Stylist Lupe Castro give's an insight into her world

1. Do tell the ethical heaven readers a little bit about how you got into fashion styling? 

Mmm hard one fashion is just the way I see the world but I guess it was just about hanging out around designers and photographers, being me and always thinking I could do it just a little bit better and seeing the spectacular in everything!

2. Who is the best designer out there today?  
You have to be joking! I fall in love with different designers all the time it’s like a painting one day you’re in zinc with the romantics another the cubists , pop art etc... am going through a upcycling  phase at the moment so it’s got to Junky Styling`s new AW collection , From Somewhere collaboration with Speedo or Debbi little and Christopher Raeburn! Also I think Maria of plastic seconds and Alexandra Abraham are so so pictorial!

3. Briefly tell me about a typical day as a celebrity/wardrobe stylist. 
Well there are never 2 days the same! Sourcing is paramount so a large large cup of strong tea followed by a quick nifty on the web on the lookout for new designers collections then a visit to studios and shops to see the quality and a try out!

4. What’s a great fashion tip that you can share with ethical heaven readers? 
Pick your best feature, it could be arms, legs, face, hair and then really really really work it! 3 seconds is what I reckon anyone has to create an impression so make sure you highlight your best bits FAST!

5. Have you styled any celebrities? 
Mmm yes but am I allowed to say can’t remember but I think its one of those things where the celebs in question have to be the ones to spill the beans!

6. How would you love to style?  
Eclectically and mixing glamour with restraint and quality! But of course a BIG SUPRISE!



7. If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every woman should own, what would they be?  
A crisp white shirt! Tailored jacket and a beautiful long sensuous dress! Elena Garcia and Nancy Dee are really superb at the latter!

Need to know more about Lupe Castro, have a look at Lupe's blog (lupecastro.blogspot.com)where you can take a peak at what she's up to!

Nyla Sammons  

Plastic Seconds

I must say coming across Plastic Seconds when I attended the blogges for Japan event was a real treat, not only does the designer Maria Papadimitriou find used quirky pieces to create jewellery, but the colours Maria uses are divine! 

They are perfect for bringing an outfit to life, my all time favourite has to be the necklace made from puzzle pieces, I mean come genius or what!

Above is only a selection, see the Plastic Seconds website to see how far Maria's creativity goes!

Nyla Sammons

Aveda Masterjam!

Going to the Aveda Masterjam was a real treat, not only was it at the luscious Old Billingsgate but it was an amazing night full of beauty, hair styling, fashion and YES oh YES Entertainment!!! We were firstly treated to a sneak preview of the new ranges coming out at the end of the year and their new make-up range. Topped up with drinks and canapes we then headed on down to the catwalk show (Like no other!!!) Why I hear you say?

One word Diversity! Yes we were all treated to a performance from Diversity, I didn't think it was fair that we only got to see it... so I whipped out my camera to record it for you lucky folks! Enjoy :)

The night continued with some great live styling from the Aveda team and a high fashion catwalk show! There is some serious talent within Aveda, I highly recommend you hot foot it down to an Aveda salon when considering your next chop! They are Hot Hot Hot!

Nyla Sammons

Do One Good Thing

The One Foundation could be the easiest way to help third world countries. The idea is so simple. You don’t have to sign up to any monthly donation or fill in any forms. No, all there is to it is buying One products and 100% of the profits goes to the One Foundation projects. (Check out their website to see how they achieve this at www.onedifference.org)

Ideas for the products come from the main issues that need tackling in poorer countries. One bottled water funds water pumps for clean water, One soap and toilet tissue fund sanitation facilities and One condoms fund HIV care. The most recent products to be added to the family are eggs and vital water (water with yummy fruit juice flavours.) These help toward funding vegetable gardens, seed banks and chicken farms.

Another extremely important issue that needs tackling is the prevention of Malaria, which is spread through mosquito bites. This can easily be prevented with mosquito nets so if you think you have an amazing idea for a product that relates to this issue then get involved with The One Foundation by going to www.onedifference.org/contact or post your ideas here!

One products are available at most supermarket chains such as the Co op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda. So next time you run out of toilet tissue or soap, think about putting One products in your trolly instead and you could be helping someone else in the world. It's as easy as that!

Alanna Skelton

Celebrate Earth Month with Style

It's great to see Aveda teaming up with model and Fairtrade ambassador Laura Bailey, to create two uber stylish limited edition hair accessories for Earth Month. Perfect for creating a gorgeous updo hairstyle! Need tips? just have a look above at the pictures of the stunning Laura Bailey, priced at £15.00 and £25.00

£5.00 from the sale of each clip will be donated to WaterAid, it's easy to do your bit for Aveda Earth Month whilst looking stylish, it's a double whammy ladies! You can get your hands on them at participating Aveda salons, House of Fraser, Liberty and Harrods!

Nyla Sammons

New from Brat and Suzie for Spring/Summer

Summer is getting closer people! Whatever your holiday destination or festival adventure, make sure you’re wearing British label Brat and Suzie’s new SS11 collection!

Known for their illustrative tees and vests, Brat and Suzie have expanded their quirky collection of tops, to include slouchy jumpers, dresses and shorts. The new t-shirts include curved vests, crop tops and racer-backs. Perfect for chilled summer days or to stay cool at a festival. 

Illustrations in this collection feature Brat and Suzie’s cute animals such as all over owls, horses, ducks and dogs riding bicycles. Oh and a punk Chiwawa complete with spiked dog collar. What more could you want?

I can't wait to get my hands on the rabbit print crop top above!

Jumpers - £35

T-shirts - £22 - £25

Available at www.bratandsuzie.com and House of Fraser. 

Alanna Skelton