Summer promotion at some Topshop branches

Topshop is to hold a number of summer-holiday-themed instore promotions throughout the month of June. The promotions will take place in the Oxford Circus, Manchester Armdale, Dublin Stephen’s Green and Liverpool stores.

The activities will include a 'Create Your Own Postcard' pop-up and a frozen yoghurt stand from Frae in selected stores. Dazed Digital will be also be hosting 'Fashion Photography in the Digital Age' workshops.

Visitors to the four stores during the promotional period will be able to create their own 'Wish You Were At Topshop' postcard. Following a complimentary styling session and make-up touch-up, a photo will be taken with an iPad 2 against a summer-holiday-themed backdrop, with the option to choose one of several Instagram filters to change the look and feel of the image.

Once the perfect image is captured on camera, customers can then upload their image straight onto their Facebook page and Topshop's own gallery, allowing them to share the photo with friends. There will also be the option to print out the postcard to keep. Plus, customers will be able to ‘LIKE’ Topshop on Facebook, where they’ll then have the opportunity to enter a competition to win a £1000/$1000 summer spree.

Customers can enjoy a snack from organic frozen yoghurt brand Frae, who will be popping up for a limited period in each of the four stores.

For the fashion photography fan, Dazed Digital will host four workshops on 'Fashion Photography in the Digital Age' in stores. Each workshop will focus on how fashion photography has evolved from a professional art form to the democratisation of social photo sharing and image manipulation, and the effect this has had on fashion shoots and brand campaigns.

A spokesman said: "Topshop is proud to be the first in the industry to work with Instagram, giving customers a fun instore experience and a postcard they can keep forever."

Topshop announces first ever 'Secret Store'

Topshop has announced launch of its first ever pop-up Secret Store concept space in both the Oxford Circus and New York stores, featuring a premium and directional selection of Topshop Boutique and designer collaboration pieces to treasure.

This new concept, the first of its kind in a high street store, will give visitors the chance to purchase something truly unique and personal. Contributing designers have produced pieces that they wouldn't have the chance to produce as part of their main line.

Madelaine Evans, head of buying at Topshop commented: "We're thrilled to be the first high street store to introduce a pop-up concept space of this nature. It's an exciting project for Topshop and I hope it will surprise and delight customers both old and new. It's a great opportunity for the designers we collaborate with to produce something unusual that they've not done before, and also a chance for our in-house design team to let their imaginations run riot."

The Secret Store will feature a number of Designers for Topshop, including Meadham Kirchhoff, Nasir Mazhar, Maria Francesca Pepe, Emma Cook, Ann-Sofie Back, Michael Van Der Ham and Pamela Love.

Topshop Boutique in-house team have also produced a collection of bags and clothing especially for the Secret Store, which will be available alongside some other secret surprises.

Additionally, four iconic pieces from Unique collections of yesteryear will be available to buy again, some of which have never been produced despite huge demand. This is an amazing opportunity to buy collectable Unique pieces, including a blouse SS09, a Peter Pan collar dress from AW09 and two Surfboard maxi dresses from SS10.

The Secret Store is a temporary feature in the Oxford Circus and New York flagship stores, for two weeks only, from today, 26th May.

Study in Style - stylish training designed for women

Study in Style, the comprehensive Image Consultant Complete Foundation Course has launched. It's described as a flexible, affordable, distance learning package that could bring you a new career as an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist or Personal Shopper closer.

The Complete Foundation Course costs £2,400 (a payment plan is available, just ask them for the details ) with separate modules offered from just £450.

The Study in Style course provides a modular DVD-based course which can be studied at your own pace, in your own time: so making it ideal for Mums at home looking for training that will fit around their busy family life; people seeking a new skill-set; or those looking for a whoe new career.

Course modules include: Personal Shopping; Women’s Style Analysis; Men’s Style Analysis; Colour Analysis; Makeup Application; and Presentation Skills. The Study in Style Complete Foundation Course also includes a total of 12 month’s free mentoring from image industry expert Gail Morgan.

Gail Morgan, the creator of Study in Style says: “This course has been designed for women who are interested in clothes and fashion but who don’t necessarily want to become fashionistas!

Our face to face courses are very popular but we had numerous requests for a home study course. I knew that using just books and photographs wouldn’t be enough, so I transferred the training experience into DVD and created this distance learning programme, so that wherever you are, you will have the opportunity to run your own style business.

“Following your training you will have the knowledge and appreciate the importance of tact and empathy necessary to help your clients find clothes that suit them, their lifestyle, personality and budget. You will be able to start your own business, doing a fun, interesting job that gives you the flexibility to work around your family commitments.”

Designed to provide all the information and equipment you would require to launch your own business as an Image Consultant, Fashion Advisor, Personal Stylist or Personal Shopper, the Study in Style course is accredited and audited by The Federation of Image Consultants (TFIC).

All training content, equipment and materials are audited by TFIC and the Study in Style Foundation Course meets the standards set by the TFIC/City & Guilds of London, Masters Award in Image Consultancy.

Victoria Lochhead from Newbury in Berkshire is a mum of two. She reports: “I’m in my early 30s and found it hard to shop as I always felt there wasn’t a lot on offer for my age group in the High Street – it all seemed too young or too frumpy.

“One day I was in my usual baggy t-shirt and jeans and just felt I had to do something about it! With Study in Style I could study at my own pace in manageable stages. What’s great is that you can build up a business as you go through the course. Study in Style is a great investment, the course is rich in detail and offers brilliant value for money. I now have new skills I’ll always be able to use.”

Karen Cross, 42, from Solihull near Birmingham in the Midlands points out: “I’d always had an interest in fashion and decided to do the Study In Style course last year. The course gave me the opportunity to train at my own pace, in the time I have available. I really enjoyed the distance learning which was very easy to fit into my busy home life. For each module of the course I read the manual then watched the DVDs which I found was the best way to do it – and I’ve always got the manuals as handy reference points.

“I found it a tactile, flexible and interactive course and am delighted that I’m working with new clients already. I set up Style Your Image and I’ve been doing clients properly since Christmas 2010 and am really seeing growing demand for my unique service.”

Hairdresser Sue Nurser, 53, adds: “Especially when you’re colouring hair, I’ve always asked people if they knew their colours and have always found it interesting to work out what people are and what would suit them best.

“With my hairdressing business I can’t commit specific days for studying and I’m a ‘watcher and doer’ learner so watching the Study in Style DVD and reinforcing that by reading the manual at my own pace was ideal. My hairdressing business has built up over the years but offering a Colour Analysis service is already making a real difference to my income.”

FACTFILE:
Study in Style is the training arm of The Image House, the image consultancy business founded by Gail Morgan in 1992. The distance learning Study in Style courses were created to help women set up and up run their own successful businesses in a fantastic and fulfilling industry.

All training content, equipment and materials are audited by The Federation of Image Consultants and the Study in Style Foundation Course meets the standards set by the TFIC/City & Guilds of London, Masters Award in Image Consultancy. For more details please visit www.studyinstyletraining.com

Dorothy Perkins reveals its new Floradita collection, as it closes many High Street branches

Dorothy Perkins has announced this summer's launch of Floradita, a sophisticated, boutique-inspired floral collection. But there is a catch.

Floradita has a hint of the 1950s plus a touch of modern day romance, creating a capsule collection of fabrics in simple feminine shapes.

Whether it's a traditional wedding in the country, a refined garden party or just a stroll in the sunshine, Floradita has plenty to offer for everyone for every occasion.

From prim, full-skirted sundresses and floaty floral maxis, to delicately embroidered cropped jackets and peter-pan collar lace tops, this new range has a unique feel to it and is perfect for the summer months ahead.

Many of the items in the collection have a retro or vintage look, with floral patterns being a strong theme throughout. This is featured boldly on skirts and summer dresses, and used more subtly on lace detailed tops.

A limited edition range of Floradita jewellery will also be available, complementing the clothing. A chunky gold chain necklace with bold flower charms adds a quirky touch, while rose printed cameos create a more quintessentially English look, found on stud earrings, a statement ring and a pendent necklace.

The range also includes accessories, like floral print summer wedges, bright coloured clutch bags and oversized sunglasses.

Floradita is available in selected stores nationwide and online on the Dorothy Perkins website from the beginning of June 2011.

The catch is, however, that many Dorothy Perkins shoppers will lose out, as a large number of Dorothy Perkins branches throughout Britain are to close next month. Ironically at the same time as the new Floradita range is being launched.

Littlewoods Europe has announced launch of its biggest range of swimwear and shapewear, ever.

The new range is part of the Littlewoods Europe summer shop range, and includes a stylish collection of bikinis, tankinis, swimsuits, sports swimwear and beachwear accessories. There are over 200 lines of swimwear and shapewear, with many of them included in a special 3 for the price of 2 promotion.

There are a number of styles and designs for you to choose from, there are lots of mix and match styles ranging from sizes 8 to 26 and up to a bust size of 44f. The new range also features a line of shapewear swimwear, which include tummy control panels, high waist briefs, wider straps and bust underwire, which are all designed to give the swimwear a more flattering fit.

A spokesperson for Littlewoods Europe said: "Women's swimwear shopping can be tricky. If like most of us you're not the same size on the top and bottom or you want more coverage without compromising on style the options can be limited. This year with our widest ever swimwear range there is something to suit all shapes. With over 40 mix and match styles and 3 for 2 offers, it will suit your budget as well."

The new swimwear collection includes items from brands such as Adidas, French Connection, Freya, Coleen, Roxy and Speedo.

The Littlewoods Europe website makes it easier for the customer to search for the swimwear they are looking for by allowing them to search by colour, brand, price range, category, current offers and previous customer ratings. It also allows the customer to sort them by best sellers and items which have recently been added to the collection.

www.littlewoodseurope.com

Debenhams spots spike in fake tan sales after Royal Wedding

Debenhams Beauty Hall has revealed the 'glowing' example of the Middletons at the Royal Wedding has caused a sales spike of fake tan with British women aiming to look just as bronzed during this year's wedding season.

The afternoon of the Royal Wedding Day saw fake tan flying off the shelves with sales up 219 per cent compared to the same day last year. The following day was almost as successful as shoppers, inspired by the wedding highlights on TV, boosted sales by 200 per cent.

Rumours are abound as to how the Middletons achieved their sun-kissed looks, from Kate's natural glow to Pippa's golden tone, with professionally applied artificial self tan thought to be the most likely solution.

Sara Stern, beauty director at Debenhams said: "You simply can't underestimate the impact that Kate and Pippa will have on the beauty industry.

"Already streams of wannabe princesses have been flooding into our stores looking to achieve their healthy, groomed look.

"In particular, Kate's more subtle shade of tan is perfect for big occasions like weddings. A light tan to complement your skin tone is more appropriate than the deeper, more noticeable shades used on a night out".

Debenhams' in-store tanning experts have been inundated with phone calls and in store queries about tan-etiquette - how to look your very best at a wedding without over-shadowing the bride or scaring off the best man.

Stern advised: "Skin prep is vital to avoiding those tell-tale tide marks. Exfoliate and moisturise well in advance and apply slowly and steadily. Choose a shade that is not too distant from your skintone and use different products for face and body.

"Take inspiration from the new Duchess of Cambridge and embrace bronzing powder and highlighters to create definition and enhancement - a look that will dazzle from Westminster Abbey to Gretna Green".

Cannelle Notices That More Young Clients Are Opting For The Natural Look

Cannelle beauty salons are noticing that young girls are not only keener than ever to learn the secrets to looking naturally gorgeous but to actually understanding good skin care. Over the last three years Cannelle (www.cannellebeaute.co.uk) has seen a 54% increase in the number of teenagers visiting their salons with the majority opting for manicures, waxing and eyebrow shaping treatments.

"Recent years have seen an overwhelming pressure for young girls to ply on heavy amounts of make-up but now we are seeing more girls who are being brought to the salon by their mother's to learn how to look after their skin and to learn how to put on make-up for a natural look. We also find this generation is far more savvy about sun exposure," says France Baudet the owner of the renowned French beauty salon.

Cannelle offers a wide range of suitable treatments including Décleor facials for spot prone skin which use 100% pure essential oils with natural plant extracts. For teenagers Aroma Purify is great for oily skin or Aroma Radiance for duller skin.

France continues: "The teenagers who come to our salon are made to feel as comfortable as possible and learn a lot from our experienced beauty therapists. With exam time and then end of year balls coming up we are expecting to see even more girls coming in for a treat, to reduce the effects that stress has had on their skin and to relax."

Cannelle delivers a fusion of beauty treatments all of which are tailored to meet their clients' special requirements. Baudet has divulged some top beauty tips for teenagers.

Teen beauty tips from Cannelle:

1. Cleanse, tone AND MOISTURISE! - Even if you have oily skin! Many girls avoid moisturisers because they believe they contain oils which promote spots. In fact if you choose a moisturiser that contains 'purifying oils' you will reap the benefits of well-nourished skin without spot problems. I recommend Décleor Aroma Purete for combination skin or Décleor Hydra Floral for normal skin.

2. Make up remover wipes are handy, particularly for girls on the go! So take them on sleepovers for quick, mess-free make up removal but avoid using them for prolonged periods. Wipes do not replace a proper skin care regime...think mouth wash as an alternative to brushing teeth. Exactly, you wouldn't!

3. Lip gloss compliments young, fresh skin perfectly. Don't be tempted to try dark or bright red matt lipsticks...you did that when you played dressing up as mum ten years ago...you don't want the same effect now! Vaseline has the same light reflecting instant plumping effect for even the thinnest lips so keep a travel size handy and reapply, reapply, reapply!

4. UV rays are a big no! Your generation is far more savvy about UV rays and burning. Sun exposure causes premature ageing and wrinkles can develop even in the early 20s with too much sun. Thankfully pale, pasty skin is a thing of the past for teens now the shelves are bursting with easy-to-use, skin nourishing creams and daily moisturisers containing hints of tanning colour that allow a safe, healthy glow to develop with continual use.

5. If you are particularly sensitive about the size of your nose, summer is the best time of the year for you! Trendy sunglasses and large brimmed hats look fabulous (teamed with skinny jeans and flip flops) and will dramatically reduce appearance of a larger nose. Uber stylish, uber clever!

6. Sparse lashes? Zig-zag your mascara brush! Whatever brand of mascara you choose it's the application that gives thicker longer looking lashes. Start at the base of the lashes (brush under not over lashes) and keeping the brush in contact with lashes at all times, zig-zag from side to side as you move up the lash. This movement separates and coats each lash at the same time, for maximum coverage and instantly thicker, bolder lashes.

7. Everyone has sad skin days. The moment you notice an obvious spot, cover with a medicated concealer and re-style your hair! Our attention usually goes straight to what's new, so all focus will be on your hair not on your blemish! Alternatively MAC, Couleur Caramel and STILA have great concealers.

www.cannellebeaute.com