HOLIDAYS - Packing for New York

© Copyright 2011 Roy Tennant FreeLargePhotos.com

Well, the blog is going to have to suffer for a week because I'll soon be heading off to New York City and I can't hide the fact I'm just a little bit excited about it. I love city breaks as much as beach holidays and this is one of the best city breaks you can get. I've had so many tips from friends who have been and I'm looking forward to doing some exploring with the boy too.

I've been very good with my packing. All my washing was done early and I laid out the clothes I planned to take into outfits on my floor to make sure I wasn't taking anything I didn't need. Then grouped clothes together and rolled them up to avoid too much creasing. All my odd bits and bobs are organised into tote bags within my case, one for undies, one for chargers/electronics, one for toiletries etc. Hopefully this should mean if I have to open my case things won't be flung out everywhere.

I bought a new suitcase for the occasion, a bright pink one from Tripp luggage at Debenhams - worryingly, it matches today's outfit which wasn't at all intentional. Then there are a few handy things I've come across which have been packed too...

The Gillette Venus Spa Breeze doesn't need shave gel, you just add water and the shave gel bars do the work, and are scented like white tea too. Perfect to save taking shaving gel, the less heavy stuff I take the more I can shop when I am in NYC!

At Boots currently, when you spend £8 on Champney's you get their best of spa miniature set free. As I was going in there to buy the Champney's bath oil anyway, this was an added bonus. The little shower gel and body cream will be great for saving some space in my case.

Every holiday needs a signature scent that will transport you back to the place every time you get a whiff in future. Mine will be the new Guess Seductive Wild Summer fragrance which is a lighter version of the original Seductive scent that I also loved and which I took on a break to Wales before Christmas.

My watch broke a while back and I haven't been able to find one I love yet and was planning to get one in New York. Recently I went to a Time2 event and this retro blue Casio watch happened to be in my goodie bag. It will be perfect for getting me to my flight on time.

Enjoy the bank holidays that are left everyone, and the Royal Wedding of course. The bunting that's gone up all over the capital looks amazing. I plan on going to an all-day street party under Manhattan bridge for the royal nuptials. Should be fun to see how the American's celebrate. There will be lots of pics on my return.

REVIEW - Frankie Tests The Braun Silk.epil 7 Dual Epilator

I asked Frankie from Swell Vintage if she'd test out the Braun Silk.epil 7 Dual Epilator with Gillette Venus Technology. I have tried an epilator before so figured I'd give my readers a different perspective on this little gadget. Here is Frankie's review...

"Reviewing an epilator is quite a daunting task. At the end of the day, no matter what the adverts try to insist, you know it's going to hurt. Of course it's going to hurt! An electric machine is ripping out your hair, one by one, at an immense speed!

With the thought of pain and potentially sore legs in mind, I did put off trying out the Braun Silk.epil7 Dual Epilator for a week or so, but in the end my curiosity got the better of me. So tonight, I did it.

The Braun Silk.epil7 Dual Epilator promises “a new skin feeling in 1 stroke” with its new Gillette Venus Technology - this means that along with the classic epilator, there are also two razor blades. I must confess, this element of the device confused me – surely the whole point of using an epilator is so you don't have to shave? However, the epilator came with a number of different attachments, so I just went with the traditional hair-ripping style. No shaving required.

Overall, I would say that the Braun Silk.epil 7 is a good epilator. It's easy to use and, with its 40 tweezers, removed the hair with no problems, even the shorter ones. I found the small light on the base very handy when doing the back of my legs, and although I didn't test it in the water I do like that it is waterproof. The only negative I could find was with charging the device – it comes with one of those two-prong plugs that only fit in certain sockets. Fortunately I was able to charge the epilator at my parent's house, but otherwise I wouldn't have been able to use it.

So, if you're in the market for an epilator that is waterproof with razor attachments, then this is definitely the product for you. And if you've never tried an epilator before, why not be brave and give it a go?"

Daisy Lowe is brand ambassador for Braun silk-epil-7-dual, we want those pins please!

SHOES - Melissa's Plastic Dreams

Melissa is a Brazilian shoe brand enjoying increased success lately although it's been around for 40 years. Not only does it have several high-profile designer collaborations under its belt, celebrities love the shoes too. It's no wonder that the shoes are big sellers outside of Brazil and all over the world. The shoes are recyclable which should quiet the eco critics and the way they are produced limits waste too, in the fact that there is almost no waste at all. While you might see some other brands trying to copy what Melissa do, it's quite likely they won't be as good.

Melissa as a brand definitely gained a lot from the collaboration with Vivienne Westwood Anglomania. I know so many people who simply had to have a pair of those shoes, especially the ones with the heart detail on the front. For me, that was the moment where these shoes became a must-own for shoe lovers.

If you've never owned a pair you might be surprised to know that the shoes smell like sweeties or bubble gum and they are far more comfortable than they first appear. Katy Perry has been quoted as saying they reminded her of the smell of her 'My Little Pony' - cute.

Currently I just own the one pair of Melissa shoes, cute black flip flops with a bow detail on the front. These will be perfect for some poolside glamour this summer. They do come up very narrow and close fitting, or at least that's how I found them. Considering I have narrow feet it's worth a mention so you can guage the sizing and fit a little better if you intend to buy some.

Melissa JUTA black flip flops - £42

 Melissa Flip Flop Westwood - £100

Melissa Amazonas heels - £105

Katy Perry wears these in blue on the cover of Plastic Dreams magazine, the editorial glossy for the Melissa brand. Katy Perry has been spotted wearing many of the styles while out and about including flat pumps, heels and Vivienne Westwood styles too. They do suit her quirky, colourful style. Have you got a pair? Do you dare go plastic?

Melissa is available at Spartoo shoes.

CELEBRITY - Katy Perry's Campaign Shots for ghd

The shots are in. Katy Perry's first shoot for ghd was creatively conceived by the brand, Katy’s stylist Johnny Wujek and shot by world renowned photographer - David La Chapelle. I really love the second one, the colours, dress and hair are all absolutely beautiful.

CELEBRITY - Lady Gaga for Harper's Bazaar

Lady Gaga appears on the cover of US Harper's Bazaar, the May issue. The shoot is provocative as ever with her crawling on a piano with barely a stitch on, but some of the other shots are gorgeous. The article features an interview with the iconic star where she touches on plastic surgery jibes...

“I have never had plastic surgery, and there are many pop singers who have. I think that promoting insecurity in the form of plastic surgery is infinitely more harmful than an artistic expression related to body modification.”

View more images from the shoot - you'll probably spot the 5 boob bodysuit, not so chic!

ACCESSORIES - Fabulous Fascinators for Race Day

Off to the races this summer? Ladies Day demands a hat or fascinator, it would just be rude not to. But where do you find something a little bit different? Here are a few I've come across which are pretty cool.

Plait Bow Headpiece - Luna And Curious - £198
Love this as it's almost a turban style with an oversized bow to make a real statement.

Zara Gorman Pivot Wings Hat - Harrods - £949
I saw this designer's work at ON | OFF last September, although most of the styles would be pretty difficult to wear unless you were Gaga (Lady) and minted.

Victoria Grant Wide Brim Hat - Harrods - £479

Love the mix of traditional and quirky with this hat. I don't like the price tag so much though. 

Statement Sinamay Bow & Ribbon Fascinator - ASOS - £30

This is great for people who don't like wearing hats but want the same impact.

Origami Pleat Detail Fascinator - ASOS - £30

I love the neutral colouring of this fascinator, plus loving the jaunty angle that it sits at on the head. Very chic!

WIN - Free Faith Shoes and Blogger Exposure

Are you a budding blogger? Love shoes? Well this is the competition for you. Debenhams are offering a fab prize to one lucky fan of shoe brand Faith. You'll be able to get the sneak peek at new collections and wear them before anyone else... for FREE!

All you need to do is send an email with a pic explaining in under 400 words why you are Faith's biggest fan. Easy as pie...

The prize

• You will become the official shoe blogger for Debenhams 
• A Faith shoe design will be named after you!
• You’ll be invited to spend a day with the brilliant Faith buyers and get the inside scoop on how they create their amazing shoes
• And, you’ll get the chance to preview Faith’s new collections before anybody else, and get your orders in first

Visit the Debenhams blog for details on how to enter.

CHARITY - Fashion Targets Breast Cancer

The new Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign has been revealed and it features Cat, Deeley, Sadie Frost and Karen Gillan. Over the next 6 weeks the charity aims to raise over £1million via its collaborations with high street stores, celebrities and through generous donations. The new ‘Fashion is’ campaign asks us what fashion means to us; for FTBC fashion is making a huge difference towards finding the cure for breast cancer.

Cat Deeley says, “Fashion is making a difference, and so can you.  Wear your support for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and show you care.”

Look out for special charity products on the high street at stores like M&S, River Island and my-wardrobe. Wear your support and make sure you are following FTBC on Twitter for all the latest activity. I've always had breast cancer charities close to my heart and since I last covered FTBC someone else close to the people I love has been diagnosed... please, please do what you can to help.

EVENT - Playing Dress-Up With Rokit Vintage

One of my fave finds was this DKNY jacket

On Sunday I had the pleasure of heading over to the Rokit Vintage HQ to have a good old rummage through their vintage wares. Myself, my sister Abbie and lots of other fabulous bloggers were there to get a behind-the-scenes look at Rokit and of course try on lots of the amazing vintage clothing and accessories.

I was drawn straight to the sunglasses and loved the retro styles. Hats were another favourite as they were passed from blogger to blogger for photographs. One of my fave looks of the day was Fiona (Save our Shoes) wearing the pleated sleeve, floral maxi from the seventies collection. A close second was Alize (blog de Tendances) wearing a gorgeous cream, '50s style dress - with roller skates I might add!

Serving up cakes and champagne and tea cocktails were the lovely ladies from the Vintage Patisserie. Deborah Meaden backed this business when the founder Angela appeared on Dragon's Den and we were lucky enough to meet her at the event too which was an added bonus. The food and drinks were lovely as was the gorgeous display of mis-matched tea cups, plates and spoons. If only I could always have a team on hand to throw me a vintage tea party.

The whole dressing-up thing reminded me of the movie montage sequence from The Sweetest Thing (a must-watch film if you haven't seen it). The Rokit clothes were much better though of course. The Rokit team carefully select the best product to go online or in their London stores. But other pieces are handed over to the Rokit Recycled designers who refashion pieces into something new and exciting. It's great because there's a handmade element to the items.

Anyway, you want to look at the pics right?

Along with the music from Drag Your Heels (garage inspired rock), Three Little Maids (close harmony group) and an awesome pop-tastic DJ set by Munroe Bergdorf we were treated to vintage hair styling from Belinda Hay of the Painted Lady salon and nails by The Illustrated Nail... it was one hell of a vintage treat. But enough of the shout-outs...

Get involved...
I have £30 to spend on the Rokit vintage website - let me know what you'd style me in from the website in a comment below... the best suggestion will be sent a little goodie bag. Get involved, what should I buy peeps?

What I wore: Brogues from Primark (ribbons added for laces), vintage check print dress, skinny brown belt from Primark, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson jacket from Debenhams, Vintage hat from Camden Market, necklace by Swarovski.

BODY - Get Fab Feet for Summer

After the 18 mile walk on Saturday I was quite relived to have been sent some organic footcare products to try. Hot weather is not just round the corner but is gracing us with its presence right now, so getting my tootsies up to scratch is definitely on my mind.

After our well-deserved pizza back at mine post-walk, it was time to sort out my feet. I used the Neat Feet foot scrub. Beware before you get to it that you'll need to give your bath tub a good old rinse afterwards as the scrub has got all sorts in it. Almond meal, walnut shell and oats all help to smooth the texture of feet and get rid of dead skin while cayenne pepper and organic peppermint have warming/cooling properties. It smells quite strong but not unpleasant and after being on my feet the whole day in the hot weather, massaging the scrub into my feet felt like pure heaven!

After drying off my feet I also gave the Feet Relief massage cream a go. I out on a generous amount and massaged in which felt good and the smell is almost medicated. In fact, it reminded me of a medicated shampoo that used to sit on the edge of the bath when I was a little kid so it took me back. I popped my feet into some cosy bed socks and the following day they felt as good as new. The rest I'm sure helped but would recommend giving these products a go too. Thanks to Aubrey Organics for sending over, the sample couldn't have been any better timed. Now I just need to paint my toes a pretty shade - I'm thinking tangerine!

On the subject of feet, last week I went along to a launch event for new fitness shoes TrimSoles. Amanda Holden is the spokesperson for the brand and she was there to sing their praises but as a FitFlop fan I wasn't sure if they were going to compete. I've since tried a pair out and have to admit they are a very snug fit and not quite as soft as FitFlops, however, they are much cheaper. If you took time to wear them in I'm pretty sure they'd become more comfortable.

In terms of styling, they are quite chunky but I did like both the animal and snake print styles. The toe-post is a must as without them I don't think they'd grip and fit the feet quite so well. The brand also does boots which look OK - anything's better than UGGs!

You can view the range of TrimSole shoes here. Let me know what you think. At £29.95 perhaps they're in with a shot of doing really well. According the the company, 70% of people who bought a pair have come back and bought another which is a great retention rate.

FITNESS - 18 Mile Charity Walk Round London

For the last month my sisters, 2 friends and I have been collecting sponsorship for a charity walk round London. It's all in aid of my sister Abbie's trip to the Gambia where she'll be helping kit a school out for the year by painting the curriculum on the wall and providing teaching resources. Abbie (All About Abbie) had already raised the money needed for the actual trip, so our funds were all going directly to help the kids in Gambia. We take basic learning for granted sometimes and it's so important at giving kids a chance in life. We've raised a few hundred pounds to add to the kitty and I'm really proud of everyone for putting in the effort.

I planned the route using SportyPal (a handy GPS tracking phone app) and what was meant to a 16 mile walk turned into 18 miles in the end. We couldn't have asked for better weather either. Pure sunshine all day long which unfortunately resulted in some rather ridiculous tan lines - whoops! It's something I am planning on getting the girls together for again. It's not tough to do that much walking in one go when you are laughing the whole way. If I spent one Saturday a month walking event half that far I'm sure it would be good for my health.

We kicked things off by walking through several London Parks - Regent's Park, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James's Park - then after stopping for some noodles at Embankment it was along the North Bank. It was much quieter than South Bank but just as nice. Then up past the Tower of London, through East London and along the canal back to Camden from Angel. 

Take a look at the highlights from the walk below...

SHOPPING - On my April Wishlist

Guess watch (W13572) - £145

I loved this watch when I first saw it at the SS11 Guess press day. I love the chunky, masculine styling but the colour is closer to flesh tone so at the same time won't overpower an outfit. I tried it on while shopping at Westfield London the other day and I wasn't sure enough about how it looked on me so didn't buy it, but am now wishing I had. I just wish my wrists weren't so skinny as I'm sure it would have looked better if it were a bit more in proportion.

Show Girl Hoopla Bra - Fred & Ginger - £110

Love this red, black and white lingerie set. Too pretty to be hidden under clothes.

Tigris Red Dress - Beulah London - £356

My budget won't stretch to this dress, but I want it none the less. You'd have to have a nice toned back to pull it off too... time to get out the body scrub and firming cream if you're daring to bare this summer. The label features other gorgeous, luxury silk dresses and the founders are involved in all sorts of social projects. They're giving back to fashion and communitites who need it too.

The Nokia N8 Smartphone

I love my Motorola Defy, but I recently hung out with guys from Nokia and they told me their N8 phone has a 12 megapixel camera! Twitpics have never looked so good. I've since been trying out one of the handsets  and I was surprised to find that it really does almost everything that other smartphones do. As soon as app availability improves, I'd be interested in switching... if I found a good deal. It's a little bulkier than my Defy but feels pretty robust. Worth a look if you're in the market for a new phone.

Pixel Oven Gloves - Lifestylish.com - £14.95 

Thanks to Domestic Sluttery for bringing these to my attention, they are about to go in my shopping basket. 

STYLE - Eat Your Heart Out Joan Holloway

I've always been a fan of a figure-sculpting shift dress. Mad Men fans will know that Joan Holloway has been somewhat of a revolution in reviving this style of dress too. Yes people always mention Christina Hendricks' curves, but I think you have to. She wears a fitted shift in a way that many women can only dream to. Having a larger bust only enhances that hourglass shape and shows off the retro style. 

All the dresses below are by Suzannah, a brand already worn by celebrities including Denise Van Outen, Kelly Osborne, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Sarah Harding who wore the corsage maxi dress to her recent birthday celebrations. My favourite of the vintage-inspired styles below is definitely number 2. Which is your fave?

Are you still Mad for Mad Men styles or has this decade had it's day? I noticed there's lots of new content to have a look at over on the official Mad Men website. Remember how that 'Mad Men yourself' tool went round the social networks. I'm still stuck on the end of the first series of Mad Men with 2 more box sets from Xmas to go yet. Is it just me or is it a little bit too slow to pull you in when compared with shows like Boardwalk Empire, Californication and The Wire?

DESIGNER - Limited Edition Alexander McQueen Scarf

To celebrate the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty retrospective which opens on 4 May at the Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the brand is launching a limited edition skull scarf. A favourite with countless celebrities, the skull scarf has become an iconic piece from the McQueen label.

The special design features a combination of skulls, some from the Plato Atlantis collection and some from Sarah Burton's SS11 show. Treat yourself to a touch of luxury - it's 100% silk and retails at £290. Look out for the scarf when it hits stores and www.alexandermcqueen.com in May.

If you really can't afford the price tag of this skull scarf, here are a few more which might suit you...

Alexander McQueen Skull Print Chiffon Scarf - Net-A-Porter - £140

Blue Summer Skull Scarf - Miss Selfridge - £14

 Grey Devore Skull Scarf - River Island at ASOS - £22 

ACCESSORIES - Matches Super Bright Accessories

Following on from my brights/neon blog post, this flew into my inbox from Matches fashion this week. I love the way accessories can be used to add a bold splash of colour to your outfit without overpowering the whole look. Check out the other hot accessory trends from Matches too. 

I also spotted some great bright colours in the Editor's picks from the editorial staff at Grazia. Charlie Miller chose some great Diane Von Furstenberg heels while Siobhan mallen's selection is full of fabulous hues from Acne, Lanvin, Cacharel and other great labels. 

Matches has stepped up their trend features recently so it's a great place to look for style inspiration (when you've exhausted The Style PA's tips that is... ). My-wardrobe still wins in my eyes for fashion content though. They've got plenty of it in a format that's easy to browse - I'm not a fan of full-on online magazines like Net-a-Porter. 

What do you think? Which designer website's features are the best?

TREND - How to Wear Neon Colour

High fashion neon by The Style PA featuring a silk skirt

Neons aren't the easiest trend to wear but I'm loving the look this season. Yellow is my fashion nemesis so I'll have to avoid that whatever... The pinks, greens and oranges are still an option though. I love the high-end take on the look with cute jackets that could be worn with cropped chinos, heels and and a white vest. If you don't mind making a little bit of a statement when it comes to colour then work this look.

 If neon clothing isn't your thing then what about neon lips. Fluro pink and orange are all over the place at the moment and I'm loving the look... although it does work better with a tan. I've also got some fab neon eyeshadow pots from Models Own that might make an appearance come festival season. Here are some ideas on how to wear neon below...

New look show us that a clashing skinny belt is a subtle way to colour block your neons, while bright lace was a catwalk favourite with the likes of Christopher Kane.

Primark style pieces from their high summer drop (available in June) in true colour-blocking style.I love the addition of the bright blue to the mix but don't think I'd be brave enough to wear them all together.

Hobbs have a slightly different take on the trend which is much more subtle. Neon colours are worked into the print of a fabric and accessorized with a neon bag.