Author Archives: Kesh

The North Face re-launch Covent Garden store

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North Face Cover

Starting in 1966 from humble beginnings, The North Face has transformed into one of the biggest outdoor brands in the world. As well as firmly establishing themselves as a recognisable brand all over The world, The North Face continue to make sure their focus on quality has gone from strength to strength and adapted to our ever changing environment.

 

Technology and innovation have always been important to The North Face having sent explorers out on some of the toughest and most challenging expeditions but also maintaining a brand which appeals to every person as well as athletes The North Face encourage anyone with a love for The Outdoors to Never Stop ExploringTM.

Alberto Orlandi©

Alberto Orlandi©

 

 

This week The North Face re-launch their Covent Garden flagship store and as well as showcasing their brand new make-over, the brand have celebrated by working alongside Street Artist, Charles Uzzell Edwards to produce The World’s Largest Base Camp Duffel. The Duffel is to be sold at an Art Gallery with all of the profits going to The British Exploring Society.

 

Alberto Orlandi©

Alberto Orlandi©

 

This store gets you excited to get your outdoor gear on with a wide variation on colours, styles and options and reminding you that their gear isn’t just for the ski slopes. With winter not even here yet it’s the perfect opportunity for you to get down to the still and try on all of their amazing stock. You can never have too many parkas, especially with our climate. The great thing about most of the clothing on offer here is that they are so functional and layered, that you can adjust the clothing to suit your needs. As well as that, technologies such asGORE-TEX®, Hyvent® andFlashDry™used within the jackets ensure durability for all conditions.

As part of their AW14 collection, The North Face have introduced their new Summit Series which uses a new FuseForm technology which sets out to deliver ultimate function, style and protection. Pieces are constructed from one single piece of fabric with less threads and fewer seams to make it lighter, stronger and more durable.

 

Thermoball
Thermoball technologies are engineered with lightweight layering to insulate but also pack down. Practical and with a warmth equivalent to 600 goose down this pushes the levels of insulation to new limits.

Alberto Orlandi©

Alberto Orlandi©

 

The North Face continue to be a brand which show passion to Outdoor exploration by staying on top of latest innovations and keeping the environment in mind when producing new products. Each of their garments are made with care and extensive research and this shows in their great quality.

Escape to Aspen with Jockey Loungewear AW14

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American underwear brand Jockey famous for it’s all-American style branches out for AW/14 with a brand spanking new Women’s Loungewear collection! In and amongst the collection are cosy tartan prints evocative of an Aspen Lodge but also mixed in the all American vibe certainly steeps through with the more stylish and hipper pieces such as the denim lounge dress and lounge pants.

The collection is built up into three different ranges. ‘Mountain Run’, offers casual lounge dresses, loose jersey t-shirts and shorts, cotton tank tops and boleros. The pieces in this range could definitely serve their purpose as they can be worn outdoors as well as in giving you that extra value for money.

 

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‘Colorado Highlands’ offers a similar range but with the added fun flowery print dressing gown, cosy knitted cardigan and matching hat and scarf. Here are a few of my favourite pieces;

 

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‘Aspen Lounge’ is definitely the part of the collection which will make you wishing Christmas would come sooner. Tartan prints and flannel fabrics are the main feature and the colours are classically Christmassy. Combined with the traditional flannel PJ bottoms and robes there are sexier pieces in the collection such as The Chemise below with lace detailing.

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What I can say about the collection is that they have nailed the essence of winter comforts and well done to Jockey for making the consumer  hope for colder night just to try out the collection.

Leticia Haute Coiffure and “the fastest blowout in London”

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leticia-haute-coiffureLuxury independent hair and beauty salon Leticia Haute Coiffure has been famed on being able to fully cater to their clients needs. The salon provides exclusive hair and beauty services including non bleached highlights and premium Brazilian blow-drys, to waxing, facials and even fashion styling. Perfect for women who are constantly on the go and in need of preening, the salon works on a membership basis with prices starting from £180 a month offering a round the clock service either at the salon, hotel or even in your own home. Another hidden gem within this Marylebone salon is that award winning, Creative Director, Pierre Doumit, has developed a signature 15 minute blowout which is said to work on any hair type and perfect for busy London women.

I was sent to try this service out and when better to try then slap bang in the middle of London Fashion Week. With shows backed up all day, I barely had an hour to spare and wanted to put “the fastest blowout in London” to the test.

myself and Pierre

myself and Pierre

On arrival the vibe was generally chilled out and Pierre and his amazing team of staff were on hand to grant your each and every demand. I didn’t really have much of an idea of the kind of style I wanted but I was pretty sure that I would be more than safe in Pierres expert hands. The staff were chatty and friendly from the get go and are more than welcoming. I was then left in the safe hands of Pierre and asked if I would like a head massage. Absolutely, I jumped at the chance especially when the craziness of Fashion Week kicked in. The massage was insane, I would have just stayed for it alone. The blowdry itself was a super speedy 15 minutes, if that, with the help of Pierre’s lovely assistant. My hair was revived and volumised and bigger than Bardots. As well as that, Pierre asked me if I would like adjustments and showed me how to create the volume I had asked for which personally is a huge plus when hair stylists show you how to recreate a gorgeous style at home.

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As I was leaving, I couldn’t help but swoon over the nails of the girl who works in the salon. Turns out the manicurist based in the salon is a nail art goddess. All in all an amazing experience, speedy, friendly and it helps that they’re all good at their jobs too, if a 15 minute blow dry is what you’re after, I assure you Pierre will stick to his word.

 

Perfecting your at-home pizzeria experience with Dr Oetker

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Polla Arrabiata

This month the nations favourite pizza, Dr Oetker, have not only added to the limited edition Pollo Arrabiata pizza to their line but is also launching its first ever wine & pizza guide. The guides have been brought out to make your dining experience even more exciting by offering up a selection of recipes to create a side dish and offering up suggestions for wines to drink alongside your favourite Ristorante pizza. All the recipes in the guide are tasty, healthy and easy to make and also offer suggestions for special toppings which you can add to your favourite Dr Oetker pizza. All of the wines have been picked by wine expert, Ian Dogherty with a fantastic selection you can find on your supermarket shelf

Feta and Sweet Potato Salad

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Rosemary and Pecorino flatbread

 If all of that wasn’t exciting enough, Dr Oetker are also running an on pack promotion running for eight weeks only. Each pizza pack will contain a code to receive £1 or £1.50 off the next Ristorante purchase, with each code entered you also get a chance to win a supermarket gift card worth either £5 or £10!

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Fig and Goats Cheese salad

Dr Oetker ristorante range is available to buy in all major retailers £2.99

visit www.oetker.co.uk for more information.

Elizabeth Arden Presents Flawless Future…

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Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide The Collection

“According to a recent survey, the majority of women would rather gain ten pounds then look ten years older” explains Charity Finnigan, Elizabeth Arden’s Brand Manager. This can’t surely be true i’m thinking, but as I look around this room of women all I see and hear are nodding heads and approving sighs. I guess ageing is something I haven’t really thought about having just turned 26, but more and more women I speak to from experience are saying the same thing, that they wished they took more preventative measures in anti-ageing and that it’s not too late for my generation to start. Unless I get some hard scientific facts i’m a sceptic, and that is exactly what Elizabeth Arden delivered in their flawless presentation about their newest range of Ceramide products; Flawless Future.

Charity Finnigan's presentation

Charity Finnigan’s presentation

It’s hard to come to terms with something when you’ve never had to experience it yourself but it’s inevitable that one time or another the signs of ageing will be apparent on our face. Unlike those who would resort to drastic measures I would prefer to grow old gracefully and with some help it’s becoming easier and easier for women to do that. Here comes the science: 25 years ago, Elizabeth Arden patented ceramide technology. Ceramides are the molecules that keep the skin healthy and support the collagen produced. Over the years, these ceramides begin to deplete causing the skin to age and a huge factor is stress. During a recent study, the most stressed out age group are 20-30 year olds and it has shown that the biggest loss in ceramides happen in your 30’s. Aiming an anti-ageing product for this age group then makes total sense and Elizabeth Arden have the right idea.

The Flawless Future Collection is comprised of;

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Flawless Future powered by Ceramide ™ Caplet Serum

This serum which soothes and brightens skin is powered by Micro-Caplets which provides an even application and effective penetration. Over 80% of women who tried this reported that their skin was smoother, brighter and looked stress-free. This product is pure luxury for the skin.

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Flawless Future powered by Ceramide ™ Moisture Cream SPF 30

A daily moisturiser that hydrates and brightens, diminish discolourations and softens lines and wrinkles. This cream is enriched with rice kefiran which is proven to improve hydration, glycerin and shea butter. Pearlescent pigments and mica in the ingredients also enhance complexion. Over 90% of women felt their skin looked smooth, supple and hydrated. SPF also provides skin with sun protection. After a week of using this I saw an immediate difference in my skin brightness and hydration and the amazing scent makes me look forward to applying this.

Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Eye Gel

Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide ™ Eye Gel

This brightening gel fights the appearance of stress and fatigue around the eyes for a radiant, brighter look. The formula is boosted with vitamin E and hydrating sodium hyaluronate and a unique algae extract complex that targets puffiness and dark circles. The design of the dispenser means that it controls the appropriate amount of product to the eye, really handy! Over 70% of women reported a visible difference to fine lines, stress and fatigue were relieved and brightness was improved. Another bonus is that this eye gel is safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.

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As all Elizabeth Arden products are, they are all presented nicely and look great in my bathroom cabinet. The great thing about the launch was that as well as learning about the new products it was full of other inspirational beauty writers and bloggers sharing tips with each other and enjoying themselves with the incredible Elizabeth Arden team. They put on a really special evening and went above and beyond expectations to make sure we were welcomed, informed and having a great time. It really makes a difference when huge brands go that extra mile and I really look forward to seeing what else Elizabeth Arden have in store.

Flawless Future is available exclusively at Debenhams from now until 10th August and launches nationwide 15th August.

follow @ardenUK for more information. www.elizabetharden.co.uk

keshini misha.

Absurd Observations a portrait study of Bestival exploring ‘The Art of Dressing Up’

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© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith

© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith

Absurd Observations:
A portrait study from Bestival exploring “The Art of Dressing Up”

By Kent Mathews and Dan Smith

23rd July – 10th August 2014

The appeal of Bestival seems to grow each year attracting free-spirits and music lovers alike and creating a truly unique experience for all who attend. Having been the first music festival I ever went to, I jumped at the chance to attend a photo exhibition which has set out to encapsulate the beautiful and bohemian vibe Bestival go-ers can’t seem to get enough of. Held at the Proud Galleries in Camden. ‘Absurd Observations’ features studio portraits taken from Bestival’s book, ’The Art of Dressing Up’ The portraits are a vivid and offer a stylish insight of Bestival go-ers in all of their fancy dress glory taken by photographers Kent Mathews and Dan Smith.

Both hailing from London, Mathews and Smith have carved out very successful photographic careers. Having originally studied Art, Kent Mathews then went on to graduate in Film and Photographic Art. He then went on to work as a fashion and portrait photographer travelling the world and creating an impressive international profile for himself. Dan Smith initially started out in Biology but changed his direction to photography focussing on fashion photography. Smith then went on to work for iconic titles such as Face and Untold and contributing to British Vogue, Vanity Fair and Harpers and Bazaar. Mathews and Smith being friends for years were both keen on collaborating, and it was their love of Bestival which led them to The Bestival Photo Studio.

© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith

 

It’s no surprise really that Bestival continues to go from strength to strength every year as it really is like no other festival. It’s hard to pin it down to one thing when it comes to what makes it truly special but there are a few stand outs what with the magical setting and fun touches such as the WI tea tent and Wishing rave tree, but one of its main feature’s that definitely sets it apart is that it was not only the first festival to incorporate fancy dress but is now the biggest fancy dress party in the world. Every year, Rob and Josie Da Bank, the founders of Bestival, come up with a theme and on the Saturday hold a fancy dress parade for everyone to show off their weird and wonderful creations, (usually with an equally exciting artist on the main stage), my particular favourite soundtrack was The Village People. Its incredible how something as simple as fancy dress has helped create this aura surrounding Bestival and it’s a vibe that is felt by anyone that attends. Evidently, it was the extravagance and extremities of Bestival go-ers and their fancy dress efforts that spurned Matthews and Smith to want to encapsulate this feeling and so The Bestival Photo Studio was born. Mathews explains, “Our goal was to photograph the beautiful mayhem of Bestival goers in a studio setting out of the context of the festival. We approached the portraits with a formulaic methodology and dead pan expression in order to give the body of work a consistency and a feeling reminiscent of a scientific study.”

© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith

To create that truly authentic ‘Bestival experience’, the exhibition was underscored by the legend that is Rob Da Bank with a slideshow of the portraits projected onto the bricks of Proud Galleries. There is something truly mesmerising dancing to the sounds of Bestival whilst watching these ‘dead pan expressions’ which Mathews refers to, dressed in the most extravagant, ridiculous, coolest, silliest and down right hilarious costumes. It’s always a thrill when one of your favourite artists pops up looking silly and fantastic in fancy dress but personally, it was the true beauty and effort of the regular festival attendee which is inspiring here. Mathews and Smith have steered well clear of the ‘off your face’ cliché that usually frequents the average festival go-er something that is bandied around in media so much these days and it just goes to show that their perspective is much more powerful and really captures and stays true to the essence of what makes Bestival one of a kind.

© Kent Mathews and Dan Smith

Absurd Observations will act as a prequel to Bestival and will give the general public a chance to see the photographs which have set out to capture the true essence of such an enchanting and surreal world. The exhibition is free and will run from 23rd July-10 August 2014. As well as this, signed prints are available through the proud website www.proud.co.uk.

Proud continues to be one of the most visited destinations in London boasting three galleries, two live music venues and three Cabaret clubs and continues to expand.

Proud Galleries
The Horse Hospital Stables Market

Chalk Farm Road

London
NW1 8AH

 

keshini misha.

Après turns 4

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unnamed     To celebrate their 4th birthday, Après, W1’s late night cocktail bar decided to throw a party complete with musical chairs, balloon animals and an array of glowing jewellery. To top it all off they were serving special ‘Birthday Milk’ cocktails to mark the occasion.         If you haven’t heard of Après, it’s probably because it hides nicely next to the side entrance of Selfridges and not centrally located in the tourist trap, a good thing in my opinion. The decor is cool, slick and stylish. The music was pumping and differed between the lounge and the main bar upstairs. I feel like Après have mastered the balance with the two spaces with the club offering a fun place to let loose and go crazy on the dance floor, and the upstairs area being the ultimate chill out with a much lighter area next to a shisha terrace outside.   The cocktails were delicious and fresh, perfect for the summer. Their signature cocktail, Le Birthday Milk, is made from a blend of coconut milk, nutmeg, rum and some other exotic flavours! Kudos for the invention it is well worth a try and will be available throughout the month of June! unnamed-2   Après has the right amount of ‘cool’ without being too hipster and not too corporate. There’s something to please everyone in this club so it’s well worth a visit if you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street or fancy a good knees up with some mates and most importantly, the service is excellent!   You can find them on 31 Duke St, W1 just off Oxford St.

Victoria Presents… X Boxpark

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                   To celebrate the opening of their new pop-up store in Boxpark and their new SS14 collection,

Victoria Plimsoll decided to have a rooftop party where the beats were pumping, the Sangria flowing and we were all invited!

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Victoria Plimsolls, a brand that has been around for 100 years now, all started in Spain when a shoemaker decided to make a pair of plimsolls for his wife and name them after her. Since then the brand created out of love has prospered and become an iconic, comfortable and fun shoe for men, women and children. The shoes are made from natural dyes and 100% natural rubber.

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The event itself was to introduce their new conceptual store on The Boxpark site where people can discover special editions and attend special Victoria events.

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The new collection itself is made up of vibrant colours, original prints and, get this… scented soles!!! Yes strawberry scented soles!

If you don’t have a pair of Victoria Plimsolls yet get yourself down to Boxpark and check them out. Priced from 20 GBP they are an absolute bargain, practical, fun and durable. The only problem is there is so much to choose from you’ll want one in every style!

@VictoriaPlimsolls

Keshini Misha.