New Vintage

Wrapping up warm this winter has just been made ultra stylish with these silk scarves from ReLUXE.

Vintage lovers, be aware! ReLUXE have collected vintage silk scarves to create these treasures and lavished them with fringing to update the luxurious classic pieces. Everything they use also comes from the UK so their not just upcycling but lightening the carbon footprint as no shipping from overseas is required!

There are four to choose from in blue, green, gold and burgundy. The most exciting thing about these gems is that each is a one-off so for £49 you can buy a truly unique timeless accessory that is both new and vintage. These bad boys are available to buy at www.fashion-conscience.com

Alanna Skelton

Cuff’s of Eel

These dazzling cuff’s from Makki will really give your party dress an edgy update this season and starting at £30, how can you resist?

Be tempted further as each cuff comes in a choice of glam colours and in two sizes. My favourite is the stud cuff from the Electric collection in Teal but do not despair if this is not to your taste. The striking woven eel skin of the glam cuff adds an interesting texture to any evening look. Or the simplicity of the electric cuff in perhaps hot pink would be all you need to lift a LBD. Not only are they beautiful on the outside but also, the inside is adorned with Makki’s own signature screen-printed suede lining for luxurious softness on the wrist.

Check out the complete collections Electric, Glam Deco and Butterfly at www.makki.co.uk

Alanna Skelton

Bag a piece of history from Use UK

Sometimes you have to stray off the high street to discover the best accessories. Unique pieces add to individual outfits and always make for good small talk. And if you’re searching for a bag with an incredible back story then you need look no more.

Use UK are offering a range of one off leather button clutches made of materials that back many decades. The threads, thimbles and buttons used to construct the bags were inherited from the late Mary Button who spent many years building the collection and sorting them into colour-coordinated tins.

The bags are made from soft leather with vintage buttons from Mary’s collections and are all lined with 100% silk. With an easy close magnet securing the clutch, these bags are perfect for a night out. The buttons themselves are incredible creations on their own – I love the distinctive jade buttons on the black leather clutch! As each bag is unique, supply is limited and many of these luxury bags have already been sold in the online shop.

For your chance to bag a beautiful piece of history, visit www.use-uk.com

Catherine May

Anupa offer for all our lovely readers!

The Big Swish Hits Newcastle

In the New Year As you like it will be opening their doors to the next Big Swish in Newcastle, hosted by Daisy Green and The Big Wardrobe Bring along your pre-loved clothes and accessories and swap them for the goodies you love! 

2 for 1 restaurant vouchers available on the night and if you're a vintage lover you're going to love the Vintage clothes on sale! 

Tickets are £5.00 or £6.50 for 2 tickets, get booking at Daisy Green

WHEN: Sunday 20th January 2011

WHERE: As You Like It, Archbold Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 1DB

WHY: Swap those unwanted Xmas pressies and get something worth wearing!

Open Studio Christmas Sale

The elements of elegance

Sometimes the most beautiful creations can be inspired from the simplest of things. The Five Elements collection from independent British jewellers Amisha has been inspired by earth, water, fire, air and space.

Designer Amisha Ghadiali wanted to show how these elements played out in the natural world and the human world at the same time. She’s used different semi-precious stones to represent each of the elements and is even offering consultations for people keen to learn more about their dominating elements.  Smokey Topaz represents Earth, Aquamarine for Water, Citrine accentuates the fire element, Labradourite has been chosen for Air and Rainbow Moonstone highlights Space.

Many of the pieces feature intricate beading reminiscent of tiny water particles which reiterate how beautiful the smallest of things can be, modeled by the gorgeous Summer Rayne Oakes!

To view the whole collection visit www.amisha.co.uk/boutique

Catherine May

Estethica Press Launch

Oh how the months fly... First week in December, which could only mean one thing in the world of ethical fashion.... estethica! Always on the look out for lots of colour and a design you would be proud of, I was struck by this brightly coloured dress from Lu Flux made using ribbons, and may I add finely made luxury ribbons at that!

Oh what a DRESS! What to welcome the New Year in something truly special? well ladies your in luck, this extraordinary dress is now available from Lu Flux! 

Ever thought loose vintage buttons and broken broaches equaled GLAM? When you come across Little Glass Clementine you will... I absolutely adore these pieces, a narrative of collected treasure, precious gems and recycled objects.

The bigger the better is what I say!

Uber cool jewellery from Sagen made from recycled China porcelain

Very delighted to see the EJF launching another Fab T-shirt, designed by Kenzo and even more delighted to hear that they will be available in a loose fit! As I must say a loose fit tee with leggings and a pair of  high heels is a MUST!

A great line up for the Q and A!

Walking in a Vintage Wonderland

Want a bit of vintage treasure.... then head on down to to Walking In A Vintage Wonderland on Sunday the 5th December!

Walking In A Vintage Wonderland is a vintage tea party hosted by bake-a-boo, they have collaborated with some fabulous brands to bring you a fairy tale of wonders, marvel at the vintage clothes, jewelley, flowers, nostalgic gifts and one off pieces made from vintage fabrics! Ooooo and not to forget to indulge in some yummy cupcakes and scones while your there! Bake-a-boo is one heck of a tea room! 

WHEN: Sunday 5th December

WHERE: Bake-a-boo bake shop and tea room, 86 Mill Lane, London, NW6 1NL

WHY: It's the festive season and we all deserve a little something special!

Nyla Sammons

Getting an insight into the wonderful world of Yasmin Sewell

Lauretta Roberts (WGSN) interviewing Yasmin Sewell

Fashion stylists: Marian Kihogo and Lupe Castro

Lauretta Roberts, Courtney Blackman, Yasmin Sewell and Alison Whelan 

The Fashion Business Club presented us with another uber cool lady last week, who goes by the name of Yasmin Sewell, gorgeous, stylish and sitting at the Top!

Yasmin's fashion career dates back to when first joined the iconic brand Browns as a window dresser, and so the story began.... opening her own fashion Boutique in Australia which later led her to transform London's most iconic department store Liberty, which she achieved with a new exciting and fresh design led layout and introducing over 60 top notch designers! Setting up her consultancy in 2008, Yasmin and her team work with designers, high street brands, designers and international stores on projects including retail strategies, trend direction and all things creative!

What I love is that Yasmin is also an Esthetica mentor, with Yasmin's extensive fashion knowledge and style I'm predicting there will be some ethical fashion greatness in 2011! 

Rock on is what I say!

Photos by Venetia Van Hoorn Alkema - www.venetiaalkema.com 

Nyla Sammons

Ethical Just Got Fabulous

Want to get your loved ones something truly special for Christmas this year? or is it that time of year where it's time to give yourself a well deserved treat? Yes? Well head on down to Ethical Just got Fabulous this weekend at London's 20th Century Theatre in the swanky Notting Hill. 

It's not only a day of shopping..... visitors will also be treated to live jazz and mulled wine! Hmmm that's my kind of weekend! Expect to see Livia Firth's Eco Age Boutique, Izzy Lane, Bottletop and one of my favourite's Minna!

WHEN:  Saturday 4th December (10am-6pm) and Sunday 5th December (11am-5pm)

WHERE: 20th Century Theatre

WHY: Fabulous ethical goodies and entry is FREE!

Loving Mr Raeburn

Christopher Raeburn’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection aims to ‘Dazzle’. The aptly named collection is made up of four outerwear garments that combine practicality and style effortlessly. Each jacket comes in its own reusable storage back that echoes back to the days of rainy school trips with the obligatory anorak. But these certainly aren’t the type of pack-a-macs that I remember from my childhood; these are grown up models that still have that childish hint of fun with their brightly coloured designs.

Citing inspiration from camouflage, adaptability and the great outdoors, his collection definitely does these features justice. The Parachute Hoodie and the Tyvek Parka feature bold yellow and orange patterns, whilst the Parallel Parka takes on a more sophisticated, simplistic but striking look. The Parachute Parka is a lightweight garment with its blue and white design almost inviting the rain to do its best to allow for the coat to be worn. Saying that, Raeburn’s designs are so stylish that you needn’t just where them in the rain; these are pieces that can be worn as an extra layer no matter what the weather throws at you.

Catherine May

Stylish and sexy denim for your laundry basket

When searching for British-manufactured jeans, there’s a new brand that shouldn’t be missed. Laundry Maid has recently launched a range of extra flattering women’s jeans and we love their sleek shape! Co-partner Barbara Graham has helped to develop these tailored garments and believes that they are both sexy and flattering on the female figure.

Each pair of jeans feature a signature back panel that effortlessly lists and shapes the rear, making for a really smooth and side seam free fit. Available in super skinny, high waisted skinny and tailored designs, the garments are all stocked at www.ethicsgirls.co.uk/shop along with the unique upcycled jeans and jodhpurs that make a change from traditional plain denim.

All of the jeans have been fit tested on varying shapes and sizes to try and ensure that every girl, no matter what her body shape, will look great in them!

Catherine May

A Brush with fashion

Last night was all about checking out ‘Brush with Fashion’ the hottest new collaboration with The Body Shop and The London College of Fashion. What is ‘Brush With Fashion’ I hear you say… it’s only the hottest limited edition, cruelty-free make-up collection launching in Spring 2011.

The night kicked off with a catwalk show at The London College of Fashion, where models strutted their stuff wearing sustainable designs by former students and rising stars of the fashion world William Tempest and Jena Theo. Looking uber cool made up with the ‘Brush With Fashion’ make-up range! Loved Loved Loved! 

Want a sneak peak of whats to come.... your wish is my command!

My favourite has to be the Hi-Shine Lip Treatment in pink and at starting prices of only £9.50 you would be crazy to miss out! 

Roll on 2011! 

Nyla Sammons

It got steamy on Thursday evening!

Who ever thought attending a clothes swapping event could get this steamy? Of course I'm a fan of the clothes swapping parties organised by The Big Wardrobe and fashion stylist Lupe Castro, so it was a no brainer that I would be there with bells on! However what caught my eye was the saucy themed swish they were hosting called - The Secrets of the Boudoir.... and what a night it was! Starting off with demonstrations on how to slide into seamed stockings, how to lace yourself into sexy corsets and how to get silver screen make-up, and that's just to name a few... followed by a decadent swish, where I managed to get myself a sexy 60's shift dress and some ultra hot garters from Kiss Me Deadly (brand new! yep they kindly donated quite a few sexy numbers).

Once we got some fab additions to our wardrobes, we were then all treated to a burlesque performance, and oh my what a show that was! first time I had seen such a show, I tell you what it beats male strippers, because it's so much more fun and entertaining, those boys really knew how to get us girls going! I along with three girlfriends left wanting more! and happily continued the night at Amika, which turned into a club night at 10pm!

Word has it the next swish is on the 16th December, get your diaries out now ladies, these events are not to be missed!

Angela Clayton 

SAVE THE DATE - 30th November

 

Very Exciting news! Dare2 Magazine are teaming up with some Fabulous ethical fashion brands to host the Christmas Sale at one of London's trendy members club Beaufort House!

Oraganised Christmas shopper? then this is the perfect place to pick up some hot gems, or if you're like me and in need of a treat say like every week.... then indulge, I know that's what I shall be doing! 

Nyla Sammons

Give your skin five-a-day

Raw Skin Food brands itself as giving you skin one of its five-a-day. And there’s no doubt that these ranges of vegan skincare will give you more goodness than rubbing a carrot into your skin. The majority of the organic products contain vitamins with the coconut butters being rich in both Vitamin E and Vitamin C Beta-Carotene. 

We all know that different skin types need to be treated in different ways and Raw Skin Food are more than aware of this. They cater for extra dry, sensitive and normal skin with products ranging from cleansing oils to moisture mist sprays.

The ingredients used read like a fine dining menu, with avocado, lemon grass and mango standing out as some of the more exotic components of the products. All products are available to buy online from www.rawskinfood.co.uk

Catherine May

Love Want Need!!!

Is your iphone or blackberry looking a little blah? then liven it up with one of these sleek and sexy eel skin cases, the new addition to the BoBelle London family! It's a must-have for every fashionista out there, not only is it stylish from the outside, the phone case also boasts a gorgeous deep red lining, now that's what I call a Love, Want, Need in my books! 

The Apollo cases fit the iphone 3 and blackberry curve costing only £30.00! Got an iphone 4? don't despair the Apollo 2 designed to fit the iphone 4 is out later this month, happy days for all!

Now I'm looking forward to what founder Clare Watt-Smith will introduce to us next.... want to see more of Bobelle London's products? check out BoBelle London online!

Nyla Sammons

Dr Organic launches 3 new beauty ranges

I headed on down to the dr organic launch of three beauty ranges yesterday, being a fan of their shower gel (which I spotted in Holland and Barrett earlier this year). I was intrigued to see what the new ranges were like! I was excited to see they introduced Royal Jelly, Virgin Olive Oil and Rose Otto to the dr organic family, all made using organic and natural ingredients sourced from around the world, free from all those dreaded nasty chemicals.

The Rose Otto range has to be my favourite, not only does it smell divine, it also contains Rosa Damascena, one of the most expensive essential oils in the world; helping replenish and rejuvenate hair and skin, now that's my type of skincare!

I'm also loving the Virgin Olive Oil hand and nail cream, I no longer need to worry about dry and fragile hands this winter, this cream is rich in Oleic acid, which is great in hydrating and supporting the skin's structure. I'm now prepared for when winter strikes, we may be having a mild start to November, but we all know it's coming......

To check out the new ranges pop into Holland and Barrett!

Nyla Sammons

Source4Style - best kept designer secret in town

The forever beautiful model Summer Rayne Oakes and her gorgeous team mate Benita Singh were playing host at Next Models offices in the depth of Clerkenwell, to launch their B2B website Source4Style.com an online destination for designers and retailers to search and source the world’s leading sustainable materials and services from a network of global suppliers. A big promise but the site works like a dream. I checked out her team and they're a pretty hot bunch of academics and techies!

Caught up with Summer and happy to hear she will be gracing our shores from January for a while! So will be seeing the sustainable message spread on all hot covers like Vogue and Tatler for sure! Lovelies helping her celebrate; Lucy Tammam, Jocelyn Whipple, Minna, Anna Orsini, Orsola de Castro and a group of VERY VERY pretty things! 

Lupe Castro

Satchels to scream about

I'm loving these satchels from Shared Earth. Satchels are so on trend at the moment and Shared Earth has a bag to suit every stylish casual look.

The classic leather bag comes in both red and brown with the former offering a more contemporary style than the latter. For something more individual, the Aztec print satchel has an embroided fabric front that screams ‘bohemian chic’. If you looking for a bag to match with a more quirky, vintage outfit, then the Floral Print bag comes with a paisley pattern that would match perfectly with a dainty cardigan.

Each bag is made individually with the classic leather satchels featuring hand-stitched details. For the quality of the bags, you might expect to be parting with quite a bit of your salary but not with these offerings. Prices range from £35 to £58.75. All bags are available at www.fashion-conscience.com

Catherine May

The magic of Inika

I was very excited to see the Inika range and meet Miranda Bond, one of the fabulous founders, why? because as a lot of you all know, good ethical make-up that gives you good coverage and has a range of colour is pretty difficult to come by....

When asked what type of foundation I use, I was pretty pleased to report I use mineral foundation from a brand I thought was pretty credible only to find out they use bismuth oxychloride, which is a skin irritant..... oh yes it seemed I had got it wrong with millions of other ladies no doubt! I was pleased to hear Inika is completely free from harsh chemicals, fillers, talk, bismuth oxychloride, GM ingredients, parabens, preservatives and fragrance. 

I was happy to receive the kabuki brush which in my opinion has to be the best brush I have ever come across! not only does it feel incredibly soft and silky on the face, it helps give you great coverage too which is essential to any brush and priced at only £23 you would be crazy to use any other brush. The Inika eye shadow range is pretty Fab too, with an array of colours, ideal for day and nights on the town!

Both founders Miranda Bond and Jenny Williams, wanted to create a comprehensive range which would marry all natural cosmetics with incredible performance and colour for women who care about their skin and environment and what a range it is!!! To see the full range you can visit their website or visit a store they're stocked in and you'll be pleased to know Inika  launches a new limited edition shade each season and word has it next season it will be luscious peach!

Nyla Sammons

A match ‘Made’ in heaven

With a string of successful collaborations behind them including their recent partnership with Laura Bailey, Made are continuing their string of impressive joint ventures with their new collection designed by Hattie Rickards.

Her pieces all encompass her love for organic forms and natural textures with the pictured necklace cast from a fish bone in brass highlighting this. A fair-trade collection, it offers a selection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings meaning that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a simple gold bangle or a unique necklace Rickards has done her best to cater for all.

Having seen these pieces in the flesh at Estethica I can assure you that every item is as beautifully crafted as you would expect from Made. Besides these statement pieces from Rickards, there were also some other delightful items including a necklace housing a large, smooth seed and a range of jewellery which features beads that seem rather mechanical in their structure – reminiscent of robots. Whatever they are they definitely have been made to impress and that is something that they most certainly achieve!

Catherine May

The Secrets of the Boudoir

Ladies you are all in for a TREAT! 

Ever thought you wish you could make the boys go wild like pin up star Dita Von Teese, have them fixate on you as you walk into a room and excite them with your burlesque moves? Then you're going to love The Secrets of the Boudoir hosted by stylist Lupe Castro and The Big Wardrobe at the next big swish on the 11th November at Amika in Kensington!

This glitzy and glamorous swish unveils all things your mum never taught you:
Learn how to lace yourself into a sexy corset with Cervin
Slide yourself into seamed stockings to make the boys go wild with Velda
Unleash your inner bombshell in a short burlesque lesson with The Kitten Club
Learn how to get silver screen make up and hair (for the pin up within) with The Hourglass
Learn how to choose the best styles for your figure with Kiss Me Deadly
Find out what the next trends in lingerie are with Playful Promises

Finishing off with a male burlesque performance and a decadent swish with yummy cupcakes from Louby Lou’s cupcakes!

Here's the best part it's only £6.50 when you book online! It's time to get sexy and glamorous ladies, see you all on there!  

Angela Clayton

Leblas ‘Fluid’ collection

Necklaces aren’t just a bit of metal that hangs around your neck, at least the latest collection from Leblas suggests otherwise. Pieces from the new Fluid collection flow down to shape into the contours of your body. With each ring of recycled sterling silver so intricately attached to the next, you can truly appreciate the effort that gone into creating this beautifully crafted jewellery. With a choice as to whether you’d prefer the necklace coated in 18ct gold, the large necklaces would suit any outfit – particularly those with a lower neckline. 

Designer Arabel Lebrusan has spared a thought for all occasions with the necklace also being available in a smaller shape for a more subtle, yet just as sophisticated, look. If you want to find the perfect accompaniment to one of these necklaces, then you’ll be troubled to find anything more complementary than the matching bracelets and earrings. 

The latter fall from your ears in the same way that a waterfall cascades, reminding you of the name of the collection once more. Fluid is definitely a collection you shouldn’t let run away from you!

Catherine May

A new eco pop-up online shop launches today!

Fashion-conscience.com, one of my favourite fashion websites launched CRE:ATIVE ONES, a pop up shop within their online store focusing on new and up and coming designers working ethically or sustainably.

The designers and their products have been carefully edited to be a eclectic, hip and fashion-forward mix of jewellery, clothing and accessories that are one-off, limited edition, unique in nature and hard to find, with most pieces exclusive to Fashion-conscience.com, so if you see it, buy it.... you won't want to log on a week later and some other darling has got their mits on it! 

CRE:ATIVE ONES is aimed at fashionista's who hate to look the same as everyone else, and love supporting new designers and feeling they have uncovered a new designer themselves.
My favourites so far has to be the retro links and the raw amethyst ring, time to get the plastic out, time for a pre-payday treat!

Angela Clayton

Loving Dare2

Although still in its launch year, Dare2 magazine has already proven itself to be a must have publication for a greener lifestyle. With the website split into six sections, web users can easily browse through the latest articles in Fashion & Beauty, Film, Food & Wine, Travel, News and longer features. It’s regularly updated and I love the content, particularly the current exposé on the toxins in our perfumes. And as for the interviews? Well, they continually manage to secure the big names. This month they have provided a detailed look into Lisa Butcher’s work with the Fairtrade Foundation – it’s definitely worthy of a read!

If that still wasn’t enough for you, then the lure of a chance at winning a £300 pamper kit is something that I know I wouldn’t want to miss out on. For a website that’s yet to reach its first birthday, it’s certainly shown itself to be a great read!

See what all the fuss is about at www.dare2mag.com
Catherine May

The honest truth – no need for embellishments!

Embellished truth’s latest offerings are certainly not ones that you’d want to miss. The oversized shoulder bag, the ‘Duchess’, does have something distinctly regal about it. The detailed, hand embossed pattern on the outside of the bag displays the effort that’s gone into its product whilst the variety of colours that it’s available in (black, grey and chocolate brown) mean that there’s plenty of choice!

For a more casual shoulder bag, the ‘Empire’ has a classic look about it in the petrol blue. Simple detailing has a great effect on the design with its sharp lines creating an elegant look. Whilst these aforementioned bags are a bit of an investment – each comes in just over £400 – the ‘Catalina’ bag is priced at the much more amicable sum of £265. With similar hand embossing to the ‘Duchess’, this twisted handled bag houses plenty of pockets making it a very practical purchase.

If you’re not in the market for a new bag, but fancy treating yourself or a friend to a little something, then the leather cuffs make great gifts. Ranging from £8 to £12, they would make an original present idea without demolishing your bank balance!

Catherine May

A TREAT for you all

Ladies you are all in for a treat this Saturday! Raw Skin Food invites you to the Cookies & Cocoa, Raw Skin Food Launch on the 16th October at Unpackaged in Clerkenwell. Join in and celebrate the new skin care range - Thirst, for extra dry skins. You will be treated to scrumptious Raw dark chocolate cookies from Olivia Rose Cakes, Soya hot cocoa, and wait for it.... an amazing massage! I think I hear my name calling!!!

Ooooooh and just one more thing, in order to get all these free goodies you need to:
-    Bring your own cup to drink your hot cocoa
-    Bring your own servettes to hold your cookies and
-    Bring your own containers to receive your free goodies!  

WHEN: Saturday 16th  October 

Cookies & Soya Cocoa serving: 11am – 12.30pm

Sampling and giveaways: 12.30pm – 1pm 

Masseuse:  Larissa Moriato: 1pm – 2pm

WHERE: Unpackaged, 42 Amwell Street, London, EC1R 1XT

WHY: To celebrate in a great new skin care range and be treated my the lovely Raw Skin Food team with lots of goodies!

Entry is free - rsvp to grace@rawsfx.co.uk by 12th October

Nyla Sammons