Chuck Bass! (....and the other two)

There is no doubt about it. Apart from teen shows such as Skins, the lives of the scandalous upper east-siders in Gossip Girl have us hooked beyond all else. Like shows such as the original Beverly Hills 90210 and our older generations’  trials and tribulations with Carrie and the girls in Sex and the City, audiences have been inspired by what they see beamed into their front rooms on plasma screens.Gossip Girl has been influential in the way that they have switched up the impressions that us lot over the pond have on American fashion and teen culture. Sure Marissa was good girl gone bad and did a few lines of coke but her fashion sense wasn’t exactly cutting edge. One Tree Hill? Puh-lease.

Most people focus on the lovely ladies of the series, prim and proper Blair and “manly” Serena and racoon-eyed Jenny advice but what about the xoxo Gossip boys?

Chuck Bass

Notably the most flamboyant dresser of the series, most of his outfits are loud for the sake of being loud. The set stylist should be given a raise, Chucks outfits are usually hilarious, totally OTT and weirdly sexy. Whether he’s donning a shark embroidered chunky jumper or trying to get us to believe the idea that a seventeen year old boy would rock a bow-tie religiously, he manages to pull it off. If I was a guy he would so be my muse.

Nate Archibald

Obviously no teen TV show would be complete without the compulsory pretty boy role. Lucas, Ty, Maxxie, Justin-the list is endless. Nate Archibald is the epitome of W.A.S.P chic. He is a walking billboard for Ivy League schools, “vacay” in The Hamptons and Abercrombie and Fitch. His disheveled prepster uniform of polo shirts, tan trousers and lace ups scream “old money”  in a good, take-him home-to- mum way, Great eyebrows too.

Dan Humphrey.

Brown, Green, Grey, Blah, blah Black. The book geek from Brooklyn has the most uninspired look in the whole show but unlike the rest it has an element of truth to it. After all you are more likely to bump into a guy dressed in indigo wash skinnies and a khaki jacket than a neon orange trench coat with purple trousers next time you go to the shops.

(Okay, I admit that I know exceedingly little about men’s fashion. All I know is that if I only had a choice of a shirt and trousers or a t-shirt and jeans for my whole life, I would be exceedingly depressed.)

HOYFASHION

Fact: This year Liverpudlians were voted to have the most undesirable accent in the UK. Fact: Liverpool is the famous setting for now defunct television soap Brookside. Fact: Liverpool has some rather styling inhabitants.

I’ve decided to pay homage to our trendy brothers and sisters in colder Northern climes. It is often that many fashion blogs and articles especially when it comes to street styles focus on London and London only in terms of what is hip and happening in Britain. Well we may be a small island but we are small and mighty and it seems that there is a lot more to us than what meets the style scouts eye and that personal style extends much,much further than Hoxton.

The HoyFashion website focuses on the style and panache of the places north of Watford, because yes, they do have shops up there. From rockers to hip-hoppers they have it all covered and it is great to see what seems to be a brighter palette than the dead-dog tired monochrome look of the South recently.

Take a look and be inspired, it’s really dead good.

Urban Decay

Pocket Rocket Lipgloss

There’s no doubt about it ,Urban Decay  is one of the most innovative cosmetics companies out there,with fun product names such as Midnight Cowboy and Quickie this cosmetics company deliver top-notch,bang-on trend beauty.

Their new lip gloss Pocket Rocket(£16) ,just goes to prove it. They have launched 8 new fabulous shades. Inside the lid of each custom lip gloss tube is a photo of a rather delicious looking man each with their own signature name: Timothy,Kirk,David,Jesse,Doug,Julio,James and Eric.  Now here’s the fun part- when you tilt the gloss back and forth,your chosen man undresses! (only to his pants of course!)

According to the Urban Decay website each man has a different personality,so you can pick and choose whichever one floats your boat! For example “Timothy”, described as a “coral hue with a pink glow” is “An all-American and future Senator, Timothy is your mother’s dream come true. Skilled at fencing, rugby and sailing, he is valiant and fun. Undress him and he’ll make you the next Jackie O-oh-ohhhhhhh!”

Yes and it gets better. David described as a “milky mauve” sells as “A hard-working man: at work, in the gym, and most importantly, in bed. After a grueling 60-hour week, he still has the energy to come over and put his 110% into you. Undress him to inspect your benefits package.”

Put his 110% into-Oh my…

Yes it’s cheesy but I’m a strong believer of not taking make-up too seriously. After all how often can a girl say “I’ve got David all over my lips!”? (Don’t answer that!). Joking aside this is a really brilliant product  other added bonuses of this gloss are that the portions are very generous.There are 8ml in each container rather than the measly 4ml in other more expensive lip glosses on the market. Also equipped with a baby-soft mini brush wand instead of an spongy applicator,this lip gloss glides on with no fuss and a vibrant,plumping colour payoff.

If all that isn’t enough to convince you then maybe the fact that it is enhanced with pheromones. The back is emblazoned with “Rub me for your pheromone fix!” Though undetectable to humans,these hormones enhance your mood and most importantly sexual attraction. What more could you possibly want?!

Available at Urban Decay Counters nationwide and www.urbandecay.com

Models Own Cosmetics

What happens when two brothers who have grown up surrounded by the world of beauty and makeup,combine forces to create new make-up line? Models Own Cosmetics is what happens. The result of a collaboration between brothers Mark and Steven Rodol (who are heirs to the prestigious Coty perfume company)Models Own is a new and edgy  brand that is taking the beauty world by storm.

Inspired by the “fast fashion” element of  style and make-up, Models Own nail polishes come in nearly 60 mouth-watering hues from a British Summer-time grey to New-Rave neon fuschia. This innovative element allows customers to be bang on trend with their nails as well as their outfits.A few firm favourites of mine are Fuzzy Peach- a juicy orange shade, True Turquoise- a perfect pop of colour for the dullest of outfits and the perfect Coral Reef which is the hot nail colour for Summer 2009.

These polishes are hard-wearing,give an excellent colour payoff and will see you through many a summer days. At a credit-crunch/ student overdraft friendly £5.99 you need to get your hands on them.

Available now at selected River Island stores,Urban Outfitters and online at www.modelsownit.com

LOOKBOOK

The concept is simple: Lookbook started as  a social experiment in style by a girl,guy duo in sunny San Francisco a few years ago.

Users are encouraged to upload pictures of themselves,showcasing their “look” of the day.Lookbook says their goal is : “To bring together diverse, aesthetically talented and open-minded people around the world and showcase the best in international street fashion.” And thisis exactly what it does. Frequented by stylistas and fashion mavens alike,Lookbook is the perfect platform for stylists and designers to showcase their work infront of a like-minded captive audience looking for inspiration.

Members are encouraged to post looks that are stylish,unique and fashion-forward,so don’t expect to see your typical Ugg-boot clad Sloaney or Ghettofab New York hipster adorning each page.

Each look can be given a “hype” if it is popular with fellow users and when a look is “hyped” the person who posted it is rewarded with a karma point. The more karma points you earn the bigger your reputation and the more like likely your outfit will be featured. If by some amazing chance you receive some crazy “hype” love from avid LookBook folllowers your outfit will be posted onto the “Hot!” page and that means you are a total fashion darling-well until another picture is uploaded.

Overall Lookbook is a great idea and is perfect to while away a few hours! So I guess the next question is “This is great! where do I sign up?!” Ah now here’s the catch- LookBook works on an invite only policy,so if you really want in on a slice of the action sign up and be prepared for a long wait. Or like a lot of fellow bloggers, you can Look but don’t touch.

www lookbook.nu

LAURALAURA

London based designer Laura Hearn aka LauraLaura has created this divine,touch of vintage inspired knitwear.

LauraLaura first came to my attention through my weekly fix of Grazia magazine and I instantly had to have one. Unfortunatley so did alot of other readers and before I knew it they were all sold out! I did manage to nab a very cute navy blue jumper with “S’il vous plait” stitched on in white.

Each garment is hand embroidered with sweet messages such as “S’il vous plait” or the cryptic “I am a secret” and the more recent “I should CoCo”.Because Laura uses unwanted goods and turns them into something precious and charming each item is guaranteed to be unique and totally one of a kind.

Visit LauraLaura.net to get your hands on these gems.

ZOE KRAVITZ

A favourite of the fashion show front row she always manages to pull off an effortlessly cool vibe with minimal fuss.Born into music royalty she is the daughter of  rock rebel and ultimate sex-god Lenny Kravitz and boho beauty queen Lisa Bonet and I just love her polished, yet edgy look.

She’s young and trendy without being one of the often seen bobbleheads of the Hollywood circuit a la Hilton and co. It’s refreshing to see someone young and alternative with an enviable unique eye for trends.

Yeah she’s cool and french and has money for AA clothes(which I don’t). Jealous? Me? Never!

Ch-ch-check her out: http://mademoiselle-k.blogspot.com/

There’s a bevvy of new perfumes on the high street  to replace your heavier winter fragrances with sheer scents perfect for lazy summer days. From fruity florals to spicy scents theres a perfume to suit you.

Cacharel- Amor Amor Sunrise

The brand’s first perfume, Anais Anais, launched in 1978, and “pioneered the concept of a designer fragrance at an affordable price” (Perfume Legends by Michael Edwards, p. 185).
Their recent release Amor Amor Sunshine promises “an explosion of freshness and fruits” for a “torrid summer”.The fragrance notes include grapefruit, raspberry sorbet, pineapple, rose and patchouli.

Cacharel Amor Amor Sunrise is available in 50 ml Eau de Toilette.www.selfridges.com

Anna Sui- Live your dream

The legendary Anna Sui has launched Live Your Dream, a new perfume for women named after the designer’s own motto. Live Your Dream is described as “feminine and sophisticated”, and for those who are “eternally Young At Heart”. The fragrance includes notes of  lily of the valley, white pepper and sandalwood.

Anna Sui Live Your Dream is available in 30 and 50 ml Eau de Toilette and in matching body products. www.annasui.com

Diesel- Fuel for Life Summer(Her)

The iconic whiff of Diesel’s Fuel for Life has been adjusted for the balmy summer days ahead. “Inspired by summer spirits and cocktails”, this fragrance is bound to be an essential.

Tommy Hilfiger- Dreaming Pearl

Tommy Hilfiger has launched a new limited edition perfume Dreaming Pearl. According to Hilfiger, ”pearls are an iconic symbol of timeless elegance and grace”.

Iinspired by the traditional and modern elements of the most classic of jewels, The Dreaming Pearl Eau de Toilette takes the senses on a journey. Tempting, seductive notes of White Peach, Tuberose and Freesia are found at the heart of the fragrance, capturing the essence of summer. 

Tommy Hilfiger Dreaming Pearl is available in 100 ml Eau de Toilette www.debenhams.com

Prada- Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger

The new Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger is the first in a projected yearly series of limited edition “Ephemeral Infusion” fragrances drawing on fragrance notes from the harder-to-find (and more expensive) Prada Exclusive scents. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the Ephemeral Infusion fragrances are designed to “evoke a light memory of the original ingredient”.

Winter is well and truly upon us. And as we don thick scarves and those extra layers it’s time to update our make up routines too. As the weather gets colder a bit of tinted moisturizer and a dab of lip balm will not be enough for most of us. So here’s a head start on all the upcoming beauty trends for Autumn /Winter 2008 and how to do them on a student budget.

Gone are the wide-eyed “dolly girl” looks we saw on the likes of Dior, Luella and John Galliano’s catwalk in Spring/Summer 2008.Replacing them are tones more suited to the dark British winter: greys ,reds, plums, golds, and black were all prevalent on this seasons catwalks and makeup artists reflected that in their beauty looks. Bold, statement lips are still big this season, but loud 1940-esque cherry red lips have darkened to towards aubergine, dark berry and crimson stained glossy or matte lips.

Black Lipstick isn’t just for Goths any more .Gothic Glam is going to be big this season. The models at Yves Saint Laurent were seen rocking black this look on the catwalks of both New York and London.It’s not the Goth of the 90’s, rather Goth girls’ gone upmarket, with super polished hair, smoky kohl lined eyes and glossy dark nails for a sophisticated rock chic vibe. No one doubts this would be an extremely hard look to pull off and I have yet to see anyone (apart from that emo girl in Holloaks) be brave enough to try this. Those not so brave can try dark browns, berries and plum shades to wear this trend with a softer edge.

The 80’s flash look that was also present at last season’s catwalk has morphed in to a more subdued palette. Bold cheeks are still present and so are matte lip colours. Zingy yellows and electric blues have all been replaced for darker hues, such as navy’s and plums in time for the leaves turning red. Worn properly this look can make even the most unremarkable face look contoured. Take care not to wear every aspect of this look all at once though; no one wants to look like Madonna circa 1985.

 At the other end of the spectrum, the natural look was prominent. Designers off-set their bold edgy, dark designs with models with little to no make-up on. The key idea for this trend is nude lips and eyes with a wash of colour on the cheeks and a strong, groomed eyebrow. Make Up artist Bobbi Brown says in her book “Beauty” that almost every woman needs to fill in her brows as part of her normal beauty routine. So for this look try Benefit’s Brow and Liner Kit and save on your threading allowance. If the idea of going nude fills you with dread, lighten up with touches of highlight or bronzer to stop you looking washed out.