From runway to red carpet, the trend for sheer is continuing strong this spring in a range of variations, from sheer panels to all out sheer looks.
Though not a trend for the faint at heart, when done right, sheer can look elegant, demure and flattering. It’s also a great way to take your wardrobe into Spring for those months when it’s not quite warm enough to bare too much skin.
Below we’ve put together our top 5 tips on how to make sheer work for you – proving that you don’t have to be a size 0 to rock the trend.
1. Subtle is Sexy
When it comes to sheer, it’s definitely a case of less is more. Kim Kardashian’s in-your-face Dolce and Gabbana blouse looks much to tight and just outright tacky.
2. Know What Works for YOU
When used cleverly, sheer can both highlight your assets and disguise any area’s you want to cover up. Only Hearts‘ sheer paneled Loulou Bodysuit($135) emphasizes the waist and can be teamed with a full length skirt if your legs are an area you want to cover up.
3. Dress it Down
Team a sexy sheer black blouse with jeans for a look that’s not too over the top. For a versatile, day-to-night look team with a cami and blazer to make your outfit utterly office appropriate. Try these Invisible skinnies from Eugene Is My Middle Name for an evening time look that’s not to over the top, and their ombre effect mirrors the sheer trend perfectly. (Arrow Jeans in Invisible $180.)
4. Sexy and Sweet
Lace is the perfect combination of sexy and sweet. Only Hearts‘ Evelyn Lined Shift Dress ($129) is ladylike but still sexy, and is perfect for anyone who wants to cover up their arms.
5. Be Brave
If you’ve got it, flaunt it! For those who aren’t afraid to take the plunge, the from Only HeartsLoulou chemise ($139) mixes sporty and sexy and elements to avoid the sheer trend looking too trashy.
Happy New Year! And what better way than to start the New Year than with the resolution to be positive and thankful for everything I have.
Every New Years Eve my husband and I do a ritual in which we let go of all the negative things and beliefs we have created that year before writing what we want to achieve in the New Year, thus creating a positive mindset.
Buddha said: We are what we think. All that arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make our world.
I thought what better way to start the New Year than by sharing this simple ritual with you. It’s still early enough in the year to do this and this can be practiced throughout the year whenever there is a New Moon.
First we need to LET GO of the old years unfinished and negative business. Release any guilt, feelings of limitation, sadness, unworthiness, depression, anger, unhealthy relationships, resentment, everything that didn’t work in 2012 and anything before this.
Write down on small slips of paper what you’d like to forget. Drop them in a black envelope or make an envelope out of black paper. This is sealing in the sorrow and hard luck. Say “Good Riddance” and toss it in the fireplace or burn it SAFELY in a metal or stone pot. Then (this is the best bit) toast and honor the old year with a farewell toast!
To call in the positive energy, next take a journal or notepad (something you can use solely for this and keep) and make a list of everything you want to enter into your life.
Take time to think about this first. Think about what you wish to do/ accomplish career wise, how you wish to grow, blocks or character defects you wish to change, what you’d like to attain, happen in friendships and love, problems you ‘d like to see resolved etc.
Write all these intentions in an affirmative way, for example; “ I am continuing to travel this year”, “I am financially free”, “ I am happy and healthy”, “ I am living in a beautiful house”. DO NOT write “ I’m out of debt”, “ I’ll try and read more books” , “ I’m going to do better at school” etc. IT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO WRITE AS IF YOU ARE ALREADY LIVING THE LIFE YOU WISH FOR.
Then have another toast to the positive New Year and start believing in what you have written.
A quick note, do be realistic in what you want to achieve. I f you ask for wanting healthy love but stay in an unhealthy situation knowingly then you are staying in denial.
If you are interested in reading more about positive affirmation I highly recommend The Magic by Rhonda Byrne, creator of The Secret. I’m reading this at the moment and am really feeling the benefits. Oh and one more thing for the skeptical among you. I was offered everything I wrote down on my list in January 2012 during last year. Some things worked better than others but they ALL materialized!
The Amy Winehouse Foundation Ball was held on Tuesday night at London’s Dorchester hotel and the stars joined her family in raising money and awareness for the charity set up following her tragic death. Myself and Bespoke HQ tailor, Stephen Williams, were kindly invited by Amy’s Father Mitch Winehouse, whom Stephen had made a Bespoke dinner suit for, and boy did he look suave.
A nervous Kiera Chaplin was introduced as the world ambassador to the foundation,a perfect fusion for the families as Charlie Chaplin was one Amy’s favorite entertainers and there were moving speeches made by Mitch and the family who told us stories about Amy’s kindness and selfless dedication to helping others, forming the inspiration for the work the charity does.
Amazing cake for Amy
After a delicious 3 course dinner and many glasses of wine the auction began with some amazing lots. Top of my pick was Amy’s yellow dress that was made by Arrogant Cat to wear for her performance at Rock in Rio, held in Madrid, Spain in 2008. Unfortunately for me the waist was only 24 inches, but it was bought by an unnamed bidder in the states for $20,000 before it was kindly given back to the charity to be re sold to the next bidder down, doubling its worth! Ronnie wood made a guest appearance bringing a signed black Gibson guitar of his own to be auctioned. My hand did shoot up as I opened the bidding at two thousand pounds as I thought it might be a nice Xmas present for the hubbie but I was quickly outbid with the guitar finally going for ten thousand pounds to a very happy gent who probably can’t play it! (Sorry Matt, if it was Keith’s I may have kept going!) Stephen and I also bid on the silent auction when we discovered the company card in his pocket. We decided a signed England kit would look great on the wall of the Bepoke bar, since Stephen has made suits for the likes of David Beckham and Tottenham hotspurs football team, and placed a bid in the silent auction. It looked like we were going to get it till we were beaten in the last five minutes by someone at our table.
Xfactor Ella performs at the event
With fantastic musical tributes from the soul star Micha Parish, UK X-factor contestant Ella, Amy’s ex Tyler James, the night ended with Matt Goss performing with his Vegas big band as the guests took to the dance floor. A perfect end to what was a very special and fun night. The Amy Winehouse Foundation is one of those rare charities that makes you feel like part of the family not just a fundraiser. I look forward to working with them in the future.
Stephen Williams and myself
For more information on the Amy Winehouse Foundation and its work, click here and for Bespoke HQ tailoring visit here.
I’ve only been back in London for one week and what a week it’s been! Dealing with serious jet lag I was launched back into London night life this week on Monday when I visited the Old Vic Tunnels where Lazarides Gallery, coinciding with Frieze art fair, brought us ” Bedlam”, creatively exploring the well-intended beginnings of ‘Bethlam’ London’s Hospital for the mad. We entered the installation through a pitch black room that altered ones senses and prepared us for the damp dripping walls and disturbing installations that on closer inspection were beautifully fragile and delicate depicting the state of mind of many asylum patients. Artists such as 3D from Massive Attack played with our mind and vision to bridge the delicate balance between sanity and insanity.
On a more glamorous note Wednesday night was the London Lifestyle Awards 2012 , hosted by capital radio’s DJ Greg Burns, at the beautiful Hurlingham club. I was happy to accompany my darling ‘big brother’ Mark Fuller to the dinner and award ceremony where his fabulous boutique hotel The Sanctum Soho, won hotel of the year for the third year running. Hot diamonds sponsored the event and kindly gave me a black pearl bracelet to wear, thank you guys!
The deserving winners across all the lifestyle categories were:
Best Green Contribution to London: The Royal Parks
London Fashion Retailer of the Year: Katherine Elizabeth Millinery
London Coffee Shop of the Year: The Haberdashery
Hospitality Business of the Year: Firmdale Hotels
London Cultural Attraction of the Year: Society of London Theatre – Kids Week
London Festival of the Year: E4 Udderbelly
London Fitness Facility of the Year: Pineapple Dance Studios
London Live Music Venue of the Year: Royal Albert Hall
London Theatre Show of the Year: Matilda
London Hairdresser of the Year: Taylor Taylor London
London Restaurant of the Year: Le Caprice
London Concierge Company of the Year: Quintessentially Lifestyle
London Bar of the Year: Salvatore’s at The Playboy Club
London Club of the Year: Mahiki
London Hotel of the Year: Sanctum Soho Hotel
London Members’ Club of the Year: Eight Members Club
London Lifestyle Legend: Arlene Phillips
London Personality of the Year: Boris Johnson
London Health and Beauty Facility of the Year: Chuan Spa at The Langham Hotel
Outstanding Contribution to London Lifestyle: London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
I had a blast catching up with old friends and new friend, Jessica Knowles, reminiscing about the disgraceful behavior of our youths now everyone is now a little older, wiser but still every bit as fabulous! We finished the night off back at the Sanctum rooftop bar where I left at the very reasonable grown up hour of 1am, drank my 2 glasses of water before bed and woke up the next day hangover free and ready for the day ahead.
My next adventure was in a damp underground car park in Soho (apparently the theme of my week) where the avant garde fashion darlings SORAPOL – Sorapol Chawaphatnakul and creative director Daniel Lismore, held Euphoria, their omage to fallen bohemian girls such as Edie Sedgewick. The models, wearing artist Achraf Amiri’s ironically blank paper mache masks, stumbled, vogued and blew kisses along a fake cocaine lined catwalk.
Beginning with a panther-headed motorbike revving down the catwalk roaring at the front row fashionistas, followed by stumbling “doll queen” models with the traditional wedding dress finale replace by a twin-bladed guitar dress whilst The Voice’s Vince sang a Rolling Stones number accompanied by distorted electric guitar, this was the perfect underground glamour and even more perfect way to end the week.
Hello lovely people. I am pleased to be writing again after what seems like an eternity of wearing a splint on my hand following a horse riding accident. During my accidental sabbatical I have been testing the latest brands of make up and beauty potions as well as jetting to London, where I am now, to attend London fashion week and Art week. I’ll be keeping you posted with all the latest glamour from the coolist city in the world.
This week I threw myself back into London social lives attending the Mercy Delta launch party for its latest hand printed scarf collection and debut silkscreen printed blouse collection. There were some beautiful shirts that I may have to order as the price point is so affordable £120-200, which will be initially sold exclusively in Trilogy stores. I ordered the lines most popular ‘Spirit’ scarf, as it is covered in horses and is also pink. My favorite combination! You can checkout the scarves at Harrods, Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Matches and Trilogy.
The next event of the night was Jeans for Genes, hosted by the fabulous Nick Ede at the W hotel. The bar was full with reality stars form The Only way is Essex and Made in Chelsea, with Katie Price plus entourage in tow. I couldn’t help but fantasize about the giant disco ball, that dominates the bar, crashing Indiana Jones style on certain annoying revelers. It would probably be considered a British disaster judging by the reality ruled airwaves! The event was a huge success and created awareness and support for an important cause. Well done Mr Ede and co. Find out how you can be part of Jeans for Genes day at http://www.jeansforgenesday.org
The other hot party of the week was the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack launch party held on the roof of Shorditch house. Guests had a single handcuff slapped on their wrist to get free food and drinks and, as a string quartet performed the music that inspired the author, masked waiters handed out champagne until the Q&A with author E.L James when the bar was politely closed for the interview. This didn’t go down well with my group of friends, who were far more interested in drinking than listening to the writer divulge her secrets. From what I can gathered its all written from fantasy, which, all seems to make sense, as the whole idea seems to be a toned down version of the book “The Story of O”, Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut” and erotic 80s mega movie ‘9 ½ weeks’ staring a very young hot Mickey Rourke and Kim Basigner.
It was a great night out and thoroughly enjoyed by all which was proved the following morning when Face Book was covered with messages asking how to remove the handcuff everyone seems to have woken up with. Try explaining that to your child on the school run the following morning! Luckily, It seems I am an escape artist trés excellent and managed to slip my hand out of the cuff very easily. I guess I’m not the submissive type then. The soundtrack is available now by EMI on Amazon.com and all other music outlets.
Heartbreak diet? Jennie Garth has never looked better since splitting from her husband of 11 years, Peter Facinelli, in March.
The 40-year-old actress, who is rumored to be dating hunky photographer Noah Abrams,looked sin-tastic as she flaunted her toned and taut beach body at Azure Pool at The Palazzo in Las Vegas on Saturday (she recently told Usmagazine that her weight loss was attributed to “eating less, exercising more, drinking a lot of coconut water”).
According to onlookers at the event, Garth wowed the crowd in a neon yellow string bikini and hung out in the DJ booth with Danny Masterson and actor Michael Pena.
Others who were spotted soaking up the sunshine at the Azure Pool included “Pretty Little Liars” star Ashley Benson, who arrived with Chord Overstreet from “Glee.”
The Palazzo Las Vegas is a celeb favorite destination and our featured getaway of the week.
A few weeks ago my friend let me into the biggest secret that the OC crowd have been keeping from us up here in LA! Instead of taking the drive up to LA to visit, what most consider the capital of cosmetic treatments, they have instead been driving to Irvine to visit the OC’s little hidden gem, Forever ageless Inc. and the house wives of OC secret weapon, “Dr Joe”.
Dr Joe has a reputation of being personable, gentle and not overly pushy, (unlike some doctors that insist on pumping you full of botox and fillers just to make more money) and is called the ‘best Shooter in town‘ by his loyal clients. The coolest part of this “dirty little secret” is that the prices are more than half that of clinics in Los Angeles. As the hubbie was playing a gig nearby, I decided to book an appointment and got dropped off at the private clinic, a gorgeous townhouse discretely tucked away in the heart of Irvines central business district
My skin specialist, the stunning Bronwyn, sat me down in the reclining chair and after thoroughly examining my skin, to determine what treatments would suit me best, we decided on the Pellevé treatment which rebuilds the collagen in the face. As we get older the collagen in our skin stops renewing itself so quickly causing sagging and wrinkles. What Pellevé does is to heat the deep layers in your skin using advanced radio wave technology causing the collagen in the skin to contract and tighten. After the treatment the skin starts to produce new collagen thus firming and improving the skin quality. Bronwyn covered my face in gel and started to heat each area to the required temperature that causes the collagen to be damaged thus the renewal process. I was warned it might be uncomfortable as it can get quite hot, but I actually found it very relaxing, like lying on a beach in the sun. After half my face was treated I looked in the mirror to compare the two sides of my face, and I swear my skin looked plumper and tighter. It really works! no wonder both Cher and Madonna both purchased pellevé machines for their homes.
Many people do see results immediately but it takes approximately six weeks for the collagen to begin to renew itself so you see the best results in three to six months. I was recommended to do at least two more sessions four to six weeks apart to get the result I want. Some people replace having a facial, that only cleans the surface of the face (keeping you looking good for two hours), and instead have a Pellevé treatment every month. Bronwyn is passionate about treatments that really work and show definite results.
“A pellevé treatment trumps a fou fou facial any time. It makes sense considering the price of a treatment is the same as having a facial at an up market spa”, she says confidently.
Forever Ageless also does the newest techniques of fillers, botox, chemical peels and Vi peel (a moderate peel that reverses the effects of sun damage, acne etc. in about one week). They also offer nutrition and weight control, microdermabrasion, photo facial, acne and pigmentation treatments, laser skin resurfacing, body contouring, mesotherapy, and laser hair removal, all at amazing prices.
I absolutely loved my treatment and am looking forward to my next OC visit. I mean $20 in gas or $400 in prices, go figure! I’m sorry but I am blowing the lid on this place, its too good a secret to keep from us LA girls. Dr Joe, you rock!
If you would like to book an appointment of find out more about procedures at Forever Ageless Inc, contact: 949.735.6779, for Dr. Joseph Cerni or 310.800.0013 for Bronwyn Leigh or email Bronwyn@forever-ageless.com
A friend on facebook brought me to the attention of LauraLynn House in southern Ireland. She contacted me in the hope I could help raise awareness for this children’s hospice that receives no funding from the Irish government and relies on kind donations and the help of volunteers. She also introduced me to baby Victoria Thompson, a beautiful little girl who loves pink and has become a beacon of hope and inspiration through her facebook page (written by her Mother) to raise awareness for Laura Lynn house and the children and parents that reside there, safe in the knowledge that their babies are spending their final days in a beautiful, safe, caring facility that is sensitive to such a difficult period of time.
At a time when facebook is receiving growing criticism this is a heart-warming example of how social media can be hugely beneficial to charities and vital causes. Laura Lynn house is even more special in the fact that it was born from the grief of Brendan and Jane McKenna who sadly lost their two daughters within a short period of time at an early age. Having met with the Chairman and CEO of The Children’s Sunshine Home, the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice made the decision to merge in 2006 and opened their doors on Tuesday 27th September 2011.
The hospice is proof that with strength of heart and perseverance, good can come from sorrow.
The home from home atmosphere means parents stay upstairs in a hotel style suite and can phone nurses and carers to check on their child throughout the night. The children’s rooms are bright, spacious and spotless with comfy chairs for the parents to sit for long periods with their child in the daytime. There is a large dayroom where the children are brought to socialize. Music plays continually and an activity board on the wall makes sure that every child is included in the events, regardless of age, illness or ability. Alongside the general day-to-day medical care the children have access to physiotherapists, dieticians, massage therapists, music therapy, and dog therapy.
At the end of a child’s life there is a beautiful place of rest called the Butterfly suite where families have privacy to prepare for the funeral and be alone with their child. Butterflies are place at the door of prominent rooms so as to alert others to be conscious that a family is grieving.
It is these levels of thought and care for every last details that help make LauraLynn house the sanctuary that it is. It is vital to raise awareness through fundraising and donations so that the care that baby Victoria is so lucky to have, continue and help many more families and children in the future.
As Victoria’s Mother says;
“Every parent wants what is best for his or her child. LauraLynn is the best for Victoria, as it will be for many children, for years to come. We hope that any child can have access to the same care. We hope that any family could feel the same peace, in the hell, of loosing a child.”
You can learn more about how you can help donate to LauraLynn house by clicking here.
I am in London at the moment and trying to make the best of the grey skies and rain by indulging myself in the amazing art shows, gigs and parties. London’s superstar photographer Rankin had the 2nd issue party for his magazine Hunger, on Tuesday night, at his Kentish town studio. Rankin’s ‘live’ experience is an interactive affair with fashionistas enjoying the photography, music, drink and even a photo shoot during the party.
Yes! You heard me right, revelers can pop upstairs and be shot by Rankin’s assistants for the website and Facebook page, with the hope of appearing in the next Rankin coffee book. Gotta love it!
With summer looming (though you might not think it at the moment), I thought it was time to talk to top make up artist and lash extension guru, Courtney Casgraux about the best make up and skin care for us sun-loving girls.
Courtney is a licensed aesthetician, and certified eyelash extension artist who brings a fresh and instinctive approach to creating beautiful faces within the fashion, music and entertainment industries. Known around Los Angeles as the lash guru to the stars, working through appointment or referral only she prides herself on creativity, style, and quality of work.
Cat: I hate wearing foundation in the summer, what would you suggest?
Courtney: Summer is all about fun in the sun. With that said, I can’t stress one important skin care element enough — sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen…Ok, enough of the lecturing. Now for the fun stuff! With summer being all about skin and light coverage cosmetics here are my insider tips for playing safe while keeping that cool, California girl look;
M.D. Powerful sun protection in SPF 30 by Dr.Gross is a great one! This product’s website claims to that Dr. Gross’ sun block helps with the iron production in the skin — when iron is exposed to sunlight, it becomes unbound and is photo-activated which causes DNA mutations that can lead to skin cancer. It also has vitamin c, which will help lighten and brighten any imperfections that might already exist.
Clarins instant light complexion perfected is a good alternative to foundation illuminating the complexion and promoting a longwearing natural finish. If you need more coverage you can use it under foundation.
Cat: Is there a color for blush that will give a sun kissed look instead of just using the usual bronzer?
Courtney: Yes! Benefit lip and cheek stain in chachatin. This mango-tinted stain beautifully blushes lips & cheeks with a tropical sunset hue. Smooch-proof & smudge-proof, so it’s perfect for those beach bunnies out there.
Cat: I hate using waterproof mascara, as it never comes of when I want it to. Which do you suggest?
Courtney: Lancome’shypnose drama waterproofin Black is amazing! A single coat with this ultra volume-boosting mascara that’ll take lashes from so-so to show stopping and as there is no need for one coat it is easier to remove.
Cat: There are so many lip products to choose from now from gloss, lipstick, stains and balms. Which do you think look best on the beach?
Courtney: Clinique’s chubby stick moisturizing lip color balmin Watermelon and Whole Lotta Honey will turn your dry, delicate lips into lip smackers.
Here are also some products comparable for the girl on a budget:
SPF: Aveeno ultra-calming daily moisturizer spf15
Foundation: Neutrogena health skin glow sheer SPF 30
Blush: Physicians Formula cashmere wear ultra smoothing formula
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