Spotted!

Witch Blemish Stick £3.02
Blemishes can be just as annoying as spots; there caused by stress and too much excess oil on your skin. Get rid of them with this blemish stick from Witch. Made using natural Witch Haze it helps break down the excess oils and fights bacteria. Apply as soon as the blemishes start to appear for it to be effective.

Available from selected Boots, Tesco, Superdrug, Sainsbury, Morrisons, Waitrose and all good independent chemists.

Minx Nails

Here’s what you need to know about Minx, the latest nail trend that is proving to be a big hit with the likes of Victoria Beckham, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Rihanna.
Minx is a solid nail coating with an adhesive backing that is sealed once it’s activated by a special heat lamp. You can pick from different designs including silver, gold, and what I had the cheetah print.

Firstly my old nail polish was removed, then my nails were filed, buffed, and dried in preparation for the Minx coating to be applied. The Minx was heated briefly under the lamp then applied and smoothed out onto my nail. Once all my nails were done, they were filed using a glass nail file, which also helps to remove any excess.
To finish off my cuticles were moisturised with oil and that was it, my nails had been given the Minx treatment.
Taking off the Minx’s is just as easy, all you have to do is soak your nails in water and peel it off from the corner. So you can say goodbye to waving your hands in the air waiting for your nails to dry, only to then spend ages taking it off (red is especially annoying as it stains) and no doubt spilling nail polish remover everywhere. It was such a relief not to have to deal with the hassle of not being able to do anything for ages for fear of getting a smudge or chip, before I’ve even had a chance to leave the house.
The only down side is that it doesn’t last long on your hands, apparently only about a week tops, but it can last for up to 3 weeks on your feet.
So if you’re planning to attend a lot of Christmas and New Year parties, I suggest you book an appointment and treat yourself.

I had my nails done by Vanessa Williams at the Nails inc. salon in the Debenhams department store on Oxford Street.

Vanessa’s Top Tips

Always use a glass nail file.
Dry your nails thoroughly using a hand dryer, this helps keep it sealed.
Try not to apply too much cream to your hands or feet before you get it done, as your nails need to be dry for the Minx to be applied.
It works just as well on natural or acrylic nails.

Minx is available in 28 nails inc. salons nationwide.
£30.00 – hands
£35.00 – feet

T-Shirt for Charity

This t-shirts is made with organic and fairly traded cotton and printed with organic certified inks. All money raised by EJF from the sale of the t-shirts goes to support the charity’s valuable work.
Click here to buy T-Shirts from £30

And the winner is...

Joe McElderry may have won the final of the X Factor, but the real buzz has been about who wore it best Danii Minogue or Cheryl Cole. It’s no secret that the two have been completive in trying to out do each other. Cheryl it seems needs the help of two stylists, Victoria Adcock & Frank Strachan at an estimated cost of £45,000 a year (I'm available at half the cost btw), while Dannii is her own stylist. “I know Cheryl has two stylists and I have none. I put a lot of work into it. I style myself. I choose all my outfits.”

With Cheryl’s act in the final Dannii really turned on the glam, as she looked amazing on Saturday in her Osman one shoulder Grecian dress, while Cheryl’s outfit on Sunday didn’t prove too popular. And it didn't help that she could hardly walk in it too, some even said she looked like a toilet dolly. Ouch!
Although I will give Cheryl credit for her Zuhair Murad mermaid gown on Saturday’s show, it’s Danni who I think is the overall winner and it seems the fashion critics loved her too.
Even singer Rihanna described her J’Aton Couture pink structured dress which she wore in week 8 as “fierce”.

Through out the series Danni has been consistently dazzling in her outfits (with the exception of week 6 when she wore a very unflattering Lisa Ho kaftan dress). With Cheryl sometimes her need to stand out with her edgy style, sometimes just went a little too far in the wrong direction.

But I’m sure that being the winning judge for the second year running, will no doubt mean that we can expect a more stronger and confident Cheryl Cole.

www.osmanyousefzada.com

CHECKYOUdaily

CHECKYOUdaily is a fashion site with a difference, because it’s more like a community where you can share details about your outfit, by tagging what you’re wearing. Astride Howell, the founder explains how a love of sharing fashion tips and outfit ideas, lead to the creation of CHECKYOUdaily.

Why did you decide to start CHECKYOUdaily?
The site was created after two ‘light bulb moments’, the first came after a friend moved to London. I’d email her quick images of what of I was wearing, after a month I’d sent several hundred.
When I was compiling my images, I found it difficult to locate them based on the date or by what I was actually wearing.
The second moment came after I stared to work with several brands, fashion companies and new media sites. I realised there was a gap in the market for an online luxury oriented social networking site. Putting those two realisations together set the chain in motion to create CHECKYOUdaily.

Where did the name come from?
The name came from a catch phrase in the London fashion crowd “check you out”, shortened itself to “check you”. Since the site gives you the ability to archive looks on a daily basis, the “daily” was added.

How would you describe the site?
The site can be easily described as a private luxury style network, where people can archive their looks and share them with the CHECKYOUdaily online community. Our users keep up to date with the latest trends and are very fashion forward. There style savvy fashionista’s who make an art out of putting an outfit together.

What features are on there?
The key feature of the site is the rollover technology which allows you to view designer names that have been tagged. The style tags are also indexed as searchable words, which can be found on the system. For example by clicking on the Hermes Twily tag you will be able to view other users on the system that are also wearing that item.
In addition to its archive, the site also features an editorial section which is viewable by non-members and has 4 sections that have exclusive content (interviews with stylists, men’s style musings, etc.) to help inspire the users on the network.

Why did you decide to make it a private network site?
The element of exclusivity is key to the user’s experience on the site. This helps to attract a type of user who will in turn provide a wide range of looks in their uploads. By editing our members we can construct a community of like minded individuals, all of whom have the potential to contribute creatively to the network.
When new members submit their candidacy online they also fill out details that delves into their inspirations and likes.

You recently did an event at Liberty, tell me about it?
The three days of ‘dress-up and shoot’ event was fun and a great chance to allow members and new users to have an offline experience with the site. It also provided them with an opportunity to learn more about the latest clothing and accessories available.
We set up a Live Studio with HP Vivienne Tam computers in the International Room. HP Vivienne Tam is a special edition computer; HP (Hewlett-Packard) did in collaboration with the designer Vivienne Tam to create a "digital clutch". As well as acting as one of our sponsors they were instrumental in bridging the gap between the style and technology theme of our site.
The attendees were styled by the Liberty Style Service and our in-house style team, photographed and their looks uploaded live onto the site. It was a great opportunity to see their personal interpretations of trends styled in real time.
Selected looks from the Live Studio were posted on the Liberty Blog and on the CHECKYOUdaily micro site.

Do you have any more events planned?
Yes, we plan on taking these offline events to up-and-coming style cities. First up we’ll be Shanghai and Hong Kong and then we’ll move onto Sao Paulo. We’ll be working with top luxury retail partners and brands to give new users and members a unique experience that parallels their online membership.

Any plans to focus on make-up?
Funny you should ask we plan to launch “CHECKYOUdaily beauty” next year since there are so many people who want to share their style and beauty cues with one another.
We believe that CHECKYOUdaily technology would provide a great space for this online.

Does the site have a face book or twitter account?
CHECKYOUdaily does not have a Face book account because we are our own private network, but we do have a twitter account that serves as a news feed. It’s also a direct way to communicate with non-members and provides an alternative means for our members to drop us a line.

What does the future hold for CHECKYOUdaily?
We hope to continue to provide a premium online destination for luxury brands and products.
I will then look at expanding our limited membership and introduce new interactive features that still allow our members to enjoy a streamlined and unique online experience and of course, more outfit look ideas.

www.checkyoudaily.com

Powder Room Secrets

Ladies let’s be honest, there’s nothing fabulous or fun about that time of the month. Spots, feeling bloated & irritable, PMS & PMT, cramps, not to mention the need to eat like the world's coming to an end (and why is it usually the bad stuff like chocolate, I know I’m not alone on this one), so I’ve actually found something nice that will add a touch of prettiness to your monthly period.
Let me introduce you to Moxie the girly feminine hygiene products from Australia. There’s a wide range to choose from including the essentials; tampons are available in regular and super and come with a smooth coating for extra comfort, towels come in daytime, sleepovers and overnight and not forgetting panty liners for those days in between.
The pretty part is that it all comes packaged in a cute 1930s style candy-striped boudoir box, that’s colour-coded depending on the absorption needed. So next time you need to send your boyfriend/husband/brother out for your supplies, he’ll know exactly what he needs to buy.

Available from Waitrose, Boots and Superdrug stores nationwide.
http://www.moxieproducts.co.uk/

Daisy Lowe models for Mango

Here’s a sneak peak at Daisy Lowe modeling the new Spring Summer campaign for Mango.

Having previously modeled on the catwalks for Burberry, Vivienne Westwood and Chanel, she’s now established herself as a recognised model.

Here are five fun facts on Daisy:
She studied at South Hampstead High School.
She still needs to talk to her mum, the fashion designer Pearl Lowe every day.
In 2008, Daisy made a recording in a New York studio with producer Mark Ronson who she also dated.
Posed nude along with her then boyfriend Will Blondelle, for the cover of the August 2007 edition of i-D magazine
Daisy Lowe had her first taste of modeling when she was only 2 years old

Rachel Stevens Shows her Support to the Teenage Cancer Trust

Rachel Stevens has launched a fabulous necklace and it’s all in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The necklace features a long chain and is decorated with an oversize jewelled flower.
Speaking about her support of the charity, Rachel Stevens said: “Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic charity which makes such a difference to the lives of young people with cancer across the whole of the country. I was really happy to help launch the one-off necklace that Dune has designed in aid of the charity. I love fashion and accessories and this necklace is perfect for winter outfits, so get your hands on one now so you don’t miss out and at the same time do something positive for teenagers with cancer.”
The Teenage Cancer Trust focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer. They provide specialist teenage units in NHS hospitals, which are designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome. As well as state-of-the-art facilities to keep patients occupied during long stays in hospital, the units provide an environment where teenagers can meet others in a similar situation.

The necklace is available from Dune at The Bentall Centre as well as the Bentalls Department store concession. At £45, all profits will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust.
www.thebentallcentre-shopping.com

For more information on Teenage Cancer Trust visit registered charity, no. 1062559 www.teenagecancertrust.org

Christmas Gift Guide

Yankee candles x 3 Christmas Cupcake, Red Berry & Cedar, Mulled Wine

Lighting Christmas candles is a great way to get your home ready for the festive season. Yankee have come up trumps and produced some really tasty candles that will have your home smelling so good, no one will want to leave.
My favourites are the Christmas Cupcake which smells as good as it sounds, very sweet and yummy plus its calorie free, if you’re driving and can’t drink then light up the Mulled Wine candle because it smells just like the real thing, Red Berry & Cedar smells very spicy with a bit of currants mixed in to give it its fruity flavour.

Each fragrance is available from www.yankeecandle.co.uk
Large Housewarmer Jar £17.99, Medium Housewarmer Jar £14.99 Small Housewarmer Jar £7.49, Tea Lights £5.99 box of 12, Tarts Wax £1.05 each

Christmas Gift Guide

Powder Room Pampering Set £9.99 Beautilicious, Baylis Harding

This Powder Room Pampering set is the ultimate when it comes to indulging yourself. Packed full of Yummy scents including: a bottle of sugar coated Candy Apple body wash, a bottle of Sugar Coated Candy Apple Bath Bubbles, a jar of Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub, a cute little pink rubber duck and a printed door hanger kindly telling people to either, not disturb you or warning people that your a seriously gorgeous girl and it all comes packed in a beautiful keepsake box.

Available from Debenhams and Tesco, or direct from www.baylisandharding.com

Christmas Gift Idea

Lip-Gloss Fairy Cakes, £12.95, The Original Gift Company


With the exception of Valentine’s Day, Christmas can be a busy time for your lips. No doubt a lot of stolen moments will be happening under the mistletoe, so make sure your ready with one of these six cute mini Lip-Gloss Fairy Cakes from The Original Gift Company.

www.theoriginalgift.co.uk

New Look's Idol Range

Ever since Beyonce famously wore their tee during a recent trip to London, Idol has gone on to become one of the hotest names the celebrities want to wear.

So here’s the skinny on the label that’s been given the Beyonce seal of approval.

Idol, launched in September this year, was set up by Donovan Pascal and Mark Herman, who first met back in the late 80s, when they attended the London College of Fashion. After leaving college they went on to set up their first label Revolution with Love.
After going there separate ways, Mark into promotional and marketing and Donovan a freelance stylist, the pair were reunited when they worked at the fashion label Religion.
However the dream of creating their own rock ‘n’ roll fashion label was something they both decided they wanted to do, so they left Religion and collaborated with New Look to create Idol.

The collection, hand-crafted to give it a customised feel, is inspired by ‘80s rock icons such as Debbie Harry, with a vintage rock vibe. Key pieces include: sequin boyfriend blazers, funky jumpsuits, denim, printed tees and dresses. Also featured is Idol footwear which includes, gladiator style stilettos, spike heel peep toe chain ankle boots, accessories continue with chunky necklaces, statement cuffs and bags, in total there are 32 garments and 36 accessories to choose from.
The Idol range proves that having great style does not always; have to come with a hefty price tag.
www.newlook.co.uk, www.idol-london.com

John Rocha Designs Charity T-Shirt

Fashion designer John Rocha along with Giles Deacon, Allegra Hicks, and Zandra Rhodes have all designed t-shirts in aid of the Environmental Justice Foundation’s (EJF) Pick Your Cotton Carefully campaign. Each t-shirt contributes towards helping to raise awareness of the use of forced child labour and the ecological devastation associated with producing the cotton itself.
EJF works to achieve environmental security and resolve the profound human rights abuses associated with cotton production globally, with particular attention being given to the plight of the people of the Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan.
John Rocha says, ‘I am delighted to support the incredible work of the Environmental Justice Foundation Pick Your Cotton Carefully campaign. EJF has identified the environmental abuses associated with growing and harvesting cotton crops, it is time to enforce some protection over the children and farm workers exploited. I hope the t-shirt will heighten awareness and raise valuable funds for the project.’
The t-shirts are produced on organic and fairly traded cotton and printed with organic certified inks. All money raised by EJF from the sale of the t-shirts goes to support the charity’s valuable work.

EJF organic cotton t-shirts available in ladies fitted and men’s classic styles from £30 http://www.ejfoundation.org/shop (worldwide delivery)

Fro-bulous

Getting your hair done should be a time for relaxation, a chance to get pampered and come out looking as fabulous as you’ll ever be.
But unfortunately that’s often not the case. Many of you may know or have even experienced instances when you arrive for your booked appointment, only to find that you’re still last in the queue. And most of you will no doubt be familiar with, having to wait while your hair dresser simultaneous treats you and the rest of the salon.

Thankfully help is at hand to banish all your hair dressing nightmares, curtsey of Errol Douglas’s Red Carpet Ready Service, where you will be personally treated by specially trained experts.
The Service offers bespoke hair treatments, make-up including eye lash extensions and a nail service, all in the privacy and comfort of The Hair Botanical Lounge.
The hair treatments offered are: Fro-bulous, a specific treatment designed for afro and mixed-race hair that includes, protein ceramide and citrus botanicals to strengthen and protect hair from damage, Red Carpet Ready acts like a clear nail varnish to awaken your hair’s colour and shine, Seasonal Disorder for hair damaged by the sun, swimming and overuse of heated appliances, Blissed-out Bride, Tea-Total the essential detox, Yummy Mummy and there’s even a treatment for men too, called the M.O.T (Male Occational Treatment).
Each treatment lasts for 60 minutes and is accompanied with a Booster drink. The treatment I received was the Fro-bulous done by Creative Director Miguel Martin Perez.

Firstly there’s a consultation to decide what treatment your hair needs. My hair was shampooed; using a very comfortable fully reclined bed and backwash, the Matrix Biolage Intensive Strength Fortetherapie treatment was then applied and massaged into my hair. My head was wrapped in a hot towel, and I was left alone with some tranquil music, to be at peace with myself.
After 15 minutes my hair was rinsed out conditioned and blow dried. To complete my treatment I was given my Booster drink of Pineapple Passion, which I really did enjoy.
It truly was a very relaxing experience and one I suggest you should have, because as the saying goes, “…you’re worth it.”

Miguel’s Top Tips

1.Before shampooing your hair, apply conditioner to the ends. This helps to protect against the shampoo, which strips the hair of its essential oils. Do this each time you shampoo and you’ll notice a difference in the condition of your hair.

2.Have a treatment at least once a month, especially if you frequently use heating irons.

3.Try not to rinse out all the conditioner from your hair after shampooing.

4.Use a mixture of Kera Care Leave in Conditioner with the Silken Seal.

5.Always apply a heat protector when using heating irons.

Products Used:

Matrix Biolage Hydrating shampoo

Cera-repair – intensive moisture (hydratherapie)

Avlon Kera Care (leave-in conditioner) and Silken Seal (oil sheen humidity block).


Red Carpet Ready at Errol Douglas – Price list:

Hair treatment (includes blow dry and smoothie) £75 – 60 minutes
MOT (Male Occational Treatment) £60

www.erroldouglas.com, 18 Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 8LB, 020 7235 0110