Search Results for “x factor

Three Techniques to Consider for Removing Your Unwanted Body Hair

Unwanted hair has been, at the very least, an inconvenience for people for centuries. As you well know, using razors has many problems associated with it. Even with great skill, there will always be the occasional nick or cut from a blade. To make matters worse, the blade must be very sharp or you won’t get the close shave you need and not just for appearance but also for a smooth. To make the problem worse, most people need to shave every day. Some people are lucky and can get by with longer a period of time between shaving, but it is usually a hassle for everybody. The following are few ways that hair can be removed. All of these techniques are thought of as being better than a razor, but they have advantages and disadvantages to each of them. Wax treatments for removing hair Hot waxing treatments are very popular, especially for women. There are kits available at beauty retail stores that are good for small areas such as the upper lip. However, for larger areas like legs, it is often best to have it done by a professional. Although hot waxing hair removal will last longer than a razor cut, the hair will grow back. Naturally, how long this takes will depend upon the individual, but it will last anywhere from three to six days before you need another treatment. The hair has a tendency to grow back slowly the first few days because the hair was pulled out by the roots. One of the downsides of this type of treatment is that some people think it is painful. In addition, not all of the hair may come off with the first application of wax, so it may need to be done a second time. Electrolysis treatments for […]

Read More

Style Secrets For New Age Lovers Of Vintage Fashion

The moment you think of vintage fashion does the icon Marilyn Monroe pop to mind? Her bold style matched with an attractive figure makes her a style icon even today.   There are so many examples from both literature and the celebrity world that can be considered symbolic of the vintage era… The Magic of Vintage Scarlett O’ Hara from Gone with the wind, with her emerald orbs and beautiful visage sure set hearts racing. One simply cannot ignore her dresses, although you might draw more eyeballs than you’d want if you turned up in a party emulating such attire. In fact, if the human sense of fashion ever came close to balancing the elements of vintage classiness and contemporary oomph, it’s in the 1980s and early 90s, the golden era of fashion. Oh if only you could revive the old times! Well who’s stopping you?  Be Absolutely Sure Of What You Want Before venturing into the world of vintage ensure that you know what you want.  Plan the look you wish to adopt bearing in mind the range of different fabrics and colours available to you.  The best styles are those that look effortless, but this doesn’t mean it’ll be easy to create.  It takes a lot of careful, meticulous planning and research.  Online stores such as Nordicpoetry.co.uk keep an eye on the relevant and prevalent trends of fashion, a must visit to get some style inspo. Juxtapose The Old And The New Trends Opt for timeless outfits that are vintage but relevant in the present as well.  Don’t just copy any trend because your favourite celebrity is wearing it.  Add layers, lace and halters to your wardrobe, there are so many designers coming up with fun and quirky designs that offer the best of both worlds. This summer, we can observe a […]

Read More

Choosing the perfect cut: What you need to know when engagement ring shopping

Traditionally, an engagement ring should feature a sparkling, well cut diamond that encourages ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from those within its gaze. But there’s more to it than simply choosing something that’s ‘shiny’. In fact, you need to be clued up on the types of cut available if you really want to walk away with a good looking rock. With this in mind, here’s what you need to know when it comes to diamond cuts and purchasing an engagement ring: According to diamond jewellery specialist Diamonds Factory, there are five grades of cut: Ideal or Excellent – this cut reflects almost all light that enters. Very Good – this cut reflects almost as much light as an ideal or excellent but has a lower value.   Good – this cut reflects most of the light and is a good affordable option when looking for a diamond. Fair – this cut reflects a small amount of light and are good value for money. Poor – this cut is usually a diamond that is too shallow or deep to reflect light well. Round diamonds are fine to purchase in Good grades but fancy shaped diamonds (such as heart shapes or marquise) are best purchased in Very Good or higher grades to ensure they offer the best chance of reflecting a good amount of light and sparkle. The key terms Brilliance This term refers to the light return a diamond offers, and a good brilliance is determined by how much light is reflected back up to the wearer. Diamonds that are deep or shallow do not measure well when it comes to brilliance, simply because they do not have enough room to reflect light back. The best diamond shape to enhance brilliance is the round, which is also one of the most popular when […]

Read More

Eyewear As Functional Fashion

Wearing eye glasses is a necessity for many people, so as the eyewear industry has evolved over the years they’ve been able to put the “fun” in functional. Today, choosing eyeglasses can meet much more than just your vision needs. Comfort and style are key factors when seeking your next pair of lenses. Eyeglass Styles Buying new eyeglasses should be fun! With many styles to choose from, your glasses can be considered an important accessory to your daily attire. Whether you are six or sixty, your glasses have the potential to set the tone of who you are in your current style. Are you subtle or bold, an artist or all business… the choice is yours.   Dare to try something different; there are as many types of glasses as there is footwear in the world of fashion. Classic shapes and styles such as horn rimmed, cat eye, tortoise shell, and wire rimmed are still popular after all these years. You can also check out the aviator or owl style glasses that are now trending. New geometric, modern, and avant-garde styles are always being introduced.  Not to mention, an array of colors, patterns, and “bling” that will keep you from being bored. Fashionable and mood altering lens tinting options are also available. A blue hue or yellow tinted lens can help your vision and your mood. An oversized pair of zebra print frames with pink tinted lenses may be a great look for you this season. Don’t just walk or scroll by them online, try them on, you might just be surprised.   Enhance Your Natural Features Glasses can compliment your natural features such as the shape of your face, the natural color of your skin, eyes or lips, your current make-up trend and even your hairstyle. Identify the shape […]

Read More

Why Your Hair Thins And What To Do About It

Good hair days and bad hair days. It’s the way many of us judge not only the way we look, but the way we feel and the way we present ourselves to the world. And if you’re experiencing it, thinning hair doesn’t make things any better. When men lose their hair, it’s considered a natural state of being. But when women lose theirs, it’s a whole different story. Oddly enough, though, it can be just as natural. Simply a matter of genetics combined with the aging process, or an hormonal imbalance in your system. You may also have brought it on yourself by over-stressing your hair. Heredity According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss caused by genetic factors is the most common. You can have inherited the gene either from your mother’s or father’s side of the family, with a double whammy if both of your parents experienced hair loss. Slowing the hair loss may be helped with a non-prescription drug called Rogaine (minoxidil) that enhances the size of the follicle, producing a thicker strand of hair. About 50 percent of women see improvement with Rogaine, but treatment requires twice daily application to the scalp, and results last only as long as you use the product regularly. Alternatively a prp injection for hair loss is very effective.  If you don’t want to go through all that, or while you’re waiting the three to six months for Rogaine to kick in, try hair extensions. Even if you don’t want extra length, extensions add volume and body to boost the look of thinning hair. Tape-in hair extensions come in every texture from straight to kinky curly to match your own hair, and with proper care can last for six to eight weeks. You can have them applied at a salon, but […]

Read More

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Him

It seems like only yesterday that we were tucking into those Christmas mince pies – yet February 14 is fast approaching. Whether you opt for all-out cheesiness or prefer to keep your Valentine’s plans understated, buying the right gift for your partner can sometimes be a real struggle. But help is on hand, with this range of gift ideas that will help show him just how much he means to you. You can thank us later! 1. Boys love their toys and there is guaranteed to be at least one gadget out there that will see him salivating. Looking online can help you get the best deals, with retailers such as Mobile Phones Direct offering everything from bargain phone packages to games consoles. If you’re still stuck, an Amazon Digital Gift Voucher will give that personal touch as you sanction his spending spree. 2. Ramp up his street style with one of these luxury streetwear brands for 2017. From BOY London hoodies to skate-inspired Stussy brand tees – this is a range that can cater to almost any taste. Perfect for when he’s having some downtime, this casual range will elevate those casual looks to whole new heights. 3. Perhaps personal grooming products may seem like an easy choice, but the clever components in our specially selected hair-care edit will see his hairstyle take off (literally). From curl-defining crème to fresh smelling tea-tree styling wax, this range is the ultimate accompaniment to a well-defined coif. 4. Maybe he is a smoker? In that case, quality Cuban cigars can be an outstanding gift. Real aficionados will appreciate Hoyo de Monterrey cigars as they are among must-haves and available in various sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect type for the smoker in your life. It’s an excellent choice for relaxing after […]

Read More

How To Choose The Best Designer Jeans in 2017

As the resident gadget fanatic, I am much more accustomed to spending time on cutting edge gadget sites such as LookWhatsCool.com rather than wandering around men’s designer clothes stores. Admittedly I was receiving a little pressure from my wife to smarten up a little and take some pride in my appearance, and so with that in mind, I set off to discover the best designer jeans in 2017. This little assignment was not as easy as I first imagined and was actually quite an eye opener. While I will never claim to be a fashion guru, I think it is important to try and guide you on how to choose the best jeans in the first place. Perhaps the most important thing that I heave learned in my venture into the fashion world is that there is no one perfect make. Within the fashion world, choice and individualism matters. Factors To Take Into Consideration When Buying Designer Jeans 1 Try Them On Buying jeans is such an individual thing that the most important piece of the whole puzzle is to try on numerous pairs to get a full understanding of the style that suits you best. Always wear shoes when trying on jeans, as this will help you to gauge the length that suits you. Never assume that all makes of jeans will fit in the same way, no two pairs of jeans are identical, so ensure that you choose the pair that fits you best on the day in question; refer to point 3 below. 2 Decide Which Type Of Fly You Prefer This is one of the most common mistakes men make when it comes to choosing a new pair of jeans. If you struggle with buttons, then don’t even waste any time trying on a pair of button […]

Read More

Bargain Buy Of The Week: Biba Leopard Faux Fur Coat

For us, statement winter coats that are worth investing in have to be bold and eye catching and preferably faux fur. Yes, we do love faux-fur here at MFL HQ, that’s no secret. We especially love faux-fur coats during party season as they’re the perfect cover up for that extra glam factor. Best of all, they’re timeless and oh so warm! With animal print being a huge trend this season along with the resurgence of 60’s fashion we were immediately drawn to this timeless Biba leopard print faux fur coat, which at almost 50% off is a steal. Reduced from £170 to £107.40 it’s the perfect last-minute present for a loved one or a naughty treat for yourself. But while a faux-fur coat might look pretty on the hanger, we must admit styling it can be a little intimidating…. If you love this beauty of a coat just as much as we do but you’re wondering how you’d possibly wear it with pieces currently in your wardrobe, worry not. Perfect for AM to PM, wear with a pair of skinny jeans, ankle boots and your fave jumper for a casual day look or with a slinky black number, sexy heels and oversized hooped earrings for a fab evening look. Biba Leopard Abstract 60s Style Faux Fur Coat, £170 £107.40, available at House of Fraser

Read More

A Better Way to Manage Your Weight

With a brand new year approaching, many of us will make those typical New Year’s resolutions to take our health seriously and get into shape. This usually prompts the purchase of cute workout outfits and a gym membership that is used perhaps three times throughout January, and then that resolution motivation begins to fizzle out. We’ve all been there. We either get busy or we get burnt out of energy. However, what if the answer to getting healthier and losing weight this year didn’t require the gym and actually allowed you to lie down on the job? Surprisingly, one of the best things that you can do for your overall health, but also to maintain a healthy body weight, is to get more sleep! The Connection Between Sleep Deprivation and Weight Gain Most people understand that there is a link between sleep and physical appearance – not just reducing those dark circles under your eyes, but also being one of the vital ways to maintain healthy skin. Few people, however, know about the links between sleep and maintaining a healthy body weight. Metabolism When we don’t get enough sleep, our metabolism begins to slow down in order to conserve energy. Cortisol levels are also increased, which triggers your appetite in an effort to get you to refuel your body so that it has the energy that it needs to keep going. Ordinarily this cycle works relatively simply, with hormones like ghrelin prompting you to eat and leptin letting you know that the tank is full. However, in a sleep deprived state, ghrelin levels are increased and leptin levels are low, meaning that your body is constantly getting the message that it needs to eat (again, to gain energy) and your body doesn’t get the message that it is already full. […]

Read More
Insomnia Escape Room DC

Heading To Washington D.C.? Add An Escape Room To Your Itinerary!

Escape rooms have been the up-and-coming craze in the last few years all across the US, and the same applies to our nation’s capital. Washington is known for its amazing museums, great restaurants, and of course, its massive political and historical significance. However, the city offers so much more than that, in fact, if you are ready to step outside the impressive, yet often suffocating confines of the National Mall, you will be surprised by what DC has in store for you! The Escape Room Capital Washington D.C. has one of the best selection of escape rooms in the East Coast. One of our favorite is Insomnia Escape Room D.C., where they dare take their escape room game to the next level by offering great, historically accurate and quite impressive Mafia themed escape room. Prohibition-era D.C. is one of the most interesting faces of the the city, and with Insomnia, you get to live and breathe the excitement of bootleggers and speakeasies. That’s a must do! Insomnia’s third room, opening just in a few weeks, is a VR themed, state-of-the-art escape room. Virtual reality (or augmented reality, for that matter) is hailed as the holy grail of the entertainment industry, and customers have great expectations as well on this front. After all, VR has always been a thing of the future and sci-fis, right? No more. Oblivion, Insomnia’s new room, intends to marry the real-life tactile excitement of escape games with the immersive and techy nature of VR headsets. Picking your escape room While escape rooms started their world conquers just recently, they have already come far. With already a dozen rooms in DC, it is not always easy to pick the best of the best. When selecting your game, it is important to consider several factors. Is the room […]

Read More

Going Braless: 2016’s Biggest Feminist Fashion Statement?

Why do you wear a bra? For comfort? To cover up? Because wearing beautiful lingerie makes you feel good about yourself? Or is it simply a habit you fell into after being whisked off to the shops to buy one the day your breasts started to show? Figuring out why we wear them and how they fit into feminism is the centre of several complicated debates. And although we’ve been talking about the purpose and significance of bras for decades, we’re still no closer to finding an answer. Burning Bras and Beauty Standards Like the best of partnerships, feminists have had some major fallings out with bras, the most infamous of which came in 1960 with protesters (now debated) publicly burning their bras. What started as a rally against the oppressive beauty standards of the Miss America pageant, became the defining image of the Women’s Liberation Movement, and one that isn’t often taken seriously. Even today, mention feminism and many people will immediately revert to clichés about angry activists and burning bras. The Pencil Test From that iconic moment in 1960, arguments about bras continued to make waves. In 1970 came the concept of the pencil test, posited as the definitive method of determining whether you needed to wear a bra. Basically, you placed a pencil under your breast and if it remained in place then it was off to the lingerie department for you. A test that’s now been turned into a viral social media trend, then reinforced one of the standards feminists had been working so hard to defeat. The sexualisation of the female form, too distracting to be on display, meant that breasts – and particularly large breasts – were to be contained and restrained. The Sexualisation of Big Boobs It’s a theory that still holds sway […]

Read More

Meet Sally-Anne Stevens, CEO and Founder of B. The Communications Agency

Juggling motherhood and work is no easy task. That’s a fact. And we’re always intrigued by (and moreover love to feature) women who manage to do it so effortlessly. This week, we’re throwing the spotlight on (mother of two) Sally-Anne Stevens, 38, whom in 2004 founded the PR firm – B. The Communications Agency which now over 10 years on, boasts offices in London, New York and Los Angeles. What’s a typical working day like for you? After yoga and meditation I drop my son at school and head straight to the office. I catch up with our Divisions Heads for an update on clients, team and other business. Then I’ll spend the day going from meeting to meeting with clients and new business quite often answer emails on the hop. I have a fifteen minute daily catch up with our accountant to keep abreast of everything financial. I make sure I take a good look around the office and showroom to look at our clients collections and samples and check our office environment looks good and is a healthy, inspiring working environment. Most enjoyable and challenging aspect of your job? Development of our brand and agency services. I love nurturing team members and seeing them blossom within the agency, many of my senior team have been with me for 5 years plus. I work at pace and as soon as I decide something I want to see it come to fruition so this can be challenging as I push myself and team hard to succeed and be a step ahead for our agency and our clients. Top tip for maintaining a work/life balance? Spending time with friends, mini breaks away with my husband without mobile phones. The no mobile rule always applies at the dinner table and when picking up our son from nursery. […]

Read More

How To Build A Personal Stylist Business From The Ground Up

If you dream of one day starting your own personal styling business and don’t know where to start, worry not! We’ve compiled a list of expert tips on how to get started. Fashion or personal styling is a very popular profession and the industry is known for being highly competitive. Therefore, having the knowledge of how to take the first steps into starting a profitable stylist business in this highly desirable industry is so valuable. So if you want to stop dreaming and start doing, stay tuned as we give you the rundown on how to build a personal stylist business from the ground up. How to start a personal styling business 1. Educate yourself The best way to start your journey to becoming a personal stylist is by undertaking professional training via a personal styling course. There are a number of companies that offer a range of useful courses such as the Professional Styling Academy that will help you to build on your existing knowledge of fashion and styling whilst gaining an insight into how the industry works. Many personal styling courses will teach you the basics such as how to dress certain body types and how to dress clients of different ages. Once you have the basics covered you can then move onto improving your knowledge of the styling industry and how to set up a successful business. 2. Gain relevant experience The next step to building your business is finding relevant experience in the industry. This could be through completing an internship or even working in a retail environment where you could learn more about personal shopping and client wants and needs when it comes to clothing. Gaining hands-on experience prior to going it alone is invaluable and can help you realign your expectations once you start […]

Read More

Tissot Shows Why ‘Less Is More’

The minimalist approach to fashion has taken on a variety of forms over the years. As fashion evolves, minimalism finds new meanings, from neutral tones to simple styles and accessories. ‘Less is more’ has always been a simple yet powerful statement. But the winds of fashion are blowing us into completely unchartered terrains today. When barely-there trends are taking clothing to whole new levels of ‘sheer’ style, we need a moment to step back and evaluate what’s really going on with the fashion scene. My best guess –we’re in the middle of fashion’s mid-life crisis, an apparently ‘feminist’ approach that’s taking on minimalist clothing to the ‘bare minimum’. But girls, let me tell you something, sheer styles may be on trend right now, but simple sophistication will outlast it all. Minimalism is simple, and simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Don’t make the mistake of confusing minimalism with ‘less’. It is not simply the absence of something; it is the presence of something more powerful. Minimalism is practical and purposeful. Staying true to the real essence of minimalism is high-end luxury watchmaker, Tissot. Tissot’s women’s collection borrows from the minimalist movement to create timepieces so wonderfully simple, yet so profoundly bold. The collection is not limited to specific styles, but covers a spectrum of designs versatile enough to appeal to the sensibilities of any woman. Apart from having their own luxury showrooms, Tissot Watches can be easily spotted in India at renowned retailers like Ethos Watch Boutiques. So getting a slice of the Swiss pie is just a click away! I’ve gathered up some of my favourite designs right here for you to check out and lock down: Tissot T Gold T73.3.329.76 This micro detailing is giving us major style goals! The intricate golden weaves that make up the bracelet just […]

Read More

Fold Your Way to Comfort & Fabulous Style with Mochila Bags

Mochila bags continued to remain as one of the most appealing and sensuous kinds of fashion accessories for men and women of all ages. Upholding an ethnic tradition of the Latin American continent these bags look jovial, smart, carefree and considerably hippie in countenance. I take pride in my handcrafted Mochila bags. I have a whole lot of them to accompany me almost in every occasion. Moreover, whenever sporting any of these bags I have a distinct sense of connecting those artful Wayuu tribal women of Colombia in spirit. You will be amazed to know that producing each one of these bags takes almost 20 days of labor and artful weaving work. I came across these bags quite lately but once became acquainted with this I could never let it go of my eyes. The colorful patterns with the articulate texture are enough to warm my senses and I still cannot resist buying a Mochila whenever I came across. Actually, each Mochila is uniquely different in look and that make us crave for more of them. Mochila bags not only represent works of art and craft but it provides a crucial avenue for the Wayuu tribe to survive and keep their artistic tradition alive. Wayuu tribe still has a matriarchal society dominated by women and weaving these bags from the homegrown wool is still the principal means of their livelihood. So, each Mochila bags purchased at the same time helps their livelihood and keep their tradition alive. The pop colors mixed with the fabulous storytelling patterns in the Mochila bag are very soothing for the senses and make the perfect complement to any kind of fashionable appearance. Whether you pair this bag with nude heels or cross-wear the bag with jeans and top, the fashion statement become discreet thanks to […]

Read More

Air Flight Health: How To look After Your Body When You Fly

Are you a frequent flyer? Do you like jetting off on weekends away here, there and everywhere? Or maybe you have to regularly catch overseas flights for work? If so, you’ll be acutely aware of the rigmarole that goes along with air travel – being cooped up in a plane for several hours, forced to consume fairly unappetising food as you cross time zones. Do you find you’re exhausted at the end of a long flight? Do your legs and joints feel constricted? Does your skin dry up? Does your breath even seem to smell? If so, you’re encountering the negative physical effects of air travel. This blog post’s all about addressing them – and suggesting tips (including some handy supplements and probiotics you might consider trying) to combat them… Bad breath One of the big reasons why air-flight can be momentarily bad for your health is because it forces some bodily functions to slow down – the change in air-pressure the body experiences encourages it to prioritise some functions over others. An example of this is the salivary glands producing less saliva than normal, aiding more bacteria to grow inside the mouth and resulting in bad breath (or halitosis). Moreover, by consuming fast food and sweetened drinks – as many of us do on a flight – you’re only likely to help bad breath develop further as the bacteria feasts on sugar. To combat halitosis then, be mindful of what you eat and drink (water’s highly advised) and brush your teeth after meals, whenever possible. Leg-swelling You’ve doubtless heard of deep vein thrombosis (DVT); owing to poor circulation, a deep vein in the body develops a blood clot. Statistics suggest as many as one in every 1,000 people in the UK suffer from the condition and one of the […]

Read More

Ropes and Ropes of Pearls: How Our Grandmas’ Jewelry is Our New Obsession

You have probably heard a dozen times that pearls are making a huge comeback. Thrown in a corner of shade and oblivion for a few years by diamonds and statement bling, pearls waited patiently to return in the spotlight and regain their former glory. If you ask some specialists, pearls never went out of fashion, not even for a second. However, they were left aside as ceremonial jewelry for weddings and sweet sixteen celebrations – demure staples of femininity but too quiet to shine as bright as modern accessories. But everything changed in 2014 and since then, pearls are the new diamonds in town, proving once again that Coco Chanel was a visionary and a woman way ahead of her times. The famous designer once said that women needed “ropes and ropes of pearls” and her words were repeated throughout history. But are we still living the Jackie O. times, or are we wearing pearls in big, bold designs to match our contemporary jewelry frenzy? Taking a look back, we can clearly see that pearls overcame their “demure” reputation and turned into veritable statement pieces all women are dying to wear. How Did Pearls Become So Popular? The answer to this question can be easily found on runways and last years’ fashion shows. As per usual, Chanel set the tone, the music and the scene for one of the boldest and most original comebacks in history. Chanel’s spring 2014 fashion show brought larger pearls in chunky, massive and high-end contemporary designs and the world followed. Soon, Karl Lagerfeld displayed massive pearls as well on the catwalk. Oscar de la Renta placed the pearls on booties, while Simone Rocha adorned everything with pearls, including knee socks. A year later, Honor and Lanvin sent a cascade of pearls on their runways during […]

Read More

The Trendiest & Tastiest Coffees You Can Buy Today

Coffee is very trendy right now.  IIt’s weird to think of a drink being fashionable, but it is. If you don’t drink coffee, people almost think of you as uncultured, which is pretty  bizarre. With our love for coffee and its meteoric rise in popularity, brands are going out of their way to create some incredible coffees. The quality of coffee nowadays compared to what was on offer 15 years ago is almost staggering. Grumpy Mule Tanzania Footprint Tanzania is home to the world famous Peaberry beans and they turn that into one of the most delicious coffees on the market. This coffee has won the prestigious (apparently) Great Taste award three times now. £4.75 is all it costs to get your hands on 227 grams of pure delight. Origin Coffee Gatomboya Coffee Factory If you like your coffee with a few more flavours thrown in for good measure than this one is for you. Boasting a wide array of fruity flavours this coffee manages to balance them without becoming cloying, which other brands often fail to do. The only issue is that a 250 gram bag of this stuff will set you back £10.50. Jamaican Blue Mountain Jamaica produces the best coffee on the planet according to the experts (actually, just us) and this stuff is the region’s crowning glory. We can’t really say too much about this coffee without resorting to a string of superlatives, so all we will say is just try it for yourself and taste the rich goodness. Oh yeah, one downside, it costs £39.99 for 250 grams. Trust us though, it’s worth it. Carluccios’s Caffe Milano Espresso If you like something cheaper and quicker, then you can’t go wrong with this Italian espresso. Italians love espresso almost as much as they like pasta. This is an […]

Read More

Top Beauty Travel Essentials for Summer

If you’re packing for a summer holiday, it can be difficult to decide exactly what you should take. Once you’ve chosen your outfits and packed the necessary items, the next thing to consider is your beauty essentials. To help you out, we’ve rounded up eight of our must-have travel products to keep you looking good and feeling fresh wherever you choose to spend your summer. Sun Cream Our top beauty essential for summer is, of course, sun cream. Whether you choose to go for a strong cream like a Factor 50 or a face cream with SPF protection, you can protect your skin against harmful UV rays. Not only does sun cream prevent ageing, but it also fights against skin cancer, which kills over 2,500 people a year in the UK alone – that’s seven people every single day. Lip Balm When our lips are exposed to the sun, they’re more likely to dry out and chap. By sticking a lip balm or gloss in your bag during travelling, you’ll be able to keep your lips plump and protected no matter the weather. To work with any outfit, pack a few colours or shades. Dry Shampoo Let’s face it… who really wants to wash their hair every day of their holiday? By the time we condition, dry, straighten and style, half of our holiday will be gone! Packing some dry shampoo to use in the morning or before an evening out is a great idea, and helps you save time and keep your hair looking fresh and smelling great. Tan Optimiser To maximise your sun tan and enjoy your holiday in style, we recommend investing in some tan optimiser. The optimiser available at Tropic Skincare, for example, is enriched with aloe vera and eucalyptus, and soothes your skin and accelerates […]

Read More

How Heart Disease Uniquely Affects Women

Popular culture often portrays heart disease as a specifically male affliction. Have you ever seen a TV show or movie in which a female character clutches her chest and collapses to the ground while in the throes of a heart attack? While scenes like this probably do exist, they are few and far between. Heart disease does indeed impact men and women differently, but not in the way that most people would assume. In fact, heart disease has killed more women than men in the United States every year since 1984, according to the Heart Foundation. Moreover, more women die from heart disease than all cancers combined. The ways heart attacks manifest in women provide some insights into the uniquely female experience of heart disease. For one, women are more likely than men to die from a heart attack. Additionally, more than half of women who die from heart attacks have no prior symptoms of heart disease. The symptoms that women do have tend to be more subtle. In a recent analysis by Treato.com of discussions in online health forums, it was found that most women who had heart attacks did not suffer the crushing chest pain that people know to be the primary symptom of a heart attack. Instead, they had less intense aches in their shoulders, back or neck. In many cases they remembered feeling dizzy, fatigued or as if they had heartburn or indigestion. Because these symptoms did not scream “call 911!”, women sometimes waited several days before seeking medical attention (it’s estimated that women wait 38 hours longer than men do to seek treatment for heart attack symptoms). This is perhaps one reason why heart attacks are more deadly for women. In the forums, women said they dismissed their symptoms because they felt like they were “too young” […]

Read More

Where To Go On Your Summer Holidays?

Still not decided where to spend your summer holidays? What are you waiting for? At the rate, time has flown by this year, before you know it, it’ll be the end of August and the summer holidays will be well and truly over. If you’re a tad worried about the costs and you’re counting the pennies (like most of us), opting for a holiday that’s value for money isn’t optional. So, that means, cheap drinks, travel and entertainment right? Split into short or long haul, depending on how long you can get away for, this really handy infographic created by Swift Money, breaks down, how much you’ll get for your British pounds at the current exchange rates, the cost of a meal, travel, beer, water and even how long the flight takes (if that’s a factor in your decision making process) for six popular destinations – Spain, Hungary Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Bulgaria. According to the stats and our budget, you can find us in Majorca this summer!

Read More

Modern Restorative Surgeries: Looking Good Has Never Been Easier

Cosmetic surgery has gone mainstream, and there is no question that the modern surgical techniques that are now in use, mean that there are plenty of ways to achieve the look that you want. The hair transplants available through a site like www.FueClinics.com are a great example of the way that you can easily transform your image and probably improve your confidence using an advanced hair restoration technique. There are so many options these days from laser surgery to tummy tucks and so many different procedures besides. Here is a look at some of the techniques and procedures being used by surgeons in order to make you look good. Rejuvenate your figure with a breast lift Breast implants have been a popular procedure for a number of years but there has been a very noticeable shift towards breast lift surgery in recent times. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons report that the number of breast lifts carried out has risen by about 70% in the last fifteen years and this is a cosmetic procedure which now outruns breast implants by about 50%, when you look at the total numbers. A breast lift is also referred to as mastopexy. It involves raising the breasts and providing you with a natural and youthful-looking uplift, by removing excess skin and at the same time, tightening the surrounding tissue in order to reshape and provide the right support for your new breast contour. A woman’s breasts are often likely to change over time and the effects of gravity, aging and numerous other factors can take their toll. A breast lift offers the chance to restore the youthful shape and firmness that may have been affected by time and life events, resulting in a loss of skin elasticity. Get a flat tummy back again Abdominoplasty, […]

Read More

Up Your Coat Game With An Injection Of Striking Hot Red

Remember, when pink coats were literally seen on every fashion editor last winter? Well, this season we’ve gone all red. It’s a trend that occurs every year. When it’s absolutely freezing cold and ever so dreary outside, there’s nothing like a statement coloured coat to lift the spirits. Loved by a number of celebs of late, inlcuding Natalie Portman and Rita Ora, the red coat is best paired with an all black outfit for that extra “wow” factor. Here’s some of our favourites…..and don’t forget – opt for a tailored coat for a timeless buy…

Read More

5 Gorgeous Things For The Home That Should Be On Your Christmas List

There’s always room for another accessory, kitchen gadget, or design quirk in your stylish abode. Your Pinterest board may be full and your bookmarks already crammed with most-wanted items, but here are some more inspiring picks that you won’t want to miss off your Christmas list. These five gift ideas will make your home look great, and Santa look amazing. Terrariums are big right now but none quite as big as this one! Chive’s MOFO Wind Tunnel is the result of a happy mistake in the factory when someone made the sample 11” rather than 11cm. This whopper is a great statement piece and the holes on either side mean it’s easy to plant, even if you have clumsy hands. Just make sure that, if you’re asking Mum for this, you tell her MOFO stands for ‘Mighty Ornamental Flower Orifice’. Gold and black is a colour combination that is undeniably glamorous. It’s the colourway and the sleek design of this Viners knife block that transform a usually mundane item into something that you’ll want to display. These knives aren’t just pretty though. The magnetic block means they look as though they’re hanging precariously, whereas in fact they’re securely attached. Made of stainless steel with a titanium coating, you may have to lovingly hand wash them, but they’ll repay you with a long life of chopping with ease. There are few more enticing Christmas smells than that of fresh pine needles and a cinnamon Yankee Candle burning. Add to that some freshly brewed coffee and it turns a home into a sensory heaven. You’ll be sure to reward the giver of this elegant Tassimo Fidelia coffee machine with a delicious cup of coffee. In fact, this compact machine manages to house an XXL 2litre water tank so it’ll be coffees all […]

Read More

Fashionista Fun: Dressing Like Your Favourite Celebrity

Many celebrities are well-known style gurus who can’t help but launch new fashion trends. Because celebs frequently jet-set around the world, they’re able to pick up on up-and-coming fashion trends in fashionable places like Milan, Paris, or even the streets of Harajuku in Japan. If you enjoy keeping up with the hottest styles, be sure to check out what some of your favourite celebrities are wearing.  Superga Italian shoes have long been revered for their high quality and effortless style, but the latest shoe craze to come out of Italy isn’t high heels or leather loafers–it’s Superga sneakers. European uber-fashionistas are sporting Superga sneakers and celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Katie Holmes.  Over-the-Knee Boots If you are sporting a mini dress or skirt, consider ramping up the wow factor of your outfit sleek and colorful over-the-knee boots. Celebrity Katharine McPhee recently wore a pair of wine-colored boots with her gray-knit mini dress and the result was jaw-dropping chic. Jennifer Lawrence was also seen departing a car in a pair of over-the-knee black boots. Camel Color Gigi Hadid is a major fashionista these days. She’s been wearing camel, a rich and elegant shade that is perfect for autumn sweaters and wraps. The warm brown and spicy tones of camel clothing are a nice change of pace for ladies who find themselves gravitating toward neutral shades. Off-the-Shoulder Dresses Maybe it’s easier for Angelina Jolie to look like a classic Grecian goddess when wearing an off-the-shoulder gown or dress, but there’s something incredibly timeless about this fashion. One of the reasons that Angelina makes this style work is that she only bares that single shoulder; the rest, she leaves covered up to add to her mystery.  Military Coats Military-style jackets and coats have been in and out of the fashion pages over the […]

Read More

What Makes Low Beds So Popular?

Low Beds are the ultimate space saving option for any bedroom, but in particular rooms with low or angled ceilings such as attic conversions and lofts spaces where height can be the deciding factor. If you are struggling for space or simply feel  the desire for something more modern, where some might say an oriental feel, then a low bed is the right choice for you. Low bed designs are built for purpose, are available with and without headboards and various options for design from the low to the very low! It’s a well known fact that low sloping ceilings can be an awkward obstacle that can reduce space in loft rooms. This can make the room feel tight and “closed in”. As low beds offer a reduced frame height than your typical bed heights,, they can be used to optimise the minimal space available in your bedroom, fitting in those smaller spaces and creating more room for you to furnish the rest of your bedroom accordingly.  Even where low ceilings are not a concern, a low sitting bed frame can emphasise the volume of any room and enhance the spaciousness by being more subtle than your chunky statement divan set. There’s a lot of choice out there when it comes to low beds, with many different styles available to choose from. One company who specialise in creating handmade low beds is Get Laid Beds. Based in Leicester, UK, they create all their handmade bed frames in house and made to order.They have a number of different low bed designs (which is one of their specialities) including their ever popular modern Low Oriental Bed. This elegant low bed frame takes inspiration from traditional Japanese style of sleeping where lower to the ground holds a number of possible benefits. With a […]

Read More

Oasis Has A Ridiculous Selection Of Fab Winter Coats This Season. We Want Them All….

….but sadly we haven’t been blessed with a huge clothing budget so we must be selective with our choices *sigh*. Deciding factors? Must be warm enough to deal with the onslaught of cold weather we’ve been promised, smart yet stylish and most of all, versatile enough to wear day to day. And with that, here’s the 10 coats (£200 and under) that made the cut… 1. The Statement Coat The Stripe Coat, £130 available at Oasis-Stores 2. The On-Trend Cape The Glam Cape, £100 available at Oasis-Stores 3. The Trench Coat The Military Coat, £130 available at Oasis-Stores   4. The Tailored Coat Seventies Coat, £120 available at Oasis-Stores   5. The Edgy Coat Cara Drape Coat, £85 available at Oasis-Stores   6. The Boyfriend Coat Amber Knitted Coat, £100 available at Oasis-Stores 7.  The Car Coat Angelina Car Coat, £98 available at Oasis-Stores 8. The Suede Coat Suede Sheepskin Coat, £180 available at Oasis-Stores 9. The Coatigan Khloe Belted Drape Coat, £75 available at Oasis-Stores 10. The Aztec Coat Aztec Coat, £120 available at Oasis-Stores

Read More

Why plastic surgery has become mainstream

There was a time when plastic surgery was only something that the very wealthy secretly underwent.  These days, however, plastic surgery procedures have become quite mainstream for average Americans and much more out in the open.  Why is that?   For one thing, a large segment of the population – Baby Boomers – are reaching an age where they are becoming concerned with the effects of aging on their appearance.  When that age coincides with the stage of life where disposable income seems to be at its highest, then it’s easy to see why more 60-somethings are opting to spend some of their disposable cash on plastic surgery.  Baby Boomers are living full, active lives and they want their appearance to reflect how young and vital they feel. Aside from the procedures being performed on older Americans, there are other reasons why plastic surgery is so popular these days. It’s no longer taboo.  It’s quite normal to speak in casual conversation about the plastic surgery we are considering,as opposed to the hushed tones in which the topic was once discussed behind the backs of our friends who’d had “work done.” There’s no longer a shame or secrecy associate with plastic surgery.  It’s OK to be proud of making our appearance a priority. That’s one reason why plastic surgery has gained popularity in recent years. Another reason for the popularity of plastic surgery is that there are so many plastic surgeons out there, making these services easy to find.  Websites such as I Like Plastic make it easy for people around the world to connect themselves with a variety of plastic surgeons in their area.  In our technological era, it’s never been easier to find a plastic surgeon that meets our needs.   You no longer have to try to find a […]

Read More

Five Minutes With Designer Alice Ashby

With autumn/winter on it’s way, you’re bound to have warm clothing (especially knitwear) on the brain. With this in mind, we felt it was the right time to introduce a designer we simply can’t get enough of – Alice Ashby. A Central St Martins graduate and previously a knitwear designer at Rag & Bone, Alice launched her label Blake LDN in 2012. Offering a collection of effortlessly cool, luxurious and best of all, conscious knitwear, Blake LDN is a must for investment pieces that’ll last a lifetime. What does a typical work day for you consist of? Running your own company means that each day is totally different depending what time of the year it is, which I love. If I’m not researching and designing a new collection. A typical day could be – checking all online orders have been despatched, visiting and checking up on production/ sampling with our factories and making sure everything is on time with our production schedules and therefore deliveries to our stockists (very important!) Meeting with press contacts and meeting with our head of marketing to plan next months content across SM & our blog. Planning shoots, for campaigns/ look books/ website etc. What’s the most enjoyable and the most challenging aspect of your job? The most enjoyable is seeing the collection come to life be in on a shoot or during London/Paris Fashion Week – where you realise that all the hard work has paid off. Each season we are increasing stockists which is a very rewarding part of the job as well, we are expanding into South Korea and Asia next season which is really exciting. The most challenging, is making sure all the above is kept on track and the balls don’t fall down! Everyone will say that factories and production can […]

Read More

By the Body: Choosing the Diet Plan That Fits You Best

Diet refers to the way you eat, yet in modern times, the word connotes losing weight and manufacturing a better body.  While eating is a necessity for all, not every method of losing weight or attaining a better body is optimal for all dieters.  It’s more important to choose a diet plan that is right for you, and since no person knows you better, you need to make the majority of the decisions. Realize Diet Is Not Deprivation It’s easy to place the blame on certain foods.  For example, due to your love of burgers and pizza, you are not a desired weight.  Following the same train of thought, you may think depriving yourself of burgers and pizza is an integral part of reaching your desired weight.  The truth is that several factors contribute to weight and well being, and depriving yourself of burgers and pizza forever won’t help a whole lot in losing weight and maintaining a certain level of fitness. Food is only an ingredient associated to the recipe of successful dieting.  Perhaps you need to eat less fatty foods or eat smaller portions, but you don’t need to altogether deprive yourself of the foods you love.  Focus on how much you eat versus calories burned rather than what you’re eating. Think Like a Polytheist Polytheists don’t believe in one religion but adopt beliefs from several.  Be aware of a number of diet plans and do what makes the most sense for you.  For example, you may do well in understanding why a ‘no carb’ diet works yet love carbs, electing to curb your intake rather than swear off carbohydrates.  Moreover, you may not enjoy high-intensity workouts yet elect to engage in a low-impact activity several times a week to burn calories. The more you learn about nutrition […]

Read More

4 Simple Ways To Maintain Perfect Skin For A Lifetime

In the world of skincare, the options seem to be endless. Today, there are literally thousands of different products and mechanisms that are in place to take care of your skin. Unfortunately, on the opposite side of the spectrum, people tend to be leading less healthy lifestyles which expedite the process of dermal aging. Maintaining ageless skin is more a lifestyle, rather than a treatment. Of course, your lifestyle alone may not be sufficient if you want to maintain glowing, radiant, flawless skin throughout your lifetime, as external factors and your genetic makeup can affect your overall appearance over time. With the concise points discussed in this article, you can get gorgeous, ageless skin with these anti-aging tips from SkinCare by Alana. Watch your health – As mentioned before, how gracefully your skin will age will be inversely dependent on how well you have taken care of yourself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A number of studies have linked a deteriorating complexion with poor lifestyle choices. Adopting healthier practices should be the first step towards maintaining a beautiful appearance as you age, and it should be a step that is initiated as soon as possible. Living a healthy lifestyle includes avoiding common unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive drinking, while exercising on a regular basis and maintaining a healthy diet. Getting the right nutrients–A good diet is essential to aging beautiful; as the saying goes “you are what you eat”. The nutrients you consume play a vital role in nourishing your skin to maintain a smooth, vibrant complexion. This includes getting your recommended doses of vitamins and minerals. As you age, vitamin and mineral deficiencies tend to commonly occur, so it is advisable to consult your dermatologist regarding these aspects and take supplements if required. Microdermabrasion – If you […]

Read More

10 beauty essentials we’re loving this month!

There’s nothing like a beauty treat or two for the ultimate pick-me-up. Whether it’s a fabulous face mask, a bold lipstick or the latest fragrance….the feel good factor is undeniable. This month we’re obsessed with these lovely goodies! 1. Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Velvet (Limited Edition) – Made with essential oils and plant extracts, we can’t get enough of Aromatherapy Associate’s luxury body cream. Smells divine and feels amazing on the skin! £50 available at Aromatherapy Associates   2. No7 Midnight Lash Mascara – It’s no secret that just as much as we love our handbags we love our mascara too. We pledge no allegiance to any particular brand and this month we’re loving No7’s midnight lash mascara for extra long lashes.  £13.50 available at No7 Midnight Lash Mascara 3. Hydrating Floral Spafresh Spritzer – Perfect for hydrating and nourishing the skin on the go, just spritz your face with this natural toning mist for  that refreshed feeling. A great travel companion. £19 available at Espa Skincare 4. Jimmy Choo Stars (Limited Edition) – Lush! That’s the best way to describe Jimmy Choo’s STARS. This limited edition fragrance oozes glamour. £49 available at Debenhams 5. Clarisonic Aria Winterlace luxury cashmere cleanse brush – Get super clean skin with Clarisonic’s cleansing brush. It exfoliates while cleanses leaving skin soft and supple. Use regularly for a clearer complexion. £155.   6. Tom Ford Lip Colour – Empowering and sexy, update your make-up bag with this rich lip colour courtesy of Tom Ford. No one does it better! £26 Available at Selfridges   7. Ancienne Ambiance’s Goddess Argan Beauty Oil – Make Ancienne Ambiance’s Goddess Argan Beauty Oil a permanent fixture in your beauty cupboard. You won’t regret it. A blend of  organic Argan Oil and Grapeseed Oil, we had the best results when we […]

Read More

2015 Wedding Wear Trends You Need To Know About

  So it’s 2015 and the wedding season is in full swing, with hundreds of blushing brides around the world already tying the knot. But if you’re still planning your 2015 wedding then do not fear, as we have come up with the ultimate guide to wedding wear trends to last you through the year. So what is hot gossip at the moment?  Bridalwear  Detachable Two-Pieces – putting on your wedding dress in one giant heave need not be a worry in 2015, as two piece dresses are becoming quite the hit! It’s not only easier to wear, but they can look simply divine when embellished.  Off The Shoulder Gowns – we’re not talking your average gown, oh no. We’re talking utterly fabulous and extremely lavish looking gowns that cover your feet. Who doesn’t like to make a glorous entrance, right?  Sweetheart Necklines – not they these were ever not popular, this new year will see a big rise in the sweetheart neckline department. It’s the kind of neckline that screams femininity and we just love it.  Grooms Wear  Mismatched Wedding Suits – with marriage starting young these days it’s no surprise that these younger wedding goers are breaking the mould of matching suits. Besides, it’s not as fun all wearing the same suit is it?  Tan Is The New Black – black has long been thought to be one of the most flattering colours on any skin type, but now there is a new kid on the block. Tan suits are not only rather dapper but they’ve also got a rather vintage feel to them.  Uniform Style Suits – it might sound quite bizarre but navy style uniforms have become quite popular among grooms all over the world. Could it have stemmed from the phrase “women like a man […]

Read More

Beauty is more than skin deep

While being beautiful can aid a person in getting more attention, it can only do so much in terms of emanating the true essence of beauty. For some, beauty means having the perfect body, gorgeous hair, a slender profile, traits that differ when it comes from one person to another; while for others, beauty is measured by the overall character of a person. Beauty and personality In a study conducted by social psychologist Gordon Allport, he claims that personality is an important factor that people consider whenever they decide to relate to other people. Our brains continuously note how people walk, talk and even write, and we use this information to determine if a person is desirable or not. Allport reports that people who express strong positive emotions are considered to be more attractive than others. This means that people do not really rely much on physical beauty, but they also seek out a person’s personality in order to determine desirability. Psychology Today recently conducted a study whereby they took college students to a laboratory and made them meet other people. The students were observed and recorded and the photos and videos that resulted from the experiment were shown to a group of judges. The judges were divided into two, the first group were asked to rate attractiveness from photos of faces and bodies, while the other were only focused on how the people involved were dressed. The study uncovered that the judges were more attracted to those that had a dynamic expressive style rather than those who had their faces in full view. How people express themselves emotionally and how they relate to other people were more important factors than facial beauty alone. The author noted that personality matters, because even though a person is beautiful on the outside, […]

Read More

Ladies, look no further we’ve found the perfect pair of jeans!

There’s always that one pair of jeans in all our wardrobes that fit absolutely perfectly, they’re comfortable, flatter all the right places and even go as far as hiding our not so favourite areas. We treasure those jeans and wear them till their on their last legs….literally. But we just can’t let go because we know the struggle we had to endure just to find our perfect match; the endless trips up and down the high street, the late nights scouring our favourite online stores…it’s super stressful. So, when we tell you that we’ve found the perfect pair of jeans trust us…if jeans were our soul-mates then Replay’s Hyperflex jeans are the Ryan Gosling of denim – dreamy, lovely to look at and the ideal match. What makes them so great? Well, they’re not actually made of denim. Available in three different styles and washes, an external layer of cotton gives the jeans an authentic denim look however Lycra comprises the corespun and Poly defines the middle which means they’re 100% elastic so as you can imagine they’re super comfy and shaped perfectly for your body. And one of our main problems with jeans looking worn out after a number of washes is not an issue with Hyperflex as the two top fibers protecting the Lycra ensure that the jeans never lose their stretch factor regardless of how many times we throw them in the washing machine. The icing on the cake? They feel incredibly luxurious on the skin. Replays Hyperflex jeans are available online and instores now.

Read More

Anne Hathaway is red hot and daring for Harper’s Bazaar US November issue

Anyone who questioned the sexual prowess of Anne Hathaway will surely receive confirmation of it thanks to Harper’s Bazaar US November cover. We’ve already seen Anne on a November cover courtesy of Elle UK’s latest issue, but we definitely think this one pips it to the post in terms of glamour and wow factor. What do you guys think? The Oscar-winning actress is looking hot, powerful, sultry and extremely seductive (is that enough adjectives? Probably not but we think we’ll end it there for now!) on the HB cover and in the editorial images which have been shot by the very talented Alexi Lubomirski. The accompanying interview isn’t as glam though, as the actress opens up about the hard times, the hatred from the Hathahaters (shame on them) and really identifying with her Les Miserables character Fantine… “I damaged my health during Les Mis, which I didn’t want to mention in case it seemed like I was courting sympathy,” she said. “I was in crisis. Now I’d be fine. I really would be. I’d let it roll off my back, but at the time I was still partly Fantine. I was still identifying with being a victim.” We think – and hope – that she has taken time to heal from it; she definitely looks a million miles away from her Fantine character. Plus, we hope the gorgeous pictures and honest interview will win her back some of her fans. More stunning pics and the rest of her honest interview in the Harper’s Bazaar US November issue.

Read More

Singapore and the love of plastic surgery

If there’s one thing you can’t deny about Singapore, it’s that they love plastic surgery. Only in August did Singaporean newspaper The Straits Times report that a third of youths think cosmetically motivated plastic surgery is completely acceptable. From lofty celebrities to poorer locals, everyone is aspiring to reach the heights of beauty they see on billboards, television ads and the red carpet. Where the appeal lies is easy to see – all across Asia, cosmetic surgery is improving by the month. This is because of one major factor – the more people who undergo surgery, the more cash the industry makes, allowing them to invest more in research and new methods. You can see the variety options on offer by visiting any plastic surgery site. From minor, non-invasive procedures to intricate fat-trimming or breast augmentations, the hundreds of effective practices on the market – available from a huge number of accredited surgeries – are just one sign of their overwhelming success. Putting care into procedures And it’s leading a number of practices far beyond simple surgery. Now, many are moving into the realms of a full overarching care centre. For medical tourists in particular, this care entails full-scale luxury. From the moment you step off a plane, you’ll be picked up by a chauffeur and driven to your surgery for full consultation. After your procedure, you’ll be given five-star treatment from nurses who are on-call 24 hours a day. Undeniably, this is part and parcel of why thousands of people travel to the country every year for a nip and tuck. But the main source of income for surgery stems from local customers. Whether you feel it’s a positive force or not, everyone from teenagers to the older generation are on the hunt for specific facial contours, ideal bodies […]

Read More

How to buy the diamond engagement ring of her dreams without your bank balance suffering!

So, the time has come to take the next step in your relationship. You want a gorgeous diamond ring for the love of your life, but don’t quite have Kanye West’s budget – so what do you do? Instead of crying yourself to sleep or vowing to be an eternal bachelor because you can’t afford to make a proposal, we think you should read our handy tips for choosing an engagement ring on a budget instead. Everyone’s happy! 1. First of all the good news is that you don’t have to spend all your savings and half a year’s salary thanks to clarity enhanced diamonds. Clarity is something that can be enhanced to improve the appearance of a diamond, so in a nutshell clarity enhanced diamonds are real diamonds with a slight flaw that’s invisible to the naked eye. For those looking for a beautiful stone at a substantially reduced price, enhanced diamonds are an excellent proposal. This means you can afford a larger and more brilliant enhanced diamond than you would a natural diamond and nobody other than you or an expert will be any wiser. Enhancement of diamond clarity is a very specialized field in which few firms excel. Dianer Diamonds is one such firm. 2. Do your research and ensure you get the ring size right from the beginning, because altering it after you’ve bought it can cost you unnecessary pennies. Take one of her rings into the jewelers to measure it, or subtly ask her. You’ve always wanted to be James Bond – now’s the perfect time to put your spy knowledge to the test! 3. Ask your bride-to-be to choose for herself. You’ll be surprised how common this is these days, and your future wife may even surprise you with a less expensive. After all, […]

Read More

Stylish And Affordable Changes That You Can Make To Your Bedroom This Season

The price of decorating your bedroom according to the current season is a major factor for many people. With an abundance of ideas, it’s not that hard to find the right type of furniture and accessories for your desired bedroom look. However, the advantages of having so many options could also be counter-productive when it comes to expenses. For instance, many types of divans and cots may simply not fit the available space you have in your room. As autumn approaches, selecting from a wide variety of beds, including the Divan Beds Centre – Zip link beds, may offer you a trendy piece of furniture that can serve as the focal point of your autumn-inspired resting place. Affordable changes to your bedroom during the autumn season could also help you discover new things about yourself. Those new things could simply range from sharpening your imagination to increasing your self-confidence. Speaking of new discoveries, redesigning your bedroom lets you express your individual identity and catch up on an old hobby. Are you keen on closely following the latest fashion trends? You can channel that penchant for stylish clothing items into your new bedroom space. During the recent Vogue Fall 2014 fashion week, Valentino was one of the many high-end designers with innovative collections shown in the runway. It’s time to put your creativity and resourcefulness into play, as these items can be replicated through finding low-priced designs that add vibrancy to your bedroom. Patterns were also in attendance during the event with pieces that evoke historical nostalgia. Redecorating your room with an environment that suggests a mid-century appeal is one elegant way to achieve this purpose. Using the colours of the autumn palette is beneficial too, especially when you’re familiar with the timely hues related to the season. Nature-inspired designs and […]

Read More

Paloma Faith wows in Burberry Resort 2015 trench coat for LFW

Paloma Faith doesn’t need to perform to pull out all the stops with her outfit. Despite sitting pretty in the front row for the Burberry spring/summer 2015 show during London Fashion Week and giving her pipes a rest (she serenaded the crowd with Only Love Can Hurt Like This last season, remember?) she still managed to stand out from the crowd and look like a true superstar. The singer wore a gorgeous printed trench coat from the brand’s Resort 2015 collection, which she teamed with a blue hat, a teal Bloomsbury bag, and pumps in a contrasting yet complementary shade of green. Her blonde hair was curled at the ends which complemented the hues of the trench coat beautifully, while her red lipstick added that final bit of colour for maximum wow factor.

Read More

The influence of Hollywood glamour isn’t what it used to be

There were times when just about all of the world’s most glamorous women were to be found in and around Hollywood. The movie industry was like a magnet for young girls intent on becoming stars, but in recent times the allure of the film capital of the planet has waned considerably. The question now is will it ever be as popular again? Glamorous icons of the last 100 years or so included some of Hollywood’s biggest and most influential stars. From Paulette Goddard and Tallulah Bankhead to Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, they sashayed across the silver screen and captivated millions in the process. The world watched and the world listened. The allure of these superstars helped to sell everything from designer clothing to cosmetics, not to mention movie tickets, of course. Men wanted to be with them and women wanted to be them, and it seemed at one point that the only way to fame and fortune for women was by making sure they were spotted in Tinseltown. In recent decades, however, many of the world’s most glamorous ladies have come from the world of television and music. One look at those hitting the headlines in the celebrity magazines and advertising products like lip gloss and mineral foundation is enough to show you that Hollywood’s influence is beginning to disappear. Same destination as ever, but a different route to get there A list of the most iconic women in the world of fashion at the moment includes the likes of Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna, all of whom are known for their music as much as for their dress sense. It’s difficult to see any of the latest movie stars ever managing to achieve such worldwide fame as this quartet. In a similar vein, many more […]

Read More

10 celebrities who’ve taken cosmetic surgery too far

With fame comes public scrutiny, so it’s no wonder so many celebrities are obsessed with the way they look. But, while some stars have managed to undergo the odd nip and tuck and end up looking like a better version of themselves, others have had so much work done they are barely recognisable. Here are just some of the celebrities who may have taken cosmetic surgery a bit too far… Lara Flynn Boyle She is best known for her role as Donna Hayward in the cult TV series Twin Peaks. But, as fans of the show eagerly anticipate the cinematic release of a Twin Peaks prequel, Lara seems to have changed much about her appearance since she made her 1990s debut staring opposite Kyle MacLachlan. The signs of Lara’s cosmetic work have been apparent ever since she dated Jack Nicholson in the early 2000s. The 44-year-old

Read More

The natural choice for skin kind cosmetics

Did you know that many of the most frequently used cosmetic products are thought to contain chemicals that can cause cancers, disrupt hormone levels in the body, and potentially poison your nervous system? That is why demand for natural products has never been greater than it is right now. Many people put their trust in cosmetic legislation to keep them safe when it comes to the products we purchase, however it also pays to know a little ourselves about what we should look out for. When choosing products it’s important to let Mother Nature to lend a helping hand, and point you in the direction of these ingredients: Aloe Vera This succulent plant has been used in herbalism across the world for thousands of years, and is believed to boast a range of skin soothing, healing and rejuvenating properties. It can be found in a wide variety of skin care products. Honey Cleopatra was said to enjoy milk and honey baths and so should you. Honey offers antioxidant and hydrating properties that can cleanse and moisturise the skin. It is also extremely gentle and is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin. Olive oil The uses of this oil are almost endless, from treating dry hair, nails and skin to replacing shaving foam or as an eczema treatment. Raw coconut oil This is an easily-absorbed moisturiser that also contains an antibiotic element. Rosehip-seed oil This is an antioxidant that can improve the appearance of scars, age spots and even wrinkles. Other simple ingredients to look out for include cucumber, which has a cooling effect and parsley, which is an effective antiseptic. Then there is the moisturising properties of avocado; lavender has calming and soothing properties, and vitamin E is an antioxidant. Going for the anti-chemical approach does not have […]

Read More

The Saturdays’ Frankie Sandford confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing

We didn’t think Strictly Come Dancing was going to get more exciting than last year’s season which featured one of our favourite designers Julien Macdonald, and gorgeous model Abbey Clancy (who only went and won it!)… that is until we saw who the first confirmed celebrity for this year was. It’s just been announced that Frankie Sandford of The Saturdays is the first celeb to be confirmed for the new season of the show; and if they’re all as fabulous as she is, we predict that the new season is definitely going to be the biggest and best one yet! “I’m such a huge fan of Strictly! I’ve always wanted to be a part of the show – it looks like so much fun and the costumes are just gorgeous,” Frankie said. “Like so many little girls, I used to take dance lessons when I was in primary school and I really love dancing but this is going to be so different from anything I have done with The Saturdays. I just can’t wait to get started!” And we can’t wait to see her in action! Although Frankie is the only celeb who is officially confirmed, rumours are rife that she could be joined by former Xtra Factor presenter Caroline Flack, ex Corrie babe Michelle Keegan, and even Andy Murray’s mum Judy. How cool would that be? We’ll keep you posted with more info as and when we get it.

Read More

Five minutes with TK Maxx creative director Catrina Funk

TK Maxx is our saviour when we want a high end piece of clothing for that all-important night out, or just to pad out our wardrobes but don’t quite fancy paying high end prices. And it doesn’t look like we are the only ones! TK Maxx is becoming more and more popular with bargain hunters and savvy fashionistas alike – and with new designer pieces spontaneously dropping into the various stores up and down the country on a daily basis, it isn’t hard to see why. To coincide with the TK Maxx ‘Me by Me’ autumn/winter 2014 ad campaign – a continuation of the ground-breaking, boundary-stretching and immensely popular ‘Me by Me’ spring/summer 2014 ad campaign which featured real life TK Maxx shoppers – we decided to grab creative director Cat Funk for a five minute chat about the campaign, the concept, and the future of one of our favourite stores. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive preview of the autumn/winter 2014 ad campaign in a few months’ time – we guarantee it’s going to be a good’un!   For anyone living under a rock, can you briefly explain what the Me by Me campaign is all about? It’s really about individuality, and celebrating that everyone has a unique sense of style; so celebrating people and individuality… What made you want to go in this direction? A couple of things – we’ve been doing street casting for years actually, so we’re quite a unique brand, a different kind of store. We have our own sense of who we are wanted a campaign to fit in with that. Really we just wanted to celebrate the shoppers and show that everyone is different and everyone has something to celebrate about themselves. Were you worried it wouldn’t be well […]

Read More

Cameron Diaz does casual chic in Frame Denim jeans

We appear to be having a bit of a denim obsession at the moment, so we may as well run with it. For those of you who don’t think jeans can ever look chic and will always look out of place on a red carpet, then we urge you to look to Cameron Diaz for an excellent and jean-spirational look. The actress attended the Sex Tape photocall at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills last night, and looked the epitome of casual chic in the process. She wore some rolled up Frame Denim jeans which contributed to the casual factor, and smartened up with a chic and totally en-vogue black blazer from The Row. Gold Isabel Marant pumps and a natural blow dry completed her effortlessly cool look perfectly. Jeans doubters – has this looked swayed you?

Read More

Spotlight on Narciso Rodriguez…

Who is Narciso Rodriguez? In a nutshell, he’s an American designer whose shows we always get excited for during New York Fashion Week, as he never fails to deliver exciting, transitional and all-round inspiring pieces season after season. He has a pretty impressive celebrity following too, and counts Jessica Alba as one of his biggest A-list fans (alongside the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker ad even First Lady Michelle Obama), who does a fantastic job of showing the world how the pieces should be work with the utmost style and wow factor. Granted she would look good in almost anything, but that shouldn’t take anything away from the intricate nature of a Narciso Rodriguez design. Basically what we’re trying to say is that your wardrobe could do a lot worse than being filled with Narciso Rodriguez; your bank account, on the other hand, not so much. Or so it/you thought. There’s a gargantuan sale of Narciso Rodriguez items on Avenue 32 at the moment, where some of the hottest pieces we have been lusting after all year have been slashed in price, making them super duper affordable. How do discounts of up to 70% sound? They sound like the perfect thing to cure us of Monday morning blues! You could get your hands and feet on a pair of wow factor shoes for under £200, our favourites being a pair of black suede sandals that are guaranteed a full and long life expectancy, and will be one of your go-to pairs of black shoes for those cocktail nights with the ladies or important business meetings. And speaking of business… there are lots of great pieces of office-appropriate pieces in the aforementioned sale, including a sharp pair of tailored trousers (they come in both brown and black stripe colour combos) as […]

Read More

Kate Hudson dazzles in embellished Armani Privé jumpsuit for Couture Fashion Week

We’ve always maintained that Kate Hudson could walk a red carpet and wow the crowd in her sleep. She confirmed that at the Oscars earlier this year, but just in case anyone had any doubts or simply forgot, she is at it again. The gorgeous actress, yummy mummy and fashion designer joined the likes of Chloe Moretz, Pink and Jared Leto on the coveted front row of the Armani Privé Couture autumn/winter 2014 show in Paris last night, and chose an exquisite jumpsuit from the designer for the occasion. To say she stood out on the FROW would be a huge understatement. The silhouette of the jumpsuit helped give off that classic effortless vibe that Kate does so well, while the embellishments which adorned the piece ensured it also had that “look at me!” wow factor. A simple, un-distracting top knot with a few loose bits of hair escaping and minimal jewellery completed her look perfectly. [Image]

Read More

Those Primark “exhausting hours” labels were fake all along

Turns out that those “forced to work exhausting hours” labels found in a few Primark clothes were a hoax, as found by an investigation carried out by the store! “Our investigation into the labels sewn onto two garments bought separately from our Swansea store in 2013, has led us to the conclusion that it is, more likely than not, a hoax carried out in the UK,” said a Primark spokesperson. “The labels are clearly from the same source. It is almost impossible to imagine circumstances in which such similar labels could have been sewn onto the garments at the factory where they were made, given that they were made by different suppliers, in different factories, on different continents, one in Romania and the other in India, thousands of miles apart.” Interesting. The statement didn’t mention who the culprits actually are – or whether they have even been found – but Primark is keen to ensure customers that the working conditions in all of its factories are all above board… “Primark would not sell clothes unless we are satisfied that they were made in accordance with our code of conduct,” the spokesperson continued. “We make it easy and accessible for workers in our supply chain to make contact with us confidentially, though a variety of sources, if they have any concerns.” Well that concludes this chapter nicely! Where do you stand on the issue? [Vogue] [Image]

Read More

Contact lenses or glasses?

With big name designer brands and celebrities like Gok Wan getting behind eye-wear in a big way, your specs can say as much about you and your tastes as can a pair of shoes or a handbag, and it can be just as important to get the look right. Since many wearers are seldom seen without their glasses, it’s worth investing in a pair of spectacles that’s as much for being seen in as for seeing through. Frames of mind The huge variety of frame shapes, styles, materials, and colours makes for infinite possibilities when it comes to womens glasses, but the same choices can also be a little overwhelming. Start by narrowing your search down to a particular type of frame, so you can then zero in on the perfect pair of spectacles. The first factor to take into consideration is your prescription. If you wear very strong lenses to correct short sight, it is best to choose small frames. The greater the diameter of the lenses, the thicker they will be at the outside edge. Plastic frames are a better choice for thick lenses than thin metal rims, and a wide arm will also disguise thicker lenses. Choose a frame style that goes with the shape of your face. Long faces are balanced out by wide frames, while square faces are lengthened and softened by oval ones. If your face is round, pick narrow, rectangular shapes. Rimless specs look good on triangular faces. Your choice of colour should also be influenced by face shape and skin tone, with lighter colours having a softening effect while dark shades add weight and contrast. Lifestyle is an important consideration. Light, tough plastic lenses and flexible titanium frames are a good choice if you’re into sports, and also give you the requisite […]

Read More