EVENT - Westfield Blogger Tutorials

I'm really excited to be doing some beginners blogger tutorials at Westfield Shopping Centre tomorrow evening and Saturday afternoon. I'll be showing some bloggers a few hints and tips that I've picked up along my blogging travels and I might find time to do a little window shopping too. Unfortunately spaces were limited so it's all filled up but feel free to pop along anyway, there's lots going on.

The tutorials are all part of the Big Fashion Wardrobe event happening this week at the shopping centre. From Tuesday 29 March to Sunday 3 April, Westfield is taking the glamour of the fashion world and inviting you to experience a journey through every touch point of a fashion house. This ranges from being in a 'fashion cupboard' full of fabulous clothing and accessories to getting a hair and beauty makeover. It also involves creative fashion writing, modelling for a photo shoot and ending the experience with a catwalk finale. What's not to love about that?

There's lots more going on this week and throughout the year. View the latest offers and events at Westfield

Quick event summary...


Go Fashion- The Walk in Wardrobes, 10 bespoke wardrobes, from high street to luxury brands including, River Island, French Connection, Reiss, DKNY Jeans, Jaegar, House of Fraser, Ted Baker, Firetrap LK Bennett, NW3 and Uniqlo to name a few.

Go Style – The Hair & Beauty Makeover, Make-up artists from The Make-Up Store will be applying their expertise in the colour palettes of the season while Toni & Guy will be going all out with blow-out bar showing shoppers,

Go Front Cover – The Photo Shoot. Aspiring models can enter a super stylish photographic studio, complete with a photographer, fans and picture-perfect lighting.

Go Blog – The Scoop. Enter the media suite, complete with super stylish laptops and Wi-Fi where budding writers can report on their journey at The Big Fashion Wardrobe from favourite fashion finds to newly discovered trends and beauty reviews. This is where I'll be doing my sessions.

Go BHF – British fashion model Daisy Lowe has partnered with the British Heart Foundation’s ‘Mending Broken Hearts Appeal’ to help raise awareness of the heart charity’s life-changing project to mend damaged hearts. Daisy Lowe will launch her very own Lomography photographic exhibition depicting symbols of hope.

Go Catwalk - On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd April, the event will culminate in a fashion show showcasing over 70 of Westfield London’s most sought-after brands. Four live fashion shows each day will repeat over the weekend showcasing the finest fashion from spring summer’s top trends.

For the latest news and offers follow Westfield London’s twitter @westfieldlondon

CATWALK - Vanessa G Debut Collection Launch

I was invited to a debut collection catwalk event last week for Vanessa G. I'll be honest, I didn't know a huge amount about her, but the venue alone made me take notice. The invite, which arrived etched onto red perspex, said Banqueting House, Whitehall. That was the location for Julien Macdonald's SS11 catwalk show and after that beautiful show I knew I had to go back there.

The event itself was hugely big-budget with plenty of familiar faces like Konnie Huq, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Jade Parfitt to name but a few. In fact, I had no idea of the spectacle that was to greet us when we actually sat down in the specially constructed seating to view towering video projections. Being outside Fashion Week gave the organisers the luxury of time to keep editors and VIPs in their company for far longer to watch what turned into a multimedia presentation. Models walked with attitude, passed through hidden doors, acted out with props, videos played in the background and then we were played out to a band playing pretty much in the rafters.

But what of the clothes you ask? Well, I thought the whole thing was very slick and pieces incredibly wearable. It may not have blown high fashion lovers away but I like to see myself in a garment and Vanessa G did strike a good balance between aspiration and practicality. The collection reflects unique pieces of art by unsung artists which have been transformed into what the brand hopes will become timeless collectables. Garments are hand painted, hand crafted and hand finished to give that all-important luxury touch.

Press release snippet: "Leading Indian designer Ashish N Soni has come on board the Vanessa G luxury brand as the Chief Design Officer. His primary responsibility is to interpret the confluence of both these equally rich disciplines, to act as an advisor and guide the brand within its concept. He aims to translate and filter the passion and vision of Vanessa G into ready to wear and ensure the art remains not just in the creation of the garment, but in the overall essence of each piece."

Personally I loved the Erdem-esque florals albeit with a black core palette. Bright reds and limes gave to collection a striking element of contrast while the gorgeous coats and dresses were instant additions to the wish-list. It wasn't all new or incredibly original but it was very pretty, feminine and as a collection hung together pretty well. The contrasts were reflected in the story of the collection as we saw it too, from the flora and fauna to the noisy cityscape. It's nature brought into the modern woman's world.

I was gutted that I had to leave straight after the event as the drinks and canapés were fabulous. Treats included Quail's egg with salt and gold leaf, rose petals in cocktails and smoked salmon. Delicious! I have to say a thanks for the gorgeous scarf that was gifted in the goodie bag too. It shows the beautiful prints from the collection and will serve as a reminder of a designer to watch and a fabulous evening out too. View more pics below...

View more of my photos at Flickr

STYLE - Weekend in Paris

Wearing: Coat from Tesco Clothing, Hairband from J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams, Earrings from Miss Selfridge. 

Paris... I love it. This pic was taken at the top of Notre Dame last month when I took the boyfriend for a birthday weekend. We stayed in Raspail, a short walk from the Catacombs and our hotel was right next to the tube station - hurrah! 

We drank hot chocolate, ate lots of grub (some good, some yucky) and generally had a fun weekend. The highlight might have been the breakfast in bed at the hotel, bread, pastries and jam - nom, nom, nom - I booked the room through Hotels.com and the whole process was pretty breezy - I even got a handy email before my trip including a weather report for my stay and tips on where to go. Shame the weather report said rain was likely! 

My favourite photograph of the weekend is of a tube station of all things. Paris is so trendy they even have on-trend tube stations... this one is a colour-blocking sensation :)

EVENT - Bloggers for Japan: 26 March

Please pop down if you can and bring some pennies... Get the latest details at the Bloggers for Japan  Facebook page.

FASHION - Fab News for the Fuller Busted

Going up 2 cup sizes after a bra fitting certainly makes you pay a bit more attention to your bust. So when I was invited to discover more about a clothing range designed with the bust in mind I was intrigued.

Pepperberry launches on 21 March and it's a bit of a revolution for the fuller busted among us. Garments are available in sizes 8 - 18 with three fits tailored for the size of your bust. They've coined these fits curvy, really curvy and super curvy - and it's easy to understand why the word curvy is so important. Curvy has positive connotations with the term being associated with starlets like Christina Hendricks who has a figure loved by men and women alike.

The curvy fit is very similar to usual garments you'd find on the high street which means the range doesn't exclude those with a proportional bust. What it does also offer is a better fitting wardrobe for anyone who usually struggles to get things that fit them well. The way that clothing is designed and made means that it's only the bust area that is sized larger - the arms, back and waist will be your normal size. Hurrah for not having to buy 2 sizes bigger just because you have boobs.

I definitely think there's a big market for this clothing and clearly so do they. The way they've sized the garments remind me of the Levi's Curve ID jeans. The best thing is that the clothing isn't just basics, the collection has a strong nod to the trends of the moment but with practicality in mind like wider straps on dresses so you can easily wear a bra under dresses. Other tops are designed so a strapless bra can be attached to the straps of the top - a canny idea. I was impressed by how much attention is paid to patterns and getting every size right to ensure that the styles flatter those with larger boobs as much as those without much up top.

After a browse through the rails, a trend presentation, champers and cupcakes I was more than convinced that the range was a good idea and I'll be interested to watch it grow. I'll be trying out a piece from the range once it launches so pop back soon for a proper review.

EVENT - Mango and Stylist Magazine Work-It

Last night I headed along to an event at the Oxford Street Mango store. The promise was workwear inspiration and along with Stylist Magazine, they certainly did that.

We were shown and talked through several different workwear looks from the more casual.funky jumpsuit and heels ideal for a creative laid-back office to the twist on the classic interview suit in a palette of neutrals rather than 'boring' black.

The aim it seemed was to show us what workwear could be... whether it was to introduce more colour or trends into that wardrobe, or to be taken more seriously or dress for a promotion. There were a few red herrings in there - a low cut maxi dress being the one that stands out, but by and large it was a great range of clothing that I would love to have in my working wardrobe.

I loved some of the fab fitted jackets in the tailored, nautical inspired rail. Others headed straight for those 70s  key shapes and prints to give more of a effortless look which I think really suits willowy frames.

The competition

The collaboration for Mango and Stylist Magazine will become evident through a series of advertorials and a competition... you could win your very own office party, £50 to spend at Mango for you and 40% off for your friends and colleagues. There are 20 parties up for grabs so it's well worth entering. Enter the competition on Mango's Facebook page.

Playing Stylist

I was asked to take inspiration from the rails of key looks to style my own outfit. We had a few giggles trying to get everything on the mannequins - my few days covering in the Debenhams merchandising department obviously  didn't prepare me for that. After a few limbs had been removed and replaced, my outfit was revealed. I played pretty safe with Capri style navy trousers, a white ruffle vest and a tied lightweight denim shirt. I accessorised the outfit with a nautical inspired bag, red and natural wedges and a bright red and gold necklace.

Let me know what you think - almost all the other girls went for a more feminine, floaty skirt look which I loved too.

More pics from the event below...

HAIR - Fashion Week Trends for Your Barnet

The statement ponytail

Wella Professionals for Issey Miyake AW11

Get this look: Take a round circle from the inner part of the head, ensuring that all hair around the hair lines is kept out of the circle.  Tie the circle into a ponytail at the crown area and bind again for around 5cm to give height.  Back comb the remaining loose hair section around the hairlines and smooth with Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray applied to a soft bristle brush rather than directly to the hair to make the product look invisible.  Pull entire hair backwards and upwards and join with previous pony tail, at the top where the existing elastic ends. Finish with a spray of Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz Beach Texture Spray to the ponytail section for added texture.

Wella Professionals for Missoni AW11

Slicked back hair gives an illusion of the ponytail - one to tone down for use of the catwalk I think.

Sam McKnight/Pantene Pro V for Jaeger

This look has a relaxed feel; worn long and care-free.

Vintage inspired

Wella Professionals for Antonio Marras AW11

This look was inspired by the designer's mother in the fifties and sixties and brought to life by stylist Eugene Souleiman. The style brings heritage into the mix and has 3 dimensional interest from all angles. I'd love to be able to wear this one myself, but I don't think I'd be very good at recreating it. Oh to have a hair stylist on-hand at all times, now that would be amazing.

Pantene Pro-V for Aquascutum

This effortless looking natural look gives a nod to the late ‘70s. “I was inspired by the iconic fashion and fragrance advertising campaigns of the ‘70s, and the type of woman who typified that independent ‘70s career woman who breezes through life.” says Sam McKnight, Pantene Pro-V Global Stylist Ambassador. The collection with its linear, architectural structure and palette of winter nudes and bright highlights was perfectly complemented by the easy chic hair.

Ballerina

Wella Professionals for Temperley London AW11

The trend for all things 'ballet' continues. This one's a pretty easy one to recreate yourself, just keep the overall look quite groomed.

Long lengths





Racoon International hair extensions at Bernard Chandran AW11

“Racoon’s Micro Wefts are absolutely brilliant for this type of fashion work,” says hair stylist Darren. “They instantly give you the creative freedom to be bang on-trend without any drama once the girls move on to get ready for their next show. They’re as quick to remove as they are to put in, so our backstage work is so much less stressful!”

Which hair look did you love from the catwalks?

SHOES - Colour Blocking for Your Footwear

One of the biggest trends for Spring was colour blocking and although a lot of people have been doing it top to toe, there's a subtle way to work the look - with your shoes. For the office, the weekend or a night on the tiles, shoes are one easy way to wear colour. When the colour isn't close to the face you really don't have to stick to the colours that suit you best - anything goes. Loads of brands have got on board with the trend and there's something to suit all budgets too.

Spartoo have been in touch with me about their fab selection of footwear, and I'll be picking out some of their hot styles (and reviewing some pairs) for a series of blog posts over the next few months. To kick things off here's my pick of colour-blocked beauties...

Air Step Fresh Lome - £122

I used to have a pair of boots where the laces went through the heel and these really reminded me of them. 

United Nude Cup Sandal - £136

Patent black and pink make these spot-on for a party or night out. 

Marian Sizano - £92

Chic in suede, this shade of blue is big news for the season. Featured in Vogue's trend report for S/S and was the infamous choice of Kate Middleton for that engagement announcement.

Chie Miraha Ethel - £207

Totally on-trend, these cork platforms are perfectly channelling the seventies. Brown and orange create a real retro feel. These are on my wish list for sure.

Harlot Nil Cream - £114

I'm always happy to consider a sensible heel and these are great for summer, both in colour and style.

United Nude Mono Jane - £84

Can't say these ones are quite my cup of tea, but they'll suit someone with a quirky sense of style.

Shop these shoes and more at the Spartoo website.

FASHION - The My-Wardrobe Style Guide

Everyday luxury... a concept that we can all relate or aspire to. I love My-Wardrobe with a passion so when I got the email with their new style guide magazine in it I read the thing from cover to cover.

As much as I love ogling all the gorgeous clothes and accessories, my favourite feature was on the very last page - The New Buzzwords. This is the need-to-know vocab that fashionista's should know about this season. Simsonite, The Marcel, Mulmerry... you'll have to head on over and take a look at the Style Guide to decipher some of them. There are some great editorials in the guide from cork wedge shoes and must-have handbags to key pieces for the seventies look.

The product I love above all others in the guide though is The Mulberry Alexa bag in a spring shade of watermelon. Great for working the season's colour block trend and in a style that has already become hugely popular among celebrities and shopaholics alike.

View the Style Guide now

NEWS - Get Involved with Aussie Light

I got home on Thursday evening to a surprise parcel with a big purple bow on it. I had no idea what it might be, although the purple bow should have given it away. Inside was a balloon and a product from the new Aussie Lusciously Light haircare range, hurrah!

You may have been following the Aussie Angels project on my blog over the last year or so. The great news this time round is that there's 10 slots up for grabs for fellow bloggers to take part in this challenge too. 

What you need to do...

Answer the below question in the form of a blog post on your own blog. Then tweet the link to @yummyhair with the hash tag #AussieLight

Put a spring in your spring! Tell us, how would you lighten up your life?

Need-to-know...

Winners will be chosen by the Uncover Aussie team based on the most creative response that reflects the Aussie spirit. This means videos, pictures, stories or even songs could make up your blog post entry – just as long as you answer the question. You can enter until Midnight on Sunday 20th March 2011.

For full T & Cs, pop over to UncoverAussie.

Good luck!

HAIR - Maja Ivarsson The Face of Colour Ignite

I was excited to get this press release in my inbox today, the lead singer of one of my favourite bands ever has been signed up as the face of Sebastian Professional's Colour Ignite range. Maja Ivarsson of The Sounds has a stage presence that's not easy to come by and she never goes on stage without her heels, make-up and some serious attitude! I don't know why, but it surprised me that the brand has collaborated with her - I'm really glad they have though.

The new specialist professional color care products offers two custom-tailored formulas designed according to the color techniques used – SINGLE TONE for single tone colored hair and MULTI TONE for multi-tonal and lightened hair. The shampoos and conditioners come in a light whipped texture for easy and even coverage on all hair too. You can copy the looks from Maja's photoshoot with Sebastian's get the look feature.

Oh, and there's a new Sounds album coming out soon, watch this space.

SHOPPING - On my March Wishlist

When I'm not shopping I'm talking about shopping and when I give myself a shopping ban I have to think of all the things I want to buy when the ban is lifted. Hence my monthly wishlist feature where I say what I will be (and would love to be) spending my pennies on...

1. Queenie Adult Unisex T-Shirt by Vivienne Westwood - TK Maxx - £9.99

You can't deny a fabulous charity event like Red Nose Day a few of your hard earned pounds, and the fact that this fun tee was designed by Vivienne Westwood makes it all the more attractive.

2. Bluebell sun dress - Laura Ashley

Laura Ashley next month launch a range of dresses featuring gorgeous prints from their archive.They are all lovely, but this one is my favourite.

3. The Sandstorm Make-Up Collection - Topshop
It's a little bit of the catwalk for your make-up bag and the colours are a refreshing twist on the usual hues available. From 21 March look out for flyers in selected stores where you'll be able to enter for a chance to win VIP Lovebox tickets, hotel stay, shopping spree and the Sandstorm collection too.

4. Buckle Detail Wedge Sandal - Matalan - £18
Even on a spending ban I reckon I could sneak these through the net... I've been looking for some wedges for summer and I think these are the ones.

5. Alexander McQueen AW11
Something, anything, everything... enough said.