Unleash The Power Of The Female Brain | Book Review

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

The brain is probably the most underrated organ and the one that is most taken advantage of. Yet everything we do affects our brain.

Renowned neuropsychiatrist and best selling author Dr Daniel G. Amen has written a comprehensive guide to the female brain. The amount of stuff I learned was amazing. The book says that all is needed is 12 hours to a radical new you, and I agree with their claim. I have already made changes in my life because of this book.

Dr Amen has based this breakthrough guide on research from his clinical practice. The book has pictures of brain scans throughout. These brain scans are ‘before’ and ‘after’, like make-overs for the brain. The book is a health guide that every women should read because, as Dr Amen says, “success in everything you do starts with a healthy brain.”

Dr Amen also talks you through harnessing the strengths of the female brain and overcoming the vulnerabilities. He tells you what to eat, and what not to, how to control your cravings, how to sooth your brain and even how to prepare for pregnancy and raising your children in a brain-healthy way.

This book put my diet under the microscope and made me realise that all of the stress I have been under, and my habit of craving junk food is stopping me achieving my full potential. Although sometimes Dr Amen came across as (only slightly) preachy. No one can be a saint all the time and I still believe that a little bit of what you fancy won’t do you any harm. Despite this I could rave on and on about the book, but I won’t; I will just say that it is a must read. I will be reading it again. It certainly did change my life and make me appreciate my brain.

Unleash the Power of the Female Brain: Supercharging yours for better health, energy, mood, focus and sex

This is how the book breaks down:

1. FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR FEMALE BRAIN: Care About Your Brain More than Any Other Body Part
Hour 1 Exercise – Boost brain envy – Hang anchor images of why you want to have a healthier brain

2. HARNESS THE UNIQUE STRENGTHS OF THE FEMALE BRAIN: Use Your Intuition, Collaboration, Empathy, Self-Control, and a Little Worry to Give Yourself a Great Advantage
Hour 2 Exercise – Recruit Your Team and Make Your Worries Work for You – this is what I would call a form of the Serenity Prayer which is a consistent go-to in my life

3. ADOPT THE AMEN CLINICS’ METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING THE FEMALE BRAIN:: Know Your Brain, Important Numbers, and the Four Circles for Ultimate Success
Hour 3 Exercise – Get Assessed: CBC and on Amen’s website (SPECT optional)

4. BALANCE YOUR HORMONES TO BOOST THE FEMALE BRAIN
Part One: Balance Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone
Part Two: Balance Thyroid, Cortisol, DHEA, and Insulin
Hour 4 Exercise – Take the Hormone Questionnaires and Inventory Your Healthy and Unhealthy Hormone Habits

5. FEED THE FEMALE BRAIN: Flatten Your Tummy and Boost Brain Reserves by Healing Your Gut and Eating Brain-Healthy Superfoods – Treat Food as a Drug because it is one
Hour 5 Exercise – Provide Therapy for your Kitchen (Food/Diet)

6. SOOTHE THE FEMALE BRAIN: Put an End to Anxiety, Worry, Depression, and Perfectionism
Hour 6 Exercise – Get ANT Therapy and Answer the Work’s Four Questions

7. GET CONTROL OF THE FEMALE BRAIN: Conquer Cravings, Weight Issues, and Addictions
Hour 7 Exercise – Embrace Your Failures (Turn bad days into good data)

8. UNDERSTAND ADD AND THE FEMALE BRAIN: Learn to Treat the Hyperactive “Boys'” Condition That Ruins Female Lives
Hour 8 Exercise – Know Your Focus and Energy Robbers and Boosters

9. BE BEAUTIFUL ON THE INSIDE AND OUT: Learn Strategies to Help Your Brain and Body Look Amazing – Stop the Negative Chatter and Make a Plan to Look and Feel Amazing
Hour 9 Exercise – Get a Massage and Enjoy a Sauna

10. UNDERSTAND SEX AND THE FEMALE BRAIN: Optimize Your Brain for Greater Pleasure, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Love
Hour 10 Exercise – Be the Director of Your Pleasure

11. GET YOUR BRAIN READY FOR BABIES AND CARING FOR THEIR BRAINS ONCE THEY’RE HERE: Prepare for Pregnancy – and Unleash the Power of Your Daughters’ Brains
Hour 11 Exercise – Indulge in Special Time

12. CHANGE YOUR FEMALE BRAIN, CHANGE THE WORLD: Realize That It’s Not About You – It’s About Generations of You
Hour 12 Exercise – Create Your Own Genius Network

APPENDIX A; NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP YOU UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR FEMALE BRAIN

Trying To Quit Smoking? Get All The Help You Need.

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

My entire immediate family smoke. Yes, my parents and my two brothers all smoke. I am the only non smoker in my family, and I am incredibly anti-smoking. I have nagged my family for years and finally they are listening to me and are all trying to quit. But this is easier said than done. Smoking is addictive and it takes willpower of steel to go cold turkey.

Smoking is by far the worst thing you can do for your health. According to Cancer Research UK, more than one in five people smoke in the UK. Smoking is an expensive habit and smoking is also directly linked to multiple health concerns and can shorten life expectancy. I have never understood why people smoke, you are basically paying money to get health problems, it also ruins your clothes, and make you smell of smoke. It’s not nice.

If you need help to quit Dr Winwood, who is the clinical director for psychological health at AXA PPP, will be on hand to answer your questions on smoking and the effect it can have on your health. Dr Mitra M Shahidi is a Consultant in General & Respiratory Medicine with a specific interest is all aspects of respiratory medicine and Tuberculosis.

Join in! Dr Mitra M Shahidi will be available to answer all your questions here on Wednesday 13 March 11am-1pm.

The health conditions that smoking causes range from cancer to heart disease, and is proven to be detrimental to your overall well-being.

Often the withdrawal from nicotine can cause a range of side effects such as anxiety, depression and difficulty sleeping. Despite the huge benefits of quitting the habit, these side effects can often lead to the temptation to smoke again to make them go away. AXA PPP healthcare will be hosting a live chat with expert Dr Mark Winwood to help you tackle the anxiety of giving up, whether you are currently attempting to quit or are planning to in the future.

Dr Winwood is the clinical director for psychological health at AXA PPP and his extensive knowledge of mental health means he will be well equipped to address your concerns and worries on smoking-related anxiety and stress.

Join in! If you have any questions about anxiety and smoking, or even just needing advice on how to kick the habit, please join our chat here on Friday 15 March 11-1pm.

You can tweet your questions either before or during the live chats on each day using #axapppexpert – those taking part will be entered to win £100 pamper pack from The Sanctuary.

Sponsored Post

4 Ways to Get Movies for Free

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Shaun Chatman

Almost everyone has cable or satellite TV, but not everyone has access to the newest movies. Those channels can definitely get a bit expensive, but even if you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy them. You just have to take a look at all the ways to get free movies.

Ask About Special Offers

Image via Flickr by Deannster

If you don’t ask, you’ll never know, right? Often when you sign up with a new cable or satellite provider, you receive special deals as incentive. Free trial subscriptions to premium movie channels are a very popular bonus. Check out DirectTVDeal.com, for example, to see if you receive a free trial to all the premium channels. This isn’t uncommon and generally lasts a good three months, if not more. Some companies only offer trials to the top channels, but since it really depends on the provider, it’s definitely worth asking.

Look for Messages About Free Previews

Image via Flickr by Wonderlane

Actually, cable and satellite providers offer plenty of incentives, all in the hopes that you’ll pay for a premium subscription. Every few months, many companies advertise free preview weekends. This is not just an excellent way to enjoy free movies, but it will also let you see whether a subscription is right for you. Tape some movies or cable series and specials, just to see if you like them. If you spend the entire free preview weekend gorging on the newest movies and the hottest cable shows, you never know. You might want your own subscription instead of waiting.

Pay Attention to Pay-Per-View Specials

Image via Flickr by Bisayan lady

You’re probably thinking that, by their very nature, pay-per-view movies aren’t free. Technically speaking, that’s true—or at least it’s true most of the time. On many occasions, however, primarily during the weekends, cable and satellite companies offer you great deals. Like your favorite shoe stores and grocery deals, they give you BOGO opportunities. For instance, you may rent three movies, then get the fourth one free. Don’t limit yourself to new movies, either; there are usually selections dating back decades. While the latest movies that have just come out on DVD are definitely available, classic favorites are on offer too.

Check Out On-Demand Offerings

Image via Flickr by oddharmonic

Most providers now have On-Demand options as well. You can generally watch all sorts of network TV and cable movies through your On-Demand, so that’s one way to get free movies. Many times, they aren’t as censored or cut for time as they are when they’re shown on the channel, either. Depending on your subscriptions and current deals, you can also watch premium movies. Even if you only have a trial offer or a free weekend, start searching through the On-Demand channels and options, so you can quickly get your fill of your favorite films.

Even if you can’t enjoy free movies forever, you can still watch them quite often. Have you ever decided to pay for premium channels because of a really great trial offer or freebie weekend?

This article is written by Shaun Chatman, a prolific freelance writer who has been featured on many authority sites. In his spare time, Shaun loves playing with his two kids or his collection of gadgets.

Mum Knows Best For Beauty

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Frostie

Cheryl Cole and Duchess of Cambridge topped the poll of Brits with best skin – both women are famously close to their mums

MUM KNOWS BEST FOR BEAUTY

– a third of women admit to just copying their mum when it comes to beauty products –

While the beauty industry spends millions each year advertising its products, new research proves that when it comes to beauty, British women believe mum knows best.

New Superdrug research shows a third of women admit to just using the same beauty products that their mums use, even though this means they may be using the wrong products for their skin.

The research of 2,000 women, was commissioned to celebrate the launch of beauty brand B. which aims to help women discover premium beauty, made easy.

The new study shows daughters start to borrow their mum’s beauty products at the tender age of just 13 years old.

And 40 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds continue to use the same products as their mum, and as a result are wearing products that may be too heavy and rich for them, with ingredients that may not be effective on their younger skin.

Products for older women contain higher concentrations of key ingredients addressing anti-ageing, skin elasticity and skin cell turnover which are not required for younger women whose skin needs ingredients focused on skin radiance and smoothness.

Over half (52 per cent) said they would take the advice of their mum and best friend above everyone else when it comes to beauty, when everyone will have different skincare needs.

Simon Comins, Superdrug Buying Director comments: “Buying skincare products can be confusing so it’s no surprise that some women rely on their mum for advice, but sometimes mum may not actually know best.

“The B. brand has a simple approach to skincare with distinct Skin Phases that make it easier than ever for women to find the products that will work for them. Simply answering a few questions on the skin diagnostic tool online or in-store will help them choose the right products.”

Customers can discover their skin age by using the simple self-diagnostic tool at bisforbeautiful.co.uk/skindiagnostic, or in selected stores.

Five per cent of those questioned said they looked to celebrities for their beauty tips. When asked which celebrity has the best looking skin, Cheryl Cole topped the poll.

Cole is famously close to her mum Joan Callaghan, second on the list was the Duchess of Cambridge whose mum Carole Middleton often steals the limelight.

Comins continues: “Not all women are lucky enough to inherit fabulous skin from their mother. But, we believe every woman deserves fabulous skincare products which is why we launched B.”

Top ten tips from mums

1. Use tissue to blot lipstick

2. Only pluck below the eyebrow

3. Moisturise your hands

4. Use moisturiser every day

5. Drink tons of water

6. Always wash and moisturise in the morning to feel fresh

7. Don’t squeeze spots

8. File your nails in one direction, don’t saw at them

9. Don’t over pluck eyebrows

10. Blend in make-up down to the neck

MINT Polo in the Park 2013: Frost Learns How To Play Polo

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

I have always been intrigued by polo. Playing a sport is hard enough but playing it on a horse seems almost impossible. So can someone who has never done it before learn to play? Frost writer James and I went to the Chesterton Humberts MINT Polo in the Park Academy day to learn how to play polo. Neither of us had been on a horse for a while so we thought it would be interesting!

First of all we are taught the moves by excellent professional polo players Andrew Murray and Rosie Ross. I don’t do well at first but Andrew sets me straight by correcting how I am holding the mallet and telling me to look at the ball, not straight ahead. Otherwise you top the ball instead of hitting it straight on. Andrew is a brilliant teacher and I soon find myself gaining confidence and hitting the ball properly. We are also told the rules of Polo.

After we have gone through the shots it is time for a riding lesson. Some of us are more nervous than others. I can’t remember the last time I was on a horse and neither can James. I get on my horse, Talia, and she looks at me as if to say “I have no idea who you are but you certainly don’t seem to know what you are doing.’

In the photo above I look pretty confident but actually when I first got on the horse I was slightly nervous. This all went away after I got into the swing of it. We have a riding lesson which taught us how to make the horse do what we want, how to hold the reins, go left and right and cantor. In polo you hold the reins with one hand so you can hold the mallet with the other one. This seems difficult at first but it isn’t.

The day is an incredible amount of fun and I manage to show some authority and get my horse to listen to me.

After the riding lesson we play some polo. It really is addictive and a huge amount of fun. I want to do it more now. It is fun and challenging. I have realised that the most fun things have an element of scariness attached to them and polo certainly fits that bill. I love it.

James thrives and even wins the Most Improved Player trophy. Afterwards we are issued certificates to say we graduated. It was a brilliant day. I am hooked now.

Kick Off The Summer Social Season With

MINT Polo in the Park 2013

Be a part of this unique London lifestyle event which blends fashion,

retail and gastronomy with thrilling, high-octane polo.

Where:

Hurlingham Park, Fulham, SW6 3RQ.

Event dates:

7th, 8th & 9th June 2013

Friday 7th June:

City Friday, 12:00 – 21:00 hrs

Saturday 8th June:

Ladies’ Day, 12:00 – 20:00 hrs

Sunday 9th June:

Finals Day, 12:00 – 19:00 hrs

For the fifth consecutive year, Hurlingham Park in Fulham will play host to one of the most hotly anticipated sporting and

social events in London’s calendar; on June 7th, 8th and 9th the hallowed turf will thunder with the hooves of world class

polo ponies. Enjoy a day of entertainment at the spiritual home of polo, which is conveniently located in central London.

On the field, teams from around the globe will compete to be crowned champions of MINT Polo in the Park 2013.

This year’s event will guarantee a quintessentially British atmosphere fused with the truly international flavour of the

sport, with the four corners of the globe being represented by IG Index Team Sydney, Mandarin Oriental Team Beijing,

Otkritie Team Moscow, City AM Team Abu Dhabi and the ever-popular Camino Real Team Buenos Aires, plus the home

team and 2012 Champions, MINT Team London. It is the perfect way to kick off the summer social season with friends,

family, clients or colleagues.

Eat, drink, shop, socialise, enjoy world-class hospitality and see thrilling polo with the thousands of guests who return

year after year to this multi award-winning event.

Winner of the 2010 and 2011 London Sport Attraction of the Year at The London Lifestyle Awards, MINT Polo in the Park

is the leading outdoor polo and lifestyle event in Central London. It is regarded highly for its innovative format and

provides the perfect introduction for those less well-acquainted with the sport.

2013 Features

We are delighted to announce a range of off-field features, entertainment and hospitality areas. Some are brand new

additions to the event and others are the welcome return of favourites from previous years.

KERB Food Market

KERB Food Market is a new pitch-side addition which offers an abundance of fresh produce from Britain and abroad.

Providing variety and great value food, KERB gives you the opportunity to sample some of the finest fresh produce and

delicious summer party favourites throughout the three-day event.

The Pommery Champagne Garden

The Pommery Champagne Garden gives spectators first-class service and spectacular views of the polo. Relax on the

deck chairs, challenge your friends to a game of table football or simply sit back in the salubrious surroundings and sip

on a glass of vintage Pommery.

Mahiki

2013 sees the return of London’s premier nightclub, which will take pride of place and offer some of the best pitch-side

views of the polo action. Renowned as one of the places to be in on the capital’s social scene, Mahiki blends a

Polynesian ambiance with chic luxury London living.

Crown & Corgi Pub

A proper British pub is clearly an important addition to such a quintessentially British sporting and social event. The

Crown & Corgi provides a fantastic vantage point from which to get close to the on-field action. In addition the bar has

been extended from last year so that you can spend less time ordering drinks and more time enjoying them.

The PIMM’S Bus

The iconic double decker bus will provide the centre piece of the white picket fenced PIMM’s garden. Their expert

mixologists provide you with possibly the most revered and established summer party beverage, which no British social

occasion would be complete without. Recline on the deck chairs and soak up the very best of British.

CLUBHOUSE

Stella Artois is proud to be the Official Lager Supplier to MINT Polo in the Park 2013.

Guests are invited to visit the Stella Artois Clubhouse which will embody the upmost sophistication and where master

draftsmen will serve chalices of perfectly poured Stella Artois; introducing them to the discerning style and authenticity

of the brand.

The KERB food market

KERB are a centrally organised community of independent ‘Street-Food’ vendors. They have a strict vetting process

based on the highest levels of product, sourcing, health and hygiene, as well as style and originality. KERB are well

known in both the ‘foodie’ and ‘trendy’ circles of London for their phenomenal variety and world famous burgers.

Luxury Shopping Village

Featuring over 40 exhibitors selling a wide range of quality products, the Luxury Shopping Village is a wonderful

showcase of products you might not find on the high street. From hats to Argentine leather goods and bespoke

jewellery to exquisite works of art and some of the finest accessories for town and country, our retailers are ready to

help you find that extra special souvenir of your day.

Club Med Kids

As the leading family travel organiser, Club Med have joined us to ensure all members of the family are kept entertained

at MINT Polo in the Park. Our extended and improved Kids’ Zone reflects a truly family-friendly event which caters for

parents and children alike. The secure, supervised area will feature soft play, face painting, ball pools, competitions and

music. The Club Med Kids’ Zone means that you can bring the entire family for a great day out with us.

Finals Day (Sun 9th June)

In addition to the weekend-long Club Med Kids’ Zone, Sunday 9th June will see not only the mounting tension of the

polo as the teams progress towards the final, but also a range of on-field entertainment between matches catering for

children of all ages. In addition to this, exclusively on Finals Day we will be running a range of on-field activities

especially for children. These activities will be free and will run from Midday until 1.45pm offering a great start to any

child’s day out. On-field activities will include a giant inflatable slide, relay races, British Bulldog and dodgeball run by

our partner charity, Walking With The Wounded. We will also have children’s entertainers circulating within the crowd

throughout the day, providing the ultimate family experience.

Charity Work

MINT Polo in the Park is delighted to announce that Walking with the Wounded will return as the official charity partner

for MINT Polo in the Park 2013. Walking with the Wounded raises money to fund the training of wounded service

personnel so that they are equipped with the skills and qualifications required to find long-term employment and create

secure futures for themselves and their families. Later this year Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge

2013 will see teams of wounded servicemen and women from the four corners of the globe race across the Antarctic.

Ticket Packages

MINT Polo in the Park brings polo from its traditional home in the counties to the heart of London and our ticketing

packages are tailored to suit a range of requirements. Bookings for individual and group tickets are made via

Ticketmaster on 0844 248 5069.

General Admission

Enjoy the event with the ability to roam around all public areas of the venue.

Grandstand Tickets

In addition to access to the venue at ground level, this pass allows you access to the Grandstand for the seats with the

best views of the action. Purchasing a Grandstand Ticket means your seat will be allocated exclusively to you.

Family & Groups

Share the experience with friends and family by taking advantage of our family and group discounts.

– Family Ticket includes two adults and two children.

– Groups of 10-20 people: Save 10%

– Groups of 21-30 people: Save 15%

– Groups of 31 or over: Save 20%

VIP Hospitality at The Hurlingham Club

Enjoy luncheon at one of the UK’s most prestigious members’ club, its history inextricably linked to the history of polo.

Walk through the beautiful 42-acre garden following lunch to the private pitch-side Hurlingham Club Enclosure where

you will enjoy our hospitality and fantastic views of the polo. Please contact Rachel at City Events on 0207 936 5284 or

rachel@cityevents.uk.com

VIP Hospitality at Hurlingham Park

Polo and social entertaining go hand-in-hand so if you have a summer celebration, are organising a group visit or wish

to entertain clients or colleagues then these private, staffed marquees are perfect for your event.

Pricing

Friday 7th June

General Admission (no restriction on access to the Grandstand on Friday ONLY)

Adult

£20

(£5 after 5pm)

Child

£10

(free after 5pm)

Family

£60

Saturday 8th June

Grandstand

Adult

£45

Child

£15

Family

£110

General Admission

Adult

£35

Child

£15

Family

£75

Sunday 9th June

Grandstand

Adult

£40

Child

£10

Family

£80

General Admission

Adult

£25

Child

£10

Family

£60

Find more about MINT Polo in the Park

PoloInTheParkLondon.com | Facebook.com/PoloInThePark | @PoloInThePark

Tickets

Ticketmaster

0844 248 5069

Knock Yourself Out Theatre Review

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Paloma Kubiak

Tom Holloway’s Knock Yourself Out gives the audience a glimpse of modern university life, portraying the highs and the lows of two post-grads and a heroine junky enrolled on an MA course.

Throughout the semesters, we see the three amigos leading young and carefree days but the play edges the characters toward responsibility and their ultimate journey into the real world.

With the days and nights of partying set against life’s challenges, this kidult production depicts the struggle between reality and expectation.

Roger, played by the production-writer himself, expresses his desires and feelings through poetry.

At first, Roger appears to be an old soul trapped in modern life; a romantic seeking his happy ever after.

Yet, when a chance encounter leads to potential romance, he’s completely ignorant of Nicola’s affection and the gentleman we see in the opening scene is arrogant and brash toward her.

Likeable, naïve Jono, is dating Carrie and he confesses to the boys how in love he is and how much he misses her when they’re apart.

But his infatuation and hope of being together forever is misjudged when Carrie tells him she wants to see and sleep with other people.

And gay Scottish Billy, the only one of the trio who is actually studying, displays the persona of a lethario but secretly wants to commit to one man, Sam.

However, his only gratifying relationship is with heroine as he shoots up to experience euphoria.

For the boys, the final year in student accommodation is a time to explore

drugs, sex and the boundaries of their friendship.

Roger kisses Jono’s girl and a fight breaks out between the two, adding to the dark undercurrent within the play.

Tom Holloway’s show is based on real experience and it’s a moving insight into the opportunities perceived while at University verses the actual financial hardship, unemployment and management of friendships.

While the stage is set to the front-room of the house only, there was clever directing with scenes played out as if the fast-forward button had been pressed.

Knock Yourself Out boasts an impressive cast from the likes of Danielle Watson (Ginny) who’s starred in Wire In The Blood & This Is England ’86 to Jenni Herzberg (Carrie) who’s featured in Spooks and Doctors.

And for the launch night on Thursday 7 March 2013, there was an equally impressive audience with the likes of Olly from Made In Chelsea, Holby City actress Jing Luis and Eastenders actress Bunmi Mojekwu.

Knock Yourself Out runs at The Courtyard Theatre until 24 March, excluding Mondays www.thecourtyard.org.uk/whatson/295/knock-yourself-out

There are 2 for 1 tickets all weekend using codes: ‘Mouse Trap’ or £5 tickets on 12th March with code: ‘iambic’ for £8 Tickets until the 14th March.

Photo credit: Kit Oates.

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 –

Frost Magazine

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Giles Deacon Launches Libertine Jewellery With QVC