT STOP WHISTLES

Nick Passmore has been appointed as design director at Whistles, it has emerged. According to Drapers, the position is newly created and will see him play a significant role in implementing a new strategy that Jane Shepherdson is thought to be developing for the brand. Passmore, formerly a member of Shepherdson's successful TopShop team, joins Karyn Fenn, now brand director at Whistles, as part of the head office team. Other members include finance director Keith Wilks, digital marketing manager Kate Malkin and marketing director Jo Farelly, all formerly at TopShop.

Source: vogue.co.uk

LOUBOUTIN'S COMING TO TOWN

Make your way to Mount Street this month for the launch of Christian Louboutin's European flagship store. Following the recent opening of the Harvey Nichols-based boutique, fans of the legendary shoemaker will now be able to take delight in a gorgeous three-room shop showcasing the latest spring/summer 2008 collection in all its glory.

"In such a pretty street, I want to have my prettiest shoes," says Louboutin of the new Mayfair address. In keeping with his original boutique on rue Jean-Jacques in Paris, shoes will perch among mirrored alcoves (which also disguise a hidden library room) while handbags will be displayed in brightly coloured tin frames and a Perspex part light structure – created by the designer himself, no less – will take pride of place. I can't wait!

Source: vogue.co.uk

Monday, 21 April 2008

BAFTA TV AWARDS 2008

Kelly Brook looking very glamorous at BAFTA Television Awards. She was wearing navy-blue Suzie Turner gown and white Dior fur shrug. I think that she can pull off the old Hollywood glamour so well.

Usually I am not so impressed with British actresses awards outfits choices but this time I found some beautiful dresses on the red carpet. For example Gina McKee in emerald Alberta Ferretti dress.

Charity Wakefield in black Escada gown


TATTY DEVINE GOES STATESIDE

Cult jeweller Tatty Devine has got together with the de Young gallery in San Francisco to create an exclusive new collection celebrating British artists Gilbert & George. Among the typically cool and quirky range are a pair of gin bottle cufflinks, Gilbert & George glasses, and "Hope" and "Fear" brooches and necklaces. Before you get too excited, however, we have to point out that the pieces are only available to buy from the museum shop, to tie-in with the Gilbert & George exhibition it is running until May 18. So for Tatty fans who can't make it stateside, there's something else to look forward to: a collaboration with London-based artist Rob Ryan, whose paper cut designs will be on show at the Tatty Devine Brick Lane gallery from April 25.

Source: vogue.co.uk
My opinion on the subject...

Tatty Devine jewellery is very unique, you won´t find similar designs anywhere. They are really fun and kitchy but I think you can even wear them at work, for example Music Note Bracelet in Red. It would definitely make a boring work suit look a bit more fun. Here comes some examples of Tatty Devine jewellery. You can buy them at http://www.tattydevine.com/

Champagne Cocktail Party Necklace £44.00. It is from the new Movie Mayhem Collection.



Sexy Legs Earrings £41.00. They are also from the Movie Mayhem Collection.




Music Note Bracelet £45.00. It is from the The Best Of...Collection.



Crystal Baby Grand Brooch £72.50, from the The Dark Stages Collection.



High Heel Shoes Bow Earrings £50.00, from the Colour Me In Collection



Swing Girl Necklace £33.00, from The Best Of ... Collection

ARMANI DIRECT

Calling all would-be directors: think you've got the creative skills to impress Giorgio Armani? The design legend is on the lookout for the next Mondino or Baron to create and execute a television ad for his Emporio Fragrances line. Well-known for his love of all things film (Armani is a key supporter of Martin Scorcese's World Cinema Foundation - read more about it here), the search for a new director star - which marks ten years of Emporio Fragrances - is inviting entries from young talents in UK, France, Italy, Germany and the US.

Ten finalists will go before Mr Armani himself, who will choose the ultimate winner. Even if you're not keen to put forward an entry, be sure to take a look at the action at www.emporioarmaniparfums.com/contest anyway; users can vote for their favourite clips, and the views of the public will be taken into account when it's judging day.
Source: vogue.co.uk

Sunday, 20 April 2008

ASHLEE SIMPSON´S OUTFIT

Ashlee Simpson at CondÉ Nast Traveler Hot List Party in New York. She is wearing a backless mini dress by 3.1 phillip lim. You can buy it at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ and it costs
£ 480,00. Her gorgeous pearl necklace is by Chanel.

BLINGED OUT MOTHER´S DAY PRESENT!

I have found a perfect mother´s day present! Bond No. 9 and Swarovski have teamed up to create Bond No. 9 Swarovski Stars in best-selling Bryant Park, Bleecker Street and Nuits de Noho scents. These three blinged out Bond No. 9 scents sparkle with thousands of Swarovski crystals, so tiny that they shimmer and gleam as one. Bond No. 9 Swarovski Stars Limited-Edition Collectibles will arrive in May, just in time for Mother´s day.





Another product that I found from Bond.No 9 is Swarovski Stars Bon Bons. It is a chic collection of all three scents (plus Eau de New York ) in crystallized 6ml purse-sprays. They look so chic that I have to get one!

MY FAVOURITE LUSH PRODUCTS

I love Lush products! Everytime I go to their shop, I buy something. The products are not tested on animals and they mostly use natural ingredients, so it always feels goods to buy Lush goodies. Only problem I have is that I cannot stay in the shop for a long time because the smell is really strong in there! Anyway, this time I came back with some of my old favourite products.

Whipstick lip balm, costs £4,25 (69,00 SEK). It is smooth, really moisturizing and has a yummy chocolate taste. I also like that it is not goopy or greasy. It is supposed to give your lips a hint of colour but I didn´t notice it but I am not complaining. I use lots of lipglosses anyway.
I also love their bath bombs and bubbel bars. I bought Creamy Candy Bar bubbel bar £2,15 (49,00 SEK) and Butterball bath bomb £1,95 (39,00 SEK). The bubbel bar is so pretty and pink and it lasts quite a long time. You can use it for at least 3-4 baths. It creates lots of bubbles and the skin smells amazing afterwards. It is quite mosturizing also!

I absolutely love Butterball bath bomb because it really moisturizes my skin and makes it feel silky and soft but not greasy. It usually doesn´t happen with bath products. It has a nice vanilla scent that is not too strong.

Another favourite product from Lush is a Dream Cream, it costs £9,25 (159,00 SEK). I bought it first time about a year ago after reading great reviews about this product. I decided to try and now I have bought it many times. The texture is light but don´t be fooled, it is a very moisturizing cream! It soaks right into the skin and leaves it so soft! The smell is light and fresh, reminds me of lavender.

Saturday, 19 April 2008

NICKY HILTON´S OUTFIT

Here is Nicky Hilton at Us Weekly's Hot Hollywood Party. I like her outfit and the shoes. Her shoes are by Dior. I absolutely adore her beautiful Hermes bracelet. I want it! Very often I like her accessories, I think she is good at choosing the right ones to enhance her outfit.

STEVE MADDEN SHOES


This is the latest shoe from Steve Madden. Would you wear it? As much as I love shoes, I don´t think I would.

SEX AND THE CITY: MOVIE POSTER



I have found a SATC movie poster on Internet! I don´t know if it´s real or not or if it actually will be used. I quite like this poster. It reminds me of SATC in its heyday. Only thing that disturbs me is that the pictures of the other girls are missing. I understand that Carrie is the main character but still. I love all the characters in SATC! I can´t wait for the movie premiere!

Friday, 18 April 2008

ANOTHER BAD OUTFIT

Here is another outfit from New Yorkers For Children celebrates "New Year’s in April: A Fool’s Fête". Seems like this event was full with people in bad outfits! This time it is Margherita Missoni. She is usually so well dressed! She also looks different with bangs, I can´t decide if I like it or not. Well, I definitely like her shoes, they are fierce.

MARY-KATE´S BAD-BAD OUTFIT

Just look at Mary-Kate! Here she is at New Yorkers For Children Celebrates "New Year’s in April: A Fool’s Fête" . I think it is a beautiful Missoni dress but the problem is that it doesn´t fit her at all. If that dress had actually fit Mary-Kate I would have like this outfit. I think anyone that wears clothes that don't fit their body ends ups looking silly. And the headband that resembles a tyre, it makes a bad outfit even more ridiculous.
Now the positive! I like her make-up and her clutch. The clutch is by Dior.

SHOPPING THE BALENCIAGA WAY



Nicolas Ghesquière is following in the footsteps of Brit designer Stella McCartney with the launch of the first Balenciaga e-commerce site. Due to go live on May 15, the site is said to feature bags, scarves, shoes, sunglasses and jewellery. But don't get too excited yet - hard as it is not to - as plans so far are for the US only. "It is an extension and adaptation of the existing BALENCIAGA.COM site," a spokeman for the design house told WWD.

A KLUM MAKEOVER



Never one to shy away from a challenge, Heidi Klum has revealed that she would love to try her hand at designing company uniforms - at the behest of America's workers. "I go to the same Starbucks every day in Beverly Hills and they're like, 'Can you please tell them that we want to have new outfits?'" the supermodel tells CONTACTMUSIC.COM. "I sit in American Airlines, same thing. I get it all the time. Those chains or big companies, they always come to me. It would be fun, because so many people would see the results."




Source: vogue.co.uk

SIMON BURSTEIN NAMED BROWNS CEO



It´s all change at Browns this month, as managing director Niki Scordi is leaving the company after three years at the helm and founder Joan Burstein´s son, Simon Burstein - who has recently relocated to London after 20 years spent building the profile of Sonia Rykiel in Paris - has been named the legendary boutique business' ceo. He will work closely with his sister, Caroline Burstein, who is Browns' creative director, in overseeing new projects and continuing to push the brand profile to even greater heights.


"We are thrilled at last to have both our children working actively for the company," says Mrs B, speaking exclusively to VOGUE.COM. "At the same time I am sad to have to say goodbye to Niki Scordi and thank her for her brilliant work for Browns in the last three years." Scordi, who is expected to take on the managing director role at Nicole Farhi this summer, is widely credited with maintaining and building upon the already stellar reputation of the business, putting it on a world stage alongside the likes of Barneys, Liberty and Selfridges.


Source: vogue.co.uk

Thursday, 17 April 2008

NICOLE RICHIE´S BALENCIAGA SHOES

Have you noticed that lately Nicole Ritchie has been wearing some funky Balenciaga shoes? Well, I have. I show you some. I just love these shoes. You can put on simple jeans and t-shirt and these gorgeous shoes and you immediately look stylish without looking like you tired too hard.

In the first picture she is wearing Balenciaga multi coloured woven ankle boot. You can buy them at http://www.brownsfashion.com/ and they cost £715,00. In the second picture she is wearing Balenciaga peep-toe sandals. In both pictures she is carrying her old Balenciaga City bag in black. She has been carrying this Balenciaga bag for years! She must have it at least in 10 different colours and sizes! I have lost account, she must really love them.



LVMH CASHES IN

While the high street continues to struggle with rocky times, economically speaking, the luxury market is thriving. The day after Burberry announced an 18 per cent rise in revenue, LVMH is getting in on the act - declaring a 12 per cent increase in first quarter sales, to $5.99 billion.And it's the business's core fashion and leather goods brands - Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Givenchy among them - that fuelled the surge, with the figures for that group rising 14 per cent to $2.16 billion.

The US, Europe and Asia were areas of "particularly significant" activity, the report noted, adding that boosting the market share and profitability of its top brands would be among its priorities going forward. On the beauty side, Dior's J'Adore Dior and Midnight Poison fragrances were singled out as top performers.


Source: vogue.co.uk

NAOMI´S TRAVELS



Following her ban from flying with British Airways, it has emerged that Naomi Campbell has since been asked to fly with the airline again.According to Metro, the supermodel told a Brazilian newspaper: "Someone from BA called me and asked that I return to fly with them – but his will not occur so early.""They didn't find my bag and there was a complete disrespect for the passengers. I'm not speaking for myself – I am speaking for all those who have been disrespected," she added.
Source: vogue.co.uk

THE SWAROVSKI FAMILY

Crystallised and cute, Elvis and Erika are the latest additions to Swarovski's city-inspired Energy line. A modern take on traditional charms, the crystal pave figures (with articulated bodies like robots) can be worn as pendants and come on a long length chain. Part of the Avenue of Lights main spring/summer 2008 collection, the range also includes plug pendants, light bulbs and MP3 players. Elvis and Erika are available from http://www.swarovski.com/ and at Swarovski stores nationwide priced £135.

Source: vogue.co.uk

Here comes the cute Erika pendant, £135,00 (1750,00 SEK)
And here is Elvis pendant, £135,00 (1750,00 SEK) as well

MAKING IT

It´s the question on every aspiring young model's lips but just what exactly does it take to become a model and join the ranks of Kate Moss?" You need the cheekbones, you need the jaw-line," explains founder of Storm model agency, Sarah Doukas, in today's G2. "You can look at someone who is gorgeous but perhaps has quite a round face, without the definition that you need for a camera and light to turn it into this fantastic canvas." "I'm considered eccentric because I will take people that are 5ft5in. I refuse to conform completely, but you have to be realistic," she adds. Doukas famously discovered Moss walking through New York's JFK airport.

Source: vogue.co.uk

Tuesday, 15 April 2008

A DVB DOWNER

She may have just landed her first Vogue cover but Victoria Beckham's fashion dream isn't all rosy, as it emerges her dVb denim line has been dropped by a number of high profile US retailers.Big-hitters such as Fred Segal and Kitson are understood to abandoned the line, citing poor sales.
World Entertainment News claims that Fraser Ross, owner of boutique Kitson, blames the range's poor performance on Beckham's reluctance to make appearances - adding that the amount of promotional work required to sell a successful celebrity line is comparable to selling an album or music tour.The comments will come as a blow for Beckham, who is known to have a punishing schedule to juggle work and family commitments and is keen to prioritise her fashion-world interests.

Source: vogue.co.uk

KATE MOSS SAYS "I DO"

Kate Moss says "I do" - to Agent Provocateur. Those fashion-world whispers are true and the supermodel, who starred in a series of raunchy videos for the label just last year, is now officially the face of AP's bridal range. A spokesperson for the label confirmed to us this morning that Nick Knight has already shot a series of six images for the campaign, in which Moss stars as a bride who, we are tantalisingly told, has a "last minute change of heart".

The campaign, which is set to launch next month, will run for one year - putting paid to last year's rumours of a falling-out between Moss and Agent Provocateur's founders, Serena Rees and Joe Corre, once and for all.

Source: vogue.co.uk

WEITZMAN'S TRUNK SHOW


Fancy slipping your feet into a pair of red carpet shoes? Then be sure to head to Harrods ladies shoe floor this Friday April 18 where leading footwear designer Stuart Weitzman will be holding a trunk show. Customers will have the chance to order styles from the autumn/winter 2008-9 collection in a range of unique colours and materials. And while we don't really need an excuse to buy another pair of shoes, the fact that the first 25 shoe orders placed will be autographed by the man himself is surely enough to twist any fashionista's arm - or should that be foot?The trunk show runs from April 18 to April 19, 10am to 6pm.


Source: vogue.co.uk


THE RIGHT SHADE

More than just the founder and President of Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon is also ever-present as the face of the brand, and it is a face that is often donning super sleek shades. No surprise then, that Jimmy Choo are now introducing a brand new range of sunglasses to their accessories lines.

As with the original luxury shoe range, and the handbags that followed, Mellon came up with the idea for the sunglasses range because she didn't feel satisfied with what was on the market at the time. Mellon's own sense of style, (she was previously accessories editor at Vogue), was the driving force behind the first Jimmy Choo collection in 1996, and has continued to play a key role in the company's success both in the UK and overseas.
The Jimmy Choo philosophy is to create exclusive shoes and accessories that are both luxurious and practical for all occasions, and the sunglasses range ticks both boxes with aplomb. From the Aviator style Charleys which are pure LA, to the glamorous Rock shades which have a large Swarovski stone on each arm, there is a style for every taste. And each pair comes in their own specially designed cases, naturalement.

Whichever pair you go for, they all one thing in common - the classic chic and sexy design synonymous with Jimmy Choo, which make them perfect for hitting the seaside, slopes or streets. Jimmy Choo sunglasses are available exclusively at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge.


Here comes a selection of Jimmy Choo sunglasses. You can buy them at http://www.jimmychoo.com/

Rock - tortoiseshell framed sunglasses with brown shaded lenses, £ 260,00



Marge - Black shiny framed glasses with grey shaded lenses, £ 185,00



Charley - Metal aviator style sunglasses with graduated pearl white lenses, £ 185,00



Jackie - Dark havana framed sunglasses with brown shaded lenses, £ 185,00



Julia - Black shiny framed sunglasses with grey graduated lenses, £ 185,00


SEX AND THE CITY TOP TEN

Vote for your top 10 episodes for the chance to bag a £5,000 shopping spree at Selfridges, NARS goodies, and Sex and the City DVD box sets. Paramount Comedy 1 is the only TV channel in the UK to bring you every episode of Sex and the City prior to the launch of the movie – every weeknight at 10pm.

To celebrate, Paramount Comedy is asking you to vote for your top 10 episodes before the 24 May. One lucky voter will get the chance to bag armfuls of fabulous new outfits with the help of their very own personal shopper, plus one night's accommodation in a city hotel and travel for you and your best friend. Selfridges has also got 20 sets of SATC Season1-6 and 100 Nars multiple sticks in sell-out shade Orgasm to give away to lucky runners up.

So, strap on your Manolo Blahniks and register your vote before 24 May for your chance to win these glamorous prizes! The ten most popular episodes will be revealed on the 31 May & 1 June in an exclusive Sex and the City - Top Ten Weekend on Paramount Comedy 1.
To vote and get episode guides go to: www.paramountcomedy.com/city

LACROIX'S BOTTLE

Inspired by his red wedding dress design (as worn by Madonna), Christian Lacroix has created a special Evian Ice Queen bottle as part of the Design Icons series on show at Harrods this month. "It seems that Evian natural spring water has been there all my life, I remember the curly label of my childhood (were they arabesques, elaborate columns?) in the hotels by the lake where our family used to spend holidays," explains the designer." It is therefore as an amused and rather proud old friend that I designed these 2007-2008 bottles.

Draping one with the flowers of success, those that adorn the 'paseo' parade capes, like snowy crystal garlands or frost-frozen alpine flowers. Giving the other the silhouette of a princess, a goddess or a mythical creature, a sort of snow fairy in couture garb, crowned with flowers, bejewelled with crystals, "wearing" the familiar range of jagged peaks and ridges, like the flounces of a crinoline." One of only 99 bottles in the world, customers will be able to place bids in a silent auction in aid of Royal Marsden. There is a minimum reserve of £1000. Design Icons at Harrods runs from today until May 24.


Source: vogue.co.uk

A GOOD LUELLA DAY


She may be known as London's punk princess, but Luella Bartley is going all girlie on us this spring - releasing a line of sweet-enough-to-eat hair accessories. Luella devotees such as Alexa Chung and Lily Allen will no doubt be clamouring to get their hands on the candy shop-inspired clips and hairbands - gorgeous confections of bows and ribbons in mouth-watering shades of raspberry, yellow, bottle green, navy and orange, all finished off with a signature Luella heart - when they land in the designer's Brooke Street store and Harvey Nichols in July.


Source: vogue.co.uk

Sunday, 13 April 2008

VICTORIA BECKHAM IN MARC JACOBS - AGAIN!


Victoria is wearing Marc Jacobs again while shopping in LA! How much is he paying to her that she is so loyal? Or maybe it´s just love! Anyway, her corded tweed shift dress is from Marc Jacobs Resort Collection 2008 and you can buy it from http://www.net-a-porter.com/. It costs £560,00.


Her bag is Miu Miu Harlequin tote and it costs about £793,00. You can buy it www.mytheresa.com. This website ships all over the world with the help of DHL!



Her sunglasses are from her own Dvb collection. You can buy Victoria´s sunglasses at www.shopkitson.com, they cost $250,00.

CLEVER BEAUTY SHORT-CUTS FOR HIGH-FLYING WOMEN

I found an interesting article on beauty tips from the world’s best-groomed businesswomen. It´s a long article but worth reading. I really enjoyed it! The article is written by Joanna McGarry and taken from the Sunday Times newspaper. I love Sunday newspapers! I think even current affairs articles are more interesting.


The world of big business leaves little time for beauty and grooming. Stress, lack of sleep and regular flying are all sure-fire recipes for lacklustre skin and hair. Yet, somehow, highflying female execs manage to look radiant even stepping off a transatlantic flight. What are their secrets? We talked to some of the world’s best-groomed businesswomen to find out.

Savannah Miller, Designer, Twenty8Twelve
My colourist, Geraldine, at Body Heat in Fulham (020 7371 0976), can do my colour and a blow-dry in less than an hour, which is miraculous, as anyone who colours their hair will know. I always travel with a great scented candle such as Aveda Plant Pure-Fume (£19), so wherever I go it feels a bit more like home. I like to unwind with Aromatherapy Associates Support Equilibrium Bath & Shower Oil (£30; 020 8569 7030).

Ann Pitcher, Buying and merchandising director, Selfridges
I swear by Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque (9 £25). Five minutes after application, my skin looks and feels fantastic. On business trips, combating the dehydrating cabin air is my top priority and Prescriptives Super Flight Cream (£25) does the job well.

Nicky Kinnaird, Founder, Space NK
I am obsessive about silky, smooth skin, and when I’m in need of a pick-me-up, I use Space NK Spa Aroma Energising Shower Gel (£18) and a Space NK Body Wash Cloth (£17), thus ensuring that my post-bathing body cream is not wasted on dead skin cells. If I’m in a rush to get ready, I tie my hair back, apply tinted moisturiser and, where needed, concealer, Lipstick Queen’s Oxymoron lip and cheek tint in Honest Politician (£18) to add colour, define my eyebrows and add a few strokes of black mascara. By Terry Light-Expert (£38) works miracles around the eyes, which always show signs of tiredness first. (All products from http://www.spacenk.com/.)

Maureen Paley, Gallerist
Having my eyebrows done by Sophie Thorpe (http://www.sophiethorpe.co.uk/) saves a great deal of time – they don’t need to be touched for at least four months after a visit to her. I use Eve Lom Cleanser (£48; http://www.spacenk.com/), eye and face creams by Dr Sebagh (from £57; 0800 123400) to keep my skin radiant, and Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (£16.50). When I go out, I define my lips with Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited (£16.50). I also use Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner (£17) and MaxFactor Masterpiece Max Mascara (£10) to give definition to my eyes. I have speedy application down to a fine art.

Jo Wood, Founder, Jo Wood Organics
I always carry tweezers, just in case I don’t have time to get my eyebrows done. Flying tends to dry out my skin, so I keep it hydrated and relaxed with a face oil made for me by my cosmetologist. To kick-start my circulation, I really love the Langa and Tula Salt Scrubs in my Jo Wood Organics Everyday range (£24 each; 0845 607 6614). I tested a lot of salt scrubs when we were making these products, and I really believe these ones are the business. They have a generous amount of Dead Sea salts, which leave skin unbelievably polished.

Amy Molyneaux, Co-founder and designer, PPQ
No matter how busy I am, I always make time for a soak. I throw in Jurlique organic bath oils (£15; 0800 123 400) – they are amazing. I can’t live without Estée Lauder Gentle Eye Make Up Remover (£15) – it takes it all off in one go without stinging; and Laura Mercier Secret Concealer (£18) is a tiny pot of brilliance.

Marigay McKee, Fashion and beauty director, Harrods
To save time, I have a weekly manicure and two blow-dries at the Urban Retreat salon at Harrods. It is a great opportunity to catch up on reading, and it means not having to think about my hair or nails for the rest of the week. I love Rodial Glam Balm (£62; http://www.rodial.co.uk/) for travelling. Its an all-purpose balm that can be used as for everything from hand cream to face mask.

Tamara Mellon, Founder and president, Jimmy Choo
Japanese hair-straightening saves me loads of time, as it means I hardly have to go to the hairdressers, especially when travelling. The only downside is that I always have to wear my hair straight. A deep tissue massage is a really good antidote to jet lag. When I have time, I head to the One & Only’s Reethi Rah in the Maldives (http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/). It has an outdoor treatment room, so you can hear the waves while having a massage.

Tamara Hill-Norton, Founder, Sweaty Betty
My travel must-haves include Cowshed Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath Foam (£16; http://www.cowshedonline.com/), YSL Touche Eclat (£22.50) and Benefit Benetint (£22.50). Diptyque Figuier scented candles (£50 for three; 020 7727 8673), an hour and a half of yoga and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot are my top relaxants.

Lulu Guinness, Designer
Knowing how to put on strong red lipstick without a mirror saves so much time. It has become my party trick. I’ve worn Mac Lipstick in Ruby Woo (7 £11) for years. It’s the strongest, deepest red.

Sahar Hashemi, Founder, Coffee Republic
My favourite beauty discovery is Urban Retreat The Cleanser by Anastasia Achilleos (£12, from Boots). Anastasia taught me to massage it on for a good 10 minutes. I then cover my face with a hot, wet flannel doused in Aromatherapy Associates Pure Essential Oil of Lavender (£10.50). It is like a mini-facial – my bathroom smells like a spa and my skin glows. When I am flying, I use Dr Sebagh High Maintenance Cream (£120; 0800 123400). It is like Polyfilla for wrinkles and comes with a smaller pot for travelling.

Linda Bennett, Founder of LK Bennett
I’m a huge fan of Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (£10.75; http://www.lizearle.com/). It removes make-up easily, leaving my face really clean and glowing. Also, her Superskin Concentrate (£16.95), made with rosehip oil, is a must. It’s compact enough for when I’m on the move.

Julia Reynolds, CEO of Figleaves.com
My beauty regime is fairly simple. I find the most effective way to save getting-ready time is to have a really good haircut every six weeks. That way, it should only take 10 minutes to style. Decléor face creams (from £27; 020 7313 8780) and Decléor Aromessence Oils (6 from £38) are the only products that stop my skin drying out on planes.

Jenne O, Shoe designer
To save time, I double up – Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil (£22) removes make-up and moisturises at the same time. I also carry two YSL make-up pens, so I can easily apply my make-up in a taxi. Touche Brilliance (£18) lip gloss and Touche Eclat (£22.50) work wonders.

TRAVEL TIP
Even travel-sized products can add extra weight to luggage, so leave the hard work to http://www.hqhair.com/ . Order your favourite products online and it will have them waiting for you in your hotel room on arrival.

SCENTED CANDLES FROM COWSHED



Want to splurge on a few decadent products to turn your bathroom at home into a spa? Cowshed are offering everyone who spends more than £25 on their online shopping site, http://www.cowshedonline.com/ between now and May 15, a free Wild Cow Candle, also worth £25. Simply enter the code, wild8, at the checkout.


Source: vogue.co.uk

ARE YOU THE PRADA TYPE?


Prada is selling ten unique prototype pieces, which formed the basis of the house's already-legendary Flower Faerie spring/summer 2008 collection, via what is frankly the most exciting online auction of the year so far. The action kicks off at 12pm (Central European Time) on April 15, when three trouser prototypes open for bidding. Would-be buyers will have seven days to secure their purchase before the next lots - one bag and two pairs of boots on April 22, four skirts on April 29 - take centre stage.

And as if the chance to own a little piece of fashion history weren't enough to tempt you, all proceeds will go to the San Raffaele Foundation, one of the most important Italian institutions concerned with medical research, clinical work and training. Get involved at http://www.prada.com/.

Source: vogue.co.uk

Friday, 11 April 2008

SHOOTING VICTORIA BECKHAM


Fashion photographer Juergen Teller, the mastermind behind many a provocative Marc Jacobs campaign, has revealed how he put things into perspective for Victoria Beckham when shooting her for Jacobs' irreverent spring/summer 2008 ads. "I told her, 'You're the most photographed woman in the world'," Teller explains to The New York Times's Cathy Horyn.

"'And fashion nowadays is all about product - bags and shoes - and you're kind of a product yourself, aren't you?' She was, like, 'Uh, yeah'." Beckham herself makes no secret of the fact that she was nervous about the shoot, where her legs are sprawling out of MJ-branded bags and she is seen popping out of boxes. "I knew this wasn't going to be Vogue," she says. "I knew I had to put myself in their hands, which could be quite scary."

Source: vogue.co.uk

TREND: STATEMENT CUFFS

The wrist is a prominent area of focus for jewellery. When wearing such a dynamic cuff, you are making a statement. To make your cuff really stand out, wear simple clothes and let your cuff shine! I would also recommend you to wear tops with quarter-length or short sleeves to show it off. Cuffs can be worn all times of the day. For example metal cuffs without stones will match more clothes that aren't so dressy and can be worn in the office. For the evening I would say, the bolder the better. The selection of cuffs out in the shops is huge and you can choose a beautiful cuff for every occasion at every price.

Multi beaded cuff by Chloé at http://www.net-a-porter.com/, £ 311,00


Arcade multi gem cuff by Erickson Beamon at http://www.net-a-porter.com/, £ 355,00


Cubist coral cuff by Isharya at http://www.net-a-porter.com/, £ 190,00
Square horn bracelet by Marni at www. brownsfashion.com, £190.00

Solar Eclipse bracelet by Lara Bohinc at Harvey Nichols, £ 315,00
Cc Skye Gold Enamel Cc Medallion Cuff at http://www.asos.com/, £120.00
Sugar Cane Cuff by Links of London, £210,00

Snake Print Bangle at http://www.asos.com/, £8.00

KATE HUDSON´S PREMIERE OUTFIT

Kate Hudson was on the blue carpet for UK premiere of her film "Fool´s gold" yesterday. She was wearing gorgeous embellished green dress from John Galliano´s autumn/winter ´08/09 collection and dazzling Bulgari jewellery. I think that Kate looks really good!

Thursday, 10 April 2008

RACHEL BILSON´S OUTFIT

I love Rachel Bilson and her style. I think she is just so sweet and adorable. Just take a look at this picture of Rachel walking her dog on April 8th. I love this outfit!

Rachel is wearing Chloe Mary Janes. She has worn them many times before! Her enamel bracelet is by Hermes and her sunglasses are Ray Ban Wayfarers In Tortoise.

NICOLE RICHIE´S OUTFIT

Nicole Richie at ASCAP awards on april 9. Nicole´s dress is from Missoni´s spring/summer 2008 collection. I think Nicole looks good and she fills up the dress nicely, although I believe the picture is taken from a bad angle and does not do any justice to Nicole. Her head seems too big compared to her body! But it´s just a bad picture.

EVE LOM AT SELFRIDGES

For those of you with burning skincare questions, head to Selfridges on April 17 for a personal consultation with specialist Eve Lom. The beauty guru is available for one-on-one appointments at the department store's famed Beauty Hall between 6-8pm. To book a complimentary appointment and have a personal skincare consultation with Eve herself, call the Eve Lom counter on 0800 1234 0000, extension 13145.

Source: vogue.co.uk

ALL CHANGE AT HARRODS

Former Gucci Group executive vice president and director of strategy and acquisitions, James McArthur, has been appointed as chief executive officer and group chief at Harrods. A newly created position, McArthur will report directly to Harrods chairman Mohamed Al Fayed. "The Harrods brand name is already very powerful worldwide, but there is still scope to maximise its potential. We aim to consolidate and further advance its position as one of the world's best brands and to enhance the customer experience.

James will bring a complementary set of strategic and leadership skills to our overall group of businesses that will help us to strengthen and propel the evolution of the organisation and its subsidiaries," Al Fayed comments to The Daily. The position of Michael Ward, Harrods' current managing director, will not change. McArthur will oversee the Knightsbridge department store, real estate, aviation and airport terminal retail outlets.

Source: vogue.co.uk

MAKE THE CONNECTION

French Connection is upping its e-tail credentials with the relaunch of its website. With a focus on a new interactive experience and top-notch products, the label is launching its new shoe and bag ranges online, as well as featuring French Connection childrenswear for the first time ever, alongside its mainline collections. And when you're all shopped out, check out the site's fashion-focused editorial sections: Buy of the Month, most popular items, trend reports, celebrity followers and an all-new discussion board. http://www.frenchconnection.com/.

Source: vogue.co.uk

My opinion on the subject...

As usual, I was excited about a new shop opening (even if it´s on Web) and checked out the website. I love French Connection and as usual I found some really nice pieces. It´s spring and I am in a romantic mood, so I am considering buying:

Sunshine Dress, £130,00 and Special Top, £50,00




Ruffled Dress, £55,00 and Taffy Shoes, £35,00



I would wear the white special top with some skinny jeans, ballet flats and ethnic colourful jewellery. I would also toughen up the grey dress with some chunky heels. I also found out that French Connection ships worldwide which is good news for me. For example European shipping costs are:

£10 for 1 - 4 items
£15 for 5+ more items

Wednesday, 9 April 2008

PETRA NEMCOVA´S OUTFIT

Petra Nemcova attends the 5th Annual Can-Do Awards Dinner marking the 25th Anniversary of Food Bank for New York City held at Chelsea Piers on Monday. She is wearing a dress from Versace spring/summer 2008 collection. Her shoes are by Christian Louboutin.

GWYNETH PALTROW´S OUTFIT

Here is Gwyneth at Breast Cancer Research Foundation's "Hottest Pink Party" in NYC April 8.
Her dress is vintage Christian Dior Haute Couture by Marc Bohan. The picture of this vintage dress was found at decadesinc.blogspot.com


THE ART OF SMYTHSON


Smythson is the latest label to tap into fashion's new love affair with the art world, announcing the release of a series of limited edition art diaries in October. While the names of the artists involved - two from LA, two from London - will be kept under wraps until July, we can expect to see covers designed by the industry's most promising up-and comers: "It's not a Richard Prince or Damien Hirst," a spokesperson for Smythson reveals to The Daily. Some 200 notebooks, curated much like Smythson's must-have fashion diary with content on the annual art events from The Art Newspaper, will be produced - with a share of the profits to be donated to the artists' charities of choice.

Source: vogue.co.uk

THURLEY AT AUSTIQUE

With summer almost in sight it's time to add some new season pieces to your wardrobe and Australian fashion label Thurley, which has now arrived at London boutique Austique, is a good place to start. Launched in 2005 by Helen Thurley O'Connor – a graduate of New York's renowned Fashion Institute of Technology – Thurley's first official collection was shown at Melbourne Fashion Week in 2006 and has since gone on to be stocked worldwide.

For spring/summer 2008, the collection comprises soft shapes and elegant styles in the form of shifts and tunic dresses trimmed with vintage silk lace in soft-washed silks and brocade and longer length knits.

Source: vogue.co.uk

My opinion on the subject...

I went on Austique´s homepage http://www.austique.co.uk/ to check out the collection but there were not so many pieces on the show. I searched the label on the Internet and found some beautiful dresses and tunics from Thurley. The collection is characterized by feminine details like French lace and intricate embroidery paired with vintage-inspired silhouettes. This label is very girly and pretty.

Thyrley is also sold at http://www.net-a-porter.com/. Right now there are 3 dresses and 1 cardigan on sale. Dresses cost between £295,00 and £485,00.

EMMA COOK AT TOPSHOP


Today is the day that Emma Cook, the designer known for her innovative sense of style and womanly designs, launches her latest capsule collection at TopShop - and we can't wait to get our hands on it. Featuring monochromatic zebra and graphic prints in a bright colour palette of raspberry, stone, cobalt and tangerine, expect to see cute prom styles of dress, drop-armhole vests, square-cut shirts and must-have tea dresses that sit on the knee. Emma Cook for TopShop will be available nationwide from selected stores form today. Prices start from £45.

Source: vougue.co.uk

My opinion on the subject...

I like the appliqué dress and I also like these sweet colourful tops. I went to Topshop´s homepage to check out the collection and order some pieces but I could not find Emma´s collection on the homepage. Why? Is it not sold on Internet? Or am I late and it is already sold out?

I found this article on http://www.vogue.co.uk/ but I searched around on the Net and found out that the collection was launched already on April 5th. Well, I am really confused now. Can somebody help me here?

Tuesday, 8 April 2008

MARKS AND SPENCER LAUNCHES LATEST LINGERIE COLLECTIONS

UK´s best shop for lingerie - Marks and Spencer - launched its latest lingerie collection this morning at the Marble Arch store in London. I just don´t understand why the model has to walk in her underwear at the street?! I thought it was strange.


Model is wearing Ceriso Nautical Stripe Set lingerie.



Model is wearing Ceriso Exclusive Spot Set lingerie.

BUTTERFLIES

Nobody has missed that flowers are a big trend this spring and summer. But I think there should be an alternative to all the pretty flowers. I found some beautiful tops and dresses with butterflies. I think that butterflies are just as summery as flowers.



Metallic butterfly cami from http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/. It costs £22,00 and it comes also in white.



Butterfly Cutwork Top by ASOS Premium at http://www.asos.com/. It costs £30,00 or 401,40 SEK.



Butterfly print vest by Matthew Willamson at http://www.net-a-porter.com/. It costs £495,00 and only UK size 10 is sold out.



Butterly print dress by Alexander McQueen at http://www.net-a-porter.com/. It costs £1090,00 but unfortunately only IT size 40 (UK 8) is left.



Long dress with butterfly print by Matthew Williamson from www.brownsfashion.com . It costs £995.00.

URBAN DECAY 24/7 GLIDE-ON EYE PENCIL

I absolutely love this eye pencil from Urban Decay! Recently I bought it in shade Gunmetal and I was so impressed that now I am planning to buy it in Electric (glittering aquamarine) and Baked (bold bronze) for summer.

It is easy to apply, the texture is soft and it´s easily blendable but at the same time it stays put all day. It is waterproof, so it´s great for warm summer nights.

The shade Gunmetal is a nice alternative to black as it is less harsh but it still gives definition and makes for a great smokey eye. You can even use it at daytime as it gives more of a shadow than a strong line.

BRAZILIAN STYLE

Brazilian shoe label Studio TMLS, one of the biggest brands in fast-growing fashion metropolis Sao Paolo, is coming to the UK this month. The spring/summer 2008 collection - which will be available online exclusively at http://www.studiotmls.com/ from April 15 - includes everything from patent peep-toes, towering wedges, gorgeous flats and these suede cut-out shoe-boots, which will no doubt be a must-have once they land. Treat yourself - prices range from £80 for pumps to £120 for killer heels.

Source: vogue.co.uk



GERI HALLIWELL´S OUTFIT

Last night Geri was dressed in tight purple Herve Leger zipper-front bandage dress at American Idol Gives Back ceremony in LA. What do you think? I think she looks good, nothing sensational that you remember for a long time but she definitely has a body for a dress like this.

You can buy this dress at http://www.netaporter.com/ and it costs £875,00. Size medium is sold out, the other sizes are still available.

Monday, 7 April 2008

BISCUITEERS - TOO PRETTY TO EAT

I was just surfing when I saw these adorable biscuits from the website called http://www.biscuiteers.com/. Just like usually with bags and shoes, I am more fascinated about the appearance. I don´t care so much how they taste, just look at them! They are too pretty to eat anyway! What do you think about sending your best friend or sister a tin of little sweet (literally!) bags or shoes:



They are quite pricy - £37,50 per tin (there are approximately 16 biscuits in a tin) but how often do you eat up your accessorizes! It´s such an original and fresh idea! Definitely beats a box of Maryland Cookies.

ACNE IN NY AND PARIS

Hot on the heels of launching the latest issue of its bi-annual paper, Exoticism, Acne Jeans seems intent on taking over the fashion world having opened two new stores – or "studios" – in Paris and New York last week. Chloe Sevigny, Hamish Bowles and model Caroline Winberg were just a few of the suitably stylish names who turned out to celebrate the launch of Acne's Green Street-based store in New York that, bespoke in design, comes complete with bookcases that double up as changing rooms (push the shelf to enter), oversized glassworks designed by Ingegerd Råman, and large tanks that display the label's accessories and clothes.

"New York for me is such a serious and sub-cultural city, and yet so artistic. I wanted to be playful and happy with our new store – bring something naive and pop – a space to experience and be happy in," explained Jonny Johansson, the label's co-founder and creative director."Paris is the fashion capital of the world with the most beautiful stores. We did not want to create just another fashion store and wanted to bring a Swedish tilt to the most beautiful of traditional Parisian spaces – the Palais Royale," he added of the second store in Paris.

Source: vogue.co.uk

My opinion on the subject...

I am not a Swede but I live in Sweden and I think that Swedish fashion scene has become more vibrant and more interesting in recent years. Acne Jeans is one of my favourite Swedish fashion brands. Their cuts and designs are simple and refreshing. As simplicity equals elegance to me, Acne Jeans can definately bring an element of elegance and sophistication to any wardrobe. Their clothes are very well made and prices are actually pretty decent. It is affordable luxury, at least here in Sweden. You can buy Acne Jeans collections at www. acnejeans.com








Sunday, 6 April 2008

ASOS: CUTTING EDGE FASHION ON THE WEB

I found a really interesting article on timesonline.co.uk. It is written by Carol Midgley and it´s about online fashion store ASOS.COM . The article is long but if you are interested in fashion industry just like I am, then you´ll enjoy it!


E-tail, if we’re honest, is one of those unfortunate words that inspires in most of us a big, involuntary yawn. Equally spirit-sinking is the phrase “fashion e-tail”, evoking as it does images of draughty warehouses in Walsall posting out cheap frocks to the under-21s.

And then there is asos.com. This, in the unlikely event that you didn’t know, is the online fashion store that was founded on making a virtue out of reproducing the outfits of heat magazine celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Paris Hilton, and knocking them out at a fraction of the price. Nothing that has happened to asos.com in the seven years that it has existed can truthfully be described as dull. The business has become something of an online fashion phenomenon, second in size only to the mighty Next.co.uk, and is changing all preconceptions about dreary old e-tail.

What started as a smallish operation selling pink faux-fur gilets “in the style of Jennifer Ellison” (ASOS stands for “as seen on screen”) is now a multimillion-pound business that has doubled its turnover virtually every year since 2000. The gross retail sales for last year were £115 million and, at Christmas, when many high-street retailers were weeping into their groaning sales rails, asos.com recorded an 86 per cent increase in sales in the seven weeks to January 20, not just bucking the trend but blowing a raspberry in its face. In another coup, it recently poached Caren Downie, Topshop’s buying director, who joins ASOS as buying director of womenswear. “Fast fashion is only getting faster, and an internet model is a perfect environment in which to showcase this,” she says.

Given this rosy picture, it’s not surprising to find that the company’s new headquarters is in a great, swanky building, Greater London House, in north London, where it occupies an entire floor and seems to be teeming with staff (ASOS employs 270 people). One of the first faces I see when I go in is that of Melanie Blatt, the All Saints singer, who is browsing through samples from its new spring collection. That’s a turn-up, eh? A company that began by tapping into the national fixation with celebrity now appears to be attracting the celebrities themselves.

If you have ever used the website, which I have many times, then you will know that its two main plus points are the speed with which it keeps up with fashion, and the sheer amount of choice available. At any one time there are more than 400 styles of dresses alone on the website, not to mention mountains of tops, trousers, shoes, bags, lingerie, swimwear and jewellery (there are 4,500 products in all), and an entire men’s section, all of which is modelled by people walking on a real catwalk.

You can search via your chosen celebrity’s style – Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham are the most clicked celebs, by the way – or just via day or eveningwear. More recently, in a development that signals its growing confidence, ASOS has diversified from merely copying the rich and famous and now offers its own luxury brand, together with well-established labels such as Antik Batik, Pinko, Rock & Republic, Public Beware, Christian Dior, Ted Baker, Just Cavalli, American Retro and Miss Sixty. ASOS also sells a few Balenciaga bags per month (though, speaking personally, if I was lashing out £800 on a posh bag, I think I’d want the sales-assistants-sucking-up-to-me experience that goes with it).

According to Robert Bready, the retail director, about 46,000 orders are sent out every week. Normally, 200 new items are added to the website every week. In the run-up to Christmas, that figure is nearer 400 a week. The goods are posted out from a huge warehouse in Hemel Hempstead, to customers who find they prefer clothes shopping from their armchair to traipsing the rain-sodden high streets of Britain. It is only two years ago that the main warehouse was hit by a huge fire that destroyed £5.5 million of ASOS stock. Despite this ruining Christmas trading in 2005, and putting the company out of action for weeks, it had bounced back within six months.

I’ll be frank and say that when I used ASOS in the very early days, the results were hit and miss. Sometimes the clothes that arrived were great; sometimes they were made of such crackly material that you were afraid to stand too close to the fire. Neither did all of them look very much like the original inspiration. But the quality has improved noticeably in recent years. Bready says much work has been done to this effect: garment technicians have been hired and specialists brought in from Karen Millen to oversee quality control. The market has responded enthusiastically; the website receives two million hits a month. The average per order is £50.

“The biggest advantage for us is that we don’t have bricks and mortar premises,” says Bready. “While other buyers [on the high street] have to go to the Far East to get better margins and it can take weeks just to ship the stuff and get it ready to display in a shop, we don’t have to operate to the same margins. We are able to use factories in Europe, so our production times are much faster.” This can mean that from spotting, say, Lily Allen wearing a new style of dress on the street one day, ASOS buyers and designers are in a position to have similar ones made and ready to sell in four weeks.

But surely the other big advantage to this is an ethical one? As increasing numbers of consumers become guilt-stricken about sweatshop practices in countries such as Bangladesh, then this is something ASOS could be shouting about. Bready says that 60 to 70 per cent of its stock is made in Europe, which is something that I would be putting on posters. But ASOS has as yet done relatively little advertising because, as Bready says, they wanted to get the product right first.
The idea for the company came from its chief executive, Nick Robertson – the grandson of Austin Reed – and his business partner at the time, Quentin Griffiths. They’d read about a particular lamp that had appeared in Friends and inspired more than 20,000 viewers to call NBC asking where they could buy it. It was at the time when there was an explosion of new celebrity magazines, and Robertson noticed that many of them were pointing out to readers where they could buy similar outfits to those sported by stars such as Victoria Beckham – thus directing people to spend their money somewhere else without even getting commission for it. Robertson decided to earn that commission and, in the early days, ASOS would offer clothes “in the style of” a certain star. Robertson has developed the range since then and asos.com now offers high street and luxury brands.

In one of the side rooms at the HQ, Mariel, a striking blonde model, is striding up and down the catwalk in a silver minidress and Terry de Havilland shoes while a photographer shoots away. The catwalk has become a permanent fixture; when it was introduced a couple of years ago, sales promptly soared. The moving image, says Bready, “brought the clothes to life”. Scores of such pictures a day are uploaded to keep the website fresh and intriguing. Sameera Hassan, the company’s publicist, says many customers log on twice a day. “Our typical girl lives and breathes fashion,” she says. “The most-clicked section is called Just Arrived; what is in Just Arrived at the beginning of the day is different to that at the end of the day.”

Of course, what really matters is hard sales. In a high-street shop, 20 per cent of customers on average buy something. When it comes to online retail, the figure drops significantly: around 2.5 out of every 100 browsers will buy. Then there are returns: an average catalogue company experiences about 40 per cent returns. But asos.com seems to be bucking the trend on both these counts. Bready says that its “conversion rate” – ie, the number of visitors to the site who buy – is 6 per cent and, at sale times, nearer 10 per cent. Meanwhile, its level of returns is much lower – about 22 per cent.

The rise of ASOS has been so rapid that there must come a point when its success will plateau (it was named Fashion E-tailer of the Year at both the 2005 and 2006 Drapers Awards). The company is confident, however, that growth will continue in 2008, a prediction that already seems correct despite a possible recession. Robertson goes so far as to say, “If there is a spending squeeze, for a business growing at this rate we can afford to lose 10 per cent of sales. I’m full of confidence about the year ahead.”

This is partly because online shopping is continuing to grow in popularity, and partly because ASOS is introducing new categories (maternitywear, petites) which it believes will drive further expansion. One tool that will help this is the asos.com magazine, a glossy handbag-sized affair that features a different style heroine each month (Mischa Barton, Victoria Beckham, Rachel Bilson and Lindsay Lohan are among recent cover queens) and goes out free to 400,000 customers. There is a regular “Style Stalker” page that tracks a particular celebrity down to their last accessory. Joining it soon is a men’s version, which will come out twice a year.

Aside from increased household access to broadband, the celebrity gimmick has been pivotal for ASOS, and not only because it has gone hand-in-hand with the rise of celebrity-driven reality TV and magazines. “Celebrities come in and out of vogue; they evolve and change, but there have always been and always will be fashion icons,” says Bready. “If people see a celebrity wearing something, it gives them the confidence to wear it, too.” What a pity that we can’t buy the skinny hips to match.


VICTORIA BECKHAM WEARING HER OWN JEANS



I swear this woman is a very clever businesswoman. She is always wearing her own products - jeans, sunglasses - and she looks good in them. Many celebrities just put their name on whatever products and would not be caught dead in them but Victoria is not ashamed to be seen in clothes that have her name on it.
When she was launching her jeans line in Saks Fifth Avenue in Boston, she gave an interview to The Boston Globe and she said: I'm very involved right from the start. There's not a button or a rivet that goes on a pair of jeans that I haven't seen or approved. I test everything on myself. I don't just put my name on things. I pick all the denim myself. For me, that's fun. That's why I'm doing this." I respect her for it!

In the pictures above, the jeans are by Victoria Beckham, the style is called Signature Star Worn Bootcut jeans. You can buy them at http://www.designsbystephene.com/ and they cost $220,00.


The bag is Croc-Embossed Tote by Giorgio Armani. The handbag is designed with beige crocodile embossed leather and is for sale at Neiman Marcus. It costs $1695,00.


Scarf is by Chanel.
The sweater is vintage. She already wore this sweater when she was living in Spain.
Shoes are by Christian Louboutin.

ASHLEY OLSEN´S OUTFIT NO.2



She's wearing a Balenciaga leather jacket, Lanvin sunglasses and her favourite Fendi crocodile bag with Hogan shoes.

ASHLEY OLSENS OUTFIT


Ashley´s sandals are by Pedro Garcia. They are called "Thea" Suede Platform Sandals. You can buy them at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ and they cost £160,00.


Her jacket is from Rick Owens and she is carrying Fendi Crocodile bag. She has been carrying this bag a lot lately, it seems to be her favourite.

Glasses: Lanvin 'Key West' Sunglasses.You can buy them at http://www.luisaviaroma.com/ and they cost € 220.00 (this website ships worldwide).

Saturday, 5 April 2008

TREND - BRIGHT SHOES

Put on your darkest shades this spring and summer because bold brights are everywhere. From citrus brights to ravishing reds, colourful clothes were on every catwalk. If bright clothes are too bold for you, try bright-coloured shoes that add a powerful punch to your wardrobe. Plus it is an easy way to update what you already have, this way you don't have buy a whole new wardrobe.

Yellow Blue by Christian Louboutin at www.www.matchesfashion.com, £405,00



Sling back block heel shoe by Marc by Marc Jacobs at www.brownsfashion.com, £280.00. I also saw them at http://www.shopbop.com/. They were in red and costed $485,00.


Patent shoe with peep toe by Lanvin at www.brownsfashion.com, £435.00


Snake skin & Check Peep-Toe Wedge by Eley Kishimoto at http://www.asos.com/ £245,00 (3278,10 SEK)



















African print high heel by Christian Louboutin at www.brownsfashion.com, £400.00


Orange and gold t-bar sandal by Giambattista Valli at www.brownsfashion, £315.00



Basket front sandal with wooden heel by Yves Saint Laurent at www.brownsfashion, £400.00



Eliza patent sandals by Jimmy Choo at http://www.net-a-porter.com/, £360,00



Satin Rose Platform Shoe by Asos at www.asos.com, £40,00 (535,20 SEK)

Bobble front sandals by Marc Jacobs at http://www.net-a-porter.com/, £305,00



Reva Patent Logo Ballet Flat by Tory Burch at http://www.shopbop.com/, $195,00. They also come in tangerine and yellow. I found a similar pair at www.net-a-porter.com. They are a leather ballet flats with gold logo embossed plate on the front. They cost £130,00.



















Brussels Metallic Love Knot Flat by Diane von Furstenberg at www.shopop.com, $225,00, They also come in gold.

IN STYLE SHOPPING AWARDS


The votes are in and In Style has chosen this year´s best shops! The multi winner is Selfridges that has taken home 4 awards! To read more about the winners, visit In Style´s homepage: http://www.instyle.co.uk/instyleuk/general/gallery/0,,20186954,00.html


Winner: Best Designer Shop, CHANEL

Winner: Best High-Street Shop, TOPSHOP

Winner: Best Shop for Lingerie, MARKS & SPENCER

Winner: Best High-Street Accessories Shop, ACCESORIZE

Winner: Best Jewellery Shop, TIFFANY & CO

Winner: Best Designer Accessories Shop, Best Personal Shopping Service, Best Department Store in London, Best Department Store out of London, SELFRIDGES

Winner: Best Diffusion Label, MARC BY MARC JACOBS

Winner: Best Denim Brand, 7 FOR ALL MANKIND

Winner: Best Multi-Label Boutique in London, BROWNS

Winner: Best Multi-Label Boutique out of London, WHISTLES

Winner: Best Online Shop, ASOS.COM

Winner: Best Vintage Shop in London, ABSOLUTE VINTAGE

Friday, 4 April 2008

MAY ´08 ISSUE OF BRITISH VOGUE


Russian model Natalia Vodianova is on the cover of the May '08 issue of British Vogue. It is already the third time that Natalia has appeared on the cover of Vogue UK. Last year she appeared beside Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell for the May '07 cover. For this latest issue, she was photographed by Mario Testino in her native Moscow. The May issue of British Vogue goes on sale this week.











Below you see some examples of the photoshoot.












INSPIRATION FOR SUMMER

Nicole´s dress is from Karen Zambos Vintage Couture. You can buy it from http://www.shopbop.com/.



















Unfortunately this dress is sold out but Karen Zambos has many beautiful summer dresses. I show you some. All these dresses are made of 100 % silk, so they not only look good, they also feel good.

St. Barts Dress, $350,00













Print Ruffle Dress, $328,00, exclusively at shopbop.com













Scallop Dress, $328,00








POP IDOL KATE

If you like your art with a certain cachet, you will be pleased to hear that Banksy's feted take on Kate Moss is being celebrated by art society The Helium Foundation, which is releasing a complete portfolio of all six Kate prints for sale. One of the original prints - in which Moss is invoked as a modern Marilyn, Andy Warhol-style - smashed its £20,000 to £30,000 guide price at Bonham's Urban Art auction in February, selling for £96,000.
Cue international notoriety and kudos to those savvy enough to get a version on their wall. In a strictly limited edition of 20, The Helium Foundation's offering is a rare opportunity to get all six images together. For more information, email contact@heliumfoundation.com.


Source: vogue.co.uk

Thursday, 3 April 2008

SEX AND THE CITY MOVIE PHOTOSHOOT

Sex and the City: The Movie is out on May 28th. Here are some pictures from SATC - the Movie photoshoot. Enjoy!

























DAKS AXES GILES' LUXE LINE

After three seasons producing luxury catwalk collections for Daks, Giles Deacon is leaving the brand as it axes its high fashion arm to refocus on its core ready-to-wear lines."I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Daks team and the opportunity that this collaboration gave me to work with such an established British brand," says Giles. "It has been a rewarding experience on both sides and I wish Daks every success as they go forwards."

"Working with Giles, an exceptional, talented and leading designer, has been invaluable and we would like to thank him for bringing his expertise to Daks, which has resulted in enhanced exposure for the brand," adds Daks' deputy chairman, Paul Dimond.Giles' autumn/winter 2008-9 collection for Daks, which was shown during Milan Fashion Week in February, marks the end of the collaboration.

Source: vogue.co.uk


Here are some samples from Daks by Giles Deacon spring/summer 2008 collection. I really like the white coat with big black buttons and the black dress with skyscraper motive. But the other dresses are also very pretty and summery.

THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY

Selfridges has opened its new concept store in the Oxford Street Beauty Hall – aptly named The Future of Beauty. Introducing some of the most coveted and advanced products in beauty from around the world, between now and April 27, customers can book innovative treatments from the likes of Leimo (revolutionary personal hair laser), have a one-to-one consultation with US dermatologist Dr. Steven Victor about his new skincare line, test the new hand made, all natural, organic bath and body line from Aqua Dessa or invest in products from the Savannah Bee Company.

Source: vogue.co.uk

FASHION THEORY

Today New York-founded fashion label Theory will open the doors of its first UK store, in London's Westbourne Grove. A renovated 500 square foot space complete with its very own English garden view and reclaimed oak floors, the store will play host to the clean lines and modern styles for which the brand is known.

Alongside its womenswear collections, we'll also be able to get out hands on accessories including eyewear and bags. The Westbourne Grove store will be followed by further stores, which are planned to open throughout 2008. Theory, 237 Westbourne Grove, London.

Source: vogue.co.uk

Here are some items from Theory´s spring/summer 2008 collection. You can buy them at http://www.shopbop.com/

Shalita Top, $190,00


















Lydias Pant, $255,00, also in dark grey


















Tubular Tank, $90,00, also in blue, black, pink, green and white




















Vance Cashmere Cardigan, $355,00, also in heather grey peacoat



















Uris Top, $200,00




















Belen Punched T Strap Sandal, $245,00, also in black and honey








COMME DES GARCONS FOR H&M

H&M has announced its next designer collaborator: Comme des Garcons. The famously avant-garde Japanese label, spearheaded by design powerhouse Rei Kawakubo, will provide a range of both men's and womenswear, as well as childrenswear, accessories and a new unisex fragrance for the retailer. In honour of its Japanese roots, the collaborative line will launch exclusively at H&M in Tokyo in November before being rolled out worldwide a few days later.

"I have always been interested in the balance between creation and business," says Kawakubo of the collaboration. "It is a dilemma, although for me creation has always been the first priority. It is a fascinating challenge to work with H&M since it is a chance to take the dilemma to its extreme, and try to solve it.""Rei Kawakubo has been on the top of our wish list for a long time and we are thrilled that she has chosen to collaborate with us," adds H&M creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch.


"We have tremendous respect for Kawakubo's fashion philosophy questioning fashion's ingrained patterns and we admire her artistic approach to design. We are particularly excited to launch the collection in Kawakubo’s native country at our launch in Japan."H&M's designer collaborations are the stuff of modern legend - capsule collections for the brand by Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor & Rolf and, most recently, Roberto Cavalli have proved instant sell-out successes.


Source: vogue.co.uk


My opinion on the subject...
I think it´s very interesting to see how they will translate their very different free-thinking non-commercial style to mass high-street fashion. I give you some samples of COMME DES GARCONS style. These pictures are from spring/summer 2008 runway show.

TREND: CLUTCHES

Clutches are a big trend and I think they are perfect for summer. Big bags would not look good with the pretty flowing flower dresses. The selection is huge, both at the high street and at designer boutiques. I will definitely buy a nice clutch for this summer, I just can´t choose...Here I bring you some of my favourite clutches.






Intrecciato leather clutch by Bottega Veneta, http://www.netaporter.com/, £555,00









Draginfly clutch by Miu Miu, http://www.netaporter.com/, £690,00










Nora clutch by Celestina, http://www.netaporter.com/, £725,00










Pilar box clutch by Jimmy Choo, http://www.netaporter.com/, £295,00








Louisa mirrored clutch by Anya Hindmarch, http://www.netaporter.com/, £190,00










Bag Bright Python by VBH, http://www.brownsfashion.com/, £615.00









Patent Tatiana clutch by Lara Bohinc, http://www.brownsfashion.com/, £675.00










Oriental airtex fan bag by Karman Sarwar, http://www.brownsfashion.com/, £215.00









Studded Snake Print Clutch by Temperley, www.temperleylondon.com, £394,00

GISELE ON A PHOTOSHOOT

Brazilian bombshell Gisele Bundchen on a semi-racy photoshoot with acclaimed fashion photographer Mario Testino at a beach in Malibu, California. I think it´s a crazy outfit but what a fanstastic body she has!

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

NEW NAMES AT FERRE

Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi have been named as the new creative director duo at Gianfranco Ferré. They will debut for the Italian fashion house in September with spring/summer 2009 womenswear collection. The pair, who began working together in 1988, first hit headlines when they won first prize in the Italian Vogue/Alta Roma-sponsored Who's On Next contest for young talent.

Since spring/summer 2007, they have worked together as creative directors of Malo. Aquilano was born in San Seveero di Puglia and studied at the Rome Fashion and Costume Academy, while Bologna-born Rimondi attended the Carlo Secoli Institute in Milan."We are honoured and happy to carry forward the name of a great brand like Gianfranco Ferré," they said tonight. "[He] has always had mythical status for us. His natural aptitude for the grandiose gesture, his sense of the dramatic, architectonic severity, and his peerless knowledge of materials are now for us a great source of motivation. We would like to be worthy of him."

Gianfranco Ferré died at the age of 62 in June 2007. He was briefly succeeded at his namesake house by Lars Nilsson, who was announced as the new creative director in September last year before unexpectedly leaving the position - after designing just one well-received menswear collection - in February 2008.


Source: vogue.co.uk


My opinion on the subject...

I really liked Gianfranco Ferré´s spring/summer 2008 collection. The collection was very clean, lots of block colours, no fussy prints or flowers. Main colours used were black, white, grey, brown, beige and purple. It was also very feminine and flowy. Definitely easy to wear. It featured lots of high-waisted wide pants with pretty muslin blouses, flowing dresses in silk and chiffon. My favourite looks are the strapless knee-lenght gold dress and the long lilac dress that Carmen Kass is wearing.

STELLA´S WEB

Stella McCartney is making the move to e-commerce - but UK devotees will have to put their excitement on ice, as the website is unveiled exclusively in the US today. As part of the brand's global growth, the site will offer US customers the chance to buy Stella McCartney's mainline, as well pieces from her collaborative collections with Adidas and Le Sportsac and her fragrance and accessories lines, WWD reports.

Fans can also access behind the scenes footage and imagery in a special "Stella's World" section.There's no need to despair for the Brits among us, however - the website is due to launch on McCartney's home soil this autumn.

Source: vogue.co.uk

Tuesday, 1 April 2008

GOOD NEWS FOR YOUR FEET FROM MARKS AND SPENCER

One of Britain's biggest department stores has launched a "comfy" version of the high heeled shoe, bringing pain relief to thousands of women who wince at the thought of squeezing into a pair of stilettos. Marks and Spencer has introduced Insolia technology into ladies footwear, a form of insole which shifts the weight from the ball of the foot back towards the heel.

The innovation was developed by podiatrist Dr Howard Dananberg after hundreds of his female clients complained of injuries - such a painful knees and ankles - related to wearing high heels. He worked out the "optimal" position of the foot to avoid pain by distributing a person’s weight evenly across the shoe. A spokeswoman from M&S said the high heels still looked the same but felt much more comfortable for the wearer. She said a woman wearing a pair of two inch heels without Insolia experienced 64 per cent more pressure in the balls of her feet than she would if she wore a pair of trainers.

In contrast, women wearing heels higher than two inches with Insolia only felt a 22 per cent increase in pressure. The spokeswoman said traditional padding compressed over time, forcing the shoes to change shape and allowing greater movement of the foot, which could cause blisters.
Insolia provides support under the heel and arch to cradle the foot and stop it moving around in the shoe, she said. High heels have long been blamed for the development of calluses, bunions and corns as women follow fashion trends.

Source:telegraph.co.uk

Autograph Elegant Peep Toe Shoes with Insolia®, £39,50













Autograph Cross Over Sandals with Insolia®, £39,50













Autograph Widefit Ruched Peeptoe Shoes with Insolia®, £39,50














My opinion on the subject....

I think it´s very good initiative from M&S but I don´t think it will catch on. Shoes don´t only have to be comfortable but they have to look good as well. Actually, many women would prefer beauty to comfort. Well, these M&S shoes look much better than my grandmother´s orthopedic shoes but I would definitely not exchange my Blahniks for these shoes. Honestly, I don´t know if I would buy them but I will definitely try on these shoes next time I am in London. Never say never, maybe they will become my new everyday work shoes!

DARIA WERBOWY FOR H&M

Vogue.co.uk has an exclusive first look at the new girl at H&M, international supermodel Daria Werbowy, smouldering in the label's high summer ad campaign.There's a distinctly easy glam feel to H&M's collection of maxi dresses, kimono-sleeved tops, bandeaus and swimwear for the season, with bohemian fringed scarves, heavy wooden bangles and raffia wedges on hand to pull the look together.

"We wanted to create something very colourful and light, with stand-out print," says H&M's new head of design Ann-Sofie Johansson, who took the reins from long-serving predecessor Margareta Van Den Bosch earlier this year. "We were inspired by hot holidays in Africa, India, Hawaii and South America; hence ethnic-style prints such as tropical flowers and leaves, ikat designs, dip-dyes and ombre effects."


VINTAGE FASHION FAIR

The next Vintage Fashion Fair will be held on Sunday 6th April in Notting Hill. The bi-monthly held Fair features around 30 stall holders with a unique and changing vintage stock.

The Vintage Fair is a business formed by Anita Bott, after the end of her previous partnership with Battersea Vintage Fashion Fairs. Anita's Vintage Fashion Fairs (AVFF) organises six fairs a year and features vintage clothing, textiles and accessories dating from 1800 to 1970.

Everything from vintage buttons, braids and trimmings to stage costumes and high fashion can be found at the Fair. The aim of AVFF is to establish itself as London’s No.1 Vintage Fashion Event through quality, value and atmosphere. AVFF was voted 16th out of Vogue's 100 'Guide to the Greatest Shops off the Beaten Track'.