Fashion & Style At The Races

We had the pleasure of shooting for Chi Chi London and Beth Hirst couture hats recently. I wanted to share all the highlights with you guys. We dashed off to Chester Races with bundles of garments from Chi Chi clothing and a mountain of stunning hats kindly lent to us from Beth Hirst. Spoilt for choice we set about getting all dolled up for an amazing day out. Dresses chosen, hats adorned and our 2 Boxes photographer (My fantastic hubby) at the ready. Here are a few behind the scenes shots! Grab a coffee and imagine you had come along with us! Fashion & Style At The Races -3 Fashion & Style At The Races -5 Fashion & Style At The Races -6 Fashion & Style At The Races -4 Fashion & Style At The Races -1 Fashion & Style At The Races -25 Fashion & Style At The Races -21 Fashion & Style At The Races -24 Fashion & Style At The Races -20 Fashion & Style At The Races -26 Fashion & Style At The Races -7Ashely looking oh so Audrey Hepburn in her stunning floral hat. Beth’s creations are so adorable. Nip over to her website HERE. Ashely wears an outfit from Coast and her lipstick is actually a replica of Audrey’s favourite shade. Homing the look perfectly! Fashion & Style At The Races -9 Fashion & Style At The Races -8 Fashion & Style At The Races -10 Fashion & Style At The Races -11 Fashion & Style At The Races -17 Fashion & Style At The Races -19 Fashion & Style At The Races -18 Fashion & Style At The Races -12 Fashion & Style At The Races -13 Fashion & Style At The Races -14 Fashion & Style At The Races -15My outfit got so many compliments from passes by. If you haven’t heard of Chi Chi London clothing then you need to head off and take a look. They are all real show stoppers at incredible prices.

Fashion & Style At The Races Outfit Details

I’m wearing Chi Chi London Nessa dress, Stuart Weitzman heels, Beth Hirst Hat, Topshop sunglasses, Chanel bag, Gucci love bangle and Sleek matt red lipstick. A girls got to add a bright red lip every now and then!!

Ashely wears Coast top & skirt, Prada sunglasses, Jimmy Choo shoes, Beth Hirst hat & AH signature lipstick.

Lentil Curry

This is a very easy, simple and staple dish in our house and we create this on this days when its drizzly outside. When the wet weather sets in its time to get those spices out and rustle up a big pot of hot and delicious happiness. Whats great about this recipe is that its a vegan meal that can be adapted for sides, or of a whopper of a main meat eaters meal. All you need to do is add a little extra sustenance towards the end of the cooking time. The best bit though I have saved till last….And thats that this dish is ultra kind on those hips as I didn’t you any oil or fats when cooking.Lentil Curry Lentil Curry Lentil Curry-3 Lentil Curry-4

 

To create this meal for 4 people you will need the following list of ingredients.

Lentil Curry Ingredients

  • 4 cups of Lentils
  • 1 bunch of coriander
  • 2 onions
  • 6 carrots
  • 4 tbs Curry paste
  • 2 tbs of Tomato puree
  • 1 pint od water
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 2 tsp of  ground Garlic or 2 bulbs of the fresh kind
  • 1/2 a bag of Rice
  • 2 Naan breads

Lentil Curry Method

Now here is the best bit….Its a one pot wonder that takes minutes to prepare and is wildly amazing.

  1. Chop up the onions and carrots.
  2. Then drop them into the pan. No need for oil as this is an ultra healthy dish.
  3. Add all the other ingredients and bring to the boil.
  4. Let it all simmer for about 1 hour and keep checking to make sure that it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  5. Then boil the rice and serve with the Naan bread. Simple and so easy.
  6. Add cooked meat to the mixture 10 minutes before serving if your a carnivorous type!

Its a great recipe if your new to cooking or a student. Go have a go and let us know how you get on. For more recipes head over to SLB Style.com 

Holiday Style

This perfect holiday style maxi dress is the ultimate item for the Summer season. With its V-shaped neckline that helps to flatter all bust sizes It creates curves in all the right places. This is one item to throw in the suitcase for a few weeks in the sun or little mini breaks. It can be dressed up or down with heels to gladiator sandals. Its a rather amazing festival outfit, just grab your favourite leather jacket add tons of bangles and beads. Add a waist belt if your a pear shaped girl to accentuate that tiny waist. This dress is a must if you are fairly straight up and down like myself as it pulls you in at the waist creating those lovely curves. It hides a multitude of sins. Flattering and stylish at the same time. The fabric is delicate and drapes beautifully making it a joy to wear. This dress would also lend itself to weddings or even a balmy evening BBQ. Versatile in so many ways its a real must have item this season ladies. Holiday Style Holiday Style Holiday Style Holiday Style -6 Holiday Style

Holiday Style Outfit Details

I styled this Maxi dress (co) Closet Clothing London with Zara shoes (old) ASOS Linen jacket, Vintage Gucci sunglasses, Jimmy Choo bag, a bright red lip and shellac nails in Salmon Run.

HEMYCA

We attended an amazing fashion launch a few days ago in the heart of London. HEMYCA is a luxury womenswear label, launched by designers Helen Clinch and Myra Nigris.

The girls met whilst studying at the London College of Fashion. With a vast passion for fashion and devotion for ultimate luxury and design they launched Hemyca. The Designs are all works of art and they will have you desperate to own the entire new collection. Even the calico toiles where simply stunning and very wearable. The company recently held a pop up event and we nipped along to snap alway at the latest collections launch.

Hemyca Hemyca Hemyca Hemyca -5 Hemyca Hemyca -6

The designers are so talented, both are really lovely and the entire company where some of the nicest people we have met in a long time. They all ooze passion for style and grace. Each item we pondered on left a mark on my heart. We excitedly chatted about a fashion shoot and I for one have my little eye on one very stunning strapless numbers for an event coming up soon.

Hemyca’s range is for all ages and would look just fantastic on anyone in their late teens to a more mature lady. The cut of the pieces are so well thought out. It had my brain working overtime, back to my early fashion design technology and pattern cutting days! Precise, pretty and perfect are the only words to describe this incredible luxurious new line.

 

At the event we drank white wine, raspberry cocktails and ate loaded crab buns. All in all a very delicious evening filled with fine food a fashion. Check out their website here for more details.

For any enquiries regarding specific items or purchase info, please call us at our Studio. HEMYCA STUDIO, 193b Whitechapel Road. E1 1DN, London email: STUDIO@HEMYCA.COM  or Call +44 (0) 207 655 4950

Hydropetide Product Review

I was asked to do a Hydropetide Product Review recently. I was lucky enough to be sent a few items to try out. And they have become my go to face care over the last 2 months. Now you all know I try all sorts of beauty products being in the professional industry. I won’t just do a review after 2-5 days either. I like to give the product a chance for my skin cells to catch up. You need around 28 days to really see a difference when using something new. This is the length of time it takes for the skin to renew itself from base layer to the dermis. Samples of things you get in Boots or drug stores really are only to check that your not allergic to the products. So don’t be disappointed if that new cream doesn’t preform as well as you think it should. Their are 2 main factors to this…One is the reason I have explained and the other is that the strength of over the counter skin care is usually like making a cupa with a tea bag that’s been used 10 times or so!!! So watered down its no wonder those wrinkles aren’t vanishing faster. Pro products are always a better investment.

First up is Solar Defense, it’s a broad spectrum sun protector. This basically means it has both UVA and UVB filters. UVA’s are the nasty rays that age the skin and UVB’s are the ones that will burn. In turn if you burn their are further UVC Rays that harm the skin in the form of cancer. So ladies and gents wear a broad spectrum factor cream every day of every year. Come rain or shine. I’m always told my skin is perfect…Well it’s a combination of a healthy diet, loads of water and incredible skin care.

Hydropetide Product Review

Solar Defence glides on and its consistency feels slightly grainy at first but then the micro beads burst delivering its benefits to the skin. It blends and self adjusts to the natural skin tones you already have. It is quite frankly amazing. It smoothes out the completion and flawlessly covers the skin all ready for your foundation. It also contains anti inflammatories and antioxidants. This will help you fight the horrid signs of ageing and be your new best friend I can assure you of that!

It’s a non-greasy oil free sunscreen packed with moister. Really rich in protein and it also helps to decrease the secretion of oil that can build up though it the day. You know that shiny lack lustre appearance you might get mid afternoon, when all you really want to do is reapply your foundation once again.

With is skin adjusting properties it perfectly camouflages mild hyperpigmentation and redness. It creates a perfect even, flawless, matte finish. Containing Aloe, niacin and hyaluronic acid it perfectly balances hydration. In turn it transforms fine lines and wrinkles. Now that’s what us women in our 40’s really need.

Eye Authority cream immediately brightens any dark circles you may have and it softens expression lines. It will decrease wrinkles and lastly it helps banish puffiness. Phew that’s a lot to expect isn’t it. But after using this for 6 weeks I can honestly say it works. Now my first impression of this was a little different…it irritated my eyes. Yes I’m honest with you all. This was in fact all my own fault. You need the smallest amount and one tube should actually last you 6 months. The rate I was putting it on it would have only lasted me all of 3-4 weeks!! Less is more in this case! It contains Hesperdin known for its warming and circulatory benefits. Hence the eye irritation after applying a large pea sized amount around each eye! I have noticed (after using a 1/8 of a pea size little drop to each eye) a lift to my eyes and my dark circles are a thing of the past.

It contains 13 different peptides and a small amount of HA (hyaluronic acid) that perfectly hydrate the eyes. Normally you have to avoid using HA around the delicate eye area as it will cause puffiness. HA holds 1000 times its body weight in water so it’s really hydrating and can plump out the skin. Perfect for the face but not around the eyes. Eye Authority has just the right amount that smoothes out pesky fine lines perfectly without causing eye make up to crease or feel heavy. Just don’t use too much! Both products are firmly in my bathroom cabinet and will be I feel for a long time! They have an extensive range of lifting products I’m keen to review now after finding this brand.

 

Backstage With Ashley Isham at London Fashion Week

I got to shoot backstage for Ashley Isham this season. Ashley is one of my all time favourite designers and having worked with him before I knew we where in for an amazing show. Here is what you don’t really see, the real roots of London Fashion Week. The blood sweat and tears…well not the tears as it was incredibly calm and wonderful backstage and the show was mind blowing!

Ashley Isham show SS2015-2 Ashley Isham show SS2015 Ashley Isham show SS2015-12 Ashley Isham show SS2015-11 Ashley Isham show SS2015-10

I did manage to get a lovely snap of Ashley and his sister Khaty.

Ashley Isham show SS2015-9  Ashley Isham show SS2015-7 Ashley Isham show SS2015-6 Ashley Isham show SS2015-5 Ashley Isham show SS2015-4 Ashley Isham show SS2015-3

Ashley is delightful, very graceful and highly talented. He started making his own clothes aged 12. A lifetime of devotion, skill and passion has gone into each and every one of his shows, with each one getting better and better. I can truly say this one was something of pure beauty and the ravishing dresses had us holding your hands to our faces and gasping in utter delight.

Backstage was easy going, relaxed and almost spa like. What has happened to the dramatic, rushed hot and bothered fashion week I ounce knew. I Think it has something to do with the organisation from Selina at freelancetheworkspace.com as it was heaven to be part of. Don’t get me wrong there where a few people rushing about here and there trying to find models that where a little late coming from other shows but the cool calmness was apparent and Selina herself is such a wonderful calm person, I believe it has rubbed off!

Nails by Naomi Gonzalez Represented by Freelance The Work Space using The Body Shop

Hair by TONY&GUY session team directed by Daniele Angelis using Label m Professional haircare

Makeup by Nguyen Grealis using The Body Shop
Ashley Isham show SS2015-15 front row Ashley Isham show SS2015-22 Ashley Isham show SS2015-21 Ashley Isham show SS2015-20 Ashley Isham show SS2015-19 Ashley Isham show SS2015-18 Ashley Isham show SS2015-17 Ashley Isham show SS2015-16

Front row was full of excited and interesting people knowing they wouldn’t be disappointed.

Now for the show itself….are you ready!! It was marvellous and magical!!

 Ashley Isham show SS2015 Ashley Isham show SS2015-48 Ashley Isham show SS2015-47 Ashley Isham show SS2015-46 Ashley Isham show SS2015-45 Ashley Isham show SS2015-44 Ashley Isham show SS2015-43 Ashley Isham show SS2015-42 Ashley Isham show SS2015-41 Ashley Isham show SS2015-40 Ashley Isham show SS2015-39 Ashley Isham show SS2015-38 Ashley Isham show SS2015-37 Ashley Isham show SS2015-36 Ashley Isham show SS2015-35 Ashley Isham show SS2015-34 Ashley Isham show SS2015-33 Ashley Isham show SS2015-32 Ashley Isham show SS2015-31 Ashley Isham show SS2015-30 Ashley Isham show SS2015-29 Ashley Isham show SS2015-28 Ashley Isham show SS2015-27 Ashley Isham show SS2015-26 Ashley Isham show SS2015-25 Ashley Isham show SS2015-24

      A

A wonderful romantic show thats going to be hard to top!!

 

London Fashion Week: Jamie Wei Huang

The show was the first one of the day for us on Friday. The collection was fun vibrant and had the feel of industrial oversized garments that will be hugely sort after. Strong elements with cool design details and bold silhouettes. Jackets with additions of PVC pockets and fine detailing and edging. Puffball boobtube crop tops and billowing masculine trousers. The entire collection was original and fun. Brilliant use of materials and cutting to represent the modern girl about town. All in all wearable but slightly wacky.

Although one aspect of the show will keep tongues wagging for days…a few of the models where so tiny it created a stir amongst the crowd. Shocked and bewildered faces could be seen no and again. Its such a shame the British fashion council have not regulated this enough. This was the only downside to to show. The collection had many items that can and will fit into the fashion sets wardrobe we are sure.

Jamie We Jamie We-3 Jamie We-4

Oversized bum bags and clutches caught our eyes and are one the wish list for Spring Summer next year.

Jamie We-5 Jamie We-6

The Lovely Kimberly Garner sat and watched the show dressed in a cute outfit of a loose black chiffon top, leather shorts and over the knee boots.

Jamie We-8 Jamie We-9 Jamie We-10

 Jamie Wei Huang

 Jamie Wei Huang

The crowd at the show was oh so very stylish and we couldn’t help grab a snap of them as we watched. Apart form these two astonished faces and the concerned looks of most of the people around us….We particularly loved this young ladies hat!

For more from our day featuring our very own fashion and style head over to www.slbstyle.com and check it out.

Walker, Austen & Alexander

Walker, Austen & Alexander is a fantastic new tea shop thats up market, quirky and modern, selling loose leaf teas that you can see brewing naturally… just the way it should be. Using filtered water and the finest bespoke teas, that have been blended by an English Master Tea blender.

This amazing new tea shop serves a lovely selection of sandwiches, cakes and hot food.The delightfully decorated tea boutique is clean and inviting with a very laid back feel and approach. Tea should be savoured and this is just the place to do just that.

We drank Strawberry & Champaign, pear & elderflower and Rooibos creme caramel infused herbal teas. We shared a goats cheese, sun kissed tomatoes and rocket ciabatta, a Mediterranean vegetable and mozzarella ciabatta and a whopping big slice of chocolate cake all served with delightful sides containing vegetable chips and a fresh salad with croutons. All the dishes where presented perfectly and we demolished the entire lot. We left happy, full and content knowing this will be a regular place to visit again and again!! Take a look at the lovely views that day!!

Walker, Austen & Alexander P1160868 P1160869 P1160871 P1160872 P1160875 P1160877 P1160883 P1160899 P1160906 P1160907 P1160908  P1160910 P1160912 P1160913 P1160914 P1160915

If you fancy taking a visit to see them they are based in Winchester

Walker, Austen & Alexander,
18a Little Minster Street,
Winchester SO23 9HB
T 01962 851 888
E info@walkeraustenandalexander.co.uk

Twitter @WAAwinchester

Come say hello over at twitter @sarahbacchus let us know what you think!!