London Fashion Week Kicks Off: Corrie Nielsen.

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First day of London Fashion Week and I was offered champagne before 10am, yes, I love it. Fashion week is brilliant. People can say whatever they want about ‘fashion people’, but Somerset house was full of wonderfully dressed, creative, and amazing people.

I went to Corrie Nielsen’s collection and it was brilliant, any other show will find it hard to top it. The American designer moved to London in 2000 ,but her collection was inspired by Scotland and it takes inspiration from Vivienne Westwood. Though it wouldn’t be fair to say her clothes are not original. It is a nod to Westwood. The show was set to bagpipes. A strong Scottish theme in reference to the designers roots.

There was a lot of structure, the clothes were grand and there was lots of tartan. I loved the hats and the fascinators and the veils covering the models faces. This was grand, statement clothing. I would have bought the entire collection if my bank balance would allow.

Nielsen says her inspiration was “My Scottish great, great, great grandfather John S. Burns who emigrated from Scotland to the United States about the same time as the Revolutionary War; he settled in Arkansas. I’m also inspired by Scottish clans that produced unique hand-woven tartans representing a particular family name, as well as medieval English and Scottish forms of dress and lifestyle.”

And stylish Frost writers Keshini Misha and Kate Hollowood looked glam in the press lounge….

LFW – and so it BEGINS!

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London Fashion Week (LFW) is finally here and the event kicked off today with English flare and eccentricity! Cameras didn’t stop flashing for a second, capturing all the delights the day had to offer as well as snapping people in their carefully selected outfits. The runway shows were creative and innovative giving designers such as Antoni & Alison, Corrie Nielson and PPQ a platform to really show off their latest Autumn/Winter collections. With buyers, press and fashion addicts alike, flocking to Somerset House eagerly anticipating each presentation and show, the atmosphere was electric.

I, for one, felt very proud to be British, to see the talent on display and the attention to detail to all aspects of the event. The exhibition, which is where the designers display their collections, is nicely spread out giving each label enough space to play with. The shows vary in all aspects, some transporting you almost to other worlds whilst others keep things nice and simple. Many now include some form of art installation and other forms of media to emphasise certain aspects of the collection and to add drama of course! Also all catwalk shows are streamed LIVE on LFW TV giving everyone the chance to see their favorite designers first hand. It has made LFW more accessible than ever and I personally feel it starts to bridge the gap between members of the fashion world and members of the real world! As well as live streaming, designers have agreed to take part in live Q & A’s on Twitter where as many questions from people all round the globe will be answered directly from the designers themselves. All you have to do is keep your eyes out on @LondonFashionWk and look for the #AskLFW!

I was not wrong in my expectation of those “too-cool-for-school” fashionistas making a lowly writer/actress like me feel like I am wearing a bin-bag! There were certainly some very well and very wacky dressed people out to impress today and they add to the spirit and fun of the event. I have snapped a few pictures of my favorites to share with you!

There are also a lot of fashion-geeks geeking out in the press lounge, tap-tapping away on their laptops, iPads and tablets, uploading their photos, thoughts and impressions the moment it happens. In fact the press lounge is a brilliant place to hang out; with MAC offering to fix our faces and Tony & Guy offering to sort out our hair…for FREE…we get a taste of the models life too!

All that is left for me to say is, bring on tomorrow!! Detailed overviews of today’s shows are on there way from Catherine, Keshini and myself but first we need a glass of wine and a lie-down…man, LFW is exhausting!!

Kate x

Follow me on Twitter for my live ponderings on LFW @k8hollowood

How To Pose For Photographs

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FIND YOUR FASHION FACE WITH CHAMBORD AT LONDON FASHION WEEKEND. Fabio Affuso tells you how to pose for photographs.

 

– Chambord Returns to London Fashion Weekend for its 11th Season –

– Leading fashion photographer Fabio Affuso is back in the Chambord Platinum Club Lounge, showing guests how to shine in photos –

Chambord, the ‘spirit of fashion’, will be making a welcome return to London Fashion Weekend in February 2012 for its eleventh consecutive season, bringing with it an added touch of French chic to London’s exciting fashion scene.

 

Chambord black raspberry liqueur is proud to be the spirit sponsor of the main bar and the Chambord Platinum Club Lounge.  London Fashion Weekend visitors will be able to enjoy Chambord’s finest cocktails including the classic Chambord Royale and French Martini.

 

FIND YOUR ‘FASHION FACE’ IN THE CHAMBORD PLATINUM CLUB LOUNGE:

Back by popular demand Chambord is once again teaming up with leading fashion photographer Fabio Affuso to show you how to find your ‘Fashion Face’.  Fabio will share his expertise in the Chambord Platinum Club Lounge; showing guests how to strike a fashionable pose ensuring that guests always look their best in photos.

 

The sessions with Fabio Affuso will run on at the following times:

Thursday 23rd: 8.45pm – 9.45pm

Friday 24th: 12.45pm – 1.45pm and 8.00pm – 8.45pm

Saturday 25th: 10.15am – 11.15am and 5.45pm – 6.45pm

Sunday 26th: 10.30am – 12.30pm.

 

If you are a Platinum Club Lounge ticket holder, there is no need to pre-book these sessions. Guests at the Chambord Platinum Club Lounge will receive a complimentary Chambord and Champagne and a canapé reception to enjoy while you practice your ‘Fashion Face’.

 

You will also have the chance to win an elegant Alison van Der Lande handbag.  You’ll be given the chance to have your photo taken with the bag, and the one that is judged to have the most fashion flair will win the bag*.

 

To get you started, here are a few of Fabio’s top tips:

1. The most important thing is to relax and feel good about yourself.  If you feel fabulous you will look fabulous too!

 

2. Everyone feels most comfortable with one side of their face, and most likely that is their better side.  Discover your best side and make it shine!

 

3. Light is a very important aspect. Position yourself so that the light shapes your face and highlights your best side.

 

4. Some people love to pucker their lips and brows, but don’t overdo it.  It can look good with some faces, however if you do it all the time soon your pictures will look all the same.

 

5. Remember to have fun!

 

THE CHAMBORD BAR:

After viewing some fabulous designer collections, why not relax in the Chambord Bar and indulge in the spirit of fashion’s rich velvety taste with the signature serve, the Chambord Royale.  Made from black raspberries, and hints of Madagascan vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, XO cognac, honey and delicate herbs and spices, Chambord will be the perfect drink for fashionistas everywhere.

 

Win London Fashion Weekend Tickets. 4 Pairs to Give Away

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Win The Ultimate Fashionista Day Out!

Frost has a pair of VIP tickets and three pairs of runner up tickets to London Fashion Weekend 2012.

Chambord, the ‘spirit of fashion’ will be making a welcome return to VODAFONE London Fashion Weekend in February 2012, bringing with it an added touch of French chic to London’s fashion scene as well as hosting the exclusive Chambord Platinum Club Lounge.

Chambord black raspberry liqueur is the spirit of fashion and has been enjoyed by the style elite at some of the most exclusive designer parties.

Do you and your friends live and breathe fashion? Chambord and Frost magazine is giving you the chance to follow in the footsteps of the fashion crowd and win the ultimate fashionista day out. You could win a pair of tickets to London Fashion Weekend, plus entry to Chambord’s Platinum Club Lounge. Here you can enjoy a complimentary Chambord and Champagne while learning how to strike a model-worthy pose thanks to top fashion photographer Fabio Affuso who Chambord has enlisted to help you always look your most fashion fabulous in photos. Three runners up will win a pair of standard tickets to London Fashion Weekend.

For your chance to win follow @Frostmag on Twitter, and then tweet: ‘I want to go to London Fashion Week with @Frostmag and Chambord” or sign up to our newsletter. The winners will be revealed on Wednesday.

Over 18’s’ only we are afraid!

PLEASE ENJOY CHAMBORD RESPONSIBLY

This competition is now closed.

Made In Chelsea Stars Attend Launch of MEGAzine.

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Celebrities including Henry Holland, Cheska and Kate Walsh come out to celebrate the launch of Aigua Media’s Fashion and Beauty MEGAzine

Celebrities including Henry Holland, Cheska, Bobby Sabel, Kate Walsh and Lizzie Cundy come out to celebrate the launch of Aigua Media’s Fashion and Beauty MEGAZINE

Aigua Media last night launched the UK’s first Fashion and Beauty MEGAZINE. The company that owns top fashion sites including OSOYOU and Catwalk Queen showcased some ‘UK first’ website features to a host of guests including Henry Holland, Cheska, Kate Walsh, Lizzie Cundy, and Trinny Woodall.

With a reach of over 1.25 million, the MEGAzine is home to hot on the pulse commentary for fashion followers from the top style stalkers, the best bloggers and the readers themselves.

www.aiguamedia.com

Stars of the MEGAzine include:

OSOYOU – the ultimate shopping resource where the world searches, shops and shares

Kiss and Makeup – the most exciting shopping destination for beauty anywhere

Catwalk Queen – the first fashion blog ever to be invited to London Fashion Week

Shoewawa – for shoe, shoe and more shoe style

Baglady – bagging all the news, must-have buys and celebrity style handbags

EAT, SLEEP, FASHION AT THE MAYFAIR HOTEL

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London Fashion Week starts tomorrow and one of my favourite hotels is the official sponsor. I have had many a good time at The May Fair Hotel.

You can Live like the fashion elite, as The May Fair Hotel introduces its Eat, Sleep, Fashion package for February London Fashion Week. A hotel located in the heart of Mayfair, the May Fair is THE fashion hotel; proud to announce its status as the official hotel of London Fashion Week, for the fifth year running.

As ever fashion week brings fierce fashion fervor to London, with everyone wanting to be part of the enviable fashion scene. Now you can, book a weekend stay between February 10th – February 26th 2012 to take advantage of this exclusive overnight package, which includes £100 to spend in the hotel’s stunning Quince Restaurant & Bar; all from just £350. (per room, per night).

The package also includes an overnight stay in a superior room, a full English breakfast and Champagne and chocolates delivered to your room. The Quince Restaurant & Bar is the place to be and be seen during fashion week; with its modern Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, from chef patron Silvena Rowe, and its Ottoman Empire-inspired design, the dining experience here is one of relaxed sophistication, offering an exciting insight into the beauty and scents of the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Finish the evening off, like a true fashionista, in the hotel’s uber cool May Fair Bar, where you can sample the latest cocktail creation from the bar’s renowned mixology team – The Show Stopper. Don’t miss the launch of the capital’s hottest rising star, in fashion and music, Sunday Girl. The new Sunday night DJ residency “Sunday Girl @ The May Fair” will kick off on February 19. Mixing the coolest tunes, with old-school tracks and eclectic beats from 8pm-9.30pm every Sunday night, Sunday Girl will be supported by the May Fair Collective; a set of music stars from 6.30pm-8pm. On February 19, Jesse Wood son of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood will be the first to support Sunday Girl.

For those who feel in need of some reviving spa time, the May Fair Spa has created a number of express treatments to deal with LFW fatigue, in particular The Crystal ‘Face of Fashion’ Massage (30 mins £55), which will leave you feeling fresh-faced and glowing with radiance. For those suffering with tired, aching feet the Fashion Eco Chic Pedicure (50 minutes £65.00) nourishes and softens. Only organic products are used, leaving you revitalised with aromas of peppermint, lavender and geranium.

Even if you don’t have front row tickets, you’ll feel part of the LFW scene at the May Fair, as live catwalk shows will be screened around the hotel and complimentary pink candy floss handed out to guests between 5-7pm each day.

For further information please visit www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

From a Muffin Top to a Skinny Muffin

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From a Muffin Top to a Skinny Muffin

By Alison Clark, independent nutritionist and spokesperson for Europe’s no 1 healthy eating plan, Eurodiet.co.uk,gives advice on how to get rid of a muffin top.

What is a muffin top?

According to the Oxford Dictionary a muffin top is “a roll of fat visible above the top of a pair of women’s tight-fitting low-waisted trousers”. You might also call it spare tyre, love handles or back roll but either way, what most of us want to know is why is it there and how can we get rid of it?

In some cases, the only risk from the over spilling of flesh above the waistline is one of sinning against fashion. However, for many more this excess fat could be a sign of central obesity, indicating a real risk to future health.

As we are often reminded, being overweight is bad for your health. What many people don’t realise is that carrying extra fat around the middle of your body can put you at an even higher risk. This is because there are two types of fat with different characteristics: the fat carried under the skin, called subcutaneous, and the fat stored around the tummy surrounding the organs, which is called visceral fat. Visceral fat is the most dangerous, significantly increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

How do I know if I am at risk?

Get to know your body! Apple shaped people store more fat around the middle than pear shaped. It’s a good idea to make a habit of measuring your waist circumference – see the table below for the key limits.

Increased risk

Very high risk

Women

80 cm or more

88 cm or more

Men

94 cm or more

102 cm or more

To measure your waist accurately, use a soft tape measure and aim for halfway between your hip bone and your lowest rib. If you’re not sure, measure just above your belly button – the important thing is to always measure the same place so that you can keep track of any changes.

What can I do about it?

The only way to reduce fat is to lose weight! The best way to do this is with a combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise and the good news is that shrinking that muffin top won’t be the only benefit of adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, aim for at least five different ones every day to ensure that your body gets all the vitamins, minerals and fibre it needs. If you prefer a little help and want to go on a diet, try a high protein diet such as Eurodiet.co.uk, they have revered engineered foods normally associated with high carbs into high protein such as bread, pasta and risotto. Base your meals on wholegrain starchy carbohydrates to make sure that you have plenty of energy throughout the day. Include lean meat and fish and try some alternative protein sources for a change such as pulses and eggs.. Make sure you also include low fat dairy products in your meals to get the calcium your bones need. Avoid fatty, sugary, fried and salty foods and drink plenty of water.

Finally, in order to have a healthy lifestyle and lose the love handles, you will need to exercise. Although targeting your stomach with sit ups or crunches will help to tone the muscles in that area, it will not specifically reduce abdominal fat – you need to lose weight from your whole body. Start with 30 minutes a day or moderate activity and build up from there. If you are not sure then speak to a personal trainer or gym staff who will be able to advise you on the best exercises for you.

21 Tips for Living Life without Regret

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‘Living Life without Regret’

21 Tips for Living Life without Regret by Hilbre Johnson of Transform Life Coaching (www.transformlifecoaching.co), who recently lost a close friend to cancer.

1. Be proactive. Go after life, don’t wait for it to come and find you – it never will.

2. Start and finish each day by saying ‘thank you’. Many people didn’t make it through your day – life is a precious gift.

3. Show compassion. Kindness is free and it makes the world a better place. Always do for others as you would like them to do for you.

4. Set your intention for the day and know what you want to get out of it. If you don’t have any idea of where you are going, how can you get there?

5. Keep active and eat healthily. A flexible and strong body is a young body.

6. Keep learning. A stimulated mind is a young mind.

7. Challenge yourself. Always keep moving out of your comfort zone – it is the only way we grow.

8. Practice mindfulness. It makes each moment a far richer experience when your senses are fully alert.

9. Forget worrying about the future, just plan for it so you can enjoy it when you get there.

10. Make time for those you care about.

11. Always tell those you love how you feel about them. You never want to say ‘if only I had told them…’

12. Make an occasion out of even the smallest and most simple things.

13. It really doesn’t matter what others think. We only realise this as we get older having wasted so much energy on trying to impress them. Who cares!

14. Slow down. We all rush along blindly heading where ever it is we are going and miss all the scenery along the way. Life isn’t just about getting to your destination, it is also about enjoying the journey.

15. Spend more time with nature – we can learn so much by quietly observing how perfectly she goes about her daily activities.

16. When it comes down to it, life is all about the simple things.

17. Make conscious changes, if you don’t life has a way of making them for you and they won’t always be what you want.

18. Find your life purpose.

19. Love unconditionally.

20. Travel more. See more.

21. Life is short and you want to say at the end of it – I lived and loved like there were no tomorrows…

These tips are thanks to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and the DVD release of Restless, starring Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre, Alice in Wonderland) and newcomer Henry Hopper (Dennis Hopper’s son), out on 13th Feb.

Directed by Gus Van Sant, Oscar®-nominated director of Milk and Good Will Hunting, the film follows Annabel Cotton, a beautiful and charming terminal cancer patient with a deep felt love of life and the natural world. Enoch Brae is a young man who has dropped out of the business of living, after an accident claimed the life of his parents. When these two outsiders chance to meet at a funeral, they find an unexpected common ground in their unique experiences of the world.