The Modern Girl's Guide

To be or to Botox?...

2012-03-10T02:15:00.000-08:00

Sometimes being a woman is just so unfair! For years I have worried about the size of my bottom, which I inherited from my mum who says it''s actually my grandmothers fault (thanks Nan!). Not to mention the unsightly unpleasantness of orange peel thighs which have traumatised me over the years more than I care to remember. Just when I've come to terms with the fact that I will never have the body of my teen idol Cindy Crawford, I've now approached the age where wrinkles are to be the new bane of my life! What's next I wonder, the menopause? God help me!

Well admittedly wrinkles have not been such a prominent worry, as for the past couple of years now I've been a secret fan of Botox (or Botulinum Toxin A, to give it its official name). It's not that I am covered in crows feet and wrinkles galore you understand, but at the grand old age of around thirty, I felt their presence creeping up on me like a most unwelcome rash and decided to do something about it.

What I love about the procedure is that it's non invasive meaning that you can have it done on your lunch break without anyone even knowing. And it's only temporary, so if you don't like the results they will wear off within a few months. I have always loved the results, as not only does it eradicate wrinkles, it also almost stretches out the skin making it appear smoother and clearer. Open pores are also something that skin is more prone to as we get older and the wonders of botox seems to make them disappear.

Despite my love for toxic injections, I must state that I'm not a fan of the 'plastic fantastic' look and would never want to adopt the TOWIE style; as much as I love em, it's just not for me. Plus I don't think it's necessary to look 'plastic' just because you opt for a little helping hand....subtle moderation is the key to a more natural look.

Plastic or Fantastic?

Keeping up with the Joneses is something that we all fall guilty of in this day and age and perfect images of beautiful celebrities, women we work with and even our friends is enough pressure to make us want to look the best that we can. With magical procedures that can wipe away wrinkles in a matter of moments, call me shallow but I often think why should we resist what's on offer?

I wouldn't say I have ever been worried about having botox as it's been used around the world for many years and has many celebrity fans such as Kylie, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez, who all look amazing without looking like they've been startled by an extremely large on coming vehicle! But I do have a few reservations as like I am sure many of you who have thought about having the procedure will also have had. So I decided to put them to my doctor, Dr. Quinn at The Private Clinic on Harley Street.

What exactly is botox, when was it first used and is it a completely safe procedure?

Botox is the trade name for a drug called Botulinum Toxin A. It has been around for well over 20 years now so we can say with some certainty that it has a good safety profile when used properly.

Botox is a toxin after all, but how harmful is the toxin? Should it be limited to a number of times that it an be used, does it have any side effects and has it ever gone wrong?

Firstly it is important to say that Botox has a license in the UK to treat glabellar frown lines. To receive this approval, a drug needs to demonstrate that it is both safe and effective. In terms of cosmetic use lower doses are used than in children with cerebral palsy when one compares the weight of the treated patient. Common side effects are mild and consist mainly of bruising and headache. The drug works to soften muscular activity in the treated areas. Occasionally if it affects adjacent muscles this can lead to temporary 'drooping' of the eyelid or eyebrow. I have to say that in my experience this is uncommon.

How important is it that we choose a reputable company like The Private Clinic?

In my opinion this medical procedure should be carried out in a clinical environment by appropriately trained prescribing medical practitioners. Most countries in Europe only allow doctors to inject.

Does it suit everyone or should some people avoid having it done?

There are few absolute contra indications. Pregnancy and breast feeding are definite no nos. There are also a number rare conditions which affect the nervous system which preclude treatment.

What are the positive effects of botox?

When done well Botox can lift the brows and soften frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows feet. It can also be used in the lower face, to lift the corners of the mouth. It can be used in the neck. It also has many medical indications. It can be life changing for patients with excessive underarm sweating.

Does it stop wrinkles forming if we have it at a young enough age before the wrinkles actually appear in the first place?

This is a somewhat controversial area. Some doctors will say that it can prevent wrinkles forming but we don't know that for sure. My advice is not to start until you have visible wrinkles.

What age would you recommend people start having botox, how long does it last and how many times a year should we have it done?

Around 30 is often a good age but it depends on skin type. The effects last 3 to 4 months properly but there is often done effect for up to 6 months. With repeated treatment the effects tend to last longer. Most of my patients see me 3 times in the first year and twice a year after.

What if it goes wrong? What do I do?

If you have any questions then you should contact your practitioner. Remember that the effect is temporary.

Where are the most common areas and not so common areas that people have?

The most commonly treated areas are the frown, forehead and crows feet. Less commonly I use Botox around the mouth to soften 'smokers lines', to improve a 'gummy smile' and to improve the appearance of a 'pebbly chin'

Would you ever refuse to give someone botox?

Absolutely! If I feel that some one won't benefit from treatment then I won't treat them.

Is there anything that I should/shouldn't do after I have had the procedure done?

This is in your post treatment advice sheet.

Is there anything else that you would recommend that I can do to help slow the ageing process down and look after my skin?

The most important things are not to smoke and to protect your skin every day with sunblock.

What is baby botox and what are the differences to the procedure that I have had done?

Baby Botox involves using very small amounts of the drug to give a very soft and natural looking effect. It tends to wear off quickly though.

Is there anything else that you would like to add about Botox?

I guess that I'd like to point out that Botox is only one tool in the anti aging 'tool box'. My practice involves mixing several procedures rather than overdoing any one individually. I love combining Botox with dermal fillers, intense pulsed light and radiofrequency. Anti aging medicine is an evolving specialty. Also, when choosing your practitioner, ask about their experience and training. Don't be afraid to ask!

And here are the results;

I don't actually mind frown lines when I am frowning; what I don't like is when they stay there when I am not frowning!

Before

After

...And there you have it! I think the results speak for them self. I shall be booking my next appointment with Dr.Quinn in about four or five months time...

So this week I raise my glass to clear, wrinkle free skin and my quest for keeping forever young!

Korin, Fabulette xx

LOOK OUT FOR OUR FORTHCOMING VIDEO AND REVIEW OF BOTOX COMING SOON - WE WANT TO SHOW YOU WHAT HAPPENS TO HELP DISPEL ANY FEARS. ANY CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH.

The Accessories Trend: Charm Bracelets - perfect for Mothers Day

2012-03-09T02:06:00.000-08:00

For me an outfit is not complete without accessories. For years I've been all about the chunky necklaces, bangles and stylish bags. But this year I've streamlined my look a little and given in to one of the latest big accessory trends - a charm bracelet.

Charm Bracelets for Mothers Day

Since pre-historic times charm bracelets have been worn to ward off evil spirits or bad luck. These days they are more personal with decorative trinkets that represent what is important in the wearers life. I recently treated myself to a Thomas Sabo link charm bracelet with my favourite things attached to it - the Eiffel Tower, a shoe and an angels wing for luck.

Even Queen Victoria was partial to a charm bracelet and this is when they started to become high fashion among those in the right classes. Nowadays you can buy charm bracelets in a range of price brackets, and with Mothers Day coming (18th March!) I think they are the perfect gift for that special woman in your life, your mum.

Pandora

Pandora is the first brand you think of when it comes to charm bracelets. High end, good quality and available in most large shopping centres now. Personally I feel it's a little too commercial as it seems everyone has a bracelet from their range. But I do really like the sterling silver carriage and the simple exquisite love heart.

Whether its gold, silver, glass, wood or enamel - you can design your own bracelet at Pandora and it's great because you can take off those charms you want to swap with others and have a new, exciting bracelet within minutes.

Thomas Sabo

Cute, fun and equally stylish. Thomas Sabo have a great range of charms in their "Charm Club" to fit on various types of bracelets and necklaces you can buy. Whether you want to go for the cutesy factor with the panda or the strawberry with diamante detailing. Or remember that last holiday you had with a flip flop or a cocktail charm (I might go for this one next time!). There is a huge range of delicate to statement pieces and the range gets updated regularly.

The Charm Works

There's not need to splash your cash on charm bracelets. There really are some good online stores and little boutiques around towns that have good quality charm ranges. The Charm Works has a whole host of fun and stylish charms that will make a great bracelet when put all together. My favourites are the sterling silver and enamel Mini Cooper, Big Ben and the sterling silver crown - giving a very regal theme and perfect for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Whatever your style and your budget there are great ranges of charm bracelets available. Not just for Mothers Day but for a whole range of events and perfect for a little treat for yourself too.

by Rachel Montague-Ebbs, Fabulette, LadyM Presents

The Modern Girl's Guide to...How to organise your wardrobe

2012-03-07T01:54:00.002-08:00

My wardrobe was in need of some serious organisation, so with the help of The Modern Girls Guide To Fabulousness, by our gorgeous Fabuleader Bethanie Lunn, I set about a major wardrobe overhaul.

You may notice that my wardrobe has no doors. It was like this when we moved in, but it's a good size although the rails go from front to back rather than across the width, which isn't ideal but I have to work with what I've got (something all us girls know how to do!)

Following the advice given by Elika Gibbs of Practical Princess, in the Fashion Care chapter, I started by emptying my wardrobe and giving it a good clean. Then I had to sort my clothes, shoes and accessories into piles - keep, archive, bin.

The archived items (mostly dresses) were put into another room, the bin pile stored in bags to be sorted into sell or donate piles another day. With masses of space created, I then hung everything by piece - skirts, dresses, tops, trousers etc... and colour coded them too. I folded everything, all the while eliminating a piece here and there. A small brainwave resulted in all my holiday clothes being folded and stored in my suitcase, creating a little more space. Things where starting to take shape and my inner neat freak had been unleashed!

I needed storage solutions. The Practical Princess website has a variety of accessories to help tame a wild wardrobe. I opted for some boot inserts as they will keep zips from getting damaged and hold the shape of the boot and the folding template to help me keep things neat and tidy.

Elika suggests having adjustable shelves but mine are fixed, creating a lot of wasted space so I shopped for a solution. I found these under shelf baskets, perfect for my small bags and scarves. I also purchased some shoe boxes for extra storage, they're see through so I can identify what's inside at a glance. Having everything visible means I can see what I have and put an out fit together easily and having more room means I no longer have to wrestle with hangers or stuffed rails.

I'm rather pleased with the result, I even have spare space! Thanks to The Modern Girl's Guide to Fabulousness I feel that I have a wardrobe that even Carrie Bradshaw would approve of, albeit on a small scale. Although, I'd like to find a better solution for storing my larger bags, I doubt they'll stay in neat piles for long. And I'd rather like some doors...

Love
Hazel, Fabulette. x

All photographs, graphics and words by Hazel

Review : Fairlawns Spa, Walsall

2012-02-28T11:58:00.001-08:00

Every single year, without fail, late on in January, I start aching for a holiday. I'm not sure if it's the post-Christmas comedown, the snotty weather and the thought that summer is months away (possibly all three), but I yearn for a getaway. That makes it all the more convenient that it is myself and the beau's anniversary at the end of February, and we took a trip to Walsall for a lovely couple of days way at Fairlawns Spa.

Just north of Birmingham (not that distance matters, I would travel FOR DAYS to go to a spa as good as this again), Fairlawns is perfect for a relaxing getaway for couples, weddings or just with your mates. With an age restriction of no-one younger than 16 you can be sure that there would be a reasonable amout of peace and quiet, and on a Thursday night, save for an aerobics class and a group of business men dining in the evening, the other half and I were alone! Bliss!

Checking in just after 2pm, we made our way up to our room, complete with ensuite bathroom, and two mini bottles of sparkling wine, and chocolates! I instantly felt incredibly pampered and well-looked after. The rooms are elegantly decorated and spacious, perfect if end up carting your life around with you in multiple bags (like me).

After a couple of hours chilling out, Liam and I went down for our early sitting in the restaurant for a three course meal. This was the part I was looking forward to the most as the Fairlawns dining experience has nothing less than a glowing reputation. The staff are uber attentive, pouring wine, bringing amuse bouche before and petit fours at the end of the meal, all included in the price (see below). The meal did not disappoint. All beautifully presented and cooked to perfection; this was my main course - Venison with spiced red cabbage (yum!). For starter I had a usual choice for me of mussels in cider, and for pudding the cheese board, all of which cheeses are sourced within 50 miles of the spa hotel. Their wine list is fantastic and the staff were on hand to help pick a bottle which would compliment our food.

The next day we had the use of the spa facilities until 4pm, more than enough time to unwind even more and wrinkle your fingers! The spa is home to a beautiful pool as seen below, along with a whole range of spa facilities including Adventure Showers (this experience is a must), foot spas, heated loungers, saunas aplenty and two different steam rooms. Additional treatments are available but are subject to an additional fee and prior booking. I would have loved a pedicure, had I been in the money, but the spa facilities alone were enough to completely de-stress me in a month of deadlines and grey skies.

If you do find yourself desperate for even a night away from the rest of the world, I would urge you to try Fairlawns. They're also on Twitter too and are one of the growing number of hotels and businesses who reply pretty quickly if you have any queries. They really cannot do enough for you, and if you book midweek as I did, chances are it'll be perfectly peaceful. Thankyou Fairlawns, for looking after us so much! You made the getaway really special.

I had the deal called "A Romantic Evening for Two" deal, details of which and what is included in the price can be found here. All photos are my own, bar the bottom two, via Google

The Modern Girls' Guide To..Working From Home

2012-02-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

Due to a change in job role, I now occasionally get the opportunity to work from home. I must admit, to start with, I wasn't very good at it. I have now learnt the secrets, and how to avoid the pitfalls, and am now enjoying some of the benefits of days without commutes. To help you tackle this challenge, I've provided a list of the 10 most common pitfalls, and how to avoid them. (Hint: she's not doing it right)

1. Ignoring your morning routine. Just because you are at home, it doesn't mean that you can forget about lunch, not shower until 10am, and not get dressed at all. Think of working from home in the same way you thinking about working in an office, just minus the commute. Get up when you normally would, shower, put some clothes on, and go and station yourself somewhere.

2. Being distracted by housework. I know this one. You think to yourself that the days tasks include finishing that spreadsheet for Jeff, your 10am call with the states, and two loads of washing and making tonight's curry. You mistakenly believe that it doesn't matter which order you do them in. Except it does. Because making your curry after your call with the states will lead to you cleaning the kitchen in the middle of the day and working late into the night. Think of it like a day at the office again. You would've put one load of washing in before you went to work, and would make the curry after 5pm, when you got in. The only benefit is that on your lunch break, you are not an hour drive away from home, but 10 steps. So you can swap the laundry over when you have lunch.

3. Not setting up a proper workstation. What constitutes a 'Proper Workstation' is arguable. Some people insist on having a desk. I don't. I can work on my bed or on my sofa, as long as I have the right music on and my work materials surrounding me. The things I would normally have on my desk. Not this week's magazines, but the notebook I have at work. My diary. My to-do list.

(Picture courtesy of mzine.co.uk)

4. Mistaking working at home for leisure time. Just because you are at home does not mean you can do any of the following: Nap, play Call of Duty, do the food shopping, watch tv, faff on the internet. Otherwise, come 5pm when you haven't done anything all day, you will feel guilty. And not enjoy your actual leisure time, because you haven't put the hours in.

5. Leaving the TV on. Don't do this. Don't watch 'Wanted Down Under' and 'Bargain Hunt' and 'The Jeremy Kyle Show'. These are for sick days and stay at home mums. Not you. You are supposed to be developing a glittering career. I turn it off after the news, and turn it on again at 5pm, muted. I then carry on what I'm doing until I can see something that has come on that I want to watch. I can get a lot done that way.

6. Not eating properly. The amount of times I've done this. Chocolate headaches aren't pleasant. Look after yourself just as you normally would. Lunch between 12-2. Breakfast first thing. Tea and coffee like you would normally have in the office. And don't be lazy! Look at your lunch break as a time to be creative with the fridge.

7. Not taking sufficient breaks. You are at home, in bed, on a laptop. Is that not a break itself? No, not really. Your body needs to move around, your eyes need a rest from the screen, and you need a mental break from Jeff's spreadsheet. Go and take half an hour and come back. You would in the office.

8. Wearing inappropriate clothing. I mean pyjamas. Tracksuit bottoms. Onesies. It is not a sick day! Put some jeans on, a bit of make up if you're a girl, and feel ready to face the world. It's the office on Dress-down Friday, not sick leave or Hangover Sunday.

9. Lack of communication to partners/children. If you are unlucky enough to be working from home and sharing your house with your partner or children, things can get tricky. Your partner will think you're slacking, your children won't understand why Mummy''s home but doesn't want to play with them. Careful communication and managing expectations is needed here. Otherwise, like my dad, you will have to pause a conference call because you can't hear over the washing machine. Consider the fact that by being at home, you are also interrupting their daily routine. Maybe you could tell your partner about your 10am call with the states, and then ask if you can have lunch together at 12?

10. Not utilising technology properly. Working from home can be very isolating. It can also mean that you are not at the forefront of your manager's mind if you are not in the office. Other employees could see it as lazy. Make sure you log on to your company's IM around your normal start and finish times - so they don't think you have let your personal and work life blend into one. Use the different technology available don't be a robot behind emails. The many different mediums of communication can help you be 'present'. Understand the benefits you can get from your employer, too, some will pay for a fancy chair and your internet connection if you are home based -make sure you get what you're entitled to.

10.5 Don't forget alone time. Especially if number 9. applies and you have a partner at home. Go out. Otherwise this will happen:

(Courtesy of social3r.com)

Remember, getting working from home right is a long struggle. There is very little structure, so you have to impose it on yourself. I still find it a struggle. But hopefully using some of my tips above you can make some improvements.

Love,

Annabel Fay, Business Editor & Fabulette

Who finally finished the spreadsheet.

How to get hair worthy of the Oscars (with very little effort!)

2012-02-26T10:38:00.001-08:00

TONIGHT is the greatest night in the Hollywood calendar, as the great and good come out in force for the Oscars.

The female stars will be undoubtedly looking stunning, made up to perfection by a team of stylists, make-up artists and hair magicians. But what about the rest of us who don't have access to the skills and wizardry reserved for the A-list elite? Can we too get hair worthy of the Oscars?

Well ladies, the people at John Frieda believe so. They say that anyone can get hair worthy of a red carpet and that with just a little know-how and a few products, we can all re-create the styles of the stars, at home, by ourselves.

As a fabulette who is admittedly unadventurous when it comes to styling my hair (I only ever do two styles, always down but either straight or slightly wavy) I thought I'd take them up on the challenge and see if glamorous hair really is within easy reach.

I decided to have a go at the 'French Pleat' - something which I think always looks incredibly chic but hard to achieve. Armed with my bundle of John Frieda products and following a quick watch of the John Frieda tutorial, it was time to begin!

Step 1: As demonstrated in the video, I brushed some Luxurious Volume Thickening Mousse through my hair from roots to tip using a wide vent brush and followed with a few squirts of Luxurious Volume Thickening Blow Dry Lotion at the roots. It felt like a lot of product to use in all honesty, however this could be because normally I'd never use so much! (Perhaps this is where I've being going wrong all along, hmmm.)

My products

Step 2: Next, I then dried my hair roughly with my hairdryer, giving a final dry with my head tipped upside down to give my hair some extra boost.

Step 3: No glamourpuss would be complete without her set of velcro rollers! With this style you only need to put them in at the front, top and sides of the hair, so that's what I did.

Glamour at its best!

Step 4: With my rollers all in, it was a perfect time to settle down with a cup of tea, as I let the 'magic' happen. However, I am an eager beaver and decided that instead of waiting, I would spray my hair with a little Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray and blast with my hairdryer for 5 mins instead.

Step 5: After taking the rollers out and brushing my hair back gently, it was time to attempt the pleat, the bit I'd been dreading. As shown, I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, twisted it and then pinned it up and in place with some good ol' kirby grips.

Step 6: It was then time for the final touches! I didn't have the product used in the video to smooth down the sides of my hair so used the Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray instead. Then using just my fingers, I smoothed down the front and top of my hair, made a few tweaks, gave it a light final spray and voila!

From the front...

And the back.

My verdict

I can safely say that whilst it wasn't the neatest pleat in the world, for a first attempt I was really impressed with myself!

I literally spent no longer than 10 minutes on this style as I wanted it to be a true reflection of how easy or difficult it would be to do at home.The video tutorial was excellent and easy to follow and the products did exactly what they needed to.

All in all, I loved my new 'do' and I'll definitely be having a go at this again. Thanks to the John Frieda team I now have three styles in my hair arsenal and the only dilemma I now face is... which style to attempt next! ;-)

If you too fancy having a go at the french pleat or another glamorous style, you can find all the fabulous video tutorials here.

Have fun experimenting!

Katie
Fabulette

x

Review: Elemis Face and Body Sensation at Spa 1877

2012-02-26T05:38:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I was very lucky to be able to have "me time" in the relaxing surroundings of Spa 1877 in Sheffield and to have their Elemis Face & Body Sensation treatment, a unique cooling body massage and rejuvenating facial combined.

I made myself comfortable in one of their lovely white fluffy dressing downs in the relaxation area before my treatment. My therapist, Kirsty, greeted me and took me to a very chilled out and warming therapy room complete with mood lighting and soothing music. Having never had a massage before and not knowing what to expect I was instantly at ease. She took me through the treatment and what to expect and then we spoke about any problem areas; for me I always have very tense shoulders and some lower back pain.

Kirsty then explained that the massage would be followed by a facial and we went over my usual skin routine and opted for a facial that would refresh and rejuvenate my skin. All the facials are tailor made for your skin type so expect a completely bespoke experience.

The massage started with a soothing foot massage that instantly relaxed me then it was a body brush to get the blood flowing and then the most lovely feeling ever of warm body oils and being massaged by warm stones. I wasn't sure on what to expect with a hot stone massage, whether it would feel strange or not, but it made me feel the most relaxed I have felt in a long time. As promised, Kirsty worked more on my shoulders and lower back and I could instantly feel the tensions flowing away.

We then moved onto the facial. I was pampered, exfoliated and massaged with lovely refreshing lavender and citrus smelling formulas which moved over the face and down to my neck then finished with a head massage. I was also given a gel-like peel off mask with refreshing eye patches which left my skin feeling fresh and looking instantly brighter.

I was given a glass of water and great aftercare advice: to spend the rest of the day relaxing, advice I'm not going to argue with!

Following the luxurious treatment, I had the option to return to the relaxation area with a cup of tea and a library full of magazines and could have stayed there all day. You can then go and shower off (using all the Elemis products of course), and if you're anything like me, go home and nap for the rest of the day.

My treatment costs £70 for a 60 minute treatment and they currently have special offers running for Mothers Day which you can read more about here.

Hayley Barraclough- Fabulette
Images courtesy of Elemis

S/S 12 Trend: Pastel

2012-02-25T11:26:00.000-08:00

After enjoying London Fashion Week coverage showcasing what the trends we’ll be wearing in the near future, I have decided to slow things down a little bit and focus on a key trend for this coming spring. I know it has been extremely cold these past few weeks, and we’re all wondering whether if it will ever be warm again! Spring is just around the corner and I simply can’t wait! Spring is my favourite time of the year, everything about it makes me happy!

This year, in the fashion department, we can all expect to see lots of pretty pastel colours to make our day a little bit brighter. We’re already seeing the newest collections from the high street and we can expect to see a lot more of these soft shades. I’m really in to candy colours but I wonder if it suits me? It is a tricky one to pull off, but I have seen some amazing styling from fashionable girls wearing head to tow in pastels (as seen below). It really does look great and is one of those rare times when you can wear lots of different colours at one time. If that’s not for you then why not work pastels in to your outfit as a hint or accent of the pastel trend.

What do you think of all the candy colours clothes? Is it too sickly sweet for you or are you loving the blends of colours? Are you giving this trend a thumbs up or a thumbs down?

For that small burst of inspiration, I have chosen my top picks of the latest offerings from the high street!

Stockists: ASOS / Lavish Alice / TopShop / New Look

Graphics and Words by Fabulette, Sarah Wong

(image source: style.com and lookbook.nu)

How to Wear Prints for the Printphobic

2012-02-24T04:40:00.000-08:00

This is my first post as a Fabulette (exciting!), so what better place to start than with a look at LFW, specifically at the print trend. Prints made a strong appearance for SS12 and continued to feature heavily during the past week for AW12.

It was Peter Pilotto, and Mary Katrantzou that piqued my interest for SS12, with beautiful colours and clashing prints - strong, feminine and confident.

Peter Pilotto / Mary Katrantzou LFW SS12 - images courtesy of London Fashion Week

The past week saw the trend for prints continue into AW12 with many designers sending sumptuous prints down the runway. It seems it doesn't matter what form they take prints are everywhere.

Peter Pilotto / Mary Katrantzou / Antoni & Alison / Erdem / Michael van der Ham / Holly Fulton LFW AW12 - images courtesy of London Fashion Week

I confess that I've been avoiding prints. Being just 5"4', wide of shoulder and small of bust I often find prints, particularly florals, make me look and feel a bit like a child.

That said, I adore pattern and colour and current print trends have left me drooling, bolder and more edgy than florals, these prints - tribal, geometric, graphic and scarf print - are for grown up girls. I'm determined to break out if my comfort zone and find the perfect patterned piece. To begin with I'll be hitting the high street.

The easiest way to try a new trend is to accessorise. A scarf, a pair of shoes or a bag is a good option, all are low commitment - perfect for a printphobe like myself to test the water.

ASOS scarf print scarf - image courtesy of ASOS

New Look patterned platform strappy shoes - image courtesy of New Look

Accessorize Riki Tiki shoulder bag - image courtesy of Accessorize

A top in a simple shape can be toned down with plain separates. Pop a blazer over the top and pair with your favourite skinny jeans... and suddenly prints aren't so scary after all.

Boohoo Katie 3/4 sleeve zip back multi print top - image courtesy of Boohoo

Warehouse mirrored cherry blossom top - image courtesy of Warehouse

Topshop geo scarf print tee - image courtesy of Topshop

This is how I will be dipping my toe into the print pond, I think I'll leave head-to-toe print clashing to the die hard fashionistas out there. For now.

Will you be embracing the print trend? What will you be wearing? It really is a case of anything goes...

London Fashion Week Feb 2012 highlights

2012-02-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

As always, London Fashion Week (or the bit of it I managed to get to!) was amazing. From snakeskin prints to fox motifs (and another autumn/winter filled with faux fur) all the trends we will be wearing were on display - and I even managed to get myself front row at one of the coolest off-schedule shows from Anna Popovich.

Here are my Fabulette highlights...

Michael van der Ham

Anna Popovich

Yang Du

Elisa Palomino

Sister by Sibling

Lucas Nascimento

J W Anderson

L.O.V.E. by Monsoon

Eun Jeong

Me - having a ball

Johanna Payton (aka Fashion Detective), Fabulette

All images by Johanna Payton

The Modern Girl's Guide to... Weddings

2012-02-21T02:35:00.000-08:00

Delighted with my new role as a Fabulette, this week I reverted to the book that I had enjoyed so much - The Modern Girl's Guide to Fabulousness. (This was how I came to know Bethanie – she saw the review I had written on it and the next thing we were sat with tea and cake, putting the world to right!) Every chapter is in alphabetical order but features a whimsical selection of topics. This evening, I settled on ‘W’ for ‘Weddings’ and thought I might explore what would happen if one were to adhere to Bethanie’s guidelines…

The VenueStunning Tents – www.stunningtents.co.uk

Who needs a stately home when there’s tents like this on offer? Dimly lit, cosily assembled and in an array of shapes and sizes, the venue suggestions on Stunning Tents allow anyone staying at home to bring the spontaneity of eloping to a location near them. Think how romantic this would be with endless candles and the sound of a banjo serenading your guests?!

InvitationsEmily&Jo – www.emilyandjo.co.uk

Weddings are a time for celebration, so why not bring as much energy as you can to the invitations? These beautiful cards from Emily&Jo are so striking yet ornate, and all of the colours in the rainbow are on hand to put a spring in the step of your wedding.

The DressPhillipa Lepley – www.phillipalepley.com

Made with love in Chelsea, these gowns are pretty and powerful. I loved the look of this gown; fitted and timeless but with a lovely trim across the neckline, almost like something from the 60s.

The CakePeggy Porschen – www.peggyporschen.com

As the Modern Girl’s Guide describes the ‘Queen of Cakes’, it is noted that she counts Elton John, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow among her clientele. The real beauty, however, comes when you visit this website! I was spoilt for choice when browsing these cakes for one is more exquisite than the next. So many cakes, so little time…

As you can see, I’ve chosen a diverse range of styles and themes here. This is the beauty of Bethanie’s book – it has something for everyone.

WIN A COPY of The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fabulousness

Would you like to get stuck into the Modern Girl’s Guide, reading about everything from Cocktails, Eco-Living and Naughty Pleasures? If so, enter my giveaway! I have two copies of The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fabulousness to give away so you have twice the chance of winning. Here’s how to enter:

E-mail rosaleen@rosaleengallagher.com with the subject 'BL GIVEAWAY'. Your details will not be passed on or used for any purpose other than to contact you if you’re one of my two lucky winners!
Like the Mixed Gems Facebook fan page, my personal blog – click this link to do so: www.facebook.com/ilovemixedgems

Entries will close on Friday 23rd February at 9pm. Two lucky winners will be notified via e-mail within 24 hours. Please note that if said winner does not reply to their e-mail within 3 working days then another winner will be selected.

Good luck with your entry! Posted by Fabulette, Rose of Mixed Gems.

LFW - The Street Style & The Trends

2012-02-20T14:55:00.001-08:00

Nothing quite beats London Fashion Week. I've been to fashion shows around the world, but the buzz, the atmosphere and the set up of London Fashion Week is just fabulous.

I was lucky enough to go to the opening show - Antoni & Alison and it was a great start to the Autumn/Winter 12 catwalk season. The opening show is always a bit magical. It was early on Friday morning (9am is early for the fashion world, trust me!), so after a double expresso, with notebook and new DSLR camera in hand, I took my seat and enjoyed the atmosphere. The feeling of anticipation is just fantastic, the fashion chatter is the only noise circling the British Fashion Council showspace, then the lights go down and the crowd hush. The beats of the show music start and the bright lights come up…….. Fashion - you just can't beat it!

Street Style Snaps

I spent the whole weekend at London Fashion Week, moving from Somerset House on the Strand to the Freemasons Hall and the RSA Vaults. In between shows I did a bit of style spotting, as did many street style bloggers - at one point you couldn't move for flashes going off and bloggers asking to take photos!

So here's my medley of trends seen around London Fashion Week:

Hats - I sported a funky fedora and so many other hats were spotted at LFW - it was a cold day but I also think it's an element of wanting to be noticed

The Satchel - whether for men or for women - go bright, go bold!

I loved this man's knitwear and gigantic day bag! Plus this girls gorgeous floaty dress with "Made in Chelsea" style sportquilt jacket thrown on top!

Dipped dyed hair - very popular on the cobbles at Somerset House

Autumn/Winter 12 Trends

Then there were the new trends for Autumn/Winter 2012. I got to see the brilliant Antoni & Alison, PPQ, Krystof Strozyna, Corrie Nielsen and Issa London as well as some off schedule shows. Here are the key trends I discovered:

Digital Print

Antoni & Alison, Matthew Williamson, Louise Gray

Mary Katrantzou and Peter Pilotto are THE designers when it comes to digital print. Using amazing colour and vibrant print concepts to create unique pieces. Now it's gone a step further, Antoni & Alison created outfits out of digital print dresses. With silk, printed dresses that looked like the model was wearing a jumper and skirt or tuxedo shirt, jacket and sequinned skirt. So effective and just mesmerising. Other great prints were seen at Louise Gray, less subtle, more in your face but just fantastic uses of colour and Matthew Williamson - divine dresses.

Red, White and Black

Bora Aksu, Corrie Nielsen, Caroline Charles, Corrie Nielsen

Less red, white and blue of nautical times next A/W and more of red, white and black seen in tartan, capes and heavy set coats - giving texture and warmth to the collections this season. Corrie Nielsen went back to her Scottish roots for a powerful and impressive collection. Bora Aksu mixed an amazing pallette of colours too.

Emerald Green

PPQ, Margaret Howell, Issa London

The colour that stays in my mind from the A/W collections was emerald green. A pop of colour at PPQ, a fabulous flowing jump suit at Issa London and a softer green at Margaret Howell.

There's so much more to tell you about, I can't fit it all in - just remember calf length coats, fur hats, knee high boots and elbow length gloves. Ladylike 50's glamour is still set to continue (think lace, velvet, perfect styling), as well as collections that take us on journeys just like Issa London too me from Russia to China via a soundtrack from Brazil.

Read more indepth LFW A/W 12 reviews at www.ladympresents.co.uk

Catwalk images courtesy of catwalking.com

Rachel Montague-Ebbs, LadyM Presents, Fabulette

The Modern Girl's Guide asks: Is it appropriate to eat in meetings?

2012-02-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

(Don't do this)

Is it acceptable to eat during meetings?

Generally, its not. But what if you are one of those people like me who is grumpy, irritable, and finds it impossible to concentrate if your blood sugar is too low? You have a few options.

1. Liquid sugar- I sometimes get a hot chocolate before an 11-12pm meeting so my stomach isn't growling for its lunch. Add some milk and sugar to your coffee, or get some juice to see you through.

2. Excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, and have a banana or a cereal bar. Much as I hate to even suggest this, sometimes this your only option.

3. Take advantage of smoking, or 'comfort' breaks. When the meeting stops for one of these, the room instantly becomes more casual. It is then acceptable to eat something non-messy and non-smelly, such as nuts, a cereal bar or some fruit. Make sure you eat it discreetly and politely.

4. Plan your eating around your meeting. In business, it is actually poor etiquette to schedule a meeting covering the lunch period without giving an indication of lunch arrangements. If you have a meeting that goes right up until lunchtime, though, a well timed snack beforehand is enough to see you through.

5. A golden rule for every scenario- take your cue from a more senior employee in the room- but not the most senior. The most senior will be able to do whatever they want, whereas the 'middle man' is generally a better gauge for what is appropriate.

6. Take active steps to stabilise your blood sugar- I've found that eating a breakfast of complex carbohydrates and cutting back on caffeine and processed sugar has done wonders for keeping my blood sugar stable throughout the day. Have a big breakfast on the morning of an important meeting- porridge is a good option- and you will sail through until lunchtime.

Of course, you have to judge each environment as they come. I've worked in some offices where it is acceptable to eat smelly food whenever and wherever you like, and others where even eating at your desk is frowned upon. Play it safe, and watch and learn the way others behave before doing anything that is a potential faux-pas.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any weird practises going on where you work?

Annabel Fay- Business Editor & Fabulette

Oh, and don't get me started on 'Networking Lunches'.

The Lazy Girls Roast Dinner...

2012-02-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

Are you tired or hung over? Do you have kids clung to your ankles at every waking minute of the day which makes cooking seem like a mission impossible? Or like me, just cannot be bothered to repeat the Sunday Roast process? Well fear not because this is the perfect roast for you. A delicious compromise on the traditional roast, that will allow you to actually have a life too!

In fact it's that good, so quick and simple that there's no reason to save it just for the weekend...

For me, the dishes that I most like to cook are minimum fuss, taste great, consists of a healthy balance of ingredients and require little washing up! My Lazy Girls Roast is a 'one pot wonder'; throw it all together and bang it in the oven, job done. Just how I like it!

The best thing is that you don't need to be specific with the ingredients you use, just select a melange of vegetables that you have in your fridge, with whatever herbs and spices you fancy and have available. Which is why it's always great to have a variety of dried herbs and spices in your cupboards for you to experiment with. I like to buy a couple of new ones each week in the supermarket to add to my collection. I found a gorgeous smoked paprika with red pepper in Marks and Spencer

Spice things up!

Ingredients:

6 - 8 Chicken thighs and drumsticks

1 fennel bulb

1 large onion (red or white)

4 medium potatoes or a few baby potatoes

1 large red pepper (or any colour you fancy)

4 carrots

1-2 tablespoons of Smoked Paprika

2 tablespoons Mixed Italian herbs

2 Bay leaves

drizzle of olive oil

Seasoning

Method:
Chop the veg into large chunks, keeping them all roughly the same size so that they cook at the same time (make sure the potatoes are slightly smaller as these will take the longest to cook) and add all the ingredients to a large roasting dish. Drizzle a small amount of oil over all the ingredients (you don't need very much oil at all, as there will be a lot released from the chicken) then mix in the herbs, spices and seasoning to coat the chicken and veg thoroughly.

Before roasting

Pop in a medium oven for an hour, turning once so that everything is evenly browned.

The Lazy Girls Roast - easy peasy!

I love experimenting with less traditional veg such as Butternut Squash, Fennel and Celeriac which all taste superb roasted. Why not try experimenting with fresh lemon wedges thrown in and and chilli flakes too. Serve with your feet up watching a good Sunday movie and a glass of vino!

Shoe crush of the week!

I saw these in Kurt Geiger the other day and I must admit I have had my eye on them for a while....maybe if I wish hard enough someone will treat me...!

Happy Lazy days!

Korin, Fabulette xx

How to: Bake berry-tastic cupcakes

2012-02-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

As my first post as Fabulette, I thought I'd share my favourite cupcake recipe ready for you to enjoy over the weekend. These beautiful little cakes are delicately fruity and are guaranteed to go down a treat.

I love these little blueberry and orange cupcakes, a moist citrus sponge with a baked blueberry centre, for want of a better word they are simply yummy. They look pretty damned good too. If you don't like blueberries you can replace them with other berries, I've also made a version for a berry-phobic friend with sweets on top.

Drooool

This recipe makes 20 delicious cupcakes. First, pre-heat oven to 190C.

You will need:

175g caster sugar
175g butter (softened)
3 eggs (gently beaten)
175g self raising flour
1tsp baking powder
Juice from half an orange
Blueberries

For the icing:
250g icing sugar
1tbsp orange juice
80g dark chocolate
Blueberries to decorate or little sugar pearls or sweets- whatever you like.

1. Cream the sugar and butter together until smooth, then add the eggs and combine

2. Then sift in the self raining flour and baking powder and mix until an even consistency.

3. Add the orange juice and until an even consistency.

4. Prepare some paper cupcake cases, either in a muffin tray or pop each one into a silicone cupcake case to keep the shape while baking.

5. Spoon a base layer of the mixture into each cupcake case (about 1tsp). Pop a couple of blueberries in on top of the base layer, then top with more of the mixture so the case is about 3/4 full (don't over fill as the mixture will rise when baked).

Base layer of sponge mixture

Blueberry centres, to be topped with more sponge mixture

6. Check that the oven is at temperature and pop the cakes in to bake on the middle shelf, bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, then test the centre of a cake with a skewer (I use a cocktail stick) to make sure the centres are cooked, if it comes out clean the cakes are done.

7. Leave the cakes to cool completely before icing.

Icing!
The icing is fun and super easy to make. Mix up a regular sugar icing by mixing the orange juice with the icing sugar (adding a tiny amount of juice at a time until you reach the right consistency), the icing should be spreadable and able to set into a soft shiny finish but not be too liquid. If the icing is too liquid add more icing sugar and hold back on the juice until it looks right.

Ice the cakes with this mixture spreading it gently over their tops for a smooth finish.

Gently melt the chocolate.

Melting the chocolate
I hear it's best to do this in a bain marie, or you could use a microwave. I don't have either and have had one too many water-contaminating-chocolate catastrophes trying the bowl-over-hot-water method, so I just melt the chocolate directly in the pan, which is usually not advised (I like to think of myself as the dare devil of baking). You need to be really careful when doing this, because if you overheat the chocolate it won't re-set easily, you also risk burning it, so be careful and remove it from the heat as soon as it melts.

Dip a teaspoon in the melted chocolate and raise out of the pan spoon-side down letting the chocolate drizzle back into the pan, do this a few times, once you are able to get the chocolate to drizzle nicely you can start to zig zag it over the iced cupcakes. Don't worry if they are a bit messy, sometimes it kind of makes them look better. Pop 2-3 blueberries on top of each cake and leave the icing and chocolate to set.

It will get messy

But pop a few blueberries or sugar pearls on top & arrange in a cake tin and they will look beautious.

Enjoy!

Emma Jane, Fabulette!

A Modern Girls Guide to New York Fashion Week

2012-02-17T01:35:00.009-08:00

With the start of New York Fashion week offically kicking off a month long of shows and fabulous looks we can start getting an idea of what we can all expect to be wearing Autumn/Winter 2012/13
Some of the key trends coming out of New York:

Floral
The floral trend is still going strong. In a range of bright and autumn like colours and shown with sark knits and tapestry-like embroideries, these were paired with sharp knee length deep orange pencil skirts. A perfect blend.

Luxury Leather
Leather is going to be a big hit for the Autumn/Winter season. This was everywhere. Seen on the DKNY, The Row and Betsey Johnson. Expect to be wearing leather trousers, full length leather dresses in a range of colours from the usual black and brown right through to to firebox red.

Prints
Prints were everywhere. On trousers, shirts and jackets and coats. Mixed with a range of frabrics inlcuding woll and fur to give jumpers and the like a more glamours and luxury feel.

Military
Military gets a ladylike makeover. Think sharp lines, boxy jackets and coats decorated with a black edging and gold military style buttons. These are quite masculine shapes but worn together with figure hugging, knee length knitted dresses, high heeled calf lenth boots and accesorised with sharp ladylike bags as seen at the Victoria Beckham and Alexander Wang shows.

Overall we'll be wearing tailored trousers, knee length skirts and sharp shapes. They'll be alot and leather, fur and heritage patterns. Shoes and boots have a heel, no flat shoes to be seen.

With London Fashion Week starting today here on the Modern Girls Guide we will be keping you up to date with all the shows and emerging trends.

Review: Chaobaby, Meadowhall

2012-02-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

As a seasoned Thai food lover, but newbie to Meadowhall's recent addition of Chaobaby, I had high hopes for this buffet-style restaurant.

Chaobaby is stylishly decorated with cream chairs, lots of glass and a giant tank filled with jellyfish. It was clearly designed to feel more separate from the rest of the dining quarter - difficult as that might be as it is situated just as you walk into the Oasis on the first floor. However, with some clever table arranging and strategically placed wine cabinets, you would feel comfortably apart from the rest of Meadowhall. On my visit, it was relatively quiet for a Friday (which can be a blessing if you fancy a low-key, relaxed night out).

And then, of course, it came to the food. I straightaway pounced on the only vegetarian option on the buffet - Thai Green Curry with Tofu, with a side of Vegetable Teppanyaki (yum!) which was truly delicious. Noticeably, the plates are a little small, and there were perhaps only 5 or 6 dishes on offer, but at £12.95 Chaobaby is clearly placing itself a little more upmarket than your standard buffet, all-you-can-eat restaurant. And the food is so tasty that to be honest, you wouldn't mind paying that little bit more anyway.

Chaobaby is blessed with highly attentative staff, yummy food and a very relaxed atmosphere. It somehow manages to be elegant and sophisticated whilst retaining an accessible feel by still being very affordable. If you do find yourself a little peckish after an afternoon shopping til you drop, definitely check out Chaobaby, as, if you're anything like me, you won't be disappointed.

My first post as a Fabulette! How exciting! Hope you liked it ladies x

Claire, Fabulette

Review: Las Iguanas in Meadowhall Shopping Centre, Sheffield

2012-02-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

Last week I took a trip to Sheffield’s main shopping centre, Meadowhall, for dinner at the Oasis Dining Quarter. A new branch of Las Iguanas was on the menu and I was excited to sample their Latin inspired dishes.

Upon arrival, myself and fellow Fabulette Hayley were warmly greeted by our server, Rob. He was, in fact, so charming that he talked us into a few more cocktails than we had originally planned! Indulging in the Daiquiri, the Cherry Fizz and a Cana Royale, I enjoyed the Daiquiri the most; a hearty dose of lime made it really refreshing.

Next was the food. To start, I’d chosen the Calamares. The portion was enormous and the aioli dip included was really nice – a lot richer than the garlic mayo dips that often accompany calamari.

After giving Hayley an extensive description of how much I love vegetarian food, I decided to order the 8oz sirloin steak. Served medium rare and accompanied by rocket, baby tomatoes and sweet potato fries, I was really quite surprised at the heartiness of the meal. When I’d first browsed the Las Iguanas website I was expecting to find something more of a quick bite, but instead I was treated to a filling and well-prepared meal.

With ambient lighting, gentle music and lovely bright colour schemes, I had completely forgotten that I was in a shopping centre and truly felt the vibe of a restaurant. Las Iguanas was tasty, friendly and reasonably priced; I will definitely be visiting again.

What is Las Iguanas best for? A gorgeous meal without too much pressure – think the standard of TGI Fridays mixed with the laid back nature of Nandos.
What should I wear? You’ll be fine with something smart and casual, it’s the perfect place to visit before/after a trip to the cinema.
Who will like it? Las Iguanas seems really family friendly, so it will be perfect for everyone.

Don’t forget your sombrero!

By fabulette, Rose of Mixed Gems.

A Modern Girl's Guide to: Las Igunas, Meadowhall Shopping Centre, Sheffield

2012-02-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Last week me and my fellow Fabulette Rosaleen of Mixed Gems got the chance to meet up for a catch up, cocktails and lovely food.

I love South American food be it Mexican or Brazilian and there was a real shortage of these types of places in Sheffield. So I was really excited when Las Iguanas recently opened in the newly renovated Oasis Food Court. They promise "a cool mash-up of mouth-watering ingredients and South American culture at Las Iguanas" and that’s exactly what we got!

When we first arrived we were greeted by our server, Rob. He was very knowledgeable and went through the menu with us explaining all the different dishes, special offers etc. We started off with a cocktail and I had a Mojito (a classic!), whilst fellow Fabulette, Rose went for the Daiquiri. Both were amazing and went down very well, so well in fact we decided to make use of the 2-4-1 cocktail offers and ordered two more each!

Fabulette: Hayley

Fabulette: Rose

There is a wide variety on the menu, not just your typical nachos and fajitas (though they are on the menu if that’s what you love), plus steaks, fish stews, braised lamb and even a Chilean version of a Shepherd’s Pie.

I went for the Mexican Poppadoms with a soured cream for starter and then the Pescado A La Macho for main. My starter was lovely. You get four poppadoms with a paprika flavouring and a generous helping of sour cream. It was tasty and light, just what you want from a starter before tucking into a heartier main course.

The delicious starter

Next up was my Pescado A La Macho. A fish stew combining crayfish, muscles, prawns and cod with a white wine and paprika sauce. This was served with lovely fluffy white rice and green beans. The way it was served with the stew in its own little pot was a nice touch, meaning you could put as much or as little as you wanted on your plate. It was full of flavour and they certainly didn't scrimp on the fish. There were plenty of prawns and muscles and generous chunks of cod which was succulent and again full of lovely flavour. I enjoyed this dish so much, I would definitely recommend it and order this again.

We were then offered a desert but both of us were already too full up so politely declined, but with offerings such as chocolate fudge cake and a South American version of Eton Mess you really need to make room for some of these yummies.

It's definitely worth returning again as they also have a tapas style menu on offer and a wonderful looking kids menu with a main course, desert and drink all for £5.50

Mmm, amazing dish!

Although you are in the middle of a busy shopping centre we both agreed that you forget the hustle and bustle of Meadowhall and feel like you are in a nice relaxed restaurant, decorated like you are in the middle of Brazil we did both mention we felt like we were on holiday. It's a lovely relaxed atmosphere the staff, including our server Rob and Manager Matt, are all attentive, friendly and really helpful. Service was really prompt you felt welcome and never rushed. We were actually so relaxed the time ran away with us and before we knew it my dining partner had missed her train! But that’s what happens when you have a great time.

I already have recommended this to everyone I've seen since. If it's just a quick bite to eat before going to the nearby cinema or a full slap up three course meal (don’t forget the cocktails!) this is the place to go.
10 out of 10 stars for sure!

Hayley Barraclough - Fabulette

Beauty News: Spring trends

2012-02-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

While the weather may not agree with me, it’s high time to ditch the flushed winter rose look and dabble with some prettier hues. Now that we’ve kissed goodbye to January and Valentine’s Day has passed, there’s no excuse not to start sitting pretty in lush tones and looking forward to the warmer months. Here’s The Modern Girl’s Guide’s pick of the best to see you through spring...

Bobbi Brown has mixed it up a bit this season by pairing neons with nudes; as one does. The usually easy on the eye cosmetic range has dared to go bolder with a vibrant mix of lip colour. A trio of neon glosses focus on purple, pink and dare I say it…orange. Our fave is Cosmic Pink 1, £17.00 which looks like a shocking pink in the tube but glides on with a transparently glossy base and gives a kick of inoffensive colour to the lip.

There’s nothing like a Chanel blush compact to get the girl inside me jumping for joy. This season’s offering is a Soft Glow Blush, £46.00 in a bright pink overtone, interspersed with creams, whites and oranges. On blushing over the apples of the cheeks, the colour reveals itself as a perfectly soft peach. Available at Debenhams.

Every season I lust over the brand new Chanel Nail Colour de jour and this season there are no less than three delectable delights to choose from. Named, appropriately April, May and June, the colours exude spring on the cusp of summer. Choose the cream based peachy keen, June to keep talons super on-trend and girly-cute. Prices start from £11.76 at Debenhams.

Another girly-fied nail offering is that of Paul and Joe’s Nail Enamels.

Paying homage to our feline friends, the cat drawing-decorated boxes house some gems for the season. Kitten Claws, £10.00 offers wearers a muted creamy pastel pink, while Manekino is a jewel-toned lustrous and perfect pink to brighten up still dark days.

Whenever Benefit launches a new blush box I have to force myself out of my comfort zone. For many a year has the cult blush Dandelion been serving me well and I’ve been reluctant to move on. But now I’ve found a contender. Hervana is a mixed swirl of colour offering all the beloved mutedness of Dandelion with a touch of Hoola, Dallas and Coralista thrown together for good measure, £23.50.

With neons, nudes and a soft palette of tone-friendly colours, mix it up this spring with this pick of the best and continue the trend with your wardrobe choices too by following Fabulette, Rachel's spring/ summer fashion guide here.

What We're Loving Right Now...The new fruity one from Batiste

2012-02-16T06:13:00.000-08:00

We all know how a bad hair day makes us feel – naff. Having clean, shiny and lustrous locks, whatever the length can really make a difference in boosting your self esteem. But for modern girls on the go, dry shampoo is a beauty savior! I featured this little god-send in The Modern Girl's Guide to Fabulousness and shared some tips for application.

The new Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo, £2.99, 200ml has a cutesy vintage appeal with it's cherry flocked design and fruity, moreish scent that transports me into spring. My husband commented that I smelled 'good enough to eat' so it works very well for me!

NEW Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo

With just one spray of this fine mist, it cleverly saps grease and your hair smells shampoo-fresh and wonderfully clean. Just spray it on as you would a hairspray, targeting the roots and greasy areas, comb through and hey presto, bouncy, sweet smelling hair in seconds.

Fab Tip: Don’t spray dry shampoo too close to your hair or you will end up with white patches that are difficult to comb out. If this does happen, use a soft bristle brush to work the residue into the hair, gently combing until it disappears. Remember that a little goes a long way.

Stockists: Superdrug, Boots, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Wilkinsons, Savers and Lloyds chemists.

Bethanie Lunn, Head Fabulette

Review: John Frieda 'Halo Plait' Tutorial

2012-02-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hello ladies! This is my first post as a Fabulette and it's been a long time coming. Turns out the John Frieda Halo Plait tutorial style I have chosen to give a go is quite tricky, so this post has had three attempts so far! Not that that should put you off...

Sources 1 - 2

This is what we're aiming for right? The Halo Plait is like a French plait and goes all the way round the perimeter of your head. Karen Gillan on the right was the sort I was aiming for in particular, with all of the hair in the plait, including fringe.

Here is the final result after three attempts and swapping sides twice. With practice - unless you're a dab hand at reverse french plaits, in which case this style shouldn't be a problem for you - this look is really cool and can be an alternative for those girls who, like me, have hair long enough to braid but not quite so long as to do the milkmaid plaits.

The video is great, with really clear instructions, helpful tips and enough verbal pauses throughout so you can stop the video and style your hair step-by-step. This is the method that I used and as you can see I'll need a few more goes before I perfect the sleek plait around the back. I'm usually fairly scruffy though so this works for me rather well :)

For this particular style, after watching the videos and giving it a go myself, here are my top tips:
1. Don't be afraid to do the style a bit at a time. There are no fiddly cannot-let-go moments apart from the plaiting itself, which should only take a few minutes or so when you're well-practised.
2. As the video suggests, make your hair as textured as you can without it being difficult to separate into plaiting-pieces. Slipperly hair, like mine when I had just washed it, will make the plaits fall out!
3. Save this style for when you have the time for it to go wrong. If you're new to it, and the video, don't rush 5 minutes before you go out - this style requires patience!

If you fancy having a go at this particular style, click here to see the specific Halo Plait video, or here for all of the John Frieda tutorials.

Good luck! x
Claire - Fabulette who also blogs at Jazzpad

Our Top 5 Beauty Products for Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine’s Day today so if you have a hot date or drinks with the girls lined up tonight, take the softly, softly approach to romance with our ultimate top five beauty products guaranteed to have you looking and feeling your best...

Get frisky with Cowshed this Valentine’s Day as the quirky Brit brand urges you to pamper yourself and your loved one with their Horny Cow range. Ultra aromatic rose absolute and essential oils of patchouli and cinnamon make for a sumptuous aroma. Swirl some Horny Cow Seductive Bath and Body Oil in your co-ed bath or on your skin to kick start the romance. £20 for 100ml.

There’s no place for harsh lighting on Valentine’s Day so light up a glowing Organic Treatment Candle in Sensuous from NEOM. The Ylang Ylang, Frankincense and Patchouli fragrance smells wondrous but stimulates the senses. Let the candle do all the hard work to set the scene. £37.50 for the Sensuous Home Candle.

For something a little bit different and turn your nails into the boy magnets they long to be. Sexy talons are made even sexier with the addition of Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps. The multicoloured hearts on white backgrounds are noticeably loved up. The pack houses nail prep wipe, nail buffer and cuticle pusher for a mini mani on the go pre-wrap application. £6.65 at Topshop.

For those of you yet to find the perfect red lipstick, we’ve done the hard work for you. Maybelline’s New York Color Sensational Lipstick in Pleasure Me Red ticks all the boxes. It’s the perfect pillar box red with a fabulously pigmented colour and it glides on the lip easily. £7.19. MWAH!

Happy Valentine’s Day xxx

What We're Loving Right Now...Helpful Hankies

2012-02-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day makes us all aware of love whether that's for another, for your friends or for number one. But the truth is, it doesn't always go to plan so I recently discovered these adorable hankies designed for modern girls that help us get through tough times. If it's for you or a friend, there's a design to put a smile on your face and mop away the tears in style..

Just some of the witty range of Helpful Hankies

My friend recently broke up with her (ex) boyfriend as she caught him cheating (I've got my eye on you chappy!), so I gave her the 'he's not that hot anyway' hankie to dry her tears and she found it so witty and fun, she laughed out loud and soon realised how true that was! So then we put a second hankie to the test , 'go and buy some shoes' with a huge, guilt-free shopping spree.

Buh-Bye Cheater, hello shoes!

Better than a greetings card, Helpful Hankies by Moi Self illustrate five thoughtful messages to brighten your friend’s mood. They include: ‘Fix your mascara, you’re amazing’, ‘Thinking of you sweetie’, ‘He’s not that hot anyway’, ‘Go and buy some shoes’ and ‘It’s not goodbye, just au revoir’. Designed and handmade in the UK, they are 100% cotton and can be personalised by writing your own special message on the back of the packaging.

Brighten her day, and get yours here.

Bethanie Lunn, Head Fabulette

Lucile Lingerie - Perfect for Valentine's Day

2012-02-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and I've been thinking about the ultimate gift. Diamonds are a girls best friend but I don't expect them every year, it was spoil the luxury of them! A traditional gift idea is lingerie, but I'm not talking about itchy, lacy, red pieces that men think are the best presents for us. I want a taste of luxury, delicate materials and soft to the touch.

Lucile Lingerie

Lucile Lingerie is the exciting new brand that has a great history. In 1890 the famous British born designer, Lady Duff Gordon transformed her home-made dressmakers business to a world-renowned couture brand, with boutiques in Paris, New York, Chicago and a flagship store in London. “Maison Lucile” became a pioneer of fashion; heavily influencing the world of design, dressing British aristocracy, royalty and pushing the boundaries of traditional clothing attire. At the time it was a revolutionary brand, Lucile freed women of restrictive corsets, and introduced them to alluring lingerie and now an exciting revival of Lucile is underway.

Lucile Lingerie

Camilla Blois, great-great-great granddaughter of the celebrated Lady Duff Gordon is bringing her legacy back to life with a fabulous lingerie brand. Camilla says “I’m so excited to breathe new life into my grandmother’s brand, Lucile. I fell in love with her creations; she dominated the fashion world for 40 years. I’m excited to be bringing her legacy to life.”

Lucile was famous for “personality dresses,” which reflected the woman who wore them through style, cut and colour. They were made for the most glamourous women of the time, from the Queen of Spain, Margot Asquith and the Duchess of Warwick. Following this tradition, the first lingerie collections from Camilla and Lucile are entitled “The Queen of Spain,” and “The Duchess of Warwick,” taking inspiration from Lady Duff Gordon’s extravagant designs, these ranges incorporate rich colours, textures and brand new exclusive Lucile prints. The luxurious lines are created to make any women look and feel like royalty - so you can see why I think it's a perfect gift for Valentine's Day!

The Duchess of Warwick Collection, by Lucile

The Duchess of Warwick

This collection is all about romanticism and elegance with pieces including chemises, chiffon knickers and kimonos. Available in exquisite black, champagne gold and nude blush, not a touch of red insight! The collection added a touch of boudoir extravagance with black lace and ivory silk bras, form-flattering waspies, suspenders and briefs.

The Duchess of Warwick Collection, by Lucile

My favourite piece is the ‘Georgette’ full length gown a truly ‘stand out’ piece, thanks to its delicate sheer fabric and beautiful embroidery – a combination which celebrates sophistication and femininity.

The Georgette Gown, by Lucile

Make sure you leave this feature open on your laptop or computer, when you've finished browsing the internet and hopefully you're loved one will take the hint!

You can buy online at their website or visit their store in Manchester.

This week I'm heading to the Lucile show at London Fashion Week and I will be reporting on it at www.ladympresents.co.uk

Rachel Montague-Ebbs, LadyM Presents, Fabulette