TRAVEL - My Little Break in Paris

On Saturday I got up at the crack of dawn for an exciting little journey over to Paris. My Little break was made possible by Eurostar who run trains to France and Belgium from London, Ebbsfleet and Ashford. Really handy for a quick getaway. The only time I have been to the centre of Paris before, it was 5am in the morning and we only got out the car for a quick walk underneath the Eiffel Tower. On this visit I intended to cram in as much as possible.

I took my boyfriend along with me so as much as I would have loved to do the Fashion Bloggers Itinerary, I opted for the cultural route instead. I've always been a bit of an architecture appreciator so it was the perfect location to fuel my passions. We were lucky enough to get 1st class seats and it really is worth the money if you can afford it. Wide, comfy seats with cushions so you can snooze if you want to. Oh and lovely food served while you travel too.

We had a few places we knew we wanted to see and decided on a route. If you want to see just how far I walked and what I saw on the way, I have created a little Google map which shows my route starting at the station and walking anti-clockwise on a circular route around the main part of the city. Zoom in on the map to see it in more detail. Highlights included The Louvre, The Sacré-Coeur Basilica and eating the most amazing hot dog in the park.

View Paris trip 2009 in a larger map

Refusing to use the Metro was a good way to see the city. We saw a bit of everything, not just the glamorous side, but also the rundown and very rustic parts. We saw the real people of Paris as well as the tourist magnet spots.

Tips for visiting Paris:

• Always keep some change handy. You have to pay to us most toilets including those in cafes
• Wear comfy shoes and walk around to see the best of the city
  
• Expect street traders to hassle you in the touristy areas. Be assertive
• Ensure you make time to visit a bakery... yum yum

If you need inspiration for your own little break, visit the Little Break, Big Difference blog.

ACCESSORY - Lace Corset Belt

How much am I in love with this Lace Corset Belt by Isabella Oliver? The answer is... totally in love. Dress it up with a killer pencil dress, or down over a fitted white tee. It is definitely a must-have for the coming season. Draws just enough attention to your waist too, resulting in feminine curves to die for.



This is just one of the gorgeous items from the new 365 collection which is completely covetable. Grazia and Vogue have featured several key pieces; proof of how on trend they really are. The collection is also really wearable and adaptable with many multi-functional garments in easy-care fabrics.

You can buy the Lace Corset Belt for £69 at Isabellaoliver.com

FASHION - My Little Break to Paris outfit

When it comes to fashion, Paris has a reputation for ruling the couture scene. They had Coco Chanel for a start and it doesn't get much more chic than that! This weekend I embarked upon a Little break via Eurostar to the French capital to take in some Parisienne culture but I kept my own outfit pretty simple, and classic.

I've styled an outfit on Polyvore which shows the look I was going for. A bold shouldered jacket is a definite must-have for AW09 and the pumps are chic but practical. Skinny jeans are still a wardrobe staple too.

by The Style PA

There will be more coming soon on the blog about the trip, including what lovely grub I was munching and a map of exactly where I went when I was there. I did have time to pick up a copy of French Grazia on the way back to the train. I thought it would be really interesting to see the differences in fashion... where are they ahead of us, what celebs do they lust after etc. I'm having lots of fun translating, or trying to at least. I was always more of a Spanish rather than French speaker.

Check out the offers for Eurostar if you fancy taking your own little trip and check back on the blog soon for more about my trip.

DIET - The Leggera Menu at Pizza Express

I love pizza as much as the next girl, or perhaps even a bit more. So when I was invited to sample the Leggera menu at Pizza Express, and have a go at making my own, I jumped at the chance.

The idea behind the Leggera, is to get the best of both worlds and save a few calories in the process. Eating out once in a while for a treat is fine, but if you are lunching or eating with friends all the time then you need an option that doesn't weigh you down (or up your weight).

Read more about my pizza making at The Style PA at Home.

ACCESSORIES - Vintage Exclusives at Glasses Direct

Whether you use your sunglasses as a style statement, functionally or to hide that hangover, a designer pair will always make an impact. No one knows this better than Glasses Direct who are set to launch an exclusive range of designer vintage sunglasses available to purchase online from Tuesday 1st September 2009.

The 10 piece collection includes one-off, genuine 1970’s and 80’s sunglasses from designers Christian Dior, Carrera and Paloma Picasso. Big fashion names! The limited edition collection will go on sale at 11am on 1st September and will be sold on a first come first served basis. Bookmark the vintage sunglasses page and be sure to head over there to nab your pair before everyone else does on the 1st.

The exclusive frames will be priced at £99 each, which is not bad at all for designer eye wear. Take a preview peek at the styles in the slide show (top) featuring Carrera gold aviators with metallic blue lenses, Christian Dior tortoise shell frames with a gold circle detail on the arms and Paloma Picasso’s over-sized glamorous shades with delicate gold arms

Want to find out more? Visit the Glasses Direct blog.

SKINCARE - The Simple Suncare Solution

Sitting in a field at a festival sure is a lot of fun but what happens when (shock, horror) the sun actually shines the whole time. Luckily for me, I went to V Festival last weekend, equipped with some Simple suncare, the Protecting Facial Hydrolotion to be exact.



Now when you are off to a music event, you want to travel light which meant I didn't want a million lotions and potions. Instead of separate sun creams I took a Factor 25 lotion for the face with me and used it everywhere that was needed. The main area was my back which saw the most sunshine. On day 1 I covered myself in lotion before we left our tents and after more than 12 hours outdoors, I returned back to the tent with not one inch of sunburn in sight.

Day 2 I was a little foolish. I didn't apply my suncream until I had already been sitting in the sun for a few (very hot) hours. It was pretty amazing to see the difference compared to the day before. On day 2 my skin had gone red within a short time, and although applying suncream stopped it getting any worse, the damage was done. Proof that sun lotions really do a fantastic job, especially this one by Simple. I don't usually burn that easily, but even on days where it seems cloudy, the sun can be deceivingly strong.


I didn't bother taking aftersun with me, but as soon as I arrived home on Monday morning, I got out the Moisturising Aftersun Lotion and applied it all over my back liberally. It cooled the skin instantly and has definitely taken the edge of the sunburn.

Moral of the story is to always have a good, natural based sun lotion to hand. It will ensure your skin is looked after in the hot heat of the summer sun and keep your skin hydrated too.

CELEBRITY - Frankie's Sexy Saturdays Outfit

The Saturdays have been out promoting Tampax Pearl and performed an exclusive gig at Oceana in Watford earlier this month wearing some chic neutral outfits. You may have also spotted them in ad campaigns wearing seductive undies in whites and creams. One of my readers, Leslie, asked:

Q: I just saw a Tampax ad in a magazine featuring The Saturdays. Do you know the lingerie designer that Frankie was wearing? I love the outfit and cannot find any info.

A: Frankie's tea rose jersey corseted top and shorts are from Agent Provocateur priced at £125 and £75 respectively. Not cheap, but definitely some of the most stylish undies around if you fancy treating yourself.



The Saturdays have been helping Tampax spread the word about the 'My Weekend My Way' campaign and you can find out more over at the Tampax Pearl Myspace page. According to research conducted by Tampax, us girls start planning the weekend by 2.47pm on a Monday afternoon. Yep, today is Tuesday and mine is all sorted. What has your weekend got in store?

                                                                        
                                                                                                   
                                                               
                                                            
                                                                                                   
                                                               
                                            

EVENT - V Festival Round up

I returned home today after a fab weekend at Virgin Media's V Festival in Chelmsford. I can't believe the hot weather lasted all through Saturday and Sunday - surprising for England which has been decidedly rainy of late. I made sure to plaster on the suncream but forgot on Sunday which means my back is a little frazzled.

I managed to see most of the acts I wanted to including:

• Lily Allen - Britney cover 'Womanizer' was the track that had everyone moving
• The Specials - joined on stage by Amy Winehouse for one track
• The Killers - they put on a pretty good show
  
• Dizzee Rascal - by far the highlight of Saturday for me as the crowd went 'Bonkers'
• Noisettes - loving Shingai's hot pants and red tasseled jacket combo
• Paulo Nutini - We all fell a little bit in love with him
• Athlete - performance of Wires was a highlight
• Katy Perry- bad sound ruined the performance a little bit
• Pixie Lott -looking hot in a fab sparkling mini dress
• Lady Gaga - gave away her broken YSL shoe and her remixes got the crowd dancing
• MGMT - headlined the smaller stage but still wowed the revellers

I was upset that I missed VV Brown, Jaguar Skills, The Sunshine Underground, The Mystery Jets and Calvin Harris. But I suppose you can't have everything. You have to feel sorry for those who got tickets because they wanted to see Oasis after they pulled out of the gig.

Style wise there was a lot of flesh on show with vintage florals and graphic prints being popular. Many people played it safe with wellies and funky socks, while others opted for sandals. I went for flowery dresses and brightly coloured beads. I did get my wellies out for day but decided not to bother on day two, I put my faith in the nice weather and was lucky.

TV - Strictly Come Dancing 2009

BEAUTY - The Perfect Pedicure

Expert advice from Dr. Perlstein, a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Photo Credit: aussiegall on Flickr.com

At the first sign of warm weather, people begin phasing out their winter wardrobe in favor of spring and summer fashions – a transition that would be incomplete without sandals in every shape, size and color. Equally, at the end of the summer, wearing sandals will have taken it's toll on your feet too.

Few people can afford to spend out on pedicures but the good news is that with some easy tips, at-home pedicures can easily rival those offered at even the chicest nail salon.

Pedi-prep

• If you just clip the nails and swipe some nail polish on, the results are sure to look amateur. It’s vital to take caution when cleaning and preparing the skin and nails on the feet to avoid the spread of infections and fungus. Dr. Michael Perlstein, a board certified Brooklyn-based podiatrist says that safely performing a spa-level pedicure is simple, with just a few steps.

Toeing the line between long and short

• Keep toenails cut to a manageable level. According to Dr. Perlstein, toenails should never be permitted to grow longer than the tip of the toe – if they do grow too long, the pressure from shoes (even sandals with straps that lay on the toes) can cause ingrown toenails. “It’s imperative that women keep toenails short and that they file them or cut them straight across, lessening the chance that pressure will force the nail to grow into the skin,” warns Dr. Perlstein.
  

Take a dip

• This is the step that’s most often forgotten about in at-home pedicures because women don’t want to go through the hassle of filling a footbath and then cleaning it out or they want to save time. Bad move, says Dr. Perlstein, not only is a foot soak relaxing, it also softens things up. “A five to 10 minute soak softens skin, most importantly any calloused skin, as well as the cuticles,” explains Dr. Perlstein. “A way to get around it is by doing the pedicure immediately after showering.” Whichever route you choose, follow up by cleaning the toenails with a toenail brush and applying moisturizer.

Cut out the cuticle cutting

• The cuticle seals the area between the actual nail and the nail bed to prevent bacteria from entering the body. Breaking that seal often leads to infection. “If a woman doesn’t like the appearance of the cuticle, she can gently push it back after the bath has softened the cuticle,” Dr. Perlstein says, adding that women can use clippers to remove hanging skin in the area of the cuticle.

Beware the blade, opt for a pumice stone instead

• Dr. Perlstein cautions that using a blade to remove calluses is a surefire way to invite viruses and infections to take hold. “There’s no way for a woman to know just how deep the callused areas on her feet are, which is why so often you see women not only shave off dead skin, but nick the healthy skin under it.” Dr. Perlstein added that there are effective alternatives. “A pumice stone can work wonders on hardened skin and in the case that the pumice stone doesn’t take care of a callus after it has been soaking, you can check in with your podiatrist and let them safely shave it off.”

Nailing the at-home pedicure

• Once the feet are cleaned and the nails and skin are prepped, the final step is to apply polish. Use nail polish remover to take clear the nails of any residue from the lotion or foot bath and after carefully applying some color, the result is a salon-worthy pedicure without leaving home!

EVENT - Fashion's Night Out

I just had to post this video about Fashion's Night Out due to take place globally on the 10th September. An evening of fun, frolics and shopping. Wherever you are in the world, find out what is happening near you. The New Yorkers are clearly excited as the video shoes.

And as Michael Kors says... 'Looking good can make you feel great'. I'm looking forward to being part of the action.

INTERVIEW - Anna of The Style Diet

It has been a while since I featured a blogger interview so here is one for your reading pleasure. This time Anna Saccone of The Style Diet gets a grilling...


Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 21 years old. I am half Italian, was born in the US and went to school in Ireland. Now I live in London with my wonderful boyfriend!

Why did you start your blog?
I've always loved writing. I was good at English in school and so it sort of comes naturally to me. Fashion styling on the other hand is very visual so I wanted to somehow merge the two together. On my blog I like how I can style looks and write about them, explain why I picked certain colours, pieces and shapes.

What inspires you?
My father...he was an amazing man!

If you had to wear just one fashion designer's clothes for life, who would it be?
Moschino, without a doubt! Their pieces are like works of art! I love how Moschino can take a classic, sophisticated and chic look and make it totally modern with a clever funny twist. It's almost as if it is poking fun at its own style...I think that is genius! I also love how Moschino is quite a small company in comparison to some of the more well-known, mainstream fashion designers. This makes it more unique!


What are your top 3 high street stores and why?
Zara, French Connection and H&M. I think both Zara and French Connection give you that satisfying feeling that you're buying somewhere between a high end brand and a high street one... the quality is amazing and the pieces are beautiful! I could probably do the most damage in Zara but French Connection is a little edgier. In my opinion H&M have the best affordable items. They never seem cheap or tacky, and it's my favourite place to shop for basics.

What has been your biggest ever bargain?
Probably an Indian maxi dress that I bought at an indoor market for close to nothing. I don't think I've ever gotten so many compliments from strangers as I do when I wear it and people are often surprised to hear how cheap it was!

And what has been your biggest ever splurge?
My Chloe Paddington, hands down! It's the most expensive item in my wardrobe and I'm really particular about where I set it down, I don't want it to get dirty!

What is your beauty routine?
I probably have the simplest beauty routine ever! I am definitely not a product junkie. I would rather spend my money on healthy food that is full of vitamins than beauty products and keep my skin healthy with what I put into me rather than what I put on me! I use Simple cleansing wipes at night to take off my makeup and in the mornings I use Nivea Visage moisturiser, if I need it as I have quite oily skin. Apart from that I try to eat healthy and drink lots of water.


What do you collect?
I like to collect fashion books, specifically ones with beautiful covers that look pretty on the coffee table!

Which celebrity would you love to dress and why?
Jessica Simpson. I think she's beautiful but I don't think she knows a lot about style. I would love to teach her a few tips and tricks!

Which celebrity do you think has the best style?
Surprisingly enough, right now I think Kim Kardashian has the best style! Or at least, she has had one of the most successful style transformations! She used to dress pretty trashy but now her style is a lot more sophisticated and chic. She looks amazing!

What is your favourite trend of the moment?
I love anything high-waisted. I can't get enough of high-waisted pants, shorts and skirts! They suck everything in and emphasise my waist,which is always a plus!

How do you turn around a bad hair day?
I normally pile all my hair on top of my head and fix it with bobby pins and lots of hair spray! That usually solves the problem!

What would you wear on a first date?
Ripped skinny jeans, killer heels, a sequined top, a fitted blazer and an oversized cuff. It's sexy without being OTT and appropriate for any time of the year!

Check out Anna's blog The Style Diet and also take a look at her YouTube channel. She has oodles of followers and plenty of vids with hints and tips.

STYLE - Rivkie Baum Rocks

Some people just 'get' style and Rivkie Baum is one of them. She graduated from the London College of Fashion, with a degree in Fashion Design and Technology and launched straight into a career as a stylist on editorial shoots for a range of UK and International online and print publications. The arty shot above is an example of her work and I just love the styling for the photo.

She's also been recently appointed Editor for Random magazine, a decadent and beautifully printed publication that seduces the eye and feeds the mind. Random offers in-depth interviews, backstage insights, professional profiles and stunning photo shoots, all presented in the highest standard of design..

Having established her own company Rivkie Rocks Styling, she has styled advertising campaigns and imagery for brands such as TSE SAY and Triumph and is a prolific writer and blogger for numerous key fashion sites. Rivkie also has a portfolio of private clients, acting as a wardrobe consultant.


Most recently, Rivkie has won contracts to style new bands and artists for music and television events and productions, including the 'House Band' on Big Brother's Little Brother on Channel 4.

Rivkie is thrilled with her new position as Editor at Random Magazine “Working on Random gives me the opportunity to work on a magazine that genuinely wants to push the creative boundaries and I am really looking forward to working with a team which includes some of the most inspiring, up and coming talent in London.”

Photography credits: Lindsay Adler, Vince @ Nord Bloc Photography, Gavin Harrison

SHOPPING - It Feels Like Summer at Superdrug

This summer (if you could call it that), Superdrug is offering great tips and feel-good treats and as always there are lots of savings to be made.

By signing up at www.superdrug.com/summer for Superdrug's campaign 'Feels like summer', customers not only get professional advice on beauty and health care products, but they also receive fab discounts and the chance to win super prizes too. Here is a taster...

Sign up and you will get:

• 15% off purchases at the new www.superdrug.com when you spend £35
• 5% off Wahanda Spa treatments
• 30% off Touchnote.com (valid until 31st Oct)
• Discounted OnTheBeach.com holidays (valid until 31st Oct)
• 40% off Weight Watchers online subscription with the three month plan (until 31st Aug)

You also have a chance of winning:

• A £200 Dorothy Perkins shopping spree (1 offered every weeks – 2nd Sept)
• Free MP3 music downloads from 7digital.com (ends 28th Aug)
• One of three £1,000 holidays from OnTheBeach.com (draw is on 20th Aug)
• A Revlon beauty bag worth £100 (draw is on 31st Aug)
• 1000s giveaways from Touchnote (ends 18th Sept)
• A year’s gym membership with Fitness First (potential prize from 17th Aug)
• 10,000 3 day Fitness First guest membership for you and a friend (from 17th Aug)
• Wahanda £500 spa and wellness experience

Now please excuse me while I go sign up for the discounts and tips myself...