Leticia Haute Coiffure and “the fastest blowout in London”

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Kesh

Luxury independent hair and beauty salon Leticia Haute Coiffure has been famed on being able to fully cater to their clients needs. The salon provides exclusive hair and beauty services including non bleached highlights and premium Brazilian blow-drys, to waxing, facials and even fashion styling. Perfect for women who are constantly on the go and in need of preening, the salon works on a membership basis with prices starting from £180 a month offering a round the clock service either at the salon, hotel or even in your own home. Another hidden gem within this Marylebone salon is that award winning, Creative Director, Pierre Doumit, has developed a signature 15 minute blowout which is said to work on any hair type and perfect for busy London women.

I was sent to try this service out and when better to try then slap bang in the middle of London Fashion Week. With shows backed up all day, I barely had an hour to spare and wanted to put “the fastest blowout in London” to the test.

myself and Pierre

On arrival the vibe was generally chilled out and Pierre and his amazing team of staff were on hand to grant your each and every demand. I didn’t really have much of an idea of the kind of style I wanted but I was pretty sure that I would be more than safe in Pierres expert hands. The staff were chatty and friendly from the get go and are more than welcoming. I was then left in the safe hands of Pierre and asked if I would like a head massage. Absolutely, I jumped at the chance especially when the craziness of Fashion Week kicked in. The massage was insane, I would have just stayed for it alone. The blowdry itself was a super speedy 15 minutes, if that, with the help of Pierre’s lovely assistant. My hair was revived and volumised and bigger than Bardots. As well as that, Pierre asked me if I would like adjustments and showed me how to create the volume I had asked for which personally is a huge plus when hair stylists show you how to recreate a gorgeous style at home.

As I was leaving, I couldn’t help but swoon over the nails of the girl who works in the salon. Turns out the manicurist based in the salon is a nail art goddess. All in all an amazing experience, speedy, friendly and it helps that they’re all good at their jobs too, if a 15 minute blow dry is what you’re after, I assure you Pierre will stick to his word.

Elizabeth Arden Presents Flawless Future…

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Kesh

“According to a recent survey, the majority of women would rather gain ten pounds then look ten years older” explains Charity Finnigan, Elizabeth Arden’s Brand Manager. This can’t surely be true i’m thinking, but as I look around this room of women all I see and hear are nodding heads and approving sighs. I guess ageing is something I haven’t really thought about having just turned 26, but more and more women I speak to from experience are saying the same thing, that they wished they took more preventative measures in anti-ageing and that it’s not too late for my generation to start. Unless I get some hard scientific facts i’m a sceptic, and that is exactly what Elizabeth Arden delivered in their flawless presentation about their newest range of Ceramide products; Flawless Future.

Charity Finnigan’s presentation

It’s hard to come to terms with something when you’ve never had to experience it yourself but it’s inevitable that one time or another the signs of ageing will be apparent on our face. Unlike those who would resort to drastic measures I would prefer to grow old gracefully and with some help it’s becoming easier and easier for women to do that. Here comes the science: 25 years ago, Elizabeth Arden patented ceramide technology. Ceramides are the molecules that keep the skin healthy and support the collagen produced. Over the years, these ceramides begin to deplete causing the skin to age and a huge factor is stress. During a recent study, the most stressed out age group are 20-30 year olds and it has shown that the biggest loss in ceramides happen in your 30’s. Aiming an anti-ageing product for this age group then makes total sense and Elizabeth Arden have the right idea.

The Flawless Future Collection is comprised of;

Flawless Future powered by Ceramide ™ Caplet Serum

This serum which soothes and brightens skin is powered by Micro-Caplets which provides an even application and effective penetration. Over 80% of women who tried this reported that their skin was smoother, brighter and looked stress-free. This product is pure luxury for the skin.

Flawless Future powered by Ceramide ™ Moisture Cream SPF 30

A daily moisturiser that hydrates and brightens, diminish discolourations and softens lines and wrinkles. This cream is enriched with rice kefiran which is proven to improve hydration, glycerin and shea butter. Pearlescent pigments and mica in the ingredients also enhance complexion. Over 90% of women felt their skin looked smooth, supple and hydrated. SPF also provides skin with sun protection. After a week of using this I saw an immediate difference in my skin brightness and hydration and the amazing scent makes me look forward to applying this.

Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide ™ Eye Gel

This brightening gel fights the appearance of stress and fatigue around the eyes for a radiant, brighter look. The formula is boosted with vitamin E and hydrating sodium hyaluronate and a unique algae extract complex that targets puffiness and dark circles. The design of the dispenser means that it controls the appropriate amount of product to the eye, really handy! Over 70% of women reported a visible difference to fine lines, stress and fatigue were relieved and brightness was improved. Another bonus is that this eye gel is safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.

As all Elizabeth Arden products are, they are all presented nicely and look great in my bathroom cabinet. The great thing about the launch was that as well as learning about the new products it was full of other inspirational beauty writers and bloggers sharing tips with each other and enjoying themselves with the incredible Elizabeth Arden team. They put on a really special evening and went above and beyond expectations to make sure we were welcomed, informed and having a great time. It really makes a difference when huge brands go that extra mile and I really look forward to seeing what else Elizabeth Arden have in store.

Flawless Future is available exclusively at Debenhams from now until 10th August and launches nationwide 15th August.

follow @ardenUK for more information. www.elizabetharden.co.uk

keshini misha.

Absurd Observations a portrait study of Bestival exploring ‘The Art of Dressing Up’

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Kesh

Absurd Observations:
A portrait study from Bestival exploring “The Art of Dressing Up”

By Kent Mathews and Dan Smith

23rd July – 10th August 2014

The appeal of Bestival seems to grow each year attracting free-spirits and music lovers alike and creating a truly unique experience for all who attend. Having been the first music festival I ever went to, I jumped at the chance to attend a photo exhibition which has set out to encapsulate the beautiful and bohemian vibe Bestival go-ers can’t seem to get enough of. Held at the Proud Galleries in Camden. ‘Absurd Observations’ features studio portraits taken from Bestival’s book, ’The Art of Dressing Up’ The portraits are a vivid and offer a stylish insight of Bestival go-ers in all of their fancy dress glory taken by photographers Kent Mathews and Dan Smith.

Both hailing from London, Mathews and Smith have carved out very successful photographic careers. Having originally studied Art, Kent Mathews then went on to graduate in Film and Photographic Art. He then went on to work as a fashion and portrait photographer travelling the world and creating an impressive international profile for himself. Dan Smith initially started out in Biology but changed his direction to photography focussing on fashion photography. Smith then went on to work for iconic titles such as Face and Untold and contributing to British Vogue, Vanity Fair and Harpers and Bazaar. Mathews and Smith being friends for years were both keen on collaborating, and it was their love of Bestival which led them to The Bestival Photo Studio.

It’s no surprise really that Bestival continues to go from strength to strength every year as it really is like no other festival. It’s hard to pin it down to one thing when it comes to what makes it truly special but there are a few stand outs what with the magical setting and fun touches such as the WI tea tent and Wishing rave tree, but one of its main feature’s that definitely sets it apart is that it was not only the first festival to incorporate fancy dress but is now the biggest fancy dress party in the world. Every year, Rob and Josie Da Bank, the founders of Bestival, come up with a theme and on the Saturday hold a fancy dress parade for everyone to show off their weird and wonderful creations, (usually with an equally exciting artist on the main stage), my particular favourite soundtrack was The Village People. Its incredible how something as simple as fancy dress has helped create this aura surrounding Bestival and it’s a vibe that is felt by anyone that attends. Evidently, it was the extravagance and extremities of Bestival go-ers and their fancy dress efforts that spurned Matthews and Smith to want to encapsulate this feeling and so The Bestival Photo Studio was born. Mathews explains, “Our goal was to photograph the beautiful mayhem of Bestival goers in a studio setting out of the context of the festival. We approached the portraits with a formulaic methodology and dead pan expression in order to give the body of work a consistency and a feeling reminiscent of a scientific study.”

To create that truly authentic ‘Bestival experience’, the exhibition was underscored by the legend that is Rob Da Bank with a slideshow of the portraits projected onto the bricks of Proud Galleries. There is something truly mesmerising dancing to the sounds of Bestival whilst watching these ‘dead pan expressions’ which Mathews refers to, dressed in the most extravagant, ridiculous, coolest, silliest and down right hilarious costumes. It’s always a thrill when one of your favourite artists pops up looking silly and fantastic in fancy dress but personally, it was the true beauty and effort of the regular festival attendee which is inspiring here. Mathews and Smith have steered well clear of the ‘off your face’ cliché that usually frequents the average festival go-er something that is bandied around in media so much these days and it just goes to show that their perspective is much more powerful and really captures and stays true to the essence of what makes Bestival one of a kind.

Absurd Observations will act as a prequel to Bestival and will give the general public a chance to see the photographs which have set out to capture the true essence of such an enchanting and surreal world. The exhibition is free and will run from 23rd July-10 August 2014. As well as this, signed prints are available through the proud website www.proud.co.uk.

Proud continues to be one of the most visited destinations in London boasting three galleries, two live music venues and three Cabaret clubs and continues to expand.

Proud Galleries
The Horse Hospital Stables Market

Chalk Farm Road

London
NW1 8AH

keshini misha.

The Launch of Finest Fizz Skinny Rose

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

This event was one to remember and one that won’t be add the pounds to the waistline! We give you Tribaut ‘Skinny’ Rosé de Reserve Extra Brut from Finest Fizz. This delicious Premier Cru Rose champagne is skinny…Yes we said Skinny, with just 65 calories a glass its spoilt us forever. No other real champagne will top this now. Our taste buds have well and truly been altered. It tasted remarkable and lets just say it was just too good!

We suggest you get some as soon as you can, as this is set to be the best tipple ever created and will become every girls best friend. Oh you boys can have some too, just leave enough for us to enjoy. You boys won’t want it anyway will you….No! Ok well you might but we can ignore that for now. Tempted to keep this a secret and keep it all to ourselves we have been persuaded to let you all know about it… Darn it you sure we can’t just secretly buy the entire lot!

Howard and Randi Abernethy are the husband and wife creators of Finest Fizz and they are such a great couple. Howard is so passionate about the creation he just oozes those sumptuous, bubbly and exuberant bubbles himself. We chatted away to him while he topped up our glasses on more than a few occasions. Hey at 65 calories a glass who cares! The best bit….its just £38 a bottle. Thats right you heard me, £38! For an extra £10 you can have it presented in a stunning silk lined, sandalwood box. So decadent and so beautiful it will make the perfect gift for any girl!

The secret to this remarkable tipple is that its created with 0% residual sugar, what that basically means is the 3 year process of creating this beautiful, tasty and modish drink isn’t disturbed by added sugars at the end to create the most flavoursome treat, its all done with the ingredients right from the start. We where delighted and as you can see Lottie was rather impressed at the delicate and delicious flavour right from the first sip! No after taste that can ruin a good glass of Champagne. All it leaves you with is the desire to have more, and at just 65 calories a glass a girl can!

The Champagne is now only available online but we feel it won’t be long before you see Finest Fizz is a supermarket near you! Keep your eyes peeled for Skinny Rose Champagne!

Drink up boys and girls, this is guaranteed to be the biggest thing since Champagne was created. You won’t want to drink anything else we promise you!

Follow them on Twitter @FinestFizz

Order your Finest Fizz over at www.finestfizz.biz

For more fun and fashion from the day visit www.slbstyle.com

Rita Ora For Roberto Cavalli

Posted on July 11, 2014 by Frostie

Rita Ora looks stunning in Roberto Cavalli’s autumn/winter 2014 campaign. With her signature platinum blonde look, she looks as glamorous as ever.

The 23-year-old recently split with Calvin Harris and is now apparently dating Tommy Hilfilger’s son, Ricky.

Rita shared pictures of the ads on her Instagram in April.

The ads were shot by Vogue photographer Francesco Carrozzini in New York. Under the creative eye of Eva Cavalli.

Yesterday Rita posted an Instagram photo from the campaign stating: “RitaOraforCavalli Finally it’s OUT! Madonna Mia!! I love you @robertcavalli @eva_cavalli This collaboration is a huge Honour.”

Multi-talented Rita will also be in the new 50 Shades of Grey film.

Look Good Feel Better ‘On the Move!’ Launches To Support Women & Teenagers Living With Cancer

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Frostie

As part of their 20th Anniversary celebrations, national charity, Look Good Feel Better has launched Look Good Feel Better – ‘On the Move!’ a mobile information service that will visit more than 20 UK cities throughout the summer, supporting those affected by cancer.

The eye-catching Airstream caravan will provide information and support to those living with cancer as well as advice for their friends and family. At each location there will be volunteers on hand to talk about how the charity supports women going through cancer treatment, they’ll also offer skincare and make-up advice and tips and have lots of information on how you can get involved with the charity, either through fundraising or volunteering. There are medical experts that suggest cancer patients to take delta 8 gummies to help with the symptoms.

The new mobile service, which has been funded entirely through support from City-based ICAP’s successful 2013 Charity Day, will help LGFB to reach over 19,000 women and teenagers in their 20th Anniversary year. Gaby Roslin and Tina Hobley who both supported the charity at the ICAP event, attended the official launch at Westfield last week alongside the LGFB head office team, patient beneficiaries and volunteers.

From L-R: Sarahjane Robertson, LGFB Executive Director; Nikki Studt, Global Charity Director, icap; Gaby Roslin, TV Presenter; Susan Taylor, LGFB Chairman

During the tour they will be asking people to donate lipstick kisses with the aim of collecting 20,000 for their 20th Anniversary. They’ll also be encouraging you to share your experience across social media using #KISS20

LGFB – ‘On the Move!’ will also visit Manchester (13^th June), Liverpool (14^th June), Nottingham (19^th June), Stoke-on-Trent (20^th June), Southampton (26^th June), Brighton (28^th June), Edinburgh (4^th July), Glasgow (5^th July), Swansea (11^th July), Plymouth (12^thJuly), Leeds (18^th July), Newcastle (20^th July), Birmingham (25^th July), Bath (26^th July), Sheffield (2^nd August), Peterborough (6^th August) and Cardiff (10^th August).

Look Good Feel Better was set up in the UK 20 years ago and is the only charity specifically helping women combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment. Their free confidence-boosting skincare and make-up workshops are held in 75 locations across the UK and they have supported over 100,000 women to date.

For a full list of dates and locations please visit www.lgfb.co.uk

Chocolate and Raspberry Cake

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

Baking cakes is one of the best pleasures in life and they are so easy to do. All you need to have is the basic foundation ingredients and you can simply add whatever the devil you like. We love a good chocolate cake but sometimes you need to have a few fresh and new ideas up your sleeve. Not that chocolate ever gets boring. This recipe is totally delicious and perfect for those who are Lactose intolerant.

So very easy and delightful on the taste buds.

You will need:

250g Plain flour
250g Dark brown sugar
175g pure Cocoa
2 eggs
250ml of lactose free milk
1 tbs Vanilla essence
1 tsp of baking podwer
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tray of fresh raspberries
2 tbs icing sugar
150g Dark chocolate

Place all the dry ingredients into a large bowl along with the eggs.

Bash up the chocolate while its still in the wrapper.

Drop it into the bowl and mix well, then add the raspberries. Leaving a handful to garnish later.

Place this into a lined greased large cake tin and level off.

Pop this into the oven for about 35-50 minuets depending on how soft and gooey you want it to be in the middle.

Take out of the oven and leave it to totally cool before dusting with icing sugar and serving.

All done within an hour too! Let us know how you get on making this, and how long it takes to devour the entire lot!

Follow me on Twitter @sarahbacchus for more food and fun updates. For all our Fashion and style check out www.slbstyle.com and for all interest in the photographic side of my work head to www.sarahbacchus.com

Fushi Virgin Marula Oil Review

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I fell in love with facial oils last year after being sent some to review. I never thought I would like putting oil on my face; it would be too slick and greasy. But it actually makes a huge difference and is lighter than some moisturisers. Another benefit is that you tend to massage it in rather than just put it on, which also makes a huge difference to skin.

Facial oils tend to be natural too, and Fushi Virgin Marula Oil is so natural that you can actually eat it. Perfect for sensitive skin and for those who are sick of putting chemicals on their face.

Fushi have a large African oil range, all of which are perfect for protecting and reviving skin and hair from the damages caused by the summer sun and the environment.

With a higher antioxidant level than Argan oil, Marula Oil works in two ways to help fight the ageing process; protecting the skin against damaging free radicals and also visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Marula oil is often known in Africa as a “miracle oil,” Marula Oil has been revered among African women for hundreds of years for its powerful moisturising and anti-aging benefits. This prized oil is extracted from the fruit kernels of the Marula tree from Kenya. Marula oil deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin and is quite unique due to its super rich content of fatty acids, vitamins C and E. Marula oil is thought to have a richer content of antioxidants than even Argan oil. It is ideal to use to protect the skin from aging, for fine lines and crows feet. A light non greasy oil, Marula oil is absorbed easily and is the perfect anti aging night oil for the face and neck area. It is most effective at protecting the skin from those damaging free radicals that accelerate aging.

It says it is perfect for mature skin types but I am in my twenties and I still love it. I don’t have any wrinkles yet but I have noticed some enlarged pores and a few fine lines forming. After using the marula oil I have noticed a significant difference. Even my fiance remarks that I am ‘glowing’. It is also great for dry skin as it really hydrates.

The smell isn’t great but it is bearable and doesn’t linger for too long and a little of the oil goes a long way. I don’t use this during the day as it leaves the face shiny and I am just not sure it would work but it is my current night oil of choice. I love it and it is organic, cold-pressed and fairtrade. Sigh, I’m in love.

You can buy it from the Fushi site.

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