Written by, Sarah Gleeson
ESVIE Contributor
www.RavingFashionista.com

The big hair trend for 2010 has been ombre coloring.  It first made a splash on the Spring runways and since celebrities ranging from Drew Barrymore and Sarah Jessica Parker to Ashley Simpson and Rachel Bilson have all been seen sporting the look.  Whether it’s from light to dark or dark to light it’s an easy to maintain look that throws a little wrench in traditional hair coloring, and honestly, I’m digging it.

The ombre hair trend has been garnering many mixed reviews.  Some critics love it, while some hate it, and other’s are simply perplexed by it.  I get that it’s not for everyone, but let’s take a look at some of the advantages ombre hair holds.

Touch ups are slim to none, so this look is instantly low fuss and budget friendly.  It allows ladies to grow out roots without regret.  It adds dimension and depth.  Ombre hair adds a youthful look.  It requires minimal commitment.  And best of all, it’s a simple way to re-vamp your whole look.  The more dramatic the contrast, the more edge it adds to your personal style, but even a subtle transition adds a soft, pretty feel.

I’ve just booked an appointment with my stylist to try this fun, funky look out for myself.  Keep an eye out on my blog to see my personal results (www.RavingFashionista.com).  As a relative dye virgin, with the exception of a few highlights now and again, I’m super excited to see how it looks!

What are your thoughts on the ombre trend?

Written by, Becky Harris
ESVIE Contributor

Vintage. It’s been around for well, decades. It has always had its many fans and has always been around, mixing in with the designer clothes, where 1 in 10 celebrities on the red carpet will quote their dress as “vintage”. But recently, I’ve noticed it a lot more again. Take one glance over this season’s designs and vintage inspiration is not hard to miss. Catwalks have been overwhelmed with old-school silhouettes and cuts- the 50’s shape seen at the likes of Louis Vuitton and Prada, and the 70’s girl, covered in camel and fur, most prominently seen at Chloe.

The effect of everything vintage was epitomised in the Vintage at Goodwood festival. The event spanned from 13^th-15^th August and was the first of its kind, yet the turn out was immense. Each decade from the 40’s through to the 80’s were joyously celebrated with music, fashion and film. Not only were there performances from the Noisettes and The Buzzcocks, to name but a minuscule selection; but there were burlesque dancers, 12 catwalk shows, 34 classic movies, 70 different art workshops and 30…thousand items of vintage clothing to choose from. If you missed out, you missed out big time, and must get a ticket next year.

Goodwood could also have been to blame for this returning rise of vintage popularity, along with the catwalks, obviously. For now, it seems everyone wants to jump on the old-school train. French Connection have launched a 1972 vintage collection, selling white vintage pieces of designs that were available in 1972, the year it was founded. These are selling out fast might I add, so grab a piece of history quick. KG by Kurt Geiger have also got “vintage fashion fever”, and have come over all inspired. Their new designs are heavily influenced by vintage styles; my favourites are the “Janison” and “Iris” heels.

And finally, we see the return of much-loved sixties label, Biba. The vintage great is attempting a high street revival with a new face of the label, Daisy Lowe, who claimed it is “an honour” to model for them. An old favourite of Marianne Faithful and Twiggy, the brand, which went into administration two years ago, are making a comeback. The designs look back to its heritage with lots of faux fur and limited edition party dresses. The label will be available from House of Fraser next month.

If you’re feeling the nostalgic fever, there are many different vintage-inspired activities for you to try. Last Friday the V&A Museum held an evening to appreciate all things Retro and Hollywood, which included not only their recent Grace Kelly exhibition, but talks on film costume design and make-up, chances to model special vintage pieces, and L’Oreal Paris makeovers to take your look back to the fifties.

If you missed out, you could always try the Vintage Patisserie. The small company hosts vintage tea parties, either in your home or at one of their London venues. Guests are served high tea complete with chocolates and cakes, can dress up in clothes from the 1920’s trunk, all to a backing soundtrack of authentic music. You can also opt for extras such as a burlesque lesson, make-over or even learn the Charleston. So come on, everyone needs to try a bit of vintage now and then.

Written by Sabina Ventriglia, Editor of ESVIE.co.uk
www.sabinav.wordpress.com

RedRock is a label created by Kiran Lall; a textiles for fashion graduate with a knack for creating an original DIY style and indie meets grunge fashion. RedRock does exactly what it says on the tin – the label is grunge inspired, using a combination of ripping distressing burning and re-using…even using lots of household products to create interesting effects!

The message from RedRock is all about not giving a damn about having undone hair and yesterdays make-up on, but still achieving an on-trend look with a quirky edge.

Talking of on-trend, the new collection debuting in London’s East End ‘Come as you are‘ is bang on trend, what with girlie grunge making a huge comeback for 2010, tie-dye, distress – this collection has it all.

With interest from some of the big boys in Fashion at this early stage, this show is a big deal and will definitely be a turning point for RedRock Fashion . If you want to check out more from Redrock or fancy treating yourself to one of their quirky pieces, visit their website NOW! www.RedrockFashion.co.uk

RedRock – For those that don’t need to try!

Obtain your 20% OFF discount when shopping at MOTELROCKS.com!!

Simply enter the following promotional code in the space provided at checkout and you will receive a whopping 20% off your order!

PROMOTIONAL CODE: sabinav20

TO BE USED AT: www.motelrocks.com

Now who says ESVIE doesn’t treat you? Click on the Voucher to get shopping!

Sabina Ventriglia, Editor of ESVIE
www.sabinav.wordpress.com

Motel Rocks is a fabulous fashion store that takes it style from vintage trends. Retailing now in your favourite shops like House of Fraser, Topshop and ASOS, you’ll struggle to just pick out one piece to treat yourselves with!

I LOVE Motel Rocks and so when they emailed me to let me know about their new “Motel Vintage” range available online NOW, I thought it only fair to spread the word…They have some seriously exclusive clobber for you to get your hands on. Using original vintage garments, re-created into one off pieces, so you’ll not see anyone else copycatting your style and outfit anywhere else! Tempted? Well then check out www.motelrocks.com.

It doesn’t end there… Motel Rocks has also announced the launch of Jeffrey Campbell shoes, now available to buy online! A fantastic collaboration between JC and Motel with a pure couture edge, you’ll want to be sure to get your hands on a pair of these amazing designs! A guilty pleasure for any shoe-fanatic! Check them out NOW!

Shop at Motel Rocks and use the ESVIE Discount Code for 20% off!!! Especially for you readers!

DISCOUNT CODE: sabinav20

Maria Aloia, Beauty Treatment Specialist
www.beautyofbedford.co.uk

I found these tweezers online, and aren’t they great? They’re called Tweezers with Attitude – Here Come The Girls, and they look so cool! Choose from Carrie, Jackie, Cheryl, Georgie, Kelly, Megan, Sienna and Victoria. Each of them has its own personality and beauty message. I’m liking Victoria, with her big dark sunglasses and leopard-print scarf. Priced at only £2.99, these are the perfect stocking filler or feel good gift, and cheap enough to buy the whole lot!

I’ve just placed my order and can’t wait for them to arrive!

To get yours, visit Victoria Health NOW!

Written by, Sarah Gleeson
Esvie Contributor
www.RavingFashionista.com

I can’t help but mourn the end of summer.  Although the temperatures haven’t yet started dropping in my neck of the woods, I can feel falls finger tapping me on the shoulder telling me I better get prepared to pack away my warm weather wardrobe.  Thankfully, this year there are a slew of seasonal styles to make the transition just a bit easier.

The whole socks and sandals trend admittedly wasn’t one I was immediately drawn to; until I stumbled on JCrew’s hot pink anklet style that is.  Suddenly I was sold.  The love affair only grew when I saw them pair bright yellow slouch socks with the most delicious sequin skirts.  The fall was fast, and it was hard, and now with much delight, those open toed, high-heeled favorites won’t be packed away any time soon.

As much as I love my sandals, my love for effortless sundresses far exceeds it – if that’s possible.  There’s something about the soft romance of a breezy sundress that can make a girl’s heart flutter and a boy’s palms sweat.  Which is why when I set my eyes on the military inspired jackets making their way into my favorite affordable chains, like H&M, I got a bit giddy.  Not only will these jackets pair perfectly with flannel button downs and v-neck tees, but they offer a rugged edge to a favorite summer sundress, creating a look that is pulled together without being a bit up-tight.  My personal definition of bliss.

Along the same lines of those undemanding sundresses, is the maxi dress.  The maxi dress has sky rocketed in popularity thanks in turn to their straightforward style that is as easy as it is chic.  Faced with the desire to keep these long-lengthen wonders present in a transitioning wardrobe without adding much extra bulk or bustle, my attention has been turned to the cropped tee.  Thrown over top it instantly becomes a look that screams no fuss, all cool.  Add in some low-heeled motorcycle boots and it just doesn’t get much better.

I can now go into autumn with much less woe knowing that I don’t have to say my good-byes just yet to my well-loved summer styles.  And as an added benefit, my wallet will thank me as well!

Maria Aloia, Beauty Treatment Specialist
www.beautyofbedford.co.uk

I was lucky enough to sneak a peek at Essie’s NEW Fall Collection, and I love it! With fabulous names such as In Stitches (a cheeky blush pink), Limited Addiction (racy garnet red), Sew Psyched (cashmere, soft saged pewter), Merino Cool (sensuous autumn mulberry), Velvet Voyeur (intense chocolate amethyst) and Little Brown Dress (beguiling black coffee), the colours are great. The two I like the best are Limited Addiction which is a burgundy/red/plum colour and Little Brown Dress which is the deepest, glossiest, darkest brown you’ll see for a while.

It looks like they’ve taken the nudes from the summer and given them depth, with an air of luxury and seduction. It’s easy to see why Essie has won so many awards; countless InStyle Awards, Company Make Up Awards, Grazia Beauty Awards, and the latest – Look Fantastic 2010 Hair and Beauty Award. Their polishes are good quality, they paint well, they last well, with imaginative names and all packaged up in an iconic bottle!

You might even be lucky enough to get the scoop on the opening and closing parties and backstage gossip. So watch this space and we’ll do our best to get you all the latest info you need to get your fix of LFW S/S11!

…coming soon, this September!

Written by, Marcia Wong
Esvie Contributor
www.style-abuse.blogspot.com

1. Vogue UK – This cover featured Kate Moss in a military jacket and boots. I did some research, and find out that Kate Moss had been on 30 Vogue UK covers. Besides, isn’t Vogue about fashion, not models or celebrities?

2. Elle – Starring Eat, Pray, Love star Julia Roberts. The cover is common to be a September cover, though the styling is OK.

3. i-D – This is the 30th birthday of i-D magazine, so they put Naomi Campbell, Lady Gaga, and Kate Moss on the cover. Let’s wonder if i-D is having a creativity block or they are run out of colour ink.

4. Harper’s Bazaar UK – Supermodel mom Gisele Bundchen looks beautiful in the black and white cover.

5. Vogue – That wig is destroying Halle Berry’s natural short hair. Oh, and she’s African American, so her skin tone is suppose to be darker. This cover is obviously Photoshopped.

6. Vanity Fair – Another September cover that is featuring Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga was naked and looks harmless and tamed.

7. Elle UK – Very lacy. It’s that a suit or a dress?

8. Harper’s Bazaar – Jennifer Anitson looks like a vampire in the black and white cover. In a bad way.

9. Dazed & Confused – Dazed & Confused chose Dakota Fanning on their cover. She captures your attention so easily.