Are magazines scared of blogs?

I've passed by this advert a dozen times in my glossy reading this month and only just this evening stopped to read what the ad was all about. Frankly, if people are still investing in magazines why do you have to remind us that we are investing in magazines? Surely, if someone has bought your magazine they don't need to be comforted by the fact that other people are buying them too? It reminds me of that moment in the movie "Dave" when the President says "We're spending $x million for someone to feel good about a car they've already purchased?"

Not to worry, Conde Nast. We're all still reading your magazines. I still subscribe to over a dozen a month. I'm just not reading your news sections anymore. It's more about the artwork behind your talented photographers and less about you bringing the news to us. I get my fashion news every morning from the 250 bloggers I follow who have their finger on the pulse. It is time for a change but I think there is a way we can all fit in the world together...

Ole Henriksen solves life's beauty dilemmas the natural way

About a month ago I was given two products from Ole Henriksen to try out - The Truth Serum Collagen Booster and The Ultimate Life Eye Gel.  It seems everyone knows that the products I am most in need of right now are the ones that can make it look like I sleep more than three hours a night!  I always like to give these little gems a true trial before reviewing on the blog and I've stuck by the Ole Henriksen products for about three weeks now. This in itself is a good sign. My skin seems to break out at even the sight of a new product these days so finding me three weeks in and still happy with a product is rare. So, you've guessed it, this is going to be a positive review. 

Let's talk a bit about the philosophy of the brand before we slip straight into the product details. Ole Henriksen is in fact a man, not just a brand.  He is a man that had his own trials and tribulations with  acne and early in life decided he wanted to develop a natural skin care line that would allow others to bypass the skin trauma he himself had to go through. You have to love a man that starts a line from the heart. Ole wants our skin to be the best that it can be. Which leads me to the products I was given. 

Let's start with the Serum...

Everyone I know right now swears by serums. It seems they are a part of our beauty regime that are here to stay.  If that is the case than you need to include The Truth Serum Collagen Booster in your beauty bag for the foreseeable future.  Here's a little surprise I wasn't expecting with the serum - the scent! For those of you still on the high protein diets who have given up your morning juice...the Truth Serum from Ole Henriksen is like a glass of fresh squeezed OJ for your skin. The scent will either satisfy your craving or drive you even more over the edge for a glass in the morning. It's like sunshine in a bottle. Not only is the scent amazing, the results from using the product are actually visible on my face after three weeks. Keeping in  mind that I have only turned 30 this year, my face is not exactly being taken over by wrinkles. But I have spent a fair amount of time in my past absorbing sun with absolutely no sunscreen so there is clear visible damage. I suppose what is most visible is the discolouration in my skin tone and the extreme dry patches on my cheeks and forehead.  The following ingredients are found in the Truth Serum:

Grapefruit and orange extract Purifying, astringent, brightening
Green tea extract Protects against damage with antioxidants
Licorice extract Evens out skin tone
Rosehips extract Repairs and strengthens with concentrated vitamin C
Sodium hyaluronate Binds moisture to the skin
Vitamin C Calms, heals and strengthens collagen
Vitamin E Heals, restores and nourishes

After three weeks of using the serum every morning my face has become brighter, my skin tone is more even and my skin feels smoother and less dry. That's one hell of a result if you ask me.

Since my eye area is the part of my face that seems to be showing signs of "too much blogging and not enough sleep", this is the area that I am always really eager to pamper the most.  Ole Henriksen's Ultimate Lift Eye Gel might as well have been made as my own personal angel in a bottle!  I keep my bottle in the fridge and every morning I look forward to treating my eyes to their very own wake up call. It's instant relief from a heavy night. I'll also say that if you are a big party girl this is the best feeling in the world. Waking up with a hangover is never a nice thing but the Eye Gel makes it a little less painful! 

Here's a list of the magical ingredients found within this powerful bottle of hope:

Aloe vera gel Moisturizes, calms and heals
Calendula extract Lightly energizes and softens
Cucumber extract Tightens pores and works as a decongestant
Eyebright extract Calms, soothes and constricts the capillaries around the eye area
Hyaluronic acid Seals in moisture to the skin

New York comes to London....brunch with the American gal pals

Sometimes the only thing that can cure a bit of homesickness is some quality time with the ladies who have the same longing for a taste of stateside cuisine. I met with my three favourite American fashion bloggers living in London - Charlotte from Style Cartel, Kristin from the Clothes Whisperer and Butters from Butters the Fashion Dog - at 202 in Westbourne Grove, just off the Portobello Road.  

If you are a NY-LONer you will know that 202 has locations in New York and London so it's the perfect place for a taste of home. It's also a dangerous place to eat with your girlfriends as Nicole Farhi, the owner, has her line on sale in the basement. Hello, temptation! This was my first time at 202 but it certainly will not be my last. They have French Toast...real French Toast! The bacon they serve with it may not be real American style bacon but it's enough to make you think you might not be sitting in London. At any point during brunch today I could have thought I was sitting in the Big Apple enjoying a regular Sunday brunch with my fav girlies.  Here's a look at the Sunday brunch menu....just don't take what will become our regular table on Sundays!

The chit chat was all over the place. Talking about our love for other bloggers, about fashion weeks to come and about our general lack of sleep due to our "passion for fashion"...god, I hate that phrase.  On a personal note, the whole afternoon warmed my heart. It is rare to find such fabulous women in London and here I was sitting with two from New York who had so much to share. I sat in awe as I listened to their amazing fashion adventures together around the globe from here to Milan. They've seen it all! I have so much to learn...

(pic stolen from Stylecartel as the man taking my pictures didn't know how to use the big camera it seems)

After saying goodbye to the ladies I walked back to the station through Portobello Road and shot a few pics along the way...

First...look what was across the street from 202...Ralph Lauren. It's my heaven on earth...and the reason I was late for brunch this afternoon.

If you take a wander down the street from Ralph Lauren you'll find a quality Oxfam shop. I once bought an Hermes belt in here for a tenner! It's hit or miss but always worth checking back as you never know.

Check out the new All Saints store on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill. All the windows are filled with antique sewing machines. How hip...

Some of the colourful houses Notting Hill is famous for...

Scrabble on Portobello anyone?

Pink Converse Hightops in Notting Hill..what does it all mean?

And a quick shot from inside my favourite vintage shop in Notting Hill near the station. I've scored some excellent DVF vintage wrap dresses here over the years!

Lady Gaga personalizes another Hermes Birkin Bag

We saw Lady Gaga a couple of months ago with a white Hermes Birkin bag graffiti-ed by characters and today she stepped out in North London with a studded Birkin bag! What do you think? Like or dislike that Lady Gaga is taking $5,000 bags and making them her own? I wonder what Hermes thinks...and will her next project be with the esteemed French fashion house?

Miley Cyrus Covers Billboard Magazine

Georgia May Jagger fronts campaign for Chanel Cruise Collection 2011

Image Source: Sassi Sam

Daily Style Snapshot 30th May 2010

1. Kylie Minogue in Verona. 2. Rainey Qualley in New York. 3. Tinsley Moritmer in Southampton.

4. Kelly Bensimon in Southampton.  5. Jessica Biel in Los Angeles.  6. Kelly Brook in Los Angeles. 

7. Sophia Bush in Los Angeles. 8. Audrina Patridge in Los Angeles. 

The House of Quinn is a brand you need to know now!

It seems like it's been a while since we've been presented with a new designer that can really shake up the marketplace. We're always on the look out for the next big thing and hundreds of designers come forward every year hoping to grab the attention of editors and buyers around the globe. I alone, as merely a blogger, receive dozens of emails a week from individuals trying to drum up press about their lines. Thus far I have had to write back to nearly every designer or their PR and explain that while their collection is a good start I didn't feel it was something that was quite right for me or for my readers. I know I can't speak for you, dear reader, but I can try and only put the very best in front of you. You might not always like my choices but I am open to criticism and most of the time you are all very forthcoming with comments on posts. Obviously I'm setting you up for something here.

This afternoon I received an email from the PR at The House of Quinn.  I haven't heard about this brand previous to this introductory email. Although, immediately I was grabbed by the first paragraph in which the PR explained The House of Quinn's line was called "Death Becomes Her" and  "incorporates research from British taxidermy collections and the processes of creating a taxidermy specimen and by the inner workings of the animal form, looking at muscle structure to inspire texture and surface manipulation to create a unique six-piece collection." 

Hello, mama! Who isn't going to be interested in that? I wasn't really sure what I would find when I opened the accompanying pdf but I couldn't open it fast enough. I am an open lover of all things fur and leather so you can bet that a collection testing boundaries with taxidermy and fashion is one thing I can definitely get behind! I wasn't disappointed with the result either.  The prints are absolutely inspired and although they have an aspect of fantasy they would easily fit in on any international designer shop floor (that is meant as an ultimate compliment). It's almost as if it's a direct channel of early Alexander McQueen. In fact the entire collection reminds me of a very early Lee McQueen line that involved similar outrageous prints and lifelike accessories. Designer Julian Quinn takes what McQueen started and pushes it to the next level. This is a level that not all will be comfortable with but certainly one that all will talk about.

Here are some visuals to give you a better idea of why I am so excited:

This is not the last time you will see The House of Quinn. Julius Quinn is destined for great things and we can't wait to watch the red carpet roll out for him.  The big news currently is his invitation to Berlin Fashion Week.  Will it be Paris or London next? Quinn, come to London. We'll take care of you! Best of luck from Fashion Foie Gras and please keep us in the loop as your career skyrockets! 

Model Spotlight: Alana Zimmer...In Print, Runway and Reality

click images above to enlarge for a closer look

Ten things you should know about the supermodel:

1. She's Canadian.

2. Measurements - 31- 23-34 (making her a size 2).

3. She's 5'11.

4. Born on June 9, 1987.

5. She was discovered by a friend of a modelling Scout while working at East Side Mario's.

6. She's covered two issues of Vogue.

7. WWD has called her a "face to watch."

8. She wears a size 9 shoe.

9. She has appeared in print ads for Moschino, Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, DKNY and Akris.

10. Alana has walked in shows for designers Chanel, Jil Sander, Givenchy, Valentino, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani and many more.

info from wikipedia

Elle Serbia June 2010

Source: Design Scene

Cameron Diaz Covers Vogue USA July 2010

Source: The Fashion Spot

Resort 2011...the highlights thus far from Chanel, Dior, Bottega Veneta and Burberry

Daily Style Snapshot 29th May 2010

1. Mollie King in London. 2. Kelly Brook in Los Angeles. 3. Thandie Newton in London  

4. Cat Deeley in Los Angeles 5. Trinny Woodall in London.  6. Charlotte Ronson in New York.

7. Whitney Port in New York.  8. Phoebe Price in Cannes.

Misery Bear in London....some Friday fun for you

Nothing to do with fashion....just good quality fun. What a fantastic idea and so well executed.

Tavi speaks out against Terry Richardson again...right on lady!

Check out the full post here.

Crystal Renn and a real plus sized model

Another Fashion Bloggers Brand Collaboration

Coach has shown support for the fashion bloggers of the world and now Forever 21 is jumping on "team bloggers"! Illustrator Danny Roberts will be creating tank tops with illustrations of famed bloggers Carolina Engman from Fashion Squad and Louise Ebel from Miss Pandora. The tanks will go on sale on the 2nd of June at your local Forever 21. It's good to see so much support for the online fashion writers...keep 'em coming!

Source: Refinery 29

BCBG Max Azria Store Launch on the Kings Road, London

Last night BCBG Max Azria opened their first store in London...on the Kings Road! It was an absolutely fantastic party attended by the who's who in fashion for London, including Max  and Lubov Azria and Masha Markova.  I arrived at around 7:30 and the house was already packed full of people. The champagne was flowing, the lovely canapes (including eclairs that will have me in the gym for days) were roaming the floor and the DJs were spinning music to put us all in the mood for new fashions.  As I'm American I am very familiar with BCBG. However,  the brand is relatively new  to most UKers that I know. I must own at least two dozen pieces from the their stores in the US and am constantly being asked what designer I am wearing only to be met with a blank stare when I tell them BCBG. However, when I add Max Azria to the name people instantly perk up. Everyone knows Max Azria. Most know him because of his designing genius with the bodycon dresses at Herve Leger but few are very familiar with the star line up of pieces available at BCBG.  The party went on well past the cut off point and I believe the powers that be were having a bit of trouble getting us all to depart. Rarely do you find such a crowded room of people that don't want to leave! It was like being on the tube at 8:45 only everyone in this small space was impeccably dressed. Definitely head down to the store if you have some time this weekend. It's well worth the journey to check out their new dresses for Spring. Afterall, Cartier Polo is coming up and you're going to need something fabulous to wear! 

Here are some pics from the party:

 

Thanks BCBG for an amazing evening!