Style Birmingham Issue 32

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FEBRUARY 2013 ISSUE 32 £2.95 WHERE SOLD

“Beauty is how you feel and how you carry yourself: confidence is the most beautiful thing” Philip Armstrong

ISSUE 32

C O N T E N TS STYLE WITH 07 Spring catwalk report translating the new

STYLE FOR BEAUTY 015 Beauty buzz…Becca Chantrell, skincare expert at Shiseido, shares her winter skin health secrets 038 Beauty news time for a fresh new look? Spring beauty is all about pinks, purples and a healthy glow

season trends from the runway to our high street

012 Philip Armstrong the amazing design duo hit

040 Cold comfort keep skin soft and silky with these winter skincare miracles

Harvey Nichols, and we get the inside track

016 Denise van Outen and Louis Smith we

043 Scents of love check these romantic fragrances, perfect for Valentine’s Day

meet the dancing stars on the Strictly Come Dancing tour

020 Valentine’s gifts for him and her make the day extra special this year

STYLE FOR MEN

023 Style chart what do YOU want this spring?

044 Style news from new knitwear to spring pops of colour, we’ve got it all

We’ve got a few ideas…

024 What lies beneath gorgeous lingerie you’ll want to treasure

030 Label we love elegant and well-tailored, this is why Hobbs is a hit on the high street

042 Five minutes with… Christine Nagel, Master Perfumer for Jo Malone London

STYLE FOR WOMEN 028 Fashion news the hottest new trends to try and cool new season pieces

031 Undercover story the new lingerie collection from M&S is inspired by burlesque shows

034 Accessories we’ve edited the best of the new spring bags, shoes, scarves and more

036 Art Deco the red carpet was awash with 30s

046 Hot trend looking for some style inspiration for spring?

049 Grooming news it’s all about new spring scents and colognes this month, gentlemen 050 Gadget geek fabulous gadgets, ideal gifts for Valentine’s Day and beyond

STYLE SOCIAL 052 Social news all you need to know for the best night on the town

054 Valentine’s Day at The Mailbox calling all Cupids…

056 Food and drink news get ready to indulge with our irresistible festive fare, wine, and canapé recipes 059 Food reviews dining out this weekend? Check out our reviews first …

decadence this awards season

060 Clubs in Birmingham with Will Power 062 What’s on check out these fun dates for your spring diary

066 Competition your chance to win, win, win!

FRONT COVER IMAGE courtesy of Marks & Spencer spring 2013 collection issue 32

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ISSUE 32

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STYLE FASHION

7

K CATWARLT REPO

S P R I N G F O R WA R D INTRODUCING SIX HOT TRENDS FOR THE NEW SEASON

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STYLE FASHION

BLACK AND WHITE

CROPPED

GET THE LOOK: KOURTNEY

Cool, classic monochrome comes back into the fashion spotlight for S/S ’13. Seen on the catwalks at everyone from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Lanvin and Chanel to Narciso Rodriguez, Victoria Beckham, and Michael Kors, black and white is the biggest trend for spring and so refreshing after several seasons of heavy embellishment, gothic drama and opulent fabrics. It can also be worn in dozens of different ways and still be effortlessly chic. Key looks? Chunky stripes, animal print, clean blocks for contrast and even houndstooth.

FIND IT ON THE HIGH STREET Monsoon, Wallis and Topshop for dresses, and check out the tux jackets at Hobbs, sandals at Next and accessories at Emporio Armani and Hugo Boss in The Mailbox

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Forget unforgiving bandage dresses, a flash of your ankle is all you need show this spring. Cropped styles are huge news, on 50s-style cigarette pants, wideleg trousers and skirts and dresses of every shape and form. Influenced by the legendary houses of Dior and Balenciaga, cropped trousers sit at 7/8th length and are brilliant at showcasing another key spring trend: the return of the pointy-toed kitten heel. We saw cropped wideleg pants in bold prints at Etro and Hermes, and skirt lengths went mid-calf at shows from YSL (now rebranded as Saint Laurent) and Marni.

Our tip? Always pair cropped trousers with a heel, and keep colours classic.

FIND IT ON THE HIGH STREET Gap and Boden each have extensive ranges of coloured crop slim-fit chinos this season, and try Jaeger and COS for sharply tailored crop trouser suits

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STYLE FASHION

FLOWERS

The ultimate spring trend: fresh, floral prints herald the new season and nature bursting into life. Anything goes, from pared-down botanical prints to blowsy and beautiful appliquéd flowers on dresses, tees, bags, shoes, hair clips...just remember to keep jewellery to a minimum so your flowers can do the talking. This trend isn’t just about pretty-pretty petals though: at the Proenza Schouler and Bottega Veneta shows, flowers clashed with lace and stripes and layered with other textures and patterns for an edgier vibe. However you wear a floral print, make sure you invest in the trend this season, as it’s a perennial fashion-world fave.

FIND IT ON THE HIGH STREET Laura Ashley for vintage prints, Zara and Oasis for affordable separates and check out the new season accessories collections at Harvey Nichols and Selfridges for flower-motifs on shoes, bags, sunglasses, scarves and more

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PASTELS

Leave it to Givenchy to create a trend that looks good enough to eat. The spring palette takes its inspiration from sugary confections: think macaroons, ice-cream and marshmallows in shades of vanilla cream, pistachio, palest pink, lemon yellow and powdery blue.

On the catwalk at Chloe, this translated into ethereal shift dresses in lightweight fabrics, pussy bow blouses, city shorts and sexy pencil skirts, proving that pastels don’t have to be saccharine-sweet. Wear your pastels floaty and semi-sheer, as seen at Donna Karan and Roberto Cavalli, for a fresh take on the trend.

FIND IT ON THE HIGH STREET Forever 21 in Bullring and LK Bennett in The Mailbox both have beautiful pastel accessories this season, including totes, scarves and clutches. Try Gap for pretty pastel cotton blazers

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STYLE FASHION

1980s

King of the corset and inventor of Madonna’s iconic cone bra, Jean Paul Gaultier is this season bringing back the 80s in a witty homage. At his S/S ’13 show, the design legend dressed his models as an array of 80s stars: Annie Lennox with short spiky red hair, Grace Jones in wraparound shades, a dreadlocked Boy George, and Madonna in the film Desperately Seeking Susan, with black bowler hat and crucifix necklace. This time around, the 80s motif is subtle but a strong micro-trend: look out for shoulder-padded tuxes (as seen at Stella McCartney) and corset tops (on the runway at Kenzo), batwing sleeves and Vivienne Westwood-influenced pirate styling.

FIND IT ON THE HIGH STREET AllSaints has cropped jackets for the new season, there are fantastic court shoes at both Kurt Geiger and Jones the Bootmaker in Bullring, and New Look has an 80s-inspired range, from wide belts to neon slashed t-shirts

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VOLUME

Achingly cool and very fashion-forward, this is the look that fashion editors fell in love with at the spring runway shows. Oversized, clean-lined tailoring was everywhere, from Miu Miu, Chanel, Chloe, and Giambattista Valli to Stella McCartney, Jil Sander, Marni and Hermes. Think cocoon shape coats and tops, tulip skirts, voluminous maxis, empire-line dresses, trapeze jackets, huge puff sleeves and exaggerate A-line skirts.

How to wear? Avoid pattern, and keep the rest of your look streamlined to provide contrast.

FIND IT ON THE HIGH STREET French Connection plays with proportions on jackets and skirts this spring, and you’ll find oversized tops at H&M, COS and Mango that fit the trend

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STYLED BY

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style expert

P h i l i p A r m s t r o n g d r e s s e s h av e b e c o m e a favo u r i t e w i t h t h e l i k e s o f J e n n i f e r L o p e z , L a dy G aga , K at y P e r ry a n d Da n n i i M i n o g u e .

L i sa P i d d i n g t o n cau g h t u p w i t h t h e ta l e n t e d d e s i g n d u o – P h i l i p A r m s t r o n g a n d To n y B u r k e – a s t h e y l au n c h e d t h e i r l at e s t collections

DRESSING THE A-LIST When it comes to creating a new collection for Philip Armstrong, where do you search for inspiration?

Philip: No, we stick to what we love. We never run with trends and feel inspired to create.

Tony: It can be the most random things really – say, we’re watching a film and then our imagination just runs wild and we start thinking, “Oh, what if that happened and then that …” and you invent characters that you can dress.

Tony: We love our neutrals and we love our blacks. White is perfect for the summer and red for the winter.

For your S/S ‘13 Resort Collection you have done just that, taking ideas from the 1953 Audrey Hepburn classic Roman Holiday.

Tony: We imagined the heroine, this Italian princess, travelling around Rome incognito and what kind of wardrobe she would have taken with her. There are lots of references to 1950s style and all the dress styles have Italian names.

Alongside your Resort range, you have also introduced a high-end Atelier collection. How is that different?

Philip: Resort is very wearable while Atelier is more indulgent - perfect for red carpet occasions, premieres or a ball. It allows us to play a bit more, like children in a playground! It is for those who love extravagance and sparkle.

What are your favourite pieces?

Tony: It’s hard to choose a favourite because it would be like trying to choose your favourite child I guess!

Philip: For me, the long red Roxanna gown that we have shown at Harvey Nichols. It has Swarovski crystals at the back. It’s not over the top just very elegant, understated and sexy.

How do you decide on colours? Do you move with the trends?

Your trademark is your really interesting fabric combinations, like teaming ultra feminine lace with sporty neoprene.

Philip: We do a lot of research into fabrics and we have always loved the idea of contrast. The neoprene style has been so flattering, helps to cinch and stretch the body in. All our fabrics are chosen for a reason and it is something we really work hard on.

Tony: We tweak the combinations and mixtures of fabrics each year if we think they work, we don’t just abandon concepts and ideas just to move onto the new season – we work with them.

Your collections are available exclusively at Harvey Nichols. That’s quite a coup.

Philip: Yes, we are in every store now.

We’ve been working with the company for 12 months now and have built up such a strong relationship. We want that relationship to be long-term: we’re not in it for the short-term.

You also make bespoke dresses for your clients. Where do you start?

You can study fashion as much as you like, but if you haven’t been born with a designer’s gift you’ll become a fantastic cutter or whatever you’re strong at, but to have that natural eye for detail and determining what women suit, I truly believe that’s a gift.

Having worked with some of the most beautiful women in the world you’re probably best placed to say what you think real beauty is?

Tony: Confidence is a huge part of it. You may have a beautiful face but be a vile person!

Philip: It is how you feel and how you carry yourself – confidence is the most beautiful thing. We believe that a dress should not wear you, you should wear the dress.

Is there anyone that you haven’t dressed already that you would love to see in Philip Armstrong?

Philip: Charlize Theron.

Tony: We’d also love to work with Blake Lively from Gossip Girl. We’ve got a dress for every episode in mind.

Tony: We’re really good at working out people’s personalities. The dress has to enhance their best features and disguise any issues they may have.

Philip: We’ve been doing it for such a long time now that it becomes second nature to us really and I also believe that a designer is born with a designer’s gift.

• The Philip Armstrong S/S ‘13 Resort Collection is now available at Harvey Nichols Birmingham.

The Atelier collection is also available to order through the store’s Personal Shopping team.

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SHOP BY 9PM FOR DELIVERY TOMORROW* Dress ÂŁ65 *Standard delivery charge applies, UK mainline only, subject to stock availability.

N E X T. C O . U K

STYLE BEAUTY

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BEAUTY BUZZ C u e d b y t h e c at wa l k , d e w y s k i n i s t h e h o t t e s t b e au t y t r e n d f o r s p r i n g . We a s k e d S h i s e i d o s k i n c a r e e x p e r t a n d Q V C b e au t y p r e s e n t e r R e b e c c a C h a n t r e l l f o r h e r t o p t i p s f o r a f l aw l e s s fa c e Midwinter poses a whole new set of challenges for skin. The biggest one is having to adapt constantly to wildly different environments.

Skin faces extreme changes in temperature when we swap from central heating to the cold outdoors. This can cause rough, dry skin in just days. The easiest way to combat this is to introduce a weekly moisture rescue mask to give your poor skin a boost.

There’s a lot of debate about whether the old rule of ‘cleanse, tone, moisturise’ is outdated these days. I always recommend clients to double-cleanse as cleansing twice keeps the skin clear and in good condition. Shiseido has a unique approach, which is to replace a toner with a softener. Softener is a treatment step you use on a cotton pad and sweep all over the face, neck and eyes. It replaces lost moisture and removes dead surface skin cells for a soft, smooth skin. Your skin is then able to absorb more of your serum and moisturiser as it’s become more receptive.

The best skincare advice I’ve ever heard? Massage the skin when applying moisturiser. Japanese women

always take time to do this – it’s free, easy and it pays off, because it’s like giving the skin a gym work out session!

This year, the beauty world is obsessed with firm, youthful-looking skin. I’m very excited and amazed by what scientists are still learning about the skin. Shiseido has more than 140 years of skin science expertise and has just won its 16th research award, for combining the best from science and the best from nature. Seek out products that maintain the health of the skin’s cells. For perfect skin this season, I’m tipping the newly-developed Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Restoring Cream which launched in January. It helps maintain our skin’s youth by creating the perfect environment for dermal stem cells – the cells responsible for firmness and resilience - to function properly.

entire beauty regime in five minutes and have mastered the art of being very quick with the basics: it’s a skill that every woman will find handy. I use foundation, a little bronzer for contouring, blusher, eyebrow pencil, cream eye colours and mascara.

When my skin is stressed or acting up, I turn to Shiseido’s The Skincare Purifying Mask as it contains Japanese marine mineral clay that’s full of vitamins and minerals. It decongests the skin and leaves it super clean and radiant. All skin types can use it as it’s not drying like many clay based masks.

I like my own skincare routine to be quick but thorough.

Every morning I use a cleansing foam in the shower with a massage brush, then Shiseido Skincare Softening Lotion, Bio Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream (as it delivers that crucial all-day moisture), and Anti–Dark Circles Eye Cream. At night, I double-cleanse: firstly to remove makeup and secondly to cleanse skin and remove impurities. I follow this with a Softener, Intensive Anti- spot Serum and Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream.

The secret of flawless skin is the right product.

Experiment until you find what works for you. I have my own rules: for example, I use a serum rather than a facial oil as they are more advanced, suit more skin types and are less messy. Only the gentlest eye makeup remover works for me and I’ve tried dozens. Shiseido’s Eye and Lip Make Up Remover is the only one that removes all traces of makeup without leaving my eye area sensitive or sticky. It also successfully takes off my stubborn waterproof mascara! I’d also advise that you try new things: don’t get stuck in a skincare rut. The first time I tried Shiseido’s Bio Performance Super Exfoliating Discs I was obsessed. The pads work like micro-dermabrasion to reveal new polished, flawless skin. Miraculous!

Perfect skin can be achieved in five minutes. I can do my

Shiseido is available in House of Fraser.

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STYLE EXPERT

BIRMINGHAM SCD 2012 winner Louis Smith on the Olympics, celeb fans and why he’s still looking for love I decided to do Strictly for lots of different reasons. Coming from the Olympic Games, I knew there would be lots of opportunities to do fun stuff and as soon as I was offered Strictly, I knew straight away that was the one I wanted to do. For an Olympian, it’s the perfect show because you’re not doing anything that makes you look silly. It’s just a show that’s fresh, about learning, and about fitness and being a good role model. And with the tour, I love the idea of extending that experience, and travelling around, and just being able to say I’ve been ‘on tour’ like a rock star! Plus the stress of doing it on live TV, and people getting eliminated is taken away. This is just about performing without the stress so I’m really looking forward to it.

As a gymnast, I’m used to performing in front of a lot of people. Although there’s a different vibe because when you compete as a gymnast, the arena or hall is hushed and everybody is silent so that you can really concentrate. So on tour it’s interesting to go out in front of everybody and hear a big roar and lots of cheering!

Considering I admitted I am a bit lazy at the beginning of Strictly training, I surprised myself by how much I embraced the dancing. The further Flavia Cacace and I got in the competition, the more it surprised me how much I wanted to do it. You start to really push yourself as the weeks go by. You want to do more difficult moves, and more technical, and perfect them. And you realise how much work it takes to really perfect those moves. What starts as a bit of fun soon turns into something much bigger and all-consuming.

My highlights? Performing at Wembley, definitely. That was so cool,

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even though my performance wasn’t the best. And the first time I did the Charleston, in Week 9, was brilliant.

I loved doing the waltz, as well. I love both Latin and ballroom, but I think the ballroom suits me better.

I even won some new celebrity fans. I met the guys from The Only Way Is Essex the other day and they were saying they loved watching me, which was great. And before that, Samuel L Jackson tweeted that he was watching me at the Olympics, which was absolutely amazing!

Dancing doesn’t compare to competing in the Olympics. They’re pretty different, really. Strictly is not as nerve-wracking as the Olympics, but you’re still putting a really high level of demand on your body. In fact, I’d say this is harder to train for than the Olympics. I’d been doing gymnastics for 19 years by the time it came to competing in 2012, so my body knew what it was doing and it was using muscle memory to a large extent. But with Strictly, it was completely different techniques and using completely different muscles, so it took a lot of getting used to, to make my body do what Flavia wanted it to do!

I have a few celebrities I’d love to see doing Strictly next series. Like Megan Fox, or Michelle Keegan. For the obvious reasons!

I’m still single and looking for love.

I’ve not met anyone yet, as I’ve been too busy training and rehearsing for Strictly! I haven’t really been out much. But if I met someone now, I guess I could show them my ballroom and see if that did the trick…!

The Strictly Come Dancing UK Tour continues until February 10 2013. For venues and ticket information, visit www.strictlycomedancinglive.com or call 0844 875 8758.

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STYLE EXPERT

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When the Strictly C ome Dancing tour hit the B irmingham NIA recently, we were there to talk tango with two of its biggest stars Denise Van Outen on jive whiplash, popped ribs and her dance partner James I really wanted to do the SCD tour because I know a few people who’ve done it before, like Chris Parker and Julian Clary, who told me it’s absolutely brilliant fun. Robbie Savage said it feels like the prize that you get after weeks of working hard on the show. You get to do it all again, without the competitive element. If you don’t get the glitterball, you get to do this instead. And also, the show is so high-pressured in front of the TV cameras, that it’s been nice to just go out and dance and feel a bit more relaxed. The hardest part of the show for me has been learning the dances so without that element, it’s just about dancing and enjoying myself.

And when am I going to get the chance to perform in front of this many people again? I’m not in a pop group! I’m used to much smaller theatres. I got such a buzz being at Wembley, so hopefully that’s what the whole tour will be like.

It’s great to hang out with the other celebs on tour. I’m going to bring my daughter Betsy to some of the dates.

Michael Vaughan has a daughter the same age - two and a half - so we’ve said we’ll make sure we bring them on the same days and we can all hang out. But on the other days then I might let my hair down a bit, definitely.

Betsy is a bit too young to really understand it but she loves the sequins and the glitter and the dresses. We had a kids’ day when we were allowed to bring our children to come and watch us - they’re not normally allowed in the studio - and when I came on she said, really loudly, “That’s my mummy!”.

Being from Essex, the London dates we’re going to do are quite exciting for me. I’ve already done Wembley with the show, and now we get to do the O2 on the other side of London, which will be great! I’ve been to so

many concerts there and I’ll never get another chance to perform in front of that many people, so I can’t wait.

All the dancing has had an impact on my body. I popped my rib out just before the Strictly final so I had to have that popped back in, and it was quite painful. I got ‘jive whiplash’, and my knees are always cut and bloody. And every week I had general aches and pains. I have toned up a lot though. I think I’ve lost weight but I don’t know how much. I always lose weight when I’m working. We eat a lot but you’re just burning up so much energy that it falls off.

Which celebrity would I like to see doing Strictly next year? I know who I’d love, and I asked him if he’d be up for it. I think David Walliams would be amazing, and he’d look brilliant in the ballroom tails because he’s tall and slim. But I’ve already asked him and he said he’s too lazy!

Strictly has some big-name celebrity fans! Kylie Minogue tweeted that she was voting for me and James [Jordan], which was amazing! I was very excited when I saw that.

I will definitely stay in touch with James. I’ve become really good friends with him and his wife, Ola. I haven’t had the chance for us all to go out for dinner with my husband Lee yet, but I’m sure we will do at some point very soon.

After the tour, I’d quite like to have a rest, to be honest! I want to have some family time and just be a mummy. I’m doing a one-woman show with a limited London run which will be fun. I’ve been offered three shows which all involve dancing, which I’d never have got before doing Strictly because I never used to get the dancing parts. There’s one that I definitely can’t do because it’s while the tour’s on, but I’m having a look at the other two, so we’ll see.

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STYLE SHOPPING

SPRINGTIME

SHOPPING IN BIRMINGHAM S p r i n g i s i n t h e a i r i n B i r m i n g h a m c i t y c e n t r e , w i t h m o r e t h a n 1 ,0 0 0 s t o r e s stocked with brand new Spring/Summer ‘13 collections.

From soft powdery pastels to bursts of bold colour, it’s a great time to hit the shops and update your seasonal wardrobe. As we welcome the warmer weather and the Easter Bank Holiday, what better time to sample some of the unique restaurants and bars offering tasty spring menus, or even a weekend stay in a city centre hotel? For a full directory of all things Birmingham city centre, including stores, hotels, travel planners and a downloadable shopping map, visit www.ShoppinginBirmingham.com

Coasters, £2.99, Wysteria Lane in Pavilions

Amanda Wakeley ceramic diamond ring pendant necklace, £299, Ernest Jones, Bullring

Bag, £27, Accessorize, Bullring

Mother’s Day Spring posy, £10, M&S

To Mum With Love

Ditsy tall wellies, £30, Fat Face

With Mother’s Day on March 10, why not treat mum to something gorgeous? There’s a huge selection of spas, salons and special gifts that will say that special thank you, all available in Birmingham city centre.

Multi photo frame, £40, Debenhams

Matthew Williamson peacock print manicure set, £10, Debenhams

Sunglasses, £2, Primark

Luxury Milk Chocolate Lattice Egg, £15, M&S

Easter Gift Hunt Serving bowl, £34, House of Fraser

Sheep dress and tights set, £12, Next in Bullring

Rabbit ornament, £19.50, M&S

Birds cushion, £40, House of Fraser

Purse, £12.50, White Stuff

Easter comes earlier this year and we can’t wait to indulge in the delights of chocolate and more chocolate! For luxury handmade French chocolates try Chouchoute Chocolaterie in Great Western Arcade, simply delicious. For something nostalgic and fun there is Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, also in Great Western Arcade, or for something extra special try Selfridges, Harvey Nichols or chocolate lovers’ favourites Hotel Chocolat at Bullring or Thorntons on High Street where you can personalise your chocolate gifts.

If all of that sounds far too tempting and you’re sticking to ‘healthy eating’ resolutions this year, here are a few non-chocolate gift ideas to get you in the Easter mood.

Keep up with all the latest news, offers, events and competitions from stores in Birmingham city centre, at ShoppingInBirmingham.com ‘Like’ us at Facebook.com/ShoppingInBirmingham and follow us @ShoppingInBham issue 32

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STYLE VALENTINE

Purse, £270, Louis Vuitton

Boston A5 Filofax, £135, WHSmith

Big Smacker jumper, £265, Markus Lupfer at Harvey Nichols

for

r e h

Key ring, £54, Swarovski

Lancôme Blush in Love, £34,

VA LENTINE’S G IF TS Guess bracelet, £55, Goldsmiths in Bullring

Heart confetti, £1.50, M&S

DKNY cross-body bag, £135, Harvey Nichols

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Sealed With A Kiss chocolates, £45, Hotel Chocolat in Bullring

Limited Collection Heart Lipstick in Rose, £8.50, M&S in Pavilions

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STYLE VALENTINE

King & Queen of Heart chocolates, £5.50 Hotel Chocolat

Diesel cotton boxers, £25, Harvey Nichols Pink linen blazer, £149, Designed

by Richard James, M&S

Paisley tie, £20, Moss

Urbanears Zinken headphones,£120, Selfridges

for

him 24 Heart Bubble Wands, £7.75, Paperchase

Live, Home, Love, £2.99 per letter, Wysteria Lane in Pavilions

Acqua di Parma Colonia Intensa after shave balm, £37, Harvey Nichols

DISCOVER MORE Valentine’s Day ideas at

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issue 32

Twenty stunning serviced apartments All the best bits of a trendy hotel but way more space and value for money. Plus the best views of Birmingham Rates start from ÂŁ109 per night

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STYLE EXPERT

THE

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ST YL E C HA RT

I f i t ’ s h o t, i t ’ s h e r e : t h e m u s t - h av e s w e ’ r e o b s e s s i n g a b ou t r i g h t n ow

1.

Accessorize is the label to keep tabs on this spring. The high street staple has a new season collection to die for, full of chic and classic pieces, like this Mari tote, £39.

2.

Long, youthful, straight hair was one of the strongest looks on the S/S ’13 catwalks, seen here at Calvin Klein’s New York Fashion Week show. Slightly mussed-up and side-parted, it’s an easy way to get a jump on the coolest new season trend.

4.

3.

5.

Brogues and loafers get another season in the spotlight, loved for their comfort and very British styling. This time around, look for cut-out detailing and muted shades. We want the Millie brogue, £139 at Hobbs.

A statement sweater adds kick to any outfit, from this season’s pencil skirt to weekend shorts and opaques. Buy this J’adore jumper, £39 at Miss Selfridge, and make a wardrobe investment.

6.

7.

This very pretty china print dress, £20, will drop in store at Primark in the first week of March, and sell out shortly afterwards.

On-trend and cute, it’s a bestseller. See you in the queue!

9.

Ikat and Aztec prints are the easiest way to add punch to your early spring look.

Teamed with a tee and oversized knit, these Dorothy Perkins jeans, £30, should be on your lust-list.

The fashion world has big love for all things Art Deco right now. Always a key trend in jewellery, this is the time to invest: earrings, £8.50, Wallis.

8.

Bags and clutches go boxy, sleek and structured for the new season, as seen on the runways at Victoria Beckham, Louis Vuitton and Prada. This mink clutch won’t break the bank at just £35 from Next.

Not ready to give up your ankle boots just yet? Us neither, so we were glad to see the new collection from Office, full of vintage details with a rock-girl edge.

The Uptight boot, £85.

10.

Your search for the perfect transitional piece ends here. This gorgeous studded jacket, £45 from River Island, will do duty from now ‘til June and beyond. issue 32

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STYLE FASHION

WHAT LIES BENEATH Ro c k t h e ‘ u n d e rw e a r a s ou t e rw e a r’ t r e n d, w h e r e a d v e n t u r e m e e t s fa s h i o n i n n e w s e a s o n l i n g e r i e

Satin bralet, £20, and matching pants, £6.50, Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams Printed jacket, £115, Finders Keepers at Harvey Nichols Double chain necklace, £12.50 and triangle earrings, £6.50, Dorothy Perkins

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style fashion

Red ‘Valentine’ dress, price on request, Rima Tadmory @ rimatadmory.com Black backseam stockings, £7, Pretty Polly

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style fashion

Ivory silk longline bra, £28.50, B by Ted Baker Ivory silk thong, £12.50, Adore Moi by Ultimo Cream faux fur jacket, £150, Finders Keepers at Harvey Nichols White thigh high backseam stockings, £11, Charnos Earrings, £12, Next

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style fashion

Black lace plunge slip, £69, Gossard Black bangle, £18, Lipsy Gold bracelets, stylist’s own.

Stylist: Lizzy Gardner P h o t o g r a p h y: G a r a z i Model : Abigail B o ston, Alan Sharman Agency H a i r S t y l i s t : J a m e s E a r n s h aw, F r a n c e s c o G r o u p M a k e -u p : B e c ky Hu n t i n g

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STYLE WOMEN

FASH I O N N EWS

edito

C H O r’s ICE

Want haute couture at a high street price? We can help...

Ring, £10, Topshop

Chloe Paraty tote, £1,020, Harvey Nichols

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson floral jacket, £40, Debenhams

UP

THE CLASH Taking its cue from the catwalks of Prada and Versace, Next has gone big for clashing prints and stripes in its new collection. Fun to wear, it’s also a very fashionforward look. Landscape print shirt, £45, textured skirt £32, both Next.

NEW IN British design duo Eley Kishimoto has teamed up with Clarks to create a mucro-collection for spring, including these darling print wedges, £79.99.

They’re not available until March 1 but due to the buzz surrounding the range, Clarks is accepting pre-orders now.

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Possibly the most easy-to-wear dress you’ll find this season, this cutesy black and white print piece has just dropped at Wallis, for £65. Forgiving, flattering but achingly on-trend, pair now with a black long-sleeved tee and opaques and wear on its own with sandals in summer.

micro-trend

SS DRE

Jil Sander’s signature pared-down minimalism is very much the inspiration at M&S right now.

Think Phoebe Philo’s collections for Celine meets Stella McCartney: the result is restrained but feminine tailoring, that grownup fashion mavens will love. Look out for slim pencil skirts, box-cut jackets and collarless shirts, in block colours and icy white. For Marks & Spencer, this is a return to form.

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IN STRIPE What’s not to love about cool, classic monochrome stripes? Less Breton tee and more directional, this season fashion’s in love with monochrome stripes, in an androgynous, tailored way. As seen at Marc Jacobs, Hilfiger and Sportmax, the look is super-cool and sleek.

Sandals, £60, Office, top, £10, River Island.

PRINTS CHARMING

This season’s love of all things Aztec will certainly wake up your wardrobe on rainy days. An Aztec print jacket is the perfect transitional piece that will see you through to summer. We’ve fallen in lust with this one, £45 at Dorothy Perkins.

CHLOE’S DEBUT Being the daughter of high street fashion supremo Philip Green, self-confessed fashion addict Chloe Jade Green must have picked up a tip or two.

Her first collection of shoes and accessories is now at Selfridges, and is packed full of fantastically edgy details and rock chick styling. Necklace £40, lace boots £175.

ST

LOVYELE S

House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses, £116 each, Amazon.

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STYLE FASHION

Alice tote, £249

Trousers, £69 Leather biker jacket, £350

Dorset dress, £159 Shirley sandal, £149

Cardigan, £89

L ABEL WE LOVE H o b b s i s a q u i n t e s s e n t i a l ly B r i t i s h l a b e l t o b e p r o u d o f. T h i n k B u r b e r ry m e e t s Ja e g e r m e e t s S t e l l a M c C a r t n e y: b u t at a f f o r d a b l e p r i c e s .

Wh at ’ s n o t t o l o v e ?

Belt, £29

That’s the heart of Hobbs’ appeal.

Though there are clever nods to the latest trends, this fabulous British label always designs pieces that are classic and cool. Hobbs began life in 1981 as a shoe brand but quickly grew into the chic style emporium it is today. Whether it’s a sharp suit you want for your capsule collection, a pretty tea-dress to team with boots, or a chunky knit for layering, Hobbs will have something you’ll covet.

Byron bag, £99

Charlie dress, £139 Dress, £119 Maisie sandal, £89

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One of those labels that’s synonymous with great tailoring and quirky detail, Hobbs is perfect for the modern woman. We rely on it for our work wardrobes, love it for occasionwear dresses and know that its palette of wear-anywhere muted shades will never go out of fashion.

This spring, the three Hobbs collections - Hobbs London, NW3 by Hobbs, and Hobbs Invitation – have gone all-out for a romantic English vibe. Fabrics are soft, luxurious and cut to flatter and accessories evoke a gentler age: butterfly necklaces, thin belts with tiny bird clasps, and quirky pebbled leather handbags. This is Brit design at its best: unshowy, sophisticated and witty.

• Find Hobbs in Pavilions

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UNDERCOVER STORY Va m p i t u p f o r Va l e n t i n e ’ s , w i t h n e w s e a s o n l i n g e r i e i n

Limited Collection bra £16, briefs £7.50, hold ups £6

sexy stripes and flirty florals

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STYLE FASHION

Limited Collection bra £17.50, briefs £7.50

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Limited Collection bra £16, briefs £7.50

STYLE FASHION

• All available at Marks & Spencer issue 32

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STYLE FASHION

Collar, £20, Dorothy Perkins

Crochet trilby, £19, Accessorize

Bag, £37, River Island

Studded bag, £33, Wallis

Pied A Terre, both at House of Fraser

Blue printed peplum dress £130, clutch £115,

Blue leaf clutch, £69, Zandra Rhodes, House of Fraser

Cut-out, £90, Dune

N E W SP RING KIT I f y o u ’ r e q u i c k , y o u ’ l l c at c h t h e f i r s t o f s p r i n g’s h o t t e s t ac c e s s o r i e s, a l l a r r i v i n g i nMcQ Alexander McQueen scarf, £125, Harvey Nichols

store this month

Belt, £12, H&M Boots, £119, Bertie, bertieshoes.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag, £260, Harvey Nichols issue 32

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STYLE FASHION

Necklace, £12.50, Bhs

Clutch, £18, cuff £10, Wallis

Scarf, £15, M&S

Heels, £60, Faith at Debenhams

Heels, £42, Dorothy Perkins

Bag £349, Biba, House of Fraser

Shoes, £169, Hobbs

Watch, £130, Guess in Debenhams

Cuffs, £12.50 each, Diva at Miss Selfridge

Sunglasses, £17.50, Next McQ Alexander McQueen bracelet, £65, Harvey Nichols issue 32

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style women

Collar, £29, Hobbs in Pavilions

Jenny Packham dress, £150, Debenhams

Look for beading, gra phic prints and g old to channel th e jazz age

Earrings, £4, Matalan

Strappy dress, £75, Wallis

Embellished dress, £120, River Island

TAYLOR SWIFT

Scallop clutch, £40, Accessorize Mary Janes, £49.50, Marks & Spencer Sequin dress, £65, Next

TREND: ART DECO T h i r t i e s - I n s p i r e d L o o k s A r e R o c k i n g Awa r d s S e a s o n T h i s Ye a r . Ta k e A T i p F r o m T h e R e d C a r p e t A n d D r e s s Deco This Spring Heels, £75, Dorothy Perkins

Shell clutch, £49, Phase Eight, phase-eight.co.uk

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S t y l e B i r m i n g h a m M aga z i n e , n ow ava i l a b l e t o v i e w F R E E o n yo u r i P h o n e , i Pa d o r a n d r o i d d e v i c e

T o d ow n l oa d s i m p ly e n t e r s t y l e b i r m i n g h a m M AG .c o m / m aga z i n e i n yo u r b r ow s e r @ S t y l e B h a m M AG

S t y l e B i r m i n g h a m M aga z i n e

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STYLE BEAUTY

LUST

LIST

BEAU T Y NEWS G o r g e o u s n e w m a k e u p, b e au t i f u l b at h goodies and spring must-buys

Creme de la Mer Return To Youth starter set, £240, Harvey Nichols

SHINE ON This time of year, lit-from-within skin seems an impossible dream. That’s why Bobbi Brown devised the clever new Brightening Finishing Powder, £40, with six luminous pastel shades that blend together to give skin a healthy glow. We love.

SUMMER

DREAM Aveda’s Caribbean Therapy range brings the scent of summer a little closer. The Bath Bar, £14, and Body Crème, £27, will fill your bathroom with an island-inspired blend of vetiver and lime.

LE

ST Y

S LOVE

THE lip shade of spring: Le Rouge Givenchy, £24

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RED ALERT Gemma Arterton knows the power of the perfect red lipcolour. So does Giorgio Armani, with the glorious new Lip Maestro, £25, with a rich velvety finish (armanibeauty.co.uk).

NEW IN Clinique’s partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity for the KISS IT BETTER appeal for the sixth year running, this time creating a cute Limited Edition Kisses from Clinique set of the bestselling shades of Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, £24. Buy at House of Fraser during February and 50 per cent goes to the appeal.

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STYLE BEAUTY

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GLOW GETTER

SOFT HANDS

The catwalks were radiant with lightly tanned, dewy skin for S/S ’13. Get your glow on with a light-reflecting powder, like the amazing Cover FX Illuminating Setting Powder, £26, in two shades from Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser.

lash out

Spring Cherry Soft Hand Cream, £8 at L’Occitane Pavilions, and the new Ted Baker Emery Boards, £5 for three, will keep your mitts looking magical.

Want Michelle Williams’ fabulously long lashes? Try L’Oreal Volume Millions Lashes Excess, £10.99: a budget buy that gives luxurious results.

on the piste

MAC’s Apres Chic collection is all about blazing berry shades, luminous skin and deep eye colours with just the right amount of daytime shimmer.

You’ll love the Mineralize Eye Shadow, £16.50, in coppery Winter Pursuit, and Lipstick, £14, in our fave shade Hot Chocolate, a dirty plum.

PURE GEM The spring collection from YSL was inspired by sparkling gemstones, such as pink quartz, amethyst and jade. It’s the delicate crystalline beauty of these soft shades that really flatters, making them easy to wear: our picks are the Collector Face Palette, £39.50, Crème de Blush, £29 and Volupté Sheer Candy number 12 lip colour, £23.50.

SUGAR RUSH Pink is a hot shade for spring this year. Rock the trend with the new nail polish collection from Mavala, £4.50 each at Debenhams.

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style beauty

Try a 4pm daily spritz of Herbalife Radiant C Face Quencher, £7.00, to energise dry skin (herbalife.co.uk) Keep skin radiant with a great exfoliator: Clinique’s 7 Day Scrub Rinse Off Formula, £17.50, is a guaranteed miracle

Sisley Nutritive Handcare, £59.50, will ease sore, chapped hands in seconds

COL D COMFORT Rosacea flares in cold weather, so beat redness with a twice-weekly Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Calm Redness Relief Soothing Repair Mask, £15 (Boots)

Banish winter blues with these s o o t h i n g s k i n ca r e wo n d e r s

Scaly skin? Shower it off with the zesty Comfort Zone Smoothing Fruity Peel Body Scrub, £24.50 (comfortzoneskincare.com)

Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, £100, is a lighter version of the original so sinks into parched skin fast (Harvey Nichols)

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The new Jo Malone Vitamin E Eye Cream, £35, keeps peepers looking bright on cold mornings (Selfridges)

Dr.Jart+ Platinum Beauty Balm, £22, is a moisturiser, sunscreen, primer and treatment serum in one, making it ideal for ski holidays (Boots)

The marine extracts in Murad Resurgence AgeDiffusing Firming Mask, £59.50, will plump out wintery wrinkles (House of Fraser, Debenhams)

Give skin a special treat with Dr Hauschka Rhythmic Night Conditioner, £44.95: break one of the 30 ampoules every night for a month for refreshed skin (Debenhams)

Darphin skincare is all about comfort and care. Both Myrrh Aromatic Care, £42, and Vitalskin Anti-Fatigue Dynamizing Serum, £49, will restore suppleness

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STYLE BEAUTY

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

C h r i s t i n e Nag e l , M a s t e r P e r f u m e r f o r Jo M a l o n e L o n d o n, s h a r e s t h e s e c r e t s o f c r e at i n g f r a g r a n c e a n d g i v e s u s a s n e a k p e e k at h e r e x c l u s i v e n e w c o l l e c t i o n When I’m creating a new fragrance, there’s a distinct starting point. It is different for each creation, though. It can start from an emotion, an encounter, a raw material… then the creation process starts and the inspiration results in a fragrance. It can be so different from one project to another that it is quite difficult to explain.

My latest collection was inspired by British afternoon tea. The new Sugar & Spice collection for Jo Malone London let me express my gourmet panache! I was first inspired by British desserts, from the classical and creamy Eton mess to the traditional and crunchy ginger biscuit. Then I translated the textures and tastes of those five desserts into fragrances, adding a British olfactory elegance signature to each Jo Malone scent.

It’s important for women to shake up their fragrance choices and take risks every now and then. It’s always exciting to totally change the rules, and to try new fragrances once in a while. Trying scents from new fragrance families can be a way to find a new favourite scent that you never thought you’d be wearing one day.

Fragrance is about mood, creating a character, who you want to be that day, as well as a hundred other things. Wearing a fragrance is something really personal. It’s an intimate choice and experience.

Everyone wears a fragrance for different reasons, and not only because we all have different tastes. Likewise,

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a lot of people wear fragrance to seduce or to draw attention. So, interestingly the tastes of your circle of close friends and family may also come into play.

The new collection calls out to new olfactory emotions, waking up gourmand senses. Moreover, I had the chance to work on a variety of dessert delicacies: spicy ones, bittersweet ones, fruity sugary ones…a rich, rounded palette of olfactory sweets.

People often ask me if I have a favourite fragrance note or scent that I love to wear, but most of the time, I wear the fragrances I’m creating. My skin is my work instrument. When I have the time to wear some other fragrances, I like to smell like Féminité du Bois or Ambre Sultan by Serge Lutens, or some of my creations like English Pear & Freesia for Jo Malone London.

The traditional notion of a day scent and an evening one doesn’t apply anymore. There are no rules.

Wearing perfume is all about pleasure. It is simply a matter of taste and mood.

When you’re creative, all manner of things can spark ideas. It can be anything! The last trip I made, the last meal I tasted, the last person I met… many experiences and occasions can tickle my imagination.

How can we get the best from our fragrance?

Everyone has their own beauty ritual or gesture. You just have to learn to live with a fragrance and appreciate it.

The one piece of advice I would give is to spray fragrance either on your pulse points or on clothes to make the scent last a little bit longer.

Do I have a perfect ‘fantasy fragrance’ that’s on my to-do list to create someday? If only. Every day, I try to create the best I can imagine. That said, if I had the formula of the perfect fantasy fragrance, I would be the happiest perfumer of the world!

sugar and spice The new limited edition Sugar & Spice collection launches in March and features five fragrances: Lemon Tart, Redcurrant & Cream, Elderflower & Gooseberry, Ginger Biscuit and Bitter Orange & Chocolate (30ml, £38). Find Jo Malone London in Selfridges Birmingham, or buy online at jomalone.co.uk

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style beauty

Per Una Exquisite EDT, £16 Valentino Valentina EDP, from £40

Agent Provocateur Petale Noir EDP (50ml), £49

S C E N TS OF LOVE

L ov e i s i n t h e a i r , w i t h t h e s e

Benefit Sasha fragrance, £29.50

ro m a n t i c f r ag r a n c e s, p e r f e c t f o r Va l e n t i n e ’ s Day

Vivienne Westwood Jouy de Boudoir, £49

Roger & Gallet Rose Imaginaire, £32

Czech & Speake rose cologne, £70

*Per Una and Roger & Gallet available at M&S Beauty; all other fragrances available at Harvey Nichols Burberry Body EDP, from £49

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STYLE MEN

ST Y L E N E WS Stripes, spring colours, and investment accessories you need to know about

COLOUR SHOT Pantone may have named blue as the colour of 2013 but the fashion world’s obsessed with green.

The shade was seen in dozens of the major designer collections, in every hue from apple to emerald. Langley sport coat, £295, and lime polo shirt, £70, both Polo Ralph Lauren, and chinos, £60, Rampant Sporting, all from House of Fraser.

TREND UPDATE Tommy Hilfiger sent his models down the catwalk in fresh, preppy stripes, starting one of spring’s coolest trends. If head-totoe stripes are a step too far, try them on scarves, tees and espadrilles come late spring.

Camouflage skull cuff, £58, Diesel

NOT

CRICKET

edito

C H O r’s ICE

Leather weekender, £469, Hugo Boss in The Mailbox

Prep it up with a cricket jumper this summer and show your ‘English gent’ credentials: Brit heritage is a big trend for the whole year.

Cricket jumper, £39.50, Marks & Spencer.

Sunglasses, £12, Burton

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BUY

NOW

MSTOYLDE NEW IN Stripe pumps, £26, Next

Police watches get creative for 2013: Dimension 3, £125, Vantage-X 4-£79, both available from H Samuel.

Long live the Harrington.

The iconic Mod jacket makes a reappearance this season, in new colourways: this one’s £40 at Burton.

ENT

M EST INV

BUY

POWER OF

THREE

micro-trend

Get ready to bloom this spring. Flower motifs are huge news in menswear, on shirts, shorts and accessories. Witty and modern, it’s admittedly not a trend for everyone, but if you want to rock a rhododendron, try Topman, where floral shirts rule the new season collections.

Looking to upgrade your luggage this year? Make a style statement that will last and invest in the classic Damier Graphite collection at Louis Vuitton on Birmingham’s Temple Row. Originally created 120 years ago by Georges Vuitton as an attempt to confound the company’s many imitators, Louis Vuitton has revisited the historic Damier canvas in a number of different incarnations: Damier Ebène, Damier Azur and the masculine grey and black Damier Graphite. Louis Vuitton Porte Document Voyage, £930, iPad case, £260, and Daniel GM, £790.

Colour will brighten your mood and change your wardrobe from winter to spring in one easy piece. Add some zesty shades now and keep the rest of your look pareddown and laidback. These key separates are all in-store now at Harvey Nichols: DSquared2 shirt, £170, Just Cavalli t-shirt, £120, Polo Ralph Lauren gilet, £255.

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Paul Smith SS13

STYLE MEN

Linen-blend jacket, £59.99, H&M

Paul Smith jacket, £615, Selfridges

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Pritchard blazer, £245, Reiss

SPR I N G FR ESH SU I TS N e w s p r i n g ta i l o r i n g g o e s c o o l a n d c a s ua l ,

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Paul Smith trousers, £280, Selfridges

Hentsch Man chinos, £130, Harvey Nichols

Linen-blend trousers, £29.99, H&M

Trousers, £119, Hugo Boss in The Mailbox, and Harvey Nichols

with bursts of colour to the fore

Blue Harbour chinos, £29.50, Marks & Spencer

Alexander McQueen jacket, £895, Harvey Nichols

How form to we ar: F spri al su o brig ng in yo iting an rget ht an ur s d put te d you effo relaxed p by opt a in tailo Dre rtlessl rin g for ss y colo down w from da g to tak ur ty to e ith a n s shir hirt, or crisp, b ight. t an add loc take d tie for a print k ed on o a fr es ffice wea h r.

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ST YLE RATES

Appropriately named The Game!, the new scent from Davidoff is packaged to look like a poker chip stack.

The aromatic woody scent is a fresh blend of gin fizz, with a twist of black wood, making it a very masculine fragrance. From £28.50 at The Perfume Shop.

WAKE UP CALL Having trouble waking up during these dark winter months? You need a shower gel that really zings.Luckily, Molton Brown’s got just the thing: Bracing Silverbirch Bodywash, £18, does what it promises, with a bracing mix of cedarwood and chilled birch extract. Hearty and dynamic, it’ll kickstart your morning.

G ROOMING NEWS NAME’S BOND You may not look like Daniel Craig, but you can still channel the quintessential Brit spy with the new James Bond 007 eau de toilette, £24.50 at The Perfume Shop.

VALENTINE’S DAY If you want to drop a hefty hint, circle this smart giftset and leave this page lying around: the Acqua Di Parma Colonia Essenza 100ml eau de cologne gift set is £80 at Selfridges.

BUD

GET

BUY

F i n e n ew f r ag r a n c e , a c o o l g i f t i d e a a n d a s u r e f i r e s h o c k f o r s h ow e r-t i m e . . .

TWO TO TRY Lab Series is a reliable skincare brand, with long-lasting products that give good value for money, suitable for even the most sensitive of skin.

Two new products add to the collection this winter: Lab Series Max LS Daily Renewing Cleanser, £25, keeps lines at bay, while Lab Series Max LS ReCharging Water Lotion, £23, normalises the skin’s pH level, bringing it back to balance, so skin feels invigorated and toned.

Find Lab Series at Boots, House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.

Don’t let winter dry your skin out. Australian Bodycare Hand & Body Lotion, £10.50, is a budget way to keep skin feeling comfortable. It’s got coconut and glycerine and tea tree oil to calm and cool the skin. Find it at Bannatynes Fitness, The Amala Spa at The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Birmingham and online at qvcuk.com

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style men

Malvern Chestnut belt, £109.95

Jack Melly shirt, £169.95

Dorset bow tie, £69.95

VAL ENTINE’S Fairford lighter, £49.95

WIT H CLEMENTS & CHURCH

Bristol tie and pocket square set, £109.90

T h i s Va l e n t i n e ’ s d ay, f o r g e t t h r o waway g i f t s a n d g i v e a n e xc lu s i v e ly c r a f t e d present to cherish. After all, a g e n t l e m a n o n ly d e s e rv e s t h e v e ry b e s t

Sutton round cufflinks, £89.95

Keswick umbrella, £299.95

Hereford Brown Kenia Croc lace up shoes, £399.95

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A gentlemen’s tailor is an artisan, a stylist, a confidant and a friend. At Clements and Church, not only do we believe that our art is worth preserving, but we are dedicated to invigorating it. Working with the finest craftsmen in the UK and Europe we deliver the very best in sartorial elegance for today’s discerning customer.

22 Church Street Birmingham B3 2NP 0121 233 9994

www.clementsandchurch.co.uk

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STYLE MEN

CLEAN ROBOT

GADGET

Looking ahead to spring cleaning? Invest in the

GEEK G r e at g a d g e t s f o r n e w s e a s o n s h o p p i n g

Vileda Cleaning Robot, £189.99. With an intelligent navigation system that means you don’t have to lift a finger on hard floors and other surfaces, the Vileda Cleaning Robot can be programmed to clean any size room in the home. Find it at Argos.

WILL .I.AM LOVES SELFRIDGES Musician, entrepreneur and The Voice judge, Will.i.am chose Selfridges to launch his new camera accessory.

CER A M I C S O U N D

The i.am+ foto.sosho fashion camera

Eliminate distortion and external sound with

accessory for iPhone 4/4s, combines

the new Fischer Audio Ceramique Headphones,

the form and function of a camera

£79.95 (stockists: fischeraudio.eu). A cool ceramic

with the real-time aspect of an iPhone:

housing and 6mm driver located very close to

simply put, it turns your iPhone into

the ear give you an incredibly clear and clean

a point and shoot social camera. It has

listening experience.

interchangeable lenses, a slide-out keyboard, and built-in flash photo editing, filters and sharing. From £199, online at Selfridges.com

ST REAM

AHEAD

The Roku LT will stream channels such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Spotify and Sky’s on demand movie service straight to your television without the need for a PC. Its simple ‘plug and play’ approach means you don’t need to be a gadget master to use it. Find it at amazon.co.uk or play.com for £49.99.

SMART AND SLEEK The new Motorola RAZR smartphone – launching February 1 – combines a groundbreaking compact design and edge-to edge screen with an instant launch 8MP camera with multi-shot mode that lets you take up to 10 pictures in less than a second. You’ll also average up to 20 hours of battery performance from a single charge. Find it exclusively at Phones 4U.

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GADGET GIR L B e s t k n ow n f o r T h e G a d g e t S h ow, Wo lv e r h a m p t o n - b o r n S u z i P e r ry w i l l t h i s y e a r ta k e ov e r p r e s e n t i n g F o r m u l a 1 c ov e r ag e o n t h e B B C . H e r e , s h e ta l k s ga d g e t ry, h o m e t e c h and motorsp ort My favourite gadget of the moment is Sonos, one system that wirelessly streams music digitally. Sonos enables my family to listen to different music in separate rooms at the same time, essential when you have a teenager!

They pack a good sound quality and in combination with the internet we can choose from millions of tunes, or just our favourites directly from phones.

Plus they look discreet.

E ASY P R I N T The Lantronix xPrintServer Home Edition needs no technical experience as it auto detects and auto sets up too, so you can print from your iPhone and iPad wirelessly. It costs £63.55 and is available from lantronix.com

Technology has changed the way we live at home. I think that we have a lot more scope for entertainment in our own homes now. We can now watch movies on projectors in glorious high definition, with surround sound, we can stream the latest movies to our TVs so the old fashioned ‘cinema experience’ is now attainable within our own four walls. Games consoles have also had a big impact on families and the amount of time we spend having fun at home.

Nintendo’s introduction of ‘physical gaming’ has revolutionised the way the family unit reacts together when it comes to computer games. The last decade has introduced karaoke, sports and dance, to name a few, into our homes, with the added competitive element of competing online.

My five top tips to finding the best gadget? 1. Decide what it is that you require from your gadget. 2. Research the market. You can do this online or also by reading tech magazines. 3. If possible test it for yourself rather than order from a picture. 4. Find the best price by using an online comparison site. 5. When you get hold of it, learn how to use it properly to gain the most enjoyment, and then show it off to your mates!

My love for all things fast and shiny started early. I have always loved racing and my love for motorsport began in my twenties. My passion for technology was born when my parents bought me a Polaroid camera at the age of nine, and I’ve been a keen photographer and gadgeteer ever since.

Fashion influences technology.

We have already seen hundreds of designers becoming involved in the tech world, from Prada to Matthew Williamson, phones to radios, the

people more often. Our lives are very busy and though nothing beats a face to face conversation, these networks enable contact instantly.

market demands that gadgets fit design trends. Gadgets are no longer purely functional, they have also become fashion accessories and ‘must have’ desirables.

What will be the gadgets of the future? There is a lot of talk about technology that will read our brain waves and predict our behaviour, but that seems a long way off! I think in the future a lot of information will be available through rfid chips that we may be able to read and scan through, say, a pair of glasses. Our tech will become more wearable, small pieces of jewellery will hide gadgets, and controls will become more gesture-based but I have a feeling it will be a long time before we become a paperless society.

Power is a big issue with gadgets so the green issue is an important one.

There are many ways to ensure that this is kept to a minimum. Meter readers are a good way of keeping usage awareness high on the agenda. There are now rafts of products that will switch of stand-by buttons, power down idle gadgets and reduce power output. Recycling tech is also a great way of staying on top of things, plus it’s also a money earner!

I wouldn’t say I can’t live without technology, though. I love my iPhone for communication, music and the web. But seriously I could actually live without any tech! With Twitter, Facebook and the other networks we are now capable of making and reading news immediately. I think they are a great way to stay in touch with more

My home comforts are my bed, fresh flowers and my bread machine! I love my entire kitchen tech. My juicer, coffee machine and grinder, bread maker and three second kettle. It’s sad, I know! I relax in my lounge, where I have a great entertainment system. I can stream movies and watch in complete comfort whilst chilling out on my extremely comfy sofa. My guilty pleasure when I’m not working is curry. I’m from Wolverhampton and grew up with a Balti as a weekly treat: it is what I most miss when I am away from the UK. My weekend plan? I love to ride motorbikes and horses. I also like to watch TV dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, CSI, 24 and Damages and movies. I cook a lot when I am home, love entertaining and walking with my cat, Gingi.

My TV career began in 1997 when I called Sky Sports about their World Superbike show. I am a huge bike racing fan and loved their coverage but felt it also needed more human interest.

I went to see them and they offered me a job as a reporter! I was there for three years learning the craft of live TV before I moved to the BBC. As a live broadcaster, things go wrong all the time from boring technical stuff to pictures falling on your head! I once walked into a room when filming Housecall and went flying on a dust sheet. I managed to save myself from falling, just! I have also been out of breath many a time on MotoGP from having to run to the grid and once on Treasure Hunt I had a strange urge to jump from the helicopter. Now that would have been drastic!

• Suzi Perry is the Technology Ambassador for the 105th Ideal Home Show in London’s Earls Court from March 15 – April 1 2013. The Ideal Technology section will be home to the Technology Hub, powered by Virgin Media, which will showcase the latest gadgets, gizmos and inventions for the home. To book visit www.idealhomeshow. co.uk or call 0844 858 6763.

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NE W S ROU NDU P All the news from around the city

COCKTAILS AT

BROWNS Head Bartender at Browns, Katie Morrisby, exclusively creates Purple Passion for Style Birmingham; a feel-good tipple to kick-start your 2013 the right way.

A healthy cocktail may raise some eyebrows at first, but head bartender at Browns in the Bullring, Kate Morrisby proves us wrong with her expert mix of super-food goodness and Curaçao. The perfect cocktail for a guilt-free end to a day spent indulging in retail therapy, or as a post-work pick-me-up, Purple Passion is a bit of naughty and nice in a chilled martini glass.

ingredients 25ml Pomegranate juice 12.5ml Blueberry purée 35ml Curaçao 12.5ml Lemon juice 12.5ml Honey

method: Shake together all of the ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled martini glass.

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Celeb spot: Mark Wright visits Selfridges Birmingham

Much to the delight of his legion of female admirers, ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ hunk, Mark Wright made a special appearance at Selfridges Birmingham on December 17. Toned pecs and tan were aplenty, as Mark signed copies of his 2013 calendar and took pictures with eagerly awaiting fans.

Stair rush in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital

If you’re ready for a physical challenge, head over to The Cube in Birmingham’s Wharfside Street on Saturday March 2 to take part in a charity stair rush. Raising funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the task at hand involves climbing to the top of Birmingham’s iconic building, The Cube.

Entry is £20, and whether you choose to sprint, jog or run, all participants will be greeted with a glass of champagne at the top. Fancy some exercise and celebratory bubbly for a good cause? Register now at www.bch.org.uk/ stairrush or email events@bch.nhs.uk for more information.

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A new look for Jury’s Inn Birmingham

Cupid comes to All Bar One

Not too fussed about being single for Valentine’s Day, but want Cupid to strike anyway?

Head down to All Bar One in Brindleyplace on Tuesday March 12 for a fun-filled evening of speed dating. Tickets are £19.50 and can be purchased from www.speeddater.co.uk, or call 0121 644 5861 for more information.

Following a 16-month, £4.7million revamp, the Jury’s Inn hotel on Broad Street has finally re-opened. A major refurbishment highlight is the new bar and restaurant, The Grill on Broad Street, which boasts an open theatre kitchen, plush velvet seating and a sophisticated atmosphere. All bedrooms, the 20 meeting rooms and all public areas have been given a new look, with an extra focus on privacy and comfort for hotel guests. For booking information, visit www.jurysinns.com.

Valentine’s dining at Harvey Nichols If you fancy Valentine’s Day dining with a difference then head down to Harvey Nichols Birmingham for a romantic four-course meal at the Espresso Café. With a designed-to-share menu available, guests will be treated to a complimentary Prosecco and canapés, as well as a free gift on arrival. Go the extra mile and really impress your Valentine with a luxury present from the store’s many fashion and beauty counters delivered straight to your table. Served from 7pm-10pm (last booking at 9pm) on Thursday February 14, the Valentine’s Day menu is priced at £40 per head. For bookings, call 0121 616 6028.

Michelin star chef opens first restaurant in Birmingham

Home Café and Deli

Since opening in June 2012, hip and wholesome foodie joint Home Café Deli in Church Street has aspired to bring the charm of New York coffee houses in Greenwich Village to Birmingham. Offering a range of hearty breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea options, alongside a relaxed and homely atmosphere, pop in for a delicious fix of NYC in Brum. Visit www.homecafedeli.com for more information.

Head chef at Michelinstarred Glenapp Castle in Scotland, Adam Stokes, has chosen Birmingham for his first solo venture into the restaurant industry. Set to open Adam’s, a 25-seat popup restaurant, in Bennetts Hill, in March, the chef has cited the city’s established dining scene as the reason for this long-distance move.

The pop-up will initially run for 18 months, with a view to expand to a 60-cover restaurant in the city, thereafter.

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DINNER À DEUX AT THE MAILBOX M a k e Va l e n t i n e ’s Day a f e a s t o f r o m a n c e b y b o o k i n g a ta b l e f o r t wo at o n e o f t h e fa b u l o u s r e s tau r a n t s i n T h e M a i l b ox . H e r e ’s a ta s t e r o f t h e delights on offer

BAR EPERNAY Beautiful Bar Epernay has a romantic menu just made for sharing this Valentine’s Day. For £32.50 per person, choose from a selection of starters, including rustic tomato and basil soup finished with mozzarella crostini, and Rockefeller oysters served with watercress salad, followed by an intermediate course of Champagne sorbet. Then feast on inspired main courses such as halibut hugged by pancetta served with chorizo mash potato, roasted red peppers and crayfish saffron sauce or whole lemon sole cooked in wine, butter, rock salt and lemon served with home-made chips. Dessert couldn’t be more romantic: white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake served with berry coulis or Champagne and strawberry jelly, with homemade orange biscotti.

Extra-Special Valentine’s Day Deals

To book, call 0121 632 1430.

HARVEY NICHOLS CAFÉ Feel the love this Valentine’s Day with a romantic four-course meal at Harvey Nichols Birmingham. Chef Michael Roberts has created a delicious menu designed to be shared – choose from rack of lamb, grilled lemon sole or roasted red pepper risotto, paired with a mouth-watering trio of starters and desserts. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary Prosecco and canapés on arrival, as well as a free gift. Why not make your evening even more special and spoil your loved one with a bespoke present from one of the store’s luxury beauty counters or fashion brands delivered straight to your table?

Simply discuss your requirements with the Espresso Café team beforehand.

The Valentine’s Day menu will be served from 7pm-10pm (last booking at 9pm) on Thursday February 14, priced at £40 per head. To book, call 0121 616 6028.

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er At Miller & Cart Day enjoy a Valentine’s nier or D se bottle of Loui r Champagne fo just £25

THE ORIENTAL Celebrate Valentine’s with a choice of three very special set menus, one of which is vegetarian, at The Oriental.

Succulent, authentic dishes cooked using only the freshest ingredients: that’s The Oriental’s promise. Try the Blooming Heart Menu, £29.80 per person, with a wide selection of appetisers and starters, including steam scallops in ginger and garlic sauce and crispy tiger prawn rolls. Main courses offer such delights as lobster tail with ginger and garlic, red snapper with chilli and basil sauce and beef in oyster sauce, with a yummy dessert of white chocolate and mint truffle heart, plus the option to enjoy Testulat Pink Champagne at the special price of just £30 a bottle.

To book, call 0121 633 9988.

CAFÉ ROUGE Take your loved one for a memorable meal at this chic and stylish restaurant. The French menu is varied and irresistible, meaning the only dilemma you’ll face is what to choose! For hors d’oeuvres, choose from king prawns sautéed in garlic butter with a hint of chilli, a rich lobster and Champagne bisque served with bread, or chicken liver, Madeira and truffle pâté with onion marmalade, then move onto the main event, with dishes such as slow cooked lamb shank braised in red wine served with herb creamed mash and French beans or filleted sea bass steamed en papillotte with pastis, lemon and julienne of vegetables to choose from. For pudding, why say no to a romantic assortment of mini chocolate ganache, tarte au citron and crème brûlée?

Price is £17.95 for three courses, (sirloin steak carries a £2 additional charge).

To book, call 0121 665 6437.

MALMAISON BRASSERIE Hungry for love? Feed your passion by booking a table at the Malmaison Brasserie. The romantic four course ‘Malentine’s Day’ menu will satisfy your hunger for love, while delicious oysters will ignite your passion for more, all for just £49 per person. Why not stay overnight?

Malmaison’s sizzling Romance Packages inject even more passion into a stay, adding a bottle of Champagne, cocktails, chocolatedipped strawberries and a much needed full English breakfast for the morning after.

Simply check the option when booking to upgrade. * Available from February 14 to 17 2013. Call 0121 246 5000 to book quoting ‘Malentines’.

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FOOD & DRINK N E WS

BUNNY CHOC

JENNIFER SauNDERS’ SImplE ChOCCy mOuSSE ShOtS The Ab Fab star has teamed up with Philadelphia to create a moreish treat for winter weekends...and it couldn’t be easier to make!

Makes 10 shot glasses Preparation time: 10 minutes

You’ll need:

What to do:

160g Light Philadelphia with Cadbury

1.

Have ready 10 shot glasses.

2.

Place the Philly in a bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped cream until mixed.

200g morello cherry fruit filling (for pies and cheesecake toppings)

3.

Spoon some cherry fruit filling into the bottom half of each shot glass. Top with the chocolate Philly mousse mixture.

20g Bournville chocolate, grated

4.

Chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle generously with the grated chocolate.

150ml double cream, whipped until thick

Looking forward to Easter yet? Us too. Especially since we spotted this fabulous new chocoloate egg from those clever types at Lindt.

The Gold Bunny Luxury Easter Egg (260g) has the extra bonus of two Lindt rabbits for just £10.29, in supermarkets now.

paCK It IN Keep your lunchtimes quick and healthy with the new food carrier range from Sistema. There’s a Salad To Go box with separate compartments for meat, cheese, nuts and salad dressing, and Soup to Go and Noodle to Go bowls that can be reheated in the microwave. Each container is lightweight and hardwearing, from £4.99 at John Lewis, Waitrose, Asda and Amazon.

ST Y L LOV E ES Chocolate Valentine’s Day lollies, £1 each, Marks & Spencer.

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FOOD & DRINK NE WS

Winter colds, new year diets and short days lacking sunlight can all add up to low energy.

Load up on supplements to max out stamina. The new PRIORI Idebenone Dietary Supplement (£49, cosmestore.co.uk), is a strong antioxidant that boosts energy and concentration levels.

EAT YOUR WAY TO HEALTH Make 2013 your healthiest ever by making a few easy dietary changes. Celeb therapist Marisa Peer shows you how

VIVA STRAWBERRY SCOTCH PANCAKES These yummy Scotch pancakes are more like the American style pancakes, making them perfect for Pancake Day, Sunday brunch or weeknight supper

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

You’ll need:

What to do:

16 Viva! Strawberries sliced

1. Beat together the butter, cinnamon and sugar. Dollop it into a saucepan and melt over a medium heat. When the butter starts to froth add the strawberries, toss well in the butter and turn off the heat.

200g flour 1½ tsp baking powder 1 egg 300ml milk 60g unsalted butter, at room temperature ½ tsp cinnamon 4tsp sugar 200g mascarpone

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, egg, and milk until smooth. Heat a heavy based, non-stick frying pan or bake stone and grease with a little oil. Pour small amounts of batter into the frying pan (about two tbsp per pancake), once the top has bubbled and dried flip the pancake and cook the other side till golden. Keep warm whilst you make the rest of the batter 3. Reheat the strawberries gently while you arrange the pancakes. Place a pancake on each serving plate and spread with mascarpone then arrange some sliced strawberries on top. Repeat this layering until all the pancakes are used up.

Top the stack with any remaining strawberry slices and drizzle over the melted cinnamon butter.

PULSE POINT

Healthy eating isn’t just about fruit and veg: don’t forget pulses, with the punch of protein they contain. No need to soak dusty beans overnight: try the new Easy Bean range of healthy snack pots (£2.99 in leading supermarkets). Packed full of pulses and chunky veg, each 320g pot provides two to three of your five-a-day, and are naturally low in fat and salt and high in fibre. With flavours including New Mexican Chilli and Moroccan Tagine, they’re made in small batches in the Easy Bean Somerset kitchen so they taste as good as homemade.

• Add fish oils to your everyday diet. Essential oils are called that for a reason: they are essential for both physical and mental wellbeing and depression has been linked to the brain not getting the essential oils it needs.

Find them in eggs, oily fish, avocados, raw nuts and seeds, olives and olive oil. Your skin and memory will improve, too.

• Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder by eating foods full of serotonin to help you feel happier: eggs again, also bananas, all poultry and celery.

• Give up sweeteners and margarine. They both contain pure chemicals and have been linked to Alzheimer’s. Use natural sweeteners like Stevia and ZSweet which are made from plants.

• Start carrying food with you. If you have healthy food with you, you won’t snack on junk food, takeaway coffees and sugary drinks. Carrying a reusable water bottle, fresh and dried fruit and packets of almonds will keep biscuits at bay. **For more tips, go to marisapeer.com, or read Marisa’s new book Ultimate Confidence: How To Feel Great About Yourself Every Day (Sphere, £9.99).

LUS T LIST Spring may be some way off but you can still bring colour to your table, with the elegant new range of nautical glassware from Linea at House of Fraser, from £6 to £8 each.

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FABULOUS FOOD WITH A GREAT VIEW OF THE CITY S u p p e r C l u b i n H a rv e y N i c h o l s B i r m i n g h a m i s t h e p l ac e t o g o f o r b r i l l i a n t f o o d o n a m o d e s t b u d g e t, d i s c ov e r s Fa r h a na Na z i r Having only ever set foot in The Mailbox for a spot of shopping, I couldn’t My risotto was cooked with Italian precision, whilst my companion resist the temptation to work my way through a delicious menu when described the strong flavour of the goat’s cheese being perfectly Supper Club arrived at Harvey Nichols Birmingham earlier this month. complemented by the accompanying sweetly herby salad. Quite full A new launch for 2013, Supper Club situated in the store’s Espresso Café after having tackled four dishes between us, our host Alice picked up on this and kindly asked if we wanted to take some time before dessert is the perfect food option for those sticking to a strict dining out budget, but who also want to enjoy a top quality, taste bud tingling meal. The was served, which led us to stay past the cut-off time for the Supper Club menu is perfectly priced at a not-so-princely £10 for two courses, or £20 menu, and something that was very endearing to us as diners – patient for three courses with tea, coffee or a complimentary glass of Harvey restaurant staff are a rare commodity!

Nichols wine.

Being certified dessert enthusiasts, our joint choice of pear and almond Upon arrival, we were greeted by Alice, our host for the night, and shown frangipane with mixed berry coulis and pouring cream was definitely to our table. The fuss-free, open plan structure of Espresso Café gives it a welcome. What hit us instantly, as our dishes were brought to the table, welcoming feel, and glass panes running throughout and connecting to was the aroma of freshly baked, mouth-watering pastry. A pretty pattern the renowned Harvey Nichols Champagne Bar make way for great views of mixed berry coulis was garnished with fresh strawberries and a of The Mailbox and the city centre. perfectly sized pot of pouring cream to accompany the frangipane. Two Opting for an alcohol-free night, we started with a refreshing elderflower words: dessert heaven! fizz and strawberry lemonade beverage, both crisp and fresh alternatives Overall our Supper Club meal was an extremely pleasant experience, to the set menu options. made even better by an attentive host and a relaxed environment. The The Supper Club menu is a simple presentation of popular dishes Espresso Café definitely lives up to its name; offering the laidback suitable for a variety of palates. For the starter, I opted for roasted red atmosphere of a café in the midst of a luxury setting, twinned with a pepper and mushroom tartlet with rocket salad, whilst my companion varied and value for money menu for price-conscious foodies. sampled the prawns in balsamic dressing served on baby gem leaves.

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Beautifully presented and perfectly sized portions made for light eating, proving a great teaser into the main; leaving us content, but not too full.

Set to be a popular attraction for food lovers, a big well done to the chef and staff operating the Supper Club.

Personally being vegetarian, Alice, our host, kindly adapted my choice of main dish, chicken and apricot risotto to be served as a red pepper and apricot risotto. My companion chose goat’s cheese salad on an herb croûte served with a herb oil salad. Both dishes arrived within ten minutes of finishing our starters, and looked and tasted equally divine.

Supper Club menu is available during weekdays from January 7 to February 28, 3-7pm (excluding Valentine’s Day). For bookings, call 0121 616 6028.

Supper Club at The Espresso Café, Harvey Nichols The Mailbox 61 Wharfside St Birmingham B1 1RE

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cielo ITALIAN/MED CUISINE

“Excellent Food, Great Service.

Best restaurant in Birmingham bar none”

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MAKE YOUR NEXT PARTY A

GLITTERING EVENT TO REMEMBER I f y o u ’ r e a f t e r a n u n a p o l o g e t i c a l ly g l a m o r o u s v e n u e f o r y o u r n e x t c e l e b r at i o n , t h e M a n h at ta n S u i t e at B r o a d way C a s i n o i s j u s t t h e p l a c e t o pa r t y Are you looking for the perfect venue to celebrate that special occasion? Then Broadway Casino is the place for you! Offering a superb mix of exceptional food, fabulous location and fantastic facilities, it provides the perfect backdrop whatever the event.

Our Manhattan Suite & Bar is available for private hire and was specifically created as a multi functional space for private celebrations, company functions and conferences.

The suite, completely separate from the gaming area, comes with it’s own VIP entrance, private bar and stage area as well as a state-of-the-art AV system. Guests also have the added option of choosing whether to overlook the gaming floor or not with our impressive glass system that can be turned clear or opaque at the flick of a switch.

Whether you’re organising a corporate function, private party or an informal get-together our stylish Manhattan Suite & Bar provides a unique, chic setting for every event, all delivered with the Broadway’s excellent trademark hospitality.

We can also provide entertainment, offering fantastic performers to help your party go with a swing. And, if you’re new to casino gaming, our friendly and experienced staff will be on hand to give you tips on how

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to improve your game. We also have training tables available for large groups on the gaming floor and in the card room, so you’re guaranteed to be playing like a pro in no time!

Our in-house restaurant The Mirage Fusion has created a range of bespoke party packages to suit all budgets and also welcomes guests to dine in their sophisticated restaurant, which is set back from the gaming floor.

They have recently launched their new spring 2013 Menu which includes a delicious mix of fusion dishes, including Chicken Tikka Masala, Sizzling Mixed Grill Special and Agnello Alla Brace (grilled rack of lamb).

So, if you’re looking for the perfect venue for that all important celebration, pay Broadway Casino a visit.

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The Pin Ups

Rai Singh (Pushkar) and Georgina Moseley (Help Harry Help Others)

BOBS AWARDS 2013 B i r m i n g h a m ’ s m o v e r s a n d s h a k e r s g at h e r e d at t h e I C C t o c e l e b r at e a l l t h at i s g r e at a b o u t t h e c i t y ’s G o l d e n M i l e On Sunday January 20, Birmingham’s ICC hosted the BOBS (Best of Broad Street) Awards to honour the best bars, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels lining Broad Street, also famously known as the Golden Mile.

including Pushkar’s creative director, Rai Singh, Chief Superintendent, Clive Burgess, restaurant critic, Paul Fulford and ICC general manager, Paul Rutherford.

Now in its eighth year, the awards ceremony recognises the endless efforts of Broad Street’s loyal businesses and staff, all of whom collaboratively work to make Broad Street the attractive party and entertainment hub it is today.

With more than 20 award categories, including Best Door Supervisor, Best Police Officer, Best Manager, Best Chef, Best Restaurant, Best Themed Venue, Best Casual Dining, and Best Fine Dining to vote for, nominees faced a tough competition, but there were many jubilant winners on the night.

Battling through the blanket of snow that covered most of Birmingham, guests arrived on the evening in high spirits. In attendance were some the city’s top entrepreneurs and notable industry figures,

Big wins at the 2013 BOBS came for the ICC, NIA and Pushkar restaurant, which won Best Arts & Entertainment Venue, Best Overall Venue and Best Fine Dining awards, respectively.

Tim Huxtable from Birmingham City Council and The Pinups

Mark Tanner (Figure of Eight ) and Clive Burgess

The Hyatt Team

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T’S WHA

. . .

N O

ta k e a l o o k at o u r p i c k o f t h e b e s t m u s i c , t h e at r e a n d e v e n t s i n t h e c i t y. E d i t e d b y Fa r h a n a N a z i r

N E RI N A PA L LOT Glee Club Birmingham, February 17 Brit and Ivor Novello nominee, Nerina Pallot, comes to the Glee Club Birmingham this February as part of her UK-wide Lonely Valentine Club tour. February 12 sees the release of her EP of the same name, as Nerina takes to the stage to mesmerize with live performances of hits including Put Your Hands Up and All Bets Are Off from her fourth album, Year Of The Wolf.

Tickets are £15 and can be purchased from www.glee.co.uk or by calling 0871 472 0400.

SWIM DE E P HMV Institute, February 15 Hailing from Birmingham, musical foursome Swim Deep came together through a series of chance encounters, dead-end work situations and a dropout band member. Several independent gigs followed in the months leading up to signing a deal with Chess Club/ Sony RCA, and since, the boys haven’t stopped. Bringing a new focus to Birmingham’s indie music scene, by breaking away from being under the radar through supporting indie five-piece Spector on their UK tour, Swim Deep’s debut album The Sea is set to release on March 4. Tickets are £10 in advance and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0843 221 0100.

I N T H E MO OD FOR SOME T H I NG MUSICAL? O u r p i c k o f t h e b e s t g i g s i n t ow n

NIA, February 27-28

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Symphony Hall, March 1 Championing a rootsy folk-rock music vibe, Echo Award winner Amy Macdonald takes a different approach from her contemporaries to making music. Pouring all her emotion from world events such as the Chilean miners’ rescue –which inspired her song Human Spirit - into her compositions, the Scottish singer will be performing inspirational tracks from her album Life In A Beautiful Light at the Symphony Hall this March. Tickets can be purchased from www.thsh.co.uk, the box office or by calling 0121 345 0600.

JUST I N B I E B ER The 18-year-old who needs no introduction, Justin Bieber is set to send his loyal fans into excitement overdrive when his Believe tour comes to Birmingham this February.

Riding high on the success of his number one album of the same name, the heartthrob singer’s first single from the album, Boyfriend broke all YouTube records, clocking up 8 million hits in the first 24 hours of the video going live. Supported by special guest and Bieber’s protégée, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Cody Simpson, the 16-year-old Australian pop singer currently taking the music scene by storm, tickets are £60 and can be purchased from www.thenia. co.uk, the box office or by calling 0844 338 8000.

AM Y MACDON ALD

GABRIE LL A AP LIN HMV Institute, March 14 With a string of headline tours under her belt, 20-year-old Internet sensation Gabrielle Aplin has been described by MTV as “close to perfect as anything you’ll hear”. Uploading covers of popular songs to YouTube first shone the spotlight on this undiscovered talent, eventually landing her a record deal and making her the voice behind the John Lewis Christmas advert. With the release of her debut album English Rain set for April 29, featuring the UK number one cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s The Power Of Love, catch Gabrielle’s soulful vocals at the HMV Institute this March. Tickets are £10 in advance and can be purchased from www. ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0843 221 0100.

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K AT HE RINE RYAN B I RM I N G H A M R OYA L B A L L ET A L ADDI N Birmingham Hippodrome, February 15-23 Originally created for the National Ballet in Japan, Aladdin is beautifully translated into balletic form with David Bintley’s magical choreography. The classic tale centres around a young tearaway who dares to fall in love with the emperor’s beautiful daughter, treading the rocky road of romance with the help of a genie in a magical lamp and facing trials and tribulations along the way. With music by Carl Cyrano, the name behind famed television scores, including Pride and Prejudice and Cranford, Aladdin is set to be a sure-fire family hit. Tickets are from £15 to £47 and can be purchased from www.birminghamhippodrome.com, the box office or by calling 0844 338 5000.

March 15, Glee Club Birmingham Canadian-born, UK-based comedienne Katherine Ryan has already appeared on the most highprofile comedy panels, including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

With a comedic take on life experiences ranging from divorce to motherhood, catch this rising comic at Birmingham’s Glee Club this March. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from www.glee.co.uk or by calling 0871 472 0400.

DRAMA Q UEEN

O u r p i c k o f t h e b e s t at t h e t h e at r e

JU ST IN MO O RHO U S E Glee Club Birmingham, March 28 Although Justin Moorhouse will tell you he is no good at juggling, the Mancunian stand-up star isn’t your average comic. An actor, writer and radio presenter alongside his stand-up occupation, and having won Celebrity Mastermind 2011, the star of Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Dave’s One Night Stand returns to the Glee Club with his brand new show, ‘Justin Time’.

Tickets are £12 and can be purchased from www.glee.co.uk or by calling 0871 472 0400.

CO

ING SOOMN ...

RU SS E LL PETER S NOTO RIO U S WOR LD TO U R LG Arena, April 14

RUSS E L L KA N E: P O STUR I N G DELI V E RY New Alexandra Theatre, March 1 Acclaimed stand up comedian Russell Kane makes his way to Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre this March with his highly anticipated show, Posturing Delivery. Originally debuting at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Russell’s fine comic skill looks into the idea of a male biological clock, and why men don’t worry about having children. In the Edinburgh Comedy Award winner’s own words, he plans to give birth on stage, and then raise his child in front of you. Tickets are £18.50 and can be purchased from www.atgtickets.com or by calling 0844 871 7677.

Kicking off the UK leg of his super-successful Notorious World Tour in Birmingham, Canadian comedian Russell Peters promises an evening of new material exclusively produced for the tour. With sold out shows in the Middle East, Africa, America Thailand, Singapore and his home country of Canada, come and witness for yourself the hilariously distinct, multicultural slant to his shows that has gained Russell a loyal global following, at the LG Arena. Tickets are £36.50 and £48.50 and can be purchased from www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 338 8000.

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MIC HAE L JAC KS O N T HE IM M O RTAL WO RLD TO U R - C IRQ U E DU S O LEIL NIA, March 26 Whether a die-hard fan of Michael Jackson, or not, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour - Cirque du Soleil is an event for the whole family not to be missed. A stunning display of unforgettable performances aims to depict the inspirations of the King of Pop, and explain to the audience why he had such a profound effect on the music world. Tickets are from £40 to £60 and can be purchased from www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 338 8000.

BRIT IS H AT HLETICS G R AN D P RIX NIA, February 16 Bringing Olympic glory and world-class athletics to Birmingham, the British Athletics Grand Prix is a must-see for fitness fanatics and sports enthusiasts alike. Classed as the best indoor athletics event in the world, Britain’s sporting superstars Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis have previously competed at this event. Tickets are from £15 to £50 and can be purchased from www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 338 8000.

O U T AND ABO U T Our pick of the best events

N U VO ’S DI L E M M A From February 28 Dilemma is the new Thursday night at Nuvo. Following a hugely successful launch in January with Bryan Mackintosh, the next one on Thursday February 28 looks to be another massive night.

A night for house music lovers, guest DJs include Pete Graham, with an energetic percussion from Nuvo resident, Sidders. With sponsorship from Luke Ropers stores amongst others, Dilemma is guaranteed to be a stylish night out for anyone looking to start the weekend early. For more information, see @DilemmaBham on Twitter or DilemmaBirmingham on Facebook. Fridays and Saturdays at Nuvo are still going strong, with resident DJ K-BSides playing the best of funky house from 8pm till late.

To get on the guest list or for table bookings, get in touch on steph@ nuvobar.com.

T HE NAT IO NAL WEDDIN G S HOW NEC, March 1-3 If you’re planning for your big day, don’t miss the National Wedding Show at the NEC this March. Boasting the UK’s largest collection of wedding dresses under one roof, and with more than 250 exhibitors covering every aspect of your wedding day, from florists to grooms wear to cake decorators and venues, an inspiration-packed day is promised for any bride or groom to be.

Tickets are from £13.50 to £40 and can be purchased from www. theticketfactory.com or by calling 0207 772 8300.

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N I W

Just imagine spending an evening being wined and dined, before retreating to a luxury penthouse for a night of, well, romance.

Browns Restaurant in the Bullring is giving you the chance to win a voucher for two worth £50 to enjoy an evening of fine dining and drinking at the beautiful Spiceal Street location in St Martin’s Square.

And once the romantic meal is over, stayingcool. com is giving you the chance to end your night on a magical note, by winning a one night romantic stay at the luxury Roadster penthouse suite, atop Birmingham’s iconic Rotunda.

Whether you choose to sit out on the private balcony, enjoying the stunning cross-city view whilst sipping cocktails, or prefer to revel in making your own luxury breakfast with the top quality ingredients provided, double ensuite bathrooms, complimentary Champagne, custom-made furnishings and integrated Apple Mac music systems will ensure the glam factor doesn’t slip.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply answer the following question:

A MOUTHWATERING MEAL FOR TWO AND LUXURY OVERNIGHT PENTHOUSE STAY

What is the name of the penthouse suite at the top of the Rotunda?

Enter online at stylebirminghammag.com or send your answer, full name, address and telephone number to Valentine’s Day Meal and Penthouse Stay, Style Birmingham, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU by the closing date of March 1, 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

A PAIR OF NICKY CLARKE HAIR STRAIGHTENERS!

If you’re a regular at the Nicky Clarke salon in The Mailbox, you’ll know a thing or two about glossy locks. Perfect tresses aren’t easily achieved, but Nicky Clarke is giving you the chance to win a pair of DesiRED ceramic straighteners for the most envy-inducing hair imaginable!

In a Valentine-ready, red gloss finish, these ceramic straighteners promise versatile, salonready results, with a super-fast heat up function of up to 230˚C, allowing you to both straighten and curl hair. There is also an auto shut off

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feature for safety and an automatic worldwide voltage so you can take the DesiRED straightener with you when travelling.

For your chance to win, just answer this question: Where is the Nicky Clarke salon based in Birmingham?

A)

Selfridges Bullring

B)

The Cube

C)

The Mailbox

Enter online at stylebirminghammag.com or send your answer, full name, address and telephone number to, Nicky Clarke DesiRED Hair Straighteners, Style Birmingham, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU by the closing date of March 1, 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

stylebirminghammag.com

DINEDELIGHTDESIRE

www.mailboxlife.com