Beauty brand Bobbi Brown have adapted their cult classic Shimmer Brick for the body so we can now achieve an all over healthy golden glow at the swish of a few brush strokes. And just in time for the summer… hurrah! £48.94, at Bobbibrown.co.uk and department stores nationwide, including House of Fraser and John Lewis.
Colour blocking was seen all over the catwalks for spring/summer and it’s a trend that looks set to stick around for some time.
Taking inspiration from the early 90s craze for pairing contrasting blocks of colour, it’s a great way to infuse your wardrobe with energetic brights. The trick to it is to be eye-catching without being overwhelming. Work the look by combining two or three clashing separates – fuchsia and midnight blue are a good starting point - and team your colour blocking outfit with retro super-high heels for an eclectic edge. Here are some of our high street faves:
Colour block dress, £15, at New Look.
Applying foundation can be tricky - especially making it look natural and not caked on. This Bobbi Brown tutorial video is fab if you’re in need of a few easy-to-follow tips. And Bobbi Brown’s latest foundation - mentioned in the vid - is definitely worth checking out too. Skin foundation, SPF 15, £25.45, is available at Bobbibrown.co.uk and department stores nationwide, including House of Fraser and John Lewis.
Do-it-yourself French Manicure sets vary enormously - some are bright and brash, others pale and insignificant. One of the best we’ve found is Nail Inc.’s Nude French Manicure with 3 polishes. Once on, the pinky nude base coat is just the right shade, the white isn’t glaringly white, and it stays on like a dream. We love it. £19.57, at John Lewis.
Snap up a pair of these gorgeous gladiator sandals, team with a floaty maxi-dress and you’re all set to strut your stuff around town this summer. Steve Madden Banglez Studded Gladiator Sandals, £100 at John Lewis.
Invest in Bobbi Brown’s new 35-strong palette of electric shades and all your makeup needs for spring/summer will be answered in one kaleidoscopic swoop. What fun awaits. £49 at Bobbi Brown counters nationwide, including John Lewis, Harrods and Selfridges.
Shed winter skin at home by going bold and brash with your furnishings and fabrics. Mix textures and patterns and dare to be different with modern looks like this one from Nonoliving.com. Available at most John Lewis stores nationwide.
Featuring uber-designers like Dior, Versace, Oscar de la Renta and Givenchy, Barbie’s wardrobe takes some beating and it’s about to get even more glamorous. To mark the 11 1/2-inch style icon’s 50th birthday, the doll’s manufacturer have decided to max-out on luxury fashion with a series of events and partnerships. First up will be a full-scale Barbie fashion show (to be staged during New York Fashion Week in February) with 50 designers creating life-sized outfits inspired by the doll. Christian Louboutin has confirmed that he will be designing pink pumps and Wang has put her genius into the designing of a Barbie wedding gown, with a sale price expected to exceed US$15,000. 2009 will also see the launch of a range of Barbie beauty products, so watch out for ‘Plastic Smooth’ skincare and ‘All Doll’d Up’ cosmetics. If only turning 50 were as fabulous for us mere mortals…
If you haven’t already heard of it, you soon will. Method, the eco-conscious US cleaning brand, is taking UK by storm with its delicious smelling, organic products in stylish packaging. Unlike many eco-friendly cleaning products, these babies aren’t watered down, weak affairs - they actually work… and you won’t pay through the roof for the privilege. French lavender All Purpose Spray, £3, available at John Lewis, Tesco, and at Methodproducts.co.uk
Country Homes and Interiors magazine have teamed up with John Lewis to create the perfect winter hamper. Including a gorgeously cosy rug, all you’ll need to do is snuggle up in front of the fire and get stuck into the yummy treats and goodies. Here’s what you get:
* Chocca Mocca Plain Chocolate Coated Orange Flavoured Biscuits, 250g
* Pure Indulgence Belgian Hot Choc Milk, 150g
* Chocolate Craft Milk Marbled Chocolate Slab from The Alresford Chocolate Company, 80g
* Flame Homeware Vanilla & Blossom Candle in tin
* Chesters of St Andrews Mixed Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans, 100g
* Two Sophie Conran Portmeirion mugs
* Soft-to-the-touch 100% wool Tweed Mill blanket
John Lewis have a clever solution to turn your kitchen into a technology hub without compromising on style. This integrated digital television will fit snuggly into your kitchen units and can even swivel so you can position it to best advantage - perfect for watching Jamie Oliver while performing your own culinary experiments. What’s more, it’s HD ready and comes with a PC connection so you can surf the net for your favourite recipes from the comfort of your kitchen table. £699 from John Lewis.
Dita Von Teese and Wonderbra sound like a match made in lingerie heaven to me and the clever duo must have thought so too since a capsule range of underwear designed by the Queen of Burlesque herself has just hit the shops. It’s available at various Debenhams, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Littlewoods and Brown Thomas stores across the UK and Ireland, as well as at selected online stockists like Figleaves and ASOS.
This Orient Screen, £150 from John Lewis will add a subtle touch of the east to your home. (It could also be rather useful to hide behind when unwanted visitors appear.)
Figs & Rouge bath and body care range is 100% organic and Soil Association Certified, comes in the most heavenly floral scents and (best of all) has fabulous vintage-inspired packaging. What’s not to love? Organic Body Balm, £3.95, available at John Lewis and Love-eco.uk
Department store John Lewis have just announced details of their biggest ever campaign (we’re talking £1.5m, according to Drapers). Launching on September 15, the advertising campaign is set to take John Lewis in a much more fashion forward direction with supermodel Karen Elson leading the way as the new face of the brand. Elson is seen here in an editorial for this month’s Vogue.
