Financial Times: Are logos an investment?

Link to full article: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/0e0f2c22-bc20-11e3-831f-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2z5TtnXXj

The name game: investing in look-at-me labels

Clothes and accessories with obvious branding might be back in fashion now but will they be collectors’ items of the future? 

While certain brands will command a premium in vintage fashion boutiques, they have, of course, to be the right brand and the right era, writes Emma Firth.

Chanel 1980s backpack (£2,600) from ateliermayer.com

At vintage store Rellik in west London, co-owner Claire Stansfield says: “People will spend a lot of money for something that has a logo on it. Take Chanel costume jewellery from the 1980s – what sells it is the logo. People want someone in the street to be able to recognise instantly what they are wearing.”

At vintage website atelier-mayer.com, founder Carmen Haid says when it comes to clothes and accessories increasing in value, “a logo helps to make an item more sought after and desirable in the long term because people identify with it more easily.” However, she adds that, “it really depends which designer, which year and whether it was in an important collection. One example of something that has increased is the Louis Vuitton Murakami bag, which was limited edition.”

In terms of investing in heavy branding this season, Haid’s advice is to look for “pieces that aren’t too mass produced”.

Financial Times: Floral eyewear

Link to full article: http://on.ft.com/1e2G9u7

Floral spectacles: Wake up and see the roses

Petals are not just for making perfume – they’re now giving eyewear a floral update, writes Emma Firth.

Images of flowers that have been frozen and shattered using liquid nitrogen appear on chef Heston Blumenthal's latest range of glasses for Vision Express, out this month, and it is the first time that this quirky technique has been used on spectacle frames.

Blumenthal is known for using liquid nitrogen in the kitchen, and for wearing bold glasses – and now he has fused these two trademarks in a 16-piece Signature Collection of frames for men and women (from £209.)

Blumenthal says, “I have a little tub of nitrogen, stick the flower head in for 10 to 20 seconds, crush it, and then it explodes and shatters.” The colourful patterns are then photographed and moulded into acetate to create a distinctive effect. Colourways include violet gerbera, amber orchid and pink tulip.

Kitchen implements are another source of inspiration: the studs on the sides of frames are inspired by the rivets in chef’s knives.

These frames are an unusual alternative to classic colours. Like finding a signature fragrance, Blumenthal says, “your glasses can actually say something about you”.

Financial Times: Interview with design and culture critic Stephen Bayley

Link to article: http://on.ft.com/1e2FOYx

April 4, 2014 6:32 pm

Power Dressing: Stephen Bayley

By Emma Firth

The design critic’s standard watch is a Rolex Explorer but wears a Panerai on special occasions

Stephen Bayley, 62, is a critic on design and culture, and a consultant on design exhibitions. Along with Terence Conran, he created the Boilerhouse project in the Victoria and Albert Museum in the 1980s, which evolved into the Design Museum in 1989. Bayley has written several books, the latest of which, Charm: An Essay, is available now.

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Bespoke suit by Charlie Casely-Hayford

I don’t need to wear suits to work all the time, but there are occasions when only a good suit will do. Charlie works out of a terrific shop in Shoreditch called Hostem – one of the best for menswear in London. I chose a luxurious silk-and-linen combination in a vivid black-and-white houndstooth check. You put it on and instantly feel better about yourself. hostem.co.uk

. . .

Polo neck by John Smedley

This is a superb British heritage brand. I’ve got lots of their polo necks; they’re mostly black and look great with a suit. This is more for my “architect from Milan” look. It’s a nice compromise between formal and informal; it’s smarter than a T-shirt but less uptight than a dress shirt.

johnsmedley.com

. . .

Glasses by EB Meyrowitz

I bought these recently at their store in the Royal Arcade in London. I’ve worn glasses since I was a child. They’re a marmalade colour, and look both antique and new, which is a nice mood reference. These glasses look expensive, but they have a sort of understatement about them. I alternate between this pair and very severe black Japanese frames depending on my mood, but I feel quite mellow in these Meyrowitz ones.

ebmeyrowitz.co.uk

. . .

Watch by Panerai

I have several watches, and my standard one is a Rolex Explorer, but I wear this one for special occasions. I put this on when I’m meeting Italian billionaires because they notice it. With the brown leather strap it’s quite unusual.

panerai.com

. . .

Belt by Slowear

I love this Italian clothing consortium and their belts are beautifully made. They are slightly quirky but ageless as well.

slowear.com

. . .

Shoes by Gucci

These are my first pair of Gucci loafers; I bought them last year for the 60th anniversary of Gucci’s horsebit loafer and I’ve purchased many more since. They look both smart and self-conscious but casual too. You can dress up or down in them and they look just as good.

gucci.com

Stylist: Book review

InStyle: Interview with Mollie King for London Fashion Weekend

Link to article: http://bit.ly/PAHhu3

InStyle's Own Blogging Beauty Mollie King Shares Her Fashion Week Beauty Secrets…

Monday 23 September, 2013

We caught up with Mollie King, singing sensation and ambassador of Maybelline for Vodafone London Fashion Weekend, to steal her latest beauty tips and tricks. Pens at the ready!

David Venni

Collaborating with Maybelline

I've always been a huge fan of the brand so I'm so excited! I got to choose my favourite Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivids Lipstick, which is Fuschia Flash, £7.19 (available nationwide). I absolutely love it because you can just whack it on for a simple day look and leave the rest of your make-up quite natural.

Fashion week fever

This season I wasn't able to go to fashion weeks as I was busy working. But last season I was able to attend – I always love the Burberry show!

The new season trend she'll be wearing

I love the big pink coat trend at the moment – it's everywhere. I like wearing my pink coat with my pink Maybelline lipstick to really play up the pink theme.

Her make-up staples

I like to mix up my make-up routine. I love a black eyeliner and playing with different lipstick colours.

Handbag essentials

I can't live without my L’Oréal Paris Duo Glam Bronzer, my phone, and Maybelline's Baby Lips lip balm. I keep Maybelline's Brow Drama with me too - it’s like a mascara for the brows.

Skin secrets

I always try and stay as dewy as possible. You have to be really careful to not over powder, because once you've put powder on, it's hard to remove.

Guilty pleasures

I’m addicted to coffee. I love a soya cappuccino and I have about four a day.

Staying fit

I go to Bodyism, a bespoke gym in the Bulgari Hotel. The trainers there really understand my schedule and sometimes I can be there three times a week and other times I won’t be there for a month, it’s really up and down.

Top treats

I try to eat healthy but I do like to indulge. My favourite meal is fish and veg topped off with a chocolate fudge cake at the end. When I'm busy I stick to coffee, water and eating regularly, whether it’s in a cab on the way to the next show.

Mascara must-have

I swear by Great Lash Mascara. It was the first mascara that I ever used because the Olsen twins said they used it.

Her top skin tip

Take your makeup off at night to let your skin breath. With the amount of make-up I wear with work it’s so important.

Her desert island pick

I love L’Oréal Paris's Cleansing Oil because it's so gentle on my skin.

On swapping beauty advice with The Saturdays

We share tips but we don’t actually share products as we all have very different skin tones. It's good because we are never squabbling over the same products!

Party prep

I am always the last to get ready, not because I take the longest, I’m just always late!

Her beauty icon

I love Bridget Bardot. I have a massive picture of her in my house. I probably shouldn't keep it up because I look at it everyday and think how amazing she is and how I would like to look like her.

Her hair secrets

I use Babyliss' Curl Secret because it’s so easy to use and there's no need for tongs. Elnett hairspray is my go-to product to hold my hair in place.

Brow rules

I do really like a thick brow and I love Cara [Delevingne]’s brows. EF

InStyle: Amanda Seyfried's London style

Link to article: http://bit.ly/1imL1aO

Amanda Seyfried continues her London style parade

Wednesday 14 August, 2013

Amanda Seyfried has been serving up a style storm on the Lovelace promo tour in London…

Rex

Amanda Seyfried has been spotted out and about in London over the last few days looking utterly gorgeous while promoting her new film Lovelace. 

Whether she’s heading out to dinner or making a public appearance, Amanda Seyfried knows how to dress whatever the occasion. Looking fun and feminine at the Apple Store in London, the actress was oh-so chic in an elegant yellow shirtdress. Giving a lesson in transitional dressing, Amanda styled up her summer frock with a classic leather jacket.

SEE MORE AMANDA SEYFRIED PICTURES 

For her appearance at the BBC Radio One studios, Amanda continued to show us how to give our summer dresses an autumnal spin, teaming her polka dot dress with her favourite leather jacket, oversized bag and strappy heels.

For the evening, Amanda swapped the pretty dresses for a more laid-back style approach. Demonstrating how to transform a simple jeans and jacket combo, Amanda added extra glam to her look with scarlet court shoes and her signature blonde tumbling tresses. Jealous much? 

By Emma Firth 

The London Word: Festive Beauty

Link to article: http://bit.ly/1fXWQ5q

Festive Beauty Tricks

20 December 2013 by Emma Firth

It’s that time of year again. The festive period is well and truly upon us. With that all important Christmas do, or New Year’s Eve party ahead, what better excuse to up the glamour stakes with a gorgeous beauty look. If you, like me, want to look more Hollywood glam than an overdone Christmas bauble, take inspiration from the SS14 runway for an effortlessly chic and suitably festive look.

Add a little sparkle to make your eyes pop this Christmas holiday. Metallics made a big impact this season from Dior’s vintage golden eyes to 3.1 Philip Lim’s nails. Gold eye makeup is a great alternative to the classic smokey eye, as well as brightening up your complexion. Golden hues suit any skin tone, but for paler skin you may want to opt for a pale rose gold, whereas if you have darker skin a more intense yellow gold is better suited. Either leave lips nude, or for old school glamour, finish off with a berry red lip.

For a less intense gold look, but still in keeping with the trend, try Burberry’s Lip Mist No.216 as part of the Golden Light collection. This offers a subtle hint of gold colour with natural shine, and is super moisturising. Complete this look with lashings of mascara and voilà! Party ready.

For those opting for a punchy lip colour this season, go for a bright coral lip. Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury’s fluorescent peach lips at Prabal Gurung and Rag and Bone’s neo-orange pouts, provide us with serious beauty inspiration. For maximum impact, leave eyes nude for ultra-cool. This is a stunning evening look to team up with your LBD.

Happily, Burberry’s Beauty Box has opened just in time for us beauty junkies this December in Covent Garden. At Burberry’s new store you can also enjoy their Beauty Refresh Service that focuses on skin, eyes and lips. Assisted by a dedicated beauty stylist, you can put together signature looks or mix and match products to create a unique festive look to suit you. For a dazzling entrance to any festive occasion; make your beauty statement.

Burberry Beauty Box
3a The Market Building
Covent Garden
WC2E 8RF

InStyle: Hotel Review

Link to article: http://bit.ly/PAFqFu

The Pig, New Forest

Friday 6 September, 2013

Hotel Reviews: The Pig, New Forest

The lowdown: Situated in Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest, The Pig is luxe hotel hideaway with bags of personality. The perfect place to spend a lazy weekend, you’ll immediately feel at home in the cosy surroundings; think welcoming fireplaces, comfy garden hammocks and a library you could spend the evening exploring.

The rooms: The Pig manages to strike just the right balance between country charm and serious luxury in its 26 bedrooms. All the rooms house enormous comfy beds, chic soft furnishings in a palette of muted greys and greens, and larders stocked with yummy treats. And whichever room you book into, you’re guaranteed a beautiful view either of the surrounding forest or the pretty garden.

If you’re feeling flush, check into the Hen House – a suite arranged over two levels with huge bedroom and separate bunk room, its bathroom is reason alone to book in with a double monsoon shower, huge freestanding bath and wood burning stove – heavenly.

Dining: The Pig is all about fresh out of the ground, locally sourced food. So fresh and local in fact, that you can see the vegetables and herbs grow right in front of your eyes when you dine in the hotel’s Victorian Greenhouse restaurant.

Expect simple food perfectly cooked and beautifully presented - the mismatching bone handled cutlery is beyond cute – we particularly loved the home smoked trout salad and the homemade paté. After dinner, cuddle up in one of the many cosy corners with a post dinner cocktail.

What to do: Earn your meal by spending the day roaming the surrounding New Forest. If that sounds a little bit too much like hard work, take a stroll down the hotel’s gravel and brick pathway to check out the pretty flower meadow, smoke house and chicken run. Want to totally switch off? Book in for a massage at the Potting Shed. It is quite literally a shed that’s been converted into a very beautiful treatment room that offers a small but perfectly formed menu of massages and facials. Book in for the Indian Head Massage and you will walk out a different person…

The details: To book, call 01590 622354 or visit thepighotel.com 

The Upcoming: Theatre review

Link to article here: http://bit.ly/1lE2OwU

Christmas in New York at the Palace | Theatre review

  Wednesday 11^th December 2013

For one night only the Palace Theatre was host to the seasonal concert Christmas in New York, which returned to the West End for the first time in four years. Although promising a cabaret night of Christmas classics evoking the magical city of New York, the evening felt flat and drawn out, never quite taking off.

Now most of us love Christmas, and especially Christmas music, often laced with messages of love, kinship and hope in the face of adversity. But the magic and romance of Christmas was lost somewhat in this production. The title of the show is misleading - apart from a screechy rendition ofEmpire State of Mind at the start of the show there was barely any reference to New York in both stage setting and the performances that ensued.

There was a lack of interaction between the cast during duets or group performances, making it harder for the audience to properly engage with the show. It felt at times like watching X Factor hopefuls clamber on one-by-one singing their favourite Christmas hits, rather than a multi-layered musical treat.

The show relies heavily on Broadway star Eden Espinosa with her powerhouse vocals, who lifted the audience at the end with a beautiful rendition of O Holy Night. But the real star of the show is Tori Allen-Martin, who brings real emotion and soulfulness to songs like Mariah Carey’s Miss You Most (at Christmas Time)and Perfect Year. In a rare piece of storytelling she is also charming as a woman trying to win the affections of a man she’s just met in the comical duet Baby It’s Cold Outside with Les Misérables star Scott Garnham.

However, the rest of the cast were disappointing. After hearing one too many watered down versions of favourites such as Santa Baby and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, we left feeling underwhelmed rather than inspired. 

Emma Firth