30 October 2009

Iron Fist offer the perfect foot-candy for Halloween

Here is proof that you don’t have to adorn yourself in utter tack to look the part this Halloween. When there is no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth looking quite stunning in these platforms from Iron Fist.

The unusual designs are spooky-fun and very rock n roll. We love the gruesome graphics and detail on the heels and feel that Halloween is the perfect excuse to buy a pair of these gorgeous shoes that will undoubtedly be worn all year round.


Devils Plaything High Heels £49.99 http://www.schuh.co.uk/






Digi–skulls platform £65.00 http://www.office.co.uk/


Zombie Stomper High Heels £49.99 http://www.schuh.co.uk/

29 October 2009

Green your hair care regime

You may never have even considered going green in the hair department, for most it’s not a flattering shade. But now there are products to help you green-up your hair without changing your colour.

Many of us wash, dry and style our hair everyday. This involves a lot of products, heat and chemicals which have a negative impact on the environment. To help the planet and to safeguard our future, we have to reassess each routine and everyday task in order to adapt to a more eco-friendly way of living. So to help with this, we have found a selection of products that can help you green your hair care regime, in turn saving you money and helping to protect the health of your hair.

The BaByliss Eco Hair Dryer is a must have for any green goddess. Unbelievably it gives the same drying performance as 2000W hair dryers whilst using only half the energy. It is beautifully styled and lightweight and comes with a slim concentrator nozzle, as well as offering ionic conditioning for no-frizz smoothness.

Using a BaByliss Eco Dry for 10 minutes every day, instead of an ordinary 2000W dryer, saves enough energy to make seven cups of tea or 11 slices of toast per day.

Nigel’s Eco Store £19.95 www.nigelsecostore.com


Aveda Collection for long hair offers a bumper selection of hair goodies all made from natural ingredients, containing no parabens or other nasties. The hamper includes Smooth Infusion Shampoo 250ml, Smooth Infusion Conditioner 250ml, Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother 100ml, Volumizing Tonic100ml, Light Elements Smoothing Fluid 100ml, Brilliant Damage Control 250ml and a large Aveda wooden paddle brush.This kit would make a great gift or if bought for yourself would last for ages.

Aveda £105.20 www.aveda.co.uk


Jason Styling Finishing Spray with Aloe Vera and Bergamot is formulated with botanical extracts and oils for extra shimmer, flexibility and hold, Chamomile and Bergamot enhance softness and shine. Citrus extracts and Meadowfoam Seed Oil add lustre as Vitamins E and B5 work with Jojoba Oil to resist humidity and protect hair. For superior holding, finishing, texturising and shine without synthetic dyes and harsh chemicals.

Jason £7.99 www.jason-natural.com



Tints of Nature is a conditioning permanent hair colour with organic extracts and no ammonia or parabens. The product produces outstanding results whilst protecting and caring for your hair and scalp as naturally and gently as possible. Contains organic aloe vera, comfrey extract and roman chamomile to sooth, calm and heal. 100% grey coverage.

Tints of Nature £6.80 www.ecohip.org



Nanny K Hawaiian Pansy Hair Clips are made from original vintage velvet pansies. Each pair is one of a kind. Nanny K creates hand crafted vintage fascinators and accessories from a vast collection of vintage flowers in a wide spectrum of colours of delicate antique laces, ribbons, vintage feathers and silks to vibrant retro fabrics and buttons.

Each design is carefully crafted by the designer Natasha Yearley at her studio in Somerset. Natasha and her business partner Emma Cook also opened Fifi De Villes ethical fashion boutique in Frome earlier this year.

Nanny K £14.00 www.enamore.co.uk

28 October 2009

Get ready for the Kate Moss for Topshop Christmas collection

Kate’s Christmas collection for Topshop lands in stores across the country tomorrow and promises to offer everything we could possibly want or need for the upcoming party season.

With an oriental twist, the collection is an all-glamour extravaganza. Silks, chiffons, sequins, jewels and lace spell ladylike decadence that is perfect for the run up to Christmas. It’s the perfect antidote for forgetting about the recession and will help us slip into festive opulence without blowing the budget for family gifts.

Gorgeous ritzy dresses, feather and fur cover-ups, luxe lingerie and slinky nightwear are what you can expect.

Here we have some sneak previews of items from the range to get you excited:

Embellished asymmetric dress £150 / Sequinned maxi dress £180 / Grey faux fur cape £100 / Rose print bra and knickers £20 and £14 / Tuxedo jacket £100 / Butterfly print kimono £85 / Blush silk and lace camisole and shorts £28 and £30.

Kate Moss for Topshop www.topshop.com

27 October 2009

Trick or treat your home with these spooky accessories

Halloween is nearly here so why not get into the ghoulish spirit by decorating your home as well as yourself. For one night only it’s completely allowed to go overboard on tacky tit-bits, forget the cleaning and generally make everything look horrendous. Why you ask? Because its fun!


John Lewis Halloween Tree Tea Light Holder £15 www.johnlewis.com

Pumpkin Mug £15.95 www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

Black Cat Cutter £1 www.alacook.co.uk

Pirates Ice Mould makes 8 shapes £4.45 www.bargizmos.co.uk

Halloween Plastic Cutlery Set for 12 people £1.99 www.cookingtime.co.uk

Halloween Mini Bucket – Orange £5.50 www.gardentrading.co.uk

Halloween Trick or Treat Sign £7.50 www.gardentrading.co.uk

Glow in the dark cobweb 76p www.amazon.co.uk

Halloween Cupcake Decoration pack of 12 £1.69 www.amazon.co.uk

26 October 2009

Bargain of the season: Primark sequinned harem pants

Sequinned trousers are everywhere this season, but wherever there is embellishment, there comes a price. Hurrah then for Primark’s sequinned harem pants which are a mere £10 and are available in both black and grey. We were amazed at the tiny price tag when the sequin detail covers each leg from top to bottom with a pretty swirl, rather than the standard straight lines.

The on-trend trousers will look great day and night and work well with either ballet flats or high heels. Ideal for teaming with a tight fitting t-shirt and cropped jacket, these ultra-comfy trousers are sure to become a wardrobe favourite.

If you do happen to purchase this Primark top-trump, we’d advise opting for at least one size smaller as they do come up large around the waist.


http://www.primark.co.uk/

24 October 2009

Cover and Conceal With This Top Trio


3 of the best for battling all matter of bags!

Touche Eclat
The original all rounder, gives great cover with light reflecting properties, the most expensive at £21 from Superdrug and Boots. Worth the expense as can't be beaten on coverage!

Touch Of light
Perfect for lighter skin tones the formula glides on and gives an amazing light reflective sheen, although for concealing darker under eye bags it is not as affective. The cheapest buy at £10 from The Fragrance Shop.

No7 Instant Radiance Concealer
£12.75 at Boots. Great for older skin as the stiffer formula does not sink into fine lines. Good coverage for darker bags although does not give you that radiant under eye glow, leaving a more matt finish.

BIONOVA - Tan Up and Get Glowing


As the weather becomes duller it appears so can your skin. Dark mornings and cold evenings can not only affect our SAD syndrome but our youthful glow too. To get back that radiance and give skin a boost try the BIONOVA Self-Tanning Age Control Facial Cream. The unique formula will provide luxurious, smooth tan colour, reduces the impact of stress and protects the skin from premature ageing. Will purify the skin from metabolization of self tanning agents and prevents side effects, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. BIONOVA uses the following self tanning agents in this product such as: Lawsone, Juglone, Melanin and Dihydroxyaceton. The balanced combination of these substances helps create the tan that works with the person's natural skin colour and creates naturally looking tan. Although the smell is a little overpowering this evaporates soon after application and the results seen will make it worth tolerating this, giving glow without the sun's damaging rays.
RRP: £75.00
Available from Harrods, Peter Jones and www.bionovalab.uk.com

23 October 2009

Yabadabadoo! Enamore’s Bedrock range of lingerie ROCKS…

We’ve been fans of Enamore here at Fashion Victim UK for quite a while now; their stylish designs, timeless pieces and quality sustainable fabrics are ones we’ve been coveting.

The company manages to breathe a vintage elegance into its collections which combine a cheeky charm and feminine sophistication to great effect. Wearing anything from Enamore almost instantly transforms you into a 1940’s pin-up girl, perfect for naughty nights in or grown-up nights out.

We love the new Bedrock range; it reminded us instantly of the Jeremy Scott fashion show in which Pixie Geldof was transformed into a Flintstone. It then goes without saying, animal print is right on trend.

The Bedrock range consists of two bras, a thong, shorts and camisole, as well as accessories including nipple tassels, hair pins and jewellery. The fabric used is a soft jersey material made from bamboo, which means the range is sustainable as well as stylish.

Bedrock Betty Bra £49 / Bedrock thong £30 / Bedrock nipple tassels £45

www.enamore.co.uk

22 October 2009

Charity Swap Shop County Durham


Swap, shop and swoon at the ethical catwalk and charity Christmas Fayre 29 October Derwent Manor Hotel, County Durham.
Newcastle born daisygreenmagazine.co.uk is hosting its first charity Christmas Fayre and Fashion show to aid local charities, all with a local, ethical and sustainable flavour. With free entry and a host of exciting features, the fayre promises to be a fashionable extravaganza and major fund raising event.Throughout the afternoon 30 local companies will be selling their home made and ethical products including new fashion, vintage clothes, food, bags, jewellery, and beauty products.

Events include:1-6pm Charity Christmas Fayre – FREE entry 6-11pm Fashion Show and clothes swap - £57.30pm – Ethical catwalk featuring local models and designers – including the opportunity to bid for clothes that have been seen on the catwalk.8.30pm – Clothes Swapping party – Daisy Green’s signature event promises to revive your wardrobe without costing a penny - bored with that old outfit? Changed your dress size? Drop off for the Swap party opens at 6pm – guests are invited to bring as many clean clothes in great condition as possible for inclusion in the swapping extravaganza.

Clothes and accessories will be exchanged for a ticket with guests then having the opportunity to choose the same amount to take home. There will also be prize raffles and competitions running throughout the day with all proceeds donated to local charities in Consett. All clothes that are left over at the end of the night will be donated to local charity shops.

15% off all orders at Motel Clothing

Originating in Bristol, Motel is a cool and quirky label that has spread like wildfire across the UK and further afield with shipments going to Japan, Switzerland, Germany and Australia.

If you can’t make it to their store in Bristol, Cult stocks some of their collection and the prices are very affordable too. Even better, check out the website as there is currently a 15% off clothing offer which runs until the 31st October; simply enter MRCODE09 at the checkout.

Here is a little taster of their new arrivals:

Aztec Cardigan £65 / Betty Trouser £39 / Oprah Jumpsuit £45.00 / Adriane Dress £35.00

www.motelrocks.com

21 October 2009

Lady in red

Red is bold, bright and brave and definitely a colour you shouldn’t shy away from this season. Various shades and hues were seen throughout the autumn/winter collections, adding vibrance and colour to an otherwise muted palette for fashion in the colder months.

Red is also the colour of love, it’s powerful, sensual and sexy. Work the colour to your advantage, whether seductive rouge lips or daring red heels, you can be sure they’ll heat up more than just your outfit.

Here are a few items-rouge we are going crazy for this season:

Animal print skinny dress £45

www.warehouse.com.uk

Paul Smith Black, blood red mohair short sleeve jumper £135

www.paulsmith.co.uk

Gucci Rush 50ml £39.99

www.theperfumeshop.com

Under-wired tulle balcony bra £190 and Tulle and satin thong £120

www.laperla.com

Château de Caraguilhes Rouge £7.49

www.waitrosedeliver.com

Balmain suede buckled ankle boots £850

www.net-a-porter.com

Daisy Lowe wears dress by Pearl Lowe for Peacocks

www.peacocks.co.uk

Vivienne Westwood patent leather wallet £135

www.net-a-porter.com

Plosive platform by Boutique for Topshop £90

www.topshop.com

M.A.C Lady Danger red matte lipstick £12

www.maccosmetics.co.uk

People Tree anemone ring £6

www.peopletree.co.uk

Poppy red pleated shift dress £18

www.newlook.co.uk

ASOS Leather Sparkle Pleated Across Body Bag £22

www.asos.com

20 October 2009

10 of the best snoods

A cross between a hood and a scarf, snoods are the accessory to keep you warm this winter.


Burberry Argyle-print wool-blend snood £150 http://www.net-a-porter.com/

Topshop grey marl cable snood £25 http://www.topshop.com/

Warehouse bright red snood £60 http://www.warehouse.co.uk/

Dorothy Perkins lime short snood £10 http://www.dorothyperkins.com/

All Saints Ivona Snood £45 http://www.allsaints.com/

Accessorize Ladderknit Gunmetal Snood £18 http://www.monsoon.co.uk/

Missoni Gold ribbed lurex snood £145 http://www.brownsfashion.com/

Burberry rabbit fur snood £695 www.brownsfashion.com

Reiss black sequinned snood £69 www.reiss.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins pink jersey snood £12 http://www.dorothyperkins.com/




19 October 2009

Beyond Retro launches Brighton store

The Brighton store is Beyond Retro’s third in the UK and is located on Vine Street in the trendy Laines district. The 3500 sq ft store offers a massive range of vintage items from warm winter coats, to floral swimming hats from yesteryear.

For quirky pieces that you won’t find everyone else wearing, this place is definitely worth a visit. What’s more is that buying vintage is an eco-friendly way to clothe yourself and helps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.


Repairing, swapping, borrowing or reusing (vintage) fashion items are also all green, money-saving strategies to reduce materials and save energy used to make and ship clothing. So if you’re looking for some new threads, why not opt for the old-new kind - it’ll earn you style and eco points aplenty.



http://www.beyondretro.com/

15 October 2009

As snug as a bug in a rug

There’s certainly been a nip in the air this week; winter is fast approaching and the central heating is creeping on. Central heating, urgh. Yes it keeps us warm and toasty but it’s a nightmare for our hair and skin, plus it costs a fair few and uses a huge amount of energy too.

One easy way to delay the click of the thermostat is to invest in a warm throw. A great addition to a bed or a sofa, you can be sure you’ll use it loads, especially in the chilly winter months.

We saw this gorgeous quilted version from Biome Lifestyle and have been longing for it ever since. It’s 100% silk and was handmade in Hanoi by a small family business that is able to provide fair wages whilst promoting justifiable working hours.We love the ethics behind the item, but its eco-credentials are up-there too. Silk is a renewable resource and is readily biodegradable after its useful life. It can go on to produce useful mulch or compost, and hence soil, instead of taking 500 years to degrade, like most petroleum-based fabrics do.

Ahh, what a lovely way to make you feel all warm and snugly – inside and out!

100% Purple silk throw £80.00 from Biome Lifestyle http://www.biomelifestyle.com/.

14 October 2009

Karl Lagerfeld labels ‘fat mummies’ in size zero debate

Top designer Karl Lagerfeld has thrown himself in at the deep end of the size zero debate.

Lagerfeld made some very controversial comments in reaction to top German women’s magazine Brigitte’s decision to use ordinary, realistic women in its shoots, rather than ultra-skinny professional models.

Known for his work with Chanel, collaboration with H&M, signature black and white outfits, dark sunglasses and general uber-cool demeanour, Lagerfeld’s comments will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to campaigners that for years have worked hard to change the damaging influence of the fashion industry on models’ weight.

Lagerfeld believes that the magazine’s decision was ‘absurd’ as it was driven by pressure from overweight women that don’t like to be reminded of their weight issues. In an interview with Focus magazine, he said:

"These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly.”

Lagerfeld has long been known for his preference of super-skinny models and in the past has made several other comments on the issue, defending the fashion industry against claims it encourages anorexia. He believes size zero is a cliché and that anorexia is caused by family trauma rather than wanting to be a model or conforming to the images we see in the media.

Whilst Lagerfeld is clearly a talented designer, such outspokenness on such a serious issue is a dangerous move. Just three years ago model Ana Carolina Reston died from complications arising from anorexia, after being told at her first fashion shoot she was too fat – she was 8st at 5”6. Ana was the second model to die from anorexia in 2006.

It is clear the fashion industry as a whole clearly prefers skinnier models and has done for years, but to prevent similar tragedies to that of Ana’s there needs to be support for models suffering from anorexia, not denial and further pressure from the industry they work in.

But, whilst voicing his opinion quite clearly, Lagerfeld goes further to slam people that aren’t size zero. This is not helpful and promotes unhealthy, damaging diets and reinforces the ‘dictatorship of beauty’ that causes so many people to develop a negative self image. It also show’s he clearly has no care or concern for the health and wellbeing of the people he works with which is very sad to see.

Many of us I’m sure are not huge fans of the anorexic figure, it’s not attractive to see every bone in the body through pale sallow skin, is it? I know for one it makes me cringe. And I’ve got news for you Karl; I’m a healthy size ten with a normal BMI and no children. Shocking.

9 October 2009

ASOS mid-season sale starts tonight

It's that time of year again - mid season sales aplenty! For those of you who have been feeling the pinch recently, this is your chance to grab a bargain.

High street stores such as M&S, Debenhams and Monsoon are offering up to 50% off, whilst Matalan is offering up to a whopping -75%.

We've just got word that the ASOS mid-season sale starts today with up to 50% off selected day-dresses, coats and knitwear, as well as accessories and lingerie. This could be a good opportunity to get the winter basics in place whilst saving some pennies.

As with most sales, its best to get in there quick as all the good stuff will go pronto. Here's the heads up. Happy shopping.

Cocoon Dogtooth Coat now £45, Looped Cardigan Jacket now £20,
Folded One-Shoulder Dress now £28.

www.asos.com



8 October 2009

Tried and tested: Endermologie at Beauty Secrets

What on earth is Endermologie?

One of the newer methods of removing cellulite, endermologie lipomassage can help people to lose inches off their body or simply help them to firm and tone up.

How does it work?

Endermologie involves massaging the cellulite-prone area with small rollers encased in a hand-held device which also applies suction to the skin. These rollers are said to help break down the excess fat and release nasty toxins from cells in the area, whilst the suction is used to remove it all.

What are the benefits?

Because the treatment is tailor made to your own needs, the focus is on the areas you are most concerned about. With four different settings the treatment can be delivered in a way that has the most impact, whether your cellulite is deep-set or more superficial. The treatment claims to help you lose inches and achieve a more contoured body whilst also helping to firm, tone and smooth the skin. In addition, some cellulite can actually be painful and this treatment can help to provide a solution to this problem alongside exercise and a healthy diet.

What are the limitations?

For lasting results, the treatment requires commitment. Initially up to 16 sessions are needed to really make a long-term difference to the body contours. Following that the salon therapist recommends a follow-up every 6-8 weeks which acts as a top-up session to prevent the cellulite from returning. It’s worth noting that the worse your cellulite is, the more sessions you will need to remove it.

What is the treatment actually like?

To start off with you have to put on a type of body stocking, which is like wearing a cat suit made from thick tights. If you’re figure conscious this won’t be appealing but no one will see you apart from your therapist and once you’re wearing it, you’ll see the humour. The stocking helps the rollers to glide over your skin and gives the therapist a guide as to which areas you’d like to focus on.

Once you get used to the feel of the combined rolling and suction, the treatment is very relaxing and feels like you’re being massaged. Many people tend to drift off to sleep during the session.

Does it actually work?

Massage has long been known as an effective way to get rid of cellulite, so combined with a form of liposuction, it is no wonder this treatment receives great feedback. After just one session focussing on my buttocks, upper legs and thighs, I actually felt more toned and I noticed my legs looked slimmer.

I spoke to another lady that had been through a course of Endermologie treatments and she was very sure of its effectiveness, she said it’s ‘like looking at a completely different body in the mirror.’ And I believe her.

Treatments are around £60 each you’ll be required to book an initial course of 8 treatments. Available at Beauty Secrets www.beautysecretssalonandspa.com

7 October 2009

STRICTLY COME SIENNA X - THE NEW TAN TAKEN FROM SALONS


Did you know that the Strictly come dancers will have used 30 litres of the Sienna X tan by the time the series has faded...

The market leading brand that has given UK women (and men) professional tanning solutions with incredibly natural-looking, radiant results has just re-launched their retail range, which has undergone a total makeover, complete with new style branding. These gorgeous pre and post tan skin care products have been reformulated to be even more fabulous than ever, including lots of extra natural ingredients to soften, condition, cleanse, tone and sun-kiss your skin.

Presented in NEW sleek, satin-touch packaging in a choice of burnished bronze or sumptuous magenta, devotees will be pleased to know the ‘must-have’ sunless tanning range is also introducing several NEW products to an already extensive line-up.

Priced for everyday use, this fantastic collection is deliciously scented, paraben free and contains anti-oxidant vitamins and natural, enriching ingredients to leave your skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and radiant.

Prices start from £4.95 available from Urban Retreat Harrods and selected salons nationwide.
For details of your nearest stockist call 01905 27070.
Alternatively, you can order online at :
http://www.sienna-x.co.uk/



6 October 2009

Animal print: not just for the catwalk

Animal prints have made it through another season and are still very much a top desire of the fashion pack; however they don’t need to be restricted to the catwalk as there are currently many great products for the home that mirror the trend.


We’d advise picking a statement piece to liven up a dull room, rather than covering your walls and floors entirely with leopard print. Less is more with this trend, otherwise you run the risk of being mistaken for Bet Lynch or thinking you’re in a Vegas hotel bedroom.


Here a few homewares that offer stylish ways to bring a room up to date:




Diane Von Furstenberg's A/W collection as seen as New York Fashion Week http://www.dvf.com/


Julien Macdonald’s zebra print cocktail glasses, £7 each and included in the Star range at Debenhams http://www.debenhams.com/


Cow hide rug available at I Want One of Those for £249 http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/


Missoni leopard print cushion, available in three sizes from £68 at Dotmaison http://www.dotmaison.com/


Giraffe print rug from Argos was £29.99, now £25.99 http://www.argos.co.uk/


DCW chair inspired by the Charles Eames 1945 design, £330 available in pony skin from Art Deco http://www.artdecodesignshop.co.uk/

5 October 2009

NEW FROM COLEEN THE BEAUTY QUEEN


Coleen x Signature Eye Palettes - £9.00
For emphasised eyes, pick and mix from four palettes – Moonstruck, Emerald Goddess, True Blue and Chocolate Box. These creamy, intense, long-lasting powder shadows have a soft shimmer finish. The soft formula glides over the skin, blends effortlessly and lasts for hours. Each pallet comes loaded with four colour rich shades to take your look from day through to night. A built in mirror and double-ended soft-brush and smudge applicator makes application a dream.


Coleen x Signature Lip Palettes - £9.00
For long lasting, colour rich lips, Coleen’s palettes offer a choice of four collections - Berry Babe, Candy Crush, Iced Mocha and Sun Kissed. Wear each shade alone or mix them to create your own look. Each palette contains four shades to take your look from day through to night and with a built in mirror and applicators they are easy to use wherever you may be.

Coleen x Signature Collection - £25.00
You’ll be in cosmetic heaven with the Coleen Signature Collection. 8 of Coleen’s favourite shades of eye shadow, 8 shades of lip gloss, a bronzing powder, blusher and highlighting powder are all contained to give you the ultimate collection to create stunning looks. Coleen’s tips can be found on the inside cover to give you her insight into how to get the best from the collection

Coleen’s colour cosmetics collection is available from Selfridges, selected Debenhams and The Fragrance Shop (stockists 0870 850 3868).