Tag Archives: trends

How to save a bob on hairstyling this season…

Hairstylist to the stars, Christian Wood, has teamed up with E.ON to create some energy efficient hairstyles this winter.

Looks including natural waves, polished curls and pin curls are all heat and electricity free ways of achieving the hottest celebrity styles just in time for the party season.

“I’m really passionate about saving energy so really want to show the UK how you can get amazing hairstyles without always reaching for your straighteners, tongs or other electrical gadgets.

“There are so many clever techniques out there which can give you really great looks but without the worry of the heat damaging your hair or the electricity adding to your energy bill,” explains Christian.

How to get the look without turning up the heat

Natural waves

Braids are a great classic way to give your hair an on-trend beach wave look. To get this look without turning up the tongs:

- Once you’ve washed your hair, run some basic product through your hair and put it into two braids and sleep in them overnight

- In the morning shake out your braids for beautiful, natural wavy hair

Polished curls

For polished curls guaranteed to turn heads this party season ditch the heat and let nature work its magic:

- Divide your hair into small sections and wrap around large Velcro rollers to create body and height

- There’s no need to use a hairdryer for this look, simply keep the rollers in whilst you do your make-up

- Once your face is painted to perfection, take the rollers out to reveal polished curls that would make Kate Middleton jealous

Pin curls

With the vintage revival in full swing you can create your own 40s-inspired look simply without getting hot under the collar:

- Start at the front of your head working backwards

- Wrap two inch sections of hair around your fingers to form a curl

- Remove your fingers and pin the curl to you head using kirby grips

- Blast your hair for a couple of minutes to heat the pin curls
Leave to set for as long as possible while you do your make-up or the housework. ??If you have the time sleep in the curls for extra effect

Go to bed as usual and awake to perfect pin curls in the morning

As well as his top styles for avoiding heat on the hair, Christian offers his top 5 products to cut down on energy use this season:

1. Dry shampoo

- Washing your hair too regularly is not good for your hair. Dry shampoo is a great tip for giving your do a fresh look and add volume to lifeless hair.

2. Beach/salt spray – Great for creating texture and waves.

3. Serum

- Helps to smooth the hair without using straightners or hot-brushes, which consumer energy.

4. Conditioning treatments

- For a quick 10 minute treatment, you can have hair in better condition, meaning it takes less time to style.

5. Hairspray – Brilliant for up-dos or smoothing the hair out. By holding the hair longer, it means it doesn’t have to be styled as often.

You can also save time and energy with Christian’s styling tips:

- Wear your hair in a tight bun to take away the frizz.

- With celebrities turning to the up-do for the red carpet recently. Go for the popular ponytail, trendy top knots and messy buns.

- If you require straighteners, go for the wider panel version as it will take less time to style the hair.

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Friday’s Fashion Five

 

 

It’s that time of the week again and personally I couldn’t be happier to be so close to the weekend!

 

This week has seen some ups, some downs and some simply unbelievable moments in the world of fashion this week, so here’s the top five things that stuck out for me…

 

1. Versace for H&M

 

I know, I know, there has been so much press talk and coverage surrounding this collection, that you may be sick of hearing about it, but this was a great week for the industry. This high end/highstreet fashion collaboration had something for everyone in it, no wonder there were queues out the door for pieces. See yesterday’s blog post for my fave pieces from the collection.

 

2. The Marc Jacobs thief

 

I couldn’t quite believe it when I heard that the entire s/s 2012 Marc Jacobs collection had been pinched in transit from Paris to London this week. It raises a lot of questions in terms of security and the practicality of transporting collections from one place to the other. I also don’t see the point in stealing the clothes in the first place – The thief cannot wear them as people will know what to look out for and they cannot sell them as what can someone do with them? It’s not the first time it’s happened either, as a bunch of Victoria Beckham dresses were stolen, a whopping £500,000 worth of clothes! Where are the fashion police when you need them?

 

3. Magnetic nail varnish

 

I have a feeling that this could become my new favourite beauty product. Although I’ve not properly tried it yet, the excitement and anticipation of using it is enough to make the top 5. The idea of stroking your nail with a beautiful colour, covering it with a magnetic and a magical pattern appearing before your eyes just goes to show how advanced nail art is becoming! Thank you Nailsinc.

 

4. London Twilight Premiere fashion

 

I was just excited at the prospect of seeing Rob Pattinson on the red carpet as much as the next girl, but closely following was the outfits. K Stew, although not even billed to attend the event, she didn’t disappoint the crowds. Snuggling up to her supposed beau, Kristen wore a backless, black, sequined Roberto Carvalli gown. She looks good enough to gobble up…sorry, couldn’t resist the vamp joke!

Image from PAImage from PA

 

Fashion Yes also goes to Holly Willoughby, Fashion No no no no no goes to Lauren Pope – sling on some panties girl!

 

5. Leopard Print

 

It’s everywhere and I love it. The perfect hot winter print, it seems we all cannot get enough of leopard print at the moment. While it may not be an event, person and piece of fashion news – here’s a look that will be around all season and so well worth getting to know, if you haven’t already!

 

What have been your style highlights this week?

 

Jen.xox

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Today’s the Day: Versace for H&M

It’s the day that so many of us have been waiting for: The launch of Versace for H&M.

Actual Versace available at highstreet (ish) prices!

To celebrate this, I’ll chosen a couple of my favourite pieces for the collection. While I may not be brave enough to pull off the palm trees, there are some seriously timeless pieces, making this one of the best highstreet collaborations of all time.

Donatella, respect…

Biker chick:

Rock chic:

Lady of leather:

The bling ring:

Golden gurl:

Going Gaga?

Which is your favourite?

Jen.xox

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Step by step guide to achieving glowing winter skin…

 

 

If you skim through any fashion mag, peruse any beauty blog or simply have an eye out for the latest seasonal trends, you will be well aware than winter makeup has become a massive to-do.

 

So with this in mind, I thought I’d jump on the beauty bandwagon and give you a step by step guide for how I put on my daily face ready for the winter months.

 

Just as we change our wardrobes to suit the seasons, we should be doing the same for our makeup bags too. Our skin needs different things depending on what month of the year we’re in. Summer is all about protection from the sun, swimming pools and sweating and while hydration and moisturising is needed no matter what month we’re in, our complexion needs more work in winter, as we’re all guilty of taking that summer holiday glow a little for granted.

 

1. Moisturiser – start by massaging a little moisturiser into the skin. This avoid any dryness or chapping that may arise from the elements outside.

 

2. Concealer – under the eyes and to cover any blemishes on the skin. Applying a little under the eye just helps to hide the appearence of tired eyes or dark circles that seem to be more prevalent at this time of year. Add a touch to the eye lid to bring extra light to the eye.

 

3. Foundation – Try and find a foundation and serum in one as this will help with the coverage on the face and also will help to offer the skin extra protection. Go for a warm shade to match the face to help give a warm look.

 

4. Highlighter – Under the eyes and around the nose, this helps to accentuate the light on your face, meaning darkness and pasty skin is avoided.

 

5. Bronzer – A dusting of bronzer can go a long way in winter. Apply on the cheeks and work out over the face. Don’t get carriesd away as this will look false and defeat the natural, healthy glow look you’re going for. It’s all about adding rich tones to the face.

 

6. Blusher – a light circling to the apples of the cheeks brings a lightly flushed colour to the face; be as liberal as your complexion or makeup deems necessary.

 

7. Mascara – Keep the eyes bright and bold with some lash extension mascara. We don’t want to achieve glammed up, party eyes for the day. Just a coat of a good extending, seperating mascara works a treat at opening up our eyes.

 

8. Lipstick – Finish with a warm shade of lipstick. I like to go for a darker shade as opposed to a nude as it seems to compliment the complexion better than sucking all the colour from you as a pale one can. That said, going for a ultra feminine look, a pale lippy works great.

 

Jen.xox

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The New Versace for H&M advert…cool but creepy!

It’s the fashion collaboration of the year.

The one we’ve all been waiting for.

And with just a few days to go until crowds swarm outside H&M stores up and down the country, the advert to set our style tongues wagging has been released…

H&M + VERSACE =

I may not always like what Versace bring to the table, but even I have to admit there are a couple of pieces from this incredibly strong collection that I wouldn’t mind owning.

Donatella herself said she wanted this to reflect the best of the best that the line could offer with some of the designs being hers and others of her late brother Gianni.

The purple and black goth-like party dresses I see being snapped up in an instant. They are current. Appealing on the eye. Timeless. (Not to mention they would look fabulous with some frosted or statement smoky eye shadows.)

I also have to say that I love this advert. It’s creative, unusual, bold…all the things that make Versace, well Versace.

Don’t ask me how she’s done it, but in being completely fresh and innovative with her designs, Donatella has managed to create a selective line….

With something for everyone.

Fashion genius.

Jen.xox

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Friday Favourite Fashion Five

 

 

So I thought I’d start a little list of five of the things in fashion and beauty that I’ve been loving this week.

 A lot happens in this industry on a week to week, day to day basis, as any fashion journalist will tell you, so it’s important to keep an open mind and to take a moment to remember all the good bits so as to avoid getting caught up in a world wind of press releases, trends and just plain rubbish.

 

This week for me has been all about the following:

 

1. Glam goth – With all the talk of Hallowe’en and all things spooky, the glammed up goth trend has come alive again for a/w. If you’re a fan of all things lace, leather and feathers then this should please you greatly. Done well, this look should show the glamorous, sexy side of you. Done wrong, you’ll end up looking like you’re a few weeks late for a Hallowe’en fancy dress party.

 

I say stick to some leather look leggings, a simple lace time, tousled hair, killer heels, a feathered accessory and some glittered up nails. You cannot go wrong for a dark December night out!

 

2. Welly boots – A strange choice I know, but this is footwear I never thought would be stylish. I used to hate wearing them as a kid, but now there is something so cool about teaming funky wellies with some leggings to mix it up. The highstreet is going nuts for them too at the moment, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.

 

3. Natural makeup – Yes, it’s been around for a while now, but still, this is a look that should not be under estimated this season. If you’re all about the neutral shades then add some sparkle with some nude eyeshadows, or using a highlighter under the eyes and nose to help give the complexion a hand in all the right places. This is the best look for beating bags under the eyes!

 

4. Glossy hair – According to Charles Worthington, yes, THE shampoo creator and hair stylist, your locks should be long and glossy. That means that where the tousled, festival look may have been ok for the summer and trans seasonal a/w period, we should now be looking after our barnets to achieve that all A-list Jessie J style. That means treatments, treatments and conditioners ladies!

 

5. Celeb style – I love a good style off! This week, I’ve taken a look at the fashion of two of Hollywood’s hottest actresses, Mila Kunis and Olivia Wilde. Both ladies know how to rock their looks and even though Olivia won the battle, Kunis is still my top style girl this week!

Oh and note to self… Start using mineral based foundation, sounds like a dream.

 

What’ve been your Fashion Five this week?

 

Jen.xox

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X Factor ‘Fashion’ so far…

 

It’s Friday, which can only mean one thing: another X Factor weekend.

 

Call me boring, but I’m not sure what to make of all the weird and wonderful outfits that are being showcased every Saturday and Sunday night.

 

While the judges seem to be getting it so right, the contestants seem to be left hung out to dry wearing a myriade of PVC, plastic, big liners, sequins, crimping…oh the crimping… among other ‘styles’.

 

That’s not to say I’m expecting boring stage outfits week after week, but surely there’s a happy medium. I nearly keeled over in shock watching week two when I saw Sophie (my fave) take to the stage in a demure, midi length crimson number and understated makeup.

 

It actually gave me a chance to spend the 1 minute 30 seconds listening to her voice, rather than spending the time harping ‘what is she/he/they wearing…’

 

According to the press, the X Factor ratings have taken a hit with arch nemesis (ok, BBC competition) Strictly Come Dancing leading the race to entertain the British public.

 

They say that it’s not as a result of the new judging panel consisting of Kelly Rowland, Tulisa, Louis Walsh and the supposed new Mr Nasty, Gary Barlow and bosses are at a loss as to why the sudden dip in viewings may be.

Image from ITV

 

Hmmmm, I’m just putting this out there, but I’m guessing I’m not the only one wondering if the fountain on top of Kitty’s head (from supposed ‘rock week’) was about to erupt and forgot to listen to her singing.

 

Simply put, this series of X Factor is all about the outfits and not enough about the singing.

 

I even find myself struggling to remember what the contestants sang, but have no bother telling you that Rythmix…or whatever they’re soon to be called (#controversy) look like a bag of Skittles exploded on stage or that Frankie looks like he could do with a good bath.

 

Perhaps dial down on the shiny plastic outfits and give people a chance to listen to the singing?

If you’re reading this X Factor bosses, I used to look forward to what the acts would be wearing, now the it’s just…distracting.

 

Fashion is one of the most fabulous forms of expression. It should be complimenting the acts and done right it can make acts stand out for all the right reasons.

 

 

Jen.xox

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Meet footwear’s latest fashionista: The Slipper…

 

Another day, another fashion debate.

 

This time, I find myself trying to understand the soon-to-be fashion phenomenon that ares slipper.

 

And, no I’m not talking about the Homer Simpson faces made from 10 inches of foam we wore when we were children (you may still do, no judgement…), I’m meaning the stylish slip on like so:

Image from Topshop

 

That icons such as Alexa Chung and Elizabeth Olsen are sporting at the moment.

 

On the one hand I’m thinking I quite like them.

 

Simple

 

Stylish

 

And the same as a slip-on loafer, only inspired by the slipper.

 

At the moment, this is a relatively new trend concept, but there is no reason why this will not take off (S/S 2012 prediction alert), they work with most outfits and styles and if they are being endorsed by the style big guns then they’re bound to get a rave review and strong following.

 

This is not the first time that evening wear has inspired fashion, as silk and lace nighties have motivated the nightwear daywear look, seeing frills, thin straps and lace tops pop up a while ago.

 

It makes sense that it would mean footwear was next.

 

Ok, so there is very little to object to (at the moment). It’s just another flat shoe isn’t it?

 

But, I will be reviewing my opinion if the felt and fluff style slippers start making their way onto the highstreet. There’s no need for the picture of sleeping animals to be on our day to day footwear.

 

I don’t care how desperate designers are for ideas!

 

Jen.xox

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Keira Knightley mixes monochrome with the 20′s…

 

Keira Knightley is an English Rose.

 

She’s appeared in some of the biggest blockbusters of our generation and lent her fresh-faced beauty to more than one cosmetic & fragrance campaign over the years.

 

Hitting yet another red carpet premiere for new film A Dangerous Method, Knightley wore an effortlessly chic and stylish monochrome Roksanda Ilinic dress, proving she’s an industry pro both on and off-screen.

 

Knightley wore the stylish above-the-ankle dress, with wrap around, cutaway top half with peep toe black shoes and her hair in a simple sleek up-do.

 

It seems the Keira could not have ticked anymore style boxes if she tried.

Image from PA

The only question is: Was it too much?

 

I often find the answer to this question in fashion is: If you have to think about the answer, then no. If the look instantly screams out to you that there is too much happening, then there more than likely is – but not this time.

 

Keira’s look maybe monochrome, androgynous and 1920s all wrapped up into one, but it looks effortless and blends together perfectly. She has also balanced the look well well her lack of jewellery and statement smokey eyes, going for the ‘less is more’ when accessorising.

 

For me, this is a thumbs up from the 26-year-old, whose sense of style is evolving beautifully.

 

What’s your verdict?

 

Jen.xox

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Friday Fashion Five: Tips for spending less on style this season

 

£325.

That’s what the average woman spends on ‘winterising’ their wardrobe. Click for article.

 

True or false?

 

This led me to thinking that while topping up on trends and adding vital knitwear to the wardrobe is a necessity and also healthy, there are ways that we can still satisfy our fashion fix, without emptying the purse in the process.

 

So, I’ve jotted down five things that I have/will be doing to make sure that I can get all I need to keep snug and stylish this season, without having to do without (the actual) winter necessities.

 

Friday Fashion Five:

 

 

1. Hold a clothes swap party with family, friends and co-workers:

 Though it may be an idea that has been floating around for a while, now is the perfect time to get together, have a good evening and swap some stylish gems that may be just what you’re looking for an save you a packet. An added plus, is you may even make some money and some space in your own wardrobe – result!

 

2. Hunt the highstreet…for charity/vintage stores:

Again, the idea is nothing new, but don’t knock the idea until you’ve tried it. If you’re looking for a new coat in particular, this could well be the place to find a hidden treasure and cheaper than even some of the cheaper highstreet stores.

 

3. Spend on the statements:

There is a lot to be said for ‘quality not quantity’ and this may be one of those times. Even though this post may be about counting the pennies, nothing beats buying a designer piece; the advice string attached is to try and make it a statement piece that is classic and timeless. Though it may cost a lot up front, if you buy right, it’ll be paying you back for years and years to come.

 

4. Find your inner stylist:

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be most creative or inventive person in the world, you still have the ability to team and outfit together and dress everyday. Why not take a step back, pull out the wardrobe and take the time to think about what’s actually in there. I’m ashamed to say I have lots of pieces still with the pricetag on them – but I know that I could team them with something if I sat down and thought about it. Complimenting different colours and textures in your wardrobe (even the classic light layering) may open your world to a whole host of new outfits and save you a fortune in the process.

 

5. Trans-seasonal wear and planning ahead:

Ok, so sometimes buying a new coat or pair of winter boots may be a necessity (either broken, ripped or too small being the problem) but for most of us, it’s the want to keep up to date with the trend that motivates the spend. But what happens if it’s not a necessity? Is there the need to spend hundreds of pounds on a new wardrobe only to do it all over again come the new year. Take advantage this a/w of bold colours and prints being in trend, as this can suit the s/s wardrobe too. Think skirts, tops and accessories that can be worn across two seasons, saving you half the money for party and holiday wear.

Have Fun,

Jen.xox

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