CONTEST - Design Clothes for Skins 3

Skins 3 is coming soon, and the Skins creators are looking for some bright young things to help them with a very special project. They’ll be creating an online mini episode of Skins that will feature some of the series 3 cast. There are four very important behind the scenes roles that still need to be filled, and one of these is a costume designer.

The mini episode will be screened online in 2009. Entrants need to be between 18 and 23 years old and UK based. The closing date for all four competitions is Tuesday December 9th at 6pm.

COSTUME DESIGNERS!

Skins are looking for a costume designer to lead the costume design for the mini episode and style and/or design costumes for the Skins cast.

If you’re chosen for this amazing opportunity, you will be involved in the process from day one. You will attend the set of Skins series 3 for a week where you will get to meet the Skins costume designer and pick up valuable experience.

You will then meet up with the Skins team during the planning and designing period. Don’t worry if this is all new to you – Skins prides itself on spotting and nurturing new talent, and will be there to support you every step of the way. Filming will take place over four days and you will attend the full shoot to witness filming and make any final tweaks to the costumes.

Entrants need to pick a character from two choices provided on e4.com and design their costume. For full details and to enter CLICK HERE.

DRINK - Glacéau Vitaminwater...How Refreshing!

Do you spend all day rushing around only to fall in a heap by dinner time? Perhaps you need a way to refuel and fill your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Glacéau Vitaminwater is an active lifestyle drink from New York and you can now get it here in the UK. There are 6 flavours to try, each made with spring water and a combination of vitamins to give you a boost when you need it most.

Naturally, I decided it was best to put them to the test and report my findings to The Style PA readers.

Power-C - dragonfruit (c+b's)
This was the panel's definite favourite. A great flavour that just makes you want to drink more and more. The vitamins are an added bonus to help you feel a bit more 'on the ball'.

Essential - orange-orange (c+calcium)
This is great as an alernative to your usual breakfast drink to help kick start your day. The orange is subtle but pleasant enough. Smokers will benefit from the hit of vitamin c to replace lost nutrients.

Spark - tropical citrus (b+guarana)
My tester loved this flavour, as it is really fresh and zingy. This one has natural caffeine and guarana so would suit a gym goer who needs some fuel for a good workout.

Multi-V - lemonade (b+zinc)
The lemonade vitamin water was pretty subtle, so if you are not much a a fruit fan then this is the one for you. It also has various vitamins in so is a good all round drink to pep you up.

Revive - fruit punch (b+potassium)
A really tasty and refreshing flavour perfect for a morning or lunchtime pick me up. A great alternative to a glass of 'nutrient empty' squash

Defence - raspberry-apple (c+zinc)
Feeling under the weather? This one is perfect for you. Essential vitamin c packed in a comforting apple and raspberry drink. Forget Lucozade and get some nutrients and the water that your body requires to help flush out those nasties.

The drinks are best enjoyed straight from the fridge, or in a glass with ice. Remember though that these are designed to give you a boost so watch the sugar content. One bottle a day should be all you need to get a body and mind boost. Swap you calorific soft drinks and energy drinks for a Vitaminwater and feel the benefit. Even 50 Cent is grabbing a piece of the action (watch the advert below)

50 Cent Vitamin Water Commercial - The best bloopers are a click away

CELEBRITIES - Gucci and UNICEF Unite

On November 19th, Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini and Grammy winning artist Rihanna lit the UNICEF Snowflake in New York City, At 23 feet in diameter, over 28 feet in height and weighing 3,300 pounds, the UNICEF Snowflake is the largest outdoor chandelier of its kind. It’s adorned with 16,000 Baccarat crystal prisms and has become an iconic fixture during the holiday season as a reminder of UNICEF’s commitment to do whatever it takes to save a child.

Following the lighting there was a cocktail party in the Gucci Fifth Avenue flagship store to celebrate the launch of the tattoo heart bag collection to Benefit UNICEF. Check out what the ladies were wearing as they sauntered down the red carpet...

Rihanna went for a little red number, teamed with tights (I don't blame her!) with Mary J Blige choosing to coordinate her look with the scenery and Gucci's accent colour, bronze.

Blake Lively looked stunning in a simple black and white ensemble, while Madonna turned up in an outfit that seemed to be inspired by Sesame Street and Peter Pan. Just plain wrong in my opinion, and far too much makeup too.

Supermodel Erin Wasson had trouble filling out even the skinniest of patent trousers and Frida Giannini dazzled in a chic, black, sequin dress.

To find out how you can help UNICEF visit the charity's website.

GIFT - Leia Lingerie Experience

Elixir by Lejaby

Most women can relate to the predicament of receiving a gift that simply does not fit. You then find yourself battling through the hectic January sales in an attempt to exchange it. An estimated, one in three lingerie gifts were returned after last Christmas due to the wrong size and fit.

Buying lingerie as a gift is hard. There are so many sizes and styles on offer, it is no surprise that many of us get it wrong. Leia is planning to help you make the right choice this Christmas because finding the perfect size is quite simply the perfect gift.

From November customers will be able to purchase a “Leia Experience” voucher either for themselves or as a gift for Christmas. The “experience” consists of a specially booked bra fitting session by one of our trained experts at the store closest to them.

Customers can choose from a wide selection of lingerie in all shapes and sizes and will also receive an exclusive Leia goody bag to take home. Aside from their perfect lingerie, the goody bag will include:

• A product of their choice from the range of ‘Useful Chick Stuff’
• Jemma Kidd make-up
• An appointment voucher from leading UK hairdresser SAK’s

The experiences are available for purchase to the value of both £50 and £100.

Click here to find a store near you.

TIPS - Run it Right Marathon Tricks

Photo Credit: archivalproject on Flickr.com

Anyone thinking of running a spring marathon has probably already started training hard, but are you doing things right?

NYC podiatrist Dr. Johanna Youner is one of the premier cosmetic foot surgeons in the country. She leads the well-known practice, Park Avenue Podiatric Associates. Here are her tips to keep feet in tip-top shape and for feeling like a champion at the finish line:

• Stretching – Stretching primes the body for strenuous activity so be sure to stretch before and after running, paying special attention to the calves, hamstrings, quads and feet

• Shoes – Invest in a good pair of running shoes as they provide the specific impact support that running demands; if feet sweat heavily try putting talcum powder in your shoes to keep feet dry

• Orthodics – If you have arch or heel pain, you may be a perfect candidate for orthodics, which are now widely available in over-the-counter varieties; visit your doctor to learn what option is best for you

• Socks – Cotton socks absorb moisture and what you don’t want during the marathon are wet socks; opt instead for a synthetic sock (containing acrylic) to help keep moisture from your skin thus reducing the likelihood of a fungal growth. Another secret of the pros is to avoid situating the seams in a place where the shoe is tight – the pressure can force the seam to dig into the skin causing pain and blistering
  

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications – Do not preemptively pop Advil to prevent aches that may arise during the race; pain is a valuable indicator during high-impact events and taking anti-inflammatory medications will mask any red flags the foot sends up during the race

• Groom Toenails – Make sure your toenails are trimmed to no longer than the tip of toes before the race to avoid a painful ingrown toenail or even a fungal nail

• Blisters – Blisters result from excessive friction between shoes and feet so take preventative steps by making sure shoes fit properly and are laced up to fit snugly; if you are prone to blisters, apply Vaseline to problem areas prior to your run or try padded “blister proof” socks like those made by Thorlo. Dr. Youner also suggests applying moleskin to problem areas also prevents blisters from forming

• Finish Line – When the race is complete, Dr. Youner prescribes RICE: Rest your feet, Ice feet to keep inflammation and swelling down, Compress with ACE wraps to reduce swelling and Elevate feet to help them rest up for the next big run.

JEWELLERY - 5 of the Best Rose Jewellery

The classic rose is an iconic detail that has always been in style. With the ladylike trend a big prediction for Spring 2009, there couldn't be a better time to find yourself a floral jewel for chic accessorising. Opt for costume jewellery and you can get the look for a tiny price too, everything here costs under £30.

Floral Resin Rose Cocktail Ring - Talullah Tu - £10

Crystal Rose hair Clip - Treasure Box - £17.95

Petunia Rose Bangle - Anna Lou of London - £22


Silver Rose Earrings - Rockett St George - £28


Silver Rose Pendant - Pistachio - £17.50

JEWELLERY - Poison Apple Robot Earrings

Robot Lightning Earrings - Poison Apple - $20

I just love these cute earrings. The retro style is quirky and fun and they remind me of Ironman (which I happen to think is a great film) They are actually replicas of a robot that featured in a 1979 Disney film. They sit alongside brass lightning bolts and are attached to gold plated earwires, to care for even sensitive ears.

Why not check out the other great items in the Poison Apple collection.

PARTY - Get Lippy Website Re-Launch

The Benefit Ladies with BB's Dale and Stuart

I went off to the launch party last night, for the re-vamped GetLippy.com website, the online face of Company Magazine. Cosmos were served in a trendy club in London with a light up, glass dance floor. I took along a pal to scout out some celebs and check out what all the lovely ladies were wearing. Outfit of the evening had to be the brunette in a green, short belted dress, with a tiny black leather jacket. I love that look! There were also a couple of black sequin dresses, and stirrup tights on more than one person. I am still not sure about those!

Stuart and Dale from this year's Big Brother were having fun mingling with the ladies and Stuart seemed particularly impressed with the benefit cosmetics that were out for guests to try. I love the thrrrob face powderwhich just so happened to be a gift in everyone's goodie bags.

Party Gossip from www.getlippy.com

• Make up wearing Big Brother star Stuart Pilkington exclusively revealed that he is releasing his own mens make up range at the beginning of next year.
  

• Dale Howard of Big Brother fame was stood up by reportedly new girlfriend Naomi Millbank Smith (from shipwrecked) and spent most of the evening texting and on the phone! Is someone a little loved up? Dale Howard also told Get Lippy that he will be bringing out his own aftershave by the end of the year!

• Another confident young man enjoying the party was Adam Child (Shipwrecked) who turned up without socks on. He must think he is still on a desert island!

All Images copyright James Naylor / jamesnaylor.com

BRAND - Celeb Favourite Parkvogel Goes Eco

Molly Henley Cashmere Top - $207.90

Parkvogel's Julie Park and Vanessa Vogel have a new addition to their current ranges with the launch The Organic Collection, which includes separates and dresses. According to Vogue, Jessica Alba and Cindy Crawford are already fans of the label.

The fabric is 93 per cent organic cotton with 7 per cent Lycra and has been developed especially for the brand to appeal to eco-conscious buyers.

Crew Organic Cotton Top - $53.90

Find out more at www.parkvogel.com.

COSMETICS - Custom Made Make-Up

According to Prescriptives, there is no better accessory than flawless skin; and they are right. With a great complexion, you don't need much else in the way of make up.

Prescriptives offer custom blend make-up that has been hand mixed, measured and made to your own requirements. Products such as foundation, tinted moisturiser, powder and concealer can all be made to suit your skin type exactly. The products are absolutely perfect for brides to be, or for other special occasions where being photographed is likely.

This service is available exclusively at House of Fraser. Click the link below to visit the website and find out more.