Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

Fun, frolics & fabulousness – Made in Chelsea Series 5

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The glamorous set of SW3 returns to our screens next month and there will be a host of new personalities joining London’s hottest social circuit. Sisters Fran and Olivia Newman-Young, designer Josh Coombs and fashionista Phoebe-Lettice Thompson will join new faces from last series Ashley James and Lucy Watson and the returning cast for more shocking drama, tangled love triangles and friendship fallouts.

22 year old make-up artist and party girl Olivia is the younger sister of Francesca and gets a lot of attention from the boys. She’s been known to party with Millie in the past and is a local on the social scene. Fran is Olivia’s sister and wears the ‘protective’ older sibling crown. The 25 year old works in the music industry and went to Leeds with Andy Jordan.

Olivia’s best friend is 22 year old Phoebe. She’s a fashion assistant at Tatler and has an on/off relationship with fellow Made in Chelsea newbie, Josh. 22 year old Josh has a soft spot for Phoebe, even though she’s not dedicated to him. He has worked with Proudlock in the past and is currently setting up his own design business.

Both Ashley and Lucy joined the show during series four and each made an impact in their own special way. Ashley was a welcome introduction, especially to Francis, who found a love interest in Chelsea’s new blonde. Lucy brought her own slice of drama, giving the boys a run for their money as she kept Andy and Jamie guessing her emotions.

The returning cast include Francis Boulle, Richard Dinan, Binky Felstead, Rosie Fortescue, Victoria Baker Harber, Cheska Hull, Stevie Johnson, Andy Jordan, Jamie Laing, Ollie Locke, Millie Macintosh, Spencer Matthews, Ollie Proudlock, Louise Thompson and Mark-Francis Vandelli.

Last series saw tensions end on an all-time-high with relationship decisions destroying friendships and awkward situations leaving everybody guessing. As the jet-setting socialites return to the fashionable streets of Chelsea, it’s certain that they’ll be more rivalries, new romances and fiery exchanges to keep viewers glued.

Since hitting the screens in May 2011, Made in Chelsea has been E4’s biggest non-scripted success generating a massive following. It remains one of Channel 4’s most talked about shows, trends worldwide on twitter and is regularly the most watched programme on 4oD.
Follow @E4Chelsea and use #madeinchelsea

Call Off The Search by Anna and Andrew Wallas Book Review

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ProductImage-7554068The Modern Day Wizard. Call Off The Search is part self-help book, part relationship confessional. Written by real life couple Anna (formerly Pasternak) and Andrew Wallas. Andrew is a spiritual psychotherapist and Anna is a renowned journalist.

First of all let me say that I enjoyed reading the book. I am not a big fan of self-help books, although there are a few that I think are good, but I do like to read about other people’s relationships. Although I am not single I found that some of the stuff Andrew said made sense in an I-should-have-thought-about-it-way. I do think that most self-help books are just common sense written down. Life gets busy and you forget what you should know. I like how the book has been written, they respond to each other and then their is a checklist at the end.

Anna is known for being controversial but must be given credit for being so honest and open. You do get the feeling that she likes pushing buttons and creating debate, but it takes courage to write down your thoughts honestly and truthfully. Most people would never do this, nor be able to deal with the criticism. Indeed, the book has been marketed as the ‘most controversial book of the year’. While I am not sure if it is the most controversial, it may be the most honest.

Anna says: “I truly believe that behind every hardened feminist there is a women who is looking to be loved and saved by a man”. To be honest, who does not want love? Anna and Andrew have been together since 2010, which is when I met my boyfriend. They do seem very much in love. If I were single I would find this book helpful, but even as someone who is in a relationship I still found it interesting. I am not keen on the yurt stuff and have never been a fan of ‘new age’ things. I don’t have to find myself because I know who I am (or where I am), but this book is enjoyable and a good read. With lovely snippets of knowledge along the way. The book says that you should be honest with your partner and feel your emotions instead of denying them. This is good advice. There is also a chapter on ‘core wounding’, finding out what affects you and makes you angry.

Anna Pasternak shocked the British public by exposing the Princess Diana and James Hewitt affair, and subsequently startled readers with her Daily Mail article entitled Sorry, But My Baby Bores Me. Now, along with her New Age therapist-husband, Andrew Wallas (aka. The Modern Day Wizard) she has written an explosive, game-changing account about their struggle to find true love and intimacy.

Anna hated her life as a single mother until her friends suggested that she meet spiritual psychotherapist Andrew. What followed was an intense spiritual awakening as Andrew uncovered her inner loneliness and showed her that she was going to find true love. That this true love was to be with Andrew himself, then married to his wife of twenty-five years, was a huge surprise to them both. They have now written about their relationship, confronting taboos such as sexual jealousy, revenge, hatred and power struggle, to convey their experiences from the front line of true love.

Call Off The Search is a brave examination of the nature of all modern relationships – the messy, bonkers and painful alongside the inspiring and enlightening – unlike any other self-help, spiritual or relationship book.

It is set to be one of the most controversial reads this year.

‘She’s prepared for the backlash, but with her 20-year search for true love now at an end, Anna Pasternak is ready to share her secret. “I truly believe that behind every hardened feminist there is a women who is looking to be loved and saved by a man”.’ Scotland on Sunday

‘I get emails from women who admire my honesty. Like when I wrote about motherhood. Of course I love my daughter. But that doesn’t mean I can’t acknowledge being at home with a new-born is boring. I got hate mail for that. One woman said I should have my child taken away. But I find it difficult not to speak the truth and that doesn’t always make me very popular.’ Daily Mail

‘I honestly didn’t think I was going to find an interesting and solvent man over 40, ever. Now I’m the poster girl for hope.’ Daily Telegraph

Buy Call Off the Search: The Modern Day Wizard here

Unleash The Power Of The Female Brain | Book Review

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Unleash the power of the female brainThe 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

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

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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.’

Catherine BalavageIn 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.

 

 

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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
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

Michelle Obama Tops Best Dressed List

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

 Children cheer as U.S. first lady Michelle Obama arrives for a taping of the TV cooking show "Top Chef" in Dallas

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

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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.

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 “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.

Celebrities attend the launch of Giles Deacon's jewellery collection for QVC

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 –

 

Most Common Job For Women ‘Same as in the 1950s’. Progress? What Progress?

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charlize theron oscars 2013

Today may be International Women’s Day but nothing proves we still have a long way to go than the results of the latest US Census. Being a secretary is still the number one job for women in the US. Four million Americans are working as ‘secretaries and admin assistants’ and 96% of those are women.

Nothing is more depressing for equality than the fact that the most common job for women is the same than in the 1950s. Only 16.6% of women in America hold board-level jobs. In fact, globally, only 10% of workers in executive position are female. A rather depressing statistic.

It is not much better in the UK, which this excellent article from the BBC highlights. They say:

Fewer than a third of the UK’s most influential jobs are held by women, figures compiled by BBC News show.

Women occupy on average 30.9% of the most senior positions across 11 key sectors analysed by the BBC, including business, politics and policing.

The armed forces and judiciary have the fewest women in top posts – 1.3% and 13.2% respectively – while secondary education has the most (36.7%).

Campaign group the Fawcett Society said progress was still too slow.

“Men outnumber women by four to one in Parliament and only a third of local councillors are women,” the group’s Preethi Sundaram said.

“When we look at the top quarters of power in the political world there are only five women there out of 22… It’s quite an appalling fact really.”

According to the BBC News website’s findings, women represent

1.3% of brigadiers (or their equivalent) and above across the Army, Navy and RAF
13.2% of the most senior judges (High Court and above, including Senators of the College of Justice in Scotland)
14.2% of university vice-chancellors
16.6% of the most senior staff in the police (Acpo ranks and above)
34.7% of the senior civil service

This should be highlighted today and not forgotten. How many articles have you read with a successful women and they always ask them how they juggle having kids with a career, or if it is possible to? They don’t really ask men this question. That is the main problem. Women are still expected to do the bulk of childcare. To have it all and be everything to everyone. A women who puts her career first is judged, but it takes two parents to raise a child.

I think it is time for a change. What do you think?

Sunday Times Style Magazine Launches Best Dressed List

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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.

Style best dressed x3

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.