For the May Bank Holiday weekend, 4th – 6th May, Manchester’s Arndale Centre held a fabulous event showcasing all the fashion trends of Spring/Summer 2012. The event brought awareness to shoppers that no matter what your shape, size or tastes, you can dress yourseleves in the latest fashions from the High Street stores! Stores such as Evans, Dorothy Perkins, Republic and Dune put together outfit suggestions and hottest trend selections for shoppers to browse and grab ideas. There were also amazing store discount flyers going around!
And of course… even men need styling help sometimes!
My favorite trend of SS12 so far has to be the pastel trend – I love the mixtures of pretty sorbet colours giving that sweet, fresh look. It seemed that this was a fave all round, with pastel colours and delicate styled clothing being the focus on the mannequins.
And whenever theres fashion… beauty comes hand in hand! GHD hairstyling from Trade Secrets Salon and make up courtesy of No7 and The Body Shop were there to provide make-overs and hairstyling, perfect for those shoppers popping out for the evening or just wanting to have a new look for the day. I decided to let myself pop onto the hot chair and have a makeover by a lovely lady from The Body Shop, which was a great experience as I had never really considered them for make-overs before. She created lovely golden brown eyes, before I headed to hair styling for some volume and curls!
If you’re ever around Manchester, then Manchester Arndale really is a fantastic shopping centre, with more and more big name stores providing everything you need in terms of fashion, beauty, and even food! If you’re a little unsure about how to dress for your shape, size or age and would mprefer an expert opinion, you can always take advantage of Debs – Manchester Arndales Personal Shopper, who is an expert in advising on fashions and suits each individual. I had the pleasure of being given a tour of all the stores trend boards by Debs herself and she really knows her stuff!
Check out the shopping centres website for more info! www.manchesterarndale.com
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email There was a lot of commotion in the office the other day about that picture of two twins circulating round the internet - both older adults, with the difference being one twin has smoked all her life and the other hasn’t. I’m a twin myself so somehow the conversation had lead from that topic, to the effects of smoking and what it can do to your skin. I won’t post the photo of the twins up on here (won’t really look right with the blog theme!) however I will tell you that the difference between their skin looked about 20 years! It was absolutley unreal!
I’m really into beauty, so won’t really take up any habbits that can effect it, however a lot of my friends are smokers and I saw something the other day that looks like a really great product for those smokers who really wish it was healthier. The product is e-cigarettes from vapestick – an electronic cigarette, which you may have heard of as the e-cigarette craze is pretty big right now! Smokers who are conscious about health effects are rating vapestick as they feel and taste just like real cigarettes, but instead of contaning harmful tabacco, they produce a weater-based vapour that can come with or without nicotine.
An extra nice thing about the vapesticks are that they can actually be used in all the places ‘real’ cigarettes can’t, like bars, clubs and restaurantes, and they are a cheaper alternative to tabacco cigarettes, therefore making them a definite credible alternative to the tabacco cigarette. I know a lot of my smoker friends do worry from time to time about the damaging effects they are doing to their skin by continuing to smoke, but maybe we are now onto something that successfully gives you the same pleasure that smoking does, but actually takes away those ageing skin beauty worries!
I’ve done a bit of research into vapestick, and have actually realised that many famous people have joined the Vapestick fan club, including a certain Rolling Stones member! So smokers (and non smokers for that matter) what do you think of electrobnic cigarettes? Anyone ever tried them? If you would like to know a little bit more info, check out the very informative website that tells you virtually everything you need to know!
There are officially only 3 months left until I hit Ibiza with the girls for my Summer holiday. Excited is not even the word! The only thing I have been stressing out over is getting everything ready in time – Its so crazy juggling work, freelancing, make-up artistry, my sisters wedding and having an actual life too, that scheduling in a general ‘Ibiza Shop’ just hasn’t happened yet!
So you can imagine how lovely it was to recieve a gorgeous suntan protection range from popular brand Malibu, which is there new retro range, which containing 4 fabulous products to ensure I am competely covered this Summer when it comes to skincare…
The set contains an Aloe Vera Aftersun Gel Spray, a tub of factor 10 Bronzing Butter, factor 10 Bronzing Tanning Oil and a factor 15 Sun Protection Lotion Spray. Not only are they packaged in funky, metallic sprays and tubs, they all smell devine! My favorite one of all is the Factor 10 Bronzing Butter – it smells like coconut mixed with vanilla, it literally takes your mind straight to the beach! It appears yellow-ish in the tub, but when rubbed into skin it produces a light bronze touch to skin with a glistening glow that melts into skin. What a gorgeous product for the last few days of your holiday and you can drop your sun protection factor! It’s like summer’s sex appeal in a tub!
The other 3 products will also be firm favorites also coming with me to Ibiza. I’ll be keeping the Aloe Vera After Sun in the fridge to give that extra cool sensation!
Prices are more than reasonable too for such a glamorous range, starting at £4.99, available at Superdrug.
Today I came across a new legwear trend that I can only describe as ‘adorable’. We’ve all been sporting ombre nails for quite some time now, and the latest craze is of course ombre hair (think Jessie J’s dip dye black and purple), so it is only natural that clothing was going to come into the trend somewhere. And here it is – ombre legs.
What a way to draw attention to killer footwear – these ombre tights are cute, fashionable and add a pop of colour to any outfit. Sadly, I haven’t seen these hitting the stores just yet (but you heard about them here first!) but I have managed to come across a quirky little Etsy shop called BZR Shop that sell a gorgeous collection. The range of faded colour ombre tights available here are slimming and trendy, and also reasonably price, with tights starting at £31.00. What do you all think?
These will definitley be one of my May pay day treats! I think I am going to go for the black going into cream pair, they will look great teamed with my little black dresses.
Photographs courtesy of fashionising.com
If there’s one thing I am now a professional at, it’s throwing a good hen party! The last two weekends in April have been back to back with celebrating my twin sisters hen weekend – the first one, we headed up to Edinburgh (the most beautiful city!) and the second was held at Manchester ‘The Birdcage’ club, which was just as entertaining as expected! If you ever need a location to throw one of your gal pals hen weekends, I would recommend Edinburgh, hand on heart. There are so many fantastic things to do!
With being a rather classy bunch (of course!) we opted for a weekend stay at The Pearl Apartments in Haymarket, followed by an evening Ghost Tour around the Old Town, finished off with a night in playing hen party games, which got very messy and we will leave it at that! For the Saturday, we spent the morning touring around the city via the open bus tours, leading to a very posh Champagne, Tea and Cake lunch at Edinburgh’s Caledonian Hilton Hotel. It was by far the most loveliest afternoon tea I have ever had!
For the evening, we opted for an Italian meal at Gusto on George Street, along with a private Karaoke Booth at Electric Circus, and then onto Espionage club. The whole weekend was fantastic and such a beautiful place to venture around! However, on a fashion note, I decided to jazz up my hen party look (with being Maid of Honour and everything, it’s only normal to want to stand out!) so I opted for a pair of feather false lashes to liven up my look. The great thing is, they aren’t even from a ‘proper’ brand, just from a little market shop in Manchester and cost a snip at £3.99, but what an impact! Excuse the orange-ness of the photo’s, not too sure why they have came out like that!
Whilst we are onto the subject of make-up, I am one step closer to becoming a fully qualified make-up artist. Last night I had my ‘Daytime Look’ exam, which went unbelievably well! These photographs don’t do the model enough justice but take a look to see the daytime look that was created. I was over the moon to receive full marks!
Products used included:
Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation (light mixed with medium)
Max Factor Concealer (Light, under the eyes, nose area, chin crease)
Murad Primer
Max Factor Creme Puff Powder in Translucent
Rimmel lipstick (glistening light pink) topped with shimmer gloss and Miss Sporty Lipliner in Nude.
MUA Light brown eyeshadow for whole socket, followed by deep brown for the crease and pale lemon to sweep over lid to blend
Rimmel pencil eyeliner in light brown
HD Brows Powder Palette
MUA bronzer for contouring cheekbones and MUA pink rosey cheek blush for apples of cheeks.
Bourjois Mascara
Next exam I will be doing a dramatic evening look, so no doubt will be keeping you posted on how that goes! I will soon be launching a new website advertising my make-up services, it will be called Emma’s Powder Room and will highlight all prices and services. Keep an eye out!
It may sound bizarre if you’re told that ‘layering-up’ is an actual trend for Spring/Summer 2012, but worn the right way with a sheer, brezzy feel, you’re actually onto this Summer’s hottest look.
The twist on this trend is ‘to reveal’ – so think of dresses to the floor with sheer layers, skirts that are unbuttoned and shorts peeping through oversized coats. The general feel of the trend is a fresher colour palette and much lighter fabrics, using around 2 garments to successfully create the layering look. The key here is to drape, yet show a flash of skin, usually the legs (so get the tan out!)
It’s sexy, sophisiticated, modern and very unusual for summer – layering is always seen as a ley trend for the winter months. If you’re nottoo sure how to create this look for yourself, here are the main ways to create the look:
Layering a skirt over a sheer: Wearing a dress or skirt with a draped, sheer layer peeping through underneath. This shape replicates the look of 50′s housewife styling – very glamorous!
Skirt-Splitting Layers. The easiest and most practical way to wear this trend is with split layer skirts. These styles are everywhere, mainly in dresses and maxi skirts, where the front of the skirt splits right to the top, revealing a mini layer underneather. This loo can be worn with shirts, vests or fitted tops if worn with skirts, or you can wear this look as a dress. There’s loads of styles over at ASOS and Topshop if your unsure where to look!
Side Splitting Layers: Another way to rock this trend – and the least daring of all- is to discretley have the layers showing to the side. Again, works great with a floor lenght dress or skirts, with the split falling right to the side of the leg. The underneathe layer could be a mini skirt, stretch panel or sheer fabric. This look only really ‘flashes’ a little bit of leg, so if your just starting off with the trend and a little skeptical, this is ideal!
Images courtesy of Fashionising.com
…And just when I thought Las Vegas couldnt get any better, TOPSHOP only go and announce they will be launching a flagship TOPSHOP and TOPMAN in the world’s most eclectic city!
Cult British high-street style champions TOPSHOP and TOPMAN will open their 3rd American flagship store this March 2012 in the popular shopping destination, Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas.
I recently recieved two very sweet additions through the post last week from the cute and kitcsh website Ladypearls. I’m known for having a soft spot for anything pretty and super cute, so when they recently got in touch to hear my thoughts of the new collection of shoe and underwear bags, I had to say I was very impressed.
Perfect for a little girly treat for yourself, or even better, gifts for the gal pals in your life, these handy bags are embroidered with shoes themed from all corners of the globe, Toronto, Paris, Cumbria – pretty much everywhere! My favorite themed bag had to be the Dublin shoe bag, the general print and design is quite subtle and would look great for Spring. I also got hold of this quirky underwear bag!
If you’ve got any birthdays coming up soon for any style conscious friends, it could be worth taking a look at the site as it’s full of vintage themed little gifts that’s bound to put a smile of your friends faces. I’m off to Ibiza this Summer and will be making sure i’ve got this little one below with me… it’s called the ‘IBIZA’ Shoe and Underwear Bag Set, gorge!
The Fashion Network are proudly presenting an evening with Grazia’s Founding Editor and Ex Editor of Elle UK and Company Magazine, Fiona McIntosh. The fashion industry expert will be appearing at Harvey Nichols on Monday 19th March talking about her 17 years in the industry.
Chaired by Emerald Street’s Katie Popperwell, the live Q&A will see Fiona share her experience and thoughts on the industry, how to start your own buisness (where she will explain the work she has done with My Wardrobe and Grazia) and Q&A with attendees.
I will be attending this fabulous event, which I personally feel will be a great evening with such a respected woman in the fashion industry. If your a Manchester Fashion Industry hard-working person like myself (of course! We have to give ourselves some ego boosting names!) then I strongly encourage you to come along for a stylish evening of fashion and buisness talks, in Manchester’s finest department store.
Tickets are £10 and the event starts at 7pm. Networking will commence from 8pm onwards. Tickets can be purchased from www.manchesterfashion.com/events
See you there!
I’m not a smoker, but this stylish little gadget makes me wish I was! Zippo adopted a new home this London Fashion Week by appearing on the front row at the Fred Butler presentation last week. A limited edition Zippo Windproof Lighter, made by Fred herself, which captures her signature psychedelic approach to colour, was gifted to the fashion media during LFW, and luckily for you readers, I have one to giveaway!
All you have to do is enter your email address in the ‘email updates’ under the ’Do You Love Me’ section on the right hand side bar, and a winner will be picked at random on Thursday 8th March.
For funky, bright and artistic inspiration, take a look at the Fred Butler website, I promise you’ll love the quirkyness of what you’ll see!
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