Meeting Manolo

I’ve never searched for the pot of gold that’s said to sit at the foot of a rainbow before, but when I saw a perfect spectrum stretching in a clear arc from Oxford Circus on Thursday, I knew where the good stuff was to be found.

Fashion’s Night Out, the annual shopping extravaganza organised in association with Vogue, was in full swing and if there was one piece of treasure I was hell-bent on scooping it was Manolo Blahnik’s pop-up shop opening at Liberty, hosted by the god of foot candy himself.

Blahnik has made a name for himself as a master of shoe design, creating art-pieces that have cosseted the feet of everyone from the late Princess Diana to Carrie in Sex and the City, but while his flagship boutique in Kensington’s Old Church street might be a stomping ground for the well heeled, he has rarely embarked on any collaborations with department stores, which makes the launch of his ‘World of Manolo’ collection for iconic store Liberty a rather fabulous first.

And it seemed that I was not the only one looking to enjoy a light dusting of Manolo magic as when I arrived at Liberty a 1000-strong queue of hungry style seekers was snaking around the block touting shoe boxes and books all looking to be signed.

Through the double doors of the Tudor emporium, standing in a perfectly cut indigo suit and amidst the throng of jostling photographers was the immaculately groomed Mr Blahnik himself, answering questions on everything from what constitutes style to the inspirations of his latest collection.

Each question was answered with equal reverie and with the kind of boyish enthusiasm that would surely melt the heart of even the most nonchalant fashionista.

But although Manolo's appearance caused a stir, it was the collection itself that prompted the most swooning. For in amongst the delicate scented candles and silk scarves designed with sumptuous Liberty prints were the shoes: Each art-piece displayed tantalisingly, combining exquisite form, yet also function - a little bit like Manolo himself.

A vintage tea party

Last week I popped in to luxury handbag specialist Radley on London’s South Molton Street, to check out its new A/W10 collection which was being showcased in a delightfully nostalgic vintage tea-party style event.


The inspiration for the sumptuous collection is the quirky world of collectors and the theme was brought to life delightfully with each new season piece nestling amongst a treasure trove of vintage memorabilia.

Antique cake stands bearing fondant iced towers of cupcakes and miniature sandwiches sat invitingly amongst the display stands.

Hostesses sporting pillar box red lips, alabaster skin and perfectly coifed tresses proffered dainty china cups filled with a deliciously fragrant choice of Proseco with jasmine or gin with earl grey tea.

And the new season pieces from the quintessentially British brand played in to autumn’s trends perfectly, with the luxurious leather bags available in an array of fall-friendly colours including aubergine, pumpkin, moss green, camel and yellow ochre.

There was a popup vintage shop with wares from pre-loved specialist Rag and Bow ready to rifle and visiting bloggers could also get their hair and makeup done by Lipstick and Curls, who specialise in vintage styling. All in all a nostalgic feast and a great start to the new season.

Style it in sepia

Summer’s carnival of colour has packed up its trunk and given way to a new sophistication for autumn: Gone is the proud loudness of look-at-me prints and the candied sweetness of sherbet shades. In their place is a luxuriously understated palette that’s dominated by an unassuming tone: Camel.

While not entirely monochromatic, a muted sweep of subtle hues rules and the look is one of understated elegance.

On the catwalks, Chloe led the way with immaculately cut Seventies- inspired trousers in shades of mink and beige, while at Chanel, super-luxe silk shirts gave a tailored take on all-things-taupe a softer finish.

And where fashion has gone, beauty has duly followed with a warm palette of honeyed toned eyes, cheeks and complexions to perfectly complement our camel crush.

There is nothing childish or girly about this look. The finish is grown up, polished and expensive with all the regal elegance of sepia photography.

Follow my tips to styling autumn’s key look:

A flawless, luminescent base ensures that this look says luxury, so begin by prepping the skin with an illuminating highlighter then apply a layer of Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation.

Tackle dark circles or any problem areas with a dab of Mastertouch Concealer.

Your complexion will still retain the last of summer’s sun kiss, but add to this with a dusting of Natural Minerals Bronzer. Apply just beneath the cheekbones for definition.

Now for the eyes: Burnished bronze and brown tones set off camel clothes to perfection and if you’re looking to turn up the glam dial, you can’t beat a smoky finish. I’m loving Max Factor’s new Smoky Eye Effect Shadow in Bronze Haze. The two-toned double-ended applicator has distinctive tips which allow you to create the perfect blend.

Once you have created the perfect smoky look, open up the eyes with two slicks of False Lash Effect Mascara in Black.

Lips should be honeyed and glossy in a rich kiss-me-quick shade. I love Vibrant Curve Effect Lipgloss in Smart

And if you’re looking for the perfect way to wear your hair with this look, invest in some large heated rollers and think big. A healthy head of soft silky waves will off-set this look to perfection.

Susie Bubble hosts a fashionista's dream event

 If you’ve ever dreamt of raiding the wardrobes of some of the most sartorially savvy figures in fashion, last Sunday, in an innocuous concrete car park near Holloway Road, a fantasy event was taking place.

Susie Bubble, queen of bloggers, and an elite crew of blogging luminaries including Save Our Shoes, Style Slicker, Geisha Rock and Frou Frouu were offering a style fix to satisfy the most committed fashion junkies: An open yard sale, in which they were selling a fantastical selection of their unwanted vintage, high street and designer wares.

Although the setting might have been more back alley than backstage, the offerings were fashion-forward enough to make the most seasoned style hunter swoon. Think trestle tables piled high with Jimmy Choo’s, Georgina Goodman’s and other delicious foot candy, plus rifle-ready rails of dresses, shirts and skirts from the likes of Eley Kishimoto and Lanvin. Other uber-cool clobber was also up for grabs, including Miss Bubble’s collection of Japanese comic books, which were being sold at a super-thrifty pound a pop.

The sale opened at 10am, with many devotees already waiting to descend on this pop-up fashion Mecca. Miss Bubble and the rest of the blogger’s stalls were so quickly ransacked that the sale ended up closing a whole two hours before schedule. And it’s not really surprising when you consider the fact that most items were tagged so gloriously cheaply – rare designer dresses and knock-out shoes were being offered for as little as £30 or less (Sigh) although Susie had forgotten to tag her items and so was merrily selling total treasures for as little as a pound.

Yumtastic selections of tasty treats were on offer to keep the bargain hunters energised, including melt in the mouth chicken satay and sausage baps. An awe-inspiringly talented illustrator was also on hand to sketch every fashionista that mulled and mingled on the scene.


And while Miss Bubble and her blogging counterparts might now be more than used to sitting on fashion week front rows and rubbing shoulders with the most influential players on the style circuit, they touted their wares with the boundless enthusiasm of the most cheery market vendors in town.

Summer brights that sizzle

If last month’s couture A/W 2010 Paris shows were all about the dark and devilish, end of summer beauty is the time for a fun fiesta of acid brights.

Throughout the working year a quick slick of mascara, a flawless base and a muted lip might be de rigueur, but when it comes to enjoying the last sun-kissed soirees of the summer, hot hues can take centre stage. It’s time to have fun and really experiment!

If you’re nervous about working colour in to your beauty routine, opt for either a loud lip or bright eyes while keeping the rest of your look pared down.

This will ensure that your make up has that zing factor, but still looks chic and stylish.

Try these two looks, which are both loud and lovely, but in very different ways.

Proud Pout

This bold lip look works fabulously well with bronzed skin, so introduce a gradual tanner in to your routine to give you a healthy glow.


Begin by applying Second Skin Foundation. The super-light formula will create a naturally flawless base.

Add a dusting of Natural Minerals Bronzer to all the places that the sun would usually kiss the skin – so the bridge of the nose, forehead, cheekbones and cupid’s bow.

Illuminate and open the eyes with a dab of Masterpiece Colour Precision Eyeshadow in Pearl, just in the inner corners.


Add a wash of Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Pale Pebble across both lids.

Using Masterpiece Glide and Define Liquid Eyeliner, line the upper lid as close to the lash line as possible and add feline flicks at the outer corners.

Apply two coats of a lengthening mascara such as Lash Extension Effect.

Add that all important colour injection to the lips- try using Colour Collections Lipstick in Bewitching Coral.

Use a lip brush to apply the colour taking care to create an even finish and a perfect lip line.

Blot once, reapply and you’re ready to party.

Bright Eyes

This eye-catching look has real ‘wow’ factor. The face again is kept pared down, providing the perfect canvas for a splash of summer colour.

Begin by prepping the skin with Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation – for seamless skin perfection.

Give your cheekbones, forehead and cupid’s bow a dusting of Natural Minerals Bronzing Powder.

Apply a clear balm to the lips. You can ensure that they look healthy and super-soft by using a clean, dry towel to buff them slightly, removing any dry skin. Once done, apply the balm again.

Now for the eyes – this is where the fun begins!

Prep the eye with Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Pale Pebble.

Then, use Masterpiece Colour Precision Eyeshadow in Icicle Rose to line from the inner corners to a third of the way across the eye. Continue the line with a sweep of the same product in Stardust – a delightful blue shade. Finally wing out to the outer edges using Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Ultra Aqua.

Line beneath the lower lashes with a sultry sweep of Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Stormy blue.

Finish with two coats of Masterpiece Max Mascara and you’ll have rainbow eyes to go.

Bridal beauty at its best

Last weekend former US 'first daughter' Chelsea Clinton tied the knot in a fairy tale extravaganza that is reported to have cost an eye watering $3 million. It was clear that no expense was spared on the dress - a strapless swirl of jewel excrusted organza, but what hair and beauty finish did the blushing bride plump for?

To balance the candy floss confection that was her haute couture gown, Chelsea opted for an elegant bridal look. Her golden tresses were swept up into a classic chignon and the face was kept pared down with just a soft touch of colour in her berry stained lips and subtley defined eyes.

If you're getting maried a leaf or two can be taken from Chelsea's beauty book. The trick is to keep things understated. On one of the most important days of your life, you'll want immaculate make-up that accentuates your features perfectly. Follow my top tips which will ensure that you look picture perfect from the ceremony until dawn.


A completely flawless base is the key to bridal beauty, so begin by using your favourite moisturiser. Load it on to the skin for hydration and then follow with a long lasting but light foundation, such as Lasting Performance. Apply the creamy all day touch-proof formula in sweeping motions across the face, working it in to the skin with a make up brush.

Follow by applying a generous dab of a light diffusing concealer such as Mastertouch Concealer. Apply under the eyes, around the nose and in any other places where you normally find dark spots or skin discolouration.

Set the face with Max Factor Loose Powder for a perfect matte look.

To introduce just a touch of dewiness back in to the cheeks, use Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Copper to countour under the cheek bones slightly and to create a healthy 'blushing bride' glow.

Now for the eyes. Begin by applying a neutral eyeshadow such as Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Almond across the lids. Follow by wetting a brush and applying a fine line of the same eyeshadow in Burnt Bark as a liner close to the upper lash line. The lower lash line can be subtley defined with a muted smudge of Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Olive. This mossy suit-all shade will make brown, grey and blue eyes sparkle.

For beautifully framed eyes, finish with two generous coats of Masterpiece Mascara in Black or Brown.

Line the lips with a neutral liner and then carefully apply Colour Collections lipstick in Rosewood - a warm mulberry shade that will perfectly accentuate the lips and off set the rest of your beauty look. Blot and apply again.

Throughout the day, keep some blotting paper or Loose Powder in your bag so that you can rematify the skin if necessary and your trusty Rosewood lipstick which can be reaplied at your leisure.

And there you have it - perfect bridal beauty.

The Twilight Trend

When it comes to summer beauty, the key items in any girl’s make up bag are always bronzing powder (faking it is so much better for your skin) and lip-gloss (a quick slick and you’re good to go). But while these sunshine staples are perfect for when the mercury is rising, once we hit fall a New Moon will be in the ascent.

Yes, the vampire saga continues: on our big screens, our small screens and last week on the Parisian catwalks of some major fall 2010 couture shows.

So get ready to ditch the tan and sparkle and embrace the “Twilight Trend,” for a sophisticatedly gothic finish that will ensure that you remain ravishing from dusk until dawn. Here are my top tips on how to master this otherworldly look:

1. A pale, translucent, flawless base is an absolute must for working this trend successfully, so prep your skin with Natural Minerals Foundation in a shade that is slightly paler than the one you would usually choose.

2. Apply a wash of the lighter shade of Colour Perfection Duo Eyeshadow in Star-studded Black across both lids.

3. Apply Kohl Pencil in Black close to the lash-line of the upper and lower lid.

4. Over this apply the darker shade of Colour Perfection Duo Eyeshadow. An applicator or smudge brush can be used to softly blend the shadow and liner, creating sexy, smoky eyes.

5. Use the same shade at the outer corner of the eyes, winging out slightly. Work the colour in to the lid crease as well.

6. Add a fine sweep of Masterpiece Glide and Define Liquid Eyeliner in Black to the upper lid, followed by two coats of Lash Extension Effect Mascara, also in Black for a fluttersome finish.

7. Complete the look with a sensual slick of Lipfinity in Spiritual.