by Sarah-Hayley Owen

Friday, September 30, 2011

Another Royal Engagement, Another Flawless Duchess

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The 'Kate' Dress by Libelula

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Introducing the world of Fabryan

http://www.fabryan.com/
Image: Sarah-Hayley Freelance

Fabryan is a new luxury fashion label specialising in RTW and Bespoke pieces. The first Fabryan collection launched during London Fashion Week in 2010, Offering collections which allow a smooth transition from Day to Night.

The current AW11 collection, fused with prints and an abundance of textures, provides a clever juxtaposition with fluid fabrics finished with leather bindings.

Attention to detail is at the heart of Fabryan, careful consideration is given to adornments such as ruffles, rouching, gathers and flattering pleats.

My favourite looks from this collection begin with the stunning wool Ashley Coat. The fur collar and cuffs add a vintage touch while the leather binding modernises the finished look. As focus turns toward to the back of the coat, the row of box-pleats add further sophistication to the overall shape.

The Vixen dress is exactly how it sounds, a smouldering look which would look a dream on Rhianna. The body con silhouette hugs curves in all the right places while the chiffon sleeves with puff shoulders and delicate rouched neckline create an air of femininity. I especially love the fixed leather cuff, demonstrating once again the close attention given to every detail.

My third key look from Fabryan is the Sheffy dress. An eye-catching number which personifies Fabryan. Sheer sleeves are set within plain black panelling contrasted with an alluring central printed satin panel which is entirely rouched. This statement dress is finished at the back with a visible full length leather zip.

The Fabryan signature prints play a pivotal role in this AW11 collection helping to distinguish each look and offering a real wow factor. The Katie dress is my ultimate favourite from the Fabryan AW11 RTW collection. Combining two silk-printed fabrics in graduating shades of Violet, the central curved panel enhances the female form. In similar fashion to the other three dresses Katie is also finished with a statement visible zip at the back.

The asymmetric one-shouldered Irese is the perfect dress for an opulent night out. An exclusive made-to-order dress, it is beautifully crafted from black chiffon overlaying the taupe lining, I love how this dress overflows with elegance!

Fabryan is the brain child of Fashion Designer, Samantha-Jane, who not only loves all things fashion, but holds an appreciation for unique, feminine and alluring designs.

After the success of the second Fabryan collection. Samantha-Jane took creative inspiration from the beauty on display at Kew Gardens to create an accessories line.

A range of hand-finished, digital printed scarves entitled the 'Psychedelic Collection' offer bold splashes of colour and abstract qualities. Samantha-Jane said: “I love nature's colours and the flowers on show at Kew Gardens are breathtaking. I wanted to fuse those colours with distinctive patterns to give a sense of the vitality and spirit of nature. I couldn’t have hoped for a better result and hope that the scarves will become an indispensable accessory to every woman’s wardrobe.”

Creating a distinctive quintessential feminine signature, fused with rich prints and ornately embellished pieces, the world of FABRYAN is born.

Fabryan is stocked via the Fabryan website, including other independent retailers. Click here to locate a stockist near you.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Reem Acra Fragrance Launching 2012

Monday, September 26, 2011

Toni&Guy: Hair Meet Wardrobe

Monday, September 26, 2011

Eastern Mystic for Mayadisa: Statement Jewellery

Friday, September 23, 2011

THE BEST BENEFIT BEAUTY BUYS

http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk
My favourite Benefit Beauty Products
Image: Copyright Sarah-Hayley Freelance

Take a look at my favourite products from Benefit Beauty AW11 collection. I have also included a few of my staple make-up bag products (which I cannot live without!)

Porefessional is a silky lightweight balm which helps to minimise the appearance of pores. Apply under or over make-up for a smooth and silky finish.

Bo-ing is my favourite concealer as it camouflages anything from skin imperfections to dark circles without cracking or wearing-off. Apply over foundation to the areas you want to conceal and it will remain firmly in place all day.

Lemon-aid is a pale lemon coloured cream which helps to hide redness and discoloration on your eyelids. In a flash eyes are restored to look refreshed and ready for eyeshadow.

Stay don't Stray completely transformed my beauty regime. Ultimately my number-one Benefit product, this little tube of amazing-ness is a dual-action primer which works 360 degrees around the eyes to make eyeshadows not only stay in place but without creasing and dulling. Apply over lemon-aid for eye priming perfection.

Cha Cha Tint is my latest Benefit addition. A mango-tinted stain which beautifully blushes lips & cheeks with a tropical sunset hue. This sheer stain not only smells delicious but adds a natural sun-kissed glow for hours.

Girl meets Pearl is an updated version of the high beam and moon beam, which are still going strong. This soft golden-pink liquid pearl glides over make-up for a stunning luminous complexion.

Creaseless Creams are one of the latest of Benefit inventions. These gorgeous creams are available in a choice of 20 blendable shades that can be worn alone or mixed. With their alluring crease-proof and smudge-proof formula it is a staple product for the make-up bag.

If cream eyeshadows are not your thing, then look no further than the Velvet Eyeshadow. They glide on light as a feather and the velvety texture is the envy of all. Available in fifteen different shades, there is one to suit all tastes.

Full-Finish lipsticks are your perfect lipstick compromise. They provide the vibrancy in colour yet maintain the coverage you desire. Available from nonchalant nudes to red carpet reds, these rich, seductive full-finish lipsticks come in eighteen different shades.

Click here to locate a Benefit store near you.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

DAISY LOWE WOW’S IN JEXIKA AT THE GQ MAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

It's All In The Accessories - Mimi Berry

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Artistic Colour Gloss: The Only Manicure

In July I experienced the everlasting nail colour with the launch of Artistic Colour Gloss soak-off gel polish at Urban Retreat’s nail loft.

Available in a staggering 66 colours with 22 new shades, this dream long-lasting, chip-free manicure is utterly impressive.

Compared to other gel polishes, Artistic Gloss sustains its lustre and soaks off the nail without the need for buffing too much of the nail bed and destroying the natural nail.

This professional salon treatment has been created by top Hollywood manicurist, Tom Bachik, who has tended the fingertips of A-listers including Victoria Beckham, J-Lo, Cameron Diaz and Beyoncé. Drawing on Tom’s unrivalled talent and expertise, this advanced gel polish glides beautifully onto finger and toe nails, cured to dry in a lamp for 30 seconds which eliminates the risk of smudging or peeling on leaving the salon.

I am so impressed with Artistic Colour Gloss, I haven't used anything else since my first appointment. The first shade was 'All the Rage' a subtle slate grey which complimented all the colours of my wardrobe and lasted for nearly three weeks. The second shade of choice was the aptly named 'Fab', a beautiful mulberry which caused a stir wherever I went.

My parents blessed me with ultra long nails coupled with a wide nail bed which never crack or break. In my job my hands and nails are constantly on show, whether rifling through clothes, writing notes during an interview, or on an accessories appointment. Therefore, I want a polish that can carry me through weeks on end without fading or chipping, with Artistic Colour Gloss, I get this and more!

I am lucky to receive many compliments on my nails, but nothing like what I have experienced over these last few months with Artistic Colour Gloss. When I visited other salons which used a different soak-off gel, the Nail technicians were transfixed that 3 weeks since my initial appointment the polish still looked as good as new!

Lasting up to 21 days, there is also an option to infill the growth with the same colour, which will not cause any stress or damage to the natural nail; although it is more fun testing out all the different shades, including some great neon or sparkly colours!

Commenting on the latest A/W nail trends, Tom comments: “We saw a wide range of looks and effects for nails for autumn 11’ from short, slightly oval shaped nails to longer talons. Dominating colours on the catwalks for fashion weeks included nude or camel nails with a matte finish, deep plums, mulberry, navy and the odd orange thrown in for fun - whether it was burnt or neon! I think nail art is also peeking its head back in the market, but in the form of just a little personal style - an accent nail or two is all that’s needed.”

Take a look at my Artistic Colour Gloss experience above, including my favourite shades. For available salons click the link here, or phone 020 8238 6300 to find your nearest.

In London, my favourite salons are Urban Retreat and Aldo Coppola. In Gloucestershire, Aura of Beauty in Cheltenham also offer this luxurious manicure.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

London College of Fashion Opens First Retail Space

Thursday, September 08, 2011

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT: VOGUE's FASHION NIGHT OUT!!

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Discover The World of Chanel at Harrods

As a die-hard Chanel devotee the unveiling of a Chanel wonderland at Harrods, one of my favourite department stores, is a dream come true.

The Chanel takeover of Harrods is a unique and fantastical project that will run for three weeks from September 5th.

Located on the ground floor and accessible from Brompton Road and Hans Road, Karl Lagerfeld’s AW11 RTW collection has transformed not only the Brompton Road façade by redesigning the shop windows, but in addition created transient boutiques for both fashion and beauty, including an installation of iconic Chanel codes.

For the first time in the shopping mecca’s history, Harrods have permitted a single brand to dress each of their 23 street-facing windows. Featuring an enchanted forest with wolves dressed in Chanel outfits, unicorns, deer and owls; the windows are devoted to Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld’s vision for his latest ready to wear collection.

The ‘pop-up’ fashion boutique, on the ground floor, is encased in a white and black exterior with walls embossed with lion’s heads. The interior, divided into three coloured rooms; red, green and blue, is the opulent setting for accessories, creating a magical paradise. Mannequins dressed in the autumn/winter 11 collection form the final stroke of genius by Karl Lagerfeld, adding a colourful parade in his “misty garden”.

The ‘pop-up’ beauty boutique, also on the ground floor, showcases the limited edition ‘Knightsbridge Collection’ exclusive to Harrods.

Lastly the installation ‘Une Promendade’, also known as ‘Coco in Wonderland’, unveils a magical journey which takes place behind a curtain of pearl beads. Once inside the miniature version of the Versailles garden set from the S/S11show there is a 2.55 exhibition presenting the work that goes into making the legendary quilted handbags, including a walk-in Chanel 2.55 handbag. As if this wasn’t enough, the haute couture room is a replica of Coco’s apartment, complete with the renowned mirrored walls.

The Chanel World at Harrods needs to be seen to be believed, do not miss your date with my ultimate dreamland!

Monday, September 05, 2011

Chanel Beauty AW11 - Illusion d'Ombres de Chanel

One of my favourite aw11 collections, The Illusions d’Ombres de Chanel present the enchanted world of precious materials brought to life at your finger tips.

Inspired by the sparkling facets of cut stones and vintage make-up, Illusion d’Ombres de Chanel is a beautiful and exceptional collection, with iridescence, intensity of colour and reflections.

The collection encompasses glimmers of gold, bronze and platinum, glowing in a palette of enigmatic luminous colours with a vintage luster. The more delicate shades of pink, coral and white recall the freshness of flowing tulle.

The Illusion d’Ombre eyeshadow interprets the richness of the precious metals and delivers a sensory experience from first contact. The long-lasting silky cream texture has a powdery appearance, thanks to the translucent silicone-based formula, which accentuates the pure pigments and pearly particles, pearls always inseparable from Mademoiselle Chanel’s story.

The eyeshadow is available in a series of stunning colours, custom applied to create not only the desired intensity but also an adjustable makeup result. Fantasme is an iridescent white, Mirifique every nuance of black, Émerveillé, a tender peach, Ébloui a brown smouldering with red, Illusoire: a grey-tinged taupe and Épatanta a grey-shadowed khaki. The applicator brush included has tapered bristles to allow for precise make up at the corner of the eye and can be used for eyeliner with the darker shades.

Further eyeshadows can be found in Les 4 Ombres. Prélude offers a base of essential, chic and classic tones. The four understated shadows in timeless colours – grey brown, grey beige, luminous beige and deep taupe brown, provide a matte or satiny makeup result.

The impulsive lipstick, Rouge Coco, by Chanel provides a rich femininity to the smile with two beautiful shades. Plumetis, an innocent peach tone and the luminous Etole, a coppery rosewood that matches the lip pencil.

One of my favourite items is the Joues Contraste, feminine and fresh blush. Against a pure, translucent complexion, Rose Écrin spruces up cheekbones with a tender healthy glowing effect.

Last but by no means least are the incredible Le Vernis nail polishes. Similar to the eyeshadows, Le Vernis is inspired by the effects of materials and adorn nails in the most fabulous of metallic and shimmering reflections. Péridot is a gold and green which intertwine and immerse themselves in the glow of a moiré effect. Graphite is the fusing of a silver, gold and platinum while Quartz is a bronze which becomes smitten with pink for a sophisticated result.

Illusion d’Ombres de Chanel is available at Chanel counters nationwide and Selfridges online.

Sunday, September 04, 2011

Celtic Sheepskin A/W collection arrives.

Sunday, September 04, 2011

NAILPHILIA: LONDON'S FIRST NAIL ART EXHIBITION

Nailphilia Exhibition curated by DegreeArt.com and Ryan Lanji

This week I was invited to the press view of Nailphilia, London’s first ever nail art exhibition.

The coveted show for anyone with a passion for nail art showcases the dazzling talents and mind blowing techniques of London’s top Nail technicians, through installation, film, photography and books.

Most recently nail art has taken the beauty world by storm. Each month a new technique and design is on the service menu at our favourite salons. Nailphilia demonstrates how Fashion and Art have combined to create art work on the smallest of canvases!

Alongside DegreeArt.com artists, Nailphilia boasts an established mix of nail technicians including Marian Newman, Sophy Robson, Sam Biddle, Mike Pocock, Megumi Mizuno, Antony Buckley, Jenny Longworth, Sue Marsh, and Kirsty Meakin with The Illustrated Nail brands such as fashions current nail trend Minx, Cheap Monday’s nail jewelry and NYC’s Laruicci, the creators of the gold claws seen in Beyonce’s new music video ‘Run The World’.

Nail artist Sam Biddle, who has worked in the industry for over ten years and who has tended the nails of countless celebrities, presents ‘Monochrome Roses’ a striking installation created in black and white with a familiar and beautiful red rose design, intended to cast the eye on a journey from nail one to ten. Sam said; “I wanted to show the different elements of nail design within one set, from nail art to acrylic design, growing into jaw dropping fantasy.”

Sam’s other design ‘Tempted’ is a technical masterpiece, where she embeds real snake skin within the nails, combining innovation with traditional nail application. Sam said: "I wanted to make this season’s trend an ultimate accessory".

The Nailphilia exhibition runs until 25^th September at DegreeArt.com’s Execution Room. It is ultimately an exhibition not to miss!

DegreeArt.com’s

Execution Room

12A Vyner St, London E2 9DG
Until: Sun, 25/09/2011 - 18:00

Thursday, September 01, 2011

BURBERRY BODY - THE NEW FRAGRANCE FOR WOMEN

http://uk.burberry.com/
Burberry Body, launches on September 1st xoxo

Burberry, famed for its digital marketing, chose to use Facebook and You Tube as the platform to promote the global launch of their latest fragrance, Burberry Body.

The luxury fashion house is certainly a trendsetter in digital marketing. Since 2009 they have streamed all fashion shows online, also the first to stream in 3D. Burberry additionally developed a new selling platform for haute couture, allowing customers to place orders online with a delivery time of six to eight weeks, in comparison to other competitors whose typical delivery is up to six months!

The Facebook campaign saw Burberry allowing some eight million Facebook fans the opportunity to receive a sample of the new fragrance direct to their door. Over 250,000 fans worldwide requested to receive the hotly anticipated Burberry Body, many then tweeting their delight of its arrival.

The Burberry Body fragrance has a fruity composition that begins with notes of fresh green absinthe, peach and freesia. Roses and Iris are in the heart of this scent with sandalwood, musk, amber and vanilla as base notes!

Burberry’s strategic, digital planning is admirable because although the company have embraced the new media and found a deeper engagement with their customers through social networking, the company hasn’t neglected the traditional media through the creation of their first television advert to be broadcast in Asia, Europe and the US. However in an original twist, Burberry is using its digital media platform, to first air the advert on the Burberry You Tube channel.

The Burberry Body Campaign, shown below, is directed by Christopher Bailey and features British model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, it is shot by the phenomenal photographer, Mario Testino, in London. Today it will be featured on the You Tube homepage in countries all over the world, including Russia, India, and Hong Kong, roughly estimating that the views will reach sixty million!