Michelle Obama Tops Best Dressed List

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

SUNDAY TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES: MICHELLE OBAMA TOPS THE BEST DRESSED LIST 2013

Sunday Times Style Magazine, the UK’s premium fashion and beauty magazine, has this week announced its first-ever definitive guide to the best dressed. Over the next two Sundays, Style names the 50 individuals who have led fashion with their interpretation of sartorial good-taste in 2013.

The list is compiled by the Style team, including: AA Gill, Camilla Long, Colin McDowell, Shane Watson, Christina Lamb, Giles Hattersley, Kate Spicer, Tiffanie Darke, Claudia Croft, Richard Gray, Francesca Hornak, Fleur Britten, Michael Hennegan, and of course Mrs Mills. The team also provides insightful commentary on how the rankings have been chosen, and who leads in creating the perfect alchemy between taste, style and personality.

At the top of the list is America’s style queen: Michelle Obama. Described by Darke as being an important woman with a high-powered job who still has fun with fashion; the First Lady was praised for her blend of High Street with couture, and her use of clothes to inspire and entertain.

Mrs Obama’s lead ranking contradicts today’s reports of criticism by designer Dame Vivienne Westwood who termed Michelle’s choice of clothes “dreadful” and a “non-starter”.

Creative director of Céline, Phoebe Philo, is in second place. Her understated approach; relaxed mantra, and devotion to flats – particularly box fresh trainers, has earned her Kate Spicer’s vote. Miuccia Prada meanwhile receives the bronze. The 63-year-old matron of Milan’s great fashion house is described by Gray as embracing ‘the edge’ with poise and strength so that it is never frivolous and always handsome.

Ranked at number seven is Victoria Beckham who comes one above the Duchess of Cambridge. Mrs Beckham is praised by Colin McDowell for her commitment to providing customers with perfection, and taking the same approach with her own never-faltering appearance.

Style Magazine editor Tiffanie Darke says: “The diverse nature of this list demonstrates the importance of fashion in the overall conversation, confirming the role clothes play in creating a visual manifesto.”

“What’s so encouraging is that among the 25 people celebrated today, no two share a similar look; they all occupy a different part of the fashion spectrum, using their own taste and judgment to bring together an individual style that serves to inspire.”

At 20 in this week’s list, is Grayson ‘Claire’ Perry. Praised for being the world’s most individual dresser, the 52-year-old Turner Prize-winning artist is celebrated for his love of over-scale dresses and flouncy skirts that look large enough to accommodate a nappy. A living work of art, Mrs. Mills considers him a national treasure that should be listed as part of our heritage.

The top five undressed are also featured for their zest as well as their ability to wear naked well. Kelly Brook leads the pack with curves that make maintaining eye contact too challenging. In second place, model Kate Upton marks the return of the bombshell, while Kate Moss comes in at third for her ever-wiliness to embrace being starkers.

Suri Cruise shows the under 10s how it’s done thanks in no small part to her brave use of accessories. An early appreciation of Chanel handbags has put Alia Wang – niece of Alexander – in second, while Shilou Jolie Pitt’s decision to eschew the glitter has gained her a third with a firm salute for self-assured taste.

The Top 50 Best Dressed List forms part of a re-launched Style magazine, which sees a renewed focus on fashion, and more attention given to beauty and a re-design that will include more stunning photography.

Style will continue to be supported by a year-long schedule of brand activities designed to strengthen its position in the industry as a key fashion and beauty brand. Readers will also be invited to attend exclusive Style-branded events, including an upcoming series of Style Conversations. Hosted at the Savoy, Erdem is due to headline in April. Previous conversations have seen major fashion designers such as Valentino, Donatella Versace, John Galliano and Giles Deacon taking questions from Sunday Times fashion writer Colin McDowell.

Speaking about the re-launch, Darke said: “The Sunday Times Style Magazine is already a pillar of global fashion media and this re-launch is only going to consolidate that position. We’re taking the title back to its roots in order to stake our claim as the number one title for women with an interest in high-end fashion and beauty.”

Next week: Nos 25 – 50; the best dressed men, and who leads offenders.

Who would you put on a best dressed list?

Giles Deacon Launches Libertine Jewellery With QVC

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Frost headed to the Ivy for the launch of Giles Deacon’s new jewellery collection for QVC, Libertine. We had a chat with the man himself and he told us that he could not choose his favourite piece as it ‘changed everyday’ and that his favourite that day was the ‘village people’. He also said that collaborating with QVC ‘took a while’ and was quite hard as they wanted everything to be perfect. Kimberley and Proudlock from Made in Chelsea were also there. Take a look and tell us your favourite piece.

“A Libertine is a person who has so much love, self awareness and lust for life. A free spirited individual that ignores constraints defined by the larger society and whose thinking goes beyond mainstream idea”.

Libertine, an edgy new jewellery collection from fashion designer, Giles Deacon, represents all of these characteristics through quirky design and bold use of colour. Gold tone; embellished with Swarovski elements, these signature pieces reflect Giles’ playful style; offering women of all ages fun, statement accessories that inspire confidence.

Libertine is perfect for the woman who likes to have fun with her wardrobe and stand out from the crowd offering a variety of wearable bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings. Giles’ colourful enamelling and crystal embellishment will complete any daytime or evening look, with prices ranging from £14.00 to £70.00; the collection offers affordable glamour for women everywhere.

“The Giles Libertine jewellery collection is a mix of Edwardian eccentricity with punk attitude. In the “garden collection” which is beautiful golden thorns wrapping their way around enamel crystallised twisted bugs, or the “golden scorpion” collection with feather details – ‘Scorpy and the danglers’; also revisiting some of our favourite characters Eek mouse makes a return with a disco twist, as well as some figures developed from illustrations of fashion icons from the 30’s till now.

I am delighted to be launching the Libertine collection in collaboration with QVC, and to become part of their history of designer collaborations. The new jewellery line has been designed with QVC’s ever growing customer base in mind”– Giles Deacon –

ROSIE FORTESCUE UNITES WITH LEADING BREAST CANCER CHARITY TO SUPPORT FASHION TARGETS FRIDAY

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Frostie

Fashion icon Rosie Fortescue, from E4’s Made In Chelsea, is heading up Fashion Targets Friday – a brand new fundraising initiative from Fashion Targets Breast Cancer to help beat breast cancer.

Fashion Targets Friday is taking place on Friday 26th April 2013 and is aimed at British students; encouraging them to raise vital funds for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, the UK’s leading charity fashion campaign in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

In her role as Fashion Targets Friday Ambassador Rosie is urging everyone to style up and sign up to hold a fashionable fundraising event. One in eight UK women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, so every penny raised is crucial in order to help beat the disease.

Rosie Fortescue, Fashion Targets Friday Ambassador, says: “I love fashion so what better way to help all the families affected by breast cancer than holding a stylish fundraising event. Fashion Targets Friday is the perfect way to raise money for this incredible cause – whether you wear your support with a non-uniform day at school or style up your student union with a fashion party – the money you raise will help to stop women dying from breast cancer.”

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is the leading charity fashion campaign raising money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The campaign raises funds through the sale of specially designed products from leading high street retailers including M&S, River Island, Coast, Topshop, Warehouse, Laura Ashley and Debenhams so those who can’t hold or attend a Fashion Targets Friday event can still Wear their Support with a visit to their local high street (from April 22nd).

To find out more information about Fashion Targets Friday visit www.fashiontargetsfriday.org.uk

Sunday Times Style Magazine Launches Best Dressed List

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

A campaign launched today by Sunday Times Style Magazine, features fashion icons: Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Tinie Tempah portrayed as royalty as it heralds the magazine’s re-design and launch of its first-ever definitive guide to the best dressed.

Starting this Sunday, Style has named the 50 individuals who have led fashion with their stylish interpretation of sartorial good-taste in 2013.

The list has been compiled by the Style team, including: AA Gill, Camilla Long, Colin McDowell, Shane Watson, Christina Lamb, Giles Hattersley, Kate Spicer, Tiffanie Darke, Claudia Croft, Richard Gray, Francesca Hornak, Fleur Britten, Michael Hennegan, and of course Mrs Mills. The team also provides insightful commentary on who leads in creating the perfect alchemy between taste, style and personality.

Style Magazine editor Tiffanie Darke says: “The diverse nature of this list demonstrates the importance of fashion in the overall conversation, confirming the role clothes play in creating a visual manifesto.”

“What’s so encouraging is that among the 50 people celebrated, no two share a similar look; they all occupy a different part of the fashion spectrum, using their own taste and judgement to bring together an individual style that serves to inspire.”

In the interests of inclusivity, the best dressed doggies are identified; while the leading playground fashionistas have been awarded special recognition with the under tens given their very own list.

The re-launched Style magazine sees a renewed focus on fashion and more attention given to beauty, as well as a re-design that includes more stunning photography.

Style will continue to be supported by a year-long schedule of brand activities designed to strengthen its position in the industry as a key fashion and beauty brand. Readers will also be invited to attend exclusive Style-branded events, including an upcoming series of Style Conversations. Hosted at the Savoy, Erdem is due to headline in April, with the event being filmed and streamed live across the UK for the first time. Previous conversations have seen major fashion designers such as Valentino, Donatella Versace, John Galliano and Giles Deacon taking questions from Sunday Times fashion writer Colin McDowell.

Speaking about the re-launch, Darke said: “The Sunday Times Style Magazine is already a pillar of global fashion media and this re-launch is only going to consolidate that position. We’re taking the title back to its roots in order to stake our claim as the number one title for women with an interest in high-end fashion and beauty.”

Next week: Nos 25 – 50; the best dressed men, and who leads offenders.

Playful Promises Lingerie SS13

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Playful Promises is beautiful lingerie from a London designed brand. Their lingerie is quirky, cool, playful and a little bit retro. I checked out their SS13 range and I loved it. Here are my top choices. What would you choose from Playful Promises?

Freya Lingerie SS13 | Fashion

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

I came across Freya Lingerie in the Handpicked Media suite at the Aldwych Hotel for London Fashion Week. I loved their SS13 range. They are innovative in many ways, they do the Deco 365 bra. It is a bra which you can wear under any clothes. It was launched in 2009 and they have sold over 300,000 of them.

If you are a larger cup size then it can be hard to find a bra to wear under most things. That is what makes the Deco great. It can be worn any day under any outfit, and day.

Freya also have a sports bra that not only supports you, but also has coolmax material to wick moisture away from the body and a Polygiene fabric, a silver ion based technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria, which gives an odour free, antibacterial finish. It keeps you fresh no matter how hard you work out.

I have chosen some of my personal favourites from the new season. Glamour also love the purple set. Let me know what you think.

Frost Magazine Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

Marc by Marc Jacobs Henry Skeleton Watch

WatchShop.com Price: £185 and free next day delivery within the UK

A beautiful timepiece with a genuine pink leather strap with a shine. The case is rose gold plated whilst the skeleton dial is protected by mineral crystal. The watch is water resistant to 50 metres.

STORM Crystin Watch

Stockist: WatchShop.com

This ladies STORM Crystin watch has a stainless steel case and is fitted with a quartz movement. It is fastened with a silver metal bracelet and has a silver dial.

Karen Millen Watch

WatchShop.com Price: £95 and free next day delivery within the UK

This ladies’ Karen Millen watch has a stainless steel case and is powered by a quartz movement. It fastens a purple leather strap and has a purple dial

Michael Kors Camille Chronograph Watch

WatchShop.com Price: £229 and free next day delivery within the UK

This ladies’ Michael Kors Camille watch has a stainless steel case and is fitted with an analogue chronograph quartz movement. It is fitted with a two tone bracelet and has a blue dial. The watch has a date function.

Springtime Planter gift set

£25 plus delivery

The perfect Mother’s Day idea for a green-fingered recipient, the Springtime Planter is a traditional wooden planter containing colourful hyacinths, primroses, cyclamen and pansies.

Every plant is carefully gift wrapped and boxed by hand in Plants4Presents’ Sussex nursery to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Standard delivery is just £6.50 per address. Delivery is available across the UK and Ireland. For more information visit www.plants4presents.co.uk.

We love this Royal Albert Tea For One Set, £60.00 from The House of Bath

The Kobo Mini is a great present for mother’s. (the 5” eReader easily slips into a handbag or coat pocket making it great for the mum who is either always on the go or just like things a bit more compact) Highly portable Kobo Mini holds up to 1,000 eBooks.

Price £59.99

Stockist: WHSmith and all fine electronic retailers

Fulton this Mother’s Day – from Fab Florals to spectacular Spots and Stripes – there are many new beautiful designs to choose from – many of which are part of Fulton’s soon to be launched SS13 collection.

With ‘Walking’ and ‘Folding’ umbrellas, Rain Macs, Rainboots and Rain Hats from designers such as Cath Kidston and Lulu Guinness, as well as Fulton’s stunning own range, there’s a stylish shelter for every mum out there.

I don’t know about your mother but my mother’s favourite gift is spending time with me. She also loves tea so The UK’s largest afternoon tea gift site, AfternoonTeaForTwo.co.uk is perfect for her. They have a huge range of tea experiences so you can select the perfect memorable experience for your mum. On the site, you will find hundreds of afternoon tea ideas, from glamorous London hotels to relaxing country retreats. If you’re confident you know what she’ll like, you can purchase an individual experience at the click of a button.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at one of Frost’s favourite hotels, the London Marriott Hotel County Hall

Treat your mum this Mothering Sunday with a quintessential Afternoon Tea celebration set in the beautiful library of the 5* London Marriott Hotel County Hall onLondon’s South Bank.

Start with delicious hand crafted sandwiches including roast Angus beef and horseradish, Wiltshire ham with English mustard, Burford brown egg mayonnaise with cress, Forman & Son London Cure smoked salmon with caper butter and the classic cucumber with cream cheese and chive.

Savour a delectable selection of pastries with green tea drizzle cake, passion fruit and coconut crown, blackberry tart and mint surprise, pineapple and vanilla compote with mascarpone cream an Valrhona Chocolate Opera.

Sweet and savoury scones complete the menu. Choose from freshly baked golden raisin scones topped with Tiptree strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream or Montgomery cheddar and Hampshire watercress scones with cream cheese and watercress.

Accompanied by a choice of refreshing teas all laid out to tempt, treat and delight and served with charm and a keen attention to detail.

The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is available on Sunday 10^th March between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, priced at £36 per person.

Groups are welcome for Afternoon Tea, however, for parties wanting a little extra privacy, a range of private dining rooms are available. Contact us on +44 (0) 207 902 8000 to find out more about private dining.

Emma Bunton reveals her most magical moment with her children for UNICEF UK’s Mother’s Day campaign to end child malnutrition

This Mother’s Day, former Spice Girl, Emma Bunton has joined forces with UNICEF, the global leader in child malnutrition, and is sharing her most magical moment in her children’s first 1,000 days of life.

The first 1,000 days are the critical window of opportunity for children to get the right nutrients they need to develop properly. Around the world a staggering one in four children are not getting the nourishing food they need to grow up healthy and reach their potential in this first critical period.

In the run up to Mother’s Day, UNICEF UK supporter Emma Bunton is asking UK mums to give children around the world the best start in life, by supporting the campaign at www.unicef.org.uk/mothersday.

Sitting in her window seat at home, Emma Bunton said, “It’s so shocking that one in four children around the world are not getting the right nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong in their first 1,000 days of life.

“When my boys were toddlers I’d sit here and sing ‘You are my sunshine’ to them while the light streamed in on us. When they reached the stage where they could start singing along it really was a magical moment and one I’ll always remember in those first important 1,000 days.

“Every mother should be able to enjoy these precious moments in their child’s life and development. So, please, this Mother’s Day join me and go to the UNICEF UK website to help children everywhere.”

Mums visiting the website will learn how, for £3, they can help another child by buying sprinkles to ensure that children get the vitamins and nutrients they need to grow up healthy and reach their potential.

UNICEF UK is part of the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign, a great movement of individuals and organisations united to tackle global hunger.

Mums Show Live, the new and only show for parents of 4 – 12 year olds, is offering tickets half price with the code BESTMUM.

Mums Show Live will be taking place from 16 – 19 May at Alexandra Palace, London and will be a great day out for mum, and all the family (dad and kids go free).

Parents will get the chance to enjoy a spot of shopping, with brands including Joules, Fit Flops and Micro Scooters and also join in live conversation and inspiration theatres to get answers to challenging questions. Mums, dads and kids can also get involved in a diverse range of fun games, activities and entertainment.

For more information on the show please visit www.mumshowlive.com.

BRITS LEAVE IT LATE FOR MOTHER’S DAY

30% of Mums Left Disappointed as Last Minute Shoppers Fall Short of the Mark

Research carried out by One4all Gift Card reveals that over half of all Brits leave it late to plan their Mother’s Day treats.

As many as 54% of women and 58% of men admit to failing to plan ahead for Mother’s Day, saying that they regularly forget the date. Younger sons and daughters are the worst culprits with 72% of those aged between 18 and 24 forgetting to put Mother’s Day in their diaries.

As a result we can expect many Mums to be putting on a brave face this weekend, with 30% admitting that they are left disappointed with the thought and effort shown for them on Mother’s Day.

Men are also the biggest offenders at not making an effort to see their mums on Mother’s Day, with just 28% making a special visit compared to 43% of women. For men, it seems this weekend should be renamed Mother-in-Law’s Day.

However, it’s not all bad news with some mums receiving very fancy gifts indeed. The most extravagant gifts lavished on mums for Mother’s Day includes cars, cruises and diamond necklaces!

One solution for people not planning to be quite so generous this weekend, appears to be treating mum to a shopping trip for her to choose her own present.

Managing Director of One4all UK, Declan Byrne said, “We’ve seen our sales up 40% ahead of this weekend which is partly explained by people looking for last minute inspiration and deciding that perhaps mother knows best.

“The One4all gift card enables mum to choose a gift from 17,000 stores nationwide, so it takes the pressure off gift shopping and ensures mum gets a great gift, which she actually wants.”

If you need a last minute gift, you can purchase the One4all Gift Card from any of the 11,500 Post Office branches nationwide and at www.one4all.co.uk.

A gift card can be loaded with any amount from £10 to £400 and can be spent at 17,000 different retailer outlets nationwide including mum-favourites, House of Fraser, Debenhams and Boots.

Other points from the One4all research:

35% of our mothers rarely treat themselves

30% of mums out there still treat their grown-up kids, now full-grown adults, on a regular basis

Mums are best friends to over 30% of us

A quarter of us say our Mum is still the one person who can reduce us to feeling like a child with one look or one word

Say happy Mother’s Day on Sunday 10th March with a limited edition Emma Bridgewater bag for life, designed for this year’s Red Nose Day, available now from TK Maxx stores throughout the UK.

British pottery maker Emma Bridgewater has created the stylish bag to encourage the great British public to ‘Do Something Funny For Money’. The money donated from sales of the products will be spent by Comic Relief to help people living incredibly tough lives across Africa and here in the UK.

The bag features a specially designed feathered ‘snitch’ nose and costs £9.99 with at least £4.00 going to Comic Relief.

Red Nose Day 2013 is heading your way on Friday 15th March.

Here is a brilliant infographic of the cost of celebrating Mother’s Day from Baines & Ernst.

View full image

Drayton Manor offers the perfect gift for Mother’s Day

Every year the time comes to buy a present for Mother’s Day – but what about the Mum that has got everything? This year, give Mum the perfect gift of a fun day out to remember with the family to Drayton Manor Theme Park.

Family day pass

By purchasing a family pass, it will provide a far more exciting alternative to the usual flowers and chocolates, and instead, will offer a great day out to one of the UK’s most popular family attractions.

With Mother’s Day taking place on Sunday 10^th March, it means there is only a five day wait to celebrate this special day with Mum at the park when it opens on Friday 15^th March.

A family pass for four costs £108. However, tickets for the park are also available online at www.draytonmanor.co.uk for a reduced rate, providing a real value for money treat for the family and a well-deserved day off for Mum!

Haizhen Wang | London Fashion Week 2013

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

The debut collection from last year’s Fashion Fringe winner saw eye shades, leather, slimline trousers, full-length cloaks and peplum jackets. Haizhen Wang had an air of futuristic Gothic surrounding his collection. The show was attended by so many people that Frost was ushered into a screening to watch it instead, (hence the photos) it was like a little fashion cinema as Terri, Keshini and I watched the collection. We loved it: A true talent that is set for big things.