Tuesday 28 February 2012

NEW IN: HERITAGE CHIC FROM BARBOUR

Barbour - Vintage quilted jacket   Barbour - Cruise quilted jacket

Combining history with fashion and innovation, Barbour has long been a favourite of the canny fashionista wanting stylish but eminently wearable pieces.

Founded in 1894 in South Shields, this great British brand remains the go-to label for country chic. In recent years, Barbour has collaborated with the likes of Anya Hindmarsh, Alice Temperley and Tokihito Yoshida, confirming its place as a serious fashion contender.

For S/S12, the new season collections combine a rich heritage with up to the minute design, while still maintaining a nod towards the traditional designs. Bright pops of colour and elegant cuts ensure the pieces are both chic and easy to wear.

Barbour - Northumbrian quilted trench jacket   Barbour - Hertfordshire quilted biker jacket

Pictured, from top: Vintage quilted jacket, £145; Cruise jacket, £175; Quilted trench, £400; Quilted biker jacket, £250


Tuesday 21 February 2012

BEAUTY MUST-HAVE: YSL FOREVER YOUTH


Unlock the secret to youthful skin with the laterst beauty must-have from YSL. Created using the groundbreaking Glycobiology technology, Forever Youth Liberator is the new wonder potion that helps diminish fine lines and leaves you with a radiant complexion.

Clinical tests show how it can instantly make skin more luminous, with wrinkles 80% less visible in just seven days. Aimed for women aged 30 and above, the Forever Youth collection includes Creme, Eye Creme, Toner, Cleanser and the powerhouse serum. Prices start from £35 and visit our YSL counter in store for more information.

Monday 20 February 2012

BEAUTY MUST-HAVE: CELESTIAL GARDEN


Spring has certainly sprung at Shu Uemura as we unveil the latest collection of must-have cosmetics. Called Celestial Garden, the ethereal range features eye shadows, lipsticks and cheek blush in soft, feminine colours.

Created by Kakuyasu Uchiide, Shu Uemura’s international artistic director, you can shop the new collection in store now.

Tuesday 14 February 2012

FASHION: SPIRIT OF THE GATSBY GIRLS

The flapper really is dapper this season as fashion takes its inspirations from Gatsby glamour. There’s something undeniably appealing about this “anything goes” era, after all these were the original fashionistas who shortened hemlines, slicked back their hair and had a charming sense of recklessness about them.

Feminine, sexy and oh-so sassy, it’s perfect for the woman who wants to show off. After all, you can hardly be a wall flower in a feather skirt a la By Malene Birger. Opt for a mostly monochrome palette with feminine lace and silk in playful prints for a look worthy of any silent movie heroine.

Here's our favourite pieces to capture the spirit and style of the Roaring 20s.

Sea - Embroidered skirt   Sass & Bide - Winding Road feather dress

SEA embroidered lace skirt, £290; Sass & Bide feather edged dress, £850

Michael Michael Kors - Feather dress   Sakdidet Road - Feather necklace

Michael Michael Kors feather dress, £305; Sakdidet Road necklace, £30.

By Malene Birger - Alexandrie ostrich feather mini skirt   Jeffrey Campbell - Cut out wedge shoe boots

By Malene Birger ostrich feather mini skirt, £280; Jeffrey Campbell wedge shoes, £120.

By Malene Birger - Victoire blouson wrap maxi dress   Sass & Bide - Behind The Scenes fringed dress

By Malene Birger maxi dress, £670; Sass & Bide fringed dress, £420.

Tuesday 7 February 2012

FASHION NEWS: INSPIRED BY THE SIXTIES


With a vert stylish nod to the 60s, Claudia Schiffer's S/S12 cashmere collection has been inspired by Jane Birkin, one of the decade's most enduring fashion icons. She tells Vogue: "I looked to Jane Birkin pictures as a starting point. I thought about what she would wear in different locations around the world - Paris, Ibiza and London - and how I would interpret that for myself."

The range - which follow hot on the heels of last year's debut and is in store now - features a host of must-haves perfect for in between seasons. "I chose a finer weight cashmere knitted in a lighter gauge for the summer collection," explains the supermodel. "It's very soft and not too warm to wear, as cashmere allows your skin to breath. I also played with styles that hang from the body, to allow movement and comfort in the warmer weather."

Featuring super-soft, slouchy jumper dresses and retro-style shifts, the new season line is chic and easy to wear. "I think about styles that can transcend seasons and are investment pieces rather than the next It trend. The boyfriend sweater dress or cape dress are good examples of this, in neutral tones they can be worn from season to season and updated with of the moment accessories."

Monday 6 February 2012

BEAUTY NEWS: ELEMIS PERFECT HANDS!

A harsh winter can play havoc with your skin ... especially when it comes to your hands. Step forward the latest must-buy set from Elemis. The new Anti-Ageing Perfect Hands kit is a complete treatment designed to leave your hands and nails in tip top condition.

Priced at £30, this limited edition set contains a full size Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream (100ml) as well as bestselling Elemis treats including a Frangipani Monoi Body Oil (35ml), Tranquil Touch Body Polish (50ml), Skin Nourishing Milk Bath (125ml) and white cotton gloves.

PERFECT VALENTINE'S FROM JO MALONE


Looking for the perfect Valentine's Gift? Opt for something both beautiful and personal as our Jo Malone™ boutique is offering a complimentary engraving service this month.

Simply choose your loved one's favourite cologne and customise the cap with beautifully engraved initials.

The bespoke engraving service takes place this coming Saturday (February 11) from 1pm-4pm. For more information contact our Jo Malone team on 0117 916 8869.

Wednesday 1 February 2012

PRETTY BALLERINAS: THE FABULOUS FLATS


New and exclusive, Pretty Ballerinas have already built up an impressive celebrity fan base and have been spotted on the oh-so stylish feet of Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Kylie Minogue and Elle McPherson.

Great for daytime wear, these chic ballet-style shoes have been designed to offer maximum comfort while still delivering on elegance. The brand dates back to 1918 and the shoes are still handmade on the Spanish island of Menorca four generations on. The new season collection boasts statement colours and prints, including block colours and on-trend stripes.