Fashion Products

Mary Katrantzou has plans to launch an interiors range as well as a new leather goods line in the near future. The designer is best known for her silhouettes and illusionary digital prints. She also just collaborated with Current/Elliot on a new capsule collection that she explained has really helped open her mind to the idea of some new prints. In fact, she has even admitted that she may soon start working on jeans.

At the moment Katrantzou is exploring many ways to expand her brand which will kick off with the launch of her first e-commerce site due in just a few weeks. She also will be launching her pre-spring/summer 2014 collection in June and is working on hiring 16 new staff members for her creative team.

She explained that if this season had not been spectacular than they would not be able to hire more staff and the current staff would feel so tired that they would eventually leave. Therefore, she admits that every season is a risk since she has to worry about whether she will be able to come up with something new and exciting.

Born in Greece, Katrantzou credits a great deal of her support from the NEWGEN sponsorship that she received from the British Fashion Council and Topshop as it has allowed her to continue to expand and grow every season. She added that NEWGEN helps to draw international attention and therefore helps to bring more people, buyers, and press to fashion shows.

 

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share save 171 16 Mary katrantzou set to launch new interiors range

Hair trends come and go pretty quickly and it isn’t always exactly the best idea to go fully on board with an expensive and radical new style, only to find out that it’s out of fashion a week later. Luckily, trusted hair care brand Schwarzkopf has come out with Ultra Brights, a fun, new collection of vibrant hair colours that will allow fashionistas everywhere to wear their hair a-la Rihanna or Katy Perry.

Fans of colourful hair are sure to swoon over the Ultra Bright offerings, which include colours such as Pillar Box Red, Raspberry Rebel and Fiery Copper. To take your hairstyle to the next level the brand has even created and uploaded a series of how to videos showing how to really make those Ultra Brights your own.

Some of the videos instruct Ultra Bright fans how to dip dye, pastel colour, highlight or even layer the hair. So, for those who may have thought that Ultra Brights could only be sported one way, it may be best for you to think again.

To avoid any accidents and mishaps, Schwarzkopf has valuable tips for those planning to jazz up their hair via Ultra Brights. The most important and very first step of the process is to run a skin test using the dye. It is better to be sure that your skin, or your scalp, experiences no allergic reaction to the dye, its rare to have a reaction, but is always wise to do a test. Once you’ve passed your skin test with flying colours, you’re more than welcome to proceed to the fun part: deciding what Ultra Brights look you’ll go for.

Perhaps the most liberating part about the whole Ultra Brights package is the sense of freedom and experimentation that one gets. Anyone can take a packet of the Ultra Brights and come up with the zaniest hairstyles, and once tired of it, she can easily cover it up, without fuss or worry.

This post was sponsored by Schwarzkopf

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share save 171 16 Sponsored Video: Schwarzkopf Presents Ultra Brights: A New Way to Get Trendy Tresses Fast

This video featuring Dawn, a product salesperson, takes a new twist on the term marketing. She attends a speed dating program for the night, and talks to several people about the way they wipe themselves, she then offers them the chance to try Andrex Moist Washlets.

Dawn tells us that these washlets come in easy to carry small travel packages and are kept fresh with the lock and seal top. With her questions about these washlets to the men she ended up coming face to face with, most of them were a little hesitant as to what her true point was behind the speed dating. She had her camera so she and her team capture every moment of her night. Little did these men know that they were part of her campaign, and the fact that she was trying to introduce them to a new product.

She explained that these washlets smell great, are always kept moist, and are flush-able, which is a big plus if you find yourself somewhere where there isn’t a waste bin. Many men who actually agreed to feel, smell, or simply touch the washlets, reported them to be very soft, have a mild scent that is very nice, and they are always kept moist and fresh for when you need them most. They are also easy to carry, and can be placed in a pocket or handbag as they are a small manageable package with a sticky close cover.

Adding a few more pictures to her wall that night, Dawn was successful in introducing some new faces to Andrex Moist Washlets. She encourages all to come and join the campaign either on Facebook or on their site, to help spread the word about this amazing new product now in stores.

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share save 171 16 Sponsored Video: Andrex Washable Moist Washlets Make Going Easier

1 Jewellery ... the secret behind every beautiful outfitIn the world of fashion, there are numerous claims about what makes the “perfect” outfit. Whilst in most cases the choices made over fashion are subjective, there are some elements which are always found at the heart of every beautiful ensemble.

Jewellery is undoubtedly one of them and is capable of being both bold and understated. For some individuals, rings, bracelets and necklaces fit seamlessly with their clothing. For others they stand out as vibrant accessories intended to attract attention.

Choosing your jewellery can therefore be something of a challenge. Whilst certain items such as your wedding ring might be a permanent fixture of your look, other items will change on a daily basis.

Selecting your style

When crafting the perfect outfit the first thing you need to decide on is your style. Different types of jewellery suit different personalities and this is something you’ll need to give a little bit of thought to. Companies such as Goldsmiths have plenty of beautiful items of jewellery which suit all tastes and budgets and a quick browse of their website will certainly provide plenty of inspiration.

For the conservative dresser, simple jewellery is the best option. Small encrustations of jewels look stunning on plain metals and you can always opt for traditional clusters of diamonds or an alternative gemstone depending on your taste.

For those after something a little showier there are plenty of bolder options. From rings with large jewels protruding from a central setting to exquisite Lucet Mundi crystal and hematite bead bracelets and layered necklaces, Goldsmiths stock an impressive range of beautiful accessories.

For those who want to stay one step ahead of the fashion curve, 2013 trends indicate that styles inspired by the Victorian period will regain popularity, as will designs using geometric shapes and sharp lines. Thick metal chains are also expected to prove staple additions to any jewellery box while the obsession with modern charm bracelets is unlikely to decline.

What to look for in jewellery?

Once you’ve selected your style and decided which trends (if any) you intend to follow then you need to find appropriate products. Goldsmiths is a reputable retailer offering plenty of assurances over quality but exactly what features should you look for?

The first is strength of materials and quality of manufacturing. Always consider the fastening mechanism used on any items of jewellery too and the quality of any settings or engravings. You’ll want your jewellery to last a long time so it’s important you spare a thought for care and maintenance too.

All jewellery needs to be cleaned regularly and Goldsmiths can take care of this for you if you’re worried you lack the expertise. If buying diamond jewellery, they even offer a ten year guarantee which provides an annual inspection and clean free of charge for a ten year period – you can’t get much better service than that!

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share save 171 16 Jewellery ... the secret behind every beautiful outfit

Nails Inc nail bars are known for their many walls of nail polish as they are able to offer an extensive catalogue of 100 different colours. All of the colours are manufactured within Britain and share names with famous London Boroughs and streets.

Founder of Nail Inc, Thea Green, explained that from day one of the company launch they already had about sixty colours because the idea was they wanted to get their product into the public and not just at the nail bars. They said that colour ideas usually seem to coincide with the catwalk trends so they spent some time looking for some great colours, materials, and ingredients.

It’s ironic now because Green explains that now paint suppliers actually knock on their door with colour ideas. At the moment the best selling polish colour of the line is Porchester Square which is a muted mushroom colour. Their cobalt blue Baker Street polish is also a large hit right now because Beyonce wears it.

Green added that she loves hearing customers ask for a colour using its name because she really enjoys the naming process. She likely enjoys the profits as well given the fact that nail polish is actually a very large business right now.

Along the lines of the lipstick index, there seems to be a nail bomb hitting. During a recession lipstick sales usually go through the roof as people treat themselves to more affordable treats, and this time around nail polish seems to be following suit.

People love colour and fashion is getting livelier to provide an alternative outlook to the bleak economy. Therefore, for those that cannot afford to purchase a new coat in a bright colour, the option to buy a bright nail polish is always right there.

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share save 171 16 A look at the rise and rise of Nails Inc
IMG 5629 Give your feet a very merry Christmas with the new generation of bedsocks

Give your feet a very merry Christmas with the new generation of bedsocks

The bedsock is back, that cheap and cheerful way of keeping your tootsies warm through the coldest of winters. Whether for yourself or as a gift. The great range of cosy bedsocks available from www.perilla.co.uk are made from the highest grade of Alpaca wool are just what you are looking for.

For far too long now bedsocks have looked upon as being out dated and old fashioned, but with Britain currently in the throes of flooding, gale force winds and the heating having to be turned up begrudgingly due to the ever increasing energy bills, the specialist Alpaca retailer Perilla are offering trendy bed socks that will keep your feet toasty warm and ensure a great nights sleep without the pounds racking up.

Warm, lightweight and made from 90% baby Alpaca wool – the softest yarn in existence, the socks are also amazingly hardwearing. Available in a range of sizes and colours for both men and women prices start from £15.00

Beautifully presented in a ribboned gift box or luxury sleeve the socks are available online at www.perilla.co.uk. Perilla is also home to an 18-strong range of British-made alpaca socks for every occasion – from robust walking socks to luxury Wellie socks and cute kids socks.

 

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share save 171 16 Give your feet a very merry Christmas with the new generation of bedsocks

Finally, designers and the high street are opening both their eyes and their tills to the fact that there is a huge demand for fashionable clothing in size 16 and over. The term ‘celebrate your curves’ is widely used by those who think they are doing larger ladies a favour, but it is this kind of nauseating, cringe inducing stereotype that not only annoys those are a size 16 or more, but everyone else besides.

It is the faux friendly tone that really grates, as if it has been said through gritted teeth as you these designers think their creations will look abominable on anyone who wears clothes in a size that has two figures. Women have curves, that’s what sets them aside from these unrealistic clothes horses who strut the catwalk with stiletto heels that are thicker than their thighs.

Whilst it great that they are finally being recognised, the fact that is being made to seem as if the designers are doing them a huge favour in actually designing clothes for them doesn’t go down to well. Whilst there has been specialist shops selling bigger clothes for decades, they haven’t been exactly fashionable, and everyone who was a size 18, for example, went for their special night’s out wearing the same outfit.

The big thing that so many of these designers haven’t cottoned onto before now is that there is a vast difference between size and shape, so clothes have been loose in some places, tight in others and simply looked bad. How far this revolution, which has been a heck of a long time coming, will go in the fact of keeping up with trends, it has to be good news for those who have previously avoided certain shops like the plague as they know all that would fit them in there would be a hat or a scarf.

 

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share save 171 16 Plus sized fashion finally recognised

During winter, skin comes under attack from the cold air and harsh wind causing the skin to lose its moisture. It can become dry and itchy.

Even if your skin is oily or combination, all skin types can suffer from these outdoor effects. Other indoor culprits meanwhile include indoor central heating, stoves and fireplaces which can be damaging and lead to dry, cracking and flaky skin.

Protecting skin, however, helps it to both look healthy and perform its natural barrier functions effectively. Good skincare is about being seasonal, but it is more than using sun cream in summer and moisturiser in winter; to properly care for skin throughout the different seasons you need to understand it:

  1. Stay moisturised. Keeping skin hydrated is the most important thing throughout winter, as its harsh conditions strip the skin of natural oils. You should therefore choose an effective, emollient moisturiser to replace the moisture your skin will lose, and because it will form a protective layer on the skin.
  2. Moisturise more than usual. During winter once a day won’t do. Moisturise twice a day to combat constant drying of the skin and always moisturise as soon after washing as possible, as this traps more moisture into skin’s cells.
  3. Always use sunscreen. Most people make the mistake of thinking sunscreen is just for summer. However, UV rays contribute to winter skin damage too, therefore it is best to stay protected with a sunscreen all year round. Using a minimum of SPF15 helps to prevent skin from wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancer during winter months. Jan Marini Daily Face Protectant SPF30contains phytomelanin plant extract which offers excellent UV and antioxidant protection.
  4. Double the amount of water you usually drink. Hydrate from the inside out, doubling the amount of water you usually drink. Wearing more layers of clothing, and sweating more leads to moisture loss so drinking plenty of water helps supply the skin with adequate moisture to make up for this loss.
  5. Avoid Hot Water. Coming in from the cold outside, it can be tempting to take a hot shower to warm up. However, this can actually damage the skin. So take care to ensure water is lukewarm to avoid hot showers stripping the skin of its natural oils.
  6. Use a good toner before moisturising. To help enhance the benefits of your moisturiser, using an alcohol free toner will prepare the skin before you moisturise by using active ingredients to nourish it. Jan Marini Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser contains glycolic acid which acts as a two in one gentle cleanser but removes the need for a toner by deep-cleansing with a follicular agent and doing the job of a toner in preparing the skin for other product applications, at the same time as cleansing.
  7. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Exfoliating gets rid of dry skin and helps the moisturiser to work more effectively. Therefore, doing this a few times a week will help achieve softer skin despite the harsh elements drying it out and, along with the toner, will help maximise the use of your moisturiser.
  8. Jan Marini Clean Zyme Cleanser and Skin Zyme Mask provide home care exfoliation for improvement in skin’s firmness and appearance as well as accelerating the benefits of moisturisers and other surface products.
  9. Encourage skin to repair overnight by using an overnight rejuvenation product, such as Jan Marini Transformation Face Cream. A repair product will help skin to recover from the damaging daily effects of winter, rebuilding damaged cells overnight for younger, more radiant skin.
  10. Use a creamy healing mask once a week after exfoliating.  Keep up the routine of clearing dead skin cells away and trapping in moisture with a weekly mask for deep penetrating healing and revitalising properties.

Jan Marini is one of the most influential people in the skincare industry with a carefully developed range of products aimed at improving all skin types and conditions, using researched technologies and potent formulations.

Effortless Skin is the UK’s leading supplier of cosmeceutical skincare, including Jan Marini. Its team of cosmeceutical skincare specialists are committed to helping clients with a range of needs and conditions, using the best products available on the market.

Visit www.effortlessskin.com for more information.

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share save 171 16 Winter Skincare Secrets from the Experts

Finding the Perfect Jeans

November 8, 2012

Men and women have generally very different attitudes when it comes to shopping for clothes. Most men tend to go to the store, get what they need, and then, they get out immediately. Men usually love shopping for car-related stuff and accessories, tools, and sports and hobby items.

Women, on the other hand, take hours to shop around to find what they want. Then, they spend more hours in the fitting rooms, involving lots of clothes and a lot more of whining and griping about their figures.

Jeans are very versatile pieces of clothing for casual and everyday hustle and bustle. For those who work in less formal offices or work sites, jeans are staples in their wardrobe. Moreover, most shirts and tops can go along well with just a basic pair of denim pants.

There are few things that one needs to know and consider to find the perfect pair of jeans — body type, fit and budget.

To find a perfect pair, know your body type or shape. There are numerous pairs of jeans out there. They are designed in different ways to cater to different body shapes. Knowing your body type is a big step in finding the right pair for you. The right one should flatter your figure, hide or minimize imperfections and creates an illusion of perfectness even with your flaws.

If you are plus-size, avoid wearing baggy or oversized jeans. A comfortable and snug fit in dark colors will make you look leaner. If you’re bottom-heavy, a little width at the bottom will balance your figure. Pants with thick waistband are also good because it will contain the waist. Pear-shaped women can benefit from high-rise jeans, which will highlight the tiny waist while showing their curves. A slight bottom flare will make the legs look longer, too.

For petite guys and gals, straight and close-fit jeans will make you look taller. A girl with a boy figure will look more curvaceous in mid-rise jeans with flared bottoms. For the ladies, you can pair your jeans with heels for a chic look. For those who are tall and with lean body, a straight-legged jean will flatter your long legs. Flared bottoms will look good, too.

After knowing the best style for your body type, it’s time for fitting sessions. Remember that you will be wearing your jeans, so they should fit comfortably. A too tight-fitting pair is not only uncomfortable, it will also restrict the flow of blood in your lower extremities. In choosing your perfect jeans, comfort should come first before considering style and label.

Another consideration in buying jeans is the price. High-priced or low-priced but ill-fitting jeans are not a good buy. They should fit comfortably and should be within your budget. There are times, though, that it is better to invest on a pricey, quality jean that you know you can still wear years after buying them.

Various jeans that would fit any body shape are available at Psyche. Men can also choose from a variety of pairs at Armani Jeans. Other jean items, such as caps, jackets and gilets, are also available.

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How to get perfect hair

October 29, 2012

As Paris Hilton once said, nobody will notice what you’re wearing as long as long as you have fabulous hair. Sleek, shiny and full-bodied – a perfect head of hair can make you stand out from the crowd and feel fantastic. We all love that sensation of walking out of the hairdressers knowing that we look our best – but the real challenge is figuring out how to recreate catwalk ready locks at home.

With this in mind, here are some top beauty tips on how to transform dry and dull tresses into a stunning head of hair.

Keeping it healthy

The first step to stunning hair is of course healthy hair. The most common giveaway of dry and damaged locks are split ends. These are the direct result of applying heat, like blow drying or using a straightening iron.

Finding the right products

Good quality, salon recommended products are the first step to keeping hair healthy and shiny. This applies to your washing treatments by using moisturise enriching shampoo and conditioners. It also relates to your pre-styling products, which can add a protective layer between your delicate hair follicles and the direct heat of a curling or straightening iron. A mist-based spray can also help secure your hairstyle and add a beautiful shine, unlike thick gels or harsh hairsprays.

Trimming regularly

There is an urban myth that says regular haircuts can help your hair to grow faster. While this is unfortunately not the case, a regular trim will keep your hair looking sleek and healthy. Every 6 weeks is usually the recommended time to book your next hair appointment but talk to your stylist about your hair’s specific needs.

Styling

Keep an eye on beauty blogs to keep up to date on the latest celebrity hairstyles and trends. This season, some of the must-have looks include old-Hollywood curls which are best created with rollers and a curling wand. Cropped pixie cuts are still the short hair look of choice, as are thick cut fringes sitting just above the eyebrow.

Always choose a hairstyle that’s achievable for your hair type, keeping in mind its natural part, coarseness and wave. At the moment, one of the most popular ways of creating easy to manage hair, without damaging the hair cuticle is with Keratin Hair therapy. It’s a natural product that uses the hair’s own proteins to fill in any dry and cracked areas, leaving hair looking glossy and runway ready.

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share save 171 16 How to get perfect hair

Thursday night saw many people from the A-list out in force, but one of them stood out among the rest. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was the actress that attracted most attention with her dazzling nude & lace panel dress when she attended the launch party of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 2, held in Los Angeles.

The elegant garment didn’t just prove the actress’ good fashion taste, but thanks to the black belt clinching her waist, she also displayed her amazing figure. The other additions to Rosie’s astonishing look were the burgundy lipstick and her long locks which she had formed into a sleek up-do.

The British actress certainly stole the show from the other attendants, but many other A-listers demonstrated their fashion style as well. Vanessa Hugens appeared in a black, long-sleeved dress which emphasized on her well-shaped figure, a result of her daily exercises. The actress from Spring Breakers had released her raven locks and they covered her shoulder. The final touch to the actress’ amazing appearance was the pair of black heels.

One of the most popular stars attending the event was Christina Aguilera. The 31-year-old star went for a casual look and combined a modern white printed vest with a pair of slim-fit black leggings and a leather jacket.

The final touch to Aguilera’s clothing was a leopard-print trucker cap which covered her newly dyed pink hair. Aguilera attended the event with Matt Rutler, her boyfriend, who also chose to wear headgear and demonstrated a charcoal grey trilby.

Julianne Hough, a popular dancer, wore a beautiful two-piece dress dyed in cobalt blue. The dress showed off her dazzling figure as she posed for the photographers. Another popular star, Joanna Krupa, star in Real Housewives of Miami, wore a gold-colored shift dress that was combined with beige heels and a gold-colored bag. Eliza Dushku, 31, went for a casual outfit and showed up with black jeans, black high-top trainers and a gray jumper.

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share save 171 16 Rosie Huntington Whiteley stands out from the crowd at Samsung launch party in LA

Collecting charms

September 6, 2012

1 Collecting charmsCharm bracelets have long been a popular gift choice among parents, as they give you a reliable fallback for future birthday and Christmas presents, while helping to mark the passing of the years as your child grows older.

However, plenty of adults also enjoy collecting charms, and specialist websites like Fabulous Collections are filled with new designs and old favourites to help you to expand your collection. The more well known charm designers such as Nomination charms from Italy, Pandora and the beautiful range fromThomas Sabo often come attached with a designer price-tag.

So, what are the basics of building the ultimate charm collection? Here’s just a couple of things you might want to think about…

No such thing as ‘perfect’

The whole point of collecting charms is that you can add new pieces whenever you feel like it – so your collection will never really be ‘complete’.

However, if you’re desperate for a sense of closure in at least one area of your collection, there may be sets of matching or complementary designs available to buy, which can also make it easier to decide which charms to put on your necklace or bracelet for any particular occasion.

Don’t forget the essentials

While some people simply collect charms as curios or objets d’art, most of the time you’ll want to make sure you have some way to wear them.

Luckily, the options are almost as flexible as the charms themselves – and although a bracelet is the obvious place to start, there are alternatives.

Charm necklaces give you somewhere to hang several of your favourite pieces, or something to mark the occasion – a champagne-bottle charm for a wedding, or a pair of tiny shoes for a christening.

And if you’ve already got a favourite necklace you want to embellish, you can just buy charm carriers to thread on to it, without causing any damage to the chain.

A matter of metal

Like any jewellery, charms aren’t just about the design – so if you’re buying one as a gift, make sure you know what metal the intended recipient prefers.

Gold or silver, or a combination of the two, are the likeliest options, but you can also find glass and crystal charms too, which can add much-needed variety to an otherwise all-metal collection.

Colour comes in the form of precious stones, and sites like Fabulous Collections let you search by colour, too, so if you’re buying for a pink-obsessed young lady but the specific type of stone isn’t a concern, it’s still easy enough to find something that suits her tastes.

The personal touch

Charms aren’t just for girls – you can find plenty of rugby and football-themed designs, for instance, and of course there’s no reason why you should stick to the gender stereotypes when you’re buying for yourself or for a loved one.

The important thing is to express your own personality, even if you’re the one giving the charm as a gift, as the vast number of different designs means you can really show the amount of thought you put into your choice – and everybody knows that it’s the thought that counts, right?

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share save 171 16 Collecting charms