May 18, 2013

The Hothouse

Since its opening at London’s Trafalgar Studios on 4th May, The Hothouse has received some pretty dazzling reviews – and it’s easy to see why. A great cast, including John Simm as the cold, calculating Gibbs and Simon Russell Beale as the blustering Roote; a snappy script from Harold Pinter which is just as relevant now as it was when it was first written over 50 years ago; clever staging and smart direction.

The Hothouse is a dark comedy, set in an unnamed institution which treats its patients more like prisoners, and the action takes place between just six key members of staff. The dialogue is fast-paced and witty, and the comedy is both verbal and physical, occasionally bordering on slapstick. The fact that the audience spends most of the play in fits of giggles makes the dark moments all the darker – there is a sinister side to this play, dealing with incarceration and torture, that is thrown into sharp relief against the laughs.

If swinging between amusement and uncertainty is not enough for you, more adventurous theatre-goers can opt to sit on the stage itself, where a few rows of seats place you in the midst of the action, and within touching distance of the actors as the power balance crumbles and the play descends into hysterical anarchy.

For more information and to book tickets, see Trafalgar Studios’ website.

May 16, 2013

Through The Looking Glass

The easiest way to upstyle a pair of jeans or add a casual feel to an office ensemble? A patterned tee or sweater. And we’re in fashion lust with the unusual separates we’ve discovered from edgy label Alice Takes A Trip.

Created by two sisters and inspired ‘by Victorian folls, fairy tales and myths,’ the brand’s pieces feature irreverent motifs and cutesy images with a twist – think vintage cat photos, skulls, leopard prints and all manner of fun fruity graphics. It’s fashion with a serious sense of humour. Check out more of the lovely stuff from Alice Takes a Trip online here.

May 9, 2013

Communist Cosmo

This blog is pure genius. Some of our favourite lines? “What widening income equality means for the class structure…and your girls night out!” and “Mao’s little red book of sexy secrets.” But don’t be too offended by their political cover stars; according to the bloggers, their intention is “to ridicule the awful advice and backwards attitudes of magazines targeted at women; not to poke fun at those who suffered under communist rulers.”Our new lunchtime read: Cosmarxpolitan. You can also get a stream of hilarity from the bloggers on Twitter via @cosmarxpolitan.

May 8, 2013

Summer Staples

Cashmere is the ultimate luxury fabric, the perfect addition to any woman’s wardrobe and a true investment in style and quality. Cashmere knitwear is traditionally worn in the winter, with the natural fibres providing lightweight insulation without being bulky – perfect for layering. However there’s no need to abandon the luxurious lure of cashmere once the sun starts to shine; Pure Collection has developed a line of Featherweight cashmere, ideal for achieving a classic and elegant look during the warmer weather.

Available in a sophisticated colour palette, Pure Collection’s contemporary, high quality cashmere pieces are one of life’s little luxuries. The company sources its cashmere from Inner Mongolia, and since April 2008 all of Pure Collection’s 100% cashmere pieces are acquired from sustainable sources.

The Featherweight collection has been designed with the summer months in mind; superfine, lightweight and delicate with a semi-sheer appearance, these pieces are light enough to keep you cool during warmer temperatures, and can be layered on cooler evenings. And cashmere is the perfect investment for a summer wardrobe as – if you take care of the fabric correctly – it’s a long-wearing knit that will last for seasons to come.

Comprising four classic styles in a variety of colours, the Featherweight collection has something for every occasion. In a selection of pretty pastel tones and versatile neutrals, the Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan features elegant mother of pearl buttons – it’s a style staple that works equally well with cotton sundresses or dressed down jeans-and-tee ensembles. Alternatively opt for the Featherweight Cashmere Big Button Cardigan – an incredibly wearable knit with a deep V-neck and pockets detailing. As well as soft stone and bronze colours, the cardigan is available in bold red and deep blue tones – perfect for this season’s nautical styles.

We love the contemporary chic look of the Featherweight Cashmere Curved Hem Sweater; in a loose shape with a dipped hem, round neckline and dropped shoulders, it’s both flattering and modern. Finally, the Featherweight Cashmere Sweater is simple and feminine; in a slightly fitted style with a scoop neckline, it’s a real timeless classic. In a super fine knit, this is a classic piece which you can easily layer up in cooler months. Trans-seasonal dressing’s a absolute breeze – check out purecollection.com cashmere for light, luxe knits.

May 2, 2013

The Life Tidy

Open your underwear drawer. Locate any greying, faded, washed-out or tired-looking knickers/pants/thongs. ALL OF THEM. Yes, even that pair that were once a little bit special. Place all of the sad and unloved underwear in the bin. Gradually replace with pretty, silky, colourful, sexy, lacy pairs of knickers that make you feel truly wunderbar. The acid test? If you pop them on and feel like dancing around like a loon, then they are probably amazing enough. Go for something completely frivolous, slightly impratical and eye-wateringly expensive from Damaris, La Perla, Myla or Agent Provacateur. Or all-over lace Brazilians. Or girly patterned cotton briefs from M&S. Whatever you choose, make sure they make you feel gorgeous.

April 30, 2013

Downtempo Daft Punk

You can’t have missed that the French duo are back with a blinding new track – and Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ has already become the most-played track in Spotify history.

And as if Daft Punk’s track wasn’t already amazing enough – there are already more than a few really brilliant remixes and cover versions of Get Lucky. Check out Daughter’s beautiful cover (recorded for Radio 1′s Live Lounge) - haunting, sublime and just rather lovely.

April 23, 2013

Couture Hair

Shallow and silly it may be, but we’re real suckers for some pretty packaging. And the haircare range from Balmain Paris most certainly fulfils that brief. How elegant! How Parisian! Chicly presented in simple monochrome packaging with gold accents, these would definitely make your bathroom shelves look smart – you might even have to hide the toilet cleaner in a cupboard and invest in more expensive loo roll.

We’ve yet to try these goodies, but if an expert stamp of approval means anything, Balmain’s hair collection is part of the ‘edited and iconic’ range on offer at BeautyMART.

April 15, 2013

Spring Coats

Winter coats packed away – or even better, sent to be dry cleaned? Now’s the time to invest in a smart, well-cut coat to see you through spring and summer. A little more lightweight than a traditional trench, and more polished than your old faithful leather or denim jacket, pick the right one and it will inject instant sophistication into even the most casual outfits.

Tara Jarmon Bi-colour Coat.
Malaica Antonia Swing Coat.
Topshop Bright Floral Bouclé Coat.
Zara Combined Coat.

H&M Woven Coat.
Stella Jean Kaleidoscope Print Coat.
P.A.R.O.S.H Button-down Coat.
M Missoni Cotton Blend Coat.

April 11, 2013

The Charm of a Chair

Celebrating the great and the good of the art, architecture and design worlds, the Designs of the Year awards are always interesting and inspiring. The 2013 winners have now been announced, and one of our favourites has to be Konstantin Grcic’s angular Medici Chair – designed for Italian brand Mattiazzi. Although it might not look quite as cosy or comfortable as a snug armchair, Grcic reliably informs us that the Medici’s “generous dimensions give it an embracing confidence” – perfect for reclining while reading the papers.

The Medici Chair is lovingly crafted in a choice of three woods – including one suitable for use outdoors. The poshest picnic chair ever? You can buy Konstantin Grcic’s winning design online at The Conran Shop.

April 8, 2013

How to walk in heels

While the weather may not be playing ball all of the time, the fashion world stops for nothing and is already in full spring/summer swing. This means but one thing – new season shoes! And whether you’re lusting after the Fifties-inspired stilettos, pop art styles or boho wedges championed on the s/s catwalks, these top tips from TK Maxx and some of their favourite fashion bloggers should help you walk tall.

Soft secrets

As it’s the balls of your feet that often bear the brunt of high heel pain, cushioned or gel pads can help relieve the pressure, meaning you can spend more time on the dance floor.

Sensible Shoes

To help balance your weight across the balls and heels of your feet, look for shoes with a built-up platform. As such styles can be heavier that other heels, practice walking in them first to make sure you’re comfortable carrying the extra weight. Rubbing and blisters are often caused by shoes slipping on and off your feet as your walk. Styles with little support can also strain muscles working overtime to keep them on your feet. Give your feet a break with buckled Mary Janes, heels with ankle straps or light summer boots.

The Back-up Plan

As appropriate a motto for fashion fans as it is for the Scouts: ‘always be prepared’. Save those killer heels for when they’ll make the most impact and slip on some foldable flats that can be stored in your handbag for the walk to work or when running for the night bus.

Tips from the bloggers…

“Some shoes are designed for photo shoots, but there’s nothing less alluring than seeing a girl hobble around the train station at 10pm on a Friday night in 9-inch heels. Decide which shoes are best for posing and which are practical for walking in.” Christine Macaulay – The Fabulous Times.

“Heeled boots are my staple – when shopping I look for a mid- to high-heel that’s on the chunky side for both comfort and style. Look for supple materials in an ankle boot to prevent painful rubbing and invest in leather as it’s hard wearing and suitable for the British weather.” Amanda Start – The Online Stylist.

“Know your limits with heels – kitten, stiletto, platform; it may be that one particular style works best for you. If you find that style easy to walk in, stick to it – there’s no point in buying heels that you struggle to walk in. The ultimate goal is to look cool, comfortable and confident and if that means you can’t wear anything higher than a kitten heel, so be it.” Muireann Carey-Campbell – Bangs and a Bun.

“I never find walking in high heels to be a comfortable experience, so I tend to suck it up, stand tall and strut through the pain.” Jen Holmes – A Little Bird Told Me.

To browse and shop for new season shoes at TK Maxx, click here.

Running In Heels

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