Category Archives: Life & Style

What To Wear In The Fashion Capitals. Elnaz Niknani Reveals All

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TRAVEL TO THE FASHION CAPITALS IN STYLE

Momondo’s Elnaz picks out what’s hot to wear, where…

 

London designer and Momondo Local Fighter ELNAZ NIKNANI, has been busy promoting her fashion line, at all four recent major fashion weeks – New York, London, Milan, and Paris, earlier this month.

 

Elnaz here unveils the key fashion trends for each city this season, and essential items to pack when visiting, to be in vogue…

 

What to wimage010newyorkear in New York

“The current New York style is very simple, with clean lines – very smart casual. If you want to be bang-on-trend in the Big Apple this season, make sure you pack an oversized coat, and see-through bag,” says Niknani.

 

 

 

                                     What to wear in Milan

image011milan“This season, Milan’s fashion is all about fabric, pattern and texture. Make sure you pack printed pieces, and don’t be afraid to combine several different fabrics, in one outfit,” says Niknani.

 

 

 

 

                                       What to wear in London

image012london“London has always been known for its cutting edge fashion. One trend I noticed this London Fashion Week, was a lot of DIY fashion. You don’t see this in New York, Milan or Paris. In London, far more people are improvising, and making up their own rules.

 

“So my travel/fashion tip for those visiting London, is to be to be a little creative – perhaps you might be wearing something you’ve designed or printed yourself, or it could be something as individual as using your favourite scarf, as a belt or turban,” says Niknani.

 

What to wear in Paris

“Paris is the land of couture fashion, so I wasn’t surprised that everyone was wearing a lot of designer labels. However, one trend that really stood out this year was fur. My tip for fashionistas would be to pack one fur item (it doesn’t have to be real), if you are booking a city break to Paris this season,” says Niknani.

 

And for everywhere else…

“If you want to be in style and don’t want to spend too much money, buy a clutch bag – these are on-trend everywhere this season,” says Niknani.

 

Momondo recently ran a competition to win a travel-inspired clutch bag, designed by Elnaz Niknani. Watch out for more competitions to win items from her new collection, on the momondo blog. http://blog.momondo.co.uk/

 

Designing the Middle East: Part 1 at 19 Greek Street | Art

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Designing the Middle East Part 1:2‘Designing the Middle East: Part 1’ (28 March – 17 May 2013) is the first in a two-part exhibition series presented by Soho design gallery, 19 Greek Street. It will showcase, for the first time in the UK, the work of Tel Aviv designers Noam Dover and Michal Cederbaum, alongside their longterm collaborator, the London based Israeli designer Yoav Reches. The exhibition will also include several works by senior Israeli designers, invited by the exhibitors in order to foster an additional dialogue between the displayed works.
Curated by 19 Greek Street owner and creative director Marc Péridis, ‘Designing the Middle
East: Part 1’ acts as a tribute to the passion, courage and love that exist alongside the terrible
conflict that divides this area of the world.
The exhibition will explore how contemporary design can respond to a reality marked by
conflict and division. It will present an exploration of creative processes within a local context:
how do the characteristics of a place influence our use of tools and materials, and what visual
forms come out of these choices? This perspective demonstrates a unique link between design,
craft and production, formulating a distinctive nature of design and fabrication.
Works such as ‘Saj Tables,’ constructed from the spun steel domes used for making pita bread,
and ‘Concrete,’ vases that explore the relationship between fragility and mass fabricated from a
material not normally associated with craft, highlight this continued questioning of the creative
process and the materials used.
The work by Noam Dover and Michal Cederbaum can be seen to merge the traditions of
craftsmanship with technology, while frequently confusing this relationship. ‘Scan & Scale’
perfectly illustrates this by taking nature, in this case a pebble, as a starting point and recreating
it through computer-aided design via CNC technology. In doing so they seek to stretch the
boundaries of various technologies.
Yoav Reches’ ‘Composition of Air’ celebrates the diversity of and delicate composition of that
most everyday and omnipresent item that surrounds us, namely the air that we breathe. A
collection of ten glass vessels represent the ten most common gases found in the composition of
air and are colour coded according to their industrial charts.

Featuring Tel Aviv designers
Studio Noam Dover and Michal Cederbaum
in collaboration with Yoav Reches
28th March – 17th May 2013
www.19greekstreet.com

The Best Theatres in the UK

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A visit to the theatre is criminally under-rated in my view.  The right combination of words, said in the right way and by the right actor or actress can inspire everything from howling laughter to heartfelt tears.  Fortunately, we here in England are lucky enough to have some of the finest theatres in the world on our doorstop.  Here, then, are what I believe to be some of the best theatres in the UK:

The Globe.  Like this one wasn’t going to be on the list!  The Globe Theatre as it exists now is a reconstruction of the original, which was where Shakespeare presented his plays when they were first performed.  Conforming to the original blueprint, the modern version was designed so that, like the first Globe, the focus was on performance and atmospherics, rather than on special effects.  Just like Shakespeare’s day, the cheapest standing seats go almost right up to the stage.  Seeing a Shakespeare play at the Globe is a once in a lifetime experience.

The Edinburgh Fringe Theatre.  Though it’s best known for being used as the main hall during the yearly Edinburgh festival (something everyone should participate in, by the way), the Fringe theatre puts on productions all year round, a great deal of them focused on the development of new talent.  If you’re in Edinburgh when a production is being shown, you should go and check it out.

The National Theatre.  Another London venue, the National theatre actually covers three different venues which prolifically put on new plays by up-and-coming writers and performers, as well as the more established names.    Every morning, some cheap tickets are released for the latest shows, so it’s worth grabbing a coffee and queuing to see if you can get in to see a big name or two for a bargain price.

The Dominion Theatre.  If there was such a thing as the Rock’n’Roll theatre, it would probably be the Dominion.  In its younger days, the Dominion played host to a great deal of musicals, such as the theatrical versions of Grease, Scrooge the Musical and Beauty and the Beast.  However, in recent years the theatre has been engaged in a non-stop run of the Queen Musical, We Will Rock You.  Perhaps the most legendary performance at the theatre, though, came not from music but from comedy: US funnyman Bill Hicks filmed his legendary Revelations special at the venue.

The Old Vic.  Throughout history the Royal Theatre has played host to some of the finest actors and actresses in history.   Almost every acting legend has played at least one role on the famous stage:  Laurence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Ralph Richardson, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Peter O’Toole a few of the names that spring up in the venue’s illustrious history.  Since 2004, the Old Vic has been under the direction of the top-notch American actor Kevin Spacey, who has continued to put on some superb productions, as well as starring in a few himself (his Richard III sold out every single night of its run).

Last minute ISA Ideas for 2012/13 Tax year

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·         ISA ideas for different types of investors

·         14% of all HL ISAs opened in the last week of the tax year

·         HL Opening Times

 

Adrian Lowcock, senior investment manager at Hargreaves Lansdown offers his ISA ideas as this year’s deadline approaches:

 

“In the last two tax years 14% of all new ISAs opened on the Hargreaves Lansdown Vantage platform were opened in the last week.  Make sure you take out your ISA as once the tax year ends you have lost that allowance. To take out an ISA all you need is your national insurance number, debit card and cleared funds in the bank.”

 

Income investor

 

Invesco Perpetual Distribution – This fund aims to provide a regular stable income this fund invests in a mix of bonds and income-producing equities. Approximately two-thirds is invested in corporate bonds with the remainder invested in equities. Income is its primary aim and it makes payments to investors monthly.

 

Defensive investor

 

Newton Real Return – This fund is for investors who may need access to some of their capital in the medium term (but still in at least 5 years’ time). It therefore tries to offer some sheltering of capital and aims for more modest growth. The manager invests in a variety of assets and uses sophisticated techniques to try to profit from assets which fall in value.

 

Medium Risk investor

 

Troy Trojan – This fund is defensively managed and provides the potential to achieve a reasonable level of return over the medium term with a little less volatility than the very long-term, more aggressive portfolios.

 

Long-Term investor

 

CF JM Finn Global Opportunities – This suggestion is for investors with a long time horizon.  Therefore the focus is on more risky areas with greater potential to build wealth over the long term.

 

Junior ISA / Investing for Children

 

Lindsell Train Global Equity – The managers invest in global equities and have a long term buy and hold approach. This compliments those investing for children who often have very long-term goals in mind.

 

 

Hargreaves Lansdown end of tax year opening hours

 

Monday 25 – Thursday 28 March                               8am – 7pm

Easter Bank Holiday weekend every day               9am – 6pm

Tuesday 2 April                                                                 8am – 8pm

Wednesday 3 April                                                          8am – 8pm

Thursday 4 April                                                                8am – 8pm

Friday 5 April                                                                      8am – Midnight

 

ISA deadlines

 

Stocks & Shares ISA

 

Online                   Friday 5th April – 23:45                                    www.hl.co.uk/ISA

Telephone          Friday 5th April – 23:55                                    0117 900 9000

Postal                    Friday 5th April

 

Bed & ISA

 

Funds on Vantage                           Wednesday 3rd April – 17:00

Shares on Vantage                          Friday 5th April – 12:00

Funds/ shares certificated           Wednesday 3rd April

ISA Contribution limits

 

                                  2012/13                                2013/14

 

Stocks and Shares ISA                    £11,280                                 £11,520

Junior ISA                                            £3,600                                   £3,720

Seascape Beauty Review. Eco Friendly Beauty.

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Seascape is a British brand. The ingredients come from local producers in Jersey in the Channel Islands. They smell amazing and are Eco-friendly. As Seascape say:

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“All Seascape products are paraben, silicone, petroleum and SLS free and are suitable for vegetarians. They’re also free from artificial colours and synthetic fragrances”.

The carton is even produced by a carbon neutral company. It is completely guilt free beauty. I met Seascape at the Handpicked Media lounge at the Aldwych Hotel during London Fashion Week and I also got an amazing hand and arm massage from them.

There are six ranges, Uplift, Revive, Unwind, Soothe, Homme and Les Petits. I reviewed three of their products.

Peppermint Lip Balm
Has 100% natural peppermint essential oil. I love this lip balm. It is not too peppermint but soothes lips and stops them drying out. Works beautifully and leaves my lips looking luscious. Even in cold weather. You can see the ingredients below.

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Refresh Hand & Nail Cream
This weather makes my hands dry out horribly. They get really dry and cracked. This hand and nail cream has lemongrass and Geranium. Like all of the products, it smells amazing and it saves my hands. A personal favourite.

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Unwind Body Lotion.
This body lotion has Lavender to soothe and Ylang Ylang to ease tension. It is also enriched with Jersey Beeswax and Shea Butter. A little goes a long way and it is not too thick. You can get dressed quickly after using. I love how soft and moisturised it makes my skin.

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I would definitely buy Seascape products. They are eco-friendly, well made and they really work.

http://www.seascapeuk.com/ From £10.

Sensational Butterflies at the Natural History Museum

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Book now to see the Natural History Museum come alive with Sensational Butterflies
29 March to 15 September 2013 at the Natural History Museum, London
If you are looking for something to do this Easter weekend then Frost recommends the Natural History Museum. From chomping caterpillars to beautiful butterflies, experience the magic and beauty of one of nature’s
most fascinating life cycles in this popular outdoor exhibition. The live tropical butterfly house and
garden will be returning to the Museum’s east lawn on 29 March, just in time for the Easter holidays.
As you follow the trail along the life cycle route, watch hungry caterpillars hatch by your side and
witness hundreds of striking butterflies and moths fluttering above your head.
012 Sensational Butterflies
Come face to face with species from all over the globe including the spectacular swallowtail, the
beautiful blue morpho, the magnificent moon moth and many more, originating from Africa, Southeast
Asia and North and South America.
Sensational Butterflies will give you the chance to see the world’s most stunning butterflies, while
learning about the surprising lives they lead through live specimens, games and interactive displays.
Highlights include:
  • an outdoor butterfly garden with tips on how to attract butterflies and create your own
  • butterfly garden at home
  • fun, interactive activities allowing you to explore fascinating butterfly facts
  • the chance to watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises through the hatchery window
  • a riot of colourful tropical plants in the house and garden
  • tips and advice from the butterfly house manager
Dates and times:
29 March to 15 September 2013, 10.00–17.50
Visitor enquiries:
020 7942 5000
Admission:
Adult, child and concession £4.50*, school £2.50*, family £16*.
Adult, child and concession £4, school £2.50, family £14.40.
Free for Members, Patrons and children under four.
Nearest tube:
South Kensington
Website:
Twitter:
#sensationalbutterflies

Runway Rundown: Autumn/ Winter 2013

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An unexpected feature that was prominent on many runways this February was colour. It seems that this Autumn/ Winter will be brighter than it has been in a long time and who’s complaining? But don’t worry, designers haven’t ditched the typical dark and moody for the later months as black also made a strong statement. To give you a taster of what’s to come, here is a rundown of some of the shows that Frost attended this season.

KTZ

KTZ
With black and white making a strong statement, some of the looks on the KTZ runway looked like something between high school preppy and a character from The Crucible. White collared shirts were worn under black pinafore dresses and some of the models legs were wrapped in skin-tight patent black tights giving the basic look a little edge. The show notes told us that the collection was inspired by witch craft and tarot cards which was made evident by the massive snap-backs with moon sized visors and tarot printed garments. Even though some of the collection was a little wacky, there was something very wearable about all of the pieces which made the show an even bigger success. All in all, a dark palette with a surprising splash of colour in either red or burnt orange.

Jena Theo

Jena.Theo
Held in the small space of the Portico Rooms at Somerset House, the Jena.Theo show was a very intimate showcase of a completely brilliant collection. A surprising feature was the use of colour and print with black only being featured in a couple of the looks. A strong feature throughout the collection were high necks on dresses and kitted jumpers giving a real sixties vibe to some of the looks. Given that the show invitation was emblazoned with an acid spray painted smiley face, it was unsurprising to see the print on some of the dresses and t-shirts. The cerise pink colour of the invitation was also a prominent feature on long sleeved shift dresses and jumpers. With each piece being just as beautiful as the next, this collection is definitely one that would look good in all wardrobes.

Kukhareva

Ekaterina Khukareva
Inspired by retro housewives, Khukareva’s collection for this winter was nothing short of fabulous. The rich textures and decorative patterns were real eye-catchers on the mid-length skirts and cigarette trousers which, to be completely honest, are not given justice in the photographs online. These designs have got to be seen in person to appreciate the deep colours in her signature knit lana wool and viscose. And if the clothes didn’t say enough, the hair definitely did. Pinned up in massive curlers, thanks to the design talents of Lara Jensen, the height and size of the hair worked perfectly with the body con dresses and flowing skirts. This collection was a definite favourite.

Eudon Choi

Eudon Choi
The autumn/ winter Eudon Choi show was a complete spectacle of all things folk. Complete with a Russian string quartet, velvet room dividers and orchids, the Portico Rooms was transformed to play host to his beautifully dressed Babushka doll inspired models. A-line skirts, thick woollen statement coats and bell-bottom trousers came in an array of electric blue, baby pinks, red and black and were paired with head pieces decorated with bright flowers and pom-poms. In terms of beauty, the models were fresh and dewy faced with blushed cheeks and nude lips; a look that paired perfectly with the exaggerated colours and textures of the clothes. The polished and feminine look of the collection was a first for Choi but one that went down very well with the audience.

Yifang Wan

Yifang Wan
Merit Award winner Yifang Wan show cased her collection in the Freemason’s Hall during Fashion Scout’s runway this February to a great reception. The concept of the physical and mental restraints of the human body behind the collection was great to read about in the show notes and one that created the perfect match of garments and accessories. Her choice of metal structured accessories worn as bracelets, belts and even held in the hand or over the shoulder that paid homage to her inspirations of discipline and control were not only striking but completely thought provoking. They stood out against the backdrop of the dark palettes of indigo, black, emerald and dark violet on perfectly structured silhouettes. Thick wool coats worn over dresses and tailored trousers were the perfect minimalistic pieces needed to let such strong influences shine through.

[Images courtesy of Google Images]

Olga Roh For Rohmir Review | Fashion

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Olga Roh’s Autumn/ Winter’ 13 collection ‘Mountain High” for ROHMIR, offered a
range of classy monochrome jumpsuits, cotton-fringed jackets and detailed leather
skinnies. Models in sophisticate suits with cinched in waists and multi colored sheer
evening gowns glided down the catwalk to a soundtrack of rapid percussion. The
collection showcased a variety of colors mirroring the landscape of an Alpine retreat;
a sea of navy, a branch of crème with a light sprinkle of monochrome (which has been
seen a lot on the catwalk this season by Marc Jacobs).

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_DSC6255-MRohmir

The collection had a variety from casual, business wear ending in the eye-catching
eveningwear. Any fashionista would kill for Olga’s breath-taking multi colored body con
maxi; it’s back is low cut which oozes just the right amount of sex appeal. Another stand
out was the forest green feathered coat chinced with a leather corset belt- this will give
every lady the illusion of an hourglass figure. Olga said,

“My clothes express reality… “I
wanted the collection to have a holiday feel, that’s why it’s called ‘Mountain High.’
“All models were different, not every model was the standard skinny model your
accustomed to seeing on catwalks, not all were young either; a famous German actress
wore my dress to show that my collection is suitable for difference, size, heights and
ages.”

There was a theatrical effect to Olga’s catwalk, it radiated energy with evidence of Swan
Lake inspirations; feathered coats, smoky eyes and neatly plated backcombed hair.
Velvet dresses with low drop waist sequined dresses had a 20s feel with a modern day
edge.

Floor-length gowns with plunging necklines in sumptuous fabrics were accompanied
with embellished lace and scintillating metallics. Silk patterned dress with fringes, one
shouldered dresses and shoulder pads reminisced on the early days of the 90s. The
romantic allure of the fairy-tale inspired eveningwear is balanced with androgynous
silhouettes and contemporary twangs. Each piece detailed to perfection offered a
balance between luxury and the wearable.

 

Article written by Joanna Zambas
Photography by Vanessa Isabel Lanzoni