GOOD FORTUNE
magazine September / October 2010
Sep/Oct Edition 2010
CONTENTS UPDATE
HOME Interior Trends p17 Autumn Recipe p19
What’s New & Novel p4
FASHION Caramel Creations p5 Style Secrets p7
RETAIL
WHAT’S ON Guide p21 Party People p22
TRAVEL Brazil p23
Country Living p9
I’m simple - at least where my new wardrobe is concerned. Pared down panache is back in vogue thanks to Celine’s Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney. After several seasons of sparkles and embellished accessories, I’ve had enough of the more is more mantra and can’t wait to embrace the a/w lust for minimalist luxe. The camel coat is already out of storage, the cashmere dress is on order and the Mulberry satchel is on Santa’s list. Yes folks, it’s time for a new season update. And to help you with your autumn shopping list, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the latest fashion, beauty and home trends. Enjoy.
Penny x
INSIDE & OUT Copy The Look p11 What’s New p12 Carly Cole p13 Kitty de Ville p14 Q&A p15 Tarotscopes p16
Mentor Power p25
BACK FEATURE Cool Classes p28
NEXT EDITION Sneak peek p30
A/W 2010 trends revealed p7
Shearling aviator jacket, £35, Asda
Editor’s Note
WORK
Model wears outfit from House of Fraser
UPDATE
waggy walkers model wears outfit from French Connection
2.book worm
CURATOR OF COOL
1. walkies Want to show your best friend you care? Escort them to Sherdley Park in St Helens on October 3rd for the Dogs Trust’s annual Waggie Walks event. It’s great exercise and an even better way to help abandoned dogs. You can choose a 5 or 10 km route and you don’t need a pooch to take part. For more info or to register for the event, call 0207 837 0006.
Once upon a time, you relished nursing a latte over the latest blockbuster. Then the recession hit and you gave up expensive caffeine breaks. No need to stop reading though. Buy bargain books at St John’s Hospice in Wallasey, where most paper backs are just a pound. Proceeds go to charity.
WHAT’S HOT
3. inbox intuition Don’t you love e-mails? With just a taptap-tap of the old fingers, you can shop, gossip and get a raise. But can you see the future? The psychic gurus at The House of Good Fortune can. They conduct online psychic readings and deliver personal predictions to your inbox. The readings are not automated and you even get a chance to ask further questions. Perfect for those boring office bound days. Log on to www.thehouseofgoodfortune.co.uk
Someone’s had a little work done. A nip, a tuck and just a touch of filler and Liverpool’s Living Room looks like her younger self, attracting the city’s most beautiful people. Talking of trendy places - everyone’s raving about the Shipping Forecast, an uber hip alehouse on Slater Street. Expect an impressive array of edgy DJs and up and coming bands. It’s a bit young but hey, what’s in a number? As someone who prefers her bars classic with a twist, its off to The Red Door in West Kirby. Okay, so they’re a client but hand on Bible, the former funeral parlor rocks. For some day time R&R it’s off to the beach - a faux one in the middle of Liverpool One - well, a girl never likes to be too far from the shops.
Carolyn Hughes
FASHION creme caramel outfit from warehouse
ON TREND << Leopard skin is the big cat print to embrace this season. It was seen in all the big shows including Gucci, Balmain and Dolce & Gabbana. Wear with this season’s Chloe style trousers. >> The camel coat is the most on-trend way of working the season’s hottest hue. Choose a cape or a military shape like this one from Warehouse. Mix minimalist shapes with lady-like accessories for the ultimate in grown up chic. This camel dress from Hobbs, £150, looks amazing with these Prada style earrings, £32, from Talullah Tu.
Bargain Alert
The preppy look of S/S 10 sneaks into autumn. Channel the Mulberry vibe with this satchel from Red Herring at Debenhams. The price? A recession friendly £35.
NEW SEASON STYLE SECRETS
We asked three fashion insiders for their advice on what to wear this autumn. DESIGNER: Kirsty Doyle What will you be wearing this season? I will be wearing trousers in any shape or form - super flared or cropped to the ankle. A well cut pair of trousers can make you look slimmer and taller. Worn with the right pair of heels, I’m good to go. Favourite autumn/winter 2010 shows? I love all of the shearling collars on this season’s coats and particularly liked the Christopher Kane leather and shearling jacket.
What are your ‘lust haves’? I will be buying shoes, shoes and more shoes. I love shoes more than any other accessory in that they can finish off an outfit and make you stand out from the crowd literally.
check out the new look www.kirstydoyle.com
that something special.
Best fashion moment apart from winning TV’s Favourite shops Project Catwalk? Apart from my own, I My best fashion moment love Start and Dover is one in the future. Street Market in London The opening of our new but I don’t think store will be taking anywhere matches the brand to another Cricket’s buys. level. We have Justine’s daring everything a girl could choices in Balenciaga want for this autumn/ give Liverpool girls winter.
CELEBRITY STYLIST: Lorraine McCulloch
Model wears one of Kirsty’s dresses
What’s on your a/w wish list? Isabel Marant’s leather biker trousers and Stella McCartney’s reversible cape are both up there. Celine is another ‘must have’ label and is currently available at Cricket. What are your style rules for autumn wear? Make sure retro looks have a contemporary finish, otherwise you’ll look like you’re going to a fancy dress party. Which high street stores have best interpreted this season’s biggest trends? Top Shop never disappoints on this front but H&M have also done well with their Parisian cool pieces and lady-like silhouettes. Up and coming labels? Peter Pilotto is one to watch. Kirsty Doyle is also great for girly glamour.
MODEL: Alex Leigh Which new season trend do you love? This season has so many great looks to choose from it’s impossible to pick just one, so I’m going to be greedy and have a couple. The first is the return of killer curves in 1950s and 1960s silhouettes. They offer the ultimate in hour glass dressing with wasp waists, a hint of cleavage and below the knee hems. Velvet is the other trend that has got me giddier than a kipper as it means I can dust off one of the first designer pieces I ever owned. The floor length bias gown by Nicholas Knightly oozes opulence but it’s so nipped in at the waist I can barely breathe but darling - no pain, no gain. I was given it in exchange for a runway stint during London Fashion Week way back in - ahem - 1996. What will you be buying to add to your current wardrobe? A pair of kitten heels to compliment my Mad Men style dresses. Being nearly 6’2, the lower heel makes me feel feminine and less freakishly tall than when wearing platforms. Which old favourite will be making an airing? Along with my Nicholas Knightly number, I’ll be wearing my on-trend cashmere camel coat, which a very good and stylish friend gave to me.
Kitten heels from Top Shop
Which a/w shows really inspired you? I adored the glamour of the Giorgio Armani, Costume National, Luca Luca
Alex at a Selfri dges fashion show
and Vivienne Westwood shows. I can’t wait to get my red ‘lippy’ out and vamp it up. But I also loved the other side of the extreme which the MAC make-up artist Terry Barber called the Tilda Swinton effect. The totally nude, minimalist look was seen on the catwalks of Missoni, Marni, Emilio Pucci and Salvatore Ferragamo. Any tips on looking great on a budget? With stores like Primark, Peacocks and even supermarkets doing fantastic designer spin offs, we can all look like we’ve just stepped off the catwalk. But I’m a big fan of ‘swishing’ – getting all your friends together for a clothes swapping session. One woman’s trash is another’s treasure. Give it a go – you’ll save money, save the planet and have a party to boot.
Get styling and beauty advice from Alex at Take Two Styling School. Log on to www.taketwostyleschool.biz
RETAIL
country living model wears outfit from House of Fraser
<< Tweed blazer, £299, Elegance Tweed oversized brooch, £14, Freedom at Topshop >>
<< Fairtrade pheasant, £37, Velvet Brown
THE GREAT OUTDOORS From Dior to DKNY - everyone’s embracing countryside chic with tweeds, shearling and sensible footwear. ^ Wicker trug, £12.95, toysandinteriors.co.uk
Stag cushion, £12.99, Dunelm Mill >>
<< Original Hunter wellies, £60, garden4less.co.uk
INSIDE & OUT
collection 2010
STEALING BEAUTY COPY THE LOOK The Charleston Curl (opposite) This chic blow dry by Headmasters looks expensive without being too polished. Using a traditional pin curl set gives this style a retro hint. Hair is blown out into a strong bob shape and then pinned up. The hair is then brushed into a wave, making sure the ends are curled. Hair accessories like those from Marc by Marc Jacobs look amazing with this style. The hair is held using L’Oreal’s Techni.Art Air Fix.
From Portobello ponies to glossy red lips, beauty guru Anna Wells shares her tips for the autumn. 1. Luscious Lips Crimson lips dominated the a/w 2010 catwalks. For an ultra luxe take on the runway look make sure your pout is well hydrated and glossy. Try Prestige Cosmetics Colour Treat Lipstick for intense colour and extra moisture.
2. Big Hair New season hair will be mostly big and textured with loose waves. If you prefer something a little fresher - try a low ponytail as seen in both the Hermes and Louis Vuitton shows. Mix trends by tonging the hair and then securing it at the nape of the neck, making sure that some hair stays free at the front to frame the face.
3. Lashes RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum is the season’s must buy. This amazing product conditions your eyelashes and prevents them from falling out so lashes grow to their full potential. I am totally addicted and people now comment on my longer lashes.
4. Pharmacies For unusual brands that
you can’t buy over here, I always recommend popping into foreign pharmacies. But I also love the glamour of beauty halls in luxury department stores. I adore Debenhams because they have a huge range of products at great prices and now offer an extensive range of treatments. I recently tried a facial at the Elemis Spa Pod at Debenhams on Oxford Street. It was amazing a real oasis of calm in one of the busiest shopping streets in the UK.
5. Skin Hydrated skin really glows and looks great during the colder months. So, make sure that you drink enough water during the day and use a good moisturiser. Caudalie’s brand new Vinosource Quenching Sorbet-Creme delivers instant, intense hydration with a matt finish. I’m also a real believer in omega supplements. They moisturise your skin from the inside out.
LIFE AQUATIC New mum and wife of Liverpool footballer Joe, Carly Cole talks about her passion for swimming. Motherhood is full of minor inconveniences (stretch marks and a decent night sleep to name just two), but the fact that you haven’t worked out since you became a parent? Unconscionable. That’s why one Liverpool WAG is encouraging new mums to hit the pool. Carly, who gave birth to baby girl Ruby four months ago, is an active swimmer, who swam throughout her pregnancy. The fitness instructor is now supporting a campaign by baby suppliers Huggies to encourage mums to swim, during and after their pregnancy. “I’ve always been a keen swimmer, since I was a baby myself, and it’s been great being able to share the experience
with Ruby,” she says. “While I was pregnant I wanted to keep exercising, so I swam two to three times per week. It was an easy and gentle way to get my daily dose of exercise, and now that I’ve had Ruby, it’s still something I do. The first time she went into the water was a really special experience, and it’s helped to strengthen the bond between us. As a mum, I want to spend as much time as I can with Ruby, and with swimming I can do that and know that I’m getting a bit of exercise too. Ruby seems to love it so far. Joe’s a confident swimmer, as am I, so we’re hoping she follows in our footsteps”
WIN IT
RapidLash Enhancing Serum It’s one of the biggest ‘lust haves’ of the season. But it’s not an it-bag or an iPad. It’s an iconic beauty product designed to make your eyelashes look naturally bigger. Such is the buzz around this £39.95 serum that there was a pre-launch waiting list and Liverpool women queued for hours to get their hands on one. Now we’re giving you the chance to win the miracle product. Simply answer the following question by November 1, 2010. What are said to be the windows of the soul? E-mail the right answer along with your name contact details to editorial@thehouseofgo odfortune.co.uk. Ts & Cs apply.
MIND, BODY & SPIRIT Burlesque belle Kitten de Ville reveals the secrets of staying sexy, slim and serene. What’s your outlook on life? Life is easy and will flow the way it’s meant to. It’s only when you try to move against it or are too afraid to be who you are that it gets hard. What inspires you? I have such a diverse taste in everything. I never limit myself and I do not believe that because you love one thing you have to hate something else. I stay very open and Kitten will be appearing at St George’s passionate towards life, so Hall, Liverpool on October I find inspiration every 31 For tickets and more where. My two favorite details see things are reading and www.martini-lounge.net music. What are your best beauty secrets? Sleep. Pin curls. Red lipstick. How do you keep healthy? I don’t smoke. I walk or ride my bike everywhere within three miles of my house and and I go to pilate classes whenever I
Lace corset, £35, Marks & Spencer Fleurs d’Oranger, £65 from SpaceNK
can fit it into my schedule. I also garden and generally would rather be out doing something then just sitting around. I usually follow a vegetarian diet of organic foods but it’s not always possible on tour, but I do my best not to eat from fast food places. Where do you get your fabulous corsets and costumes from? I make my own costumes but Sue Nice from Los Angeles makes all my corsets. I buy my vintage gowns from a secret vendor. What’s your signature fragrance? Serge Lutens Fleurs d'Oranger. How to be glamorous? Be strong, self-confident and gracious. Style your hair and wear red lipstick with a smile.
Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick, £21.50,
HEALTH Q&AS
With Abbas Mhar - founder of CompleMed, an award-winning Cheshire practice that offers natural, drug free therapies.
Q
I’m a reasonably fit, 32-yearold woman. I train regularly and eat well. But I had a bad fall whilst on holiday three years ago, landing on my right hip. Since then, I’ve experienced lower abdominal pains, mainly on the right side, at the same level as my pelvis. I’ve had a MRI scan and X-rays which show nothing. The pain can sometimes be excruciating and drawn out, at other times intermittent. I’ve tried taking various painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but nothing has made any difference. Is there anything else I can do? Suzi (via e-mail)
A
MRI scans and X-rays will have eliminated any structural or soft tissue pathology. Assuming you’ve already gone down the gynecological route and have found nothing, then I would suggest having a visceral examination. As an osteomyologist, my initial thoughts would be directed to the deep postural muscles that line the pelvis, namely iliacus and the psoas. This can be treated with muscle energy techniques and soft tissue mobilisation. You would probably need two or three sessions for a complete resolution to the trauma.
Q
I was in a car accident several years ago. I was checked after the accident and had no serious injuries, but since then
I’ve been experiencing tension headaches. I’ve spoken to several doctors who’ve told me that I’m not suffering from migraines as my vision remains un-impaired and I do not suffer from any nausea. I’ve tried ever type of pain killer and nothing works – can you help? Pam, Cheshire.
A
Since the headaches are leading to pain in the shoulders it indicates a problem at the base of the skull, possibly an occipt lesion as a result of the car accident. This is where a soft tissue injury has thickened, irritating the nerve endings and causing the tension headaches. A soft tissue massage with cranial relief and muscular skeletal rebalancing should help relieve the tension. Reflexology and osteomyological manipulation will also treat the problem so that the headaches occur less often and the symptoms are less acute.
If you have any beauty, health or hair questions for our panel of experts, please e-mail editorial@thehouseofgoodfortune.co.uk
TAROTSCOPE
Your forecast for July to August from The House of Good Fortune ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)
now you’re starting to
You’re feeling a little
enjoy the fruits of your
bruised and battered after labour. a long fought battle with an ambitious air sign,
VIRGO (Aug 24-Sep 23)
says the two of swords.
You need to slow down
It’s time to walk away or
and take better care of
risk a humiliating defeat. your health, says the empress card. Eat well TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21)
and try to de-stress.
You’ve been wrongly
This isn’t the time to
accused of being underhand burn the candle at both
and re-focus on what you
at work and you’re reeling ends.
really want.
with anger, says the reversed justice card.
LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)
Don’t worry. Your name
You have the Midas
will be cleared.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20) You need to realise
touch in October, says the your potential, says the magician card. Your star card. The universe
GEMINI (May 22-Jun 21)
supports your plans and
You can’t help
financial success is
business sense matched with the goat’s gritty
wondering whether you’re
finally yours for the
determination will take
on the right career path
taking. Hooray!
you far in early October.
at the moment, says the hermit card. All will soon
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22)
be revealed.
Competition is a necessary part of life.
CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 23)
AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19) You’re in a position of strength at home but a
But beware it doesn’t turn moment of indecision may throw you off balance, nasty as you take it too
Beware of taking advantage of a fire sign’s seriously, says the five kindness, says the
of wands. A fire sign
says the three of wands. September also foretells
reversed queen of wands.
relative will be shocked
of pregnancy.
They won’t react well to
by your bad attitude. PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20)
your constant and unreasonable demands.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21) Feel like life is
LEO (Jul 24-Aug 23) Life is good at the moment, says the four of wands. The foundations of success have been laid and
Don’t allow a work bully to humiliate you
passing you by? The two of into taking a secondary role, says the five of wands tells you to plan a winter adventure. It’ll help you clear your mind
swords. Stand your ground. You deserve any successes that come your way.
HOME
home improvements wallpaper from Love Eco
NEW SEASON STYLE Make a statement with anything blue, bold or beautiful, says interiors expert Julie Kerner
Must-have item? Space. Customised wall systems make great storage solutions and they can be tailored to your needs with different shelves, drawers, and doors.
Julie
Concept rom Bof r e n r Ke
es , Manch
ter
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new this season? Inky blues are the way to go for wall colours - anything from a vintage blue to a dark sapphire hue teamed with large print textiles or hand embroidered fabrics. Mixing old with new is also on trend.
Print lampshade from Hunky Dory Home
Easy update? As the days get shorter, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ideal time to take a look at lighting. Light brings ambience to the home so it is crucial to choose the right fitting. Big statement pieces are hot. These can vary from big pendants in luxury fabrics to an industrial finish.
Tips on improving without moving? When looking at transforming a room, look at the wall colours first. Painting just one wall can change the whole vibe of a room. The next step is to look at the textiles. Existing furnishings can be transformed by a flash of colour or by introducing interesting textures. Also, consider statement furniture. The perfect sofa, for instance, can also bring a whole new focus to a room. Our furniture designs are based on modularity and functionality giving individuals a real chance to tailor their room to their own specification.
make a style statement with this chair from Bo-Concept
JUST COOK
INGREDIENTS Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 Cooking time: 25 600g (1lb 6oz) large waxy potatoes, e.g. Charlotte, peeled 1 large leek, trimmed 5-6 tbsp Filippo Berio Mild & Light Olive Oil 1 egg, beaten 1 tbsp plain flour Salt and pepper
Potato & Leek Rosti
Leave the potatoes whole and boil for 5 minutes.
Add the egg and seasoning, and mix well.
Meanwhile, finely slice the leek and wash to remove any grit. Heat one tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan, add the drained leek and cook 2-3 minutes to soften. Turn into a large bowl.
Re-heat the frying pan, add 3 tablespoons of the oil, then drop tablespoons of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening to even rounds. Cook over a moderate heat for 4-5 minutes until the underside is a deep golden brown, carefully turn the rosti and cook again until browned. Lift out of the pan and keep warm while cooking the rest of the mixture, adding more olive oil as needed.
Drain the potatoes, rinse in cold water and drain again. Coarsely grate into the bowl, being careful with your fingers. Add the flour and toss with the leeks.
Autumn Trend Wild Food Foraging
Whether it’s for blackberries or mushrooms, there’s no doubt that wild food is back in vogue. But rather than paying silly prices in designer farm shops, pick your own for ‘nowt’. A great book on the subject is Richard Mabey’s pocket sized Food For Free.
WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON kim cattrall as cleopatra image from the film Sex and the City 2
AGENT PROVOCATEUR Liverpool Journalist Paul Kennedy speaks about his shocking new novel. The Carpet King of Texas is clearly not something for the faint-hearted. It’s risque yet real and already being compared to Trainspotting the gritty Irvine Welsh novel about heroin addicts in Scotland. Author Paul Kennedy, originally from Merseyside, says he's drawn on personal experience from his time as a journalist for both regional and national newspapers to create the characters and plot for his debut novel. "What really is most shocking about the whole book is that these things go on," says Paul, 37. "It's from a world we all live in but rarely see." The novel tells of three different lives that come crashing together with disastrous consequences. Away on business, larger than life businessman Dirk McVee comes to Liverpool for a conference - but work is the last thing on his mind as he prowls the city's underbelly to quench his thirst for sexual kicks. Jade Thompson is the pretty but impressionable teenager in search of a guiding light in her life and John FILM EAT, PRAY, LOVE September 24, cinemas nationwide Calling all women in a thrisis (thirty-something crisis) - Elizabeth Gilbert’s cult book is now on the big screen. Follow the author’s enlightening journey as she discovers the pleasures of food in Italy, the power of prayer in India, and the bliss of true love in Bali. The ultimate chick flick with a spiritual twist.
Jones Junior is the heroin-ravaged youngster with no hope and no chance at all. "It all sounds a little bit grim and depressing," admits Paul, "But it is very funny and the feedback I've had has been amazing. "Sex and drugs, particularly cocaine, are prevalent and major themes throughout the book, but sex and drugs are prevalent throughout society. "Originally I wanted to write a screenplay, and people have told me it's very cinematic, so who knows? Maybe one day it could become a movie." The Carpet King of Texas is published by Empire Publications and will be released this month.
on What’s ct Sep/O
BOOK
THEATRE
MUSIC
EVENT
COCO CHANEL BY JUSTINE PICARDIE £25
ANTONY & CLEOPATRA Oct 8 - Nov 13, Liverpool Playhouse.
MANIC STREET PREACHERS October 14, Manchester Apollo.
LIVERPOOL BIENNIAL Sep 18 - Nov 28, venues vary
Being Welsh, I reserve the right to plug one of our own. The gig follows the release of their new album Postcards From A Young Man.
Don’t miss one of Europe’s largest and most exciting contemporary art events. This year’s theme includes Human Stain.
Beautifully illustrated, and impeccably written, this full biography is a must-buy for anyone who loves fashion.
It’s the play we’ve all been waiting for. Kim Cattrall and Jeffery Kissoon take the title roles in this epic tragedy.
IT’S BUZZING AT MOSQUITO
24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE Joan Rivers, Jocelyn Wildenstein and The Living Room - they just keep updating what they’ve got. Eager for a sneak peak, Liverpool folk flocked to the new look restaurant on Victoria Street. The difference in decor was subtle but the new menu was mouth watering. Glamorous guests for the VIP evening included local actors, models, fashionistas and
Top: Rachel Guy Jones, Irivine Larrier and Helen Raghu Middle: Louise Doran, Andy Duckworth (General Manager, Mosquito)and Kayleigh Winter Bottom:Khalid and Sandra Khan
Above: Some of the cast of Hollyoaks hang out in The Living Room. Right: Model Amanda Harrington
politicians. The place with buzzing and showed a definite return to form. Downstairs, Orchid owned Mosquito, also hosted a preview evening for clients to showcase the newly designed club. Guests enjoyed a fabulous burlesque routine whilst sampling some exquisite canapés and superb cocktails. Make-overs? We love them.
TRAVEL
destination brazil image from microsoft
JUNGLE FEVER Jane Thomas experiences the natural wonders of sun soaked Brazil. Still haven’t decided where to go on vacation this season? Here’s an option you probably haven’t considered: Brazil. I mean where else are you going to find jungles, tropical islands, buzzing beaches and throngs of would-be models at every turn? Sprawling across half of South America, it’s captivated tourists for centuries. The only drawbacks are that it’s far and not exactly cheap. We saved some money by travelling Air France via Paris, connecting straight from Salvador to Ilheus. It involved 24 hours of flying but it was worth the DVT pain and jet lag. The drive up the Atlantic coast out into the jungle towards Itacare was truly breathtaking. The air was fresh and the people cherry. Our arrival at Jungle Lodge (www.artjungle.org) – our eco retreat made us forget the cold weather at home. Set in acres of Atlantic rainforest, Art Jungle Lodge is a Brazilian ‘NGO’ scheme set up to not only to provide employment for locals but also to ensure the survival of a significant stretch of rainforest. We stayed in a large tree house,
featuring hammocks and an open air shower. But rustic didn’t mean Christ crusty. There was a great swimming the Redeemer pool that looking over the overlooked the amazing Rio de river, acres of tropical delights Janeiro to walk through eight rooms the and even daily room attention to detail service delivered in a cool box. Breakfast was was evident - from the roof-top pool to the eat a simple tropical fare served on the veranda of anytime, anywhere breakfasts. The staff the main house. Our hosts were a delightful were extremely friendly and even helped us plan French family who were an independent trip to passionate about their work and did everything the Ronaldinho Christmas to make us feel part of football match at the stadium. After visiting their green dream. We left the jungle only various museums and once and that was to be galleries during the punted down the river to day, our evenings were spent wandering the a picture perfect streets listening to the waterfall. The al fresco music. atmosphere was relaxed Stumbling across and regenerative. practicing samba bands Our next stop was Afro Beat capital - Salvador. and Capoeira dance troops meant every night As we were only on vacation for three weeks was slightly different. The restaurants were we travelled between great and plentiful – places using the local possibly the best steaks airline GOL known to mankind were (www.voegol.com.br), found in the which proved surprisingly reasonable churrascarias. We only sampled a and reliable. The city fraction of Brazil’s was noisy yet soul stirring. We stayed in a innumerable charms but it was enough to small boutique hotel called Casadoamarelindo convince us that coming back was compulsory. in the old town of Pelourinho. With only
WORK
dream team image from microsoft
IT’S GOOD TO SHARE
An economic crisis and a feeling that we’ve lost our way have made mentors the hottest work accessories around, says Penny Fray. Workin’ nine to five is a way to make a livin’. No offense, Dolly, but these days it’s more like seven to midnight, and most of us are still struggling to find success. No wonder mentors are being hailed the gurus du jour. In a report recently commissioned by the Prince’s Trust, more than half of those questioned said they wanted to see more female role models. During tough times, with redundancies rife among 18-40 year-olds, we need powerful women in business to lead the way more than ever. And there’s no shortage of volunteers with everyone from Mary Portas to Elle Macpherson willing to share their personal experiences and professional expertise. On a local level, there are several mentoring schemes, including the one run by Elaine Owen, MD of Designated Associates and UK Business Mentor of the Year. “Mentoring has been around for donkeys’ years - think of Homer’s epic poem where the original mentor was a friend and adviser of Telemachus, Odysseus’
son,” she says. “I think it’s become popular again because people can see the value of insight. It’s also a fast track form of learning.” Sarah Brown, the former Prime Minister’s wife and supporter of Marie Claire’s new mentoring campaign, said that when she ran her own business, it was other women who were her greatest supporters, inspirations and most constructive critics. “That expert unconditional support makes the difference,” she says. It’s not a one sided affair though. Advisors also benefit from the deal. “I’ve personally gained a great sense of satisfaction in giving something back,” explains Elaine. “I haven’t got millions of pounds to give away but what I can give in terms of advice is invaluable. I’ve also gained from the experience, particularly in my own leadership style. The questions asked often get the grey matter working. Thinking about something fresh is exciting.”
WORKING IT!
this edition’s office must haves: Pantone A5 Notebooks, £12, Lifestyle Bazaar Cattelan Italia Danda Leather Office Chair, £427, Areaz New Nancy tote, £795, Smythson
So what are the criteria for being a mentor and mentoree? “Both parties need to be willing to be open, honest and ready to share,” says Elaine. They need to listen and give feedback. A mentor should be a source of learning, so experience and credibiilty are essential as are trust and confidentiality. But most importantly of all, both parties should WANT to enter into the relationship.” Adele Lock, former contestant of The Apprentice and MD of The Gentry Grooming Co, shares some of the secrets to her success. 1. Have an idea. It doesn’t have to be a killer idea that changes the world - it
just needs to be an idea that meets a gap in the market. 2. Research. It’s a way of discovering whether your idea has ‘legs’. It also stands you Adele in good stead when Lock, from you hit the market apprentice - adding a layer to expert of credibility to strength of what you're trying character and a to achieve. positive mental attitude to make it. 3. Branding. Make sure that you’re in tune 5. Network. There are with your brand from amazing opportunities day one. Write brand in meeting new people guidelines to ensure and you only need one that as you grow you important connection to don't lose the core of make it to the big your identity. time. 4. Perseverance. Business is not for the faint hearted and unless you are prepared to invest time and take risks don't do it. You need tenacity,
THE BUSINESS BAROMETER What’s Hot: Foursquare.com Businesses can use location based social network sites like foursquare to engage with increasingly mobile customers. Create events or offer discounts to those who check in on foursquare at your venue.
6. People. Like any good business, people are at the heart if it. So, treat all stakeholders and customers with respect and appreciation.
BACK FEATURE
back to school model wears outfit from Republic
LEARN, BABY, LEARN
Forget the latest ‘it’ bag. These days, it’s what you know that counts, says Penny Fray. They say that you learn something new every day. Why,just yesterday you read that George Clooney sometimes sleeps in the walk-in closet of his LA mansion because all the bedrooms are too light. Up your learning curve by attending one of the many cool classes popping up in a bar, bistro or boutique near you. Yup, the once fusty world of academia has undergone a makeover. You can now learn how to write novels at Ness Gardens or enjoy French lessons at Brew. Books have become a little less bookish and history programmes have never been hotter. For a jaded generation of thirtysomethings, learning is filling the slot once occupied by shopping, clubbing and reality television. “The benefits of continuing education are numerous,” says Dr Anne Merry, Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Liverpool. “It’s about improving your skills, gaining confidence, adding value to your CV, keeping your brain active, gaining a qualification, making new friends, and enjoying yourself.” The University has over 3000 adults on its Continuing Education courses. “Many older learners use the classes to keep
their brains active and come back year after year,” explains Dr Merry. “Some of our students have little formal education and are trying out short courses as a way back into learning. Others have degrees but are gaining new skills to add to their CV. All share a love of learning.” Popular courses include languages, including Mandarin and Russian. “Students want to brush up their language skills for holidays, learn more about countries which interest them, or simply improve their CV. Also driven by television programmes, are courses in archaeology, art and history.“ For most, no formal qualifications are needed, just an interest in the subject and a willingness to learn. Each course has defined learning outcomes and the achievement of these is assessed and recognised. “Students can accumulate the credit for their courses and, at 120 credits, will get a Certificate in Higher Education from the University,” concludes Dr Merry. Watch Out For Our 60 Second Classes Starting In The November Edition.
COOL CLASSES Want to start an evening class or a short course this year? If you don't know what's available, these organisations will help you: UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL Find out more about local continuing education courses with an open day on September 2. For more information, visit their website. www.liv.ac.uk/conted/
HOT COURSES Find courses and reviews with the UK's largest course finder listing over a million courses. www.hotcourses.com
SCHOOL OF EVERYTHING Find local teachers, lessons and classes in all subjects, from mandarin to guitar lessons. www.schoolofeverything.co.uk
CAREERS ADVICE Search for hundreds of courses online or call 0800 100 900 to speak to an adviser about your learning needs. http:// careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/
OPEN UNIVERSITY Search a database of more than 570 courses, degrees, diplomas and qualifications from the UK's largest university for parttime higher education. www3.open.ac.uk/study/
NEXT
GIFT GUIDE SPECIAL
LOOK PARTY READY
How To Summon An Angel
Merry Crunchmas Clever Cutbacks
out november 1, 2010