GIVEAWAY - Win a Dress from Urban Buzz

Fancy getting your hands on a fabulous dress from the lovely people at Urban Buzz? Urban Buzz is an ethical designer label run by Swedish designer Annette Lennerup. The label aims to cater to women looking for a 'style buzz' in their life. The first collection was launched for AW07/08 and that collection and the ranges that followed offer clean line designs using mostly organic and ethical materials with fun and quirky details.

So back to the fun stuff... everyone needs an LBD and 1 lucky winner will win the Whistling Swan dress (pictured) from the Urban Buzz collection which is available to buy online. This dress is 100% organic with cap sleeves and lace panels. I like!



Here's what you need to do...

Sign up for the Urban Buzz email newsletter, then email jenny@thestylepa.com and tell me where you'd wear the dress if you won it. Please include your name, email address and telephone number so you can be contacted if you win.

I'll pick my favourite three and let Urban Buzz decide on the overall winner from those. Competition closes at 6pm (UK time) on 14 April.

Good luck everyone!

Prize open to UK, US and European readers. If this dress becomes unavailable then it may be necessary to switch the prize for something similar.

CHARITY - Fashion Targets Breast Cancer

If ever there was a good cause then Breakthrough Breast Cancer is it. You may remember a couple of years ago I did a 27 mile walk to raise funds for them, so it's definitely close to my heart.

Monday saw the launch of this year's Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign and I went along to meet the people behind the activity that brings to light this incredibly important cause. The faces of the campaign this year are amazing, Kylie Minogue, Sienna Miller and Claudia Schiffer and the photographer is the renowned Mario Testino. You can see the amazing pictures at the FTBC website.

The Fashion targets Breast Cancer model has already raised over £10 million for the charity over the years and this year sees even more retailers jump on board to help. The likes of River Island, Topshop, Superdry, Whistles and My-wardrobe.com have all created pieces in this year's black and white theme to sell with 30% of the sale price going to the charity. You can go online and buy now to show your support!

I'll be wearing my target pin to show my support and giving a donation as soon as I finish this post. If you are able to do anything at all to support this charity then that would be amazing.

CELEBRITY - Gemma Arterton Uses Power Plate

Gemma Arterton is one extremely gorgeous lady and now it seems she could be yet another celebrity fan of Power Plate. She's got two film premieres coming up and she's also appearing on stage in The Little Dog Laughed so staying in shape is no doubt at the top of her list.

Gemma says: “For me, staying in shape is about feeling healthy and looking toned, so the Power Plate® machine has been a revelation. It is a workout method that fits in with my schedule and helps me achieve my fitness goals, even when time is limited. I have already noticed the results and I just love the buzz I get after a workout. I also feel stronger and more energized.”

I just wish I could afford to buy my own. I think it would be the ideal way to keep in shape at home, but I'm not so sure about the classes or using one in the gym. I might give it another go soon to see if I can be fully converted. If it gave me a body like Gemma's I'd be there in a second.

EVENT - Free Fashion Shows in Bristol

During the September 2009 show

London may have plenty to offer when it comes to fashion events, but there are other hotspots around the country that so their best to offer style-hunters a fun and fashionable time. Fashionistas from Bristol and beyond will be flocking to Cabot Circus this April for a series of free catwalk shows taking place under Cabot Circus’ iconic floating glass roof

Happening on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th April 2010, the shows will feature the latest looks from new collections with outfits from designer names and the high street, there's something for everyone.

You'll also find a ‘fashion and beauty playground’ in Quakers Friars. Experts will be on-hand to give advice on creating a capsule wardrobe using the season’s key pieces, updating your look with accessories and adapting your style for different occasions. Once armed with ideas, shoppers can then enjoy exclusive discounts at a range of retailers.

The shows are being created by top stylist Ricky Partner, who has worked with a host of designer names such as Jasper Conran, Matthew Williamson and Julien Macdonald. They will also feature eye-catching choreography from Vicki Jackson, whose credits include Top of the Pops, MTV, Ronan Keating and Urban Cookie Collective.

Sounds like fun to me! Check out www.cabotcircus.com for more information and details on how to get there.

NEWS - Pop Up Stores at Whiteleys

Last week I was invited to take a look at the new pop-up stores that will be filling some space in Whiteleys in Bayswater, London. Whiteleys is your run-of-the-mill shopping centre with a fair few high street names to bring the locals in, but until this event, I'd never been there. In fact... I didn't even know it was there (ashamed to say).

The centre itself is really nice with a fabulous staircase in the central atrium. I wondered what the additional floors were used for which don't have shops on and when I Googled it, it would seem that there's a TV studio up there and even offices for Net-A-Porter. The centre actually used to be a department store and back in the day it was the ultimate luxury destination even having a golf course on the roof.

The event was great, one of the best I'd been too. Free Patron tequila and the likes of Sadie Frost, Kelly Osbourne, Nick Grimshaw and Alice Dellal's band Trush Metal also played, although I didn't catch a glimpse as they all wore rather scary rubber masks. My FrostFrench favourite was this beaded orange dress and although I didn't like all of the pieces but have to admit the fabrics were fabulous. I also loved the decor... cactus plants decorated the windows and there was a big bed in the middle of the shop. I also loved the 'Strip' signs above the changing rooms.

Without the pop-up stores I'm not sure how far I'd travel to go there. I work on Oxford Street and if I'm travelling west I'd probably go to Westfield. These cool shops that have been added to the first floor might just tempt me to go back though. Especially if they continue to do a similar thing in future. I'd like to see different pop-up shops being added over time and that really would make this a shopping destination worth shouting about.

Check out the Whiteleys Facebook page for more news and pics.

Here's Tor from Fab Frocks and Fiona from Save Our Shoes looking rather stylish - Fiona I want that Luella ribbon bag!!

FITNESS - Reebok EasyTone Trial

It was a busy weekend for me with yet another event, this time with Reebok. I'm going to be trying out the EasyTone shoes to see if they can help firm up my legs and bum a bit. In January I signed up to Fitbug so I've been walking extra since then anyway - Fitbug sets you targets and gives you a pedometer that plugs into your PC to track how you're doing. If there is a shoe that can ramp up the benefits of this extra walking that I've been doing then I'm keen to try it.

On Saturday was the briefing event where we got to ask lots more questions about the shoes, how they work and what we can expect in terms of results. The whole Reebok team were lovely and really helpful and knowledgeable about the product. After an intro from a fitness trainer and Reebok's marketing manager we were invited to take a walk in the shoes to give them a test run. When I first put them on I was surprised by how comfy they were, really well cushioned at the back and your foot really sank into the sole of the shoe. EasyTone are available at debenhams.com if you fancy giving them a go.

I'm planning on wearing these for a few hours at a time, not just 10 minute walks here and there, so I'm interested to see how they cope with my 10 miles on a Sunday. I'll be sure to report back here when I've given them a proper test-drive. I'll also be visiting the Reebok forum to see how everyone else is getting on too. My initial thoughts are that they definitely add a bit of resistance which you can feel the next day in your muscles. I've also tried other similar shoes which are much more expensive than Reebok's version - it's fab to see their technology is affordable. And they even have customisable ones where you pick the colours... now that sounds like fun!

Wish me luck with my walking and here's some more info...

EVENT - Skinny Cow Swap Shop

Kelly Brook hosts Skinny Cow Swap Shop

At the weekend I went along to a clothes swapping event organised by Skinny Cow and the gorgeous Kelly Brook who donated items as did other celebs including Sarah Harding and Holly Willoughby. By the way, any boyfriend of mine has permission to fancy Kelly Brook now - she's stunning and curvy too, hurrah!


The event was held at the fabulous Soho Hotel which I've been to a few times now, I'm starting to get attached which can't be a good thing. After handing in our 3 items it was time to get to picking out the bits we would replace them with. I went for a coral Vila ruffle dress, some rather daring Faith shoes and a striped, hitched skirt that reminded me of Vivienne Westwood. Not a bad effort I reckon. I can tell I'm in summer mode already as everything I picked was colourful.

My Swaps

The Skinny Cow Facebook page is one of the best there is. You may have missed the Swap Shop events but there's still time to be involved in the Skinny Dip auction which starts in 3 days time. Just visit the Facebook Page for details. And of course, you can always donate to Marie Curie Cancer Care. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference.

Oh and I must mention the lovely new Skinny Cow hot chocolate that we were treated with when we arrived. I went for the mint one - only 37 calories, hurrah! If you get involved with the Skinny Dip you'll nab a discount voucher for the hot chocolate. I also spotted the lovely Tor and sister Amy there too, here they are clutching their new swaps...

REVIEW - Braun Silk-Epil 7

Until recently I'd never tried epilating, that was until Braun sent me their super-duper epilator machine that is the Silk-Epil 7 for legs, body and face. I was surprised at the number of handy attachments this came with and you can even use this model in water - who knew?!

My thoughts before I started were that it was going to be painful, and to be perfectly honest it is. Or at least, it is the first couple of times. On first use there are more hairs to be tugged on at once so you have to go slow and only do small patches at a time. Always pull the skin tight and go easy on more sensitive areas. Once I'd used it a few times however, I found that it was much less painful and quicker to do too. Usually with shaving I would have to do my legs every couple of days in the summer, but with this I could get away with much longer. It does feel like the hair doesn't grow back anywhere near as quickly and shorter hairs are picked up, even if sometimes you have to go over a couple of times. The light on the Braun Silk-Epil 7 is a great idea and makes it easy to see where to go, or spot any patches you may have missed.

It's advised to use this method of hair removal before bed so that any redness can subside before you have to leave the house. After using it I didn't get too much redness, certainly a whole lot less than waxing. I used some cool Aveeno moisturiser afterwards and it soothed and cooled the skin so it was barely noticeable that I'd used the epilator. The one area I did have a couple of problems with was my knees, I think I'm going to have to run the razor over those as I just can't get the hang of it and it seems to hurt more there than anywhere else for me.



There is a handy shaver attachment which makes this a versatile piece of kit. I tried the various attachments and they all work as well. I can't say as I'll be making a habit of using the one designed for the face, but hey, in a few years I might change my mind. Other positives are that you can clean it under water and once charged it can be used for ages. I haven't yet managed to run the battery out on it which is a good sign. Don't forget if you get one that it comes with a two-pin plug for bathroom use. If you don't have a plug available you'll need an adapter.

Verdict:

So will I continue using it? Absolutely. I wouldn't say I'm not going to use other methods of hair removal, because I will. My underarm area belongs to a good old fashioned razor, but when it comes to my legs this epilator is an ideal piece of kit to save me from slaving away, shaving away, every day through the summer.

Buy it at Boots

INTERVIEW - Jewellery Maker Melissa Leon

Next up in the hot-seat for a style Q&A is Melissa Leon whose quirky collection Candy Shop Couture made her name. Inspired by a cuff she created 2 years ago, her playfully elegant collection is unique, but very affordable. it's been popular too since its launch last year and sold out on ASOS.com within a few weeks...

Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am North London based costume jewellery designer/maker and tutor. I teach jewellery making to children, young people and adults at various venues across London and I really enjoy it! I love being creative and besides jewellery making I love customising clothes and trying out other crafts.

How did you get started creating jewellery?
One day in March 2007, I was having a really bad week when I was checking my emails and saw something about a one-day jewellery making class. Straight away I thought, I deserve a treat! So, I booked onto it for that weekend. At the class I picked up the techniques quickly and found that I really enjoyed it, so when I went home I ordered all of the necessary tools and equipment. and started taking it up as a hobby. Word of mouth eventually got around and... here I am today with my own business!

If you had to wear just one fashion designer's clothes for life, who would it be?
I would have to say Chanel. Chanel has a classical elegance to it. Very chic - I absolutely love that.

What has been your biggest ever bargain?
A few years ago I was in Manchester with some friends and we went to a large TK Maxx store. I was rooting through the accessories when I found a gorgeous pink bag with heavy, diamante charms on it - I cannot remember the designer's name (I have given it away as a gift now) but it was beautiful - I had never seen anything like it! Anyway, I bought it for £25.00 - £30.00. I was on the tram and my friends and I were admiring the bag, still in disbelief that such blatant quality could have cost just £25.00. Another passenger and her friend were watching and came up to us and said "Can you believe, we were just in Selfridges admiring that exact handbag - it cost £250.00!" needless to say after hearing that, I was even more chuffed with my bargain!

And what has been your biggest ever splurge?
I like to buy unique things, but have most of the time considered the things I have bought as "good value for money" whatever the cost has been - I guess my most "extravagant" spend was purchasing a leather and crystal pen from Fortnum & Mason for £50.00 - I say "extravagant" because you wouldn't usually spend £50.00 on a pen! I also once bought a small hair clip for around the same price in Oxford Street, but could not resist the way it sparkled!



What inspires you?
I get inspired by many things, it could be a memory, an occasion, a time of year. With my first collection, Candy Shop Couture, I was inspired by the playfulness of childhood. The Westnic collection is inspired by my personal definition of Black History month

What is your beauty routine?
I cleanse, tone and moisturise every day. I also do a full body scrub every fortnight. I use full body moisturiser just before I get into bed, so my skin is feels lovely and soft when I wake up!

What do you collect?
Vintage brooches - I get them from various boutiques or from Vintage fairs.

Which celebrity would you love to wear your jewellery and why?
I would say Alesha Dixon, because she is not only very attractive, but has a young, fresh look about her and I believe she would pull off the jewellery nicely. Also, she has a good image, she is not too provocative and intoxicating with her lyrics and performances like soooo many other female artists nowadays.

Which celebrity do you think has the best style?
It would have to be Sarah Jessica Parker - she really knows how to "wear" various looks and is not a follower but a leader in personal style, that's what I like about her!

What is your favourite trend of the moment?
I am loving the "statement heel" at the moment!

How do you turn around a bad hair day?
With a beret or a blingy Alice band - I've had quite of few bad hair days!

What would you wear on a first date?
OK, we would be going to a nice restaurant, so I'd wear a dress or skirt with a satin bow around the waist, heels and a simple clutch purse, with a pair of my very own statement hoop earrings! I'd probably do my hair Farah Fawcett style!



What piece of jewellery do you never take off?
Being a jewellery designer I have to wear different pieces of my creations all the time, but a definite fave that I always wear has to be my freshwater pearl and crystal structured bracelet with ribbon fastening (attached) it is simple, but so cute and elegant and always attracts attention.

Shop Melissa's jewellery online

EVENT - The Greatest Fashion Show on Earth

On Thursday evening I hopped along to Westfield for the launch of The Greatest Fashion Show on Earth in collaboration with the British Fashion Council. The event and the weekend catwalk shows that followed were supporting Fashion for Relief in association with the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood. The charities are working to raise funds for mothers and babies in Haiti so it's a really worthwhile cause. The Sunday Times Style magazine was also involved and had style pods across the weekend giving some one-on-one style advice.

I spied Henry Holland looking rather dapper in a suit and Erin O'Connor was sporting a bowler hat and pussy-bow blouse. It was sequin harem pants for Sunday Times Style magazine's Tiffanie Darke and Mary Portas was there too playing it safe in wedge boots and a blazer. The show was a great celebration of high street fashion and the hair (by Toni & Guy) and make-up (by Vaida Mugenyte) were gorgeous - I feel the need to back-comb all of a sudden. See the show and some behind-the-scenes footage with henry Holland at the Westfield website.

Jessie J gave us a fab performance (check out her voice in this video). It was quite funny as I saw her a couple of years ago in my home town and then couldn't remember her name afterwards to look her up. Apparently she's been working with Justin Timberlake so I look forward to seeing what comes of that. She was dressed head-to-toe in Pam Hogg - from a rather revealing, mesh-cut-out catsuit to the killer wedges that I was certain were going to be the death of her. She looked amazing though.

Pam Hogg was in the very same wedges and treated us all to a DJ set playing some old classics while we sipped on Dannoff vodka cranberry cocktails and champagne. It was a great night and I met a couple of new bloggers including The Style Assistant who managed to nab herself a weekend away in the charity raffle. Jealous much...

I've been to Westfield a few times and have to say it's a lovely shopping centre. It's got the high street favourites as well as a designer area too if you're feeling frivolous. It's probably a good thing that for me it's a little bit far for a daily trip otherwise I'd probably find a way to bankrupt myself with all the lovely things.

Take a look at some of my snaps from the evening...

SHOES - Heather Blake AW10

During London Fashion Week I wandered around the exhibition looking for designers with something a little bit special to show off. One designer collection that caught my eye was Heather Blake. The AW10 collection, named 'Garden of Earthly Delights' features sky high wedges and laser-cut lace detailing. I've highlighted in pink the ones that I'd like to find their way in to my wardrobe as soon as possible.

The wedge heeled boot was the shoe of choice for fashionistas at LFW in February so I wasn't surprised to see more of them for Autumn. Heather Blake though has also featured within the collections from AW09. I'm also loving that lace collar too.

The current collection also features that amazing curved wedge heel but this time with a summery, chartreuse upper. Instead of going down the harsh, architectural line route that many other designers are right now, Heather Blake's lines are more feminine and curved. I'm a fan.

SHOES - Clog Happy

Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson was spotted earlier this month in clogs and she's not the first. Alexa Chung has also been sporting them and all thanks to Chanel after they put them on the catwalk. I flirted with clogs briefly in the nineties but they were just too close to the 'dental nurse' look for my liking.

Now however, I've found a pair to lust after. The High Clog by Timeless, available at Laden.co.uk for a rather modest £45. They come in cream or black and I love the suggestion from Laden that we wear them with city shorts. I love that super-chunky wedge, plaited leather and buckle detailing. I also like both colours.



The Guardian's got some tips on how to wear clogs and carry it off in style.

GIVEAWAY - Win a Goodie Bag worth over £40

It's time for another goodie bag giveaway. The people who make these goodie bags possible are the brands who send me lovely products to try out. Here are the ones who've been kind enough to contribute to this prize...

• Aussie donated the shampoo, bag hook and Max Factor mascara
• Fiat sent the pink nail polish
• Strawberry and cream sent over the Butter London nail goodies
• VitaminWater gave me a tote, Biscuiteers biscuits and Nails Inc. nail polish
• Aveeno sent over some Daily Moisturising Lotion
• Plus there are a few extra surprises that I've donated.
  

Do you want to win?

You'll need to be either following me on Facebook or Twitter. Once you are, leave me a blog comment, tweet or Facebook wall post telling me why you need some goodies and I'll pick my favourite answer. Include a link to your Facebook or Twitter page so I can get in touch with you if you win.

Follow The Style PA on Twitter
Follow The Style PA on Facebook

Good luck everyone :) I will pick a winner on 1 April 2010.

INTERVIEW - Lizze & Beth of Kindred Sole

Block Pump Hi - £100 (reduced from £170)

Lizze and Beth run shoe boutique Kindred Sole which specialises in showcasing the best of up and coming designers as well as established brands that are not readily available. The debut collection, 'Polite Eccentrics', is intended to appeal to both sides of the female psyche, the conservative and the statement-making. Each pair of shoes is hand-picked for the collection which also includes limited edition and handmade shoes. A great bonus is that they offer Free UK Next day delivery. Yes please!

Get 15% off at Kindred Sole (excludes Vintage Sole and gift vouchers). Enter code 'PA15' until 12 April.

In addition to the main collection Kindred Sole has recently launched a Vintage collection, 'Vintage Sole', and is soon to introduce a Vintage Bridal Collection. I wanted to know a bit more about them so fired some questions over...

Tell us a bit about yourselves?
Liz and I are self confessed footwear fanatics, we met whilst studying a fashion retail buying degree at De Montfort University in Leicester. I'm 22 and Liz is 21, we have a love for Paris and are city girls at heart, we like our dresses and are girly girls and there's nothing more we like to do than talk shoes and find the perfect heels.

Why did you decide to start your own online shoe boutique?
We were both bored of the High Street and what they were offering, everyone was offering the same styles, colours and designs and we didn't want to look like everyone else. Both of us wanted to work for ourselves and create a shoe community for fashion savvy woman who like to be unique and step out in style.

If you had to wear just one fashion designers clothes for life, who would it be?
Lizze: Chanel Beth: Vivienne Westwood

What has been your biggest ever bargain?
Beth: a vintage pair of cowboy boots from a boutique in Amsterdam. Lizze: a ruby broach from Prague.

What has been your biggest ever splurge?
Lizze: A burberry handbag that I've used once. Beth: a handmade silver cuff.

What is your beauty routine?
Both: Cleanse, tone and moisturise every night never go to bed with make-up on and a facial when time permits!

What do you collect?
Beth: Shoes and jewellery Lizze: I'm no hoarder

Which celebrity would you love to dress and why?
Lizze: Britney Spears - I love a challenge and she needs help! Beth: Kristen Stewart - she's crying out to become a girly girl

Which Celebrity do you think has the best style?
Lizze: Danni Minogue Beth: Sarah Jessica Parker - and I'm super excited about SATC 2!!

What is your favourite trend of the moment?
Beth: Floral - its always in fashion!! Lizze: Pastel.

How do you turn around a bad hair day?
Beth: Firstly I panic then get control with hairspray Lizze: I get the curlers out and tell my hair who's boss!

What would you wear on a first date?
Lizze: I've been with my boyfriend for years first dates seem a long time ago. But any dress should consist of a dress and high heels! Beth: A dress, something that reflects my personality but not too much of it!

I love that the site has a personal touch to it with the girls choosing a shoe of the week and writing a blog. Personality is becoming so much more important now when buying, oh and the shoes are fabulous too. I suggest you take a look at the vintage offering and I'm also loving the United Nude brand.

New Carmen Ballet Pump - £65

MAKE-UP - My Latest Beauty Must-Buys

In the run up to Christmas I lost my make-up bag and I was gutted. You don't realise the value until it's gone and I didn't even have any expensive brands in there either. If I had I would have been even more annoyed. So since Christmas I've been slowly building my make-up kit back up and I just wanted to point out a couple of favourites of mine that I've found along the way.

The brow kit - E.L.F - £3.50

I went for a spree on E.L.F cosmetics and one of the things I picked up was this Brow Kit. It's the best one I've tried, ever. The brush for the wax is angled perfectly to be able to create a beautifully arched line and the powder is subtle too. I think brows often get forgotten when people are doing their make-up but it can really help define your look so I'd recommend giving it a try.

The make-up brushes - E.L.F - £15

When I started looking for a new set I had no idea how expensive brushes are, I couldn't find a comprehensive set for under £40-50. Then I asked my Twitter followers and Lipgloss86 suggested I try these. Everything you need and in a handy case that I can keep my make-up in too when I travel. So glad I discovered these and didn't shell out for the higher end brands, these are plenty good enough for me.

The eyeshadow pots - Models Own - £5 each

I stocked up on some colourful eyeshadow pots from Models Own when they had their half price sale. 1. Mid Green, 2. Orangeade, 3. Delph Blue. I remember when I was younger wearing rainbow eyeshadow - i.e. as many colours across my eyes in one go as possible. Not sure it's something I'd do now, but I'll definitely be brightening things up with these colours once the sun comes out.

The shimmer eyeshadow pots - Helen E - £4.99 each

My everyday essential is shimmering eyeshadow. I start with a light base in a plain eyeshadow then sweep over a shimmering shadow from the selection above. 1. Number 20, 2. Number 15, 3. Number 22 all from Helen E which is available in selected Debenhams stores.

What have you bought lately?

BLOGGING - Me, As Seen in Company Magazine

If you buy one magazine next month, make it Company magazine... and not just because I'm in it! OK, maybe that's an extra reason but the lovely peeps at Company have dedicated some fabulous features to bloggers and you can see my face in the retail blog feature, alongside lovely ladies from of ASOS, Miss Selfridge and Oasis.

I'm there representing Debenhams, and if you haven't shopped with us in a while now is definitely the time to come back. Henry Holland has recently joined our bank of renowned designers with a young, fresh, fashion-forward collection and I genuinely buy half my wardrobe from Red Herring these days; all the essentials and fabulously on-trend pieces too.

Click on image to enlarge.

In the pics I'm wearing a Butterfly by Matthew Williamson dress and zip detail leggings and some 6 inch heels that nearly killed me, but hell they looked good! The issue will be available to buy from 15 March.

Oh and Sian Meades from Domestic Sluttery has written an article for it too - get a sneak peek.

Please vote Debenhams your favourite blog at Company.co.uk

PRODUCT - New Vaseline Sheer Infusion

I was wandering past Boots on Oxford Street the other evening and was sucked in to preparations of the launch for a new Vaseline moisturiser, Sheer Infusion. I should have guessed something was going on from the pumping music and massive promotional poster on the store front.

Leading dermatologist, and presenter of Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, Dr. Pixie McKenna was at Boots flagship store in London to reveal the new product. Shoppers were treated to a champagne and canapés reception, theatrical front-of-store acrobats, as well as VIP skin consultations and pictures with Dr. Pixie McKenna herself. I had only gone in for a sarnie!

I popped along just in time to take the moisture test. My skin wasn't horrendous to start with, rated 2 but after applying Vaseline's Sheer Infusion it had gone up to 5 or so the little machine had told me. I didn't get much of a chance to test it out, but the fragrance was lovely, so next time my moisturiser runs out I'll be looking for this on the shelves at Boots.

BARGAIN - Luella Oyster Card Holder

I was as sad as anyone when I heard that Luella was going to be no more. The feminine styles always had a uniqueness in the industry and the girly blouses and pretty fabrics stood out. I also loved the accessories and I've posted about them before here and here.

Unfortunately it wasn't a brand that was really within my price range so as much as I liked it I never fell too in love with anything I saw knowing my bank balance wouldn't take the strain.

The company is now at the point of selling off old stock very, very cheap in comparison to the original selling price. I popped into the store near Bond Street last week and picked up a fabulous little oyster card holder for £18, reduced from £60. The free plastic rubbish ones that are given away always seem to tear and get grubby so I decided I needed to invest. My commute all of a sudden feels that bit more glam with this super shiny new accessory in my hand.

I've also been keeping an eye out on eBay because there are some bargains to be had and the quality is still there. It feels like a last chance to get a little piece of history. Check out the Luella website for a 'last chance' pick of the bargains.

COMPETITION - My Last Five Girlfriends (at Cinemas March 19)

To celebrate the release of My Last Five Girlfriends (at cinemas March 19, cert 12A) The Style PA is giving away a very special prize. We've got 2 pairs for the London premiere screening and after party on 17 March courtesy of Crumpler. If you want to be in with a chance of winning this great prize simply answer this question correctly.

Q: Which actor plays the lead role of Duncan Anderson in My Last Five Girlfriends?

Email your answer to jenny@thestylepa.com with the subject line 'London' or 'Manchester' depending on which premiere you'll be able to go to. Please include your name, age and telephone number. Competition closes at 11pm on 10 March. Please see T&Cs at the bottom of this post.

More info about the film...

Devastated when his latest relationship hits the rocks, Duncan Anderson (Brendan Patricks) is on the brink of giving it all up. In a final attempt to find out where it all went wrong (and right) Duncan audits his last five girlfriends and the journey he takes is poignant, funny and at times, deeply bizarre.

Over the last two years Duncan has seen and tried it all; moulding himself into what he thinks is the perfect boyfriend, pretending not to care about ex-boyfriends that haven’t quite disappeared and letting go of his British reserve in the hope of becoming more appealing. He’s disastrously attempted to give fashion advice, put up with reckless driving and created a secret language. He’s even had the courage to take the ultimate risk, saying the three little words… No matter what he tried, Duncan always ended up alone…but that’s all about to change.

Based on the international best selling novel by Alain De Botton, My Last Five Girlfriends is a unique and extraordinary story about love and our addiction to it.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/MyLastFiveGirlFriends

Copyright Line: © ML5G Productions Ltd 2010. Copyright © 2010 by Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

EDIT: Unfortunately the Manchester screening has been cancelled so an alternative prize has been selected. 3 winners who put 'Manchester' will get a Crumpler bag worth £50. My apologies for any inconvenience.

T&Cs

You must be available on the date of the premiere you have indicated you wish to attend. The competition closes at 11pm on 10 March. Winners will be notified no later than 11pm on 11 March. Winners will be selected at random from the correct answers using a random number generator. The editor's decision is final. Promoter: Paramount Pictures UK/ Strike Media Ltd

BLOGGING - Links à la Mode (25.02.10)

Fancy reading something inspiring this week. Look no further than the latest Links a la mode from the Independent Fashion Bloggers. It's a great list as always...

39th and Broadway – A Side of the Industry Unknown by Most: Life as a Corporate Fashion Designer
British Style Bloggers – Cherish forever what makes you unique, ‘cos you’re a yawn once it’s gone
Cafe Fashionista - A step-by-step guide to looking luxurious even when lounging
Clutch22 -Up close and personal with Vivienne Tam as she expands her fashion+tech innovations to a new category
CMYKaboom – Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) ‘Tweet Up in the Tents’ event
Debutante Clothing - Vintage Jewelry: Q&A with Lucite line Circa Sixty Three
Fabulous Finds Gal – Moonstuck at the opera with photographer Bersa
Fashion Pulse Daily – Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M; the debut and the review
Holier Than Now – New Take on Florals (5 Under $50)
Idiosyncratic Style - A Girl’s Guide to Maternity Style
Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence Recap : Part One
Individual Chic: – Would you have wanted a Computer Engineer Barbie when you were smaller? Or would you love one now?
Night Watch – 10 Questions with Model Clara Zapffe
Ode to Awe - Denmark based Alidra Alic’s Alice-inspired jewelry
Oranges and Apples – Rules for advertising and sponsorship on blogs
Retro Chick - The Ethics of Blogging
Smiles Go with Everything -10 Tips for Shopping on Ebay: How to find great deals on awesome duds.
The Coveted – Visits Nine West HQ for a sneak peak of AW10 shoe collections!
The Style PA – Gives Henry Holland a grilling ahead of his House of Holland show.
The Sunday Best – Do men get better service when they shop?
Wicked Whimsy -What to look for when buying vintage shoes
Workchic – Fall 2010 NY Fashion week collections: recreated runway to the office outfits