Thursday 20 November 2008

SB Hearts Ooh La Luxe Boutique




As every fashionista worth her Manoloes knows nothing beats boutique shopping. It's the thrill of skimming through a beautifully edited collection and revelling in the atmosphere of decadence and luxury.

And someone who knows about that better than most is Kimberly Lawson. A graduate of prestigious design college The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in California she started her online boutique Ooh La Luxe (www.oohlaluxe.com) at the age of 22 and stocks uber trendy labels such as Voom by Joy Han, Love Quotes and Lauren Conrad. I caught up with the fashion entrepreneur to find out more about what it's like being in the fashion business.


SB: What inspired you to start up Ooh La Luxe boutique?

KL: Fashion is something I loved from a young age. When I was about six, I was making clothes and costumes out of grocery bags and I started designing using Barbie stencils when I was in the 3rd grade, so that love was always there and I knew I would have to work in fashion one way or another. Initially, I intended on being a designer but I realized that I really liked working with a variety of lines and choosing the best pieces from them. So having my own store was something I dreamed about all through college and afterwards. I love helping other women to look their best and find the pieces they want.

SB: How are your items different from what people can buy in malls and the high
street?

KL: Oh gosh, I think there's a huge difference in mall vs. boutique shopping to begin with! When I think of mall shopping I think mass production. You're shopping where everyone else shops and you'll probably spot plenty of people wearing the things you have. But boutiques bring in more unique pieces that will be special to you, I've even had customers tell me this. And this is especially true with OohLaLuxe.com because we always spot underexposed brands like Bryce & Bouji, Egoist and Plastic Island before they become huge. And even in the more popular lines like Voom, we usually pick great fitting, great looking pieces that the other boutiques don't have. We also only carry 4 or 5 pieces in each garment, so the changes of spotting anyone else wearing what you have is pretty slim to none.

SB: What do you look for in designers you stock in the boutique?

KL: I like designers who create pieces with a lot of unique details. I want to see them take trends and spin them in their own way so that the customer will look more "chic" and less "faddish" when wearing these fashion forward pieces. And of course, they have to be well made, well tailored, and flattering to a large segment of womens bodies.

SB: As an online shop do you think you're at an advantage or a disadvantage when it comes to competing with bricks and mortar stores?

KL: That's a good question! I think there are equal advantages and disadvantages to shopping online. I'd love to have walk in traffic or for it to be easier for customers to try on merchandise. But at the same time, I love that I can reach anyone in the world and that potential customers can use a search engine and be directed to the exact product they're looking for on my site. That right there is pretty powerful! So I would say I have a tad bit of an advantage.

SB: What do you think makes you stand out compared to other online boutiques?

KL: I always try to add fun touches to Ooh La Luxe! in order to make the online shopping experience a bit more fun. For example, I added the scrolling billboard on the main page as well as a couple of other pages which is kind of like window shopping all the new arrivals. And I also give fit tips for each item and ideas on how to style every piece.

SB: If you weren't doing this job what other line of work would appeal to you?

KL: I would probably still work in fashion, maybe as a buyer for another store or as a sales rep. But basically, I love anything fashion related or anything creative.

SB: Who's your favourite designer?

KL: Just one? That's hard! I love any designers who make beautiful things. I really love what Elie Saab does every season as well as Monique Lhuillier, and I like a lot of Marchesa's work as well.

SB: Where do you see Ooh La Luxe in 5 years time?

KL: In 5 years I definitely see a brick and mortar Ooh La Luxe! boutique in existence. I also see the website as one of the handful of well known, well respected online boutiques with tons of product lines and a great mix of well known brands and hot up and comers.

SB: What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting up their own online boutique?

KL: Learn as much as you can about fashion, sales and running a business. I think hands on experience and book knowledge are both important. Try to take fashion courses, marketing courses, classes in business management, and definitely work in retail so you can hone your skills as a salesperson and learn about customer service. Even if you're just working at the mall, which is what I did, it can help a lot. And learn as much as you can about the potential customers in the area you wish to open your boutique (if it's online, then pick a niche and stick to it). Also, immerse yourself in fashion. You've got to live and breathe it!

The lovely Kimberly is giving all Style Bazaar readers 20% off any item in the store just enter in the code "stylebazaar" at the check out.

Aren't I good to you :) Enjoy!

Thursday 9 October 2008

SB Nostalgia Trip: SATC The Movie

Now that the Sex and the City movie is out on DVD the excitement we all felt when it was due to be released on the big screen has waned.

So... when I found this mini clip of a behind the scenes look at the film's fashion I couldn't have been more pleased. Patricia Field really is a genius! Check it out!

Sex And The City Back In Fashion

Monday 6 October 2008

SB Covets: Linda Farrow Sunglasses





These sunnies are the perfect style statement for those bright winter days. Big, Bold and sported by many A-listers they're the epitome of glam!

Friday 3 October 2008

SB Arm Candy: Chloe Paraty Bag





Now that the summer is fast becoming a distant memory and the weather's turning grey and gloomy us girls need a bit of a pick me up and I've found just the thing. The Chloe Paraty Bag. This super bag is the epitome of style - sexy and understated yet still functional.

It's already been seen on Mary Kate and Katie Holmes they're both sporting the ultra tricked out python version with brushed gold detail which is priced at close to two thousand pounds. But despair not as it also comes in a leather version that's going at almost a thousand pounds.

I'm actually considering selling all my bags on ebay and just owning this one and a vintage clutch. It would be so worth it!

Wednesday 1 October 2008

Anne Hathaway in W Magazine



The Emmy's 2008

The Best and worst of the Emmy's 2008! I'm loving Debra Messing in Monique Lhullier, and Nicolette Sheridan couldn't look more gorgeous in a plum Angel Sanchez floor sweeper.

Though Eva Longoria's Marchesa mini is stunning the smoky eyes and Robert Palmer "Addicted to Love" hair just don't mix.





SB Arm Candy: Pauric Sweeney Metallic Bag

Shoe Crush: Jimmy Choo Glenys Sandals




Stilettos the world over have got some serious competition. Behold the uber sexy Jimmy Choo Glenys sandal. Impractical, painful looking but just oozing sensuality. Hey what's a couple of blisters in return for the wow factor instantly bestowed upon the wearer of these lovelies.

And where there's a hot stiletto you can be sure there's a gaggle of style hungry celebrities not too far behind so it's no surprise that they've already been spotted on the manicured feet of Fergie.

They're a bit pricey at £850 a pair but as they say you can't put a price on happiness :)

Jada Pinkett on How Fashion Came To Her Rescue ....

Listen and learn! The gorgeous Jada Pinkett tells the NY Post how she learned to get her way on the set on new movie "The Women". This is hilarious!

Tuesday 30 September 2008

Shoe Crush: Square Toe Alexander McQueen Lovelies




Who could say no to these ??? And of course VB had to rock them first - the woman must be on 24/7 fashion alert she's always on trend. Love it!

Sunday 28 September 2008

The Fashion Business: A tete -a-tete with Drapers Editor Lauretta Roberts




As a fashion lover I'm always keen to know what's going on in the glossies but for the most relevant information on the fashion industry - well there's no better place to look than Drapers magazine. An industry bible that's read by everyone from newbie designers to the fashion elite. And I was priviledged enough to be invited to a talk by the magazine's editor Lauretta Roberts hosted by the fabulous Fashion Business Club.

The event took place at exclusive London restaurant "Sketch" and Lauretta Roberts - looking immaculately groomed - was refereshingly candid about the state of the industry and what it takes for a newbie deigner to get noticed.

She advised those keen to get into the magazine to try to get a bit established before approaching them and sending an e-mail to a member of the team as the head honcho admitted she sometimes gets up to 200 e-mails a day - yeah seriously! So it's best to avoid cluttering her inbox.

A passion of mine is internet TV as I love the ability to be able to pick and choose my viewing therefore SKY plus is like my favourite thing ever! So I grilled Ms Roberts on whether we can expect video on the Drapers site anytime soon and her answer was encouraging. She acknowledged that content is king and said tentative steps were being taken towards providing videos on the site and this could happen as early as January - yay!!!

All in all a good time was had by all. And again many thanks to Courtney Blackman for inviting me!

To find out more about Drapers check out: www.drapersonline.com

And you can get more info on the fashion business club at www.fashionbusinessclub.net

Rising Fashionista: Selena Gomez



Disney starlet Selena Gomez has been languishing under the style radar for a while but has definitely been spotted after turning up to the premier of her straight to DVD movie "Another Cinderella Story" in this BCBG Max Azria charcoal lovely. She's even managed to earn herself extra style points by adding a de rigeur knotted belt and keeping the shoes neutral yet sparkly. Selena Gomez we salute you!

SB LOVES: The New Power Suit





Check out this Nathan Jenden suit. It says it all glitz, glamour and ultimately power. 80s diva Alexis Carrington and 90s it girls Shannon Doherty and Heather Locklear may have rocked the shoulder pad version of the power suit but noughties superwomen know all they need to shine is a bit of metallic magic!

Wednesday 24 September 2008

Style Crush: Indie Boutiques

Fashion boutiques are nothing new but these days it seems you can't walk down a high street without going past two Zara stores and three H & M's. So it's refreshing to know there are shops you can go to get gorgeous unique pieces that you won't see on everyone else.

Better still if the shopping trip simply means reaching for your computer mouse.

Online shopping is THE only way to shop in style just think no endless queues to contend with just a dazzling array gorgeous items, well laid out and once you've made your choice - without the annoying presence of a sales assistant crowding you - it's delivered to your door - every day might as well be Christmas:)

So I've peeked into my little black book and have come up with two of the chicest shopping destinations on the net and had a chat with the stylish ladies behind the boutiques.

The Look Boutique:
www.thelookboutique.com







Nina Edwards started "The Look Boutique" with her sister, Chantelle, when they realised that there wasn't a forum for new designers to showcase their work and harness their talents outside of London's famous fashion markets Spitalfields and Portobello.

So these intrepid sister took the leap and now they're in charge of one of the hottest stores on the net. They've had their items featured in various magazines including Look, More, Red and Grazia but they admit it wasn't always easy.

Nina says they did "a lot of research and weren't afraid to ask for help". And how about actually attracting the talent? Well that sounds like the fun part. Nina smiles when she remembers that no stone was left unturned as they sought out designers wherever they could so they looked for talent by going to fashion colleges, and attending fashion shows.

So after the trawl what is the X - factor that makes them decide to stock a certain brand - Nina says the designer has got "to make them excited about their clothes". It's got to be "something they'd love to wear or that they can see fitting in on the site."

And what about the competition?

Nina takes a philosophical approach to dealing with big retail giants - Topshop, River Island etc - who are also trading online and competing for the same market.

"There's a piece for everyone as long as they're distinctive."

And if their customer feedback is anything to go by these fashionistas are heading straight for the top.


CoCo Career Boutique:

cococareer.com
myspace.com/coco_career





I caught up with Verena Paloma Jabs the owner of CoCo Career boutique to find out what makes this fashionista tick!

SB: What inspired you to start up Coco Career‘s Boutique?

PJ: I have always had a keen interest in and appreciation for aesthetics, having had the privilege of growing up in beautiful houses with incredibly stylish interior and furniture - I was surrounded by beautiful design and clothes. My mother‘s dressing room had hundreds of pairs of designer shoes and we were always traveling around the world!

I went to Boarding School in the South of England, I then studied Fine Art at Chelsea College Of Art in London and University Of The Arts, Berlin. I was constantly looking for unique designs to wear, the idea of a boutique as hybrid inter-disciplinary platform for fashion, music, art and design originated then. I like to think of Coco Career‘s Boutique as a gallery almost with curated pieces and shows.


After my graduation I worked for an online vintage boutique for a while, whose image I developed and realized. I also brought the idea of selling vintage in combination with new independent designers to the shop, after a year of hard work however, I felt it would be more rewarding to start my own online boutique. I wanted to pursue the idea of creating the image and concept I have had since being a student. Some of the designers I had found through my research working for the vintage boutique did not fit into the kitschy image I had created for that shop- I also needed a place to sell the playful take on band merchandise I had just designed for the band Robots In Disguise - two post-feminist electro punkettes from London- if you are not familiar with their amazing tunes you might have come across them in their guest appearances in the The Mighty Boosh!


Coco Career‘s Boutique was born! I started with a few designers, Nisha Thirkell‘s stunning Lolapeachy and Violet Manners jewellery ranges, Luxembourg-based designers Belle Sauvage‘s clubscene inspired printed tops and artist/ designer Rosalind Davis‘ delicate accessories creations you may have seen on Patrick Wolf.
A short while later I offered Dutch designer‘s Maaike Mekking‘s critically acclaimed first collection 'She‘s lost control‘ and Rome-based Jessica Harris‘ 'Retro Kitchen‘, shortly after we added 'I‘d Rather Die A Maid‘ by Los Angeles-based Sarah Brannon‘s brand Chelsea Rebelle.

SB:How are your items different from what's on the high street?

PJ: I consider the value of our items to be in their originality. Most of our designer items are hand-made, in some cases it is possible to commission custom-made clothes. I am careful to insure the fabrics are of superior quality and that the clothes are equally well tailored- a lot of research and care is going into all the designers creations.

If you purchase a garment from the high street you might be able to get ta designer look by-proxy for high street prices, but you will always find other people wearing the same clothes and there seems to be a notion of a careless throwaway culture- often the clothes are of inferior quality and look dated quickly. I tend to think you treasure designer pieces more and you can wear them longer. I consider some of the pieces we have in Coco Career‘s Boutique as wearable art rather than just fashion.

Obviously there is an ethical component involved as well, you might pay more but you can be sure there is no sweatshop labour involved!

SB: What do you look for in designers you take on?

PJ:I look for interesting designers who convince with their fresh ideas and innovative take on fashion- Belle Sauvage for instance are a great example of a vivid design project, whose striking prints are exciting and daring in their bold colours printed on sexy silhouetted garments, a mixture of urban wear and sophistication, hence the name of their new collection, 'Street Gallery'!

I like to represent designers who are not yet considered established but not too unknown either- it is very exciting to see each designer grow and evolve in their creations with each new collection, and participate in their experience of being discovered by press and other buyers. It almost makes you feel as if you discovered a new talent. It‘s great!

SB: As an online shop do you think you're at an advantage or disadvantage when it comes to competing with the high street?

PJ: There are so many different aspects in terms of competition - with regards to quality and style I think independent designers offer a great alternative to brands such as All Saints, Fornarina or Miss Sixty in a similar price-range, if you choose to wear something more unique. Small designers are big trendsetters for high street stores, which a lot of the times are "inspired“ by their creations, often to the extend that many young designers who want to start up their own lines are frustratingly being copied by some high street brands.

Obviously these companies have a lot of capital for production and advertising and hence a hugh amount of exposure and visibility- I don‘t think a small boutique can expect to compete with the high street. I believe independent designers and smaller boutiques such as Coco Career inspire the high street shops!

This does not mean I think high street stores are bad, ASOS offer trendy clothes for a budget but at the same time they give independent designers and stylists the opportunity for collaboration and to sell on their site. Another example would be Topshop who every year give up- and coming talents the opportunity and financial backing to stage their first catwalk shows, or take H&M who collaborate with designers- another collaborative project which comes to mind is PPQ‘s recent work for Ben Sherman, all these are great examples which evoke a sense of the notion that talented designers are invited to collaborate with big companies rather than being copied.

I don‘t believe I am at competition with these stores however, I believe in making a difference for a small niche market of people who would like to wear something a little more edgy and fun and who support independent fashion.

In terms of competing with boutiques which have physical spaces I think the disadvantage of an online store is that you have fewer impulse buyers as people are not able to touch fabrics and try on garments as they see them, on the other hand internet traffic allows me not having to rely on foot traffic! We are open 24/7! Coco career‘s customers are from all over the world, the internet gives as the opportunity to be accessible to many more people than if we only had one „real“ physical store.

SB: What do you think makes you stand out compared to other online shops e.g. ASOS?

PJ: ASOS is a cool site, they have many brilliant people working within the company and I frequently visit their web-store- it is interesting to see how they have grown from a small online merchant to such a big store with many brands- I find their mainstream celebrity-focused marketing a little irritating though!

I am not that interested in having a huge range of goods available like ASOS, I want to be seen as a curator of fashion, not a buyer. I would like to support design talents rather than making a huge amount of sales. The Boutique acts as a cross-promotional vessel of sorts, increasing the value of the distinct designer brand as well as the Boutique's own image.

We are working currently on expanding our art and book section. A myspace, facebook and yahoo-group has been set up for people with similar interests to exchange ideas, communicate through blogs.

I want to inspire people with the designers and our fashion photography we have on the site, they should be stylized shoots rather than only product pictures. It‘s eyecandy!

I would like Coco Career to remain a small unique boutique offering carefully selected designers and artists.

SB: If you weren't doing this job what other line of work would appeal to you?

PJ: Aside from Coco Career I also work as a Fine Artist, I make animations, photography, installation art- I have recently directed my first music video for Berlin based band IAMX (Solo-project of Sneaker Pimps frontman Chris Corner) and I am now working on two exhibitions for 2009, in 38 Vicolo Leopardo, Rome and Rosie Wolfenden‘s and Harriet Vine‘s brilliant Tatty Divine Boutique and Gallery in London.
If I had to choose a non-artistic job I would probably be working in scientific research! I have always been interested in micro-biology and genetic engineering, I draw a lot of inspiration for my artwork from science.

SB: Who's your favourite designer?

PJ: Oh there are so many!

It is really difficult to say, I don‘t want to single out one designer. Yves Saint Laurent was an incredible liberator of fashion obviously and his legacy lives on in so many designers‘ work. I love Karl Lagerfeld for the way in which he constantly re-invents the House of Chanel, he is a real artist!

I also really like Viktor and Rolf, their exhibition at the Barbican in London was overwhelming- their conceptually-based practice and presentation of each collection is thought provoking and amazing on so many different levels! I am a victim of their Flowerbomb perfume! The perfume also originated as a fine art concept when V&R were still dreaming of being designers, the perfume being presented in a wax-sealed flacon, which could not be opened and hence never be experienced, an intangible promise of a scent never to be experienced.

I love Sarah Brannon‘s creations, the designer behind Chelsea Rebelle- she is and incredibly talented designer- her attention to detail, aesthetics, influences... I found her through a fashion blog while I was in Los Angeles last autumn and contacted her immediately to see if she was interested in showing her line on cococareer.com.

Of course I also love all the other coco designers! I had to have every outfit of the Jessica Harris Autumn/Winter 08 ('Galactic Ballet') collection for myself! My newest addition is Montreal-based designer Valerie Dumaine, her elegant creations are so refined, they give a sense of the past whilst being very contemporary at the same time.


I absolutely adore Marni, you may come across me dressed from head to toe in their beautiful clothes, the display in their shops are real artistic tableaus, so eyecatching and stylish! I want to live there!


For shoes I love YSL and Pierre Hardy, and I absolutely adore Jerome C. Rousseau! Jerome has just launched his own L.A.-based brand and has received huge critical acclaim for his first collection- an amazing new discovery you have got to watch out for!

SB: What do you think keeps people shopping at coco career?

PJ: I think it is the selection of designers whose work is distinctly different yet compliments each other- I have many returning customers who buy garments for every season from a specific designer and many customers who will mix and match pieces by different designers.

Adding new exciting designers and products is important to keep people interested, there has to be 'a new exhibition‘ frequently so people remember you.

It makes me happy to get so much positive feedback from customers who compliment us on our friendly service and ideas behind Coco Career‘s Boutique!


SB: And for the next two weeks Style Bazaar readers can get a discount on everything at Coco Career y simply entering the code STYLEBAZAARBLOG while checking out.

Thanks Verena!

Sunday 21 September 2008

SB Spotlight: Fashion Illustration

Drawing is a talent I've always wished I had so I guess it comes as no suprise that I'm completely in awe of fashion illustrators. I love the way their sketchings are so much more subtle than a photograph but in some ways more evocative.

So I took time out to catch up with three illustrators whose stunning array of work has got me weak at the knees:


Grant Cowan:





SB: What inspired you to become an illustrator and how did you break into the field?

GC: My Great Uncle Jim was a draftsman and I wished to be like him. He would print and render the typography on my birthday cards in such a fashion that I was mesmerised.

My 'break' I dont believe has happened yet , but I believe being published in UK magazines gave me a true sense of achievment. I would love to contribute to Vanity Fair one day

SB:What inspires your work?

GC: I have an attraction to movement. Beauty is obligitory but I will still add it as sometimes it is overlooked as an inspiration. Beauty of any form.

SB: Do you have a favourite fashion house/designer and if so who?

GC: I continually enjoy John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Christian Lacroix. British fashion is paramount to me though.

SB:What's your favourite blog /magazine?

Yours of course

SB:What's been the highlight of your career so far?

GC:I am about to have it as I will be displaying my work across the windows of the Australian Esmod fashion College in Sydney

SB:Name 3 things you couldn't live without.

My paint brushes, paint and paper. And my King Charles Cavelier Douglas...

SB:What would be your dream commission?

GC:Vanity Fair

SB:What's your favourite illustration of yours?

I dont have one, its always the latest one I have done

SB: Who's your favourite artist of all time?

GC: I believe Turner is the most sumpreme artist of all and I was born on his birthday


SB:And finally, who's the most stylish person you know?

A hard one to answer.... I think style is transient and therefore you embody it at times and at times you dont.... Lack of ego I think is very very stylish


Andrea Scobie:







SB: What inspired you to become an illustrator and how did you break into the field?

AS: Being an illustrator is all I have ever wanted to be since a very young age, I began drawing with crayons and continued on from there. I broke into the field by just starting to work on all types of illustration jobs. I was very fortunate to have many of the jobs come to me.

SB: What inspires your work?

AS: I was always inspired by the great fashion illustrator Antonio, by walt disney and by all the great painters from the impressionist era: Renoit, Van Gogh, Gaugin, Monet.

SB: Do you have a favourite fashion house/designer/store and if so what is it?

AS: I appreciate many of the designers works and I was a huge fan of Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Oscar De La Renta, Diane von Furstenberg. My casual side loves Diesel, Anthropologie, and Raw 7 amongst others.

SB: What's your favourite blog /magazine and why?

AS: I would have to say it's a tie between Vogue, Bazaar and Elle.

SB: What's been the highlight of your career so far?

AS: The highlight of my career was the first illustration that I was asked to create for the cover of a book although I don't think this was my best work : "Target underwear and a Vera Wang Gown". I was given another book cover a few months later for "Stuck in Downward Dog" a terrific little chiclit book.

SB: Name 3 things you couldn't live without.

AS: Colors, music, textures.

SB: What would be your dream commission and why?

AS: It would be very nice to do a series of images for a large high end clothing store like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue or one of the large magazines such as Vogue because of the exposure it would bring to my work.

SB: What's your favourite illustration of yours and why?

AS: My favorite illustration is always the one I am working on at the moment. They are all special to me and a part of me that mark a specific time of my life.

SB:Who's your favourite artist of all time?

AS: Antonio Lopez

SB: Who's the most stylish person you know?

AS: My mother

SB: What key items will you be stocking up on for the autumn?

AS: Hoping to find a great pair of lace up boots that will also offer comfort, and a jacket.

Aga Baranska:






SB: What inspired you to become an illustrator and how did you break into the field?

AB: I was working as a fashion designer and suddenly the clients loved my sketches.
This was the first step for my solo exhibition in London.

SB: What inspires your work?

AB: My work is inseparable from fashion.Each new season is influencing my work – can be just an interesting colour or simple shape.

SB: Do you have a favourite fashion house/designer and if so who?

AB: All my votes go for the French style: YSL,ChloƩ, Balenciaga & Isabel Marant

SB: What's your favourite blog /magazine and why?

AB: thesartorialist.blogspot.com/ - love watching what other people are wearing…

SB: What's been the highlight of your career so far?

AB:Working in Japan for high profile advertising client and watching
Tokyo covered up with my illustrations on big billboards.

SB: Name 3 things you couldn't live without.

AB: Love, coffee & high heels

SB: And finally, who's your style icon?

AB: Bianca Jagger - in the 60’s & Vivienne Westwood - ever

Saturday 20 September 2008

Naomi does Charidee





Naomi Campbell's fashion for relief show went down a treat in London. She used her star power to get her celeb mates to strut their stuff on the catwalk and for such a great cause - to raise money for The White Ribbon Alliance fund to promote safe childbirth.

Everyone look fantastic and of course Naomi did a couple of turns to show them all how it's really done!

Style Crush: Peter Pilotto Metallic Dress



It's not often that I profess my unyielding devotion to a scrap of fabric but this Peter Pilotto creation is the goddess dress of my dreams.
Its unusual cut and striking clash of metallic colours means it won't be forgotten in a hurry and it seems to suit just about everyone - Rihianna, Tamsin and Lisa rocked in exquisitely though!. Mr Pilotto Style Bazaar salutes you - you fashion genius!

Thursday 14 August 2008

Vibrating Mascara - The Verdict



With the launch of any new beauty product from an international cosmetics brand there's bound to be a lot of hype. So it was no surprise that beauty editors from London to L.A were extolling the new vibrating mascaras from Estee Lauder and Lancome as you guessed it ...The Next Big Thing!

Well as a self confessed beauty junkie I was as intrigued as anyone else to get my hands on this so called miracle product. It would mean an end to fiddling with eyelash glue, make my lashes longer and sultrier and what's more it combined two of my favourite things gadgets and make up - so how could it fail to impress right?

Wrong! As the old saying goes if it seems too good to be true it is. I raced into the beauty hall at Harrods and had the lady at the Estee Lauder counter try the "Turbolash All efects Motion Mascara" out on my bare lashes. And.... well I'm not going to sugar coat it it was fine. Ok a bit better than fine it was good but not great. The vibrating efect isn't very dramatic in fact I couldn't feel any pulsating on my actual lashes just n the bast of the mascara wand. My lashes did look fluttery but the effect was more spindly and thin that thick and luscious. So i think I'll be sticking to my trusty Zoom lash by Mac.

Shop Crush: Ted Baker

Growing up I associted Ted Baker with over priced clothes that just weren't worth it. They tended to stock smart office basics - black skirts, white shirts, black jackets - and the odd wannabe it accesory such as a black bag on a silver chain that was so trying to pass for Chanel but looked cheap. So let's just say I didn't step into their stores very often. But over the last two years they've realy stepped up their style game and are now one of the hottest names on the high street.
Their stuff is young, super stylish and ticks all the right boxes. And they're stocked in Selfridges among other places and even have a store on trendy South Molton street. So Ted Baker we at Style Bazaar have fallen hard for you. Here's an edit of the best from their latest collection.