ODD - For the Love of Uniforms

Most people have a habit of collecting something and some people have odd or unique collections. Cliff Muskiet's collection is a little extreme but also strangely fascinating. Cliff collects Air stewardess uniforms and his collection currently contains 758 uniforms from over 300 different airlines.

PSA

It is a fantastic way to view those little quirks and trends that make their way into these work uniforms. Some are really smart, some a little garish and others are quite unusual.

British Airways

Looking at various cultures in this way is great fun and you can literally see the trends of the decade epitomised within each uniform. The power dressing 80s are evident in uniforms from the period.

LTU

You will notice the pussy bow blouse has always been a hit with these uniforms, as has the pencil skirt. But in the sixties and seventies, I am quite shocked by how short the skirts were.

France

So if you have some time to spare, why not take a look. You might just find some inspiration there. www.uniformfreak.com

EVENT - 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty

The jam packed calendar of events

The National Magazine Company is ready for the launch of one of its most ambitious and exciting projects to date - the UK's biggest ever fashion and beauty event, 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty which aims to reach more than 10 million women across the country

30 Days of Fashion & Beauty, a stylish month-long, multi-media spectacular, will involve some of the world's leading fashion and beauty brands and reach more than 10 million women across the UK.

Launching on 1 September 2008, the fashion and beauty festival will be jam packed with amazing events across the country every day for the next 30 days. Money raised from 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty will be donated to the UK's leading breast cancer charities.

As part of the festival, leading photographer Mary McCartney has been commissioned to produce an exhibition of iconic photographs to celebrate what fashion and beauty means to the British consumer. A selection of the photographs will be auctioned for charity at a glittering party during London Fashion Week. The exhibition will then be open to the public at a London gallery.

Sign up and get all the latest information at www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.co.uk

STYLE NO NO - Scrunchies are bad!

Photo Credit: Ma1974 on Flickr.com

The scrunchie is something I cannot allow. You know the kind I am talking about, velvet or satin, in garish colours, or even worse patterns, sometimes with glitter and occasionally even with netting.

I continue to see grown women wearing them and I ask myself why? Once you reach 12, (maybe 14 if you are uncool) all scrunchies should be given away, thrown away or preferably burnt ceremoniously.

Photo Credit: ramkrsna on flickr.com

There is nothing at all wrong with hairbands, hair clips and other methods of tying back your hair, as I completely understand the need for it. You just won't catch me off to the gym with a lilac, satin monstrosity in my hair. Girls, you should know better! Get yourself down to primark where you can buy a huge bunch of black hairbands for £1, you will never look back!

TRENDS - Hair That Speaks Volumes

Photo Credit: macb3th on flickr.com

Big hair is back! Subtle sixties details have found their way into the Autumn / Winter trends and hair and beauty is no exception. A little bit of back combing is recommended but instead of wild this look should be glamourous and groomed. Team with a sixties style shift dress, pink lipgloss and black eyeliner.

Photo Credit: Simon Pais-Thomas on flickr.com

You will need a good shampoo and conditioner and some serious blowdrying, teasing the hair up at the roots. Using a large round brush will make things easier as will a root lift serum. If you pin sections up then you will no doubt want a firm hold hairspray and a little bit of backcombing will make that all important height possible.

Photo Credit: Simon Pais-Thomas on flickr.com

The key here though is bouncy and shiny, big hair. Not 80's frizz, or stiff beehives. Celebrity role models are Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Beckinsale... no Amy Winehouses please.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK - Taer Icelandic Mist Toner

Photo Credit: Tom Olliver on flickr.com

Iceland is noted for its crystal clear springs and pure water. Natural resources are the perfect addition to beauty products as they are effective but gentle. Taer Icelandic produces luxurious skincare products based on the principles that natural goods are better for people and for the planet. All herbs are chosen from sustainable sources, and coming from Iceland, are renowned for their purity and potency.

I have been testing the mist toner from Taer Icelandic. Ingredients include yarrow which can help remedy inflammation and lemon peel to detoxify. Of course the mist also contains crystal-clear pure Icelandic mineral water, and ingredients that boast anti-aging properties... always a bonus!

Mist Toner (100ml) - Taer Icelandic - £24.50

My skin was in need of a pick me up, with a few blemishes evident in my T-zone area. I used the mist for just over a week every evening after cleansing, and also whenever I felt in need of a boost to my skin. The mist can even be used after applying cosmetics to add a dewy glow and set make up. Skin immediately feels refreshed and my boyfriend commented on my glowing complexion which was a very good start. It even smells refreshing.

This product would be perfect for sunny holidays when skin is in need of moisture. If we were lucky enough to have a heatwave in this country, I would be tempted to keep it at my desk for freshening up during the day.

I would also recommend this mist for those who work in front of a computer screen all day or spend time in an air conditioned environment. Believe me, your skin will thank you for the extra hydration! Toning mists are ideal for sensitive skin, and dry skin will really benefit from the extra hydrating properties.

Taer Icelandic products make perfect gifts for friends or family.

Browse the full product range

VIDEO - Gossip Girl Season 2 Extended Preview

Photo Credit: tadekk on flickr.com

I fully intend to lose part of my life to the forthcoming new series of Gossip Girl. Unfortunately the UK release date is not yet confirmed, but you lucky Americans can start watching from 1 September.

View the extended preview here

THE GRAPEVINE - Starving for Fashion

I have to admit I love my food, and I am not sure I could choose between food and clothes, but it seems many women are doing just that. 32% of British females would starve for fashion, and half of the female population are spending more on clothes and accessories each month than they are on food, according to a celebrity fashion website, prompting the new diet phrase “fashiorexia”.

The British public have been gorging themselves on fashion, not food, this summer so far, with nearly half, 49%, of people admitting to spending more on looking good than eating, and 18% of people spending more than half their wages each month on clothes and accessories.

Despite the Credit Crunch and reports that the public are now spending less on non-essential items, 49% of fashion hungry shoppers are spending more on their appearance on a monthly basis than food, according to research of 4,315 female members of the general public by star style stealing website www.MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk.


A huge 32% of the women polled said that they would prefer to go without food if it meant making a fashion purchase, confessing, when asked, to belonging to the term ‘fashiorexic’, pronounced fash-o-rexic. 28% of people claim that this ‘diet’ keeps their weight in check. When broken down further, a huge 52% of 18-25 year olds belong to this train of thought.

71% of 18-25 year old females spend £150+ per month on clothing and accessories, of which 16% spend more than half their wages on looking good.

Speaking about the results, celebrity fashion website MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk Head Fashionista, Jill Tovey said,

“Fashion is clearly still a thriving industry, despite the economy. More people are searching for the best deals and bargains online rather than traipse the high streets, and clearly enjoying themselves whilst doing it!”

MOST WANTED - Zagliani Metallic Python Bag

Zagliani Metallic Python Bag - Matches Fashion - £1318

Black metallic python is the material of choice for this luxurious and indulgent handbag. Every woman should invest in a great black bag and this one, if funds allowed, would be my investment. Who needs savings anyway right? The metal chain handle is classic yet modern and the finish is exquisite. Apparently J-Lo is a fan, so this brand has the celebrity following of other more well known designers. And Zagliani is ahead of the game too, even injecting the leather of some of the range with silicone for a more supple material. One blogger calls it botox for the bag!

TREND NO NO - Knitted Ugg Boots

Ugg Knitted Boot - ASOS - £110

Ugg boots were a bit of a sensation a couple of winters ago, and of course the brand would love to keep interest in their products at a high... this knitted boot however is just not the way to do it. If you think footwear should look like your granny made it then these boots are for you, but if like me you prefer something a little classier then avoid them at all costs.

In my honest opinion, these are good for 1 thing and that is as slippers, and I can't remember the last time I spent over £100 on a pair of slippers. Anyone care to disagree with me?

Related Posts:
BARGAIN - Knitted Boots for less

SHOP OF THE WEEK - French Connection

frenchconnection.co.uk

In 1972, when French Connection was conceived, they set out to create well-designed, stylish clothing that appealed to a broad market. French Connection has since become synonymous with fashion and style.

The Autumn Winter 08 collection is a step back in time to beautifully refined, design-led fashion using luxurious fabrics, unique detailing and modest volume, all with the French Connection twist making it utterly desirable.

Tailoring is key - from super skinny trouser silhouettes, to loose masculine tailoring given a feminine touch with front pleating and ankle gathering. Blazers take influence from pirate couture in double-breasted cuts with bronze fastening detail. Shirts are buttoned up with puff sleeve detail, vintage inspired prints and covered mini buttons. You will have your pick for office wear with a modern twist.

Dresses focus on daywear styles. Body conscious knit styles are contrasted against flowing, flirty halter necks with bold embellishment. Belted 40's shirt dresses dominate the collection in slinky jersey with glamorous gold buttons, as the season progresses the style is updated with vintage prints on satin fabrics.

Evening dresses are given an edgy, early 60's feel. Elsewhere opulent knitwear patterns are translated onto super silky tunics with delicate beading on hems and necklines. Solange's new music video has the look down just right.

Outerwear is dominated by the traditional pea coat, given added detailing with pvc or bold brass military fastenings. Wool is contrasted against throw-over, super-luxe wet look macs and pastel tweed bomber jackets with pvc trimmings.

Check out the store's current bestsellers...

Dee Jeans

Bit Shirt

Dazzle Shoes

THE GRAPEVINE - Drive-through Chemist Opens in Essex

Photo Credit: xrrr on flickr.com

Usually getting a prescription means a lengthy wait in your chemist, probably after hours of looking for a parking space. Things may be changing though if the new Boots store in Colchester is anything to go by.

The store occupies a former McDonalds drive-through site and the concept is entirely the same. Instead of fast food, you get a fast prescription service. At the first window you hand over the slip and at the second you get your medication, just minutes later.

According to Marie Claire, over 3000 drive-in chemists are already active in the USA and prove extremely popular.

The store's manager says ''It's ideal for people with children or who are disabled. You don't have to worry about finding a parking space, getting the children out of the car seat and into a buggy or a person into a wheelchair. It's all done without stepping out of the car'

For the rest of us it might seem like us Britons are getting lazier, but I think it more likely that we are becoming a nation of workaholics. I think it a shame that most people don't even have the time to take care of their health properly.

Thoughts...?

HINTS, TIPS, TRICKS - Updating for Autumn

Featured below is The Times' checklist for updating your wardrobe for this autumn. I have added in some extra stores for those of us on a budget. The key is to spend more money on the trends that will last and less on the fads that will pass quickly. If you want advice before you invest then drop me an email jenny@thestylepa.com.

Checklist: Autumn/Winter 2008

1. High-waisted, 7/8th-length trousers. Try: Whistles or Miss Selfridge

2. Cropped jacket or blazer. Before buying, try it on with a pair of the above. You'll find that what complemented hipsters may not work with the new geometry. Try: Jigsaw or Topshop

3. Military or wrap coat or one with slit short sleeves for layering. Try: French Connection or Zara

4. Concealed platform shoes or ankle boots - we're over bondage - and a pair of flats. Try: Office and Kurt Geiger or New Look or Faith

5. Polonecks and other fine knits for layering and tucking into high waists. Try: Pure Cashmere and Hoss Intropia, Tesco or Asda

6. A leather jacket - biker style. Wear it with classic, simple pieces for extra edge. Try:Topshop or New Look

7. A rococo-style necklace. Try: Mikey or Accessorize.

8. A narrow belt to thread through the loops of those high-waisted trousers. Try: Gap, Matalan or Primark.

9. Longer-length skirts - either pencil-shaped or slightly gathered at the waist are the newest. If you can't bear calf or ankle-length, don't worry, knee-length refuses to die and there are even some minis. Try: Zara, Primark or Peacocks.

10. A fitted or semi-fitted sleeveless dress: this winter's sophisticated antidote to the put-it-away or give-it-away smock dress. Try: M&S Limited and Jigsaw or TK Maxx

Click here to read the full article at Times Online

TRENDS - Gothic Romance

A couple of months ago I predicted that Gothic would be big for Autumn, and every fashion magazine is now featuring the trend. The key to getting this look right is to go for either make up or outfit. Don't wear black lipstick and head to toe black lace, it will just look scary.

The easiest way is to take some black ruffles and lace and incorporate it into your current wardrobe. A gothic blouse with your skinny jeans teamed with bright red nails for example. See below for some inspiration...

Tumi Boutique Lace Trim Jersey Dress - ASOS - £50


Derek Lam Lace Pencil Skirt - Matches - £678


Scallop Panel Top - Topshop - £45

STOGO Boots - Faith - £80

MOST WANTED - Andrew GN Halterneck Dress

Andrew GN Long Dress with Halterneck - My Wardrobe - £2810

Some dresses just make me really want to be a celebrity, that way I could borrow this and give it back afterwards. At the very least you would need a very formal event to warrant a spend like this. The gorgeous gown features a jewel embellished neckline and pleated bodice and straps. The floor sweeping skirt flows beautifully and the colour is perfect for Autumn/Winter moving away from the brights that have flooded the high street this summer.

I just hope they take credit cards...?

DESIGNER - Party Noire

Three months after releasing a new high-end collection, Alina Cosma's label Party Noire is growing and presents a second line -The Singles.

Headquartered in Bucharest and living online, Party Noire specialises in the ultimate feminine article, the dress. The Label's unique identity is reflected in the fusion of simplicity and sophistication, luxurious and understated, creating chic power dresses that appeal to women who value uniqueness over label status. The collection's signature color is black.

Visit www.partynoire.com for more details.

5 OF THE BEST - Ghetto Gold

The celebs have been spotted wearing their gold jewellery yellow toned and very chunky. Even Madonna has been draped in gold chains. Stick to one shade of gold rather than mixing and team with a classy outfit. The appeal of this look is that it is a clash against ladylike attire. Here are some of the best finds from the web...

Giles & Brother Chain Link Necklace - Browns Fashion - £90

Double Wrap Around Cuff - ASOS - £10

Blu Hammered Cuff - Max & Chloe - $46

Muse Multi Chain Necklace - My Wardrobe - £486

Roberto Cavalli Oversized Link Necklace - £775

FREE 'YOU GET IT BACK' KEYRING

Do you have a habit of losing things? How much of an inconvenience would it be to lose your house, work and car keys? Car keys for a start can cost a small fortune to replace...The Lost and Found Company has the answer. They will offer a reward and help to retrieve your keys if you lose them. All you need is one of their special coded keyrings. Once attached to your keys you activate it online at www.yougetitback.com and are then protected for three years. If someone happens to find your keys they can call a freephone hotline and claim a reward. The Lost and Found Company arrange for your keys to be be returned to you.

Get a FREE keyring pack worth £8.99

The Style PA has 3 keyring packs to give away, each worth £8.99. All you need to do is sign up to The Style PA official mailing group. 3 winners will be picked at random from the subscriber list and notified by email. Sign up by clicking the link below, or adding your email address to the Google Groups box in the right hand column of this page.

Sign me up!

*The Style PA Mailing list is provided by Google groups. Your details will never be passed to a third party and you will be contacted no more than twice a week.

TREND NO NO - Peep Toe Boots

Peep Toe Ankle Boots - Marni - £425

Have you ever thought to yourself, it is boot weather but my toes are just a bit too hot? No, I didn't think so. Peep toe boots are a bizarre concept if you ask me and they don't look much better. No functional reason, no fashion reason. Give me my boots with the toes intact please, and leave peep toes for my stilettos. After all, it rains a lot in the UK and I would rather not have my feet swimming about in water.

Chloe Peep Toe Boots - Start London - £429.50

Who is with me?

EVENT - FaCshion Exhibition

FaCshion is the very first two-day exhibition that targets both trade buyer and fashionista in London. Held on Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September 2008 at the Old Truman Brewery, this is a key fashion calendar event, hosting four catwalk shows alongside 50 specially selected exhibitors.

As well as presenting a range of emerging designers specialising in everything from couture to customised fashion, knitwear, lingerie, footwear and accessories, FaCshion will be showcasing the best in ethical fashion labels. With the current climate for ethical awareness, going green has been made accessible and fashionable through a range of exciting, fresh and on-trend designers.

Newly released ethical names exhibiting include:

TraSsh (Ethical Handbags)FaCshion - TraSsh
TraSsh is an alternative label, mixing both fashion with ethics, in a bid to attract a fresher, stylish audience. Each TraSsh Bag contains striking designs on organic unbleached cotton. The additional benefit of the TraSsh bag is that it can be folded up for convenience so you never have to be without it.

Lalesso (Ethical Womenswear)FaCshion - Lalesso
Inspired by vibrant colours and intriguing prints, this exclusive summer fashion brand encapsulates the pure spirit of holiday, sunshine, sea and sand. Through its eye-catching designs, Lalesso supports the threatened cotton industry as well as the textile manufacturing industry in both Kenya and Tanzania.

FaCshion - Emma LevinsonEmma Levinson (Recycled Jewellery)
Bespoke charm jewellery produced using charms dedicatedly sourced from junk and car boot sales, to create a selection of unique pieces with a personal touch.

SHARA (Fair Trade Womenswear)FaCshion - SHARA
SHARA is a feminine, sophisticated, and delightfully different type of womenswear label. SHARA'S signature lies in its use of exuberant colour and beautiful design. Using ultra feminine fabrics like silks, chiffons and crepe, SHARA beautifully embellishes and transforms them into sassy dresses. SHARA passionately believes in devoting itself to the cause of helping orphans, with a large amount of profit going to help different orphanages in India.

THE GRAPEVINE - Zara Takes the Top Spot

Photo Credit: Chris Via on flickr.com

Zara has announced profits that make it the world's largest clothing retailer, a title formerly held by Gap. The Spanish store has just recorded a 9% increase in sales, to a huge €2.22billion (£1.7bn).

Gap's sum was €2.17bn and I must say I am surprised the store does so well. My opinion of Gap has always been that it is full of bland, basics. There is obviously a place for this, but it surprises me to find that this strategy has enabled Gap to be such a profitable retailer. Perhaps it is the case that they charge luxury prices for basic items and so the mark up is high. Zara offers a much more exciting range encompassing wardrobe staples and fashion must haves.

Marie Claire reports 'Zara comes up trumps time and time again. While Gap is still seen as a great place for basics, it fails to respond to catwalk trends in quite the same way and doesn't appear to move at the break-neck fashion speed which Zara does so expertly'.


Here are my favourite retailers for affordable trend following.

• Primark
• Zara
• Topshop
• Karen Millen
• ASOS
  

TRENDS - Two Tone Talons

Photo Credit: Andra Marin on flickr.com

The new look for nails is two tone. Take inspiration from the ombre trend and go for gradients of colours. Monocrome is a great one too. Give it a modern edge by having a white base and black tips or even red with black tips to vamp it up. Red is going to be a big accessory colour for Autumn/Winter so make sure you have a red nail polish in your make up kit.

Photo Credit : Leannz0r on flickr.com

If you are feeling especially creative you may be able to create a dip dyed look with 2 or three shades of colour. E.g. a shocking through to baby pink, or navy through to sky blue. Start by painting the bottom of your nails in the darkest colour, then before they are dry, paint with the next, letting the colours run into each other. Allow plenty of time to dry once complete et voila!

Photo Credit: charleymot on flickr.com

Try these colours together for a tropical lift...