Friday Focus: THE REAL DEAL AROUND ROSEHIP OIL

When details of a product which keeps Miranda Kerr and David Gandy looking fresh landed in our inbox, we took immediate attention (with a carefully placed level of scepticism, of course).
Rosehip oil has a tonne of benefits including soothing the effects of sunburn, reducing stretch marks and generally improving the quality of your skin.
According to the realm of Rosehip oil, the ‘elixir’ of sorts is extracted from Rosehip berry seeds without using heat, solvents or chemicals. Like any product, brands vary with creation / extraction techniques too.
Rosehip Plus, an organic cold pressed oil, is the only range to remove the flesh from the berry before pressing out the oil. This one of a kind technique means that the maximum level of nutrients are retained and your skin gets all the benefits – who knew!
So, next time your reach for the Aloe Vera as we approach the Indian summer, reach for the Rosehip oil instead and compare the effects for yourselves.
You can purchase Rosehip Plus at All About Beauty for as little as £10.

JUMPING ON THE BAMBOO BANDWAGON

Every day we are learning about new trends, ingredients and ‘game changing’ science that will be the answer to our beauty worries.

The latest one to land in our inbox is Bamboo – one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet.

So, what are the supposed brilliant benefits of Bamboo?

  • Promotes healing – Bamboo contains methanol that boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties that soothes and regenerates the skin.
  • Enhances radiance – Bamboo actually contains 70% natural silica – an organic compound that’s essential for the body and maintains the elasticity in the skin to keep your skin looking healthy, supple and radiant.
  • Strengthens & repairs – Bamboo extract can help to strengthen the outer barrier of the skin that protects it from bacteria and environmental pollutants. A stronger barrier makes it easier for the skin to fight off particles that can potentially damage and prematurely age it.
  • Reduces melanin production – Bamboo extract can reduce melanin production, helping dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation fade away. Great for repairing skin after the summer months.
  • Hydrates skin – Thanks to the proteins, lipids and amino acid that it contains, bamboo is an unbelievable natural skin hydrator.

 

LET’S GET BAMBOOZLED!

Give these products a try

Naturaline Swiss Cosmetics Bamboo Body Lotion (£8.99)

Extracts of organic Bamboo optimises the moisture balance and elasticity of the skin to leave it smooth and supple.

Korres – Water, Bamboo and Freesia Eau de Toilette (£30)

Opening with fresh Bamboo, the EDT develops into notes of aromatic Freesia and Lotus Flower, before settling on a Sandalwood base. The unique formula is based on Water, one of the primary elements of the universe, and a symbol of purity and clarity.

Eborian – Korean Skin Therapy (£29)

BAMBOO MATTE is a 2-in-1 hybrid moisturiser that combines a sensation of intense hydration with a matte finish in one single step. Captured in a fine cream with a powdery effect, its Bamboo Waterlock complex protects the skin barrier from drying out while the Bamboo powder makes an excellent natural mattifier, to leave skin shine-free and matte.

 

Cheryl’s Channel Set Wedding Ring | Studded trend

Cheryl Cole has announced her marriage to Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini after a whirlwind three-month romance and is sporting a channel set (studded style) wedding band alongside her statement emerald cut diamond engagement ring.

cherylcoleweddingring

Of the jewel, Vashi Dominguez of Vashi.com stated: “Cheryl’s show-stopper engagement ring (that I’ve valued at in excess of £275k) is complemented with an elegant channel set diamond wedding ring – a popular choice that is understated and sophisticated yet still beautifully eye-catching. The ring could have cost from £15k making her studded bridal set worth around £300k. Wow!”

 

KTZ SS14 London Fashion Week 2013

British designers KTZ had a definite Middle Eastern vibe going down the catwalk. Some of it was great, others- like their burka inspired outfits- were more controversial. Guest on the front and second row also got some Argan oil. The middle east trend spreading in the UK has definitely reached our wardrobes.

Sorry for the quality of the photos, a video will be up soon. Unfortunately I managed to cut my hand just as we were ushered to our seats!

 IMG_1885 IMG_1887 IMG_1888 IMG_1889 IMG_1890 KTZ SS14 KTZ SS14 KTZ IMG_1894 IMG_1895 IMG_1896 IMG_1897 IMG_1898 IMG_1899 IMG_1903 IMG_1904 IMG_1907 IMG_1908 IMG_1910 IMG_1911 IMG_1912 IMG_1913 IMG_1914 IMG_1915 IMG_1916  KTZ

Trend Alert: Big Sunglasses

Summer is finally here and we can wear our summer wardrobe at last. The big sunglasses trend is a must this season. The gold trim at the top of the frame is a big favourite this season with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Coleen Rooney, Lauren Conrad and Millie Mackintosh all sporting the look. What do you think?

oTTo_Watson laurenconrad milliemackintosh collenrooney

Get the look with these GUESS Sunglasses which are exclusively available from House Of Fraser for just £85.00. Available in brown and black.

bigsunglasses

How To Find The Perfect Jeans. Mimi Noor Tells You How

james_twiggy_blackclean_01Frost Magazine has called on Mimi Noor, the owner of Miminoor.com, to help you find the perfect pair of jeans. Mimi offers a personal outfit builder advice section on her website. With a focus on how to buy the perfect jeans and turn the chore of finding the right pair into a pleasurable experience.
Mimi Noor stocks a variety of designer brands including J Brand, Victoria Beckham, James Jeans, Wild Fox, Zoe Karssen and Des Petit Hauts.
What should a woman look for when buying jeans?  
One of the first recommendations I would make is to really narrow down what
occasions you want your denim for as it’s going to determine what to
look for in a new pair of jeans. There are so many fantastic denim brands
that are able to offer styles to suit every shape so women no longer have to
worry about a certain jean style for their body; it’s all about lifestyle.
Work out if you want an everyday pair or one for evenings/smart casual wear. What footwear are you likely to wear with it?  I’ve had so many customers who have admitted to buying several pairs of flares or bootcuts because they tried them on with killer heels, which looked great in the shop. However, if your lifestyle means that you can’t wear killer heels all day every day then you’re not going to get the right amount of wear and should reserve these styles for evenings out or special occasions.
What is the main problem women have when buying jeans?
Buying jeans on your own can be a scary experience because most stores don’t
offer the sort of assistance you need when finding that perfect pair of
jeans. Many brands run sizing differently so you never know what size
you are, It is not always obvious how the styles differ and often no one is
available or knowledgeable in denim to help you pull out the right size,
colour or shape once you’re in the changing room.
How do they fix this?
I would always recommend shopping with a friend or relative you trust if
you’re buying denim from the high street or in department stores. Take your
friend with you to help bring you alternative options or sizes once you’re
in the changing room and ask their honest opinion on whether the cut suits
you. Alternatively, shop with a specialist like us. We provide a
consultative service where we establish what you want your jeans for,
determine your general size, provide alternative options based on your
feedback and then do any further alterations you may require (such as hemming to
the correct length).
goldsign_misfit_ronny_01
I find it really hard to find a great pair of jeans, they always seem too big at the waist. What is your main tip for women to buy the perfect jeans?
The 3 main considerations to make when buying your perfect jeans are
1) What purpose do I want these jeans for
2) What footwear am I most likely to wear with them
3) What rise is most comfortable for me
So many pear shaped women struggle to find a pair of jeans that fit well on the legs and fit neatly into the curve of the back or waist as you’ve mentioned. This is where rise comes into play!
Depending on your figure your preferred rise will vary. So often we find that women who have that perfect pear shape will need a jean with a higher rise and greater fabric stretch so that the jean fits perfectly on the legs and nips into the back of your waist.
For ladies who are really long bodied the high rise is going to sit
like a mid rise so it’s really important to factor the rise that’s most
comfortable for you.
What are the best jeans for the following body shapes: Tall, short, petite
and curvy?
 
The denim market right now is full of amazing brands that are able to offer
a plethora of styles for every body shape out there so the traditional
combinations such as a pear shape with a bootcut don’t necessarily apply anymore. As a general rule I would suggest:
Tall: A mid to low rise jean in a straight or skinny style. My pick would be the Goldsign misfit, which is long in length with a 14″ leg opening that means it’s sleek but not ankle tight.
Short: Super skinny styles look great on smaller girls as they flatter a more petite
frame. My favourite would be the James Jean Twiggy style.
Curvy: Curvy girls look best in two shapes. Firstly, a high waisted skinny looks
fantastic on a pear shape when teamed with boots or heels. Equally a
babyboot looks great on this frame. Pick the J Brand Maria or 818
respectively.
What are your favourite jeans?
Picking a favourite is so hard but so far this season I have been living in
my Mih Bonn in minidot. It’s a cropped skinny with a high waist, which is
perfect on my frame and the fabric is super soft. I love how the polka dots are on trend but subtle enough for everyday wear.

New luxury lifestyle emporium – Cuckooland launches in the UK

– Another dreary luxury Gifting Site? Not on your nelly…. an exceptional site for extraordinary women launches in the UK-

Women deserve to be spoilt…check. Women love surprises…check. Women love unique…check. Well now comes a website that will spoil and surprise in equal measure with its unique and inspirational products for you, for your friend, for your family, heck – even your pooch!

Now if you are stressed out and have no time to pop down to John Lewis you just have to fire up your computer and go to Luxury lifestyle emporium Cuckooland is a website catering for the needs of the modern day woman and all her interests, impulses and indulgences. It features a range of luxurious and lavish products handily divided into useful categories including Mrs Smith, Mr Smith, Lifestyle Cool, Little Smiths, Pet Accessories, Travel and After Dark.

Each category showcases a cherry-picked selection of some of the most original and opulent brands on the planet including: luxury leather goods from across the pond with GI New York, the chicest jewellery from Sence Copenhagen, audiophile heaven from Ruark Audio, the sartorialist’s choice in travel accessories with TravelTeq and where else could you buy a white shirt for your dog? Only the most exclusive, original and desirable “non-mass produced” products reside in Cuckooland!

Even better, as a member you can earn site credits for sharing products you love with Cuckooland’s

“Share the Trends” incentive. Just share the products you love via Facebook or Twitter buttons on the product pages or you can create a Wishlist and then share your Wishlist by email, Facebook or Twitter and when the recipient buys the product via these links you receive credits:

• By sharing products up to the value of £75 you receive £2.50 credit on your

account.
• By sharing products over the value of £75 you receive £5.00 credit on your
account.

Unlike most luxury online gifting stores, the vast majority of Cuckooland’s stock is bought outright and kept at its warehouse for speedy delivery. All product deliveries are tracked and if you’re not happy with your delivery or order there is a “no questions asked 30 day returns policy”. And of course there is also a gift-wrapping service and a free gift tag available at checkout. In fact, the team at Cuckooland likes to think it has the best check out service in the business – quick, simple and secure. And, if you’re lucky you might even fall prey to a “Random Act of Cuckooness” – little surprises released by these slightly cuckoo people to brighten up your day.

Lastly, watch out for Zebarella, the awfully clever zebra centaur with a fabulously large bottom who you can thank for Cuckooland. It is Zebarella who had the idea of selecting the incredible array of original, desirable and non-mass produced products found in the hills, valleys, streams and estuaries of her native Cuckooland to share with you all online. If you want to see some of Zebarella’s favourite products take a peak at, “Zebarella’s Picks” a fantastic place to get you inspired before you flex your card.

Retail Sales in Clothing and Footwear increases.

PEG- Retail Sales figures from the Office of National Statistics have been released.

Footfall has declined 1.0 per cent but the overall sales of textile, clothing and footwear increased.

Official figures today reveal promising news for retailers. Data from the Office of National Statistics show sales figures to be considerably higher than the same period last year. With the weather set to take a turn for the worse and more people feeling a pinch in their pockets, online shopping sales have surged as people look for good deals.

The value of retail sales in October 2011 showed an increase of 5.4 per cent compared with October 2010. The total sales volumes in October 2011 increased by 0.9 per cent, in comparison to the same time last year. Further figures revealed that small stores sales figures increased by 5.3 per cent while larger stores, sales figures decreased by 0.3 per cent. Once again, online trading increased its share of total retail, the average weekly spend on online retailing increased to £561.5 million up from £518.7 million in September 2011. Textile, clothing and footwear sales volumes fell by 1.0 per cent however sales value increased by 2.6 per cent over the same period. These figures bode well for retailers, giving them a much needed life line in the in the run up to Christmas.

Kevin Flood, CEO of social shopping leader Shopow (www.shopow.co.uk) said, “Retailers that were desperately in need of a reversal of their fortunes have found that they now have an encouraging platform on which to build in the run up to Christmas. High street stores have had to pull out all the stops to make their shops attractive by reducing prices early and creating imaginative promotions to increase footfall and more activity at the tills. It is still far from plain sailing and there is still a lot of pressure on retailers. As long as business and consumer confidence remains low, the battle will continue to persuade shoppers to return in their droves.

“Online activity has emerged as a vital area that will only continue to grow in importance over Christmas. We are expecting a significant amount of Christmas activity online and those who have introduced innovative shopping tools that make shopping easier and more cost effective will capitalise.”

Social shopping has emerged as an exciting trend in online retailing as many high street stores look to engage consumers. It involves the use of social networking to share recommendations, share discounts, post reviews and ask for advice on products before purchase.

Mike Harty COO of Shopow said “Regular web shoppers are now empowered to talk about their purchases in an honest way. Social shopping with Shopow enables shoppers to use their trusted networks to make informed decisions but also makes online shopping more interactive and enjoyable.”