Monday 29 August 2011

Topman catches the Hare

Topman has announced it will be collaborating with Marc Hare, the man behind the much lauded Mr Hare shoe brand, to launch his first ever footwear collaboration this autumn with the high street store.

The collection - to form part of the Topman AAA range - will contain ten styles across both shoes and boots including evening loafers and hi-shine hi-tops. The collection will launch in two parts - the first at the end of this month and the second at the end of October 2011 and will be available on-line and at the Oxford Circus, New York and Chicago stores.

"The inclusion of Marc Hare to Topman’s ever increasing stable of designer collaborations is such an honour. Long being a fan of his beautiful elegant understated shoes it is such a pleasure to be able to introduce this collection specifically designed for our AAA range," said Gordon Richardson, Topman design director.

Marc’s impeccable attention to detail is inherent across all the designs as is his personality – he has incorporated an element of fun into each pair. Designs come from the heart, each created from his desire to produce a shoe not lacking in style or quality, with all the signs of perfection at an affordable price making them obtainable to all.

Marc Hare, designer, said: "I never understood why girls had all the fun when it came to shoes!"

Marc Hare's full shoe menu includes the Oxford, the Rogue boot, the Loafer, the Sneaks, the Ankle Boot and the Derby Shoe.

Boots Treat Street welcomes Office Shoes



Boots Treat Street is pleased to welcome Office Shoes as the newest addition to the online shopping portal.

Office joins other leading fashion brands like Banana Republic, BHS, Boden, Bravissimo, Burton, Charles Tyrwhitt, Clarks, Coast, Dorothy Perkins, eBay, Evans Clothing, figleaves, French Connection, Gap, JD Sports, Joules, Laura Ashley, Marisota, Miss Selfridge, Monsoon, Mothercare, New Look, Simply Be, Sweaty Betty, Topman, Wallis and many more.

Dave Robinson, who is the Head of Partnership Marketing at Boots, said: "It's with great pleasure Boots can announce another exciting collaboration with yet another top clothing brand. Office Shoes has a fantastic history in the fashion industry and always manages to bring something new and edgy to the table. Office has a fantastic shoe collection at good value prices, with the added bonus of collecting Boots Advantage Card points on your Office purchases when you shop through Treat Street.

"Office is renowned for a creative impulse in shoe retailing and Treat Street are proud to have them as an addition to the fashion and gifts categories in 2011. Keep an eye out for discount codes and new offers updates by checking the Treat Street site regularly.

www.treatstreet.boots.com

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Thursday 25 August 2011

Boots Treat Street welcomes Banana Republic



Boots Treat Street is pleased welcome Banana Republic as one of its newest brands to join the online shopping portal. Fashion-loving Boots customers can now collect even more Advantage Card points through Treat Street when shopping with Banana Republic.

Banana Republic joins other leading fashion brands such as BHS, Burton, Clarks, Coast, Dorothy Perkins, Figleaves, French Connection, Gap, Laura Ashley, Marisota, Miss Selfridge, Monsoon, Mothercare, New Look, Office Shoes, Simply Be, Sweaty Betty, Topman and Wallis but to mention a few.

Dave Robinson, Head of Partnership Marketing at Boots, said: "We are excited to welcome Banana Republic onto the Treat Street site. It is important to us that customers have access to brands that they know and love and with so many different styles and designs on offer. we know that Banana Republic will be a great addition for our customers.

"Throughout 2011 we will be expanding all sections of Treat Street but fashion is at the core. By checking the site regularly you'll be able to see offers and discounts available from Banana Republic as well as the other fashion brands we have on-board. You can also collect Boots Advantage Card points on your purchases when you shop through Treat Street."

Established in 2010, Boots Treat Street enables Advantage Card customers to collect Boots Advantage Card points with every purchase they make online through the website. Customers shopping through Boots Treat Street collect at least one point for every £1 spent with selected stores, which can be redeemed in store against purchases.

Boots Treat Street also offers vouchers, discount codes and products from the high-street's biggest retailers including Comet, Currys and the Apple Store and also online retailers, such as eBay, Lovefilm and Play.com. Customers can also collect fashion discount codes such as Banana Republic discount codes, Miss Selfridge discount codes, Laura Ashley discount codes and various other offers from the likes of Gap, French Connection and TOPMAN, too!

Fantastic Winter Spa Break Offers at Ragdale Hall

Ragdale Hall in the winter
The award winning spa, Ragdale Hall's winter offers are always the best value of the year - there are even two nights at HALF PRICE!

2011 will not go down as a good year for foreign travel, airport strikes and the rising costs in the Eurozone have made the UK more attractive and better value than ever.

Please peruse the wonderful spa breaks that Ragdale Hall offer - and brilliant value too, with all meals, inclusive treatments, exercise and relaxation classes AND the best spa facilities in the country, all included.

Ragdale Hall Health Hydro & Thermal Spa, Ragdale Village, Nr. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3PB

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Boots Treat Street welcomes French Connection



Boots Treat Street is pleased to announce the launch of French Connection at www.boots.com/treatstreet. Fashion-loving Boots customers can collect even more Advantage Card points when they shop online at French Connection through Treat Street. French Connection offers a catwalk-inspired fashion-forward clothing range with a quirky spin on design as well as great quality at affordable prices and now customers can collect points on all the summer fashion must haves.

Dave Robinson, Head of Partnership Marketing at Boots Treat Street said: "We are delighted French Connection has joined Treat Street. This new addition offers great value for new and existing customers, who want to reward themselves following a purchase online through Treat Street.

"We plan to expand our offers and retailers in the fashion and gifts categories throughout 2011 so be sure to check the website frequently for new offers. By shopping through Treat Street, you can collect Boots Advantage Card points with every purchase."

Launched in 2010 and now with over 70 brands to choose from, Boots Treat Street enables Advantage Card customers to collect Boots Advantage Card points with every purchase they make online .Customers shopping through Boots Treat Street collect at least one point for every £1 spent with stores such as eBay, Play.com, The Train Line and New Look.

FACTFILE:
At Boots Treat Street, customers collect at least one point for every £1 they spend, as well as getting exclusive offers vouchers, and discount codes from the high-street's biggest retailers including Comet, Currys and the Apple Store and also online retailers, such as eBay, Lovefilm and Play.com. 

Customers just log in to Boots Treat Street and click through to the retailers site via a special link which means that their purchase can be tracked and their Advantage Card points awarded. Customers can also collect fashion discount codes such as Dorothy Perkins discount codes, TOPMAN discount codes, Clarks vouchers and New Look discount codes. For more information, visit www.treatstreet.boots.com for the latest offers and codes.

www.treatstreet.boots.com

Simply Piste Online Ski Wear Store Announces 12 New Brands for the AW11 Season

Online ski wear retailer Simply Piste is expanding its product range by introducing twelve more big name brands in time for the Autumn Winter 2011 ski season.

This growth comes in response to a surge in customer demand at Simply Piste and will be pivotal in driving the store forward, providing visitors with a wider than ever choice of premium ski wear and accessories, across a broad price range.

Clothing ranges for snowboarders will broaden notably, with the introduction of fashion-forward ski wear collections by new brands Quiksilver, Roxy, Vans, Protest, Nike 6.0 and the creative Swiss brand, Eleven.

The range across the store's eye wear and head wear department will grow to include POC, Smith Optics and Giro, three established brands that specialise in hi-tech ski goggles and ski helmets with an emphasis on technological innovation, safety and design excellence.

Molo and Didriksons, two trendy Scandinavian brands, will complete the kid's ski wear range, making it easy and convenient for mums and dads to kit the whole family out in fashionable ski wear and accessories in one go.

Snow sports enthusiasts will also benefit from Simply Piste's useful demonstration videos explaining technical specifications and features, simplifying the decision making process.

CEO Gerrard Dennis said: “Following the unprecedented success of last season it was obvious that demand for top branded ski wear at competitive prices is stronger than ever. By increasing our brands and ranges even further, we're giving all skiers and snowboarders the choice they need to find the right products for them, whatever their level of ability, taste, budget or age.”

Note to Editors:

Simply Piste was launched in 2006 and forms part of The Simply Group. The company owns and operates 7 online stores and employs 35 staff. It is family owned and operated by founder Gerrard Dennis and his wife Jo Dennis.

www.simplypiste.com

Are you wearing the correct size bra?

From the 25th of August to the 25th of September M&S are holding their ‘Bra Fit’ in-store event!

M&S are encouraging women to pop into store for a free bra fit-with over a third of women wearing the wrong size bra M&S advises all women to visit their local store and meet one of their trained advisors.

Not only will you be fitted for free but every women who’s measured will receive a £5 off voucher when you spend £30 on lingerie (excluding shapewear and hosiery)

"Unbelievably, women on average buy more shoes than they do bras every year! We all know how great a new pair of shoes can update an outfit, but not many women know how a well fitting bra can not only improve their posture, make them look slimmer and boost their confidence as well as their assets!" says Soozie Jenkinson Head of Lingerie Design at M&S.

www.marksandspencer.com

Thursday 18 August 2011

High Street Jewellers Rudells launch their Preview 2011 Catalogue


Rudell the Jewellers were delighted to launch their Preview 2011 catalogue last week. As is to be expected with any Rudells publication it is full of the most exciting products and news direct from the world’s finest jewellery and watch houses.

The iconic IWC Portofino in Rose Gold takes pride of place on this year’s cover. The hand-wound eight day power reserve truly is a watch of stamina. It will run for precisely 192 hours and is rightly recognised as the flagship of the Portofino range.

The Links of London Olympic collection is also unveiled amongst the Preview's pages. Showcasing what the best of British has to offer for London 2012. The 'Play' collection is a great addition to Links’ iconic charm bracelets and the official 2012 colour themes have given their Sweetie and Friendship bracelets an Olympic twist.

High street jeweller Rudells pride themselves on embracing new talent and designs. Inside the preview there are interviews with rising star “China Girl” – whose unique voice will ensure that she goes far. "We also have features on the winner and notable entries of the 2011 Designers of Excellence Awards. These wonderful designs and jewellery will be on display at the Rudells showroom later in the year," said a spokesman.

Zoe Trueman Rudells Marketing manager was delighted with the publication saying “Yet again this year it has been a pleasure to be part of the production of the Preview. I feel that it is so important to keep our clients up to date with the fantastic new releases and also the events of the year. I hope that everyone who reads it enjoys it as much as we did creating it”.

The Rudells Preview is available upon request and in-store now. Join the Rudells mailing list to be kept up to date with all their news and product at www.rudells.com

Rudells High Street Jewellers currently have two showrooms one in Wolverhampton and the other in Harborne, Birmingham. You can expect a warm, friendly service and to view our quality jewellery ranges, prestigious watch brands and giftware.

There is a wide range of jewellery from diamond rings, necklaces and earrings to bracelets and watches. There are many sections dedicated to new and previously owned products and sections for all types of occasions like wedding and engagement rings.

How to wear your little black dress this winter

From Jules Standish, The Colour Counsellor and Author of How Not to Wear Black

Most of us love a Little Black Dress as an effortless, glamorous and smart wardrobe staple – especially during the winter months and party season. But how you wear your LBD is key, as few of us can wear black well without it ageing us if we have the wrong skin tone says Jules Standish, The Colour Counsellor and author of How Not to Wear Black and discover your true colours (August 2011, O Books, £7.99).

FACTS: The reason black can make a warm skin tone look older is because up against the face it reflects and highlights all that’s dark. Shadows around the chin, lines either side of the mouth, grooves between the nose and mouth, forehead lines or the dark rings under the eyes. Wrinkles and sunken areas will appear deeper, and the older you get the more ageing black can be. Black will flatten a warm complexion by giving it a grey appearance making it look drained and tired, stripping away any natural golden glow. Understanding your skin tone and underlying genetic pigments is vital to knowing what colours suit you according to Jules.

What Skin Tone Are You – can you naturally wear black?
Summer Complexions tend to be light and colourless, not rosy cheeked and don’t tan well. This colouring is best suited to cool pastel shades of pale pink and blue, purple, off white. Neutrals are greys and blues. Celeb Spy: Claudia Schiffer is a cool summer.

Winter Complexions are cool, light or dark, not translucent, and not rosy cheeked, with a distinctive, striking look to the appearance. Black can be worn against face with no signs of dark shadows, lines or ageing. Cool colours include electric blue, fuchsia pink, emerald green, burgundy with black and white neutrals. Celeb Spy: Megan Fox is a striking winter. Winters skin tones are the rare few that can wear black well naturally without it ageing their looks.

Spring Complexions have yellow/gold undertones, tend to blush easily, have broken veins or rosy cheeks and can vary from very fair, freckled to dark and golden. This colour palate is bright and warm including lime green, golden yellow, coral, turquoise, red, and grey/stone/blues neutrals. Celeb Spy: Amanda Holden is a bubbly spring.

Autumn Complexions have more bronze undertones than spring and never have rosy cheeks. Muted colours include olive green, burnt orange, mustard, caramel and teal. Neutrals are browns/dark greys/blues. Celeb Spy: Penelope Cruz is a dramatic autumn.

The Rules of How to Wear Your LBD if it’s not in your natural colour range

- Wear a black dress with a low neckline and ensure that your natural skin colour reflects up against the face.

- Invest in a fabulous gold (warm skins) or silver (cool skins) necklace, or wear gorgeous coloured stones of amber, turquoise, citrine or jade.

-A wrap or scarf is a great accessory in a colour that suits your skin tone.

- Choose a black dress with a coloured pattern in it.

- Opt for a two-tone dress with a block of colour on the top and black on the bottom or colour down the middle and black at the sides for a really slimming look.

- Coloured jackets or cardigans can offset the LBD beautifully, are warm and hide upper arms.

- Wear make up that is the perfect colour for your complexion and features. Warm (coral, green and brown) based make up is best for yellow/golden based skin tones while cool (pink, blue, purple) for the pink based ones.

“Nigella Lawson has the cool skin one and dramatic dark features to wear black to maximum effect and she does! Joan Collins is another high profile lady who looks dramatic in black. If you don’t have a winter skin tone like these ladies then we can learn how to wear black without it ageing our looks.”
Jules Standish, The Colour Counsellor

Written as an easy to use, self-help guide, How Not to Wear Black will introduce you to your true colours, help you choose the right clothes and accessories to help you look as attractive as you can, and understand the effects of black on the ageing process. By learning to choose the correct colours for your genetic blueprint you will minimise lines, wrinkles, blemishes and dark shadows with dramatic results – an immediate and cost-effective route to anti-ageing – and to feeling great!

FACTFILE:
Jules Standish is The Colour Counsellor: a personal colour & style expert passionate about getting women into their true colours to look younger and healthier in an instant! Jules works with a wide range of individuals from celebrities to housewives and businesswomen. Jules is also a freelance journalist and has written many articles for the media.

Stockist Info: How Not to Wear Black by Jules Standish, O Books, £7.99, 2011
ISBN 978-1-84694-561-8 – www.colourconsultancy.co.uk

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Lyle & Scott Vintage Autumn/ Winter 2011


The Autumn/ Winter ’11 Lyle & Scott Vintage collection takes yet another bold step forward, providing fashion lead pieces for a confident, modern consumer, whilst remaining true to the brands rich history. The range takes inspiration from rugged, outdoor and preppy themes to create the ultimate winter wardrobe; a contemporary urban armour. New this season are two completely reworked variations on the brand’s famous logo. In addition to the traditional golden eagle is a branded debossed leather square and a woven patch which brings a collegiate feel to the collection, appearing on either the chest, pockets or sleeve.

Heavyweight outerwear has an added focus on utility and colour. A multi-pocket mountain parka is the ultimate in functional winter dressing while a cotton canvas light brown hunting jacket is stylish and more suited to milder climes. A classic cotton twill mac offers a more formal alternative and a wool duffle comes in navy and charcoal marl. Other key colours for outerwear include cranberry and Woodland green, whilst a hooded jacket and gilet comes in navy and green plaid.

As ever, knitwear is at the heart of the collection. Confident Nordic patterns and Fairisle Knits complement the rugged outdoor look. A contrast colour navy and pink Fairisle crew neck jumper is an update on a classic essential while a preppy tank top adopts a more traditional take on the pattern. Cardigans, shawl collars, v-necks, zip through’s and turtle necks come in a colour palette of burnt orange, khaki, grey marl and Admiral blue.

Winter polos and tees offer yet more shots of bold colour and winter hues. Standout pieces include the very seasonal charcoal snowflake polo and the bold and daring jacquard check polo shirts, adorned with the preppy woven patch. Long and short sleeve shirts in variations of plaid and gingham move the outdoor theme forward as do wool shirts in bright red, charcoal marl and Fjord blue.

Trousers come equipped for the winter in hard wearing fabrics, including denim for the first time. Equally stylish is a corduroy jean, with a cotton twill chino providing a more lightweight alternative. The colour palette for trousers includes light chambray, light brown, navy, Hunter green and port.

Another area of development for the Vintage collection lies in accessories. Back for a second season is the range of fine cotton socks, with a Fairisle and fleck knit an addition to the bold block colours and stripes. A plethora of beanies, bobble hats, hunter caps and scarves in check, stripes, block colours and Fairisle come with all three logo options. The bag offer is also extended to include flight bags, helmut bags and briefcases and AW11 sees the introduction of cotton and woven belts.

Footwear too welcomes some new arrivals with a suede brogue in either sand or slate, a mid top raised sole boot in burnt amber and dark brown and a semi oiled leather moccasin in black and oxblood. Canvas and calf leather trainers come in earthy tones and are brightened up with shots of bright colour. A classic suede desert boot completes the offer.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

G-Star Raw Clothing Now On Sale at Bridge55


Bridge55 have announced that a G-Star Raw sale is now on, with at least 40% off retail prices. All G-Star sale clothing and jeans stock are expected to clear quickly, with an early strong sales reporting showing an increase in consumer confidence. The ‘everything must go’ attitude of the retailer is clear here, with bargains to be had aplenty for the price savvy customers.

With the Autumn/Winter season approaching and the sun disappearing, all G-Star Spring/Summer stock is being cleared. The thinner brighter G-Star t-shirts are available at extremely attractive prices, making way for more seasonal thicker, darker, winter stock that is now arriving. G-star lightweight jackets are also making way for warmer and more traditional military inspired G-Star Raw apparel.

It is not only the tees and jackets that are at bargain prices however. Bridge55 have also reduced all of the Spring/Summer 2011 collection, so all G-Star jeans, hoodies, shirts, jackets, knitwear and accessories are available at rock bottom prices. There isn’t a better time to kit the wardrobe out with some steals from the sale, or simply to get an outfit ready for the weekend without breaking the bank.

The exposure of the brand has been ultra high recently with celebrity endorsers of the brand that include David Beckham, Jay Z, and Justin Bieber. These have all been seen wearing the iconic G-Star Raw logo. This exposure has lead to an increase in demand for G-Star Raw clothing and G-Star jeans which can all be purchased on Bridge55.

Autumn/Winter 2011 is fronted this season by filmmaker, actor, musician, and artist, Vincent Gallo. The Hollywood celebrity whose most notable project includes the 80s indie film Buffalo '66. He joins current face Gemma Arterton in an upcoming ad campaign to promote 3301 by G-Star RAW. The large media campaign is expected to bring strong sales for the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2011.

Despite the tough economic times, G-Star is going from strength-to-strength in the men's and women's designer clothing sector, and it shows no stopping. The mega brand has captured its loyal market and is here to stay. You can try to copy, but G-Star cannot be recreated. The ethics and core business foundations behind the brand drive it into the 21st century.

Bridge55 offer a wide range of mens clothing including brands as G-Star, Voi, Jack and Jones and many others. Bridge55 is a bricks and mortar retailer and also an online retailer. Having been trading for almost 10 years, has an established yet still growing loyal customer base that stretches to all corners of the globe. Bridge55 are at the forefront of cutting edge fashion and aspire to become the market leaders of the future.

New Season Style at Pure Collection


Launching online on the 24th August, Autumn Winter 2011 from Pure Collection is a sumptuous mix of luxurious fabric, divine accessories and doses of glamour, all mixed in a rich palette of nude, black, and greys with a dash of scarlet. The new collection is divided into 4 key areas:

Modern Simplicity

Clean lines and classic shapes make up this collection. Fabrics are tactile, with brights injected into black, grey and navy. We love this chic Red Coat, practical yet stylish for the cooler months. When the party season hits, a fab Ponti Dress will be all you need to stand out from the crowd.

New Glamour

Feminine power is the name of the game for New Glamour. Encompassing the popular nude on nude palette made famous by style icons such as Kate Middleton, this collection is all about the finer details and divine accessories to complete the perfect outfit.

Off duty style

For a more relaxed affair try Off Duty Style, designed for you to go with the flow but always look the part. Detail is minimal but texture and a rich urban palette remain. A gorgeous printed cardigan will dress up jeans and set off a stylish oversized bag.

Luxe

For key pieces of luxury glamour look no further, lots of rich texture with our deeply cabled knitwear, ideal for throwing on for a dose of glamour. A soft Cashmere Shrug is the ideal cover up for a blustery autumn day.

Helen Thomas, Head of Buying at Pure Collection, comments: “The inspiration behind this collection comes from chic Parisian style, which is where we decided to shoot the collection. Paris dwellers have an understated and classic style that we looked to replicate for our customers; the garments are all about high quality, making them a worthy investment for any wardrobe.”

If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, here’s a sneak preview: Preview Here

Our top picks from Autumn Winter 2011 are:

Cashmere dress £179.00
Cashmere Tunic Dress £179.00
Red Coat £249.00
Ponti Dress £99.00
Woven Cape £229.00
Printed Cashmere Cardigan £149.00
Cashmere Oversized Sweater £199.00
Cashmere Shrug/Cardigan £179.00
Single Breasted Coat £249.00
Textured Sweater £139.00
Knitted Cape £199.00
Herringbone Tweed Jacket £189.00
Batwing Cardigan £229.00

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Liberate reveals 25% of women first consider plastic surgery between the ages of 10 and 15


Liberate Cosmetic Surgery has discovered 25% of women that it surveyed started to first consider cosmetic surgery between the ages of 10-15 years-old.

The 3000 British women between 18 and 30 years-old who took part in the research were asked at what age they first considered cosmetic surgery, to which 25% of women answered between the ages of 10-15 years-old. 33% also answered that they had considered cosmetic surgery between the ages of 15-18 years-old.

Liberate Cosmetic Surgery views this as quite an interesting yet shocking statistic, as it shows a large number of people may be considering plastic surgery from a very young age.

Mr Paul Banwell, consultant plastic surgeon at Liberate commented: "There is no doubt that more and more younger people are considering cosmetic surgery and breast augmentation still remains the number 1 procedure.  However, the statistics regarding the age at which women are first considering surgery is quite shocking."

The research was conducted by One Poll in February 2011; surveying 3000 British women aged 18 - 30 regarding their feelings about their appearance and their attitudes towards cosmetic surgery.  It wanted to explore issues young women face surrounding cosmetic surgery, look at current trends and find out what young women know and don't know about surgery.

Monday 15 August 2011

Skin feeling dry and unpleasant? This can help

Malki Dead Sea products Dry, itchy and flaky skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can affect people of all ages, including babies and children. The symptoms, which can be mild or severe, have been around for centuries yet there is still no complete cure. Treating these conditions is tricky and for sufferers can be a case of trial and error when searching for the right skincare to soothe and help heal their sore, irritated and often cracked skin.

Now that the NHS has diminishing funds, research into alternative therapies for skin problems may be left on the back burner, making it harder to find a treatment that doesn’t include steroid creams. Parents often despair when their little ones develop eczema, with the itch-scratch-itch cycle leaving them both distraught and desperate for a natural solution.

The power of Dead Sea minerals is unrivalled with their calming and healing properties well known. Malki’s 100% natural Dead Sea minerals skin and bodycare harnesses all of this skin-soothing goodness while leaving out the aggravating chemicals often hidden in other skincare products.

Many eczema sufferers claim that various detergents cause their delicate skin to flare up but have found the pure vegetable oil and mineral-rich Malki skincare products to help ease and relieve symptoms.

The gentle soaps, bath salts, washes and lotions contain nothing more than natural olive, coconut and palm oils blended together with minerals including potassium, magnesium and sulphur. They’re free from sodium lauryl sulphate, an irritating foaming agent, paraben preservatives and lanolin, a wax extracted from sheep’s glands. They also contain no synthetic fragrances or colourings.

Malki Dead Sea products are not a miracle cure but they have gained a cult following from eczema, psoriasis and acne sufferers over the past 20 years who’ve found relief in their soothing mineral ingredients.

What are their Malki favourites? Genuine Bath Salts, Natural Sulphur Soap, Black Mud Mask Soap, Natural Mineral Shower Cream and Natural Mineral Shampoo. Check the website to see what they say at deadseabathcare.co.uk.

Also in the range: Dead Sea Aromatherapy Bath Salts with Frankincense, Dead Sea Bath Scrub with Frankincense Oil, Natural Mineral Body Lotion, Natural Mineral Facial Wash, Natural Mineral Soap and Natural Mineral Conditioner. From £3.39 at Boots stores and boots.com.

www.deadseabathcare.co.uk

Wednesday 10 August 2011

That's Business: Beautiful business on wheels

That's Business: Beautiful business on wheels: "Beauty will be literally on the doorstep for Lancashire residents thanks to a Bolton business woman. Jackie Naylor, owner of beauty busin..."

Monday 8 August 2011

Debenhams to launch limited edition bridesmaid dress


Debenhams has announced  it will be retailing a limited edition version of Pippa Middleton's bridesmaid gown in stores later this year after being inundated by demands from customers.

So great is the anticipated demand it has has taken the unusual step of creating a 'lady-in-waiting list' to allow customers to reserve the departments store's homage to Pippa Middleton’s iconic figure-hugging bridesmaid gown.

And for fans of Pippa’s style the retailer will also be selling a version of the emerald green evening gown that Kate’s sister wore to the evening 'do'.

In addition a black lace sweetheart frock and a flower girl dress, all inspired by Kate Middleton and her breath-taking bridal party will go into stores later this year as well.

Russell Fish, Head of Occcassionwear Design at Debenhams commented: "Like everyone we were glued to our tellies for the wedding and have been huge Kate and Pippa fans ever since.

"We've taken the best of the dresses and added our designer twist. Now you can get the Middletons' look at High Street prices."

Debenhams' slender ivory gown is a slinky, cowl neck number with a button-back detail and elegant cap sleeves. 

An ivory flower girl dress will also launch in store to sit alongside the sleek adult gown. Featuring a delicate lace trim, puff sleeves and a pale gold sash tied in a sumptuous bow at the back, with retail prices varying depending on age.

An emerald green evening gown, with embellished neck detail and a full, floor length skirt perfect for dancing is the final gown which will hit Debenhams stores this autumn.

Debenhams is also launching a black mid-length evening gown, inspired by the dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day. Featuring intricate lace detail and trim, the full-skirted prom dress is a classic take on this timeless style women everywhere want to emulate since the royal wedding.

Alain Mehada, Chief Personal Shopper, Debenhams Oxford Street added: "Both men and women everywhere were instantly talking about Pippa, so naturally brides-to-be will want to emulate her classic look, both for themselves or their bridesmaids.

"We have been inundated by customers asking if we have anything similar to the dresses worn by Kate, Pippa and the flower girls, but the ivory dress worn by Pippa is the most requested by far."

Sales boffins at the retailer predict that these dresses will follow in the footsteps of a Star by Julien Macdonald dress that sold out before even reaching stores after fashionistas heralded the design as the look of the season a couple of years ago.

To find out as soon as the Bridesmaid dresses are available, customers can send their details through to ladyinwaitinglist@debenhams.com.

Thursday 4 August 2011

Today is National Underwear Day. Celebrate it with M&S!

Join M&S, the UK’s biggest lingerie retailer, and celebrate all things underwear! Selling over 21 millions bras a year and 60 million pairs of knickers M&S are a knowledgeable underwear force!

The 5th of August 2011 is officially National Underwear Day-a day to really take a look at your underwear drawer and ask “Is my underwear really ‘working’ for me?”

Ask yourself “do I have the right shapewear for my figure and needs?”, “are those greying knickers ready for the bin?”, “Do I wear the right size bra?” women ask themselves these questions every day and what better way to get a grip on your undies than by celebrating NUD with M&S!

In anticipation of NUD M&S are appealing to all women to clear out their drawers and really think about their underwear purchases! On the 5th of August we want every woman from office worker to stay at home mums, to wear their best undies! Don’t save that beautiful silk set for those special occasions-wear them on the 5th with confidence.

Don’t get caught out thinking that just because other people can’t see your underwear, it doesn’t matter how it looks! NUD hopes to change this opinion with M&S’s help!


Wednesday 3 August 2011

ghd goes pink

New limited edition ghd styler for Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Taking inspiration from the world’s style capitals, this year’s Pink Orchid Limited Edition from ghd takes cues from some of today’s hottest designers including Valentino, Balenciaga and Christopher Kane, who weaved magenta, rose and cerise shades through their sumptuous S/S collections. Working this season’s pink and black lace trend, this year’s eagerly anticipated ghd Pink limited edition features a sheer lace print layered over this seasons colour; hot orchid pink to create a super slick design.

And for the first time ever, this year’s Pink limited edition features the ghd Gold Series Classic styler with a sleek twist – styling plates that have been transformed into a vibrant shade of hot orchid pink – a style note from accessories shown at the House of Holland S/S catwalk show, which featured intense pink tones.

The pink plated hair styler glides through locks effortlessly - allowing better, lighter handling for all types of styling, easily creating the sort of looks that made ghd famous. Curls, waves, flicks and the perfect straight can easily be achieved with the styler’s rounded barrel.

Accompanying the pink plated hair styler, this year’s limited edition includes the ultimate accessory to compliment any super-stylish summer wardrobe. Versatile and sassy, the ghd Pink Orchid Limited Edition heat-resistant styler case / clutch bag is this season’s must-have item. The glam set also includes two ghd sectioning clips to make styling any look even easier.

The Pink Orchid Limited Edition is set to be the most coverted styler yet, with £10 from every styler sold being donated to the amazing charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. This will be the 8th year ghd and Break through Breast Cancer have collaborated and in that time over £4,250,000 has been raised by ghd to go towards crucial funding and research carried out by the charity.

£10 from each sale will be donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Visit the ghd website for more details http://www.ghdhair.com

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Debenhams has revealed new research which suggests the female foot is getting bigger across the UK

With sales soaring, demand for size nine shoes has sparked a massive 80% increase in stocks at the department store.   

But despite the growing trend, 82% of size eight and nine customers say they are ashamed of their shoe size, ironically most blokes in the UK are a size nine.

Merchandisers at the department store thought something was afoot when it was revealed that 67% of all size nines sold, are bought online as opposed to in store.

Carie Barkhuizen, Debenhams Spokesperson, said: "Buying shoes online can be a tricky feat which is why we decided to ask women why they were shopping behind closed doors. We were surprised to learn a case of cold feet was behind it all.

"It's even more surprising when you consider the host of celebrity women like Michelle Obama and Nicole Kidman proudly stepping out on their larger paws."

When asked to identify what part of shopping for shoes in store they found particularly uncomfortable, 64% said it was asking the shop assistant for their size and 36% said they hated taking their shoes off in public.

The survey also revealed that 47% of women had lied to their partners and friends about their shoe size.

To help combat this embarrassment, Debenhams has instructed stores to put more size eight and nine stock out on the shop floor for women to help themselves to. 

Women needn't feel alone however, the average female shoe size has increased by one and a half sizes over the last 10 years; from four and a half in 1990 to a size six in 2011, and larger sizes are increasingly in demand.

The change is attributed to women's feet becoming broader rather than longer which experts believe may be due to an increase in average body weight as women grow taller.

Demand for size nines was highest in Dublin, followed by London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle.

Carie Barkhuizen continued: "If the current trend continues, then we will start stocking women's shoes in size ten and eleven too.

"Shoes with high heels, such as stilettos in larger sizes, have to be made much stronger with sturdier load bearing points, able to cope with greater levels of stress and wear.

"The materials and techniques now available means that the majority of shoes can made strong and comfortable enough in larger sizes which would have been unimaginable just ten years ago." 

Celebrity women with larger feet include; Nicole Kidman (size 9), Jerry Hall (8), Paris Hilton (9), Michelle Obama (9), Kate Winslet (9) and Geena Davis (9.5).

Hairtrade launches Buntastic products

Hairtrade has announced the launch of three new 'buntastic' seasonal I&K hair buns: the sleek bun, wedding bun and braided bun.

All of these hair buns are 'clip and go' hair bun styles and allow the wearer to get celebrity hair bun styles within seconds, ideal for wedding and party events.

The high bun hairstyle has emerged as a top spring summer hair trend. Celebrities like Billie Piper, Katie Cassidy, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Bosworth, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Alba have all sported the high top bun at events this year, and there appears to be no plans of it stopping.

Kevin Kou, Managing Director of Hairtrade said: "The high bun hairstyle emerged as a top spring summer hair trend for 2010 and this has continued into 2011. We launched hair buns to help people create celebrities’ hair bun styles in seconds. These styles are perfect for wedding and parties."

The launch of the new seasonal hair buns follows work by the company to meet the growing needs of its customer base, by supplying a wide variety of beauty products and hair electrical items on its site in addition to its hair extension and hair care range. Customers can find a range of shampoos, hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling irons as well as face and body care products including fake tan, nail care products and accessories and eye care products, including colour contact lenses, eye lash/eye brow perming kits and semi-permanent eye lash kits.

FACTFILE:

Hair Trade was established in 2005 and is now one of the leading online hair care, hair extensions and beauty products distributor and retailer across the UK and Europe. Hairtrade provides a wide range of hair extensions products, beauty, hair care and hair electrical brands.

Hairtrade provide a wide range of 100% human hair extensions mainly, human hair weaves, clip in hair extensions and pre-bonded hair which includes Remy hair and European hair extensions. We also provide synthetic hair extensions, wigs, hairpieces, hair extensions accessories and tools. As well as an extensive range of hair care products from brands such as Tigi, Loreal, Schwarzkopf, Goldwell, Matix, Fudge, Keune, Sexy Hair and many more.

Hairtrade also offer a wide range of nail care products and face & body products for both men and women.

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Twenty One Healthy & Happy Years at Ragdale Hall

The Owners of award winning health spa Ragdale Hall, Michael Isaacs & Penny Nesbitt celebrated twenty one years of their involvement on 15th June.

Since Ragdale Hall was opened as a health farm in 1973 by Slimming Magazine, this is by far the longest and most stable period of ownership.

Michael Isaacs and Gary Nesbitt (Penny’s late husband) creators of the Our Price record shop chain, brought Ragdale in 1990 and during the last two decades have invested extensively in new facilities and building up a fine reputation as one of the top spas in the UK.

In November 2007 the multi million pound Thermal Spa opened featuring an indoor/outdoor waterfall pool, unique Candle Pool and a series of heat and water experiences.

Employing 460 staff, Ragdale has won many accolades including the Best Spa in Europe 2007 and more recently Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Spa Awards 2010 Favourite UK Spa Retreat and also Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s Readers’ Awards – Favourite UK Spa 2010.

Michael Isaacs commented “Ragdale Hall is a very special place and Penny and I are very proud to have been it’s custodians for the last 21 years. We have an incredible band of very loyal staff, many who have been with us from day one. We are also very grateful for the support of so many loyal guests who come back time and time again”.

As part of the 21st anniversary celebrations the history book, ‘Ragdale Hall – The Life and Times of an English Country House’ has been updated and reprinted, telling the story of the Hall through the last 225 years, including it’s most recent history!

Available by mail order from the Boutique or online shop for £12.95, it is a fascinating historical insight.

For more information please visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk

Debenhams launches 'Boob Job in a Bra'

Debenhams has announced the launch of what it describes as the ultimate cleavage bra, aiming to boost women's assets and give the biggest cleavage boost on the high street.

Women will be rushing to get their hands on the new Triple Boost Bra which is a short-cut to a bigger, better cleavage. Available in a range of colours, Debenhams is predicting the bra will be an instant hit following its launch in store.

Sharon Webb, Debenhams Head of Lingerie Buying and Design commented: "More and more women are searching for a quick fix, low cost way to boost their assets and change their shape.

"We are constantly seeing a demand for new and innovative solutions lingerie, and the market has shown that people are wanting to enhance their bust, but without the weight, cost or pain of surgery."

The technology behind the bra is as simple as three steps to the perfect cleavage, and has taken two years to perfect.

The push up bra works using clever cleavage technology. Three separate foam pads in varying densities are pushed in different directions, resulting in a maximum impact cleavage and shape. There are three different sections in the cup to create the effect: a soft foam cushioned pad enhances the shape of the bust; a medium foam cushioned pad lifts the bust and finally, a firm cushioned pad adds the mega push and lift.

Sharon Webb continues: "It wasn't as simple as putting extra padding into an ordinary bra or revamping a double cup boost bra. It's basically a boob-job in a bra."

The bra is the first of its kind, as no other high street retailer has developed a three-step cup to create such a dramatic cleavage.

The triple boost bra is available in sizes 30A - 38DD.