WINNER - Taer Icelandic Beauty Goodies

CONGRATULATIONS

I am pleased to announce that Paula O'Brien is the lucky winner of these indulgent beauty treats from Taer Icelandic. Enjoy!

Keep your eyes out for a new competition coming soon. Join the Google group mailing list to be notified first.

Silky Refining Scrub - £19.50

Active firming Serum - £47

TIPS - Remedy a Bad Hair Day

Some days just aren't worth getting the hair brush out for, let alone the tongs and irons. On days like this, what you really need is a quick fix that will have you out the door and looking presentable in no time at all. Here are my favourite hair drama fixes...


The Quick Slick Ponytail

Apply some gel, or straightening balm around the hairline to tame any flyaways, be sure to check all the way round and by your ears too. Tie the hair in as high a ponytail as you can without any hair escaping. Finish with a spritz of lasting hold hairspray. I recommend MOP.

Photo Credit: www.stylee.com

The Careless Bun

Grab some tongs and loosely curl the ends of your hair, without being too prim. Bring back the hair loosely with your fingers and allow some to tumble down. Fasten into a bun with a twist and if required pop in some grips to hold things in place. To finish opt for some high shine spray to allow movement. I recommend Charles Worthington.

Photo Credit: Adri L on Flickr.com

Low and Behold

Comb hair backwards from behind the fringe (if you have one). Take the hair loosely with the fingers and tie in a ponytail at the base of the neck. Pop a wide headband on and the job is done. If headbands are not your thing, then try a flower adorned hairband to brighten things up.

Photo Credit: neil-san on Flickr.com

STYLE - Tailored and Simpy Stunning

Click here for stockists

I think this week I finally got old. Not because it was by birthday (although it was) and not because I found a wrinkle/grey hair. The reason I am now officially old is because I see the merit in a jeans and smart blazer combination.

I know that there are celebs who are spring chickens who carry off the look, take Mary Kate and Ashley for example. But I feel I could not have worked it when I was younger. That said I have always admired stars like Jennifer Aniston who have made this their trademark style. It works; you don't always have to be daring and take risks. You don't even have to follow the latest trends, sometimes simple is stunning.

The smart suit jacket is even appearing more frequently on the red carpet with Gwyneth Paltrow being on of the latest to sport one with a leather skirt. At this transitional time of year, the blazer is perfect for keeping you warm, but not overheating you like a wool trench coat would. Try Next, Principles, Debenhams for a high street Blazer fix. For something quirky or different shop smaller, smart boutiques.

BEAUTY - £1 Cosmetics From Primark

Photo Credit: incurable_hippie on Flickr.com

How cheap is too cheap when it comes to what you put on your face?

Primark is selling cosmetics and beauty products starting from £1 and it got me wondering... Wearing cheap clothing is one thing; a button might fall off but at that price you are probably only planning to wear it a few times anyway. When it comes to cosmetics and face creams there are ingredients and chemicals to think about. I worry that inferior components might end up causing you more trouble than it's worth.

I have tried their body scrub and body lotion, and would say that they were worth the pound but no more. A bit too liquid and a bit of an odd scent if I am perfectly honest. I would stick to something from Boots as there are always great offers, that way you needn't spend much more than a quid and can get a lot more for your money.

Has anyone else sampled the Primark cosmetic range yet? If yes, what do you think of it? Any ideas why I am happy to buy clothes at bargain prices, but am more cautious when it comes to beauty products?

And here is a reason to Love Primark, just to balance things out of course!

Photo Credit: mafleen on Flickr.com

BRAND - Orion London for Fabulous Frocks

Primrose Dress - £60

This brand sells a great range of dresses, cardigans and accessories with herringbone, flower and graphic prints. You can also find them in selected Topshop stores. These frocks have been featured in all the magazines that matter and a handful of celebrities have already cottoned on and bought theirs. Fitting perfectly with this season's folk trend, the whole range has a bohemian feel.Ivy Buckle Elasticated Belt - £24

Unicorn Dress - £59

WIN - Signed Sex and the City Script

Fancy nabbing a SATC script signed by the Director himself, or perhaps you just want a copy of the hit film on DVD. Over at handbag.com they are giving away these great prizes and all you need to do is answer one little question to be in with a chance. How many series of Sex and the City have there been? The competition closes on 15th October 2008.

Hop on over to handbag.com to enter your details.

OFFER - Free Delivery at Avon

With this pesky credit crunch we could all do with a break. Avon are giving it to us, with free delivery all day on Wednesday 24th September. Stock up on essentials and take advantage of the numerous special offers on cosmetics, beauty and hair products. Not to mention fragrance, lingerie and accessories. There is something for everyone!

AVON Free Delivery Day - 24th of October 2008 - get free delivery on every order!

JEWELLERY - Pink Treasures from H.Samuel for Breakthrough Breast Cancer

H.Samuel, High Street Jeweller, is launching a range of gifts and jewellery during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the UK’s leading breast cancer charity and a charity that I support myself.

The selection of hand picked gifts with splashes of pink includes watches, collectibles and jewellery and each product will carry a 10% donation to Breakthrough. All proceeds from H.Samuel in-store collection boxes, pink ribbon pins and phone charms will go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, to help the charity continue its vital breast cancer research, campaigning and education work.

Why not get a head start on the Christmas shopping and give something back to a great cause at the same time.

View more of the range at the H.Samuel website.

BEAUTY - Free Delivery on the New Plum BADgal Mascara

badgal plum mascara

Highlight your natural eyecolour while lushifying your lashes with the new BADgal plum mascara from Benefit.

This rich, luxurious plum mascara warms up the colour of your eyes... so everyone else'll warm up to YOU. A welcome change from boring black or brown.

BADgal plum features the same famous bad gal lash formula & the same oluminous brush for lavishly long lashes.

Benefit Cosmetics – Free Delivery for BAD Gal Plum

CAUSE - Lens Shopper Supports World Sight Day 2008

I have recently had my own sight scare. After accidentally leaving my contact lenses in overnight I developed an ulcer which required emergency treatment. I can't stress enough, how important it is to take care of your eyes, I was very lucky but others are not.

Word Sight Day, October 9th 2008, is an annual day of awareness coordinated by the Vision 2020 Global Initiative and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Its aim is to raise global attention concerning the current reality of 300 million people living with blindness and vision impairments worldwide. On WSD, Vision 2020 members work together to:

• Raise awareness of vision impairments and blindness, an international public health issues.
• Involve and influence governing health ministries to distribute funds and resources for national blindness prevention programs.
• Inform of targeted assemblies of the Vision 2020 initiative, as well as generating more support for its program activities.

World Sight Day 2008 is scheduled to open the eyes of the world on Thursday 9th October 2008 and is a global event included in the World Health Organization's official calendar and held every second Thursday of October. The focus this year is on the Ageing Eye:

• About 300 million people are living with a serious vision impairment
• 90 % live in developing countries with little chance of proper treatment.
• More than 80 % of the people living with blindness are over 50 years of age
• Yet 75 % of blindness cases are preventable, curable, or treatable. Over 150 million people live with defective eyesight simply because of uncorrected refractive errors.
  

Visit www.v2020.org/wsd08 and www.iapb.org for more information on how you can help!

Lens shopper is a great website that can help you find the best deals on contact lenses on the web.

SHOES - Towering Heels & Shoe Boots

Shoes are becoming an obsession of mine. There are so many styles to choose from and just when you think there is nothing new that can be done, some crazy shoe materialises to excite you.

Click here for stockists

Gwyneth made towering heels an instant trend with her collection of must have heels all over 4inches high. Thin heels are more on trend but if you are the clumsy type then opt for a sturdier base, a platform or chunky heel is much safer.

Click here for stockists

If the colder weather is already getting to you, then go for a shoe boot. Laced up or zipped up is the way to wear and these are perfect with tights and a mini skirt and ideal with trousers too. Go for a bold colour to brighten up a dark outfit.

TUTORIAL - Doe Deere Does the Elfish Look

Post brought to you by Doe Deere, singer, model and blogger.

Visit her fabulous blogazine for more like this.

INGREDIENTS

* Lime Crime eyeshadows: Mermaid Green, Circus Girl Yellow, Nymph (white/gold sparkle highlighter), Duchess Blue.
* Lip color: hot pink lipstick + violet pigment.
* Blush: Ben Nye rouge in Fuchsia
* Lip liner: dark pink
* Eyeliner: liquid liner in black, pencil in turquoise blue
* Mascara, false eye lashes

Eyes

I wanted something ethereal, magical, elfish. Mermaid green is one of my favorite colors, ever - it goes on smooth, vibrant and super shimmery!

To achieve the brightest color, dab some eyeshadow base OR your favorite foundation over the eyelids with a foam sponge, prior to applying eyeshadow. The color will go on even brighter if you use a wet brush!

Click here for full tutorial

MOTIF - Cherry Well Done

Me and my cherry necklace

I love cherry motifs. Sweet, cute and sexy, they are the perfect icon for this Autumn/Winter. Make sure you buy at least one thing with a cherry on to help update your wardrobe. Designer Ashish covered garments in the summery fruit and what better way to deny the approaching cooler weather than to cover yourself in a print that serves to remind us of summer.

Lyndsay Cherry Print Dress - Jill Stuart @ NET-A-PORTER - £221.25

Black Cherry Print Umbrella - Debenhams - £10

Anouk Cherry Hair Slide - Anna Lou - £10


Verdissima Cherry Bra & Thong - Sophie & Grace - £25.50

TREND - Hot Rock and Pretty Punk

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Kate Moss has been championing this look for years, and it seems to have hit the mainstream at last. Prettify your punk accessories and make like a sexy rock chick. Make it high maintenance rock rather than grungy unwashed rock and you will ooze style.

Some of the nautical items you have knocking around in your wardrobe could also be incorporated into this look, particularly stripes. Horizontal stripes are fine for petites, but for those with a fuller figure make sure the horizontal lines sit loosely on the body.

Zip detailing is also a huge part of this trend, but best to apply to no more than two garments at once, to avoid overkill.

If you get mistaken for Beetlejuice then you have taken the look too far! If someone thinks you are wearing Just Cavalli or Paul Smith then you have got it spot on!

Vero Moda Ruffle Skirt - Asos - £19.99

Claudia Crop Leather Jacket - Twenty8Twelve @ My Wardrobe - £375

Black/White Striped T-Shirt - Blue Banana - £5

TIPS - 10 Consumer Tips you Need to Know

Photo Credit: vasta on flickr.com

Know your rights, stay one step ahead of the retailer and stand your ground when being fobbed off. What Consumer presents its top ten consumer tips everyone should be aware of, while also exposing the myths relating to some of the most common complaints.

1. The responsibility of the seller

Where an item is faulty, of poor quality or not as described, the retailer (or the trader who sold it to you) is liable, not the manufacturer. This remains the case even if you have had the item for several months and the warranty has expired. Therefore do not be fobbed off by shops who tell you to go to the manufacturer or go away entirely because it no longer their responsibility.

2. Did you keep the receipt?

Proof of purchase need not be a till receipt, it can be a bank or credit card statement, or a cheque stub.

3. No refund?

It is perfectly legal for shops to offer only exchanges or credit notes in cases where you have simply changed your mind, or the item is unsuitable. Refunds may only be given where the item is poor quality or not as described. It is unlawful therefore for a shop to display a notice saying ‘no refunds’, as this is misleading and conflicts with your statutory rights.

4. Private sales of second-hand goods

You can only claim breach of your statutory right to quality (Sale of Goods S 14) if the seller is selling ‘in the course of a business’. Therefore extra care should be taken when buying second hand items from a private seller as you will not have this protection.

5. The truth about extended warranties

Extended warranties are sold aggressively on a commission basis and are largely a way for shops to extort extra money for repairs you would be entitled to anyway. Under the Sale of Goods Act and in the absence of any warranty, the retailer is automatically liable for any faults which develop within the first 6 months - and beyond if it can be shown that wear and tear is premature.

6. Pay on credit card

Where possible, always pay for items over £100 by credit card. This is because if there is a problem with the item you bought, the company you bought it from refuses or is unable to give you a refund, the credit card company is equally liable to reimburse you in full.

7. Cooling off periods

Cooling off periods only apply to the purchase of certain products, under certain conditions, or in certain locations. The cancellation period can vary from 5 days to 45 days and you must be advised of your cooling off rights before you buy. Signing a credit agreement or a contract in the shop does not entitle you to any kind of cooling off period, unless it is an insurance product or an extended warranty.

8. Quote or estimate?

Generally speaking an estimate does not amount to an offer and is not legally binding. You should be clear about getting a quote rather than an estimate, as this will then become the final price as agreed as per contract.

9. I shouldn’t have to wait this long!

If there is an excessive delay with a service to be carried out or an item to be delivered, you can write to the company, giving them reasonable notice to perform their contractual obligations, in other words making ‘Time of the Essence’. If this date is not met you will then be entitled to terminate the contract and ask for your money back.

10. Junk mail and telesales

Opt out of receiving junk mail and annoying telesales calls by signing up to the mailing and telephone preference services operated through the DMA.

For more advice like this, visit whatconsumer.co.uk What Consumer is a leading UK consumer advice website that aims to empower and protect consumers against unscrupulous suppliers which is a breath of fresh air.

BEAUTY - Venom Face Cream Selling Like Hot Cakes

Who knew that snake venom would be the next big ingredient in anti-aging creams. Planet skincare contains a synthesized snake venom which reportedly leaves skin stunned in an effect similar to botox.

If you want to avoid an expressionless face then this could be the option for you, as it does not have the same paralysing side effects as botox. The concentrated formula promises up to a 52% reduction in wrinkles after just 28 days of use but will still set you back a steep £60.

You can get your hands on a tub at Selfridges but get there quick. It is currently their best selling premium beauty product so who knows how long stocks will last.

You can also buy online.

NEWS - Ralph Lauren to Launch £2000 perfume

Ralph Lauren is getting ready to launch a premium fragrance that will set buyers back a whopping £2000. The perfume called 'Love' features a gold plated bottle and will be stocked by Harrods.

With the credit crunch affecting the majority of people, it seems there will always be those who can afford the luxuries in life.

You can also expect 'Notorious', a perfume that was recently launched in the US to hit UK stores soon. Marie Claire's pages will be scented with it and you should be able to order a sample direct from the red button on your TV. No doubt we will all be wearing it by Christmas.

EVENT - Handbag Amnesty for Cancer Research UK

Bag donated by Ashlee Simspon

www.handbag.com and Cancer Research UK have announced a new partnership with the launch of the first ever Handbag Amnesty. Taking place throughout September – handbag.com’s dedicated handbag month - and climaxing in October, the Handbag Amnesty will give women across the opportunity to bid for the designer handbag of their favourite celebrity including just to name a few Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Dame Shirley Bassey, to raise money to help beat cancer.

handbag.com and Cancer Research are asking celebrities to make space in their wardrobes by donating one of their designer handbags to the Amnesty. The bags will then be auctioned on eBay from Friday 3rd - Sunday 14th October to tie in with Breast Cancer Awareness month. Open to everyone, all proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK, the largest single funder of research into breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK.

The Handbag Amnesty is not just about celebrities though. Cancer Research UK is also asking members of the public to donate a handbag that is still in good condition to their local Cancer Research shop. Good handbags always sell like hot cakes in the nationwide chain of charity shops.

Bag donated by Scarlett Johanson

Other celebrities taking part include: America Ferrera, Ashlee Simpson, Dolly Parton, Duffy, Erin O’Connor, Fearne Cotton, Geri Halliwell, Dame Judi Dench, Kate Bosworth, Kelly Osbourne, Leah Wood, Lily Cole, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mischa Barton and Scarlett Johansson

For more information please visit www.handbag.com/amnesty

TREND - Mustard & Mauve

Click here for stockists

Plum and mustard might not go together on your plate but they form the perfect palette for your autumn wardrobe. These are bold colours so you need some confidence to carry them off well, but it is worth a try.

If top to toe is too much for you, why not opt for block colour accessories such as bags and shoes. By keeping the rest neutral you will avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.

DESIGNER - Herve Leger Spring 2009 Runway Show

I am loving the collection from Herve Leger displayed at New York Fashion Week. Those body con dresses will in the wardrobes of the A list in no time.

FITNESS - Get on Your Bike

Photo Credit: wav3ydave on Flickr.com

Cycling is great for toning the legs and bottom and also works your core (abs and lower back). Most people have a bike sitting somewhere gathering dust, so why not get on it and enjoy some fresh air.

You can choose a road or a mountain bike. Mountain bikes have better suspension, ideal if you plan on going off road. A road bike will go faster on the tarmac, but won't give much grip and comfort on a bumpier ride. Here are some tips for cyclists starting out.

• Some cycling gloves will give you extra grip on the handle bars, try www.evanscycles.com.
• Brake with front and rear brakes to avoid going over the handlebars if you have to stop in a hurry.
• A helmet is a must, and a padded saddle is a luxury worth considering.
• When you are cycling downhill, move your body weight back to stop the back of the bike lifting.
  
• Keep your inside pedal high when going round corners to avoid it hitting the ground.
• If you plan on going some distance, consider getting a hydration backpack so you can drink as you go along.
• Keep a puncture repair kit with you on longer trips.
• Find out if there is a National Cycle Network route near you.
  

Celebrity cycling fans include Gisele Bundchen, Matthew McConaughey, Fearne Cotton, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Useful Websites...

www.everydaycycling.com/
www.sustrans.org.uk/
www.bikemagic.com/

TIP - Dye it Right: How to Avoid a Hair Disaster

Photo Credit: K'vitsh on flickr.com

Here are some tips to make your home dye job a success...

• If you often use styling products make sure that your hair has been cleaned the day before dying, preferably with a deep cleansing shampoo. This will get rid of any build up to ensure that the colour takes to the hair evenly.

• Avoid washing your hair the same day you dye it. The oils produced by your scalp help keep hair moisturised.

• If possible, get an experienced friend to help out. You need to be able to see if you have missed any spots and I don't know many people who can see the back of their own head.

• Section the hair out to make sure you have evenly distributed the dye.

• Put some moisturiser or Vaseline around your hairline before you dye the hair to stop it staining your skin. If you still get some on your skin then Whitening toothpaste will get rid of it.

• Try and stick to a few shades lighter or darker. For anything more dramatic you really need to go to the hairdressers.

• When you rinse the dye off, give hair a blast of cold water right at the end. This helps to lock in the shine.

Once you have done all this, just wait for those compliments to come flooding in. Has anyone had any home dye disasters or tips they want to share? Comment below.

Related Posts:
TRENDS - Hair That Speaks Volumes
TIPS - How to Manage Fine Hair
TRENDS - Alice in Wonder-Band

NEWS - Peaches and Daisy Sizzle in New Lingerie Ads

If you have a few minutes to spare, get your web browser over to the Agent Provocateur website. Sample the tantalising new ranges and explore the bonus web features.

The latest ad campaign is titled 'Season of the Witch' and the dark images are even hotter than usual. If you ever needed some underwear inspiration then this is it! Check out Daisy Lowe and Peaches in some seriously saucy shots.

Daisy wears Iona

Daisy and Peaches wear Aisling