Get Hair to the Greek

Its no secret that the braid has become a staple in hair fashion over the past couple of years but with all this heat we have been having (thank goodness), we have been reminded just how fantastic a braid can be - not just in look but in the practical sense of keeping your hair up and out the way when the sun is scorching!

The great thing about the braid is that it works on all types of hair. 

If you have long hair, definitely try a waterfall braid or if you are feeling particularly dexterous, perhaps a double waterfall braid! This braid is a beautiful spin on a regular French braid, requiring to drop a section of hair with each twist to give the effect of the hair falling out of the braid like a waterfall! Here's a link to a tutorial from Beautzine TV showing how to simply create a waterfall braid.

                                    Courtesy of Beautzine TV - The Waterfall Braid Hair Tutorial (Youtube)

Those of you with natural, afro hair may have a long history with braids so the surge in their popularity and the advancement of their style are probably factors you welcome with open arms!! Try a Grecian side braid on natural hair. This style of braid is perfectly suited to the texture of natural afro hair and because of the way it is constructed, the braid will still in tact and not become (for lack of a better word) "poufy"! Take a look at this tutorial from Beech Barbie MUA for some direction on creating your Grecian Side Braid. 

                                                                          Courtesy of Beech Barbie MUA - Grecian Inspired Hair Tutorial (Youtube)

There are some great tutorials on Youtube if you are not familiar with how to create these styles so it is worth  getting online and getting inspired! A little bit of practice and the braid will probably become a permanent fixture on your head as it looks stunning and is practically impossible not to love. 

The Dark Knight Rises: What Mattered Most!

We went to see The Dark Knight Rises last week and we are still on a high about it! But one of the things we loved more than anything wasn't the amazing visual effects, it wasn't the fact that Michael Caine gave another fantastic performance as Alfred...it was (surprisingly) Catwoman!! 

Catwoman in those Killer Boots

It has shocked many, but, Anne Hathaway did indeed manage to pull off sexy cat burglar though we can't help but feel it was with the help of some pretty fantastic outfits! Those literally killer, thigh-high boots are stunning.  We will definitely be keeping a sharp look out for a good high street replica; which you can be certain wont be far enough. Stay tuned!!

But we also love, Seline Kyle's style (Catwoman in non Catwoman form!!). In particular, this tailored look echoes Catwoman's sexiness but is wearable and could be easily recreated on the high street. And of course, that wide brimmed hat is to die for! Reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's in Breakfast at Tiffany's, a hat like that will make a classic of any outfit!! 

                       Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle

We have a feeling there will be a lot more "Catwomen" at upcoming fancy dress parties!! Her style is certainly inspiring and capturing some of that feline sexiness by introducing a leather piece, black tailoring or a vintage style wide-brim into your look certainly wont hurt!! Mi-ooooooawwww!!!!

That being said, we still think Michelle Pfeiffer reigns supreme in the Catwoman stakes, she just didn't have those boots!

So what are your thoughts on Anne Hathaway's Catwoman??

Splashing Colour

Before summer disappears altogether and the A/W season graces us with sensual winter berries reds and velvety plums, embrace what should have been by going summer bold!

We know not everyone can bear the idea of wearing a tri-neon colour, shapes, stars and all that glitters ensemble (and probably nobody should) BUT everyone, yes everyone can introduce a bright statement, a bold print or contrasting colours into their wardrobe! Because after all there’s nothing like a bright pink shoe to brighten the mood on a grey July day!

A few simple, non-invasive ways of doing it:

The Block Colour Blazer

What’s great about a block colour blazer is that it will (a) transform any outfit. Jeans and a T go from shop run casual to take me out chic! But (b) the right block colour blazer will render itself a classic in your collection as you can guarantee bold, block colours will be a returning trend at some point down the line!

We love Zara’s range of pastel shade blazers including coral, lemon, dusky pink and blue! But one certainly worth having a looksy at is this pink beauty from TESCO! At only £22, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

Statement Shoes

As if we needed to give you an excuse to buy another pair of shoes...one of our top tips for splashing summer into your wardrobe is to add a statement shoe! The great news is that there are hundreds of great shoes in neon, pastel, tribal, floral and many more all over the high street so you won’t have to think too hard or look too far to find a new, vibrant addition to your collection!

(Clockwise) Delila Floral Point £85 Dune, Jean £160 KG by Kurt Geiger, Pitch Pointed High Heel £45 ASOS, Glow Patent Bow Court £50 Topshop, Hummingbird Platform Sandals £75 ASOS

Try teaming a bold, bright coloured shoe with your work wear (like the Delila or Pitch Pointed High Heel above).  An ordinary pencil skirt based ensemble is instantly revitalised by the introduction of a bright midi-high heel! Do it as a favour to your colleagues, cheer up the office and prepare for countless remarks about how lovely your shoes are!

Nail It

We really are experiencing a revolution in nail beauty at the moment so there is no better time to take advantage of the multitude of colours, effects and designs available for your nails.

We are massive fans of Nails Inc at Empress. They have a wide range of colours and their polishes have great lasting quality.  Try one of the London location inspired polishes: worn as an overlay, their Sweets Way Sparkles or Piccadilly Arcade Jewellery will really revamp one of your old favourites. Or if your are totally nail fearless, try one of their new neon shades – Portobello, Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke polishes!

Nails Inc Ladbroke Neon Green Nail Polish £11

Our advice: dont be shy when it comes to getting nail flash! We believe any nail colour can suit anyone, its not a question of skin tone. When it comes to nails, its only a question of what you feel comfortable with! So try something you wouldn’t normally! A leopard print nail wrap, neon green or a sparkle top coat, experiment with your nails to really inject a bit of life into wardrobe this summer!

                                                Nails Inc Sweets Way Sparkles £11

Remember, the rules are, there are no rules! So contrast pinks with blues, mix spots with stripes but whatever you do, don’t let the grey skies dull down your summer style!

How do you brighten up your style??

Katie Holmes: The Fashion House Rises

                                                                                                                                                                                           Elle Magazine

With the downfall of her marriage has come the uprising of her career in fashion. Enter Holmes & Yang, the fashion label created by Katie Homes and Jeanne Yang. Their range has seen limited publicity since its launch in 2009 but it was recently announced that Holmes & Yang will, for the first time, show at New York Fashion Week this September.

So what can we expect from Ms Holmes’ range??

Well it’s fair to say that Holmes & Yang is definitely wearable fashion and it is always good to see at least one thing on the catwalk that you could actually picture yourself in! The pieces are classy, clean and elegant. In fact, the overall feel of their collections is not a million miles away from that of Victoria Beckham’s. But where VB’s clothes have a certain wow factor - wearable but undeniably high fashion - Holmes & Yang doesn’t stand out in the same way.

There are some cute skirts, pretty camisoles and particularly nice bags (their collaboration with Valextra is their stand out piece for us) but Holmes & Yang doesn't scream "send shivers up your spine" signature fashion.

Nonetheless, there is one thing we are certain of - Ms Holmes herself knows how to sport her own line! There are few occasions when you see Katie Holmes not looking super stylish. 


SO even though we are not blown away by what we have seen so far we are excited to see what Holmes & Yang pull out of the bag at NYFW this Autumn! (We have a feeling we are going to eat our hat on this one!) 

          Katie in a silk-chiffon dress from Holmes & Yang and one of their collaboration bags with Valextra  

       

Be Pedi-Cute

Feet. Supposedly more than 50% of women hate theirs. But don’t neglect them; love them and they’ll love you back! Take some time to give yourself a pedi at home. Not only is a home pedi  very relaxing but with a little TLC, you might just end up loving your feet as much as you love the shoes you put them in!

Our four steps to fabulous feet and some great products to help you on your way:

1.       SOAK

Cosmopolitan Foot Heaven Foot Spa (£44.99)

Whoever said hard skin should be hard work? 


Fewer things could be more relaxing than giving your feet 30 minutes in the Cosmopolitan Foot Heaven Foot Spa. Being able to soak your feet, give them a soothing, sensual massage and even dry your nails makes this foot spa the daddy of all foot spas definitely worth treating yourself to one of these!

If you don’t have a home foot spa, don’t panic! Use a plastic washing up bowl instead! The key is to soak the feet as the softer the skin becomes, the easier it will be to remove dry and dead skin from your feet’s surface.

TOP TIP: After removing the dead skin, pop your feet back in warm water with a good glug of olive oil! Olive oil really is nature’s gift to us. It leaves your feet silky soft and locks the moisture in!

2.       EXFOLIATE

Callous Remover

Ok, so we know this one looks a little daunting but, trust us, this tool is a good’un.  A callous remover is essentially a hand held razor blade and is perfect for removing dead skin which has built up on areas such as your little toes, down the sides of your feet and around the heel. The results are significantly more dramatic than if you use a hard skin remover or pumice stone only. Used carefully, a callous remover will give your feet a fresh and smooth start.

Body Shop Peppermint Smoothing Pumice Foot Scrub

                                                                                              Body Shop Peppermint Soothing Pumice Foot Scrub, £7

                                                                                                                        Body Shop No More Rough Skin Foot Smoother, £3.                                                           

Peppermint is a natural antiseptic. It is known to soften skin and is particularly good for soothing tired, sore feet. Not only does this scrub do all of that but it also smells divine! It is particularly gritty (due to the volcanic rock granules) so it really smoothes out the rough skin on your feet. For extra special results, use hard skin remover / pumice stone and rub over the scrub before you rinse it off.  

3.       MOISTURISE

Lush Volcano Foot Mask

Who knew masks weren’t only for faces?? This product is to die for! Packed with papaya (here comes the science bit) which contains an enzyme that digests dead skin cells, this product is the perfect indulgence for your feet and will leave them feeling refreshed, silky-soft and well and truly pampered.

                                    Volcano Foot Mask from Lush £5.75 

Soap & Co Cuticle Oil (£10)

This is a really gorgeous product and made entirely from natural oils. Massage into the cuticles of your toe nails after pushing back your cuticles to keep your toe nails nourished and healthy.

REMEMBER: Remember to use a cuticle remover before pushing back your cuticles and push back with a rosewood stick rather than a metal tool!

4.       PRETTY

Now you have soft, smooth and supple feet, PRETTY them with a complimentary nail colour and be daring with it!

Lastly, pray for sun so you can bare your now gorgeous tootsies for all the world to see!

How do you keep your feet cute? Send us your pics!!