Category Archives: General

A few must-haves for the ultimate fashionista

A few must-haves for the ultimate fashionista

Valentines Day is fast approaching, this is certainly an excuse to dress to the nines for a special somebody, it is also a good time to hint at what you might like for your Valentine’s Day gift!

One thing that will be a gift for both of you is a silk-satin chemise.  This sexy little number will make you look and feel great and will get you all of the attention you desire!

The silk-satin chemise from the infamous designer Stella McCartney is a great shout and is available from Net-a-Porter.com.

Another fashion must-have comes in the shape of a cutesy jewellery box.  You never know what you may get from your man this Valentine’s Day and if it is jewellery, you will need somewhere to keep it!  A great shout is the Lapis jewellery box from Smythson.  The jewellery box houses a compartment for every trinket.

The accessory of a season is definitely a felt hat.  Emma Fielden has a great little red number, which is available from £220 and is the perfect colour for the winter season.

If you have an evening of fine dining planned for the event, then you will need to invest in a pretty outfit for the occasion!  Opt for something that is demure and flattering, rather than something that is a little too dressy.  A great outfit for a fine dining establishment is a cutesy elegant shirt, team with equally elegant trouser and heels or a block coloured skirt.

A tulle blouse from ‘by Alice by Temperley’ is a great option for such an event and the black embroidered print on the sheer white shirt works well to create a very high class look!

Add a little bling to the look with a few pieces of simple silver jewellery and will be turning more heads than you expect!  All of the above are available both online and at your local department store.

Is January the right time!?

Is January the right time!?

Here come the January blues.  The party season was great, food and drink was plentiful’ and we all indulged.

Sadly as we contemplate our navels, trying to ignore the expanding belly, baggy red eyes and sallow skin, we know its time to change.

Yet is it the right time?  The information we are about to give you may make you put that New Year diet resolution on hold.

Doctors say it isn’t the right time to diet, as losing weight in January may be harmful rather than benificial.

Morosely staring at the overflowing recycling bottle bin, you may be wondering ‘how can this be?’  Dr. Mark Wright consultant herpetologist at Southampton general hospital said ‘Detoxing for a month is futile’.  If you think you are helping that abused liver by going on a detox for a month, then think again.  People then assume they can drink as much as they want after this detox and for the rest of the year.  This action will however just put your body back into shock.

It would instead work much better if you cut out a few days drinking each week throughout the year rather than a whole month of no drinking.

Just as a drink detox can be hopeless, New Year plans to lose weight can be just as hopeless.

Statistics say that 61% of the population does not understand the correct way to diet.  41% of the population understands the correct calorie consumption, but one in eight people do not realise how to diet healthily.

Again there is no quick fix way to lose weight you need to change your lifestyle over a period of time.

Market analysts Mintel say that 7% fewer people today follow a healthy diet plan than three years ago and the sad fact of todays life is these people are more concerned about finances than staying well through a few lifestyle changes.

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New things to try this season

New things to try this season

Now that the autumn and winter trends are fast coming into play, it is now the time to start experimenting with a few new styles.

This could be in the shape of a hot new lip colour such as a plum or red hue, a killer new pair of on-trend fur rimmed boots, wedges instead of skinny stiletto heels, a new pair of coloured denim jeans or anything else that tickles your fashion fancy on the fashion radar.

Jeans have taken centre stage in the past season, with hot orange, pink, washed out blue, red and an assortment of other shades.  Opt to tone down the shades for the winter season and choose a richer colour rather than a neon.

Team with a pair of this seasons must-have on-trend big boots!  Such boots go with just about everything and are both on the runway and now in the high street boutiques!

Such boots are most definitely designed to be seen and should never be hidden, always wear them over skinnies or with cutesy short skirts!

Just make sure you invest in a pair with one definite embellishment.  They should also offer either a wedge or cuban style heel, which makes them the perfect attire for the winter season.  This added extra comes in the shape of fur and can be lining the insides, the edges or come in the shape of tassle extras.

Key pieces for mens fashion in Winter 2011

Key pieces for mens fashion in Winter 2011

Shoes:
In recent years there has been a notable increase in men who are actually INTERESTED in shoes! It’s debatable as to where this new found interest came from, however Ugg probably have something to do with it. And we are not complaining! Who doesn’t want their man to look a little more fashionable?!

THE mens shoe for Winter 2011 is the brogue boot, in black brown or tan. These retro style boots look fantastic with jeans and casual trousers and black even works with some modern suits!

Jumpers:

Jumpers are big news for box sexes – think luxe fabrics and chunky knits in Autumn colors. Men can choose from a cowl neck, V-neck or crew neck. A knitted cardigan is sometimes a better option for men as they can be worn open or closed and are more versatile than jumpers. The knitted garment should be worn with casual trousers made out of soft material, and not be dressed up. If your knit feels a bit scruffy then focus on your hair and accessories such as scarves and belts.


Coats:

Shearling and Duffle coats are huge this winter and are so comfy and warm! They can be found in any high street store (try Topshop) and also online at www.onestopplus.co.uk/. These coats are designed to be worn over thick Winter clothing so don’t be afraid to go one size up to accomodate this – afterall the oversized coat is bang on trend for A/W 2011!

Favourite Celeb Hair!

Favourite Celeb Hair!

When it comes to style and fashion, we have always taken inspiration from our favourite celebrities. Celebrities, sometimes even more so than runway stylists, are the icons who dictate upcoming and current trends. Therefore, keeping an eye on what is popular amongst your favourite celebrities is a great way to make sure that you are update with your own style. One thing that celebrities are constantly changing is their hairstyle, and there have been some great distinctive looks this year on some major personalities.

One of the first major style changes that shocked and impressed the world this year was performed by Emma Watson, famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, in which her hair was long and slightly wavy. Once filming was completed, however, Emma undertook a drastic style change and emerged with a short, pixie cut that completely altered her appearance. This is quite a big change to undertake, but it distanced Emma from her iconic project and prepared her for new roles. If you’re looking to start fresh this year, a drastic hair cut like this could mark your outset.

Similarly seeking to distance herself from something that may, unfortunately, haunt her for the rest of her career, Cheryl Cole appeared with a new hairstyle a few weeks after the termination of her judge position on the American X Factor. Rather than a drastic change in length or cut, however, Cheryl went for a change in colour, transitioning from brunette to blonde and therefore lightening up her look. Cheryl now looks glamorous and ready for a new chapter in her career and personal life.

Finally, a style that has been out-dated for many years is making a comeback in 2011 largely thanks to the influence of rising musical star Imelda May. Her distinctive quiff matches her entirely unique, vintage look, and has been imitated by a variety of celebrities such as Dianna Agron and Katie Holmes as they too look to give their hair a little added volume and lift.

Pretty Summer Dresses for children

Pretty Summer Dresses for children

Shopping for your children can be great fun for both you and them, although often traipsing around high streets stores with a little one in tow can result in more whinging and whining than you would like. Shopping online eliminates that risk, allowing you to browse through a wide range of products and show them to your child to make sure that he or she likes them before you spend any money. Online retailers like Ellos stock lots of different styles of kids clothing, but particularly popular at the moment are children’s summer dresses. Here are 5 of the best, available online from www.ellos.co.uk now.

1) Our first ELLOS dress is a short-sleeved kids classic, revamped for summer 2011. This vintage looking dress from Ellos comes in four different styles, each with a crew neckline, buttoned placket and elasticated cuffs. This dress is suited for younger girls, and will make them look adorable when playing outside in the summer sunshine.

2) For Hello Kitty fans, the bright pink Hello Kitty ELLOS dress is a perfect fit and will have girls looking bold and cheerful this summer, sporting their favourite cartoon character on a comfortable cotton dress.

3) Fashion isn’t just for adults, and our third ELLOS dress utilises one of the hottest runway and celebrity trends at the moment – floral print. With a plain top and a beautifully ruffled and patterned skirt, this dress will make your little girl stand out from the crowd in a choice of pastel pink or light blue.

4) At just £11 and in not one, not two but FIVE different styles, our fourth dress is an affordable addition to your child’s summer wardrobe. This comfortable dress is like an elongated t-shirt, easy to run around in and play.

5) Finally, tunic tops and dresses are definitely in at the moment, so let your child follow the trend with this fashionable tunic from ELLOS, which can be worn alone or with tights or leggings.

Tips to bagging the best outfits

Tips to bagging the best outfits

A good trick is to opt to do your research online, if you are lucky you may be ble to call ahead and put the item on hold as appose to running to the store and being met by disappointment!  This way you can take your lunch break from work to do what you want as appose to racing to the shops in less than an hour!

Take a younger sibling with you, if you treat them to a little something we are sure they will be more than likely to offer to carry those heavy shopping bags for you…result!

Personal shoppers are on call in many stores and booking an advise session will allow you to get the best outfit for your money, it is also a great way to create a killer look if you have an extra special occasion planned in the very near future!

Choose a shopping buddy wisely, you need to employ the use of a best friend that will tell you the truth at all times, you may think that feather pink tinged jacket is adorable, the rest of the world however may not!

Take a tip from the best shoppers out there and save the shoe shopping till last, this way you can match them to your newly purchased outfit and shoes are probably the most bulky items to carry!  Stop off for regular Frappuccino’s, a great drink for those on the go, the sugar will also keep you motivated and after its all over, we think you definitely deserve a glass of vino

The tried and supplied

The tried and supplied

This year fashionistas’s are opting for the safer option and so are the designers!  Don’t expect to see a major change in any of this season’s attire, instead expect your favourite pieces to have undergone a little of a re-vamp!

Expect a colour surge as spring fast approaches; your favourite pieces will receive a good injection of colour, guaranteed to brighten up even the dullest day!

Designers have taken the tried and true attire of 2010 and 2011 and created something similar yet still something that will add freshness to your existing closet!  Adding colour to an otherwise monotone outfit will most definitely add a little flair, even if its as simple as a hot hues pair of killer heels, a statement piece of jewellery such as an exquisite necklace or bracelet, a belt, bag or shawl.  All of the above are inexpensive ways to dress up an outfit you already own, they are also a great way to jazz up your office outfit if you intend to rush straight from work to a dinner date or a meeting with the girls.

Make sure you choose a colour that compliments your skin tone and try to team matching shades together as too many colours will have the effect of a jumbled and mismatched look.  Try to instead create a sophisticated style and opt for one single hot hue teamed with another subtle shade for best results

Balancing act

Balancing act

When it comes to hiding flaws and enhancing assets you need to be in the know if you want to create the illusion of a svelte figure.  Layering with a jacket or tee is a great way to flatter a fuller bust, wrap tops are perfect for this…the cinched in waist will create the illusion of a tiny waist and the v-neckline of your shirt will compliment the bust

A skirt is another must-have item in any wardrobe and a-line styles are best suited to those with a fuller shape.  This is mainly because they match your fuller bustline and in turn this will keep you looking proportional.  If you like your skirts to be tucked in and smart, opt or a skirt with a slightly lower waistline, this will create the effect of a longer torso, which will in turn make you look taller and slimmer than you actually are.

Avoiding mini skirts is a must as these may look a little over the top when teamed with an enviable bust region; try instead a smart pencil skirt in order to show off your curves, especially if you have average or larger hips.  This teamed with a smaller waist is the perfect fuller figure and one that will be the envy of all of your friends.

Trousers are another wardrobe essential, whatever your shape.  If you wish for your trousers to hide your hip, opt for a slightly wider style, this will allow the fabric to skim over the hips.

Avoid skinny styles at all costs as such a look will make you appear top heavy, enhancing your bust even more so.

If you have an evening do on the cards you will more than likely want to choose a sexy evening number?  Romantic attire is very much in this season and a piece with both a structured bodice and an a-line skirt will work to enhance and balance your natural shape

Pretty in pink

Pretty in pink

The Parisian powderhouse Guerlain has once again revealed why they are the go-to brand for make-up by showing us an assortment of brand new must-have blush compacts.

The latest make-up offerings come in a range of blushing pinks and all come in stylish limited edition casing.  The powders certainly offer every shade you would ever need, in hues including rose, peach, hot pink and baby pink.  All offer the standard Guerlain grace, style, sophistication and class and should be in every fashionista’s handbag, especially when they come in a stylish jet black engraved with spiralling tendril Guerlain design.

Once you have purchased the blush you can go that one step further and team it with a Guerlain impeccable shine rouge G lipstick, entitled Blush G de Guerlain.

The creative director of the infamous brand is said to be extremely impressed with this season’s shades and informs users they are both melodic and beautiful in style.

Of course the collection wouldn’t be complete without the piercing blue stare of a supermodel and the face of Guerlain’s new blushes.  Natalie Vodianova is the name behind this face and in the campaign wears the all-new rose tones.  Such shades are perfect for the summer months ahead of us and will give the effect of a true English-rose style.  Such a style is best worn during the day but can be dressed up at night with a more vivid lipstick shade such as a hot pink or deep rose colour

All the products encase a certain sense of style and attitude and are only for the most confident upon us!