Liverpool and Essex Fashion-Off

Liverpool and Essex.... Two cities in the country known for their sense of style more than anything else. So what happens when they go to head to head? A true battle of fashionistas.

That is exactly what happened wen Designers and Boutiques from both area's showed at the fashion-off in Newz Bar Liverpool on Friday night, organised by TOWIE twins and Essex Fashion Week founder's Adam and Simon Ryan and Liverpool based management company G-Lamorous Present.

Guests included Opera singer Pippa Langhorne, from Britain's Got Talent, who also performed on the night as well as Joey Bevan, designer for Britain's Next Top Model.

Everyone in Liverpool were very friendly and welcoming, the dress makers there had amazing collections, like nothing I have seen in Essex. They also throw quite a good party.

The models for Ella Tino lined up

Pippa Langhorne performing... Amazing Voice

Some of the beautifully crafted dresses by Liverpool designers

Loving our Latimer bracelets from Latimer Couture, hand made. 

The lovely and hilarious Joey Bevan

Simon, Joey and Adam

It's Chanel's World

As soon as I saw about the Chanel exhibition in Harrods I had to make plans to go straight away. Not because it is only on for a short period but also because Mademoiselle Chanel is one of my biggest style icons. Yes she made great clothes, but it is more the fact that she refused to change, stood her ground, stood up to men and changed the way women dress forever.

The exhibition is on the third floor of the luxury department store, on for three weeks only it is a look in to the installation of Chanel's iconic codes such as the double interlocking C's.

It is a beautiful and almost magical experience as soon as you enter, the journey of Chanel begins as you walk through huge Pearl Curtains (a reference to the pearls that Gabrielle Chanel so adored) into The Garden of Camellia Trees, the room animates a luxurious garden where flowers show off the diamond jewellery in the beautiful display cases.

Other rooms show videos of the making of the famous 2.55 handbag, 80% are still hand made, and demand outweighs production. Hence there is always a waiting list.

Other features include a Children's nursery, complete with dolls and soft toys dressed head-to-toe in her clothes as a symbol of the nursery she never had from where she grew up in a Orphanage.
Next is the Haute Couture room a reconstruction of Coco's apartment at 31 Rue Cambon, Paris, complete with the most spectacular couture dresses displayed under glass.

And let's not forget the man who has kept the Chanel brand going since 1983, there is a room laid out like Karl Largerfeld's Studio 7L, with its gigantic library, where you can take a seat and read through some of the books.

Unfortunately there is no photography allowed, but I managed to get a few sneaky snaps, and would highly recommend a visit. It is a true adventure.

The Knightsbridge store is dedicated to Chanel for the next three weeks with flags, window displays and a special pop-up store. 

One of the many Chanel displays inside.

Inside the exhibition; The Magical Garden

Some of the sketches noting where the exhibition is in-store.

Fashion Night Out

For the past few years now we have attended Vogue's Fashion Night Out that they hold every September in Big Cities all over the world.
We first went back in 2009 where we watched a live Photo Shoot in Chanel with Daisy Lowe and Erin O'Connor, and have been going every year since.

This year was even better, we headed towards watch maker's Omega first, where the Champagne was flowing and some special Coffee Martini's whilst we listened to the AMAZING violinist and singer Marques Toliver.

Marques Toliver at Omega. 

Walking down Bond Street where the most action was taking place, we got caught up in the paparazzi scuffle trying to get their snap of Gwyneth Paltrow who was visiting Coach and looking stunning in black with her perfect blonde hair. 

Next stop - Christian Louboutin where the lovely girls from Lash Bar  were treating guests to lash extensions, with Grey Goose cocktails being handed out, as well as amazing mini trifles and pastry berry pop tarts. There was more than a few merry people dancing to the brilliant DJ in the beautiful surroundings of shoes. Guests were also treated to some lovely Louboutin goody bags... What more can a girl want from a night out.

Enjoying the Berry Pop Tarts

Grey Goose Cocktails

Christian Louboutin biscuits 

Goody Bags <3

Putting Essex on the Fashion Map

Although I am an Essex girl myself I have always been one of those people who when on holiday tell people I am from London 'Just outside, more East London'. Being just a short train ride away I have always preferred to spend time in London be it shopping or just hanging out.

I hate acrylic nails, hair extensions and fake boobs, wear minimal make-up, and despise that whole WAG look. You're more likely to see me in my DM's or Nike high tops than heels.
I remember watching the first episode of TOWIE and cringing and being more embarrassed than ever. Mean while it seemed that the rest of the nation were embracing it, and were maybe even a little bit jel of us Essex folk.

However, since I have started working at Ella Tino, my perceptions have started to change, we recently became official sponsors of Essex Fashion Week and last Friday held at a Catwalk show at Faces in Gants Hill and it was so much fun.

I am lucky in that I finally got a job loving what I do, right now I am covering everything from PR, to styling shoots and shows, having the freedom to choose the music I want for the catwalks, blogging, having a say in what we buy and put on the website to menial tasks such as uploading content on the site.
Meeting and working alongside founders of EFW who also featured on TOWIE Simon and Adam Ryan has been great (and they are all really nice people too).
So next time I am asked 'Where are you from?' I will reply proudly 'Essex'. Amy Childs is in Vogue don't you know!

 The lovely Ella Tino models - all clothes can be bought here.

 With Simon and Adam Ryan

Meeting the lovely Diversity 

Going La La For Lashes

It was a miserable rainy Tuesday night last night but that wasn't going to stop the grand opening of the Lash Bar being any less fabulous, as members of press and beauty experts gathered, sipping on Kir Royale champagne cocktails to celebrate the first salon of its kind.
 The salon is the brain child of the UK's leading eyelash experts Lash Perfect, based in the heart of the West End, the exclusive Lash Bar is situated just off Carnaby Street.

35 Marshall Street

London

W1F 7EX

Alongside the boutiques and coffee houses of Soho, it is the perfect indulgence for any girl-about-town. Stepping in to the Lash Bar is like stepping in to a sea of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the busy area. Inside you are greeted by the friendly and professional staff, who then lead you in to the boudoir treatment rooms. Colours of aqua marine and luxurious textures provide a comfortable and exclusive environment, perfect for the high profile and celebrity clients who regularly drop in. 

A UK market leader within the semi-permanent eyelash extension industry Lash Perfect offer a wide range of innovative treatments, however the Lash Bar does not just specialise in lashes, they also offer a range of  other pampering eye treatments, from the adored La La Lashes strip extensions which can be bought and applied in store, to full Eye Works treatment which includes a massage, mask, brow definition and a full set of Lash Perfect extensions. So good it will be sure to get you into a flutter. 

My personal favourite has got to be the Paperself lashes, a more adventurous look, the lashes are creatively cut designs made from an elegant paper material, there are styles such as 'Under the Sea' 'Deer and Butterfly' and 'Peacocks'. 

A wonderful evening was had by all, as they were advised and guided to which lashes to choose for them, and even got a goody bag complete with a set of La La Lashes and a yummy cupcake (made by me, may I add). 

Good luck to all the girls at the Lash Bar on your first opening week.... It's a must see for everyone to check out.

For more information on any of the lash brands mentioned please contact Beauty Seen PR. 

Some of the luxurious treatment rooms.

Celebrity fans and clients

Special Lash Bar Cupcakes made by me :) 

Goody Bags

Paper Self Lashes - Peonies design - Cant wait to wear these bad boys in IBIZA!!!

La La Lashes eyelash strips 

Ibiza Wish List

Ever since visiting Ibiza twice over the Summer back in 2008, I have been longing to go back, and today I have finally booked to go back to the White Isle.
For anyone who has never been, I cant recommend it enough, even if partying til' dawn isn't your thing.
With just over a month to go, I should really start working on a bikini body.... but get important things out the way first... THE CLOTHES!!

Here is my Ibiza wish list: 

Loose vests - Ibiza uniform

I do love an American Apparel bodycon dress.

Can't go wrong with this beautiful maxi from Topshop

This Crochet dress, also from Topshop will get me through festival season too. 

Adore aztec print for the beach. 

All about stacking up bracelets, ones that are versatile for the beach and pool... just watch out for tan lines.

Vintage tops so you have something different from the rest.

I must have this  H&M tropical banana print bikini 

This hat.... sipping on a Mojito at Cafe Del Mar watching the Sunset... PERFECT!!

Love a logo tee...

Feathers are everywhere, so many different styles to choose from, but these earings and head dress both from 'bitchin & junkfood' are just the best. Also perfect for the festivals... as seen as Coachella earlier this year.

Im determined to have a go at goth, inspired by Lady Gaga's new album 'Born This Way'