Monthly Archives: May 2010

May13

Gwyneth Paltrow reveals the secret to a perfectly toned figure.

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Gwyneth Paltrow reveals the secret to a perfectly toned figure.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s svelte body has certainly become a high-fashion news point since the actresses much anticipated return to the limelight. The super svelte star took a career break in 2008 and later stepped back onto the red carpet with a figure to die for. At the premiere of her new film Iron Man, Gwyneth appeared extremely toned and also sporting a new and inventive style.

Two years later and the A-list celebrity has decided to finally let us know her secret., stating the figure toning process was certainly no walk in the park and in fact extremely arduous. Her main source of help was her trainer, Tracy Anderson. Tracy gave Gwyneth an intense and strict diet to follow; this had to be kept to for a total of five days which enabled her to lose any weight gained over the winter season.

Tips on sticking to the extreme diet include setting a goal, a certain something that will keep you on track and will prevent any slip ups. This could include buying a new pair of jeans a size smaller or alternatively a bikini. The goal being to fit into those items perfectly by the time the strict regime has come to an end.

This particular hard core diet has reportedly allowed Gywneth to reach her ideal figure, the star also states she has never been in better shape. The good thing about this diet is you can stop and start it, for example if you have a big event coming up it is the perfect way to get back into shape for such an occasion. Gwyneth says she now feels comfortable wearing both tight jeans and uber tiny shorts.

Sticking to this particular diet enabled the thirty-seven year old to shed between three and five pounds a week. This is due to the fact all processed; spiced and dairy foods are a no go. These precise food types are the ones that in fact cause unsightly bloating and also upset the digestive system which in turn caused the body to house fat. Other items that should be cut out include calorific oils and sauces as well as alcohol and caffeine. These items should be replaced one serving of whole grain carbohydrates per day and between 1.5 and 3 litres of water.

May11

Keith Haring’s infamous artwork to make another appearance for Nicholas Kirkwood.

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Keith Haring’s infamous artwork to make another appearance for Nicholas Kirkwood.

The infamous 1980s modern artist Keith Haring’s has this season made another one-off appearance. His distinctive pieces have previously been reproduced in the shape of a variety of collectable items, including everything from t-shirts to tea-towels.

However the artists’ latest re-embodiments will be in collaboration with the successful British footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood. Kirkwood has previously teamed up with high-end fashion designers including the likes of Erdem and Rodarte, the footwear fanatic is therefore no stranger to joining teams with artistic forces.

Haring’s bold and statement character doodles are sure to make a much sought after and statement shoe. The unique prints will be both vibrant and on trend and will feature on one of Kirkwood’s sky-high heeled creations. The palette for this particular collaboration between the artist and designer is to be both shades of bright fluoro green and pink, the perfect summer shades for a dramatic and daring piece.

The creations will also feature swirl shaped cut outs, doodle style heels in a paint-print medium and each shoe will combine both pink shades and python material on a stiletto made up of luminous green.

News of such collaborations already has the fashion world going crazy especially since Keith Haring’s most recent and successful shoe collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger was a huge hit!


May10

The future of this season’s make up palette certainly looks rose-tinted.

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The future of this season’s make up palette certainly looks rose-tinted.

This season’s fashion capitals are certainly looking rosy-tinted and have been showcasing an array of the sweetest pink hues. In New York models cheeks glowed with baby pink flushes, as if it was almost a compulsory uniform in order to gain entrance to the catwalks. This particular make up trend appeared at a variety of high-end fashion shows such as Zac Posen, Karen Walker and Carolina Herrera, each of these designers offered a girly semblance in the shape of soft pink and ‘young at heart’ cheeks.

At Derek Lam’s show, rose-petal shades complimented and a neutralised assortment of pigments on the eyelids, while designer Zero Maria Cornejo opted for deeper red colours. These darker tones were dusted underneath the eyes of models in order to impersonate a sun kissed look, one that would normally be achieved after a day spent in the sun. Charles Anastase portrayed the rosiest cheeks in London, at this particular show, make-up artist Sally Branka opted for an orange shade of cream blush which she then buffed onto various model’s cheeks in order to give the impression of a ‘youthful yet sophisticated and natural’ glow. Antonio Marras revealed pretty pink cheeks in Milan; these were complimented by raspberry stained lips.

Paris on the other hand opted for cutesy candy pink tones which were heightened and further emphasised by vivid statement juicy red lips. This certainly portrayed a sweet chic take on the usually seen classic French style.

May10

Chanel reveals the first images from this season’s campaign.

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Chanel reveals the first images from this season’s campaign.

Chanel reveals the first images from this season’s campaign.Images of Chanel’s fresh campaign have just been revealed and each picture features the stunning French songstress, Vanessa Paradis. The beauty is the face of Chanel’s new Coco Cocoon bags and is portrayed in a series of black and white images. The photographs for the campaign were in fact taken by Karl Lagerfeld himself and each picture to make up the campaign is certainly causing a stir, this is due to both how striking the model looks and also the status of the much-wanted bag she is holding.

We’re sure just about every fashionista will want to become the proud owner of one of the updated infamous quilted Chanel bags, they are both the signature of chic and certainly sum up the brands spirit.

The new range from Karl Lagerfeld congers up more of a sportier vibe than any of the previous pieces features in the line, each has been created in a leather and nylon fabric and there are a range of styles available. Such styles include a bowling bag, which is said to be Vanessa Paradis’s preferred and a messenger style bag. Both have been designed with function and style in mind. Other pieces in the collection include a bag creating in shearling; this furred and soft fabric is set to be a big hit for autumn 2010 and is to replace this season’s denim material. The most popular creation is possibly the padded rucksack; this piece is the ultimate in 1990’s cool.

These unique creations will be hitting stores in the very near future; in fact you will see them lining the shelves of the many prestigious Chanel boutiques on the 15th May. Prices start at £950 and we’re sure they will be flying off the shelves come Saturday

May7

One of this season’s prettiest trends, an instant style to update your wardrobe.

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One of this season’s prettiest trends, an instant style to update your wardrobe.

With summer almost upon us, it’s time to rid our wardrobes of the heavy knits and dark tweeds of last season and instead introduce one of this season’s prettiest trends to your closet.

A-listers’ such as Kate Bosworth, Chloe Sevigny, Sarah Jessica Parker, the City star Olivia Palmermo and Sienna Millar have all been spotted sporting the new romantic style. Pieces such as lace trimmed tops and dresses in uber luxurious and floating fabrics certainly add a feminine vibe to any outfit. Fabrics in nude and blush shades have proven to be the most popular colours for this season and offer a softer more girly approach to 2010’s minimalist creations and graphic prints.

Kate Bosworth was seen wearing a romantic style blouse in a pretty nude lace; the actress teamed this with super sexy skin tight red trousers and beige sandals. The girly blouse certainly softened a look that would normally appear extra sharp and minimalist.

Model Chloe Sevigny and reality TV star Olivia Palmermo both opted for ultra short cocktail dresses with added ruffle detailing, these can either be worn with opaque tights or alternatively bare legs and are the ultimate in girly glamour for this season.

If you really want to push the style boat out then opt for complete glamour and make sure your must-have purchase for this season is the flattering maxi dress in a rich silk fabric. Halston and Chloe are two such designers that have created the perfect maxi for the summer season, an on trend look that can be worn both day and night, simply swap the sandals for statement heels and add a little bling jewellery to the ensemble. If you prefer the more casual look then be sure to invest in a cutesy playsuit a la Sienna miller, the star was seen wearing a sweet playsuit that echoed a definitive relaxed style.

May7

Everyone’s talking about 2010’s hot new label, the Stolen Girlfriends Club.

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Everyone’s talking about 2010’s hot new label, the Stolen Girlfriends Club.

At this very moment, across the other side of the world the Australian Fashion Week is taking place and one particular brand to have taken our eye is the ‘Stolen Girlfriend’s Club’. This the exciting new label from down under; this alternative and off beat label actually originates from New Zealand and is now taking the Australian catwalk by storm.

A list celebrities including Kate Bosworth, Juliette Lewis and Brit model Daisy Lowe are already firm followers of the brand and good news for the U.K, its about to hit the stores.

The Stolen Girlfriends Club was created by the ruthless trio Dan Gosling, Marc Moore and Luke Harwood and began as an underground art, film and fashion collective in 2005. Their slim fitting 1980’s tees soon became a big hit with various underground fans, each shirt offering a statement slogan. Other items such as an assortment of hand created denim attire also quickly became a favorite with fans. With such a firm following of fans, fashion soon took centre stage for the trio, the Stolen Girlfriends Club now consists of both a womenswear and menswear line as well as a jewellery range.

The label certainly offer something a little different, with a raw street approach to fashion which is both laid back and surf inspired. The most recent womenswear collaborations are a carefully presented combination of uber casual grunge glamour with a definite 1990s Americana feel. Pieces from the ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ range include such items as oversized Pac man print jersey tees, mid blue cropped denim jackets with sleeves finished in navy and ‘dust and bone’ mesh gowns, all are parading the catwalk for spring and summer 2010.

May6

A deep sun-kissed glow proves to be all the rage for 2010.

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A deep sun-kissed glow proves to be all the rage for 2010.

Arrays of A-list celebrities have been spotted sporting a sudden deep sun-kissed glow, proving the rumours are true. Pale skin is out and a dark fake tan is in.

Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevigny and Blake Lively were just a few of the famous faces seen sporting the ‘it’ tan and both the models and actresses were all seen looking a shade darker. Alexa Chung was first seen working the deep tanned look at an event hosted by top designer Christopher Kane. Donatella Versace is another famous face to have opted for a deeper shade, even deeper than her usually shade of bronze.

There have been stories circulating for a while now that the trend of the darker tan is to make a comeback; celebrities have proven these rumours are certainly true. The past seasons have shown the paler complexion to be a hit yet all is set to change in preparation for summer 2010.

In order to achieve a natural deep shade you should opt for an olive toned tan and stay as far away from the orange pigments as possible. Team your new tan with aqua attire, this is the perfect on trend colour to compliment your new darker shade and is also a shade that is set to be a hit for summer.

Xen Tan and St Tropez are certainly the biggest names when it comes to faking that ‘just been away look’ and in order to celebrate this season’s tan trend they have launched a variety of products in even deeper shades for summer.

Xen Tan’s Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe is priced at £34.99 and allows you to achieve that sun kissed look at home. St Tropez’s have launched a new spray tan, the Dark Mist Tan which is priced at £30 and is available in salons now.

May6

Ethical fashion will no longer be a trend that breaks the bank.

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Ethical fashion will no longer be a trend that breaks the bank.

Harold Tillman has just recently introduced a campaign to aid ethical fashion brands meaning the price tags on such garments will no longer be so hefty. We all know even the extremely astute fashion followers would be willing to buy into the world of ethical fashion if it just wasn’t so expensive. The higher price tags attached to environmentally friendly garments certainly means not everyone can afford to support the ethical brands despite wanting to. It is so much easier and pocket friendly to dash into a high .street store and pick up essentials, some of us don’t even think twice about it.

Harold Tillman is currently the head of the British Fashion Council and believes such a campaign will help both the brands and the ethical cause. He wishes to source labels that possess a more thoughtful approach to the world of fashion and because of this believes these particularly ethical friendly brands shouldn’t have to pay so much tax. The head believes that by working with such a cause will in turn persuade other brands to work in conjunction with the ethical cause and think about producing a series of environmentally friendly garments.

His theory on giving ethical label tax breaks is sourced from the fact the government currently allow UK citizens to pay less tax on both many sustainable products and energy efficient and environmental friendly vehicles. Other famous fashion faces that are already on Harold Tillmans side include the London Collage of fashion’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion, the infamous Vivienne Westwood, and High street brand Monsoon. Each of these designers will be showing their support by sign up to such a great cause.

May6

Stay stylish at this season’s festivals, courtesy of cosmetic brand Mac.

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Stay stylish at this season’s festivals, courtesy of cosmetic brand Mac.

Festivals may seem like the last place you would to expect to find a beauty counter but make up label Mac are proving otherwise. The prestigious make up brand have been at the forefront of many of this year’s and the previous year’s fashion and catwalk shows and now they are set to take over festivals too! So rocking wellies in a muddy field may no longer be such an unlikely place for a make-over.

The first festival venues the team of Mac make up specialists are set to hit include both the V festivals and the Isle of Wight. Make up artists of the label will be on hand to keep you looking tip top throughout your stay. A set of featured pop-up stores will be located at both events and each store will provide festival goers and Mac make up fans with thirty minute make up appointments, as well as advice and information on the assortment of beauty products available from the brand.

Festival goers can obtain statement fake lashes or alternatively achieve the latest looks. The MAC Pro Team will also be backstage in the VIP area applying make up to the artists prior to their on stage performances. If you see a look you like, make sure you head to a make up stall and steal any one of the performing act’s style.

Another bonus of the onsite Mac counters is that each stall will be fully stocked with festival essentials such as make-up wipes, soothing strobe cream and the very handy Blot Film packs. The wipes boast to instantly refresh worn out looking skin whilst the Strobe cream and blotting sheets will take away that unsightly shine. The perfect products to apply after a none stop dancing session in the mosh pit.

Mac is sure to have us all looking as effortlessly cool as the likes of Kate Moss and Pixie Geldoff.

Each 30 minute make-up appointments are priced at £15 which is redeemable against products can be booked on site.