ESVIE.co.uk

FROM SHOP FLOOR TO FASHION CUPBOARD!

Do you currently work in retail wishing your days away dreaming of becoming the next Rachel Zoe or Grace Coddington? Well fashion bible, Elle magazine have the perfect competition for Britain’s hidden stylists…

LFW: BETTY JACKSON A/W10

Last week’s Betty Jackson AW10 show at London Fashion week was thrilling, despite the heavy rain outside. With big fashion names such as Erin O’Connor and Zandra Rhodes on the front row and some great looks on the runway, it was a thoroughly enjoyable atmosphere…

SPRING/SUMMER 2010 UNDONE!

Everything hair wise (trend wise) is related to travel this season and a lot of the inspiration from what we have seen grace the catwalks this season is inspired from globe trotting!
Two major looks we will be seeing this season is glamour low maintenance. Now if you remember in my last article I predicted there will be lots of that done, undone look about… well its finally arrived.

S/S10 PASTELS

This season is very girly. Frills and florals are taking over and colours have gone the same way with a typically pretty spring palette. So expect lots of pale blues, baby pinks and other pastel colours: soft lilacs, peaches, yellows, pistachios and creams. However, it’s not all candy floss and pink carnations. Pastel dresses in floaty chiffon and tulle are cut thigh-high, with provocative splits keeping a pretty look sexy…

VINTAGE TRENDS THAT HAVE HIT THIS SEASONS CATWALK

Stella McCartney took it to the extreme, with etchings of mini pleats and couture ruffles, Valentino did it for a roll out the red carpet moment but ruffles are officially back and in many shapes and forms, big and small!

RED CARPET GLAMOUR…

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 9th, 2010

Victoria Jackson, Celebrity Columnist
www.iheartfashion2009.blogspot.com

Sunday night saw the 2010 Academy Awards from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, with a host of stars walking the red carpet in an array of couture and floor sweeping gowns.

The night belonged to ‘The Hurt Locker’, cleaning up at the Oscars, winning six out of the nine awards the film was nominated for. Kathryn Bigelow was the first female director to be awarded in the history of the event.

Best Actress went to Sandra Bullock although her dress choice would not have been my first. Cameron Diaz looked stunning in Oscar de la Renta couture, whilst changing into a classic one shouldered Victoria Beckham gown for the Vanity Fair party later that evening. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Cameron looking so classically demure. I see she still stuck to trademark red lip, which looked great against the gold embellishment of the dress. Demi-Moore-0310

I wouldn’t have put Zoe Saldana in Givenchy’s recent couture collection – a lavender ruffled confection with a glittering silver bustier - but she looked absolutely stunning.

Miley Cyrus looked lovely as usual, although as an Oscar novice I expect her outfits to get better in time. Her hair is seriously making me want to turn to the dye. Vintage style earrings were also a triumph for the mini diva.

Demi Moore was definitely styled by the talented Rachel Zoe in a classic ruffled Atelier Versace gown. With Cameron, Miley and Demi setting the trend for Nudes, expect to see similar dresses creeping on to high street any time soon.

ESVIE PLUG: STARMAN! (as seen on Pineapple Dance Studios)

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 9th, 2010

starman_final_logo Sabina Ventriglia, Editor & Professional Makeup Artist
www.sabinaventriglia.co.uk

STARMAN are the all new electro pop band ready to bring the hottest sounds to your ears. Being followed throughout the popular Pineapple Dance Studios documentary (every Sunday at 6pm on SkyOne and Sky1HD), you will be witness to the rise of the band, fronted by leading man of the Pineapple Dance Studio series Andrew Stone, from the desperate beginnings of stylings, shoots and rehearsals, to the all important performances that could change their lives forever!! The road to success has only just begun for this fivesome of talented guys and I have been lucky enough to work with them recently…

Andrew (being your one and only “Love to Hate” character in the Pineapple documentary), proved to me that you don’t get to where you want to be by sitting back in the corner and letting things happen… you have to make them happen and in order to do this, you need a vast amount of confidence and a strong determination to take control! So love him or hate him, he’s talked about everywhere so the fact that you have opinion at all must mean that he has made an impact! And whether you like it or not, that’s no bad thing at all!

I was lucky enough to work with Starman recently, filming a photoshoot to be seen on the Pineapple Dance Studios show in early May.

Starman_0313 copy Craig Jesus_1

Luka_1

Mickey The band (consisting of Andrew, Craig, Jesus, Luca & Mickey) were amazing and a great bunch to work with! While being assigned to be Andrews personal makeup artist for the day, after already finishing Craigs look, I can honestly say that these guys are going to be huge! Before you know it, you’ll be throwing some serious shapes to these addictive tunes that you won’t be able to get out of your head! Nothing like a good track to get you in the mood for a huge night on the slabs!

With such a diverse feel to the band there’s something there for everyone! Of course starting with Andrew, you all know what to expect, an eccentric character with amazing vocal and dancing ability, striving for fame and nothing will get in the way to stop that… Craig is the cool, calm and collected soul that plays the keys in such a way that it’ll make you want to take up piano lessons! Then you have Jesus who is your traditional rock n roller, and draped in black fashion Jesus will only do as he is told when the mood strikes him.. and last but by no means least there is Luca and Mickey. Two hugely talented musicians giving the ultimate finish to Starman.

Although this band are sitting pretty in the Electro Pop genre, they are all amazingly talented creating their own sound as only a true band can. Each with their chosen instrument, you have drums, keys and guitars, mixed in with their personal songwriting skills…all while Andrew blasts you with his vocals.

NEW SINGLE - “I DON’T WANNA DANCE” OUT 26TH APRIL 2010:

Pre-Order on iTunes NOW: Pre- Order “I Don’t Wanna Dance”
Watch their video to I Don’t Wanna Dance NOW: Watch Video

WEBSITE:

To find out more about Starman, go to: www.starmanofficial.com
To watch the rise of the Starman band, watch Pineapple Dance Studios – Sunday @ 6pm on Sky One or visit: www.sky1.sky.com/pineapple-studios

STARMAN GIG DATES (go to their website as detailed above for booking details):

Wednesday 17th March – The 229, Great Portland Street, London
Friday 26th March – The O2, London

HIGH STREET FOCUS…

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 8th, 2010

Victoria Jackson, Celebrity Columnist
www.iheartfashion2009.blogspot.com

Company magazine releases a bi-annual sister magazine focusing on the high street, street style and getting that designer look on a purse friendly budget, something us girls are more than happy to do!

As a regular reader of Company already I’m super excited for this magazine, which is almost like a high street version of ELLE Collections, a seasonal magazine culminating in pages full of dream outfits and up and coming designers. Expect the same from Company High Street Edit.

Company editor Victoria White describes High-Street Edit as “a title for women who love high fashion, but find themselves stuck between weeklies and designer-only fashion magazines”.

The magazine features news and reviews from the fashion industry, the hottest collections, on-line fashion and designer collaborations for a style savvy shopper. What’s better than a seasonal approach to the fashion on your own doorstep?

Shopping takes up most of my weekend, whether that be online or trudging through the shops, alongside writing and photographing the latest street style and all though its always a great past time, money permitting of course, a magazine showing me what’s up and coming and different styling ideas wouldn’t go a miss and Company have come up trumps with this little stand alone creation, priced at £3.99.

www.company.co.uk

FROM SHOP FLOOR TO FASHION CUPBOARD!

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 8th, 2010

topshop-spring-2010-Feature

Victoria Jackson, Celebrity Columnist
www.iheartfashion2009.blogspot.com

Do you currently work in retail wishing your days away dreaming of becoming the next Rachel Zoe or Grace Coddington? Well fashion bible, Elle magazine have the perfect competition for Britain’s hidden stylists.

Styling has become one of the most sought after jobs in the fashion industry after hit shows such as The Rachel Zoe Project and The City came to our screens.

Fashion obsessed stylistas across the country work hard in the realms of retail in stores such as Topshop and Urban Outfitters, dressing as ambassadors for the said brand and giving their advice to customers unsure of their next purchase.

Elle are giving shop girls and boys the chance to style an editorial photoshoot, plus an internship with the magazine and the chance to work with fashion director Anne-Marie Curtis, who is on hand to give expert advice and insider knowledge on the fashion industry.

So if you have a great eye for style, individual and creative ideas and knowledge of what is happening right now and the future of fashion, then this competition is for you. Waste no more time hanging out clothes and ringing the tills, when you could be styling some of the hottest models in the world whilst working with one of the most innovative fashion magazines in the world.

Log on the www.elleuk.com/shopgirltostylist, complete an online questionnaire, demonstrate your fashion credentials and provide a reference from your present retail employer. Good luck guys!

LFW: BETTY JACKSON A/W10

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 5th, 2010

Betty Jackon Feature

Stefanie Haigh, High Fashion & Lifestyle Writer
www.stefaniegraceblog.blogspot.com

Last week’s Betty Jackson AW10 show at London Fashion week was thrilling, despite the heavy rain outside. With big fashion names such as Erin O’Connor and Zandra Rhodes on the front row and some great looks on the runway, it was a thoroughly enjoyable atmosphere.

As expected for any autumn/winter season, black featured, although navy overruled it with hints of brown and gold. Jackets, skirts and trousers were in a variety of materials from corduroy to denim. There was a distinct lack of accessories on the catwalk, but it seems wooden clogs are here to stay with almost every model sporting them and the oversize black totes couldn’t be missed! Double denim was updated with loose fitting casuals. Leather also featured heavily in crop tops over simple blouses, leather dresses and shirts. Florals and leopard prints returned and were mixed together with natural hair and makeup looks. The oddest look was probably the “nuns” that came down the runway.

Overall, the collection was cohesive in terms of design and colour, but with different looks suitable for the office to the bar, it has enough variety to suit any kind of lifestyle.

MILAN FASHION WEEK: GUCCI A/W10

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 4th, 2010

Stefanie Haigh, High Fashion & Lifestyle Writer
www.stefaniegraceblog.blogspot.com

The Gucci show was streamed LIVE from Milan Fashion Week last week. With Anna Wintour, Carine Roitfield and Rachel Zoe on the front row and Natasha Poly, Anja Rubik, Karlie Kloss and Abbey Lee Kershaw on the runway, it wasn’t a quiet affair. But then what do you expect from one of the most luxurious labels in the world?

anna wintour at gucci The message was luxury, with beautiful camel coats and fox fur jackets for day and python lace, fur and feathers for evening. Body-con dresses were present with cut-outs and slits. Hair and makeup was in typical Gucci fashion, big and vampy. Ostrich featured heavily on the catwalk, particularly in the bags, which bore the 1973 GG logo. OTK boots were also making an impact, as they balanced out huge fur jackets. Natasha Poly sported some patent T-strap sandals, whilst Abbey Lee Kershaw wore the new day suit. Taken from menswear, oversize “boyfriend” jackets were common, in a variety of materials. The camel trench still reigns supreme with neoprene lining, detachable mink lining or hand dyed feathers.

Gucci claimed that they were bringing “Sexy Back” and they certainly succeeded with chic, understated sexy. With so many luxe materials (suede, leather, feathers, fur, sequins, lace and silk), Frida Giannini has once again produced a killer collection.

(Photos are from @bryanboy and @Grazia_Live’s Twitpics during the live show!)

EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR HAIR!

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 4th, 2010

Natalia Maxwell, Professional Hair Artist

Rihanna

Fun loving, low maintenance, playful hair:

As I said this season there is 2 main looks regarding hair, maybe I should say categories?!

So you have had my take on glam hair, here the main key things to achieve low maintenance hair!!

I’m imagining a back pack traveller, possibly with tribal and hippy influences, more of a beautiful flow to the hair rather than a set look like the glamorous side of things.

The above looks for short and mid length hair work well in both glamorous and more playful low maintenance hair trends.

The only thing I would add would be hair accessorizes. They are MASSIVE this season.

I use small scarfs and wrap them around my hair it is quick and simple but dresses the look up more.

Riannah looked cool this month being pictured with this scarf in her head. Even Paris Hilton has had the chop, and its dead casual which is what I love the most about it.

Long hair:

You must plait the hair, big messy plaits look cool. I would part your hair in the middle so it’s got that cool hippy feel, the plait either side of the hair parting, just the front sections in front of the ears, and when you put a bobble in the plaits, pull the plait out slightly so it’s softer and messier.

There you have my break down of the two current trends; all you need to do now is decide which kind of girl you are!!

I saw Sassoon’s Autumn/Winter trends at a sneak preview show they put on at there London academy this week. It was fab! Sassoon’s is renowned for its prestigious cuts and quirky dynamic out look into hair cuts.

But the cuts where definitely more structured and short fringes where something I picked up on so next season I am thinking short fringes are the way forward!!

To touch on colour its all about warmth, golden blonde’s, honey kissed highlights, copper and chestnut browns, you name it. As long as you’re sticking with warmth you’re on the right tracks!

I have slightly change the column about this month and instead of doing the step by step break down of ‘how to achieve this style’ I have left it quite free for you guys to experiment with little tips instead. Let me know what you think, and remember any questions you have email me at nataliahairdesign@yahoo.co.uk.

MASCARA JUNKIE!

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 3rd, 2010

Sabina Ventriglia, Editor & Professional Makeup Artist
www.sabinaventriglia.co.uk

Right, so when it comes to mascara and thickening and lengthening my lashes, I struggle to find “the one…on a budget”! So after buying and testing a HUGE amount of mascara brands, I thought I’d share my findings with you so you can avoid spending the pennies doing what I do on a regular basis!

With all the mascara adverts currently out there that are, let’s face it, either computerised or the models are wearing natural looking falsies, I have been sucked into the wicked world of marketing! Yep, I am a victim of liking what I see and buying what I see… that doesn’t actually turn out to be “what I was promised”.

Now I don’t know about you, but personally, my lashes are poker straight and fair at the ends (which naturally make them appear shorter too – until you have applied mascara). So because of this, I like my mascara to be thick enough to carry out a consistent thickness throughout the lash, and to be almost “dry” on application, allowing you to build up the thickness without clumping.

In my experience, a lot of budget mascara’s are too wet – therefore the ability to build up the thickness and length is almost impossible and tend to weigh your lashes down if you have curled them first, so end up with no curl at all (or at least an uneven one); or can take an age while you wait for each layer you apply to dry.

If it’s not the wetness of the mascara, it’s how thin it is on application – leaving you spending minute after minute sweeping the wand over your lashes and actually achieving not a lot at all.

Or my ultimate pet hate is the flimsy brush that comes out of the tube absolutely overloaded with mascara but with no ability to sweep evenly over your lashes, leaving them clumped and seeing you fight to separate your lashes evenly with a comb.

So here are a few brands that I have tried and tested and believe are winners in the world of YSL Volume longer, thicker, fuller lashes.

YSL Volume £21.50 – Click here to buy
Lancome Hypnose £20.00 – Click here to buy
Artdeco All in One Mascara £15.74- Click here to buy
Maxfactor Masterpiece £9.99 – Click here to buy

I truly believe that you get what you pay for… so dig a little deeper in those pockets of yours, and save yourself the hassle of filling your makeup bag with numerous tubes of mascara’s that you just aren’t happy with! You’ll save so much space for more amazing products to treat yourself with, while you go shopping with your all new feathery lashes! Flutter flutter!

PRO TIPS!

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 3rd, 2010

Natalia Maxwell, Professional Hair Artist

Hair tips for short/ mid hair:

With really short cropped hair I think experimenting with more of a paste like texture wax would work well this summer.

Remember volume is the way forward so use your hair irons and in small sections and create bends in the hair by bending the irons back and forth as you move down each section of hair.

If this seems to tricky, babyliss do these amazing waving tongs which have 3 tongs stuck together, on short hair or even mid length this would give a great effect.

Then simply scrunch some wax into the hair to add volume and texture.

Get the product: L’Oreal Playball density

Hair tips for Long hair:

‘’Big hair makes the boys stare’’!!

Use a hair dryer and the L’Oreal mousse I reviewed before: L’Oreal Pro Techni Art Full Volume
Put an orange size amount in your hands and work it through the lengths of your hair right up to the roots,
Comb it all through so the mousse is distributed evenly throughout the hair,
Then simply get a hair dryer,
Put your head up side down and blasted the hair until it’s dry.

It’s quick and easy!! To give that glam and luxurious edge to it, use Velcro rollers (big ones) wrap your hair around them starting at the front of your head downwards, leave for 30mins.

When you gently take them out, put your head upside down again and scrunch the ‘Dust it’ (mattifying powder product from my last article) into the hair.

You will definitely be making the boys stare!!

SPRING/SUMMER 2010 UNDONE!

Posted by Sabina Ventriglia on March 2nd, 2010

Hair Feature

Natalia Maxwell, Professional Hair Artist

I am so pleased to be writing to you all again; I have so much hair stuff to share its unreal!!

So as many of you know I now am part of L’Oreal’s ID team. My first few meetings have taken place in the last few weeks, and I am bang up to date with hair trends, even with the odd bit of autumn/winter 2010 thrown in there!

Everything hair wise (trend wise) is related to travel this season and a lot of the inspiration from what we have seen grace the catwalks this season is inspired from globe trotting!

Two major looks we will be seeing this season is glamour low maintenance. Now if you remember in my last article I predicted there will be lots of that done, undone look about… well its finally arrived.

With the economy changing and people wanting more versatile styles than ever, this S/S10 sure is going to offer you this! YAY I hear you all say.

Let’s start with glamorous hair:

Short/ mid length:

Even with short hair, the rule this season is “the bigger the better”.

Textured lock’s is defiantly a look to go for but if you more of a high maintenance chic and ouze glamour and sophistication I suggest sharp edges and strong cuts with volume and softness added in the layers.

Rihanna, Kim watts, Victoria Beckham has gone for eat your heart out glam look with these 1950’s Marcel waves being worn by Taylor Swift. Beaut!!. They all defiantly have it write regards to following the hair trends this season.

Cheryl Cole is a good celeb to look at as she keeps her style really commercial so it’s nice to be able to copy this!!

Long hair:

We have seen the return of Marcel waves this S/S. 1950’s hair styles being a massive inspiration. Bridget Bardot is the celeb to follow, what with all this big beautiful glam hair; she certainly knew how to set the trend.