May 22, 2013

The Latest Beauty and Fashion Apps for your Phone

Stylish women thrive on fashion and need all the latest news and gossip to keep them fashionable; Phones4U can keep you connected to all the latest apps so that looking good is effortless! All you need is a smartphone and the app store and convenient functionality will be yours. check out the new htc one here

Whatever your style interests you are always guaranteed to need a mirror at the most inconvenient time. All women know the score: blind scrambling around in your handbag grasping for a compact mirror. Finally there is an app to answer your prayers. Mirror is an ingenious app that means you don’t need to resort to a mobiles self mode camera to apply last minute essentials. Always at hand, Mirror is perfect for when you’re in a rush.

If a whole new look is what you need then try Modiface. By using this app you can find the right shades and tones to suit you- and the best part is it requires no effort. All you have to do is upload your photo to Modiface and ‘try on’ their wide array of cosmetics. This is the easiest way to experiment with different make up without reaching for your purse.

But don’t forget that your wardrobe needs managing too, luckily Stylebook is at hand to help. Having been dubbed the best wardrobe management app it allows you to upload photos of your clothes to coordinate your outfits, help you pack for trips and track the latest fashion trends. No fashionista should be caught without this app!

Although you’ve finally updated and organised your style you still need to pamper your body to finish the look and enhance your beauty. SpaFinder is the perfect solution and completely hassle free; with one swipe you can locate nearby spas and immediately book an appointment. So download SpaFinder today and take advantage of your free time.

With so many useful apps at your disposal grab yourself a bargain from Phones4U and start downloading. There really is no reason not to invest in the latest fashion apps and become the go to girl for all your friends’ fashion and beauty needs.

May 20, 2013

Beauty: Easy Ombre Nail Art DIY featuring Illamasqua Speckled Varnishes

You guys will probably say I am being all obsessive again, but when I find a brand I really love I get a bit carried away with it! I always say I’m not a huge beauty product buyer, but now my dressing table is fighting for space I think its time to admit, I have become a beauty junky. My main loves are always going to be Chanel for their nail colours and lipsticks, Benefit for their innovative products and Bobbi Brown for their sheer natural perfection and long wear products. But I have been getting into nail art lately, I blame Sharon1 nails taking me behind the scenes at London Fashion Week and getting into YouTube (a post on my fav channels to come). I think its the summer (well the thought of it), which really has me in the mood for some fun, bright and creative make up. I still love my classic red lips and slick of eye liner but it’s nice to try something different.

Yesterday afternoon @Illamasqua reached 50,000 Twitter followers and to celebrate they offered 50% off all products for a few hours! I really couldn’t believe it, so generous! Having only just discovered the brand there were a few products I had earmarked to go and check out next time I was at the counter, but I didn’t think I would ever get chance for such a high discount again so I snapped up a few things. Fighting the clock and the frustraitingly slow website, due to the amount of people on it, I had to check out before I added everything I wanted. I wanted to make sure I at least got soemthings. Then Illamasqua announced they would run the offer again at midnight for just one hour for those who missed out. This time I was prepared, I added items to my basket so that when the clock struck 12 I could just check out. There may have been a few extra items that crept into my basket!

How to Create Ombre Tips

Whilst I was waiting up for the sale to start I had a play around with the two new nail colours I got from Illamasqua earlier in the week. Speckle (Lilac) and Mottle (Mint Green) from the Speckled Egg inspired collection. This is such an easy manicure to do but it looks really striking, you can easily do this with any nail varnish too.

1. Apply Base Coat

2. Apply two coats of your first colour all over the nail

3. For you accent colour at the tips, make sure you wipe most of the varnish from the brush on the side of the bottle. Very little varnish is needed for this stage. Carefully, using tiny strokes, apply the varnish to the very tips of your nails. In fast strokes, keeping pressure light dab on the varnish to the tips, extending as far down as desired.

4. As the varnish dries it will blend together, I didn’t use a Topcoat as I like the matt textured effect of the varnish I used but you can choose to use Top Coat if you wish. Just be sure the bottom layers are dry first to avoid smudging.

You can play around with this effect, have cascading levels of colour or have them all the same length, try using three colours to build up the Ombre effect and so on.

TIP: If you are struggling to get the Ombre effect try using a sponge to apply the accent colour. You can lightly sponge the varnish onto the tips which will give you a softer application and be easier to blend.

May 19, 2013

Combating Counterfeits: Fake Anglomania Dresses on Ebay

In the past few weeks an influx of Vivienne Westwood Anglomania counterfeits have appeared on auction site Ebay. It is well known that the site is awash with fake jewellery and handbags, even some clothes such as the classic t-shirts and jumpers, however this is the first time I have seen them trying to fake more high profile pieces. The majority are dresses but also jackets and coats have been spotted. These sales are very difficult to detect as being counterfeit from the listings, the sellers are really devious. I have no doubt that the people bidding on them believe they are the real deal, especially considering some of them are selling for hundreds of pounds. They clothes look like the real deal to the untrained eye, especially when you can’t see it in real life. I hate to see people being ripped off, especially as I champion ebay as a great place to pick up Westwood on a budget so I have made this guide in the hopes of helping. There a a few easy things you can look out for to detect the fakes, its a lengthy post with images so click for more:

Continue reading →

May 18, 2013

Outfit: Shorts Suit

Today I am Wearing: Vivienne Westwood – Red Label tartan blazer, grey wool shorts, frill blouse; Gold Label Piped Courts in brown.

Just found this half finished post in my drafts, don’t know why it got waylay-ed! If you follow me on Instagram (@superelevated) and Facebook you might remember it was from a few weeks back. I really love this outfit, I know shorts and tartan aren’t suitable for everyone’s work wear but it is perfect for me. I am lucky to have that freedom. This is what I wear for an average smart work look, here I am in the museum carrying out some research and meetings. For something more formal I would switch the shorts for a pencil skirt. In fact that is what I wore for a recent conference, switched the shorts for a black fitted pencil skirt and the shoes for my black suede Animal Toe courts.

I actually really like wearing quite formal clothes, there is nothing better than a suit to make you feel more confidant. I don’t often have such extremely formal occasions to wear a full suit, so I usually wear them as separates. If you have a formal black or navy suit that only sees light of day for job intereviews, try wearing the skirt / trousers with a soft blouse or structured jumper for a smart but chic look. Blazers / jackets work to add a sleek edge to just about any outfit, over pretty dresses or with jeans.

I have been posting a lot on Instagram so let me know if you are on there too and I can follow you, don’t forget I am on YouTube now too, again let me know you channels so I can subscribe!

May 17, 2013

Illamasqua Make Over!

Couldn’t wait to share this amazing make over I got at Illamasqua. It isn’t a brand I had tried before, in fact I admit I avoided it with the scary looking bright colours – nope not for me, not at all…

The more I walked past the counter every time I visited Selfridges, I would edge closer, just out of intrigue you understand. The ethereal make up artists, with butterfly eyes so alluring, but no still not for me.

It started with a nail varnish. My friend Rich insisted I go and see them. They were exactly like mini-eggs and I do love mini-eggs. I tested a couple of colours on my nails, oh yes I agreed they were gorgeous. But still not for me.

Without plan we found ourselves at Selfridges Summer Beauty event. Chance to go round and talk with the MUA’s, learn some new tips. Suddenly I decided I wanted to try some of those butterfly eyes for myself. A pallet with mint green, pollen yellow, deep purple and a shimmering pewter caught my eye. How on earth do you use such colours? I had no idea what to expect as a result. But I didn’t have to change my entire make-up look at all, MUA Paddy created a sultry smoky eye yet made it pop with a dot of yellow in each corner. I was sold, I took home the pallet. Oh yes and those nail varnishes too.

Converted.

May 16, 2013

A Celebration of British Fashion & Beauty

The winners of the Queens Award for Enterprise, an honour given to British companies who have proven they are “outstanding in their field”, have been announced recently with several hugely popular British companies gaining much-deserved recognition.

This has been a great moment for British fashion, among other categories of recipients, as it not only recognises the hard work and talent of those influencing British fashion today, but recognises the huge influence Britain has on the international fashion.

Brands within the fashion industry which have been recognised this year include the Cambridge Satchel Company, maternity fashion label Tiffany Rose, and nail polish masterminds Nails Inc.

The Cambridge Satchel Company has been recognised within the category of International Trade thanks to their contribution towards exports. This hugely popular company began on the founder’s kitchen table in 2008 and has since grown into a huge international force to be reckoned with. It has graced the shoulders of celebrities like Zooey Deschanel, Fearne Cotton and Elle Fanning, and it’s even been on the Christine Baranski shoulders on the TV set of The Good Wife.

Tiffany Rose was also honoured within the International Trade accolade. The maternity label has experienced a massive growth in over sea sales over the past three years, in parts thanks to its celebrity fans.

Stars including Holly Willoughby, Emma Bunton and Myleene Klass have appeared on television and within magazines wearing the stunning clothing offered by Tiffany Rose, meaning international interest has soared.

Finally, Nails Inc was given the Queen’s Award for Enterprise due to the international success of the brands. Established in 1999, the nail polish label creates and sells not only products for use at home, but has nail bars world-wide for customers to use and enjoy – and the best thing about all these brands you ask, they’re all created on home soil!

See here for the list of the queens award recipients.

May 14, 2013

Man Wisdom: Brook Taverner Suit GIVEAWAY

Giveaway! An Epsom Pinstripe Suit from Brook Taverner

Amazingly Brook Taverner are giving you the chance to win a navy or gray Epsom pinstripe men’s suit valued at £315!

The elegant pinstriped Brook Taverner Epsom suit is made from Super 110′s Wool, and is a classic fit, illustrating the expert tailoring the company have established. For business, fashion-forward undercurrents from this year’s catwalk twists up the traditional striped men’s suit with new detailing such as the new razor sharp slim line lapels. Details below:

The Epsom suit features: Side vents, Two button, single breasted, Classic fit, Side vents, Five interior pockets, Fully lined, Four button cuff, Super 110′s Merino Wool, Plain front half lined trouser, Belt loops, Comfort stretch waistband, Clasp fastening, French bearer

Most men, from 20 to 60 plus, want comfort and ease whilst looking good, and Brook Taverner customers can get everything they need in once place online to look their best. Taking note of the seasons fashions, combined with traditional tailoring, the Epsome suit features razor sharp lapels and a classic fit, perfect for any occasion – and it could be yours.

Your Chance To Win

Simply answer the question and fill in your details, a winner will be chosen at random and contacted by Brook Taverner at the end of May!

How many buttons are on the cuff of the prize suit (hint read above)

A. Two button cuff

B. Three button cuff

C. Four button cuff

Full T&C’s

Brook Taverner have been creating fine suits since they were established in 1912. The highly skilled tailors now have an online shop which caters to every wardrobe need, now you can get your Brook Taverner suit with the click of a button. From sharp, work suits, casual summer linen blazers, over coats to gilets they offer a wide, yet perfectly edited selection of menswear.

I know a lot of men shy away from tailoring, unless it’s forced upon them for a wedding! However a classic suit can be the foundation of your wardrobe. Once you have a beautifully fitted suit you won’t look back. Yes, wearing a full suit is rather formal, however you can wear it as separates too. The jacket will smarten up casual chinos and the pants can be worn with a soft wool jumper for a well turned out day time look.

Getting the right fit

They key to the perfect suit is in the fit, it needs to fit your body exactly. Brook Taverner know how important this is and have a detailed size guide, which includes video tutorials on how to take your measurements correctly. They offer alterations at no extra cost and returns are free too, to ensure you get only the best.

Customer Testimonials

“First purchase from you and it certainly wont be my last. My daughter in law was a quality control manager at Armani in Italy. Her comments were that these trousers were excellent quality.” Alan Farr

“Brook Taverner are taking over my wardrobe because of the excellent fit and quality of all of your clothes. I have suits, jackets, trousers and a shirt!!” Robert Dellow

“What a great service! Ordered two pairs of corduroy trousers from you, both size 34″ waist. One fitted me perfectly, the other (because my waist is actually 35″) was too small. I sent the smaller one back to you asking if you could find a slightly larger cut waist. These have now been returned to me and I was delighted to find that you have either fitted or altered the waistband to 35″. In this day and age I hardly dare to expect this kind of help, particularly with ‘direct’ merchandising and I would just like to say thank you very much indeed for your efforts – I shall certainly use your services again.” Brian McEvoy

May 13, 2013

Outfit: Squiggles, New & Old

New Japanese Label Squiggle socks from Worlds End, plus original vintage 80s Westwood and McLaren Pirate collection Squiggle skirt, topped off with Gold Label Tits jumper and amethyst orb = perfect for a Sunday lounging around.

May 12, 2013

Vlog: Make-Up Haul Bobbi Brown & Harvey Nics

I’m not one to buy beauty products in bulk, in fact I’m not usually one to buy much make-up at all preferring to keep my cosmetics bag minimal. But I had gotten to that stage where everything seems to run out all at the same time, so went to stock up at Bobbi Brown in Harvey Nichols. Whilst I was there they had some special offers on which meant I got a freebie Bobbi Brown make-up bag with mini lip gloss and a special edition Fifi Lapin make-up bag packed with goodies! If you remember I’ve been using Bobbi Brown products since September ‘”Would you give up your make-up bag?‘ and ‘Putting Bobbi Brown Long Wear to the Test‘ I think it’s fair to say the products last really well. The thing I ran out of first was the concealer and now I am getting low on foundation and cleanser. There were also some new products I wanted to try, new eye shadows and the Retouching face powder, which I will review once I’ve tried them out.

Rebuys:

Long-wear even finish foundation SPF 15 – Warm Ivory 1
Creamy Concealer Kit – Warm Honey Creamy Concealer & Pale Yellow Sheer Finish Pressed Powder
Rich Lip Colour SPF 12 – Old Hollywood 2
Hydrating Rich Cream Cleanser

New Buys:

Retouching Powder – White
Metallic Eye Shadow – Forest 6 and Midnight 12

If you want to find out what think of these products and what I got in the rest of my haul check out the vlog!

I will do creating more vlogs soon, not just beauty but fashion too. At the moment I am trialing quite a few products including mascaras and lash primers, nail art and skin care. What I hope to find is a new facial serum, since my old fav’ was changed I can’t fine one I am impressed with. I am planning to hit up Selfridges beauty department and try a few out top of my list are Elizabeth Arden and Bobbi Brown, but I have been checking out creme de la mer from Beautique and I really want to try it after all the rave reviews. Not all the products are over £100 either like I presumed. Watch this space!

May 7, 2013

What the MET Gala 2013 Can Teach Us

Commenting on trussed up celebs isn’t usually my game but I really couldn’t resist with this years MET Gala having a Punk theme. Having a theme for any event doesn’t usually bode well and the stars out last night fell victim trying to live up to it. Unless you are at a fancy dress party don’t change your style for anyone! Let’s have a look eh…

Starting with Dame Viv and date Lily Cole, if anyone had the right to turn up in pins and rips it was Viv but of course she has been there done that. Instead she chose a sumptuous taffeta dress and cape from AW12, voluminous with a dropped waist. Pinned to her breast was a photo of Wiki-leaks’ Bradley Manning. In a sea of tits and legs it was ironically the most punk look of them all.

Lily wore a Westwood gown of course, the design the same as the iconic Olympic dress however the corset of the MET dress crafted from Amazonian wild rubber, a natural material.When I first saw this dress I wasn’t aware of it’s construction, stating on Facebook how I wished it had been made of rubber! The reason this came to mind being the colour of the dress, recalling the colour of the original rubber and latex punk clothing sold at SEX. The photo I found about just shows up the contrast of the corset and skirts.

Both Vivienne and Lily wore Clomper shoes which I was immensely impressed with,Vivienne wore a runway version with ribbon ties and intricate embroidery. Had to LOL at the lady in blue carrying her heels down the staircase, not our Viv she can ride her bike in these baby’s.

Christina Ricci was the only other star to wear Westwood (god knows why, not a bondage suit in sight), her McAndrew tartan gown was incredible, but I think she styled it a little off kilter. I didn’t hate her look but I think she should have worn cobweb or pvc stockings to give it a little edge.

I think by the far the biggest mistake of the evening befell those choosing evening gloves, both Beyonce and Kim are stunning women but their Givenchy gowns swamped them.

Katy Perry and Linda Evangelista (Marchesa) look like the went on a journey with Bill and Ted, falling out of the wrong century! I do actually like Katy’s crown and Dolce & Gabbana frock but think the shoes make it frumpy.

Even when the gowns were that bad, so many of the girls looked like trussed up turkey, overly tanned, hair slick wit gel or stiff with spray. Many translated punk as 80s eye make up, more suited to Halloween.Julianna Moore’s quiff was just ridiculous. Brit chic Cara Delevingne showed how to get it right with soft locks to balance out a smudged, smokey eye. Wanting to stand out from the crowd Jessica Biel donned a fake nose ring and Nichole Richie sported frosted hair – more Rocky Horror Show ladies.

Ok so I can’t leave out Madonna in her Givenchy outfit, yes it is pure Punk in a costumey sense,but if I’d seen someone wearing this on any other occasion I would have given serious hearts to it. The gilt pyramid studs, the tartan, the pop or fuchsia pink heels, even the damn wig. Gah I love it, I shouldn’t but I do and I don’t know why!

That’s not to say nodding to Punk fashion without looking like a pastiche is impossible, Miley Cyrus (Marc Jacobs), Cary Mulligan (Balenciaga), Alexa Chung (Erdem), Sienna Miller (Burberry) and Donatella Versace (Versace) all looked sleek and chic. I kind of wish Miley had slashed it across the bust, a la Courtney Love in THAT Dior dress. In fact, why they hell wasn’t Love there!!

The safest option was to flip the V’s to the dress code theme, Rooney Mara (Givenchy), Anna Wintour (Chanel) and Gwen Stefani (Margiela) all stuck to their tried and tested styles and looked fantastic.

Last but not least, Sarah Jessica Parker who stole the show, from faux-hawk Philip Treacy hat, Giles gown and thigh high Louboutin boot this was not a look for the feint hearted. What might have looked like over kill on anyone else, frankly looked freakin’ fabulous. She’s SJP and she can wear whatever she damn well pleases.

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