Hot Chic

Nailease review - easy apply nails that look great!

2011-03-23T04:12:00.001-07:00

WHAT ARE THEY: Nailease nail strips are being marketed as an 'instant manicure for girls on the go'. They are nail strips that give the look of painted nails but with no drying time. The nail strips are a type of dry nail varnish which is stretched over the nail and then, using a nail file, shaped to your nail.

EASE OF USE: Very easy! Applying a coat of nail varnish without smudges is taxing for me so I was worried about how I'd fair with these 'stick on' nail strips.
After buffing my nails I applied the white tip, then filed it off and did the same with the clear strip which covered the whole of my nail. I was a bit over enthusiastic with the file in the beginning and took off more white than I wanted to but it still didn't look too bad and with 20 in the pack there were plenty to redo the tatty ones.
It was all surprisingly easy and took me less than half an hour to end up with a set of shiny French manicured nails. The other designs would be quicker to apply as there's just one strip per nail.

RESULTS: Beautiful and shiny nails. I couldn't stop admiring them and even got a few compliments on how nice they looked! There was a bit of wear on the tip over the week but it was hardly noticeable. I do recommend washing up gloves for dishes as my thumb nail didn't survive the brillo pad!
They are supposed to last for 10 days and one chipped after eight, a couple looked frail on day nine, but most lasted until day 11. They look so pretty I'll be investing in some for holidays and special occasions, or maybe just all of the time!

TYPES AVAILABLE: A huge range of block colours to choose from as well as more intricate designs, such as animal prints and French manicures. A limited range is available from Boots with the rest online at http://www.nailease.co.uk/. Cost is £5.99 or £6.99 for the French manicure pack.

Jumpsuit trend continues for 2011

2011-01-12T06:06:00.001-08:00

Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce - what do they all have in common? They are just a few celebrities who have been snapped wearing jumpsuits.

Short, medium or long, they come in all shapes and sizes and you can even find sexy sequinned ones for that glam night out.

I must admit they are not my cup of tea, however I appreciate the style of those who dare to wear them.

Here's a round up of playsuits available in high street stores.

UNE's natural beauty with free gift

2011-01-07T03:36:00.002-08:00

Kick start a green 2011 with a New Year gift from natural beauty brand UNE.
Spend £15 or more on products throughout January, available from Boots nationwide, and you'll get a free Green Beauty Bible, worth £14.99.

Give your skin an MOT at Elizabeth Arden

2011-01-07T03:36:00.001-08:00

New Year, old partied-out skin? If the festive season has given you a complexion crisis, give your skin a 2011 MOT at Elizabeth Arden.

Their beauty counters are offering bespoke skin consultations using a 'skin scanner' to analyse your levels of moisture, texture, radiance, pigmentation and elasticity.
You'll also receive a complimentary sample from Elizabeth Arden's premium skincare range Prevage to kick-start your New Year regime.
Skin rescue treatments are available nationwide from January 1 at selected counters.

Fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2011

2011-01-04T02:56:00.001-08:00

Now that the New Year is behind us I thought it was time to take a sneak peek at what some of the high street stores have lined up for Spring/Summer 2011 (SS11).

Browsing through hundreds of images I've picked out a few items which illustrate the upcoming trends.

Firstly brights are back! This trend emerged last year and is back in force. It will ensure a colourful time after this cold winter and will be sure to brighten up our days. The outfit is from River Island and a good casual look which would be great for a day at the beach.

Floral returns again and is one of my favourites as I love the soft feminine prints, especially dresses. This season also brings a twist on this theme as the body con dress from Apricot illustrates - still a feminine shape but with a modern update.

Since military styles wowed on the catwalks a few years ago it's been going strong. I don't think it will be as prominent a theme as last year but you can't go wrong by investing in a classic piece like this top from CC (formerly Country Casuals).

Lastly natural and nude are everywhere - not just in clothing but accessories too. Look out for brown suede shoes and brogues as well as classic sandals styled in neutral shades with feminine embellishments like these sandals from River Island.

As more SS11 fashion is unveiled I'm sure more trends will emerge so check back for more updates and in the meantime make sure your wardrobe has a few key pieces in it to reflect the trends so you can look stylish this coming season.

For tha Midas touch

2010-11-26T04:01:00.001-08:00

MODELS Own has created the most expensive, opulent nail polish in the world with Gold Rush.
At £83,000, Gold Rush Couture is no ordinary nail polish. When painted on the nails it looks like gold leaf – it glistens and glimmers and actually sparkles as if it contains tiny diamonds, yet is absolutely smooth to the touch.
The gold lid is hand-crafted from a solid ingot of yellow gold, and weighs nearly four ounces. A total of 1,118 diamonds have been precisely inset weighing over 14 carats of 'collection' VVS quality and colours D, E and F. Long lasting and easy to apply, the weight of the gold and diamond encrusted lid makes nail painting a doddle.
Gold Rush is available exclusively from Frost of London, however if you don't have that much cash handy before Christmas then wait until the end of February 2011 when you can buy Gold Rush Ready To Wear from Boots for £5.

National magazine comes to Plymouth

2010-08-24T00:43:00.001-07:00

I've been a big fan of the Drake Circus shopping mall since it opened. Whenever I step in, its high roof gives a feeling of spaciousness and sounds of chatting and laughing shoppers echo around my ears.

With well-known brands such as Lush, Jane Norman, Primark, Next, M&S, Hotel Chocolat to name a few, plus a good choice of food outlets on the top floor, the shopping centre is certainly a prize for Plymouth.

And now I know that I'm not the only one who thinks so. National fashion and lifestyle magazine More! is due to visit Drake Circus on August 28 in a search for stylish shoppers.

The shopping mall was chosen after visitors to More!'s Facebook page told the magazine that the centre was one of their favourite places to shop.

The team from the magazine will be looking for women aged between 18 and 24 to take part in its regular 'Look What I Bought' feature and will be there from 11am to 6pm.

Benefit launch new Crescent Row fragrance trio

2010-08-18T03:36:00.001-07:00

On the back of the success of its trio of fragrances, Crescent Row, which came out last year Benefit has launched Crescent Row Second Story, with three new scents to tantalise your senses.

The first of the new frangrances is Garden of Good & Eva which is fresh and light with pear, jasmine, freesia and sandalwood.

So Hooked on Carmella has grapefruit, peony, vanilla and amber.

The third scent, Lookin’ to Rock Rita, includes coconut, violet and Brazilian rosewood in its notes.

I've tried them out and loved them all!

Flawless finish from Urban Decay finishing powder

2010-08-13T06:07:00.001-07:00

I don't usually use powders, but getting ready for a night out I decided to test out Urban Decay's Razor Sharp Finishing Powder.

It's in a cute and easy to use jar and when I peered at myself in the mirror after application I was astounded by its effect. My skin looked super smooth and the most flawless it's been for many years.

After my 'wow' moment I read that this micro fine powder is supposed to fool the eyes with optical blurring and miraculously airbrushes away the skin's imperfections.

It certainly works and is now in my make-up essentials bag.

Available in Debenhams, House of Fraser and Boots, £17.

Add a dash of lime to your clothes

2010-07-23T06:14:00.001-07:00

WHAT'S makes a good mojito? For me it's the lime, so I've picked out a couple of items to give your outfits a dash of flavour this summer.

There are pretty embroidered tops from Bon Marche and Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's. For an all over dose of lime a beautiful dress from Monsoon.

The BHS kaftan will keep you well covered on the beach and the jumpsuit from Tesco's is perfect for a sunny day.

For a fresher look this season add a dash of lime or green - accessories will set off a nude-colour outfit very well.

Round up of summer sales

2010-07-13T03:59:00.001-07:00

If you're a fashionista on a budget then now is a great time to shop in stores and online with many fashion outlets offering fantastic savings in their sales.

Here is my round-up of some of the online sale bargains.

NEW LOOK: Up to 50% off selected lines. Crop tops are in this season so grab a jade coloured cotton lace crop top for £5, reduced from £16; or a beautiful printed scarf dress at £9, reduced from £18.

ASOS.COM: Up to 50% off selected lines. Now is a good time to stock up on your warm winter wear and there are some great deals here. A Rare military detail long cardigan was £45 and is now from £18; and an ASOS long boxy jumper was £28 and is now from £8.

DEBENHAMS: Blue Cross Sale up to 70% off selected lines. I've got some great deals on shoes through Debenhams online and this time is no different! Black Deseray flat shoes (French Connection) are now £29, reduced from £85; or maybe you'd prefer some black siesta ankle boots (Carvela) a real steal at £49, reduced from £150.

RIVER ISLAND: Exclusive online sale. Striped anchor drop earring were £5.99 and are now £2. You can pick up lots of jewellry here for a bargain price including a pearl chain bangle pack for £3, reduced from £9.99.

HOUSE OF FRASER: Up to 70% off selected lines. For some lovely lingerie try a divine shorty from Chantelle for £9.50, reduced from £32; or get some swimwear bargains like this plain halter swimsuit at £13.50, reduced from £45.

Get in quick before they're snapped up!

Ali Bastian has great fashion sense

2010-07-09T02:35:00.001-07:00

Ali Bastian has got super sexy summer style and she showed off her excellent taste last month when she arrived to celebrate the cast change for Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre in London.

I've recreated her look from high street stores with a gorgeous corset dress from M&S and white platforms from River Island.

My prediction is that we'll be seeing a lot more of corset-styled clothing this year!

New Hermes perfume in House of Fraser

2010-07-05T00:40:00.001-07:00

The fresh packaging and dancing light particles depicted on the bottle promised a delightful scent and Eau Claire Des Mervilles by Hermes didn't disppoint me.

The original Eau Des Merveilles was created in 2004 and with each incarnation of Parfum, Elixir Des Mervelles and now the current one, the blend has been nurtured and enriched along the way.

There is a wonderful balance of vanilla with some airy floral notes and I challenge anyone not to like this classical and feminine scent.

Available in the House of Fraser at £53.50, 50ml.

Summer dress fashion round-up

2010-06-24T04:18:00.001-07:00

This summer season dress styles come in many shapes and sizes so you shouldn't have a problem finding one that suits you.

It's easy to play it safe and stick to styles that you are familiar with, but now and then it's also a good idea to try out a few different ones to see how well they suit your body shape.

Here's my style round-up of dresses for the summer, plus a top pick for each one so go on try something new!

HALTERNECK: These can have thick or thin straps and some also have a choker neck effect. I think this style also looks good in a maxi dress. MY PICK: Pacific fern halter neck dress, £38, Jane Norman

CORSET: This style is very figure hugging and slightly flirty. Variations can include a fuller skirt. MY PICK: Organza dress, £52, Miss Selfridge

ONE-SHOULDER: Still on trend from last year you can 'wow' in one-shoulder dresses. MY PICK: Printed one shoulder dress, £35, Next

WAISTLESS: The style is short this year so wearing a waistless short dress or tunic can give a softer look. They can also be worn with or without leggings. MY PICK: Rose print dress, £22, Apricot

TIERED: With thick or thin straps these can have a ra-ra skirt effect or be fully tiered/layered. MY PICK: Denim tiered dress, £14, George at ASDA

BANDEAU: These can be floaty and feminine or closely hug the body - whichever style you choose these dresses flatter those with hourglass shapes. MY PICK: Tartan bandeau dress, £22, Matalan

River Island embraces fashion for Wimbledon

2010-06-21T01:41:00.001-07:00

Anyone for tennis? Then pop into River Island and take a look at its new Wimbledon collection.

The collection includes blazers, hot pants and dresses to delight in white with occasional touches of blue.

If you're a fan of this sport then now is the time to dress to impress and win game, set and match for style!

Get Katy Perry's look from the high street

2010-06-16T01:11:00.000-07:00

Celebs recently sparkled at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, Universal Studios, Los Angeles and one of those was Katy Perry looking glamorous in this sparkly nude number which shows off her tanned legs.

To get this look from high street stores I've picked out a beautiful shimmery nude dress from Mint Velvet in House of Fraser and teamed it with a pair of nude Carvelas.

For those of you without blue hair try accessorising in this vibrant tone instead with jewellery or a bag like this one from Julien MacDonald at Debenhams.

Happy shopping!

Cool shoulder bags from New Look

2010-06-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Whether it's for the beach or a festival make sure you have one of these beautiful and fun bags with you.

The bags are part of New Look's Macmillan Rocks range (there are also T-shirts), so out of the £5 cost of the bag, £1.50 goes to the charity.

So you can look cool and donate to charity at the same time!

Football fever for fashion

2010-06-02T01:32:00.001-07:00

ENGLAND is going to go football mad this summer so get in on the act with some fab fashion. There are plenty of clothes displaying the England flag, or for a touch of class you can dress like a WAG.

With the help of M&S, Plymouth models Jo Harris and Chris Hamilton and Herald photographer Lucy Blake I've created a WAGs' look, plus a more casual style for the boy.

Jo is wearing an indigo tie dyedress, £35; limited collection cork platform shoe, £29,50; silver bangle, £7.50; platinum plated ring, £19.50; silver beaded bag, £25; football, £9.50.

Chris is wearing North Coast jeans, £39,50; England t-shirt, £12.00; Autograph black velcro shoe, £45; sunglasses £15.

Jo's hair was done by Erin McDonaugh of The Cutting Garden, Mayflower Street (01752 223233) and make-up by Jennifer Jane make-up artist (07868 730506).

The whistle is nearly ready to start off the summer of soccer, so prepare your style sensations now!

New organic beauty range UNE in Boots

2010-05-26T04:28:00.001-07:00

Just launched in Boots Drake Circus, Plymouth is new cosmetic brand Une, promoting natural organic beauty.

Une respects every woman’s skin as well as the planet with the use of natural or organic ingredients, as 98% to 100% of the formulas are from natural origin.

The make-up range offers a large range of subtle tones, enhances all complexions, and enables every woman to achieve a healthy, fresh and natural look.

A majority of Une’s products are certified by Ecocert.

Top 5 key item to pack for your travels

2010-05-24T07:32:00.001-07:00

Top 5 key item to pack for your travels

1: BEADS: A colourful bead necklace will match a number of outfits and give them a lift for day or night wear.
MY PICK: Tropicana Beaded Necklace, £12, Evans

2. KAFTAN: For the ultra feminine look a floaty kaftan looks great over a bikini on the beach and can also be slung over a vest top if it gets a little cooler.
MY PICK: Himani Kaftan £60, Monsoon

3. TROUSERS: Casual trousers are great for cooler weather (and avoiding certain insects) and can be dressed up or down for evening or day wear.
MY PICK: Linen Trousers, £40, Rocha.John Rocha, Debenhams

4. SHORTS: A classic pair of shorts you can wear to the beach or sightseeing and demin wears very well.
MY PICK: Denim shorts, £12, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's

5. BAG: A cloth bag is easily squashable into your suitcase and makes an ideal beach or shopping bag.
MY PICK: Blue belle stripy sailor bag, £22, Accessorize

Cameron Diaz wows with timeless fashion

2010-05-19T00:25:00.001-07:00

If you want some style tips on celebrity fashion then look no further than Cameron Diaz. I think she looks stunning in this simple red tunic dress, which is a real head turner.

The rumour mill has been busy recently talking about her and Justin Timberlake while they were on set filming Bad Teacher. Are they or aren't they re-kindling their romance? I think it's more likely to be a publicity stunt to promote the movie, but maybe I'm being too cynical!

Whatever the truth, Cameron Diaz looked fantastic last week at the premiere of Shrek Forever After in Universal City, California.

To get this fashionable celebrity look from the high street pop into Mint Velvet in House of Fraser for a red silk pleat front tunic at £59, or Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's for a red linen shift dress at £20.

I predict simple and timeless dresses will be one of the favourite celeb fashions this summer.

Boots No7 new Decades Collection

2010-05-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the fantastic new Decades Collection at Boots No7. This limited edition range has been created by No7 creative director Lisa Eldridge who wanted to make it easier for fashionistas to channel their chosen era.

Sisters Samantha (left) and Rebecca Woodmansey popped into Boots in Drake Circus shopping mall in Plymouth for a 60s and 50s make-up makeover.

The 50s look is reminiscent of the technicolour era of feminine fashion and uses blue eyeshadow and pouty pink lipstick.

The 60s look is inspired by icons like Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton and David Bailey's graphic black and white photographs - very dramatic.

I think this collection is going to be a big hit and a fine addition to your make-up bag!

Available in Boots stores now.