Tess Daly - Style News and Views - Mirror.co.uk

Blackpool made for a great Strictly night out

2009-11-10T00:00:03Z

The bus carrying all our over-excited celebs and dancers had police outriders to escort them into Blackpool as Strictly Come Dancing headed north at the weekend.

You can always count on a warm northern welcome and it seemed like the whole town had turned out to greet us.

There was an audience of over 1,000 in the Tower Ballroom, all cheering loudly - the atmosphere was positively electric.

And actress Ali Bastian and partner Brian Fortuna didn't disappoint, pulling off a perfect score of 40, a series best so far, with a stunning Viennese waltz - a complete turnaround after being in the dance-off last week.

Ali and Brian are an adorable couple (nudge, nudge), a perfect partnership and it looks like they'll be giving hot favourite, Ricky Whittle, a run for his money.

For the show, I wore a fabulous floor-length scarlet frock by Ashley Isham - very body conscious but my stylist Annabel found some amazing body-sculpting undies which did the trick at www.mytights.com and statement earrings by Sam Ubhi.

Afterwards, the crew went partying en masse... and dancing in nightclubs takes on a whole new meaning when you just happen to have Strictly's professionals on hand to teach you a few moves.

My highlight was persuading Ian Waite to recreate moves from his and Jade Johnson's fab jive. It was so much fun and being spun around by Ian is like being on The Big One ride without a seatbelt.

Jo Wood was there, too, and she may not be the most natural ballroom dancer but, yes sir, she can boogie!

It was a great night: Blackpool had never seen anything like it.

How to get super skin for party season

2009-11-10T00:00:02Z

With party season about to start, now's the time to get your skin looking its very best. After all, radiant, shimmering skin is the ultimate party accessory.

Take time out and indulge in some overdue "you" time. What better way to pick your mood up?

And with the news yesterday that make-up sales have gone up while almost everything else is going down, it seems none of us are willing to skimp when it comes to our beauty regime.

We'll sacrifice holidays or meals out to the recession but won't give up on looking good.

Cold weather and heating means your skin needs a little more TLC. So if it's pale and sun-starved, get a healthy summer glow with a good (odourless/streak-free) fake tan.

Plump up dehydrated skin with a moisturising face mask and, for tired eyes, try mixing your usual concealer with a little illuminator.

Use lots of shimmering body moisturiser for glowing skin and you'll feel far more confident daring to bare any exposed areas in your LBD. If you feel good, you're guaranteed to look good and vice versa, so prepare to pamper.

Sarah Burrows, who does my make-up, says: "Nothing boosts our confidence like glowing skin. For the celebrities on camera I use a Sisley Radiant Glow Express Mask to brighten tired faces."

Strictly's make-up director Lisa Armstrong, who's responsible for making the celebs and dancers look so fabulous, told me she gets through 16 pairs of eyelashes a week, three cans of body glitter spray, almost a litre of spray tan and 10 coloured liquid glitter pens (get yours from Collection 2000, Superdrug or Boots, £3.99 each). She says they're perfect for glitter party make-up that stays in place.

My miracle beauty buys

2009-11-10T00:00:00Z

It's no wonder that cosmetic sales are booming as we all reach for instant, affordable treats to give us a lift and make us feel good.

I know how much better a tan, glowing skin and a pedicure make me feel.

Here's my pick of the best beauty treats on the market...

Smith's Rosebud Lip Balm, £6.95 This handy lip salve not only moisturises lips but gives a subtle hint of lip colour.

Shiseido Eyelash Curlers, £15 For mega lashes, my tip is to gently heat your eyelash curlers with a hairdryer before curling (make sure they're not too hot!). Then apply another layer of mascara and you're left with seriously curly lashes. www.shiseido.com

Superdrug Optimum Cooling Eye Roll-On, £4.99 Bags be gone! This easy-to-use roll-on contains caffeine to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines around the eye.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Concealer, £17 Let's face it, late nights and lack of sleep lead to the odd break-out once in a while so be prepared with this amazing concealer from Elizabeth Arden. www.elizabetharden.co.uk

Bourjois Blush, £6.85 This shimmery powder adds glow and definition to cheeks. www.bourjois.com

Braun wet and dry Epilator, £79, from Littlewoods I'm not a fan of waxing (it really hurts!) and this epilator from Braun is a great alternative.

Neutrogena Scented Hand Cream, £1.27 This Norwegian formula hand cream's ultra-rich cream instantly relieves and protects seriously dry or chapped hands and is an unbeatable budget buy.

Kerastase Nectar Thermique, £17.50 Comb this through the ends of your hair once a week, leave on overnight and rinse out in the morning to give your hair a boost. www.kerastase.com

Toni & Guy 'TG179' Joystick Dryer, £35, www.very.co.uk No more bad hair days. A good blow-dry can make you feel a million dollars - and this dryer is brilliant.

Johnson's 24-Hour Moisturiser, £3.99 This brilliant moisturiser has been a big beauty hit this year. A great value must-have for thirsty winter skin.

Daly Bath Soak, £15 @ www.marksandspencer.com It was really exciting launching my own beauty range with Marks & Spencer this year. This Bath Soak is one of my favourites and can be used as a bath foam or a body wash for super-soft skin.

Bio-Oil, £8.95 for 60ml @ www.superdrug.com This specialist skincare oil really is the ultimate skin saver. It's formulated to help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Use this directly on your skin or add to your bath.

Eylure Lashes, £4.85 @ www.superdrug.com These are perfect for the party season - enviably long lashes will be yours in seconds!

Urban Decay Skyscraper Mascara, £14 This mascara instantly transforms puny lashes. The spiral tip on the wand makes it really easy to reach those tricky corner lashes. www.urbandecay.com

Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Cream Mini Palette, £13.45 This amazing palette has 16 shades for making the perfect skin colour match. Your skin tone changes throughout the year so this ensures you can get it spot on every time. www.kryolan.com

Inside news: Javari.co.uk

2009-11-05T05:18:46Z

Amazon has launched a fab new handbag and shoe website (currently near to 7,500 styles and growing) from more than 140 top brands.

It's so easy to use and the site offers free next-day delivery. Returns are also free and, get this, up to 365 days after purchase!

Pink Junior Converse All Stars, £15

Red Converse Hi Chuck Taylor, £29.95

Trend Alert: Footless tights

2009-11-04T06:18:46Z

If you wore these the first time around then you may want to cover your eyes. Yes, footless tights are back - but they're not bright pink or patterned. The black opaque version looks really good and, let's face it, they're great for wearing with your favourite dresses when your legs are lacking in the tan department.

Black ribbed footless tights £19.99, Jonathan Aston@www.tightsplease.co.uk

Children in Need T-shirt

2009-11-03T12:18:46Z

If you buy one thing this week, make it this Children In Need T-shirt from George@Asda.

It goes on sale this week and costs £6, with £1.50 from each one sold going to Children In Need.

T-shirt £6, George@Asda

Don't miss New Look's new store

2009-11-03T11:18:46Z

New Look opens its 1,000th store in Bath's Southgate Centre tomorrow at 10am.

To celebrate, the first 100 customers through the door on opening day get a complimentary £10 gift voucher to spend on the new season's offerings.

It has the latest in womenswear, menswear, great accessories and fab footwear.

In the mood for dancing

2009-11-03T06:18:46Z

As the seasons change so do our moods. And my mood always dictates what I want to wear.

If I'm tired I'll wear white. It makes me feel fresh and new, re-energised and throws some much needed light on my face too.

If I'm feeling bloated I'll wear black - it's slimming and very forgiving.

So I think it's no coincidence that during a recession when we're feeling less in control we've seen a return of 80s power-dressing and shoulder pads. A body-con dress with skyscraper heels is the most influential silhouette of this season.

Power-dressing makes us feel capable and ready for anything that's thrown at us. We can take on the boys at their own game.

But at home I know I'm in full chill-out mode when I leave the daywear (and the day) behind in favour of serious comfort - cashmere leggings and cotton Ts.

Of course that's definitely not Strictly style and on this week's show I wore a navy silk knee-length dress by Roksanda Ilincic for Whistles, along with Lara Bohinc 80s-esque earrings.

It was the best show yet and the Bee Gees raised the roof. I met them backstaage and Barry invited me to look him up next time I'm in Miami - if he's asking, I'm dancing!

But it was a shock result when two of the judges' favourites, Ali Bastian and Zoe Lucker, found themselves in the dance-off - with a devastated Zoe ultimately getting the boot.
She was doubly gutted because this week Strictly is coming live from Blackpool's Tower Ballroom - the home of ballroom dancing.

All the celebs and dancers are travelling up in a special Strictly tour bus - and as this year's cast definitely like a laugh I can only imagine the party going on on-board.

My bet's on Tuffers to start the fun and games. And I think Vernon's a bit jealous and wishing he was going with them.

However there are too many ballroom dresses to fit on the bus with all the sequins and full skirts. And I really hope they've widened the entrance too as last year the glitter ball wouldn't fit through the door.

On the domestic front, to my horror Sam the dog has decided his new favourite sport is hunting rabbits and laying his trophy proudly on the front doorstep.

As someone who's had pet rabbits all through childhood, gleefully decorated the baby's nursery with a bunny theme and is counting the days until Phoebe has her first bunny, this turn of events is akin to torture. It's like Nightmare On Bunny Street.

I can't scold him as he feels he's doing his duty and rewarding us with a gift. But I can't let the carnage continue. What to do?

Phoebe's back to school after half-term and Amber's cutting her first tooth.

Amber the poor love is now nearly bald after losing most of her lovely hair as babies tend to. With the winter chill she can't go anywhere without a hat.

Phoebe never lost her hair so I don't know what happens next - does it grow back? How long does it take? Help!

PS Get your hands on something fabulous for the party season! My mate Giles Deacon's latest collection hit New Look yesterday: fashionista looks at purse-friendly prices. I've got my eye on a pair of black and hot-pink statement stilettos - a snip at £40.

Strictly Come Dancing male celebs are first in line for spray tans

2009-10-27T00:02:33Z

Since it's Halloween this week let's talk fashion frighteners - what NOT to be seen dead in.

On TV I avoid wearing anything white as it can bleach you out under the strong studio lights so you look like you're just a floating head on an invisible body - spooky!

Other trend terrors in my book are Ugg boots with bare legs or mini-skirts.

Visible panty lines should NEVER be allowed and, despite their Gucci revival last season, I still believe socks and sandals are ghoulish on anyone over the age of nine.

For men of course it's very simple - the single worst fashion nightmare can be summed up in one word: Speedos. Arrgh!

Over at Strictly last weekend there were no fashion disasters. I wore a gorgeous Ashley Isham dress I'd had my eye on since London fashion week. I teamed it with some fab statement jewellery from www.astleyclarke.com.

Family friend Giles Deacon was in the audience and I hope to wear one of his dresses on the show soon.

Of course we were all sad to say goodbye to Jo Wood when she got voted off on Saturday. She's an inspiration to many women and really blossomed on Strictly.

I can't help thinking her ex Ronnie must be mad to leave someone like her.

Meanwhile, the other contestants are starting to take the competition even more seriously and looking the part is right up there. Our male celebs are loving their new makeovers.

They're first in line for the regular Friday spray-tan session. Only on Strictly could fake tan, drawn-on stubble and chest waxing be considered butch!

Talking of beauty routines, I'm excited because my beauty range has had a great first week in store at M&S. We all need a bit of "Glow" at this time of year!

The other big news is my lingerie campaign for La Senza. As a mum-of-two, I had to pinch myself when they asked me.

Yes, I did a little bit of breathing in but I'm proud of the results. I haven't been on any crazy diets since I had Amber and I let the weight fall off sensibly - as it does naturally when you breastfeed and run around after two little ones. In our house it's non-stop!

See you next week.

Inside news

2009-10-27T00:01:25Z

It looks like Wrangler is set to be the hot new menswear label to watch. David Beckham was spotted in head-to-toe Wrangler last week and looked hot in their Old Glory jeans, £120 and NC long-sleeved checked shirt, £50, from the new range.

Halloween fashion

2009-10-27T00:01:00Z

With Goth reigning supreme on the catwalk and an obsession with vampires, there's never been a better season to celebrate Halloween in style.

Throw on a French Connection "boo" or "eek" tee with skinny jeans and skull jewellery, and no one will know it's not fancy dress!

New Gothic

Blue skinny leggings: £35 Topshop

Black velvet jacket: £85 Topshop

Black suede knee high boots: £100 Topshop

Boo T-shirt: £25 French Connection

Black Magic

Skirt: £59.99 Riverisland

Black jacket: £49.99 Riverisland

Necklace: £19.99 Riverisland

Vamp It Up
Lace shoes: £21 Dorothy Perkins

Skull necklace: £10 Dorothy Perkins

Purple velvet dress: £35 Dorothy Perkins

Rocky Horror
Vampire Kiss bag: £8 Topshop

Grey embellished jeans: £69 Littlewoods

Skull T-shirt: £16 Dorothy Perkins

Black studded boots: £42 Dorothy Perkins

Where to buy: www.dorothyperkins.com
www.frenchconnection.com, www.littlewoods.com, www.topshop.com www.very.co.uk www.missselfridge.com

Spotted in...

2009-10-27T00:00:30Z

Cat Deeley looked great in her zip dress at the 16th Annual Women in Hollywood tribute ceremony, and I love her studded sandals from Miss Selfridge, £50.

Shoes: £50 Miss Selfridge

2009-10-27T00:00:15Z

sweatshirts

dress27

anna friel

Love is in the air backstage on Strictly Come Dancing

2009-10-19T22:58:55Z

We had real drama on Strictly this weekend as a protective Brendan stormed off set after judge Craig likened his partner Jo Wood to a bush kangaroo.

Anton managed a rant and Joe Calzaghe was knocked out. There was also some dazzling dancing with Jade Johnson's Viennese waltz, and Ricky Whittle chalked up the first 10 of the series.

I wore a fab knee length electric blue frock by hot Brit designer Philip Armstrong with a chunky Laura Bennett necklace.

And there's love in the air backstage with more than one romance in the making. Mum's the word, but keep tuned.

Not surprising when you consider the physical proximity of dancing and the time spent locked in sweaty training rooms.

It's great to see some of our Strictly relationships last. Actor Matt Di Angelo and Flavia are still going strong. And another Strictly relationship (they met at the show) singing star Katherine Jenkins and presenter Gethin Jones are very happy together.

So I live in hope of Strictly wedding bells, after all the dancing and the dresses are bound to
be fabulous.

Then on Sunday, after about four hours sleep, it was party time at ours to celebrate Phoebe's fifth birthday. Thankfully the sun shone and the bouncy castle was a big hit, as were pass the parcel and musical chairs - I do love a good retro party game.

Amber wore her party dress, a pink silk number from Mamas & Papas and slept through most of it. Currently teething, she's all pink cheeks and dribble, but smiling through the pain.

Despite the sunshine at the weekend, winter is upon us and it's time to wrap up.

There are those who love the winter and can't wait to sit in front of an open fire toasting marshmallows before dashing out into the snow.

Brrr, not me. I'd happily skip the whole season. Give me a sun-kissed beach over frosty snow slopes any day.

Still there is one advantage of winter - buying a new coat. It's the perfect excuse to splurge on a dizzyingly-expensive but justifiable purchase - it's an investment!

Last year I got a navy mohair Diane von Furstenberg number which I reckon will still look fab this year.

And of course the perfect accompaniment to any coat is a great pair of jeans. Denim is big this season, so check out my picks from the high street.

Finally, my most exciting news. As of yesterday my Daly Beauty range is in Marks and Spencer.

I'm challenging all my friends to try the Face Glow highlighter and not become addicted.
My mate Hannah texted me today saying: 'I look like I've had eye surgery! 10 years younger!'

I was thrilled because that's my goal - glowing ageless skin.

Pat it around the eye area and see for yourself.

A date with denim

2009-10-19T22:58:53Z

As every girl knows, finding the perfect pair of jeans is a constant battle. And keeping up with the latest trends is another story.

Last season it was all about the boyfriend fit, and now it's biker chic.

Here's my guide to the top styles around to take some of the hard work out of jeans shopping for you.

Skinny
Skinny jeans are the trend that just doesn't get old. We're simply not letting go of them and they're still a must-have for this winter.

Black skinny jeans £65, French Connection

Biker
Celebs like Rihanna, Louise Redknapp and Dannii Minogue have gone mad for biker jeans this season. Now find them on a high street near you.

Grey skinny biker jean £89.95, Karen Millen

Boyfriend
Last season the baggy boyfriend look reigned supreme. This season it's still a strong trend, but the jeans are slightly slimmer-fitting on the leg and have moved away from heavy turn-ups.

Worn-look boyfriend jeans £40, Topshop

Jeggings
This season's cult new denim trend is the jegging. Half jean, half legging, but only skinny minnies need apply!

Light blue pull-on jeggings £30, Topshop

Coloured
It's not just about blues, blacks and greys any more, coloured denim has crept in this season.

Pink jeans £35, Littlewoods

Flares
If you're looking for a slimming pair of jeans they don't come more flattering than these. They might scream 70s, but it's inches off your thighs.

Dark denim flared jeans £20, Dorothy Perkins