Sir Charlie Stinky Socks

I love books. I think it would be more sensible to borrow books from a library but there's just something about having my own collection. In recent years I have been focusing on children's books; we have seriously gone from nil to a small library. How do I justify this? Books are educational. And I plan on keeping them for my grandchildren!

One of our current favourites:

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure by Kristina Stephenson 
This is an exciting and slightly scary book (great for boys) about a brave little knight who comes across beasties, a dragon and a witch. He doesn't fight them, though, you see. He's got better methods, such as singing a lullaby, sharing sandwiches or offering a drink. 

Look inside...
Included are some huge flaps. 

Sure, it's an entertaining book, but what makes it even better is the CD. I think this is so well done, with fun music, great sound effects and it's read convincingly. As if that weren't enough, the CD also contains songs and games.

Love the name, too: Sir Charlie Stinky Socks!  

Goodone - London Fashion Week -Estethica London Fashion Week

I enjoyed talking to Goodone founder Nin Castle at London fashion week last Tuesday.

It was at the end of the day and we had been wanting to find the Anatomy stand in the Ethethica zone of the LFW exhibition and literally stubbled upon the Goodone stand.

I discovered that Nin had studied Textiles at Brighton College of Technology, the same place as me except I studied Graphic design.

She graduated in 2002 and has been a true pioneer in sustainable fashion since. Basing her degree show collection on the sustainable textile concept she got little or no support from her tutors, more to do with the fact that this quest was new and previously unexplored territory Nin tactfully said. Through shear determination and persistence she sourced suppliers of recycled fabric for her collection and fashion brand that has followed.

This seasons collection has a sporty feel, is body conscious, modern and very flattering to the female form creating a sexy silhouette. What is impressive is it is a cool brand, the fact that it is ethical makes one question why can't more fashion retailers do this.

Goodone proves that there has to be absolutely no compromise on style to be ethical.

check out www.goodone.co.uk

Sia Dimitriadi - London Fashion Week

I met Sia Dimitriadi on the first day of London Fashion Week and was immediately drawn to her stand. The pretty ruffles and flounce with frills create an alluring feminine silhouette which is very eye catching.

I discovered that she is based in Nicosia in Cyprus and has a studio of seamstresses busy beavering away creating her designs to order.

Sia launched her label in 2006 and is impressively a self- taught designer.

The collection is girlie but with a grown up and knowing sophistication.

At first glance and if you didn't take the time to look properly you could be forgiven for thinking Sia's collection was for lingerie market. Infact as Nick and I were chatting to her two Italian Lingerie buyers sped past stopping for a moment to give her their card!!

Sia uses mostly silk to create her designs of gorgeous frothy, flouncy, frilly and very feminine clothes.

Her winter collection is black and her summer collection pastels.

I went back to see Sia on the Tuesday of London fashion week with my colleague Nick Lodge a web site designer to see whether she needed any help defining her brand more effectively on the web. We will be putting some concepts together for her to look at and see how it goes from there. We believe she has a great look that if styled and photographed with a more everyday edge can really go places. watch this space.

Sia's summer colours

Sia at London Fashion week February 2010

Milan Fashion Week: Moschino Cheap & Chic Fall 2010 Collection

Rosella Jardini's Cheap & Chic fashion show for Milan Fashion Week is not just an ordinary runway show. The guests stood beside the red carpet while models strutted across them. According to Rosella Jardini, the concept of Cheap & Chic's Fall 2010 fashion show is about women with various fashion styles who went out of a hotel.

Enjoy the Cheap & Chic's fab fashion show with humor!








Source: Style.com

Isabeli Fontana Harpers Bazaar Russia March 2010

Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana looked stylish at the March 2010 issue of Harper's Bazaar Russia. She pulled a chic-look by wearing fabulous pieces such as floral-print corset by Dolce & Gabanna, pink pencil dress and patterned sundresses.

With her flowing dark locks and red lips, she sported fashionable outfits for day and night. Check out Isabeli Fontana's fashion shoots for Harpers' Bazaar Russia March 2010 issue.






Source: Fashionising.com

What exactly is "my personal yoga challenge"?

I should probably explain.

One of my current and hopefully long-term obsessions is to become a yoga believer. A yogi, I think they're called.

That sounds sort of negative, like I'm trying too hard. For a lot of people, they seem to be converts after the first attempt.

That makes me a bit nervous because I don't think it's clicked yet. For the record, I am a complete beginner. I've only just started Kundalini Yoga and what I can say is that I like it so far.

But it hasn't changed me or my life YET.

From what I've heard and read, yoga can heal and strengthen the body and mind. It is exercise, it can calm you down and make you into a better person. It apparently becomes a lifestyle, if you want to embrace it as such. It sounds too good to be true.

There are so many believers out there that there must be some truth to it!

So here's my mantra.

Be open-minded.
Don't give up.

MAC's Spring Colour Forecast 2 Blush Ombre

From the Spring Colour Forecast collection, this was the only face product that I felt I had to have... (the other one was the matching nail lacquer in Malibu Peach).

The Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach is a multi-toned blush in coral.

I swatched the colours separately first (the pale peach and darker pink), then swirled my finger around in it to get the pretty blossomy, sunset colour on the right. It looks really natural and fresh on my skin. Fab! Why do such great things have to be limited edition?

Georgia Hardinge at LFW

These two hard working girls Sara and Saskia are in Paris at the moment with Georgia Hardinge having done the week in London. The piece they are standing next to got a lot of media attention. check out www.georgiahardinge.blogspot.com for more info - her web site is under reconstruction at the moment. A sexy and innovative collection.

London Fashion week - Fiona Paxton Accessories

Fiona Paxton's accessories caught my eye to be honest because of the way one of her team had styled herself wearing a piece with a simple stripy T shirt.

I thought this looked really accessible and easy to wear as an everyday item. I like this contrast, it looks cool.

Fiona Paxton trained at the Royal College of Art in 1992 and launched this collection in 2008 after many years gained working in the fashion industry.

www.fiona-paxton.com

Milan Fashion Week: Prada Fall 2010 Collection

Classic. That's the theme for Prada's Fall 2010 collection that was showcased on Milan Fashion Week. According to Miuccia Prada, she revised her nineties creations and came up with the Fall 2010 collection. Models paraded in the runway in classic dresses and 1960's beehives. Our favorite Victoria's Secret Angels like Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes plus Victoria's Secret model Lara Stone were among the models who strutted down the runway.







Photo: Style.com

FASHION'S GOT HEART

Amidst the constant stream of celebs strutting down the catwalk for Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief show, nobody deserved their place in the line up more then Elite's very own Alizee Gaillard. After having spent most of her childhood in Haiti and with friends and family still living there, it seemed only right that Alizee was asked to take part in an event that would make a difference to a cause so close to her heart. We think she looks absolutely beautiful and almost outshines Miss Campbell herself in these exclusive backstage shots...it's that smile which make Alizee one of our top beauty girls!

London Fashion Week: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 Collection

Everyone were impressed with Christopher Bailey's jackets for Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 Collection. The fashion designer created giant-collared shearlings, military-drab overcoats and parkas that will suit your fashion style of the Fall season. Let's check the models in jacket; skimpy, drapey, lacy skirt; and a pair of amazing boots!






Photo Source: Style.com