Search Results for “gift guide”

8 Fun Virtual Holiday Party Ideas Everyone Will Love

by on 1st December 2020 Comments are Disabled

Whether you’re unable to travel due to distance and a hectic work schedule or COVID-19 restrictions are keeping you home for health and safety reasons, you might not be able to see your family, friends or coworkers in person for the holidays. Thankfully, though, there are so many ways you can celebrate together, regardless of where you’re spending the season. From coordinating a festive trivia game to donning your favorite holiday party dress for happy hour over video chat, here are eight fun virtual holiday party ideas everyone will love. 1. Set up a virtual trivia game featuring family traditions, holiday history and more. When you spend the holiday season with your friends and family in person, one of the most special things is getting the chance to have engaging conversations with each other. While you might not be able to recreate the experience of a holiday party entirely while remote, one way to get everyone participating in the fun is to host a virtual trivia night! Questions can be related to the history of the holidays you celebrate, family traditions that make it unique to you or even quirky details about the people who are participating. Keep it short and sweet so that the fun of spending time with people you love isn’t overshadowed by the intensity of competition. 2. Enjoy some wine and cheese pairings at a virtual happy hour. If you’re missing the opportunity to gather with the girls this year for a holiday happy hour, you can still enjoy a tasting from afar! Step into a pair of cute heels, swipe on a sweet lip gloss and sign in to a video chat where you can get together and gossip. You can take some time in advance to select similar options so that the wine and […]

Read More

Tips on creating Christmas greetings cards on Mixbook

by on 7th July 2020 0 comments

If you are busy, you might wish to create a holiday card with the least amount of hustle to save the little time that you have. The Mixbook website can help you conveniently create Christmas photo cards that you are proud to send to your family and friends. Mixbook has exceptional software and printing services, which enable your creativity to shine when creating a Christmas card. You will receive a personally reflective, beautifully printed card with an excellent color scheme, dynamic portrait, and clarity. Ahead are some tips on getting the best Christmas photo cards on Mixbook Play with the typography of the photo With the correct typography, your picture will pop-out and shine and you should check out great typography options when making Christmas cards. Mixbook allows you to play with different fonts, text colors, and sizes when creating a Christmas card. If you have a saying that you would love to share with your loved ones, you can incorporate it into the typography of your Christmas card. Mixbook allows you to highlight specific words, phrases and you can also accent them by changing their color, font, or text size. You can use an unpolished card Most families are accustomed to having a nicely posed picture for their Christmas cards, but you can break the monotony by going with a wacky photo. You can choose a funny picture that will make your loved ones laugh at your creativity. Create a memorable Christmas card on Mixbook this year with your personalized funny photos. Add stickers to your Christmas card You can add stickers to your card on Mixbook, and you can use twine pom-poms and papercraft stickers to spice up your card. Moreover, when the photo has been delivered, you can still add your physical embellishment collections from the local […]

Read More

How To Take Care Of Your Aran Sweater

by on 22nd May 2020 0 comments

Aran sweaters, cardigans and other garments are very special, comfortable to wear and they look fantastic too. Looking after your Aran products doesn’t need to be stressful, we are here to help you to get it right. Read on to find out more about how to wash, dry, store and care for your Aran sweater, and visit our online store to explore our unique range online. Should I Wash My Aran Sweater? Aran is a great choice for discerning customers who value quality and a meaningful connection with Irish heritage, but many people worry about how to care for their Aran garments. Here is our helpful guide to keeping your Aran sweater as good as new.  Air it. Wool is a natural, breathable fibre, and it usually doesn’t need washing as frequently as other fabrics. Most clothing needs washing after just a couple of wears, but woollen garments can be worn more before they are in need of a wash. Between wears, you can air your Aran sweater to prolong its life and keep it feeling fresh, and this is very easy to do. Simply hang your woollen sweater up after you’ve worn it, in the fresh air if you can, and it’ll feel as good as new for longer.   Hand wash it. Although it won’t need washing often, when it does, your sweater will need to be hand-washed. It sounds like a nuisance but it’s really not that hard. You really shouldn’t wash your Aran sweater in a washing machine, because it can damage the fibres and compromise the quality of the wool, so don’t be tempted to take a short cut here. There are a few simple steps to hand washing your woollen items, and you’ll soon be wondering what all the fuss was about. You will […]

Read More

6 Things You Need To Make A Bathroom Feel Complete

by on 23rd August 2022 0 comments

Even with a small yet functional bathroom, everyone still needs this space to be as perfect as can be in order to feel comfortable and relaxed. After all, the bathroom is a safe haven in the home where we can forget the outside world for a while and simply be one with our thoughts. Sure, you might have all the bathroom fixtures, but do you have all the extra bits and pieces that really complete this space to make it cosy and liveable? We’ll list some of the most important bathroom accessories you’ll need to turn a humble bathroom into a veritable oasis. Be ready to get the most out of your bathroom renovation and make it an incredible journey. Add some quality bathmats and towels It’s no fun to step out of a lovely, hot bath or shower, only to be greeted by a soggy and dilapidated bathmat. It can really ruin your Zen feeling and put a (literal) dampener on your bathroom time. Upgrade your bathmats to something of high quality and bring in some colourful, fluffy towels that you’ll enjoy being wrapped up in after your bathing time. Small things like this are often the icing on the cake and end up making your day. Bring in some greenery You might think that a warm, damp and mostly dark space like a bathroom would mean bad news for any plant, but luckily there are many houseplants that thrive in this space. Ferns, devil’s ivy, aspidistra, and philodendrons are regarded as some of the best houseplants for bathrooms. These will not only help cleanse the air, but bring in some much-needed life and nature into an otherwise uniform space. Small products that make a big impact Taking a bath or washing your hands are usually seen as fairly mundane tasks, […]

Read More

Retail Therapy: Avoiding the common pitfalls

by on 15th December 2019 0 comments

Believe it or not, retail therapy has made its way into the dictionary. Once regarded as something of a tongue-in-cheek concept, it’s come to the point where some people absolutely swear by it. In short, for those who perhaps haven’t experienced it at least by this definition, it involves the practice of hitting the shops in a bid to make yourself feel better. There’s little else to it and based on the above; we’ve probably all done it. However, before you do venture out on your day out to the shops, it’s important to arm yourself with a few tips to help you along your way. Suffice to say, this is what the remainder of today’s guide is going to focus on. Don’t forget the therapy-factor OK, you’re looking to treat yourself, but hitting the shops at 100-miles-per-hour is asking for trouble. It’s great in the first couple of hours, but as time goes on, you are utterly exhausted. This is where combining the retail benefits with something like a spa break comes into play. If you don’t give your body any break, you’ll find that you’ll be completely burnt out for the next couple of days and back to square one. You need fueling We’re by no means suggesting that this is like some sort of world-class athletic event (although in some ways, it can feel this way). This next point focusses on how you should be fueling up on your mission. One of the biggest mistakes that a lot of us make is not eating or drinking enough as we power through the stores. Sure, there is shopping to be done, but again there can become a point where you are completely burnt out, and the whole experience becomes irritating. Make sure you organise enough pitstops for lunch […]

Read More

How To Declutter And Downsize Your Home Stress-Free

by on 9th June 2023 0 comments

Bigger does not always mean better—especially when it comes to property. Of course, having more space seems attractive, but it also costs more. The larger your home the more cleaning and maintenance is also needed. And, it also encourages you to store more stuff. Maybe you’ve still got your kids baby toys stored in the loft? Or, a bag of size zero clothes that you know you’ll never wear again? Or worse unopened packing boxes from when you first moved in? Yep—you know who you are.  To counter the hecticness of modern life, more people are selling their houses and downsizing. And, it’s not just the baby boomers or empty nesters, but people who want to live a life free of stuff and clutter. Instead, they’re choosing to free themselves of the burden of paying a large mortgage and expensive maintenance bills, in exchange for having more money to do things they enjoy. If you’re considering selling your home to downsize but not sure where to start, then read on.  7 tips to help you declutter and downsize your home  1. Work out how much you space you really need Are you a single person or in a couple? How many rooms do you need? Do you need extra space for an office if you work from home? Do you have many visitors so would benefit from an an extra bedroom? Do you have a dog or cat that needs a garden? Could you sacrifice and outdoor space for a larger living area? Weigh up your needs and priorities. This will help you stay focused when home-hunting.   2. Get a tape-measure When looking at new properties make sure you do the following:  3. Be honest but not hasty Sure, the aim of the game is to declutter your life but […]

Read More

Why You Need to Wear More Jewelry

by on 7th April 2020 0 comments

Think about it. When’s the last time you wore an amazing piece of jewelry? For many people, the answer is easy to answer. Never. At least, it’s been so long they can’t remember it. Picking out a fun piece of jewelry for yourself is a luxury. But it’s a luxury that is well worth it. You’ll feel like a million dollars. Every outfit can be used to showcase your style. The proper piece announces your taste. Necklaces A bright necklace or chain immediately grabs people’s eyes. Check out https://goldurban.com/ for examples. A thick, well-made gold chain is a staple piece of jewelry. It’ll never go out of style and it meshes well with any outfit. Photo lockets are coming back into style as well. These are little necklaces that hold a picture of someone you love inside. You wear it close to your heart so it has significance. Necklaces are often thought of as gifts. A diamond necklace and a box of chocolate is the quintessential Valentine’s Day gift. However, you’re completely free to buy your own necklace. It might even have more value because you picked it out yourself. Statement Piece We live in the age of customization. You can easily find a personalized piece of jewelry without leaving your couch. The internet has changed everything. Sites like Etsy allow you to connect with individual artists. This gives you a chance to request a custom piece. You can find someone to make almost anything. It won’t be free but you should be able to negotiate a good price. The fun thing about having your own piece is knowing that no one else on earth will be able to have the same look. Costume Jewelry Don’t dismiss costume jewelry. You can have a blast with a few inexpensive pieces. You […]

Read More

3 Champagne Rules You Need To Follow This Christmas

by on 12th February 2018 0 comments

No Christmas celebration is complete without a bottle or two of champagne. It’s great for adding some sparkle to the day, and will help to give your festive dinner an extra dash of luxury. But, if you don’t drink or serve champagne on a regular basis, you might feel a little bit lost when it comes to how it should be served and stored. Here, we’re going to give you a run down of all the champagne rules you need to follow this holiday season, which will help you to serve the perfect glass each and every time. Read on to learn more.   Serve your champagne in the right way Champagne should always be served in a long-stemmed flute or tulip-shaped glass, according to Into Wine. This is because they’re designed to concentrate the aromas of the wine, as well as help to preserve its bubbles. Additionally, champagne is best served cold, and should be chilled to around 7°C. This will help the taste and smell of the wine to be fully appreciated. Placing an unopened bottle in an ice bucket that’s filled with half ice and half water for 20–30 minutes will help you to achieve this. Or, you could place the bottle in your fridge for 3–4 hours. Store your champagne properly When you’re waiting for the right time to open your bottles of champagne, they should be stored on their side in a cool dark place at around 7–11 °C. You should also keep them out of the way of appliances that might vibrate them. If there are bottles that you plan to consume within a month, these can be stood upright. Don’t keep bottles of champagne open for too long In its guide to how long champagne lasts, Gifts International explains that, if stored correctly […]

Read More

The Pros & Cons Of Shopping Online vs The High Street?

by on 12th November 2017 0 comments

The advent of the Internet has improved many lives immeasurably, and for most of the changes and alterations that have added to our daily lives, the chances are we aren’t even that aware of them. This has indeed changed many previously established traditions, and one of these of course is how we shop. Back in the day, when the world was less connected globally, we may well have had no idea what was further afield in terms of different produce. Nowadays we can buy any item from anywhere in the world and have it shipped straight to our door, but how beneficial is this new direction overall? Deciding how much more useful or otherwise it is to shop online will tend to depend on what kind of things you buy, and how much free time you have. If you have the world as your oyster and no other events to complicate your routine, shopping in store can be a way to fill your day as you explore, but if you happen to be busy a lot of the time it could end up being a different game completely. If you’re holding down a full or part-time job, have kids, a plethora of pets or hectic schedule, you may find yourself hard pushed to keep the fridge fully stocked. This is where the emergence of online shopping can prove so useful: the option to scour through all of the available products and have it delivered at a time that suits you. As is often said, if we are hungry we tend to buy more food. If you are shopping with your little ones, they will undoubtedly be clamouring for some sweet treats to be thrown in the shopping cart, but an online shopping experience can limit this hugely and stop them […]

Read More

The Best Winter Skincare Regimes

by on 22nd September 2021 1 comment

The days are drawing in and the temperature’s dropping, so as well as hats, scarves and Christmas presents, it’s time to start thinking about winter skincare. It’s no surprise that those bitingly cold but beautifully clear winter days can bring with them more than a rosy glow to the cheeks. For some people, winter weather can mean dry, cracking skin, as it’s forced to endure extreme temperature fluctuations caused by chilly late-night shopping trips followed by holing up at home with the heating turned to max. As soon as we turn the heat on indoors, the skin begins to dry out. Chapped lips and blotchy, flaky skin become a real problem, and common skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea can be exacerbated. So what can be done to protect the skin from the worst effects of winter? We recommend changing your skincare routine to suit the weather changes. We’ve put together some ideas on the best winter skincare regimes to help you embrace the festive season. Before we get started it’s important to note that when you decide to start a skincare routine at the beginning of a new season you may get overwhelmed by all the terms and beauty products that are out in the market. The best thing? Keep it simple. Here we highlight the essential products to add to your skincare routine this winter. Supplements and Foods As the nights get longer, we often reach for stodgy, comfort food that can have an inflammatory effect on the body. You won’t be surprised to hear that good skincare starts from the inside, so thinking about your diet can be the first step towards healthier winter skin. Instead of pies and pastries, sufferers of eczema and ‘winter itch’ should up their intake of essential fatty acids, found in […]

Read More

We’re crushing on these Tom Ford oversized sunglasses for our winter hols!

by on 14th December 2014 0 comments

You can’t beat a great pair of sunglasses to complete your look. From aviators to cat eyes, there’s no denying sunglasses are a staple accessory. Regrettably, cat eye sunnies just don’t suit us *sigh*, and while we must admit we’re partial to aviators, we’re a tad obsessed with oversized sunglasses at the minute hence why we LOVE these brown oversized sunglasses by Tom Ford. Pair with dark blue skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, a caped blazer and a pair of black pumps for a stylish outfit that’ll certainly impress! Alternatively treat a loved one to these Tom Ford beauties or any of these stylish sunnies for Christmas. Tom Ford Oversized Brown Sunglasses, £157.95 available at SmartBuyGlasses.

Read More

Treat Your Loved Ones the Right Way This Festival Season

by on 25th April 2014 0 comments

The summer months are hot in India but they usually herald the beginning of festival season. India has a lot of festivals and almost all of them are celebrated with pomp and gusto. Most of the festivals are celebrated locally with pujas being mandatory, but others usually require families to splurge on gifts for themselves and for loved ones, according to the website Hinduism. Festivals also tend to vary according to state. For example, Maharashtrians love their Ganapthi and Holi while Bengalis prefer to celebrate these festivals on a low-key level. On the other hand, Bengalis go all out for Durga Pooja with food and festivities and celebrate it on a different level as compared to the rest of India. As a result, even though the festivals are the same, an interesting article states that different communities may choose to celebrate them on different levels. The common thread that runs through all festivals is spending and buying. India is a diverse country but most festivals are celebrated all over the country at different levels. The traditional festival season kicks off with Ganapathi, continues with Navrathri or Durga Pooja, and finally closes down with the popular Diwali or Festival of Lights. The entire season may spread out over three months and new clothes, sweetmeats, religious items, flowers, etc. are mandatory. Some communities also require extensive gifting to friends and family during these auspicious festivals. It is not possible to provide a complete guide to festival etiquette, but almost all Indian festivals are expensive and gifting can be really tough to manage. Internet Shopping Makes It Easier Although Internet shopping has been around for several years now, the industry has seen a tremendous boost in the last two to five years. This is because online retailers have streamlined their shops to cater […]

Read More

Shopping Tips for Jeans

by on 18th April 2014 0 comments

Jeans are our sartorial best friends. They save the day when we just don’t know what to wear, and for that, we are eternally grateful. However, akin to the people wearing them, jeans come in all different shapes, colours and sizes, which means it is possible to pick the wrong ones and therefore give them a bad reputation. There’s nothing worse than ill-fitting jeans – they’re uncomfortable for the person wearing them, and aren’t pleasant on the eye either – so we’re here to give you some tips on shopping for the perfect jeans so everyone is happy all the time! Here goes: Know your body. Bodycon dresses look great on the curvy Kelly Brooks of the world, T-shirt dresses look cute on petite girls, and anything in the colour orange looks fantastic on anyone who’s just come back from holiday with a gorgeous glowing tan. Yep, different body types suit different items of clothing, and jeans are no different. Skinny jeans look great on girls with slender pins, and high waisted jeans are perfect for the more vertically gifted lady. Bootcut jeans are wonderful for adding some shape and definition to a silhouette. We guess what we’re trying to say is that different styles suit different body types, so it’s important to know what works for you. Try everything out and ask more than one person for an honest opinion! Know the occasion. If you want a casual and comfortable pair of jeans for that effortless “I just threw this off” look, then baggy boyfriend jeans or ripped jeans for women are the way to go! If you’re looking for something to wear in the smart/casual bracket, then there’s nothing quite as chic as a black pair of skinny jeans teamed with a sky high heel and a fitted […]

Read More

5 fun things to do in London this Valentines Day

by on 12th February 2014 0 comments

You thought Paris was the most romantic city in the world, but London isn’t too bad for the ole romance, either. Believe it or not, hustle and bustle, angry commuters and horrific weather aside, there are far worse places to be than our fine Capital on Friday February 14th, and to prove it to you we’ve come up with five fab ways to spend Valentine’s Day in the city. 1. Lady Mary and her Downton Abbey pals have made afternoon tea seem like a simply spiffing way to spend a day, so why should Valentine’s Day be any different? Afternoon tea at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower from 3pm to 6pm costs from just £40 – not that you can put a price on love, of course! 2. Strolling hand in hand at the London Tower Bridge Exhibition sounds like a great way to kick off Valentine’s Day, if you ask us. Entry is just £8 per adult, which is a pretty reasonable price to pay to enjoy stunning views of London from the high walkways. 3. You know your man is a keeper if he agrees to take you shopping at Westfield Stratford or Westfield White City. We know that men tend to get a little bored (and that’s putting it nicely) while accompanying you to the shops, bless them, so you have to give him brownie points for offering to take you. Extra points if he already bought you a gift and is offering to buy you whatever your heart desires as you peruse the shops, too. 4. Inject a little bit of culture into your day and relationship as a whole by visiting the Tate Modern. Enriching your minds and absorbing all that knowledge and culture is a great way to spend the day; oh and did we […]

Read More

7 fab Fashion Month essentials!

by on 4th February 2014 0 comments

For some people, February is all about Valentine’s Day, but for all the budding fashionistas in the world, the month of Feb is all about fashion. New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week – all four cities which have their own distinctive and irreplaceable style! So, dressing for Fashion Month – regardless of the city or how much show-watching you’ll actually be doing – has to be done right. You need to get the dressing for the chill and dressing stylishly balance just right. We think we’ve got it sorted with our seven suggestions below; what say you? 1. Ah the great Fashion Week footwear dilemma! Do you go for sky high heels to complement your cute dress and to be the same height as the rest of the ladies and models or do you go for comfort? Nine times out of 10 we would have gone for the former, but since flat shoes are loved by the likes of Alexa Chung and Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, we think we’re going to go for flats this season. Plus just think how warm these boots will be? 2. The bag is probably one of the most important accessories. If you’re a high fashion magazine editor, a celebrity or someone who won’t be working at Fashion Week, by all means go for an adorable little clutch bag that fits a mobile phone and extra lippie – especially if you’re being chauffeured around from show to show. But for the rest of us who have to slum it and walk to shows, a good sized bag to fit everything from iPads to chargers to make-up bags to an extra pair of flats to food (yes we all need to refuel between shows) is absolutely vital! 3. […]

Read More

Choosing the Right Jewellery for Your Partner

by on 24th December 2013 0 comments

Choosing the perfect jewellery for that special someone in your life can be a daunting task. If you’re planning to splash out, your gift needs to be exactly right. Rings and watches are among the most popular and long-lasting gifts, and they can be worn by your partner every day. Whether you’re buying for a birthday, an anniversary, or another celebration, follow our simple guide for success. Rings Before you even enter the jewellers, make sure you have a good idea of the style your partner prefers. Think about the rest of their jewellery; is it gold, silver or rose gold? You should choose something that matches tastefully. Engagement Rings If you’re helping a friends partner to choose the right ring to pop the question borrow a ring from your friends jewellery box to get the size measurements right. Not every woman favours a diamond engagement ring, but if you get a hint that her preference is traditional, do some research into what you can expect for the budget at hand. The cut, clarity, colour and carat of a diamond are all factors that influence the appearance and quality of the gem you choose. The cut and clarity impact on the sparkle of the diamond, and a poorly cut gem can seriously compromise its appearance. The colour of diamonds does vary, the clearer and more colourless diamonds being substantially more expensive. Set a budget for the ring and stick to it; remember that you still have to save for the wedding, and for your life together. Watches It’s important to remember that a good quality watch is an investment, so shop around online on reputable sites like Market Cross Jewellers. If you’re considering buying a timepiece for your partner, make sure you know what they would choose. Drop some hints […]

Read More

Must have shoes for Autumn & Winter!

by on 11th November 2013 0 comments

The transition from spring/summer to autumn/winter can be a tough one to make. Although we have long since waved goodbye to shorts and T-shirts, the relatively dry weather means we are still wearing our cute ballet pumps and flimsy plimsolls. However, when the winter turns really nasty, as it did just the other week with the St Jude storm battering southern parts of the UK, we’ll need more substantial footwear. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide of all the essential footwear you’ll require to see out the colder months. 1. Everyday boot In order to tackle the rain and snow, you’ll need a practical pair of boots for everyday wear. Tottering around on heels when it is icy underfoot is hardly appropriate, so go for a pair of flat boots instead. Doctor Martins are a great option, having been seen on the feet of many fashionistas, with a following that includes Jessica Alba, Miley Cyrus and Gwen Stefani. This timeless boot has been a fashion staple for years – it never seems to date! They are available in a range of colours, but to nail this season’s trend, we’d recommend going for an oxblood or navy colour to create a stylish punk look. 2. Formal boot You will fail to see the benefit of wearing a pair of strappy sandals on a night out when you’re standing in the taxi queue in what feels like sub-arctic conditions. Go for a heeled ankle boot instead – you will have all of the sophistication of your heels, with the added benefits of warm toes too. Check out the range of Gabor shoes available from Charles Clinkard – they have some great ankle boots like these that would complement a tights and skirt combo beautifully. 3. The party shoe Although we […]

Read More

Treat him to…..

by on 30th October 2013 0 comments

We all know that men can be a nightmare to shop for. They are insufferably vague and don’t give you the slightest idea on what gift avenues to take. That’s why we suggest you go out your way to surprise him this festive period. Update his wardrobe with some items he’d never think to buy himself. Here are three ideas to guide you: An urban sweatshirt Thanks to the likes of Plan B, urban clothing has exploded in popularity this year. As the winter chills begin to take hold, snapbacks and vests may not be the most appropriate choice at the moment. We’d recommend picking out a sweatshirt from the excellent range of King Apparel clothing from Capology. Dark shades are very fashionable at this time of year for men, but we’re also fond of more colourful sweats like this blue Warriors Crew top. A splash of colour goes a long way during this dark season. A pair of winter boots Heavy downpours and frosty mornings mean that his old pair of canvas slip-ons will no longer provide adequate protection and warmth from the elements. These Dr Martens, available from Schuh, keep his feet toasty on bang-on trend this season, as he braves the winter weather. The eight eye lace up ankle boot has a man made insole and features the signature yellow stitch detail around the base. Who said it practicality and style can’t go together? A hat and scarf Don’t worry about denting your man’s pride by getting him to wrap up. Complete his winter look by leaving a chunky scarf and beanie under the Christmas tree. Street grunge is a trend that loves to come out as the days get darker, apply this idea to his accessories. This oversized cable knit scarf from Topman, will take him […]

Read More

Banish your blemishes!

by on 18th December 2012 0 comments

We know we always harp on about clothes and accessories that you need in your lives, but we can’t forget about those essential beauty products either. Don’t rule out beauty buys as cute little stocking fillers, secret Santa pressies or general gifts for the ones you love this Christmas – and that’s yourself included! We’re all going to be getting glammed up these next few weeks for those Christmas parties and New Year celebrations, and that doesn’t just mean putting a gorgeous new frock on and slipping into some sky high heels. It also means that we’re going to ditch our natural make-up for something just that little bit more special to achieve that wow factor look… and our skin might suffer as a result. Layering on the make-up is never great for the face, but luckily we found a product that can help restore it to its smoother, blotch-free self in no time. We know that irritated or red skin can be a visual and literal pain, and all the make-up we pile on it might make it look better temporarily, but doesn’t do it any favours in the long run. So instead of suffering in silence or not doing anything about it, why don’t you treat your skin with a wonderful blemish balm from Dr Med Christine Schrammek Kosmetik available at her BB cream shop. It was developed especially for irritated, large-pored and impure skin, and the texture with panthenol and bisabolol is said to calm the redness of the skin. It comes in three different colour shades, which means it just got easier to cover up all those imperfections without layering on the foundation and risking the skin getting even more irritated with the vicious cycle. And best of all, the BB Cream has a soft matting […]

Read More

What to wear on Valentine’s day: dinner date

by on 7th February 2011 0 comments

So the big day’s just one week away, and whether you’ve got a hot dinner date, a laidback lunch or a night in snuggled on the sofa planned, we’ve got your sartorial needs covered. From effortlessly elegant dresses to statement separates and cool, casual layers, take time to treat yourself this Valentine’s day with a little style revamp. Going out on a hot date or for dinner with the girls? See below for our top picks that are guaranteed to have him eating out the palm of your hand, whether he’s your partner or the waiter. Look one: effortlessly elegant Amanda Wakeley shirt dress, £395, available at amandawakeley.com. BUY NOW; Monica Vinader candy stacking ring, £375, available at Astley Clarke. BUY NOW; Diane Von Furstenberg Flama sandals, £260, available at Matches. BUY NOW; Teal oversized bow suede clutch, £40, available at Topshop. BUY NOW Pair a sleek, slouchy satin shirt dress with delicately bold bow-tie heels and a sumptuous suede clutch in a cool cobalt colour for an understated chic look this Valentine’s day – a gold stone ring in soft jewel shades will add just enough glamour. Look two: cool and classic Alexander Wang Goddess dress, £730, available at Matches. BUY NOW; Dominic Jones rose gold tooth ring, £90, available at theOutnet.com. BUY NOW; Straw stone box bag, £40, available at Topshop. BUY NOW; Diane Von Furtsenberg Eva sandals, £250, available at Matches. BUY NOW; Update a classic LBD with a splash of new-season colour – Diane Von Furstenberg’s statement lime sandals will put a zesty spring in your step, while the neutral clutch and clean-cut ring offer the perfect pared-down balance for timeless appeal.

Read More

Tried and Tested: Lumecin and Eyliplex-2 by GoodSkin Labs

by on 25th October 2021 0 comments

GoodSkin Labs impress me with their clinically functional packaging. The pharmaceutical appearance of the anti-ageing skincare brand’s products just scream ‘I mean business’. So when you read the science garble on the box, you expect it to be true. The brand is currently pushing its products as party season saviours. And with Jack Frost just about to start his winter stint, we decided to road test two products that sound particularly useful for getting through the cold snap.

Read More

First look: Kate Moss for Topshop Christmas collection

by on 24th October 2021 0 comments

Getting in the festive spirit when we’re still in October poses a few problems for us, but we’ve seen something that might just help us: Kate Moss for Topshop Christmas collection. And it launches tomorrow. Her previous Christmas collections have left us a little unsure, but this one has definitely got our attention. The collection offers an assortment of luxurious oriental-inspired pieces for day and evening wear that have been designed to make you feel fabulously festive… and a little exotic. Influenced by traditional Chinese and Japanese clothing, the collection fuses the old with the new as silk dresses take on an A/W09 update with gunmetal lurex knitwork and chiffon blouses promise prints of bamboo, lotus flowers and fireworks to reflect the richness of the orient. Basic knitwear is given a glamorous edge with lurex striped shrugs and sequinned knit waistcoats, and Kate brings her laid-back rock ‘n’ roll glamour to key pieces including a sequinned bandeau maxi dress, a strapless mini embellished with black mesh petals and gold beads, an ostrich feather-sleeved shift dress and a one-shouldered long-sleeved oriental sequinned dress – our favourite piece. It all sounds so sumptuous, doesn’t it? But the Christmas collection plays it cool, too, following on from last season with sharp tailoring in the form of pencil skirts and Victoriana jackets. What’s exciting this time, though, is not only the return of Kate’s vintage-inspired silk and chiffon lingerie, which will preview exclusively online but the debut of her luxury nightwear. We’re eyeing up the floral silk pyjamas that come in a matching drawstring bag, perfect Christmas present, anyone? “I love beautiful nightwear, it makes you feel great, said Kate, who recently starred in James Brown’s documentary. I’ve collected millions of vintage slips, nighties, camis and bed jackets. Who doesn’t want fab nightwear for […]

Read More

Reviews: Wife Dressing, The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife

by on 30th September 2008 0 comments

Upon first glance of the title, “Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife, which was first penned in 1959 by model and designer, Anne Fogarty, I instantly thought that this recently re-released “how-to book would be outdated or even degrading for on-the-go, modern day women like ourselves. I mean, we’ve come a long way from the days when career women were the new breed, and when wearing petticoats, pearls and white gloves at home on a Sunday afternoon were the standard.

Read More

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Harpers Bazaar – Great Style!

by on 5th June 2016 0 comments

***UPDATE: This contest is now closed. Congratulations to our two winners Thalia and Justine!*** Remember how we raved about the style guide from Harpers Bazaar: Great Style (The Best Ways to Update Your Look) and how it would make a perfect gift? Well…we have two copies to giveaway as our gift to you! To win a copy, just leave a comment and tell us, who is your style icon of 2007? Hurry! This is a quick contest and ends Dec 14th. Winners will be chosen at random. Good luck!

Read More